I think I am thankful that my kids only have to get eyeglasses once a year. Last year, I purchased two pairs for one of my daughters and one pair for my son at Walmart. I have taken them to the eye doctor at the local Walmart for five years. It's covered by our insurance and he's very knowledgeable. So, the eye exam part of it is very simple. Picking out eyeglasses, though, can be much more frustrating.
Last year, I looked at Walmart and Costco for glasses for my children. I started at Walmart and looked around. Then, I headed down to Costco with three children in tow. The lady at the counter was so unhelpful and I was frazzled, so I quickly left. I headed back to Walmart and picked out glasses--two pairs for my middle daughter and 1 pair for my son. Walmart doesn't carry many really small glasses. So, I only got one pair and resolved to find another pair somewhere else.
I bought a second pair from JCPenny Optical and that was a horrible experience. The price was as low as it could be--$25. But, even the smallest pair was bigger than the pair I'd found for him at Walmart. Still, the reason it was a horrible experience was because we didn't get any help. They also put the glasses in a soft case (so you'd have to spend extra money on a hard case anyways). I didn't mind when Eli ended up losing the glasses from Penney's withing a month. But, that did mean that I needed another spare pair for Eli, so I headed to a Walmart that was closer to where I lived.
I ended up with a more expensive frame and the price climbed for his glasses from $39 to $78. Surprisingly, it was the $78 glasses that came apart four times this year. But, because it was a screw, I simply had to go back in over and over to get it fixed. Time. The store workers gave my son as the cause for the problem, though, the screws in his other glasses never came out.
At the end of it all, I did not look forward to trying to find new glasses again this year. I knew I needed to do it differently.
We started with the exams. I have found that my children's eyesight has changed every year. I start getting their eyes checked at 4 years old. Children's eyesight does continue to develop until they are 8 years old, so optometrists expect changes during this time and won't (shouldn't) automatically prescribe glasses even if a child doesn't have 20/20 vision. This year, I found that my oldest daughter needed glasses to wear all the time. She's the same age that I was when I started wearing glasses all day, every day. Additionally, my middle daughter's eyes changed and she needed new glasses, but my son's stayed the same. So, we needed to make the rounds and find new eyeglasses...
We started with Walmart. But, the girls didn't find ones they liked. Both my husband I remembered times when we were kids when we felt very self-conscious about our glasses. We want them to have glasses that are flattering and that they like. After we left Walmart, I realized that I needed to talk with my daughters before we looked any farther. What I said to my oldest daughter was that I wanted to find glasses that both she liked and I liked. I wanted glasses for her that would flatter her face. When I was a kid, knowing what looked nice on me didn't naturally occur to me. And my daughters are the same way. I try to give them broad guidelines and then freedom within those guidelines.
After Walmart, we checked out America's Best Value, since a friend had recommended it to me last year. I discovered that they have a good selection of really small frames for children under 5 who need glasses at really cheap prices. But, when we walked into the store near us, three employees were sitting gabbing away and they never offered to help us. Whether I am willing to purchase glasses from a store is now dependent on whether someone is willing to help us (after our experience with Penney's last year). There also weren't many frames in my ten year old's size which is what we were primarily looking for. So, we moved on.
For Autumn, we ended up at a small optical boutique near our home, Holloway, that had some girl frames that weren't too young, nor too tweenish. They were more expensive, but my oldest daughter loves them. We did spend the money to get her good lenses that don't distort your eyes when someone looks at you. There isn't a reflection or a rainbow effect.
One pair down, two to go (one pair of sunglasses for my oldest daughter and one pair of distance glasses for my middle daughter).
Next, we tried our local mall and Visionworks. Their glasses are ready in a few hours (or up to a day later in the case of polarized sunglasses). The saleslady was helpful and patient with us, but didn't know a lot about what constituted a proper fit of glasses on a child. I realized that for my own sanity, I needed to help one daughter at a time, so I started with Sami. We found her a cute pair of glasses and that was done. Then, I turned my attention to Autumn's sunglasses. That was tough. After a long search, we settled on some plastic purple frames. Looking for glasses may take a short time if you're lucky, but I'm realizing that I need to always make sure to allow for time when shopping for glasses with my children so that I don't get stressed and impatient with my children. I tend to squeeze things into my schedule and when it comes to glasses... it's wise for my kids and me if I allow more time for such shopping trips!
(On a side note, Visionworks does carry the flexon frames for boys with bendy arms. So, if you're looking for them, you can find them there. They don't make them in girl colors, though.)
Buying glasses for kids just isn't easy. I find that as a parent, I'm constantly figuring out how to make things manageable for myself. I managed things better this year than last. I am hoping that next year will be easier than this one!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Thoughts on HGTV
It's very interesting to me that HGTV shows and others in that "home improvement" genre have been super popular in the last few years. These shows make everything look so... so... well, doable!
But, are they really??
We don't have cable television, so I don't watch a lot of shows on HGTV, but it is always on at the doctor's office where I had my lasik surgery done. So, before one of my pre-op appointments I had the opportunity to watch one of the shows in which a man and woman team up to help a couple do some updates that will essentially redecorate their home and sell it.
I watched as they recommended repainting the living room and removing some very obnoxious plaster sculptures that were permanently adhered to the walls (which had been there when they purchased the home). Then, I watched as the woman brought the wife out on the patio to refinish a table with a dark stain.
This was where the show and me did not see eye to eye and where the light bulb went on in my head.
When I've watched these shows in the past, I've always known that the shows want you to buy into the story they're telling you. I have no idea how much truth is actually in the stories. But, on this particular day, there was a big glaring problem with the story the show was telling.
The wife, who was helping stain the table was in a black shirt--and perfectly white shorts... he he he. Who stains anything in good clothes? NO ONE! Who stains something without getting something on them? Almost no one. Who would ever, ever stain something with white shorts on? NO ONE!
At this point in the show, I just burst out laughing. I pointed out the problem with the show and she completely agreed with me.
I don't think I'll ever look at these shows the same way again.
Are many of the projects doable? Yes. I've done a lot of the remodeling I often see on these shows. Does it always come out as perfectly as it does on the shows? Of course not!
Why am I even writing all of this down?
Because this show reminded me to have realistic expectations of myself and projects that I tackle. I know things may not come out perfectly the first time. I know I may have to start over. But, that's okay. Because unlike the shows where everything looks easy to do and perfect the first try, life doesn't really work that way.
But, are they really??
We don't have cable television, so I don't watch a lot of shows on HGTV, but it is always on at the doctor's office where I had my lasik surgery done. So, before one of my pre-op appointments I had the opportunity to watch one of the shows in which a man and woman team up to help a couple do some updates that will essentially redecorate their home and sell it.
