Yesterday, I made my way down to Harbor Freight and purchased a number of items. In particular for the fore casted hurricane I purchased a 5x7 heavy duty tarp to cover building supply items that are leaning against the house that need to be kept dry.
Amazing thing is that just last Friday when I was there they had at least a whole pallet of small gas generators and as of yesterday PM, they were all sold out. I had joked about purchasing one at least as an insurance policy to my neighbor.
I can only imagine that some people went in and maxed out the quantity of six (6) maximum purchase. I bet if I looked on the local craigslist.org some of those same generators would be listed for sale at a higher cost. Not sure how I feel about that. As when a storm is going to hit, some people in this area just loose respect for others and do crazy things like buy-up more items than they need at the store.
I have been somewhat lax in getting the inside of the house prepared. A tub is filled with water, as I have been informed in a storm a handful of years ago this subdivision lost water supply for a good period of time.
There is more than enough food in this house. So, no worries there.
Combination radio, flashlight, siren with a hand powered crank is sitting next to my bed. As, is a battery operated flash light.
I know where some candles are located. But, I should be pulling them to a central location in the event that they are needed.
Yesterday, I ran the dishwasher. Today, I washed what dishes were dirty by hand. I plan on running a load of laundry shortly and take a much needed shower, as my couple of hours outdoors in the steady rain resulted in me being wet from head to knees in spite of having a rain hat on and a rain coat.
The rain travelled the brim of the hat to my back and ran inside down my t'shirt!
Seeing how I was already totally soaked, I offered to take my neighbor's dog for a walk. Also known as my work out partner.
When we returned, I knocked on the door and told my neighbor to open the garage door, because you know who was soaked and was certainly going to wait until indoors prior to shaking the water off.
You have to laugh.... Exactly, what she did.
Time to extract myself from the chair and go get a few more things accomplished before it gets pitch dark and there are potentially no electric lights.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Freezing Produce and It's Ripe NOW!
I was reading my friend's blog the other day and she had written a brief blog regarding freezing some blueberries she had purchased at the store to use later in the year. Plus another FB friend had questioned how to freeze strawberries after taking her children berry picking earlier this summer.
Of course, I had to comment, as I too often freeze a variety of produce. Mostly due to seasonal availability coupled with economics.
As long as you have the space in freezer it is relatively simple process. I have a deep freezer, so I use a cookie sheet. But, you could use any other freezer safe container that will allow air to flow around the produce without it freezing together.
To ensure that softer items like bananas don't stick to the pan, first line with waxed paper.
Clean or pick your produce and chop if desired. Spread on pan and freeze for several hours or a day before removing. Then label and place in freezer safe containers or freezer safe zipper lock storage bags. Place back into freezer until needed for recipes and consumption.
This is a super way to not waste excess produce you have purchased or have in ripe abundance in your garden, i.e. I just froze a 1/2 dozen peeled bananas and what should be my last crop of figs (figs are extremely fragil and usually mold and rot within a couple of days in the open air).
Items such as sliced peaches and bananas are terrific straight from the freezer into the blender as a delicious addition to a fruit smoothie. Or quick access when the desire for banana bread or a fruit pie is weighing heavy on your mind.
When shopping, don't ignore the reduced produce. As I had commented on my friend's blog Berrymorin Bits and Tips, it is a super way to try produce you may not normally purchase or have never tried before. EX: I recently bought a mesh bag of tiny key limes and have been using them in my ice water for added flavor.
If you are able to deal with it and think economically, you can definitely make use of some of the ripe produce at excellent prices by preparing and freezing immediately. One of my favorites is yellow, red and green bell peppers. I wash, slice and freeze for use later in omelets and other recipes.
This past week, I used two (2) sealed containers of summer squash/zucchini in a huge batch of a vegetable beef soup that I made one night. I could have easily frozen the squash and used later, but decided to empty my produce drawer and freeze the soup instead.
Of course, I had to comment, as I too often freeze a variety of produce. Mostly due to seasonal availability coupled with economics.
As long as you have the space in freezer it is relatively simple process. I have a deep freezer, so I use a cookie sheet. But, you could use any other freezer safe container that will allow air to flow around the produce without it freezing together.
To ensure that softer items like bananas don't stick to the pan, first line with waxed paper.
Clean or pick your produce and chop if desired. Spread on pan and freeze for several hours or a day before removing. Then label and place in freezer safe containers or freezer safe zipper lock storage bags. Place back into freezer until needed for recipes and consumption.
This is a super way to not waste excess produce you have purchased or have in ripe abundance in your garden, i.e. I just froze a 1/2 dozen peeled bananas and what should be my last crop of figs (figs are extremely fragil and usually mold and rot within a couple of days in the open air).
Items such as sliced peaches and bananas are terrific straight from the freezer into the blender as a delicious addition to a fruit smoothie. Or quick access when the desire for banana bread or a fruit pie is weighing heavy on your mind.
When shopping, don't ignore the reduced produce. As I had commented on my friend's blog Berrymorin Bits and Tips, it is a super way to try produce you may not normally purchase or have never tried before. EX: I recently bought a mesh bag of tiny key limes and have been using them in my ice water for added flavor.
If you are able to deal with it and think economically, you can definitely make use of some of the ripe produce at excellent prices by preparing and freezing immediately. One of my favorites is yellow, red and green bell peppers. I wash, slice and freeze for use later in omelets and other recipes.
