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I think I need new windows

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I think I need to have new windows installed in my home. When I first bought my house 11 years ago we were told that the previous owners had had new windows installed about two or three years previously, but if they were new they weren’t installed all that well.

I’ve always noticed a little bit of moisture or humidity between the panes in the summer time and I knew that wasn’t supposed to happen if the windows had been installed properly. In the last few years the moisture between the panes has been getting worse in a few of the windows. It doesn’t happen in all the windows in my house, mainly in the upstairs windows – but either way, I don’t like it. You’re supposed to be able to see out of your windows all year long aren’t you? I can’t fully see out of my windows in the the fall, winter and spring. That’s not right!

So I’ve been starting to look at some companies that I can get to come and replace my windows. It would probably be cheaper for me if I could do it right now, but I think I’ll have to wait until spring. One company that I’m looking at is richmond windows as they have Pella windows. I’ll have to compare their prices though as I want the best price.

I wonder if I could just have my current windows re installed – properly? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with my windows, it’s the installation that has a problem. I should ask about that when I’m calling around. Yes – I could save a ton of money if I could just get the installation fixed. Maybe … Have any of you tried that? Have you had moisture between the panes problems with your windows too?

Work, overtime and guitars

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My husbands been busy working a lot of extra shifts in the last week or so. One of his co-workers is on holiday and he’s been covering some of her shifts so he’s been working almost continuously. He’s pretty tired.

The one good thing about it one my side of things is the house is quite so I’ve been able to get more studying done. That’s a good thing. Well .. at least until he comes home. Sometimes Chris picks up his guitar when he gets home and starts playing as it helps him relax .. and of course because he enjoys it. I don’t mind the music at all, but it does disturb my studying. Oh and he found yet another guitar to drool over. It’s a fender electric guitar at musicians friend. He just loves Fenders, the older the better. He has six or seven guitars already so I don’t think he’ll be buying another anytime soon, but I guess he’s got another on his wish list.

Perhaps he’s thinking of using all his overtime money on this new guitar? Hmmm .. I’d better have a talk with him just in case that’s what he’s thinking … LOL

photo by: gedankenstuecke

Time for a new bed?

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I think it’s time to get a new mattress. Don’t they say that you should replace your mattress every 10 or 15 years or so depending upon what kind you purchased? If that’s true mine is due for a change very soon. The bed in our bedroom as well as the mattress was purchased when we moved into our house in 2001 so that means that it’s 11 years old.

I haven’t been sleeping as well lately and my back has been hurting a little bit on and off and I’ve been starting to wonder if it’s because of my bed. The mattress still seems like it’s in good shape but I suppose it’s quite possible that it’s starting to wear out.

I think in a few months when I’m back working at the hospital I might go looking for a new bed set. Especially if I’m still having some trouble sleeping and my back has continued to bother me. I’m actually taking a trip in a couple of months to LA … maybe while I’m there I’ll do some shopping and check out mattress stores los angeles while I’m there. Of course I think I’ll probably be pretty busy and if I go shopping it will be clothes shopping rather than for something I can’t bring on a plane … but there’s nothing wrong with a little window shopping no matter where you are, right?

Any suggestions from anyone on the best brands to buy? I can’t afford to spend thousands on a bed set but I know the higher the quality the longer they last.

photo by: bedzine

Six Edible Gift Ideas

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Do you have people on your gift-giving list that are hard to buy for? Or people that seem to already have everything? If these scenarios sound familiar, then you may want to consider giving these people something everyone enjoys – an edible gift! Edible gifts are a pleasure path for your recipients – especially when you give a delicious gift! These are our six favorite edible gift ideas, so feel free to follow suit or get creative and come up with an edible gift of your own – bon appetit!

 

1. Seasonal Mug with Chocolate-Dipped Spoon
With the cooler weather upon us, hot chocolate is the perfect compliment and practically everyone loves this childhood favorite hot drink. As a gift you can create a fun way for them to enjoy this all-time favorite. Pick out a mug that suits the style of the gift recipient, and with a plastic bag layer hot cocoa mix with marshmallows (just enough for one drink per bag). You can also add a special chocolate-dipped spoon to the gift as well. It is as simple as getting a plastic spoon and dipping it in some melted chocolate chips. For a more specialty boutique look, consider adding colored sprinkles (Christmas, Hanukah or even Halloween colors).  Wrap the spoon in cellophane and tie with ribbon and you are done!This is not only a delicious gift, it is also a great gift for anyone watching their wallet.
2. Jar of Cookies Mix
Along the same line as the hot chocolate mix kit, you can also do a cookie mix. In a large mason jar, layer the dry ingredients needed to make your favorite cookies, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or even white chocolate macadamia nut. Then create a decorative card that shares your recipe and baking instructions, as well as what is needed to complete the cookie mix in the jar. These look really cute – especially when they are dolled up with ribbons and gorgeous cards. The cards can be hand-crafted or printed. This is a great gift for the sweet tooth in your life or even as a great housewarming gift.

3. Cake Pops
If do-it-yourself gifts are not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other edible gift ideas that you can buy (or make yourself if you are feeling gutsy). Cake pops are a huge trend right now – and give the right amount of sweet. Most bakeries, even Starbucks, carry these popular treats – so order up half a dozen or more and give away!

4. Cookie Bouquet
Another fun edible gift is the cookie bouquet. The neat thing about these are cookies can be so customizable – nearly any occasion can be celebrated with a cookie bouquet, especially when you have a good baker.  The bakers can make the cookies into shapes of surfers, golfers, your favorite sport and even cartoon. Then they are decorated with delicious frosting and you have a powerful and tasty treat to give away! These are great for kids, adults and even baby showers!
5. Wine of the Month
If your gift recipient does not have a sweet tooth, you will want to go another direction. One that may be a great option is signing your friend up for a wine of the month club. This will allow your friend the opportunity to experience many different types of wine. This is a pricier edible gift, but will surely be enjoyed!
6. Steak & Lobster
There are also a number companies that will deliver edible gifts to your friends’ and families. You can shower your friends and family with delicious delicacies like steak and lobster – all of which are sure to bring a smile to their faces and fill their bellies.
Apart from being a licensed veterinarian, Susan Wright is also a freelance writer. Susan enjoys sharing gift giving ideas for friends, family and pets.






What are your hobbies?

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I was in my basement the other day and I came across an old spoon rack that my parents gave me many many years ago. I’m not really sure where all of the spoon are that used to be in the spoon rack went, but they are still somewhere around. I know they are. My parents bought me that spoon rack because somehow, when I was quite young I got started on a spoon collection.

It wasn’t me that started it. I didn’t know anything about spoon collecting when I was a little kid. However, relatives that travelled would be nice and they’d bring me back spoons from Africa, Germany, Spain, England and so on and before I knew it I had quite a few spoons. My parents and I would also go on road trip vacations and we’d drive across parts of Canada and the US so of course I have spoons from all of the Provinces in Canada and most of the States in the US.

Anyway .. I know people have all kinds of hobbies. Some people start on their own and others get started with a little help from other people. My nieces husband is in the Military and just recently she took an interest in our families military history. She requested pictures or copies of my fathers and other relatives Air Force challenge coins or any other items we could come across. I don’t have any of that stuff but I know where she can get more information on my fathers and other relatives service records so I sent her that information. So that’s her hobby now .. collecting our families and her husbands service histories.

Of course I have other hobbies .. spoon collecting isn’t really one of my hobbies anymore, although if I started travelling again or went somewhere where I didn’t think I had a spoon from I might get a spoon and maybe my hobby would start again. What kind of hobbies do you have?

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