I watched as they recommended repainting the living room and removing some very obnoxious plaster sculptures that were permanently adhered to the walls (which had been there when they purchased the home). Then, I watched as the woman brought the wife out on the patio to refinish a table with a dark stain.
This was where the show and me did not see eye to eye and where the light bulb went on in my head.
When I've watched these shows in the past, I've always known that the shows want you to buy into the story they're telling you. I have no idea how much truth is actually in the stories. But, on this particular day, there was a big glaring problem with the story the show was telling.
The wife, who was helping stain the table was in a black shirt--and perfectly white shorts... he he he. Who stains anything in good clothes? NO ONE! Who stains something without getting something on them? Almost no one. Who would ever, ever stain something with white shorts on? NO ONE!
At this point in the show, I just burst out laughing. I pointed out the problem with the show and she completely agreed with me.
I don't think I'll ever look at these shows the same way again.
Are many of the projects doable? Yes. I've done a lot of the remodeling I often see on these shows. Does it always come out as perfectly as it does on the shows? Of course not!
Why am I even writing all of this down?
Because this show reminded me to have realistic expectations of myself and projects that I tackle. I know things may not come out perfectly the first time. I know I may have to start over. But, that's okay. Because unlike the shows where everything looks easy to do and perfect the first try, life doesn't really work that way.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Family Memories
This morning at the next to last garage sale my children and I stopped at was a lady with a few cookbooks to sell. I picked up one with some fun pictures of cupcakes. Starting conversations at garage sales is one of the things I particularly enjoy doing, so I asked the cookbook woman what her favorite cookbook was. She explained that her favorite cookbook is the one that her mom gave her.
It is a cookbook with handwritten copies of the recipes from her family. Some of the recipes are in her grandmother's handwriting--a particular treasure to her. She recently found the letter her grandmother had written her the Thanksgiving she was cooking the family turkey. It even had a note about being careful not to let her son near the oven so he wouldn't get burned.
I have a friend who loves dishes in the same way that this woman loves her hand me down cookbook. Her grandmother's dishes are precious to her. I know that when her children are grown, they will remember her dishes and remember that their mother loved them. Which leads me to my garage sale find of this morning...
As I cleaned these dishes, I realized that someday when my children are grown, they will remember eating on these white dishes. These will be dishes like my friend's grandmother's dishes. Perhaps they will be special because they were mine. I know they are white, but they are special to me. They've traveled with me and persevered with me. They've lasted.
Rabbit trail... Eli broke one a few weeks ago, and I have to admit that I was upset that he had broken one of "my" dishes. Sometimes I say things and I just know immediately that it was wrong. This was one of those times. In this case, my thinking was very self-centered. Yes, he broke a dish, but it was one of our family dishes--not one of my dishes.
After I'd cleaned up all the shards and had time to think, I saw my error clearly. The dishes could have been considered mine, I suppose, but what I was really saying to my son in that moment was that he had done something to hurt me intentionally. I was saying, "How could you?!" This was totally not true. He hadn't intended to drop the dish. But, by using the words that I used, I said to him that I thought he had. That was my greatest error. The heart of the matter was that I needed to see it as an accident and that it was more about my son than me. I then showed him what to do with dishes when they came out of the microwave and instructed him.
Another rabbit trail...
Still, they're just dishes. Yes, they're a treasure and they make me smile because they come from a time when I had nothing, but I spent $30 on a set of dishes that I hoped would last a very long time. Still, they're just dishes.
It's the memory that's more precious. The dishes are reminders of meals I've made. Eating as a family. Serving meals to guests. Memories are more precious than things. I'd rather Eli remember the dishes as the ones we ate on than the one he broke! I suspect that someday he'll probably remember both...
It is a cookbook with handwritten copies of the recipes from her family. Some of the recipes are in her grandmother's handwriting--a particular treasure to her. She recently found the letter her grandmother had written her the Thanksgiving she was cooking the family turkey. It even had a note about being careful not to let her son near the oven so he wouldn't get burned.
I have a friend who loves dishes in the same way that this woman loves her hand me down cookbook. Her grandmother's dishes are precious to her. I know that when her children are grown, they will remember her dishes and remember that their mother loved them. Which leads me to my garage sale find of this morning...
A set of dishes. They actually looked worse than this picture. But, I recognized them right away. Pfaltzgraff Gazebo. I bought a set of Pfaltzgraff Gazebo 21 years ago. They have moved with me twelve times and have been in six states. They have been so durable and have lasted so well for me. But, I had 8 place settings when I started out. Now, I have 7 large plates (1 was broken last year). And 3 bowls have been broken over the years. Pfaltzgraff stopped making them years ago and replacements would be crazy expensive. So, I've never tried to add on. It would be less expensive to buy new sets of dishes...
So, I was cautiously excited to find these. There were 2 boxes. The dishes looked horrible! I still have no idea how they were taken care of to end up the way they looked this morning. But, I was willing to take a chance and see if I could fix them. The price was $1.50, so I wasn't going to lose that much if I couldn't clean any of them. I brought them home and pulled out the stoneware cleaner I'd bought years ago from Pfaltzgraff.
It did nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Ugh.
Then, I thought of Bar Keeper's Friend and pulled it out from under my sink. I don't keep a lot of cleaners on hand. (and I threw one more away today!) Bar Keeper's Friend is one I like. It's inexpensive and does an awesome job cleaning stainless steel pans! Porcelain and Ceramic are two of the things it can clean. So, I sat down and got to work. A damp rag and Bar Keeper's Spread sprinkled all over the plate. I was only able to clean two dishes at a time because of all of the elbow grease it took. But, it was worth it! Now, I have 13 big dishes, 16 small salad plates, 8 bowls, and 16 coffee cups.
As I cleaned these dishes, I realized that someday when my children are grown, they will remember eating on these white dishes. These will be dishes like my friend's grandmother's dishes. Perhaps they will be special because they were mine. I know they are white, but they are special to me. They've traveled with me and persevered with me. They've lasted.
Rabbit trail... Eli broke one a few weeks ago, and I have to admit that I was upset that he had broken one of "my" dishes. Sometimes I say things and I just know immediately that it was wrong. This was one of those times. In this case, my thinking was very self-centered. Yes, he broke a dish, but it was one of our family dishes--not one of my dishes.
