Cognitive Disconense

Do you remember the term "cognitive disconense" from your college psychology 101 class?  The prime example given is when you purchase an item such as an automobile that you continue to seek out data to make certain that you made the proper decision.

The set of chairs that I purchased a few weeks back for $69 per chair was a binge purchase.  But, I really loved the lines and scale of the chairs and took the plunge.

Restoration Hardware, 18th Century French Burlap Chair

$1495



Consignment shop $69 jewel

  Translation, I have been psychologically been put at ease by the knowledge that the style chair is popular enough for Restoration Hardware to reproduce, as well as the fact that a recent addition of "Architectural Digest" featured the homes of Rob Lowe and T. Boone Pitkins and both of them had similar chairs in their homes.

Let me just pat myself on the back ;^)

Pine Kitchen Cabinets and Appliances For Sale @ Re-Build 4 November

This appears to be a well cared for set of Kraftmaid, solid pine kitchen cabinets with a laminate counter top and Maytag stove and dishwasher that came out of a house in McLean, VA this past week.  They have for sale fourteen (14) pieces total for the asking price of $3,000.

One of my friends thinks that his in-laws could use a replacement kitchen cabinet set and I am posting for his benefit.

But, for those others who view and read.  This is an example of what you might find at Re-Build or any one of the other local re-use warehouse stores in the DC metro area.

If I had a country cabin, these would look warm and splendid with a swap out of hardware to an aged copper and a stone counter top to match the reddish shade of the pine.

House Project: Back Door (future project)



View from sun porch into house after refrigerator removal (current double doors)



Double mahogany doors procured to replace 1983 metal & glass doors



Once again, "I did not get out alive" from Re-Build.  They had these wonderful solid mahogany exterior double doors that came into the warehouse yesterday afternoon (donated from a home owner in McLean).

I immediately placed them on-hold (you snooze you lose when it comes to this style of shopping).  Pulled out my note pad, measuring tape and camera and got all of the vitals that I needed to take home with me to make a proper determination if the doors were the proper size for the door frame or not.

As you can see the exterior sides of the doors are carved and weathered.  Translation, sanding, oiling and some protective finish will be required.  Also, the homeowner decided to keep all of the hardware for their replacement door.  Therefore, I will need to find hardware suitable for this particular set of doors at a later date.

The interior side of the eight (8) panel doors is actually in decent shape and has a traditional look.  Though, most doors only have two (2) to six (6) panels.  Eight (8) panels is rather unique in design, as is the carving; which is why I was attracted to them.

There will be the trade-off of less light in the kitchen and den area.  Though the option is to just open the blinds a bit more during the daytime to let in more day light.

The benefit, I hope, is that these solid wood doors without glass should be more energy efficient than the original 1983 builder's metal and single pane glass double doors.

As far as design and color scheme, the mahogany is a wonderful addition to the Indonesian hardwood sun porch set that I already have in place.

This particular refinishing and replacement of the rear doors project is something that will have to take place after the man cave/library project is completed. 

Why?

As of this AM, my dining room, den and living room are littered with the library cabinets and shelving that Re-Build staff delivered this morning.  It is going to be a monumental task just to get all of the books out of the basement and upstairs in order to remove the carpet, clean, put down new tile and paint the walls, etc. 

Stay tuned for a later posting when this project gets underway.

Annual Far Hills Benefit Horse Races - The Hunt



L-R:  Jon, Sal, John & Bruce


One of my friends has been hosting an annual outing to The Hunt in Fall Hills, NJ since the mid 1990's.  Proceeds from the ticket and private tail gate slot sales are contributed to Somerset Medical Center Foundation is a non-profit organization that solicits and administers funds on behalf of Somerset Medical Center, in Somerville, New Jersey.

Our first year of attendance, it was raining, cold and muddy and we were newbies who did not realize that having a paid slot closer to the rail and a small buffet of food to nosh on during the day was the way to go.

A view of the rail from behind our buffet

Since that time, my friend's family business has annually procured multiple rental spots a row away from the rail.  We all buy our individual admission tickets and then contribute for the spread of food and drink.

There have been many a year that in spite of the day being bright and sunny, previous day(s) of rain, have muddied the grounds and made for a muck festival with slipping and sliding of humans and vehicles.  This year we were spared the mud.  Hurrah!