This past week, I used two (2) sealed containers of summer squash/zucchini in a huge batch of a vegetable beef soup that I made one night. I could have easily frozen the squash and used later, but decided to empty my produce drawer and freeze the soup instead.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Helping Friends - I Feel Good
Last weekend, I sent a message via Facebook to a handful of friends asking if anyone had advice on pneumatic tools and compressors. In response, one of my former co-workers from over a decade ago responded and told me to call him at noon the next day.
It was so nice of him to respond for one. It was also very comforting that even though we hadn't spoken to one another in over ten (10) years that the conversation just flowed and he was completely open and honest.
In brief, he thought he had a job offer last year for one of the intelligence agencies and months and months later it is still in process and he has not been working. Not a good situation for the breadwinner with a mortgage, stay-at-home wife and two (2) children.
He offered that in searching he had sent emails to a couple of individuals and was surprised that he never got a response.
My advice to that was, if you have their telephone number, next time call and don't give them the chance to forget or ignore. Plus, I can not personally understand why one would not attempt to help out a former co-worker and let him know that I would do what I could to help.
We talked further and I told him, I could locate a number of the email addresses and telephone numbers of some of the men we had worked with and would gladly forward them to him. Also talked about how three (3) of our former co-workers had started their own business and I'd get them the name of that company, as well.
Within about twenty minutes of our conversation I had forwarded via email the contact information.
Within less than an hour he had then taken the company information and pulled up the website of our former co-workers and given them a call.
By, that afternoon, the former co-worker and now president of his own company had called him back and stated, "I don't know what is stranger today. The earthquake or you calling me."
He was invited for a lunch interview yesterday, the following day!
I called him back personally rather than email and let him know how psyched I was and that this was it. He'd have a job by the end of this week.
This AM, he informed me that he starts working with them on Monday.
How wonderful is that?
Thank you God for putting us in touch when you did and allowing us to help one another. Amen.
It was so nice of him to respond for one. It was also very comforting that even though we hadn't spoken to one another in over ten (10) years that the conversation just flowed and he was completely open and honest.
In brief, he thought he had a job offer last year for one of the intelligence agencies and months and months later it is still in process and he has not been working. Not a good situation for the breadwinner with a mortgage, stay-at-home wife and two (2) children.
He offered that in searching he had sent emails to a couple of individuals and was surprised that he never got a response.
My advice to that was, if you have their telephone number, next time call and don't give them the chance to forget or ignore. Plus, I can not personally understand why one would not attempt to help out a former co-worker and let him know that I would do what I could to help.
We talked further and I told him, I could locate a number of the email addresses and telephone numbers of some of the men we had worked with and would gladly forward them to him. Also talked about how three (3) of our former co-workers had started their own business and I'd get them the name of that company, as well.
Within about twenty minutes of our conversation I had forwarded via email the contact information.
Within less than an hour he had then taken the company information and pulled up the website of our former co-workers and given them a call.
By, that afternoon, the former co-worker and now president of his own company had called him back and stated, "I don't know what is stranger today. The earthquake or you calling me."
He was invited for a lunch interview yesterday, the following day!
I called him back personally rather than email and let him know how psyched I was and that this was it. He'd have a job by the end of this week.
This AM, he informed me that he starts working with them on Monday.
How wonderful is that?
Thank you God for putting us in touch when you did and allowing us to help one another. Amen.
Keys - How To Keep Them Organized, etc.?
This is one of those post that I am not going to offer advice. Actually, I need assistance on a good, inexpensive method to keep track of the slew of keys that one collects over the years. Everything from luggage, padlock, house, auto keys, etc.
Yesterday, I had zero luck in my search for a key ring with my old truck keys on it. I have had it in a zippered section of my purse for months and very well might have taken them out to temporarily lighten the load before heading out one day. But, can not for the life of me recall, if so, where I put them.
Not a small key ring either, as it has a decorative Tony the Tiger or Exxon, Tiger in the tank head with a safari hat on.
The positive of the whole search is that I thought I had certainly lost my second set of house, truck and car keys months ago.
NO.... They were found and recovered in the Tiger Ring Search.
No joke.
Found them in a lower zipped pocket of my backpack; which I only use periodically.
Sweet, as on Monday PM, I went to Home Depot and had them make three (3) copies of my SUV key. The downside, I discovered is that the manufacturer's keys obviously have a microchip in them. Therefore, my duplicate keys are only functional for the door lock and to turn the electronics on via the ignition key hole.
Back to how to label and store. I need suggestions desperately and would prefer a method that doesn't take up too much space and yet has all keys visible. (Hmmm... Just thought if there was a method of solid pages in a three ring binder that might be a possible solution.)
How do you tag your keys, so that you aren't totally stumped when you go to open the shed door and don't know which Master Lock key goes to that particular lock?
How many spares or back-ups is enough?
Yesterday, I had zero luck in my search for a key ring with my old truck keys on it. I have had it in a zippered section of my purse for months and very well might have taken them out to temporarily lighten the load before heading out one day. But, can not for the life of me recall, if so, where I put them.
Not a small key ring either, as it has a decorative Tony the Tiger or Exxon, Tiger in the tank head with a safari hat on.
The positive of the whole search is that I thought I had certainly lost my second set of house, truck and car keys months ago.
NO.... They were found and recovered in the Tiger Ring Search.
No joke.
Found them in a lower zipped pocket of my backpack; which I only use periodically.
Sweet, as on Monday PM, I went to Home Depot and had them make three (3) copies of my SUV key. The downside, I discovered is that the manufacturer's keys obviously have a microchip in them. Therefore, my duplicate keys are only functional for the door lock and to turn the electronics on via the ignition key hole.