After I'd cleaned up all the shards and had time to think, I saw my error clearly. The dishes could have been considered mine, I suppose, but what I was really saying to my son in that moment was that he had done something to hurt me intentionally. I was saying, "How could you?!" This was totally not true. He hadn't intended to drop the dish. But, by using the words that I used, I said to him that I thought he had. That was my greatest error. The heart of the matter was that I needed to see it as an accident and that it was more about my son than me. I then showed him what to do with dishes when they came out of the microwave and instructed him.
Another rabbit trail...
Still, they're just dishes. Yes, they're a treasure and they make me smile because they come from a time when I had nothing, but I spent $30 on a set of dishes that I hoped would last a very long time. Still, they're just dishes.
It's the memory that's more precious. The dishes are reminders of meals I've made. Eating as a family. Serving meals to guests. Memories are more precious than things. I'd rather Eli remember the dishes as the ones we ate on than the one he broke! I suspect that someday he'll probably remember both...
Friday, May 9, 2014
Enough
I've gone garage saling three times so far this spring. When I came home last Saturday, my husband cautioned me to really think about what we need vs. what we want. Every once in a while, I purchase something that doesn't work out. It's part of the risks that come with garage saling. Over all, it doesn't end up being that much, but it does happen. I try to inspect things closely, but it's surprising how often people wittingly and unwittingly will sell you something that doesn't work at their own garage sale.
A few weeks ago, I pointed out to a man that there was crack in the bottom of a container he was trying to sell. It was a BIG crack. I did end up buying a boombox at that sale and thought I'd looked closely at it. Turns out it was missing the volume knob! I missed it! I felt bad. My mom set the volume to what she normally listens to and it's still useable, but I felt foolish. The same Saturday morning, I bought a bread maker for a friend. I looked at it and bargained with the lady for the price to be $3 instead of $5. I'm glad I did. It only made 1 loaf of bread for my friend before quitting. At the same sale, I looked at a teapot that seemed to have some rust inside. I questioned the folks at the sale and the lady commented to me after a few minutes to stop giving her a hard time. I didn't think I was, but I was concerned and couldn't make up my own mind. I didn't get it. Two big clues that I shouldn't have bought things at those two yard sales.
But, I've had pretty good luck on the whole this year (two nice dresses for me, a rug for my girls' room, several cds for my husband, a pack 'n play for a friend, a roasting pan with a lid, a pasta maker for another friend...). Still, my husband's advice is wise for me to heed. I can call him if I have questions and need a second opinion. I need to remember I have a smart phone!
The idea of having enough is an important one, I've realized and it has a lot of applications in my life. Someone asked me this week if we could add on to our house. We could refinish part of our basement eventually, but that would involve a lot of work and expense. Since deciding in February that we weren't going to move, I've felt convicted to strive to be content with our home and our yard. Our yard is on the small size, but our kids make the most of it. More importantly, it is enough for me to take care of. There is enough room for flowers and a garden and for them to play. I went through my basement last week and did a big purge. Now, I feel comfortable down there again when I go to look for things.
I've come to believe that making things stretch is as much about finding ways to save money as it is about not spending in the first place and seeking contentment. I haven't posted many things lately about ways I've found to save money. My mind hasn't been on it. I've been dealing with a lot of life stuff. But, I've also been thinking about not spending when I go to a store. I've really wanted to buy a few new plants at Home Depot, but I've put it off. I have some seeds for perennial flowers and I'm going to plant them instead. We had a late frost after I'd put 6 plants in my garden and yard--and I didn't protect my plants. (I have to admit that I was tired that day and a bit lazy! ;) ) I wondered if they would die. 2 had no damage because they were in sheltered spots. The other 4 did experience some damage, but they're coming back from it. I'm thankful. I didn't want to spend more money on plants.
But, for me, it all comes back to the word: "enough". God knows what we need. He is so generous and I need to always remember that and remind myself of that truth. Having "enough" and not "too much" should be what I consider important.
There is a twisting that can come with "enough" though. The thinking can follow the lines of "just 1 more will be--enough". Enough starts with what one already has, I think, and carefully considering whether 1 more is actually a need or a want. I find I have to be very careful--especially when it comes to garage saling. Many items are very inexpensive, so it's easy to get "just 1 more". But, I just went through my craft supplies last week to organize them and I became very aware that I don't need any "just 1 more"s. It's good to know what you have and make sure you're using it before purchasing 1 more.
My kids wanted to sew and it frazzled me because over the past 2 years my crafts supplies had ended up in multiple spots. They weren't labeled or organized. So, we pulled everything out and organized it. I labeled every bin. I want to make sure we use what he have and I don't end up with two 18 year old girls and tons of craft supplies never used! The point of having something isn't to hold onto it and let it sit, but rather to use it and enjoy it. As soon as it was all labeled, the kids and I sat down to to do a sewing project (it's from the book Sewing School). Here's Sami's stuffie:
A few weeks ago, I pointed out to a man that there was crack in the bottom of a container he was trying to sell. It was a BIG crack. I did end up buying a boombox at that sale and thought I'd looked closely at it. Turns out it was missing the volume knob! I missed it! I felt bad. My mom set the volume to what she normally listens to and it's still useable, but I felt foolish. The same Saturday morning, I bought a bread maker for a friend. I looked at it and bargained with the lady for the price to be $3 instead of $5. I'm glad I did. It only made 1 loaf of bread for my friend before quitting. At the same sale, I looked at a teapot that seemed to have some rust inside. I questioned the folks at the sale and the lady commented to me after a few minutes to stop giving her a hard time. I didn't think I was, but I was concerned and couldn't make up my own mind. I didn't get it. Two big clues that I shouldn't have bought things at those two yard sales.
But, I've had pretty good luck on the whole this year (two nice dresses for me, a rug for my girls' room, several cds for my husband, a pack 'n play for a friend, a roasting pan with a lid, a pasta maker for another friend...). Still, my husband's advice is wise for me to heed. I can call him if I have questions and need a second opinion. I need to remember I have a smart phone!
The idea of having enough is an important one, I've realized and it has a lot of applications in my life. Someone asked me this week if we could add on to our house. We could refinish part of our basement eventually, but that would involve a lot of work and expense. Since deciding in February that we weren't going to move, I've felt convicted to strive to be content with our home and our yard. Our yard is on the small size, but our kids make the most of it. More importantly, it is enough for me to take care of. There is enough room for flowers and a garden and for them to play. I went through my basement last week and did a big purge. Now, I feel comfortable down there again when I go to look for things.