Unlike Virginia Steeple Chase Races, The Hunt is not held during a time of the year that is advantageous to sun dresses, hats and dress shoes, etc.  Over the years, I have noticed that the attire for the day has become more in tune with the late October weather and a potential day of walking among muddy fields.  Denim jeans and rubber stable boots and/or wellies were the staple footwear at this year's event.

Fence Project: O'Dea-O'Dea

The Fence Project was put into motion as of Saturday, 30 October.  The first day consisted of rental of a gas auger and a manual post digger to accomplish the tasks of digging seven (7) 3' deep holes on my property line to place the seven (7) post.  Three foot holes were required, as I want the privacy fence to be at the maximum height allowed by the county of seven feet (7') high.

My next door neighbor's project only required two (2) post holes at 2' deep for his dog pen project that will have six foot (6') high fence ends sandwiched between the existing fence and their deck.

The second day consisted of not two (2), but (3) trips to Home Depot for supplies of wood, cement, hanger brackets and treated deck screws.

Sunday, prior to sundown, we had all of the post in the ground with cement setting.  Plus, all of the top rails of the privacy fence on my property were cut and installed, as well as the middle and lower rails of one section for me to use as a sample to finish the remainder of the project on my own.

Another Friday Re-Build purchase included solid cedar, decorative post caps.  They truly make a difference on the finished appearance of the post.  I am now pondering as to whether or not the linear foot cost of use of a decorative rail top to the fence would be cost prohibitive or not. 

Cedar Post Cap

Might look much more finished and professional than the plain, straight top board finish.  But, the jury is still out on budget ($).

I will post photos later.

Hallway Chandelier Replacement Project

Current, builder's original, single lamp hall chandelier

Replacement, multi-lamp chandelier

Another story of me not getting out of Re-Build "
alive". 

The original, builder's chandelier in the entryway is the only overhead light in the living area and with one lamp barely provides much in terms of illumination.  Plus, it is dull and pretty chintzy in appearance and construction, as is the dining chandelier.

The Re-Build Representatives response to my inquiry as to the cost of the heavy, large colonial glass chandelier  price was "Would you be taking it with you now or coming back for it later?"

It cost me $40 to take it with me Friday PM, along with my load of slate patio pavers. 

Though the chandelier road shot gun in the cab protected with a heavy packing blanket to provide safe passage home.

This is a future project and will require some additional length of brass chain, clear electrical wiring and copper ground wire prior to installation.

Library Project Materials Selections: Stove, Drapes, Tile & Upholstry

Selections of some of the materials for the Library Project:

To include Vermont Castings, Radiance gas burning stove in enamel biscuit color with addition of warming racks and mitten dryer hooks.



Vermont Castings Radiance Gas Stove - on floor @ Re-Build

 Mount Vernon style pattern toile cotton drapes with silk plaid print accent boarder and lining shown below along with Daltile, 12"x12" smaller neutral shaded tile shown on right.  Fabric upholstery of chairs is a matching blue, as is the blue leather, older Chesterfield sofa.


Drapes, chair upholstery and tile (selected more neutral small tile)




Color is truer in this photo for tile and drapes







Sample of base cabinets

 Paint, to-be-determined: 
More than likely selection will also be somewhat neutral and due to the fact that the basement room in question only has two basement sized windows, a lighter shade will be selected.

Library Project at O'Dea-O'Dea

It was a jam packed weekend, as I was working with my neighbor Saturday and Sunday on the fence project for our property line.  Plus, I went into Re-Build Friday PM to begin the process of picking up the two pallets of large slate paving stones and hauling them home in my truck, etc.

Once again, I did not get out alive, so to speak.  But, I count this as a good thing, as I do believe that I finally have the cabinet and shelving components to re-do the main man cave, a.k.a. the basement library. 



View of custom built library prior to being removed from private residence

The procurement consists of 11 pieces and most are shown above. 

I also purchased two very large, three drawer matching custom units that are larger than commercially made file cabinets.

My current estimate is that the top shelving units are approx. 15" too high for the less than 8' floor to ceiling height in the basement.  But, I am optimistic, that as these were custom built, that there should not be any issues reducing the height by removing some of the top and a little more from the bottom of each shelving unit. (note, top crown moulding was not included.)

One very tall shelving unit will be placed upstairs in the front of the living room (not shown).  It is 8'10" and roughly 32" wide.  The only space that it can occupy in the house is the front room, as it is sunken and has a vaulted ceiling that extends to the roof.