Back to how to label and store. I need suggestions desperately and would prefer a method that doesn't take up too much space and yet has all keys visible. (Hmmm... Just thought if there was a method of solid pages in a three ring binder that might be a possible solution.)
How do you tag your keys, so that you aren't totally stumped when you go to open the shed door and don't know which Master Lock key goes to that particular lock?
How many spares or back-ups is enough?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
House Remodel/Repair Receipt and Invoice Tracking
As I sit here at my desk, I see out of my peripheral invoices and stacks of receipts for home remodel/repair. I have been going through them, like work expense report receipts and making note of the category, total amount and circling total amount spent and dates for future entry into a spread sheet. Though, I am curious to learn more as to how long I should keep all of this paper and what impact it might have in the future when it comes time to sell a house.
Uncle Sam and the IRS that is and if there is any capital gain or God forbid I have to prove a loss in value and expenditures to back up either one.
If any readers know what the rules are governing this topic, please post.
If in the future, I locate articles on the topic, I will post URL's, if available.
Uncle Sam and the IRS that is and if there is any capital gain or God forbid I have to prove a loss in value and expenditures to back up either one.
If any readers know what the rules are governing this topic, please post.
If in the future, I locate articles on the topic, I will post URL's, if available.
Consuming Books
This past week I consumed two books. One which I think replaces my favorite spot. Formerly held by "The Charm School", by Nelson DeMille.
"The Help: A Novel"
"Girls in Trucks"
"The Help" is currently out as a movie and like the person who let me borrow the book, I have reservations about going to see it. Actually, I am 95% certain I would be disappointed by the screen play and potentially an attempt to make the story politically correct (PC) for 2011 and giving it an ability to draw more viewers in.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader riveted to the book by telling three women's stories in the first voice. It would include a chapter by each character in rotation sequence and I couldn't wait to read what else had to be said by that particular character when I came to the end of their section.
It isn't an easy read in terms of being able to speed through it within a handful of hours. I meant to go to sleep the night I was lent the book. But, turned the light back on, opened the book and was awake until almost 6 AM reading.
Three hours of sleep and I had to wait until later that day to wrap myself in the world of that book and read it to closer.
"Girls in Trucks", had the Charleston South, Carolina 1960's or 1970's draw of young children having to go to Cotillion and learn proper manners and dancing. Then it twist and turns through teenage years up until present day when the main character is in her 30's.
That book was a quick read and not what I expected at all. Actually, it had a hint of not ending in a positive note. More real to life that the world is not perfect and therefore there is no perfect ending, as life moves on and we deal with what cards are dealt to us.
"The Help: A Novel"
"Girls in Trucks"
"The Help" is currently out as a movie and like the person who let me borrow the book, I have reservations about going to see it. Actually, I am 95% certain I would be disappointed by the screen play and potentially an attempt to make the story politically correct (PC) for 2011 and giving it an ability to draw more viewers in.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader riveted to the book by telling three women's stories in the first voice. It would include a chapter by each character in rotation sequence and I couldn't wait to read what else had to be said by that particular character when I came to the end of their section.
It isn't an easy read in terms of being able to speed through it within a handful of hours. I meant to go to sleep the night I was lent the book. But, turned the light back on, opened the book and was awake until almost 6 AM reading.
Three hours of sleep and I had to wait until later that day to wrap myself in the world of that book and read it to closer.
"Girls in Trucks", had the Charleston South, Carolina 1960's or 1970's draw of young children having to go to Cotillion and learn proper manners and dancing. Then it twist and turns through teenage years up until present day when the main character is in her 30's.
That book was a quick read and not what I expected at all. Actually, it had a hint of not ending in a positive note. More real to life that the world is not perfect and therefore there is no perfect ending, as life moves on and we deal with what cards are dealt to us.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
It is Stinking Hot in VA Today - Gardening Update
I am not even going to check to find out what the exact temperature is outdoors. All I can say is it is sunny, humid and hot. Too hot for me to have the energy this afternoon to go out back and continue with the new perennial beds along the fence that was erected last fall.
In spite of adding amendments to the soil and tilling, the soil is still compacted and difficult to dig in.
Earlier this past week, I did get some help digging holes and putting in nine new root roses, as well as transplanting approx. 5 rose bushes from other sections of the yard.
Word to the wise and now from experience.... Don't dig up a plant that you are going to transplant until after the new location has a hole dug and is ready to have the plant put in place and watered.
Yeah, the transplanted rose bushes are not doing well at all. They went from ravishing to death row, as the roots were exposed for 60 minutes or so on a warm day.
Finally, was able to plant roughly 24 red gladiolus bulbs, 36 yellow and 36 mixed variety gladiolus bulbs in the new bed area, yesterday afternoon.
I also began the process of moving and transplanting iris rhizomes with greenery from other areas of the yard, as the next line, after the roses and gladiolus in the new beds. (One clump was reclaimed from the other side of the new fence, as the new neighbor mowed over the greenery. To me, that signifies that he doesn't want them there and/or doesn't care for them being there. So, they have another chance, back with their iris rhizome clan in neat little rows.)
Amazed at how some of them have survived, as the soil here in VA is such a dense clay that the majority of them were surrounded by dry clumps, as opposed to loose and moist earth.
Hopefully, over time, I can improve the soil nutrients and conditions within that area.
I did pick-up 6 bags of Scott's wood mulch at Home Depot on Thursday PM and another 8 bags earlier this afternoon, as they have them on sale for the holiday weekend for $2.50 per bag. Wood mulch is a must in this area, unless plants are established and densely planted. Huge help in holding moisture in the soil for root systems, as opposed to quickly evaporating back into the air.