I've come to believe that making things stretch is as much about finding ways to save money as it is about not spending in the first place and seeking contentment. I haven't posted many things lately about ways I've found to save money. My mind hasn't been on it. I've been dealing with a lot of life stuff. But, I've also been thinking about not spending when I go to a store. I've really wanted to buy a few new plants at Home Depot, but I've put it off. I have some seeds for perennial flowers and I'm going to plant them instead. We had a late frost after I'd put 6 plants in my garden and yard--and I didn't protect my plants. (I have to admit that I was tired that day and a bit lazy! ;) ) I wondered if they would die. 2 had no damage because they were in sheltered spots. The other 4 did experience some damage, but they're coming back from it. I'm thankful. I didn't want to spend more money on plants.
But, for me, it all comes back to the word: "enough". God knows what we need. He is so generous and I need to always remember that and remind myself of that truth. Having "enough" and not "too much" should be what I consider important.
There is a twisting that can come with "enough" though. The thinking can follow the lines of "just 1 more will be--enough". Enough starts with what one already has, I think, and carefully considering whether 1 more is actually a need or a want. I find I have to be very careful--especially when it comes to garage saling. Many items are very inexpensive, so it's easy to get "just 1 more". But, I just went through my craft supplies last week to organize them and I became very aware that I don't need any "just 1 more"s. It's good to know what you have and make sure you're using it before purchasing 1 more.
My kids wanted to sew and it frazzled me because over the past 2 years my crafts supplies had ended up in multiple spots. They weren't labeled or organized. So, we pulled everything out and organized it. I labeled every bin. I want to make sure we use what he have and I don't end up with two 18 year old girls and tons of craft supplies never used! The point of having something isn't to hold onto it and let it sit, but rather to use it and enjoy it. As soon as it was all labeled, the kids and I sat down to to do a sewing project (it's from the book Sewing School). Here's Sami's stuffie:
My goal this spring is do more instead of buying more. It felt good to do this project. It felt good to use what I had and teach my children how to sew.
So, those are my thoughts this morning. Rambling, jumbled, meandering... as usual!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Enough already!
Recently, I wrote a review for the Dell laptop that we bought from Dell. I have blogged about what a bad experience the purchase was. I posted a review of it on Amazon. I have gotten comment after comment criticizing my review and saying it was silly. This is interesting to me. Why did people take issue with my review? Mostly because they misread it, I think.
Here's the review:
"We bought ours directly from DELL (DON'T ever do that! It's a mess!!!). This computer has already been frustrating to me and we've only had it a week. The i3 processor is so much slower than the i5 processor that is on my mother in law's laptop that we paid the same amount for. I wouldn't recommend it. It locked up on me the very first day I started using it. We're using this computer for our elementary age children--to learn to type and do kid-safe internet research via kidrex(dot)org. But, this computer really is much slower than I expected it to be. For the same price, we purchased a Toshiba laptop for my mother in law with more memory and an i5 processor. She's VERY happy with it. We, on the other hand, would not recommend this computer--which costs the same amount of money.
I don't even want to think about having to deal with Dell customer service if my computer breaks... ugh.... Go with another brand and stay away from Dell. Several computer folks who work at different stores have all confirmed that something happened at Dell in the past two years and they are now very difficult to deal with. So, save yourself some frustration and don't get this computer. Unfortunately, we're going to be stuck with it until it dies..."
In response, one commenter said my review was "silly" and "plain dumb" and that my review was written because I simply don't know what I'm doing.
Hmm. I have been using computers for over 20 years and I have been blogging for five. I'm not a computer expert, but I am very capable of using a computer and solving a lot of issues that I've run across over the years while using them.
After 4 comments about my review, I wrote this comment today:
"This is just silly. These comments keep commenting about my note about my desktop and this laptop that we purchased. I just deleted it, because it wasn't relevant. This computer is slow, period. We bought a laptop--A LAPTOP! with an i5 processor for about the same price for my mother in law and she has NO complaints about it or about the speed of her computer. WE, on the other hand, have experienced much frustration. That's why all of us--me, you, and everyone else that posts on Amazon-- write reviews. We are sharing our opinions based on our knowledge and our experience with the things we own. We hope that it will be helpful to someone else and that it will save them the hassle and frustration that we have experienced with products we have owned or currently own. I own this computer and am frustrated with it. On top of that, we had a HORRIBLE, ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE time dealing with DELL. I can't emphasize that enough.
On a completely different side note... it used to be true that laptops were always more expensive than desktops. But, this really isn't always true anymore. Based on the three computers we've already purchased in the past year, that hasn't definitely hasn't been true for us. And yes, I am comparing comparable products or at the very least similar ones!"
Originally, I had included a note in my review about our desktop, which also has an i5 processor in it. I deleted it today because the people commenting were missing the fact that I was comparing two laptops with different processors that were about the same price. As I looked back, only one of the comments was truly insulting and I am thankful for that.
I often explain to people why I don't state my full name on this blog or on Amazon and why I am not a part of Google +. It is because of stuff like this. This is mild, actually. There have been times when people have written really rude and even harshly mean comments on reviews I've written. I have read and reviewed a few books on which people have varied polarized opinions and it seems to get people's tempers flaring. Unfortunately, people just say whatever they want to without filters sometimes on the internet.
When I write comments on other people's reviews, I keep this in mind. Being constructive is one thing, being insulting is another.
Here's the review:
"We bought ours directly from DELL (DON'T ever do that! It's a mess!!!). This computer has already been frustrating to me and we've only had it a week. The i3 processor is so much slower than the i5 processor that is on my mother in law's laptop that we paid the same amount for. I wouldn't recommend it. It locked up on me the very first day I started using it. We're using this computer for our elementary age children--to learn to type and do kid-safe internet research via kidrex(dot)org. But, this computer really is much slower than I expected it to be. For the same price, we purchased a Toshiba laptop for my mother in law with more memory and an i5 processor. She's VERY happy with it. We, on the other hand, would not recommend this computer--which costs the same amount of money.
I don't even want to think about having to deal with Dell customer service if my computer breaks... ugh.... Go with another brand and stay away from Dell. Several computer folks who work at different stores have all confirmed that something happened at Dell in the past two years and they are now very difficult to deal with. So, save yourself some frustration and don't get this computer. Unfortunately, we're going to be stuck with it until it dies..."
In response, one commenter said my review was "silly" and "plain dumb" and that my review was written because I simply don't know what I'm doing.
Hmm. I have been using computers for over 20 years and I have been blogging for five. I'm not a computer expert, but I am very capable of using a computer and solving a lot of issues that I've run across over the years while using them.