Actually, in terms of scale, I believe this will be a welcome addition, as the walls are very high in this room and yet I do not have any items that are tall within the space.

From the same Great Falls estate, that is being dismantled, Re-Build had a Vermont Castings, Radiance gas stove in enamel biscuit and included the added side warming shelves.  This I purchased as the basement is cool or cold year round, in spite of central air and it only makes sense to heat the space during cold months as needed.

Vermont Castings Radiance Gas Stove with Warming Shelves

It is going to be one difficult project given the amount of "stuff" in the basement and the fact that all of the carpet has to be removed and flooring replaced.  Plus, the walls will require cleaning and painting.  This is just the tip of the iceberg, I am sure.

Rough dimensions of the space are 25' x 16' for the main section and at the base of the stairs the hallway area is approx. 5'x6'.  Translation a heck of a lot of flooring material will be required for this project.  Thus, I quickly made the determination to go with a Daltile porcelain tile in neutral colors that Home Depot currently has on special for 77 cents per square foot, as I estimate that this project will require at least 380 square feet of material.

I already have a blue, leather Chesterfield sofa that I have had for years that will be moved down stairs once the room is completed, as well as two new sets of cotton toile custom drapes that are full length.

Recent purchase of the two antique arm chairs manufactured in Cambridge, MA will make residence along with the sofa.

Stay tuned as the project gets underway and the man cave and library  is transformed into the catwoman cave and library.

MeOw!

Latest Editions to My Library & Gifts to Others

I purchased the following two books:

• "Mid-Atlantic Gardener's Guide:  Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.", by Andre and Mark Viette with Jacqueline Heriteau.
• National Georgaphic, "50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North America", by Marybeth Bond.

Gifts from my sister to me:

• "Manual for Living:  Epictetus", A New Intrepretation by Sharon Lebell.
• "Mamma Mia!:  The Movie Soundtrack Featuring the Songs of ABBA.

Gifts to my cat lady neighbor, who cared for the fur children while I was away for an extended weekend trip up north:

• "Cat Biz: A Compendium of Amazing Facts and Anecdotes from the Cat World", by  Amanda O'Neill
• (Scanned through this cat book the evening before I presented it to her.  Fascinating facts and stories, etc.)

• "The Boston Globe Illustrated New England Seafood Cookbook", by Jasper White

Books to Give as Gifts

Nine years ago, I was the maid of honor for my college roommate’s wedding.   She and her husband are currently off on an extended weekend vacation to have some private, honeymoon time together; which is very much needed.

It has been a rough year for them.  Mainly, my friend’s husband had to undergo a second open heart surgery operation, as the first operation six years ago was botched and the heart repair had severely restricted some of the blood flow through his heart valves.

Sometimes a celebratory card is in order for occasions’ such as anniversaries.  But, at times I prefer to give a book, as I did for my friend after her engagement.  That book was “What No One Tells the Bride: Surviving the Wedding…”.

The book that I am going to send her in celebration of her anniversary is a humorous little book entitled “101 Uses For A Bridesmaid Dress”. 

The author got her inspiration from stories she had heard, such as one woman who dug a hole in her back yard and buried her bridesmaid dress or the one that cut up a dress and used the fabric to wash her car.

From there she started jotting down notes for a variety of humorous ways one could re-use their dress or dresses and thus along with an illustrator a tongue and cheek book was born.

My bridesmaid dress for my friend’s wedding was actually very neutral and would have easily been worn again at another formal occasion.  It is long gone, as after the wedding, I took it to the dry cleaner and never got the gown back after he repeatedly told me he would take care of his store’s damage.  In the end, I had to take him to small claims court.

Yes, the judge ruled in my favor.  But, I have not one bridesmaid gown in my closet.

Now, my friend’s cousin, who was also a bridesmaid in the wedding… Well, she ordered the wrong size and received a gown that was far too small and could not be returned.  She, on the other hand, now has two identical gowns in two sizes!

My friend was a bridesmaid in a number of weddings and still has them hanging in her cedar closet. 

Nine years after her wedding and having been a bridesmaid for a number of family members and friends, I am hoping she gets a good chuckle out of the book.  I think that she will especially laugh over my favorite use; which I plan on placing a Post-it Note to mark the page, prior to sending her the book.