There is a lot more to be transplanted from other sections of the yard, as well as there are a slew of other new bulbs that I purchased that have yet to find a home.
I am praying that I won't damage the calla lilies that are in a few sections of the yard that have been rapidly shooting up greenery this week. They are in very odd areas and my goal is to have a lovely, dense section of garden beds along this line of fence. An area where I can look out and enjoy or go out in the privacy of the yard and drink in their beauty.
Maybe tomorrow, in the early AM, it will be cool enough to work on transplanting the delicate beauties without damaging them.
Feel like I have been there and done all of this. Took years with the other house landscaping, regarding, soil amendment and build up, stone walls, transplanting and purchasing of new plants, etc.
Lots of personal time and muscle power, as well, as when needed, I have realized that I have to hire others to help periodically, as there are only so many hours and so much energy and strength that I can expend.
Another day... Another day...
In spite of adding amendments to the soil and tilling, the soil is still compacted and difficult to dig in.
Earlier this past week, I did get some help digging holes and putting in nine new root roses, as well as transplanting approx. 5 rose bushes from other sections of the yard.
Word to the wise and now from experience.... Don't dig up a plant that you are going to transplant until after the new location has a hole dug and is ready to have the plant put in place and watered.
Yeah, the transplanted rose bushes are not doing well at all. They went from ravishing to death row, as the roots were exposed for 60 minutes or so on a warm day.
Finally, was able to plant roughly 24 red gladiolus bulbs, 36 yellow and 36 mixed variety gladiolus bulbs in the new bed area, yesterday afternoon.
I also began the process of moving and transplanting iris rhizomes with greenery from other areas of the yard, as the next line, after the roses and gladiolus in the new beds. (One clump was reclaimed from the other side of the new fence, as the new neighbor mowed over the greenery. To me, that signifies that he doesn't want them there and/or doesn't care for them being there. So, they have another chance, back with their iris rhizome clan in neat little rows.)
Amazed at how some of them have survived, as the soil here in VA is such a dense clay that the majority of them were surrounded by dry clumps, as opposed to loose and moist earth.
Hopefully, over time, I can improve the soil nutrients and conditions within that area.
I did pick-up 6 bags of Scott's wood mulch at Home Depot on Thursday PM and another 8 bags earlier this afternoon, as they have them on sale for the holiday weekend for $2.50 per bag. Wood mulch is a must in this area, unless plants are established and densely planted. Huge help in holding moisture in the soil for root systems, as opposed to quickly evaporating back into the air.
There is a lot more to be transplanted from other sections of the yard, as well as there are a slew of other new bulbs that I purchased that have yet to find a home.
I am praying that I won't damage the calla lilies that are in a few sections of the yard that have been rapidly shooting up greenery this week. They are in very odd areas and my goal is to have a lovely, dense section of garden beds along this line of fence. An area where I can look out and enjoy or go out in the privacy of the yard and drink in their beauty.
Maybe tomorrow, in the early AM, it will be cool enough to work on transplanting the delicate beauties without damaging them.
Feel like I have been there and done all of this. Took years with the other house landscaping, regarding, soil amendment and build up, stone walls, transplanting and purchasing of new plants, etc.
Lots of personal time and muscle power, as well, as when needed, I have realized that I have to hire others to help periodically, as there are only so many hours and so much energy and strength that I can expend.
Another day... Another day...
In and Out Boxes Mail
I certainly strive to be more organized. It's a full-time job and the more I take on and do the harder it is to achieve. So, I am by no means ultra organized or perfect. But, I believe that I might have a solution for keeping the stacks of incoming mail that I have presorted through to attend to from being here there and everywhere in piles.
Granted, this idea hasn't been put into play, as of yet, as the basement library project is still in process. I do already have the materials though; which consist of Pottery Barn office rail system with a couple of the white hanging containers (for desk area). Plus, I have one red, Swedish metal post box and one very similar embossed white, Swedish metal post box.
My idea is to place the Swedish post boxes at the top of the basement stairwell as my paperwork and mail in and out boxes. Neat appearance, sealed by a hinged cover and color coded for in or out.
Any thoughts or opinions, such as a better method or what works well for you?
Note: If interested in purchasing - I did not purchase the mail boxes from the business I am providing the hyperlink to and when I purchased my items, I paid considerably less. The red box, shown above that they sell is exactly the same, but was purchased locally some time back. The white box is from Restoration Hardware and is no longer available from their store.
Granted, this idea hasn't been put into play, as of yet, as the basement library project is still in process. I do already have the materials though; which consist of Pottery Barn office rail system with a couple of the white hanging containers (for desk area). Plus, I have one red, Swedish metal post box and one very similar embossed white, Swedish metal post box.
My idea is to place the Swedish post boxes at the top of the basement stairwell as my paperwork and mail in and out boxes. Neat appearance, sealed by a hinged cover and color coded for in or out.
Note: If interested in purchasing - I did not purchase the mail boxes from the business I am providing the hyperlink to and when I purchased my items, I paid considerably less. The red box, shown above that they sell is exactly the same, but was purchased locally some time back. The white box is from Restoration Hardware and is no longer available from their store.
Oops Paint! Containers
When in the Home Depot paint section of the store, I sometimes notice the tiny sample containers on a shelf in the paint mixing area that have been tinted and marked down to 50 cents. These containers exist at this marked down price, because the customer who ordered the sample did not return to pick-up and pay for the container.
A handful of times, I have picked-up a container or two, as the colors are to my liking and it gives me the opportunity to experiment with how a specific color or shade will work in a room at my house.