After 4 comments about my review, I wrote this comment today:
"This is just silly. These comments keep commenting about my note about my desktop and this laptop that we purchased. I just deleted it, because it wasn't relevant. This computer is slow, period. We bought a laptop--A LAPTOP! with an i5 processor for about the same price for my mother in law and she has NO complaints about it or about the speed of her computer. WE, on the other hand, have experienced much frustration. That's why all of us--me, you, and everyone else that posts on Amazon-- write reviews. We are sharing our opinions based on our knowledge and our experience with the things we own. We hope that it will be helpful to someone else and that it will save them the hassle and frustration that we have experienced with products we have owned or currently own. I own this computer and am frustrated with it. On top of that, we had a HORRIBLE, ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE time dealing with DELL. I can't emphasize that enough.
On a completely different side note... it used to be true that laptops were always more expensive than desktops. But, this really isn't always true anymore. Based on the three computers we've already purchased in the past year, that hasn't definitely hasn't been true for us. And yes, I am comparing comparable products or at the very least similar ones!"
Originally, I had included a note in my review about our desktop, which also has an i5 processor in it. I deleted it today because the people commenting were missing the fact that I was comparing two laptops with different processors that were about the same price. As I looked back, only one of the comments was truly insulting and I am thankful for that.
I often explain to people why I don't state my full name on this blog or on Amazon and why I am not a part of Google +. It is because of stuff like this. This is mild, actually. There have been times when people have written really rude and even harshly mean comments on reviews I've written. I have read and reviewed a few books on which people have varied polarized opinions and it seems to get people's tempers flaring. Unfortunately, people just say whatever they want to without filters sometimes on the internet.
When I write comments on other people's reviews, I keep this in mind. Being constructive is one thing, being insulting is another.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Thoughts on Lasik...
A month ago, I had Lasik surgery. It was very unexpected for me. My husband sprang it on me and asked me to make an appointment. So, I did. It's a good thing it came on all of a sudden. Otherwise, I would have chickened out.
I learned that some Lasik doctors charge for the consultation and others don't. I made an appointment with one that didn't charge because I didn't want to waste a hundred dollars if I wasn't a candidate at all. I didn't know anything about Lasik going into this. I knew a few people that had had the surgery, but that was it.
I learned a few interesting things...
1) If you're under 40 years old, you're a better candidate. Your eye muscles are stronger and you likely won't have bifocals. If you have bifocals, you probably won't want lasik.
2) If you have a thick cornea, you can have Lasik surgery done, if it's thinner, you can get PRK surgery, but the recovery takes a lot longer.
3) If you have allergies, don't get Lasik done in the spring. I don't have allergies and I am very thankful. A friend pointed this out to me this week that she is constantly rubbing her eyes because of her allergies in the spring.
4) You can't rub your eyes for a year. So, if you are in the habit of rubbing them, you'll want to break that habit before the surgery. I've woken several times in the night and freaked out when I realized that one of my hands was about to touch one of my eyes. Ugh.
5) If you have dry eyes, Lasik can make that worse. For the first month after surgery, you have to follow a strict regimen of eye drops and keep them moist. I'm past the 30 day mark, but I've still been using drops 3-4 times a day right now. When my eyes are dry, it feels like I need to take my contacts out... except I can't.
6) I looked online before my consult to find out what a reasonable price for the surgery is. The articles I read said that you don't want to pay less than $2000 per eye. The two offices I inquired of were priced at $4500 and $5400-5700 (depending on the surgery).
7) After surgery, you are always supposed to wear sunglasses when outside (especially for the first 30 days after surgery). I know many people who've had the surgery who don't wear sunglasses though after a lot of time has passed.
8) After surgery, use preservative-free eye drops for moisture drops. There's a specific type of Refresh drops that Lasik patients use. I tried the Systane Ultra drops, Refresh, Refresh drops in a bottle, and Target's generic of the Refresh preservative-free drops. Verdict? I like the Refresh drops best (either in a bottle or one time use disposable containers. I don't like Target's generic and I don't like the Systane Drops. I lost over half of my eyelashes because of the Systane drops. They glumped together on my eyelashes so I had to be very careful getting them off. You can't get water on your face for 3 days after the surgery and you can't rubber your eyes, so glumping is hard to deal with! The Systane drops also made my eyes cloudy until they cleared, which is kind of freaky. The Refresh drops don't cloud my eyes. The biggest problem with Target's packaging is that the drops come out too fast! The refresh drops have similar packaging, but you have to turn them upside down and flick them with a finger to get the air to rise to the top so that you can squeeze a drop or two out.
9) Your prescription needs to have been stable for several years in order to be a good candidate. The under 40 is also a good guide because your eye muscles are stronger. I clearly noticed this during the surgery. I had to stare at the laser for 16 seconds with my right eye and 17 seconds with my left eye. It was easy with my right eye to stare straight ahead. I struggled with my left eye. In that moment, I realized how much stronger my right eye really was. I prayed that my left eye would stare straight ahead.
I should mention...I didn't really realize how bad things can turn out from the surgery. There are risks. I didn't expect to have 20/20 vision after the surgery, though I do. I do have some night halos, but that is supposed to dissipate in time. Everyone I know has had positive results from the surgery. It isn't wise to go into the surgery expecting perfection. The doctor cautioned me about this. I realized this afterwards as I puzzled at times about whether I had clear vision or anything was slightly "fuzzy". I realized that my vision is clear.
My husband felt very strongly that I should get this surgery. He told me multiple times that God is in control and that I needed to fight my fears by trusting Him. His providence undergirds everything. He said that even if something were to go wrong, I could know God was in control. I am very thankful, though, that the surgery went well.
Anyways, these are my thoughts...
I learned that some Lasik doctors charge for the consultation and others don't. I made an appointment with one that didn't charge because I didn't want to waste a hundred dollars if I wasn't a candidate at all. I didn't know anything about Lasik going into this. I knew a few people that had had the surgery, but that was it.
I learned a few interesting things...
1) If you're under 40 years old, you're a better candidate. Your eye muscles are stronger and you likely won't have bifocals. If you have bifocals, you probably won't want lasik.
2) If you have a thick cornea, you can have Lasik surgery done, if it's thinner, you can get PRK surgery, but the recovery takes a lot longer.
3) If you have allergies, don't get Lasik done in the spring. I don't have allergies and I am very thankful. A friend pointed this out to me this week that she is constantly rubbing her eyes because of her allergies in the spring.
4) You can't rub your eyes for a year. So, if you are in the habit of rubbing them, you'll want to break that habit before the surgery. I've woken several times in the night and freaked out when I realized that one of my hands was about to touch one of my eyes. Ugh.
5) If you have dry eyes, Lasik can make that worse. For the first month after surgery, you have to follow a strict regimen of eye drops and keep them moist. I'm past the 30 day mark, but I've still been using drops 3-4 times a day right now. When my eyes are dry, it feels like I need to take my contacts out... except I can't.