“101 Uses For A Bridesmaid Dress”, by Cindy Walker with illustrations by Donna Mehalko

The other book that I tripped upon was “The Grandmother’s Book” that I think would serve as a wonderful gift from the parents to be to their parents or as a baby shower gift that eventually will come back to the child after the grandmother has completed inserting her input and thoughts in her own writing into the pages of the book.

I want to send this book to my mother to fill out so that as her child, I will have a handwritten record of family and the little things that make up our history.

I am also pondering purchasing additional copies for my paternal aunt and uncle, as they could provide insight into that side of the family, as well as modifying responses to document more about who they are and about my grandparents.

“Grandmother’s Book”, by Marcia O. Levin

Trying New Foods - Skyr a.k.a. Traditional Yogurt of Iceland

For the most part, I enjoy trying foods that I have never tasted before.  This past week, Giant Food Stores sent, in the mail, a couple of manufacturers coupons for siggi's Icelandic style skyr strained non-fat yogurt in the amount of $1. per coupon.  (Reference:  http://skyr.com/)
Now, there is a little incentive to give the product a try.  I like yogurt and truly enjoy fruit smoothies made with fresh fruit, plain yogurt, water and ice.

Once at the store, I ended up purchasing two, 6 oz cups of yogurt at a retail cost of $1.99 per cup.  There were four options available at the store and I selected the orange and ginger and the blueberry fruit varieties.

This afternoon, I decided to have a snack and tried the orange and ginger container.

As far as the product, it contained minimal traces of orange and ginger.  Nothing like traditional American cups of yogurt with fruit.  Plus, the consistancy visably looked more like that of ice cream with a bit of texture to it.  When placed in a spoon skyr will remain stuck to the spoon when turned over.  Unlike yogurt which will fall or slide off.

Skyr, reminds me very much of a Mediterranean yogurt cheese a.k.a. labneh that is the consistency of American cream cheese.  Like labneh, the flavor comparison is that it has a slightly tart yogurt taste.

Due to the regular retail cost of $1.99 a 6 oz cup, I would say that it will not often find its way into my grocery basket.  But, if on sale or if I am in need of a high protein meatless diet this is a great product to purchase and consume, as it has 16 to 17 grams of protein per container!

Actually, I am going to recommend this product to a friend of mine who was telling me about a diet plan that her physician has her on; which includes consuming a breakfast of  over 30 grams of protein each morning.

A rather difficult endevor when you have to be up and on the road prior to dawn for a 50 minute or more comute to work.  Plus, she was lamenting on how she really did not care to have a huge breakfast in the mornings nor did she have the time to prepare and consume.

If she can get in roughly half the grams of protein at home before she departs in the AM, than perhaps she can have her reward of a siggi's skyr once she gets to work.  Thus getting the protein her physician is recommending without as much AM frustration.

I would give the product a thumbs up and say to try it out for yourself.  Let me know what your impressions are after you have tried it.

____________________________________________________________________
If you have never tried labneh and live in the DC Metro area it can be found at Middle Eastern food markets such as The Mediterranean Bakery located on Pickett Street in Alexandria, VA.

Or, if you live in an area that does not sell it, you can make it yourself by purchasing yogurt and straining it.  Just follow the recipe provided in the link below or look on-line to find another similar recipe.http://www.food.com/recipe/yogurt-cheese-labneh-88089

More about skyr from the Skyr.com website:

What is skyr?

Skyr is the traditional yogurt of Iceland. It is made by incubating skim milk with live active cultures. The whey, the water naturally found in milk, is then strained away to make for a much thicker, creamier, concentrated yogurt. So to make just one cup of skyr, with all that water going out, you need 3 - 4 times the amount of milk required to make a regular cup of yogurt. As a result of this process skyr comes out with 2-3 times the protein count of standard yogurt.

Our farmers do not use growth hormones like rBGH. All siggi’s products are natural and do not contain any artificial sweeteners; our yogurts are very lightly sweetened with agave nectar. We try our best to keep our ingredients list short and simple.

What is...In The Area That I Like To Use My Laptop

Indulge the author, as she is posting photos mainly for family members that have not visited O'Dea-O'Dea.  Above is a photo of the area that I like to sit when using the laptop and blogging.  Perhaps unconventional, but I prefer to work where there is plenty of natural light, comfortable and a lack of clutter around me.

I have always cringed when I have walked into someones work space or office and find that they sit in the dark like a mushroom.  A dark room just makes my eyelids heavy with sleep! 