(Note: Two sample, pint sized containers of white were sufficient quantity to prime the drywall on the half bath ceiling for $1 total. No leftover primer and I was able to throw away the containers once I was finished.)
When I was purchasing the full priced, gallons paints this afternoon, I learned from one of the paint associates that the Oops paint! in many of the cans does not match the color that is indicated on top of the container (sticker and a small dried sample).
One of those little tid bits that you have to know or else potentially be duped and frustrated when you finally open the container to paint.
The rational as to why the colors do not always match is that they had a trend of customers ordering paint to be tinted. Then they wouldn't pick it up and pay full price. But, would return at a later date and purchase the $25 gallon can of paint for $5 from the Oops Paint! section for a fraction of the MSRP. Thus the slight trickery on Home Depots part to thwart the customer trying not to pay full price for a color that they ordered.
Ask an associate to open the container for you and check the content color prior to purchasing.
They will also safely seal up the container once it is opened and shake the can/bucket for you, if requested, for immediate project use.
HAVE FUN:
For $5. a one gallon of semi-gloss paint is enough product to change the color of the walls in a bathroom and/or experiment with one of the latest designer trends of painting a ceiling using a colored paint.
Back in the day, as a Girl Scout, we all had to bring a can of soup for dinner the first night of camping. No directions as to what type of flavor, etc. Just a can of soup.
To our surprise, the counselors mixed it all together in a big stock pot and we had what they called "Witches Brew". Surprisingly, it was tasty. I mention this, as I have thought that someday, when I have an odd assortment of paints that I might end up experimenting with my own "Witches Brew" of paint colors and tackle an unfinished area such as a garage or shed interior.
Just this past week, my neighbor and I were in a trendy housewares boutique in Historic Fredericksberg, VA and upon careful inspection, I noticed that they had painted a long wall of the shop on a gradient of pastel shades of pink with verticle sections down the wall and where the different colors met they blended the two colors together. It looked fabulous with the contrast of the bright, pastel shade of green apple on the other walls in the shop space.
:)
A handful of times, I have picked-up a container or two, as the colors are to my liking and it gives me the opportunity to experiment with how a specific color or shade will work in a room at my house.
- Note: I use a heavy stock print paper similar to the glossy paper that they use for finger painting to brush the sample on. Let it dry and then move the sample to different areas of the room to ascertain if the shade works or not.
(Note: Two sample, pint sized containers of white were sufficient quantity to prime the drywall on the half bath ceiling for $1 total. No leftover primer and I was able to throw away the containers once I was finished.)
50 cents - sample pint size jar
$1. - quart size can
$5. - gallon size bucket
When I was purchasing the full priced, gallons paints this afternoon, I learned from one of the paint associates that the Oops paint! in many of the cans does not match the color that is indicated on top of the container (sticker and a small dried sample).
One of those little tid bits that you have to know or else potentially be duped and frustrated when you finally open the container to paint.
The rational as to why the colors do not always match is that they had a trend of customers ordering paint to be tinted. Then they wouldn't pick it up and pay full price. But, would return at a later date and purchase the $25 gallon can of paint for $5 from the Oops Paint! section for a fraction of the MSRP. Thus the slight trickery on Home Depots part to thwart the customer trying not to pay full price for a color that they ordered.
Ask an associate to open the container for you and check the content color prior to purchasing.
They will also safely seal up the container once it is opened and shake the can/bucket for you, if requested, for immediate project use.
HAVE FUN:
For $5. a one gallon of semi-gloss paint is enough product to change the color of the walls in a bathroom and/or experiment with one of the latest designer trends of painting a ceiling using a colored paint.
Back in the day, as a Girl Scout, we all had to bring a can of soup for dinner the first night of camping. No directions as to what type of flavor, etc. Just a can of soup.
To our surprise, the counselors mixed it all together in a big stock pot and we had what they called "Witches Brew". Surprisingly, it was tasty. I mention this, as I have thought that someday, when I have an odd assortment of paints that I might end up experimenting with my own "Witches Brew" of paint colors and tackle an unfinished area such as a garage or shed interior.
Just this past week, my neighbor and I were in a trendy housewares boutique in Historic Fredericksberg, VA and upon careful inspection, I noticed that they had painted a long wall of the shop on a gradient of pastel shades of pink with verticle sections down the wall and where the different colors met they blended the two colors together. It looked fabulous with the contrast of the bright, pastel shade of green apple on the other walls in the shop space.
:)
Paint Rebate Until 30 May 2011 @ Home Depot
Home Depot is offering rebates on a variety of their paints up until 30 May 2011. From $5. off per gallon container up to $20. per 5-gallon pail.
To make it easier, they even have automated the process where all information is entered on-line, as opposed to having to clip UPCs from labels, filling out paper forms, including original receipt and mailing an envelope: http://www.homedepotrebates.com .
Super deal if you are in the process of renovation project(s) or are looking for a quick decorating change for a room. I ended up with interior trim and wall paints, as well as porch and floor paint.
When it comes time to decide upon colors for the walls, I will bring the cans of base paint back to the store and have them add the appropriate tints and shake the paint can(s).
Once again, in terms of project inventory, I am planning ahead and happy to save $5. per gallon. Yes, every bit helps with the bottom line.
To make it easier, they even have automated the process where all information is entered on-line, as opposed to having to clip UPCs from labels, filling out paper forms, including original receipt and mailing an envelope: http://www.homedepotrebates.com .
Super deal if you are in the process of renovation project(s) or are looking for a quick decorating change for a room. I ended up with interior trim and wall paints, as well as porch and floor paint.