6) I looked online before my consult to find out what a reasonable price for the surgery is. The articles I read said that you don't want to pay less than $2000 per eye. The two offices I inquired of were priced at $4500 and $5400-5700 (depending on the surgery).
7) After surgery, you are always supposed to wear sunglasses when outside (especially for the first 30 days after surgery). I know many people who've had the surgery who don't wear sunglasses though after a lot of time has passed.
8) After surgery, use preservative-free eye drops for moisture drops. There's a specific type of Refresh drops that Lasik patients use. I tried the Systane Ultra drops, Refresh, Refresh drops in a bottle, and Target's generic of the Refresh preservative-free drops. Verdict? I like the Refresh drops best (either in a bottle or one time use disposable containers. I don't like Target's generic and I don't like the Systane Drops. I lost over half of my eyelashes because of the Systane drops. They glumped together on my eyelashes so I had to be very careful getting them off. You can't get water on your face for 3 days after the surgery and you can't rubber your eyes, so glumping is hard to deal with! The Systane drops also made my eyes cloudy until they cleared, which is kind of freaky. The Refresh drops don't cloud my eyes. The biggest problem with Target's packaging is that the drops come out too fast! The refresh drops have similar packaging, but you have to turn them upside down and flick them with a finger to get the air to rise to the top so that you can squeeze a drop or two out.
9) Your prescription needs to have been stable for several years in order to be a good candidate. The under 40 is also a good guide because your eye muscles are stronger. I clearly noticed this during the surgery. I had to stare at the laser for 16 seconds with my right eye and 17 seconds with my left eye. It was easy with my right eye to stare straight ahead. I struggled with my left eye. In that moment, I realized how much stronger my right eye really was. I prayed that my left eye would stare straight ahead.
I should mention...I didn't really realize how bad things can turn out from the surgery. There are risks. I didn't expect to have 20/20 vision after the surgery, though I do. I do have some night halos, but that is supposed to dissipate in time. Everyone I know has had positive results from the surgery. It isn't wise to go into the surgery expecting perfection. The doctor cautioned me about this. I realized this afterwards as I puzzled at times about whether I had clear vision or anything was slightly "fuzzy". I realized that my vision is clear.
My husband felt very strongly that I should get this surgery. He told me multiple times that God is in control and that I needed to fight my fears by trusting Him. His providence undergirds everything. He said that even if something were to go wrong, I could know God was in control. I am very thankful, though, that the surgery went well.
Anyways, these are my thoughts...
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
End of the Story
Dell called again last night.
I almost didn't answer. But, I did. The man on the phone explained that I hadn't received the $50 because I needed to speak to a particular department. I explained to him that I already had and then I calmly explained the rest of the story. He asked me to stay on hold. I did while I was cooking dinner. He came back on and asked if he would like me to call me back instead. I said was fine.
An hour later... he called back with the other person on the line. Then, that person had to call me right back, then the first person had to call me back... I was calm. I wasn't offended. But, I was ready to be done.
Really?! My husband told me to tell them not to call back again. He was done.
But, it was finally done after several phone calls to me. I am shocked at how much time I spent on the phone over a little laptop. Lesson learned. But, what lessons did I learn?
#1 Don't buy from Dell online.
But, more importantly #2
Consider my time. Ask myself, What battle am I fighting? Who am I fighting with? Is this someone I should be fighting with? What do I think I'm entitled to? Am I entitled to whatever that is? Does it all come down to an expectation that life should be easier? Or has God provided? Then it's time to leave it to the Lord.
I fought. Made my case. Then let it go. Winning anything from Dell or arguing with them wasn't going to make me a better person. It wasn't going to give me more peace. Only trusting in God can do that.
I realize that I often totally buy into our culture's idea that life should be easy. But, that isn't at all what God promises.
There's some interesting food for thought in Today's Adventures in Odyssey episode HERE. The name of the episode is: The fifth house on the left, parts 1 and 2. I'm glad my kids are listening to it and I look forward to talking to them about it.
I almost didn't answer. But, I did. The man on the phone explained that I hadn't received the $50 because I needed to speak to a particular department. I explained to him that I already had and then I calmly explained the rest of the story. He asked me to stay on hold. I did while I was cooking dinner. He came back on and asked if he would like me to call me back instead. I said was fine.
An hour later... he called back with the other person on the line. Then, that person had to call me right back, then the first person had to call me back... I was calm. I wasn't offended. But, I was ready to be done.
Really?! My husband told me to tell them not to call back again. He was done.
But, it was finally done after several phone calls to me. I am shocked at how much time I spent on the phone over a little laptop. Lesson learned. But, what lessons did I learn?
#1 Don't buy from Dell online.
But, more importantly #2
Consider my time. Ask myself, What battle am I fighting? Who am I fighting with? Is this someone I should be fighting with? What do I think I'm entitled to? Am I entitled to whatever that is? Does it all come down to an expectation that life should be easier? Or has God provided? Then it's time to leave it to the Lord.
I fought. Made my case. Then let it go. Winning anything from Dell or arguing with them wasn't going to make me a better person. It wasn't going to give me more peace. Only trusting in God can do that.
I realize that I often totally buy into our culture's idea that life should be easy. But, that isn't at all what God promises.
There's some interesting food for thought in Today's Adventures in Odyssey episode HERE. The name of the episode is: The fifth house on the left, parts 1 and 2. I'm glad my kids are listening to it and I look forward to talking to them about it.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Positive Experiences
I just realized that my past two posts were about difficult purchases. But, I think that in itself is worth writing about.
I'm reading a book this week that has been reminding of something--it is that that we can hold onto things, whether out of a desire for control, out of impatience, out of pride, or out of insecurity. There are many other reasons as well, but these are a few of them. Holding on to these things is not God's desire for us. (Normally, I am very quick to reference specific books, but in this case, I have been a bit disconcerted by it and am not sure I'm going to recommend it.)
If we love the Lord and believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins, then our hearts have been changed. And if our hearts have changed then we are necessarily not the same people that we were ten years ago. Because the Lord is continually working to change us. He uses other people as iron sharpens iron to bring our weaknesses before us, to help us trust Him, and that we might humble ourselves and seek Him.
My children saw first hand my reaction to the ordering of our Dell computer. I was upset. I was upset on the phone. I was upset about spending so much time waiting on the phone to talk to someone before I even got to talk to them. My children gave me space and tried not to interrupt me while I was dealing with the mess. Toward the end, my husband told me that he thought it was time to let it go. I was mad, but I was upset with Dell. I didn't insult any of the people I spoke with. I only pursued a resolution to the matter as long as I had his support. Sometimes we have to have others help us know how long to fight and when to let go or at least that is the case for me. My husband said it was time. So, I let it go.