Stare into the light my children.  Or at least work in an environment that is well lit and conducive to work.

Yes, I have space dedicated as an office.  But... for all intensive purposes it is under construction and in dire need of major unpacking and organization.

Items in the area where I like to use my laptop include:

• Comfortable high back chair with a pillow to help support the lumbar area.
• Ottoman/foot stool to hold various items at arms reach.
• An old hospital bed tray that has survived all of these decades to come into another setting and be useful a la Restoration Hardware's newest collection of industrial furnishings and products having a second more glamorous life in the home with a new purpose .  The tray has a wrought iron pipe stand with knobs for adjustment (up/down for height and tilt of the tray) and the top is made of oak with an approximately 1/2" lip around the entire edge.  (It is nice to have the adjustments of tray in that I can tilt the tray when using the laptop.)

• West Elm large, square, off-white vase that I keep handy for paper recycling (area where I often open the mail).
• IKEA office organizer box assortment.  Large gray cardboard organizer box with lid and handle cut outs is big enough to hold papers and open mail that needs to be tended to.  The smaller black office organizers on the floor are a more recent purchase.  (They actually collapse flat when not in use - nice!  Then to use them there is a zipper in the center of each base that is zipped to hold the box square.  They also have clear plastic pockets on one corner for insertion of labels.)  The boxes hold note books; mail that needs to be attended to and coupons and sales that might be of future interest.
• BlackBerry Bold wireless device.
• Digital camera and USB cable.

• An onyx and brass very large older ashtray that sits on an Italian 100% wool throw.  You might see an old ashtray.  I on the other hand see it as an interesting and solid piece that I can rest my beverage in while I am seated in the chair.   

That my children, is what is in the area that I like to use my laptop with the lesson to have some original thought and ideas as to how to see, use or re-use items for unconventional purposes.

Creative Ideas Publication Free from Loew's

Lowe's is offering a series of free, mailed publications during the year for Home and Garden, Woodworkers and Outdoor Living.   I just received my first publication "Lowe's Creative Ideas:  For Your New Home".

You can sign-up on-line to request that the publications be mailed to your home. 

http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/subscribe/subscribe.aspx

They also have a lot of how-to instructions on their website. 

Kudos to Lowe's on helping out us do-it yourself types.

Reality of Projects in Process

The camera rechargeable battery is charged and I have downloaded some photos of projects in progress.  Below you can see just how chaotic, dirty and messy some of the task can be.

As I had mentioned in a blog, earlier today, seeing just the final product probably really is not always the best method of sharing information on projects for those that view my blog.  Many of the projects, at hand, have a long time line and list of task associated with each of them.

The project that had tasks that I worked on this weekend were:

• The mowing and weeding of the yard here at O'Dea-O'Dea
• Garage organization, re-organization and cleaning
• Cleaning up the sun porch to include removal of the deep freezer chest and refrigerator to the rear of the garage

  

  Approx. 12 bags of yard waste (all weeds from garden beds)

  



The sitting area of the sun porch in a jumbled in-process state of change



Backyard outside of the sun porch also in a jumbled in-process state of change w/stuff!

Sun porch in-process filth former location of deep freezer chest

One of the visuals that I have not captured and a person needs an image of this is that not once.  But, three times this summer I have emptied out half of the garage in order to move pine cabinets in; re-locate some existing old metal cabinets.   A third time was Sunday, when half of the garage was emptied onto the front lawn to make room for the deep freezer and refrigerator move to the rear of the garage.  (Before it got dark, the garage contents spread on the lawn had to be hastily moved back into the garage to be under cover.  Still requires further moving and work.)

The first time, I had the delivery of the pine cabinets and had no choice but to put the contents on the lawn even though there was a threat of rain.  Did it pour!

The second time, I worked on the other half of the garage.  Once again contents on the front lawn and driveway.  Sunny day, but again, it rained.

This Sunday, it did not rain.  Thank God!  But, it was a weekend and neighbors were driving by wondering what the heck was going on as there were trunks, boxes, garment rack with coats, etc. strewn across the lawn.  No yard sale sign.  But, one of the neighbors that just can not help herself came trotting over, much to my dismay and decided she was going to have a look-and-see.

Here I was cleaning the exterior of a refrigerator, at the end of the driveway, and she is coming to look to see if there is something for her or her family (Prior to passing away, Mr. O'Dea was generous enough to give her sons camping gear and she has asked a few times since, if there was any more).  Please...this is not about you!