When it comes time to decide upon colors for the walls, I will bring the cans of base paint back to the store and have them add the appropriate tints and shake the paint can(s).
Once again, in terms of project inventory, I am planning ahead and happy to save $5. per gallon. Yes, every bit helps with the bottom line.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wire and Cable Harnessing
In the information technology (IT) field there are millions of miles of cables that technicians and engineers need to manage and keep neat and tidy. The most widely used method is tie wraps or zip ties. Tie wraps or zip ties require threading an eye in one end of the tie with the opposite end and then pulling taught and many times clipping the extra tail off to finsh the cable bundle.
The Con: At a later date, if you want to add a cable or remove, etc. it will require clippers to remove the old tie and adding a new tie and clipping off the tail.
I confess, I have tried using ties at home and they have a utility in certain instances. But, when it comes to home wire and cable harnessing that requires adjustments periodically. Or just plain organizing extra wires, cables and extension cords, I have found a Velcro Brand product that I strongly recommend.
Velcro makes reusable ties for wires and cords that comes in a two (2) roll pack with a total of fifty (50) straps (8" x 1/2"). Same design concept as a tie or zip wrap, but with greater flexability and reusable. Cost is roughly $5. for the pack of fifty (50) and they can be found at your local building supply stores.
What is nice about this product from Velcro is that it is a scaled down thinner material and loops than regualr Velcro products. Not as fuzzy or with the visable hooks like the standard product.
If you are looking to color code and Just bundle cables, try a dollar store. They might carry Relayer Electronics, Self Attaching Cable Ties. These come in a package of eight (8) and the dimensions areL 6.75" x 0.62". I have found these in Huntsville, AL, as well as Northern Virginia, DC Metro area. Cost is $1. a pack. (These are the Velcro knock off with the visable fuzz and large hook loops. Plus each tie has a small black loop at the end of each that I imagine one could attatch a hang tag to for identification of length of cable or something of that nature.
Slowly, but surely working on my boxes and drawers of wires, cables and extension cords cleaning up the inventory. Plus, tidying up area such as lamp electrical wires removing the excess length and making nice little bundles. The tiny little things that can make a difference in a home environment.
When you have a moment, peruse the Velcro.com web site to see what other inventive products they have, such as plant ties and carpet protector.
Cheers!
The Con: At a later date, if you want to add a cable or remove, etc. it will require clippers to remove the old tie and adding a new tie and clipping off the tail.
I confess, I have tried using ties at home and they have a utility in certain instances. But, when it comes to home wire and cable harnessing that requires adjustments periodically. Or just plain organizing extra wires, cables and extension cords, I have found a Velcro Brand product that I strongly recommend.
Velcro makes reusable ties for wires and cords that comes in a two (2) roll pack with a total of fifty (50) straps (8" x 1/2"). Same design concept as a tie or zip wrap, but with greater flexability and reusable. Cost is roughly $5. for the pack of fifty (50) and they can be found at your local building supply stores.
What is nice about this product from Velcro is that it is a scaled down thinner material and loops than regualr Velcro products. Not as fuzzy or with the visable hooks like the standard product.
If you are looking to color code and Just bundle cables, try a dollar store. They might carry Relayer Electronics, Self Attaching Cable Ties. These come in a package of eight (8) and the dimensions areL 6.75" x 0.62". I have found these in Huntsville, AL, as well as Northern Virginia, DC Metro area. Cost is $1. a pack. (These are the Velcro knock off with the visable fuzz and large hook loops. Plus each tie has a small black loop at the end of each that I imagine one could attatch a hang tag to for identification of length of cable or something of that nature.
Slowly, but surely working on my boxes and drawers of wires, cables and extension cords cleaning up the inventory. Plus, tidying up area such as lamp electrical wires removing the excess length and making nice little bundles. The tiny little things that can make a difference in a home environment.
When you have a moment, peruse the Velcro.com web site to see what other inventive products they have, such as plant ties and carpet protector.
Cheers!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Huh? Am I Being Followed?
Has anyone else ever experienced someone watching them while they shop and actually commenting on what you have in your basket as choices.
Not such a bad thing, as in a sense it is a compliment. But, twice, I have been approached when in a consignment shop or thrift store and the person in question has asked to buy an item that caught their eye.
The couple at the register:
When I had the first approach, The cashier and I were being told a story about Hurricane Katrina and how they lived in New Orleans; were up visiting their son and trying to re-establish their household. She said she used to have a pillow just like the wool crewel work one with roses that I was purchasing. "I spent so long making that pillow and really would like to have that one".
In brief, I thought she was giving a performance and using Hurricane Katrina to make people feel sorry for her and give her a deal on whatever it was they were going to purchase. So, I listened with caution and wasn't about to fall into their trap and was hoping that the cashier wouldn't either.
Interesting to watch them play out their hurricane survivor role or should I say, watch her act. She's aiming for this floral needle work pillow with a matching velvet back, for whatever purpose, thinking it is worth much more and offering me more in front of the cashier.
Me, I have already unzipped the cover and realize it is handmade. But, sold by Pottery Barn ;)
Yeah, you have to smile and just play along.
She ended up offering me approximently $15 over what I was paying for the pillow. To which I responded, "No, I really like the pillow and was glad that she did, as well. But, I am keeping it for myself."
Recently, I was in a store and this one woman was eyeing what I had and commenting on my finds and what a good eye I had.
She didn't just stop there. She continued to comment on other items I added to the basket and followed me when I went to ask the cashier pricing on a couple of items that did not have price tags. She whispered something to me as I was standing there and I wasn't able to make out what she was saying and just ignored her.