This week I got several more disconcerting emails from Dell. I picked up the phone and called. I was supposed to get a $50 refund--which never came. I patiently explained my situation to three different people and was transferred three times until I was ultimately put on hold for a half hour and I hung up. When I hung up, I wasn't mad. I was letting go. It was time to be done.
Did it really matter? Was it worth my time to sit on the phone? Was I ever really going to talk to someone who could resolve the problem? I concluded that I wouldn't. But, most importantly, had God provided for the computer?
Yes.
It wasn't exactly what I would have chosen, but it is what the Lord has given us--and blessed us with. It will serve its purpose well. I trust and pray that the Lord will help me learn what He wants me to from all of this and that He will use this incident in my life.
When I read God's Word, I am encouraged that He isn't going to leave me alone just the way I am. He is going to work in my life to increase my patience, humility, and perseverance.
The phone calls and emails are done. My gmail is going to mark them as spam. And now I need to let it go and trust it to God. He provided.
I'm reading a book this week that has been reminding of something--it is that that we can hold onto things, whether out of a desire for control, out of impatience, out of pride, or out of insecurity. There are many other reasons as well, but these are a few of them. Holding on to these things is not God's desire for us. (Normally, I am very quick to reference specific books, but in this case, I have been a bit disconcerted by it and am not sure I'm going to recommend it.)
If we love the Lord and believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins, then our hearts have been changed. And if our hearts have changed then we are necessarily not the same people that we were ten years ago. Because the Lord is continually working to change us. He uses other people as iron sharpens iron to bring our weaknesses before us, to help us trust Him, and that we might humble ourselves and seek Him.
My children saw first hand my reaction to the ordering of our Dell computer. I was upset. I was upset on the phone. I was upset about spending so much time waiting on the phone to talk to someone before I even got to talk to them. My children gave me space and tried not to interrupt me while I was dealing with the mess. Toward the end, my husband told me that he thought it was time to let it go. I was mad, but I was upset with Dell. I didn't insult any of the people I spoke with. I only pursued a resolution to the matter as long as I had his support. Sometimes we have to have others help us know how long to fight and when to let go or at least that is the case for me. My husband said it was time. So, I let it go.
This week I got several more disconcerting emails from Dell. I picked up the phone and called. I was supposed to get a $50 refund--which never came. I patiently explained my situation to three different people and was transferred three times until I was ultimately put on hold for a half hour and I hung up. When I hung up, I wasn't mad. I was letting go. It was time to be done.
Did it really matter? Was it worth my time to sit on the phone? Was I ever really going to talk to someone who could resolve the problem? I concluded that I wouldn't. But, most importantly, had God provided for the computer?
Yes.
It wasn't exactly what I would have chosen, but it is what the Lord has given us--and blessed us with. It will serve its purpose well. I trust and pray that the Lord will help me learn what He wants me to from all of this and that He will use this incident in my life.
When I read God's Word, I am encouraged that He isn't going to leave me alone just the way I am. He is going to work in my life to increase my patience, humility, and perseverance.
The phone calls and emails are done. My gmail is going to mark them as spam. And now I need to let it go and trust it to God. He provided.
Windows and Roofs
When we decided earlier this month to stay in our home and not move, we also decided to go ahead and fix a few big things on our house. Some home projects are inexpensive like electrical outlets and caulking, but others, well, they can be overwhelming!
We've tackled so many projects on our home, but we knew replacing the original windows that were left would be quite an undertaking. We started by getting a quote from Home Depot's Home Repair arm. We agreed to the quoted price. We wanted it to be simple and straight forward, so we had chosen to simply take an easy route and call Home Depot. A few days later, we had to sign an addendum. Then, after a week or so, two fellows came out to measure the windows. We expected to hear back from Home Depot in a week or two with a time for installation. That phone call never came and four weeks later, I called to find out what the status of our order was. It turned out that there was an issue and another addendum was needed. No windows had been ordered and no one had followed up with us. Hmmm. This idea of going with Home Depot wasn't turning out to be so easy. We cancelled the contract and chose instead to break up the window job and just take care of the windows in the den. I'm glad we did. I'm so glad we didn't do all of the windows at once, because the den windows turned out badly and at least it gave us the opportunity to choose better windows for our bedrooms and bathrooms.
All of the windows in our house have to be made custom, because they aren't standard sizes. We used a handyman recommended to us and he went through a company in Pennsylvania, Viwinco, for the den windows. But, these windows make me sad. Over the winter, they let so much moisture in and cold air in that there was ice on the inside. Ice? You might think that these were cheap windows. They weren't. A fellow from the company did come out and look at the windows. He came out the following week and added thicker weatherstripping on the windows. It helped, but didn't entirely fix the problem. When I investigated what their warranty includes just now, it asserts that moisture on the inside of windows is the fault of the home owner (aka too much humidity in the house) and not the windows. But, I don't believe this is entirely true. I've been told by several people that condensation results on the inside of windows from improperly sealed windows.
So, this month when we decided to take on the bedroom and bathroom windows, we went with Thompson Creek Windows. They are more expensive, but the warranty is better--and the windows are better. This morning my husband said to me--"did you realize our bedroom was 4 degrees warmer than it was the day before we got the windows installed?" (The den didn't feel warmer after the new windows were installed.) I hadn't realized, but we hadn't raised our thermostat. We'd just replaced the windows. I am thankful for my kids to now have windows that will open and that I didn't have to do any work when the project was done. The caulking around the windows was done beautifully and the guys worked hard to do an excellent job putting the windows in. I don't have to do any extra work. If you have to order custom windows, Thompson Creek is definitely worth considering.
When we were getting a quote for windows last year, we also got a quote for our roof from Home Depot. It almost gave us a heart attack. We had no idea how we were going to tackle the cost they estimated. So, we put it on the back burner and took care of other projects in the mean time. Two weeks ago, we requested a roofing quote from the contractor that put a roof on our previous home. We were hoping for the best. And we were thankful for the quote when we received it. The quote turned out to be half the Home Depot quote. An extra warranty was offered with the roof and they were better shingles than the Home Depot quote was for.
This experience has quite surprised me. Standard financial advice when it comes to home projects has always been get at least two quotes. I see the wisdom in that advice. But, sometimes the cheapest price isn't always wisest. Asking around and finding companies who clean up their messes and stand behind their work has helped us in the past. And getting several quotes can take a lot of time. I think choosing home remodeling projects is complicated and it's never as straight forward as it might seem. The unexpected is always lurking in the background waiting to pop its head up.