I kept to the task at hand and made certain not to give her eye contact.  Told her as she was walking over, "If you come any closer you are going to get enlisted into helping".

It didn't stop her.  She let me know that she had hurt her back this summer and couldn't lift.  Wha...wha...wha... and she eventually went away.

Anyway, back to the ebb and flow of the garage project tides.  It will probably a handful more tasks of emptying out the bays of the garage in order to move in the other set of used, pine pantry cupboards I purchased and need delivered, as well as continuing to sort through items, organize and in some cases purge.

This evening (Monday), I just did not have the energy to tackle any of the moving and cleaning tasks.  Documentation with some photos and blog postings are the extent of Monday's involvement.

Friday Night and Chilly

Here is is already 15 October and half of the month just buzzed by without a wink.  It goes from intense heat here in the DC area with humidity that will keep any sane person indoors during the hottest parts of the day to this brisk, dry cold air. 

In the grocery store this evening there was the mixture of various seasons of dress.  Many a person still with the Aloha shirt or shorts and a t-shirt with sandals to the winter jacket and wool cap.

It is going down to the low 40's this evening and I hate to do it to Empress Lui, but the window that I normally leave open for her to get fresh air and check the outside world is closed for the night.

15 October 2010 - Empress Lui keeping her paws warm

I am hoping that tomorrow will be clear and comfortable and that my motivation to get some of the work around the yard, etc. can be accomplished without having some lame excuse. 

You know, like rain, bugs or it being too hot, etc.

Below is a snapshot that I took here at O'Dea-O'Dea this year.  March to be exact. 

I then made use of it as the cover photo for my work team's internal MS Sharepoint site.  A bright reminder as to how the seasons change and each one has a beauty of its own.

“Chasing Leaves and Dust Bunnies™”: The Reality

At the moment, my camera's rechargeable battery is getting recharged.  Otherwise, I would be posting some photographs of the reality or underbelly of some of the ongoing projects.  Namely the monster task of removing the deep freezer chest and refrigerator from the sun porch in the rear of the house yesterday and the now "monster" task of the chaos having to move items that large creates as things have to be moved to other areas. 

Plus, there are years and/or decades of dirt that has accumulated under and behind these units that isn't going to magically disappear when the units move. I think for those that have never undertaken some of these projects themselves that perhaps you don't understand the magnitude of the task associated with each projects; man hours and time lines, etc.

Therefore, it probably isn't fair of me to always just post the positive after photo.  But, at times, I need to let you know approximate number of man hours it took to achieve the project and to let you see some of the disorganization, dirt and mountain of trash that comes as part of the process.  So, in the near future be prepared to see some of the not so pretty images.  ;^)

“Chasing Leaves and Dust Bunnies™”

Lying in bed this AM, I was thinking about my blog and that family, friends and those that happen upon my site and start reading are going to be thinking "This Brighton, she is always chasing the proverbial dust bunnies". 
That would be dirt to you common folks.

I was sharing with a friend, earlier today, that there I was in bed still with blog thoughts coming like ocean waves and breaking on the shore and then retreating.  In and out the thoughts went and I realized that the content of my blog isn't just about me chasing those darn dust bunnies, but often includes my adventures outdoors chasing leaves, weeds, etc.

With that I decided that I have to just go with what came to mind as a catch all category for my blog post that involve cleaning endeavors “Chasing Leaves and Dust Bunnies™”.

CAT-AS-TROPHY

Another "Cat-As-Trophy"

Life is not all grand at O'Dea-O'Dea, as you can see The Boyz had a scuffle today and just like children something got broken.

The Boyz are fine. 
The plant that I had been rooting appears fine, for the moment. 
The jardenier.  Not so good.  The remnants have already made it outdoors into the trash.
The wood floor and carpet got the water mopped up and are still drying.

Extra Large Heating Pad For Muscle Aches

Sometimes, you have to literally stumble upon a new use for an item you already have.  Like I did a couple of weeks ago after I had been out working in the yard.  As by nightfall, I realized I had some tight sore muscles and needed some heat. 


The standard post yard work process involves a hot bath with only a night light on and immersing myself like in a scene from "Altered States".  I try and relax all over by warming up the muscles and eventually stretch them a bit. 