While standing waiting for the cashier to return with pricing, she told me she particularly liked this large older piece of upholstery material that didn't have a price and was eager to find out how much it was being sold for and where I picked it up.
I told her it was in an old bureau or narrow set of drawers along with other rags and scraps of cloth out in front of the store.
Cashier gave me a a price and sure enough, the admirer walked outside to check the drawers of the furniture for sale outdoors.
What I found odd with this experience is that it was a while before I checked out, as I continued to shop, after the cashier gave me pricing on items without tags. When I did check out, I was surprised that the woman followed me and approached me outside the shop with a story about how she had that exact same fabric at home and would love to have a matching piece and would pay me $25 for it.
Ironically, both times I have been approached, the items have had a rose pink background and floral pattern.
Sometimes, I am caught off guard and don't know what to say. But, I quickly replied that I wasn't interested in selling and already had plans to use it to cover a sofa and walked away.
Heck, now not only do I have to guard those one of a kind items, as if left in basket or on the counter, I often have to stop other shoppers from walking off with the prized items I have found and am going to purchase. Now, I have to also be prepared to say "NO" in a polite and tactful way to other customers that want what I have.
I just got a flashback of the man in business attire that approached me in a woman's lingerie department years ago. But, that is another story.
Hint to the wise, when leaving a store, try and take notice of who is following you.
Update - 29 May 2011 - Encore!
It happened again this week. I was at the register ready to check out and had items neatly folded in my basket. An elderly lady that was in front of me asking the sales rep for assistance on a price turned around and saw a pair of hand made, heavy upholstery fabric drapery panels that I was purchasing. She immediately dove into my basket and picked up a panel and started to unfold it and oh and ah about how nice it was. Plus rattling along about how she made a laundry bag out of some similar fabric and was offered $20 for it by someone who saw her with it.
I am beginning to find some humor in this re-occurrence.
Not such a bad thing, as in a sense it is a compliment. But, twice, I have been approached when in a consignment shop or thrift store and the person in question has asked to buy an item that caught their eye.
The couple at the register:
When I had the first approach, The cashier and I were being told a story about Hurricane Katrina and how they lived in New Orleans; were up visiting their son and trying to re-establish their household. She said she used to have a pillow just like the wool crewel work one with roses that I was purchasing. "I spent so long making that pillow and really would like to have that one".
In brief, I thought she was giving a performance and using Hurricane Katrina to make people feel sorry for her and give her a deal on whatever it was they were going to purchase. So, I listened with caution and wasn't about to fall into their trap and was hoping that the cashier wouldn't either.
Interesting to watch them play out their hurricane survivor role or should I say, watch her act. She's aiming for this floral needle work pillow with a matching velvet back, for whatever purpose, thinking it is worth much more and offering me more in front of the cashier.
Me, I have already unzipped the cover and realize it is handmade. But, sold by Pottery Barn ;)
Yeah, you have to smile and just play along.
She ended up offering me approximently $15 over what I was paying for the pillow. To which I responded, "No, I really like the pillow and was glad that she did, as well. But, I am keeping it for myself."
Recently, I was in a store and this one woman was eyeing what I had and commenting on my finds and what a good eye I had.
She didn't just stop there. She continued to comment on other items I added to the basket and followed me when I went to ask the cashier pricing on a couple of items that did not have price tags. She whispered something to me as I was standing there and I wasn't able to make out what she was saying and just ignored her.
While standing waiting for the cashier to return with pricing, she told me she particularly liked this large older piece of upholstery material that didn't have a price and was eager to find out how much it was being sold for and where I picked it up.
I told her it was in an old bureau or narrow set of drawers along with other rags and scraps of cloth out in front of the store.
Cashier gave me a a price and sure enough, the admirer walked outside to check the drawers of the furniture for sale outdoors.
What I found odd with this experience is that it was a while before I checked out, as I continued to shop, after the cashier gave me pricing on items without tags. When I did check out, I was surprised that the woman followed me and approached me outside the shop with a story about how she had that exact same fabric at home and would love to have a matching piece and would pay me $25 for it.
Ironically, both times I have been approached, the items have had a rose pink background and floral pattern.
Sometimes, I am caught off guard and don't know what to say. But, I quickly replied that I wasn't interested in selling and already had plans to use it to cover a sofa and walked away.
Heck, now not only do I have to guard those one of a kind items, as if left in basket or on the counter, I often have to stop other shoppers from walking off with the prized items I have found and am going to purchase. Now, I have to also be prepared to say "NO" in a polite and tactful way to other customers that want what I have.
I just got a flashback of the man in business attire that approached me in a woman's lingerie department years ago. But, that is another story.
Hint to the wise, when leaving a store, try and take notice of who is following you.
Update - 29 May 2011 - Encore!
It happened again this week. I was at the register ready to check out and had items neatly folded in my basket. An elderly lady that was in front of me asking the sales rep for assistance on a price turned around and saw a pair of hand made, heavy upholstery fabric drapery panels that I was purchasing. She immediately dove into my basket and picked up a panel and started to unfold it and oh and ah about how nice it was. Plus rattling along about how she made a laundry bag out of some similar fabric and was offered $20 for it by someone who saw her with it.
I am beginning to find some humor in this re-occurrence.
Cleaning Older or Antique Linens
 |
| Left to Right: As purchased yellowed & stained. New white linen tucked underneath as reference. Cleaned napkin and matching table cloth. |
Amazed at the time and craftsmanship that used to be put into a piece like this and used as a part of everyday dining.