Plus, I like the fact that whatever might have gotten onto my skin will hopefully be washed and rinsed off and not turn into some nasty allergic reaction rash (poison ivy and Virginia creeper thrive here).

Sunbeam Warming Throw

Following the "Altered States" bath, it was off to bed.


Since there was a bit of a chill in the air and I was still feeling the ache of the muscles that I had used earlier, I decided to grab the Sunbeam, fleece, warming throw that I keep in the den.


It just had never dawned on me prior to this time that this throw is essentially an oversized heating pad.  Large enough that I  had my torso down to my knees wrapped up nice and cozy for the evening.  The fleece and the extra heat feels wonderful for all of those aches and pains.


After moving a lot of items yesterday, I went through the ritual of the hot bath along with the newest addition the Sunbeam warming throw.  I wrapped that blanket around myself from my torso down to my thighs in order to get some heat to my hip joints and relaxed into a nice deep slumber.


If you already have one of these throws, give the alternative use a try. If you do not have one and would like to purchase one they are available in larger drug stores seasonally, such as CVS and Target.  Mail order from sites from Amazon.com year round.  Cost generally ranges from $25 - 30.


On the bright side of Sunbeam, (Sorry, I can not help the pun) they do have a 5 year warranty on their product.  Last year, I sent in the throw and they replaced the electrical cord and control unit free of charge, after it failed and required replacement.

Monkeysee.com "Clay Shooting For Women"

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/18165-clay-shooting-for-women

Good site for instructional video at Monkeysee.com.  The link above was put together by L.L.Bean with a series of instruction for clay shooting.

South Africa "Midnight" Orange

Intense citrus flavor, rich orange pulp and memorably delicious, is what I have to say about the South Africa, Midnight, large navel oranges I purchased at Safeway yesterday evening.  Currently, on sale for 99 cents each and I am telling you that purchasing only two was not enough.  I will be going back for more.

P.S. 

Sunday night purchased more and consumed two on Monday.  Each one just as consistently delicious as the previous orange.

Tech Support Cartoon & Cat Lady Story

A friend shared these two links with me yesterday, as he felt that they somehow resemble me....

Computer tech support cartoon:

http://xkcd.com/806/?ref=nf

"Cat people are people too", article from the NY Times:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/cat-people-are-people-too/?src=me&ref=homepage

Enjoy ;^))

Almost Got Out ALIVE!



Something about these chairs screams SANTA Claus



One of my sayings in regards to shopping is whether or not  "I got out alive".

This evening...I didn't get out alive.  As a set of these chairs caught my eye after I already cashed out of a local consignment shop that was in the midst of closing.

I didn't mean to go in there.  It was just on the route of errands and I had this item that I had purchased at the grocery store, next door, that needed to be returned for a refund.

I was being the diligent consumer telling the super market that I will not settle for substandard quality when it comes to the freshness of the fish I purchase from them.

Yeah, so much for being a consumer hero for long.

I didn't purchase anything in that particular grocery store.  Not that I didn't want the roasted whole chicken.  It was just that as I was back tracking and eyeing this one chicken left on the display another person saw me coming and I think in spite of it not being perfecto he took it just because someone else wanted it.

I got out of Bloom alive!

Binge and purge, it is a sick, sick cycle of life for some of us.  For me it is "stuff", as Mr. O'Dea would call the worldly belongings we accumulate and cling to filling our homes from street to peak.  Such is the case with me.  No less than a couple of years ago, this same consignment and donation store received three truck loads of furniture, household goods and clothing when the tree fell on my house.  For me, I had the urge to purge before having my belongings moved out and potentially being placed in storage for house renovation to proceed.

A church around the corner also was a recipient of at least one truck load of my worldly possessions, as they truly give the goods and clothing away.  Therefore, they are not looking for that near new perfection that a consignment shop requires.

No, I did not make it out alive.  As I stood there at the register checking out with just a few things in my hands such as greeting cards.  I was waiting and waiting for the others in front of me to cash out and alas the store was closing. 

But...I spied the set of chairs about five steps away and walked over to glance at them.

I then contemplated coming back on Saturday AM, when the store re-opened and proceeded through the line with my minimal purchases.

"Wait!"  The chairs yelled at me.

"WE are only $69, if you leave us, we might not be here tomorrow."

Back in line I went, after already cashing out and now there are others in front of me and the poor volunteers want to just get off their tired feet and go home.

I mentioned to one of the nice volunteers that I was going to get the two chairs and would she be willing to open the front door back up, if I were to go get my SUV and park it out front to haul my finds home?

They are always glad to sell larger merchandise, so she obliged my request and here I sit with one chair still in the back of the SUV on this chilly night and the other against the hallway closet door.

Interesting pieces, after I got them into the back of the SUV, I noticed that they had a very dirt encrusted metal tag nailed to the bottom of a cross rail.  Curious, I took a disposable wipe and some hand santizer and wiped away some of the grime and was able to determine it was a manufacturer's tag "Shaw Furniture, Cambridge, MA".

Via the wealth of information on the Internet, I learned that:

Blog truncated due to length - will have to recreate the rest of the story...LATER

Kitchen Compost Container

Ever since I moved from apartment space to a single family home, I have been composting religiously.  The garbage disposer is only used for food debris that gets into the sink and is run once or twice a week to make certain the system is flushed clean.

In the kitchen I have been placing vegetable, fruit, coffee, tea and egg shell waste in the compost pail.   The one that I am currently  using and providing the links for is from http://www.gardeners.com/ .  FYI:  I have also noticed the same style ceramic compost pail with handle for sale at HomeGoods or their sister stores TJMaxx and Marshalls for half the price.

If you prefer a compost pail that can sit on your countertop, next to the sink and you want to empty it at a minimum every other day.  This might be the solution for you.

Personally, I preferred the restaurant sized, 2 quart, plastic tub with cover that once held sour cream served at a company open house function.  It was a restaurant supply sized container that has since been disposed of as I was thinking that this nice ceramic container was a bag of chips and a whole lot more.

It was not pretty and was kept under the sink.  But, it better served the purpose, as I never had issues with mold growing on the contents; fruit flies; worries about chipping or breaking the container or having to really reach in to dig in and clean the interior ridge like the one in the countertop ceramic container.

Back when I received the newspaper delivery on Sunday, I would re-use the plastic bag that protected the paper as a disposable liner for the modest plastic tub or a produce plastic bag could easily be pulled over the sides and the plastic top would still seal tightly and come off easily.

Sometime in the near future, I am going to end up buying that big tub of whatever is for sale at the grocery store just to have the plastic container to use for composting.  Either that or inquire at a local restaurant as to if they have an empty plastic tub that they would part with.

One of those instances where function takes precedence over beauty and style.

Crafting With Neckties

For the last six years, I have periodically purchased new or used neckties for a few dollars or less, as I like the unique patterns and color schemes that the manufacturers use for the silk.  My thoughts have been that eventually I will figure out a creative use for them and dive into a craft project or projects.

Though, whenever I have pulled them out and looked at them, I think what a shame to cut them up.  I actually have them neatly rolled-up in a bag within dry space.

Last night, a woman gave me a bag of her collection of old ties that she had been saving to make a decorative mosaic quilt.  She said she had been collecting for fifteen years.  Though, unless she was only picking up older ties than I am guessing that it might be more like a collection she began twenty five or more years ago.

Unlike me, she had actually taken most of the ties and removed the stitching, as well as washed and pressed the silk.

Sweet, as it takes the pain and hesitation away from me having to cut the beautiful creatures apart.  I say that, as they are like butterflies and unless there is a known metamorphosis that they are destined for, I can not see dissecting them before their time.

Now, I have some thoughts as to how I think the ties could be used in craft projects and am very curious as to what others have for ideas.  Also, I would like to know if anyone has actually undertaken a craft project using the silk from neckties or seen a finished project.  Are there any tips or tricks that you have learned?

Some of my ideas for craft projects:
·         Soft glasses case	·         Pen and pencil case (car, pocket, purse, etc.)
·         Headband cover	·         Keepsake gift box cover
·         Colorful belt	·         Miniature pill pockets (small enough for pants pocket)
·         Book marks	·         Small picture frame cover
·         Unique identifying luggage handle wraps	·         Desk set accents for pen cup, desk blotter, etc.
·         Flip-flop strap covers	·         Organizer pockets, i.e. desk organizer w/pockets for scissors, tape, staple remover, etc.
·         Hair band covers / scrunchies	·         Pet collars and leash accents
·         Cosmetic brush organizer	·         Cosmetic case
·         Set of theme ornaments to decorate a wreath or small holiday tree	·         Napkin rings

Please let me know your ideas by leaving comments and/or share photographs.

Thank you!