Of course, those linens that were heavily used developed stains and turned yellow over the years. One has to wonder how much the heavy duty use of starch to stiffen and press the linens smooth contributed to the setting in of stains and discoloration.
Purchasing these items can be a bit of a gamble and if you are looking for perfection you may find yourself sorely disappointed.
I have read of a number of different methods for cleaning linens. One of the more popular published methods is natural fresh lemon juice squeezed onto the stain and then allow the item to set in the hot sun prior to washing.
You can learn from experience or take my word for it. Never, ever use full strength clorhine bleach to clean linens. If the holes and damage doesn't appear right away, just wait and don't be surprised when little pin holes first appear and gradually increase in size each time you use and wash thereafter.
One of my favorite products is oxygen cleaner such as Oxyiclean. Though, I have found that the not so famous brands and those similar products sold in the dollar stores are dead on equivalents in their ability to clean and brighten.
I recently discovered that Dollar General carries a half gallon, liquid refill jug and that has become my new favorite in my laundry room.
The powders work well. Though, I'd recommend dissolving in a cup of hot or warm water prior to pouring into the wash water, as it can take some time for the powdered versions to dissolve.
When cleaning, one of the things I have learned is to have some patience and take my time. That includes not throwing delicate items into the washing machine and having great expectations as to the results in 30 minutes time.
For items such as the linens shown I slowly cleaned them over a 4 day period. Starting out with saturating the heavily started material with water in the bath tub. Draining the water and then refilling and adding oxygen cleaner to the fresh hot water bath.
I let them soak a day and ended up with a dark yellow water.
Time to drain and press out the excess water. Then rinse and start all over with another soak using the hot water and oxygen cleaner.
On the third day, the process is repeated with the addition of a very small amount of diluted chlorine bleach to the water.
Fourth day, drain, rinse, transfer to a bucket or a wash basin you can carry and transfer the linens to the washing machine for a delicate cycle wash with regular laundry detergent.
Once the machine stops, you can either remove and iron immediately, as it is easier to iron linen while it is wet. Or in my case, I folded them up and will go through that process in the future, prior to use.
Crystal Chandeliers - Just Brilliant!
Growing up around antiques and older furniture made me sway towards more contemporary and modern, simple lines of furnishings and decorations, once I was of age and could make decisions about my own decor.
Now, look at me... Swaying back to the other direction, I am finding beauty again and again in the detail of more complex pieces, carvings and patterns, etc.
One of the items that I often search for when I am surfing my local craigslist.org site is "chandelier". I came across this 18 light, crystal and glass chandelier back in early April.
The photographs are showing it in the owners newly redecorated dining room. This was one of the final items to be removed prior to the new light they had purchased being installed and the ceiling being patched and repainted.
It took a couple of trips to procure this item. One to view and make a commitment and another follow-up days later to pay and pick-up the chandelier and the plaster medallion.
I am not sure if the medallion will work on the textured and vaulted ceiling of my living room. But, it might find a second life elsewhere, such as the adjoining dining room, as I am now in search of another much smaller scale and similar chandelier for that space (open to the living room).
This will not get installed right away, as the basement project is still in process and moving along well. But, slowly. That takes precedence at the moment.
It took an entire evening removing the crystals and the individual candle bowls from under each light fixture and cleaning them. I am certain it might take just as long or longer to re-install. But, for now the pieces are clean and stored away ready for installation.
Little factoid, this house built in 1983 does not have overhead lights in a majority of the rooms. Mrs. O'Dea must have elected not to have them installed in lieu of using table lamps.
Personally, far too dark for me and when the sun goes down it makes me very sleepy..
Now, look at me... Swaying back to the other direction, I am finding beauty again and again in the detail of more complex pieces, carvings and patterns, etc.
One of the items that I often search for when I am surfing my local craigslist.org site is "chandelier". I came across this 18 light, crystal and glass chandelier back in early April.
It took a couple of trips to procure this item. One to view and make a commitment and another follow-up days later to pay and pick-up the chandelier and the plaster medallion.
I am not sure if the medallion will work on the textured and vaulted ceiling of my living room. But, it might find a second life elsewhere, such as the adjoining dining room, as I am now in search of another much smaller scale and similar chandelier for that space (open to the living room).
This will not get installed right away, as the basement project is still in process and moving along well. But, slowly. That takes precedence at the moment.
It took an entire evening removing the crystals and the individual candle bowls from under each light fixture and cleaning them. I am certain it might take just as long or longer to re-install. But, for now the pieces are clean and stored away ready for installation.
Little factoid, this house built in 1983 does not have overhead lights in a majority of the rooms. Mrs. O'Dea must have elected not to have them installed in lieu of using table lamps.
Personally, far too dark for me and when the sun goes down it makes me very sleepy..
Spring 2011 Flowers - Peonies
The house across the street, from where I grew up had a full row of peonies that bordered the edge of yard. Huge, fragrant blooms each year were always a wonderful treat and a true sign that summer time was getting that much closer.
The friend that lived in that house as a child, tells me she truly misses the quantity and the beauty of that row of flowers.
Can you imagine a 40 foot row of these densely packed flowers blooming in your yard?
I was chatting on-line with her and can only think that one of the previous residents (rental) of the house in their travel to the orient must have brought back a bounty of the rhizomes from one of their trips, as the attic above the garage had a vintage stash of oriental treasures that every now and then we'd get a glimpse of.
If I can figure out how to successfully move and propagate these plants, I will let you all know at a later date. For now, I am just enjoying the wonderful aroma of these in my bedroom.
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