We are thankful for our roof and new windows. But, more than that, I'm thankful that the Lord provided for us. Even though the windows in my den aren't great, I'm still thankful that I can open them and let fresh air in. The old windows didn't open at all and trapped mold between the panes. I am thankful that the windows keep most of the cold out and that my children can now sleep in warmer bedrooms...
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Stay Away From DELL...
Over the past two weeks, I've been navigating a computer purchase I tried to make online. My husband and I thought it would be easier to purchase a DELL computer directly from Dell.com instead of heading off to Best Buy or Staples.
We were totally wrong.
This is what we learned:
#1 Don't ever order through Dell's website.
#2 I would never purchase a Dell computer again. Unless the warranty is dealt through someone other than Dell (ie. Costco or Best Buy).
So, here's what happened. I tried to order a computer. I was given an estimated arrival date a week and a half later. A few days later, I got an email asking me to make a phone call and for additional information. It didn't make sense to me and I'm very cautious about information gathering emails. Why would Dell need any more information? I didn't know. So, I went to the Dell website and called customer service.
And I sat on hold.
When I finally talked to someone, they told me I needed to call another number to confirm information.
I called.
And sat on hold.
The lady asked for information and I asked, "Why?"
I got an email the next day saying the computer shipped.
Hmmm....
Yesterday, I called again (after sitting on hold) because I received another email asking for information.
No!
I checked the tracking and it was slated to be delivered... today. I called yesterday (and sat on hold multiple times) and asked the Dell customer service if the computer was going to be delivered and what the issue was. They said it was conflicting information. Really? I knew what I'd put in because it was on the receipt. Somewhere in their system things had gotten messed up. I was told the computer was coming back to them and would not be delivered. I requested a refund and a cancelling of the sale. I thought it was done. My husband went out and bought another computer last night. We both thought it was all done.
Nope.
The computer arrived today. So, we're stuck. I requested a return, but at this point I'm afraid to send it back. I don't know that they will return our money to us. So, I think we're stuck with this computer.
More and more my husband are coming to believe that it's wiser to make purchases in person in a store than online.
We were totally wrong.
This is what we learned:
#1 Don't ever order through Dell's website.
#2 I would never purchase a Dell computer again. Unless the warranty is dealt through someone other than Dell (ie. Costco or Best Buy).
So, here's what happened. I tried to order a computer. I was given an estimated arrival date a week and a half later. A few days later, I got an email asking me to make a phone call and for additional information. It didn't make sense to me and I'm very cautious about information gathering emails. Why would Dell need any more information? I didn't know. So, I went to the Dell website and called customer service.
And I sat on hold.
When I finally talked to someone, they told me I needed to call another number to confirm information.
I called.
And sat on hold.
The lady asked for information and I asked, "Why?"
I got an email the next day saying the computer shipped.
Hmmm....
Yesterday, I called again (after sitting on hold) because I received another email asking for information.
No!
I checked the tracking and it was slated to be delivered... today. I called yesterday (and sat on hold multiple times) and asked the Dell customer service if the computer was going to be delivered and what the issue was. They said it was conflicting information. Really? I knew what I'd put in because it was on the receipt. Somewhere in their system things had gotten messed up. I was told the computer was coming back to them and would not be delivered. I requested a refund and a cancelling of the sale. I thought it was done. My husband went out and bought another computer last night. We both thought it was all done.
Nope.
The computer arrived today. So, we're stuck. I requested a return, but at this point I'm afraid to send it back. I don't know that they will return our money to us. So, I think we're stuck with this computer.
More and more my husband are coming to believe that it's wiser to make purchases in person in a store than online.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Detangling Hair
My oldest daughter has very thick hair that does not tangle much. My middle daughter on the other hand, has very fine, thin hair that tangles into horrible mats if we don't stay on top of it. Her scalp is also very, very sensitive. So, I was very curious to try this detangling brush from Second Glance Beauty:
This brush, like many other things, works well when you figure out how best to use it. The bristles do not have little balls on the end to soften the brush from scraping a child's scalp when pressed. So, what my daughter found that worked best for her was to 1) wet the brush. 2) hang her hair down to the side and then brush the tangled area of her hair. This kept the brush from scraping her scalp and let it do its job better. She does like using the brush when she finds a tangle and it's easy for her 8 year old hand to hold. I like being able to just use water and not have to purchase extra detangling spray to use with the brush.
Would I recommend this brush? Yes, I think it's worth a try. But, it may or may not work for you. If a child normally gets mats and tangles on the top of his/her head, I don't think this would be the right brush for the job. If, on the other hand, a child (or adult) can hang their hair off to the side for brushing, this brush can do its job well. It is very easy to use with thick hair because it doesn't scrape the scalp as much (though my older daughter also hangs her hair to the side when using the brush). Just be careful with sensitive scalps and use water with the brush!
Please note that I received a complimentary brush from the company for review.
Simply Beautiful Tangle Teaser Brush
This brush, like many other things, works well when you figure out how best to use it. The bristles do not have little balls on the end to soften the brush from scraping a child's scalp when pressed. So, what my daughter found that worked best for her was to 1) wet the brush. 2) hang her hair down to the side and then brush the tangled area of her hair. This kept the brush from scraping her scalp and let it do its job better. She does like using the brush when she finds a tangle and it's easy for her 8 year old hand to hold. I like being able to just use water and not have to purchase extra detangling spray to use with the brush.
Would I recommend this brush? Yes, I think it's worth a try. But, it may or may not work for you. If a child normally gets mats and tangles on the top of his/her head, I don't think this would be the right brush for the job. If, on the other hand, a child (or adult) can hang their hair off to the side for brushing, this brush can do its job well. It is very easy to use with thick hair because it doesn't scrape the scalp as much (though my older daughter also hangs her hair to the side when using the brush). Just be careful with sensitive scalps and use water with the brush!
Please note that I received a complimentary brush from the company for review.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Making Space
One of the funny things about moving is that it really makes you think about whether or not a room is cluttered and about what you need. The simplest things, I find, can make a big difference!
One such silly thing is the trash can in our kids' bathroom. It has been on the outside of the vanity, sitting next to it for the past 2 years. I realized two weeks ago that I could fit it underneath the sink inside the vanity. I moved a few things around and took out what really wasn't needed there and voila! One less thing to clutter up the floor and bump into. I moved the bath toys up to a shelf and put the shampoos/conditioners all in a small basket. It looks cleaner already!
Another thing I did was in my son's bedroom. He loves to leave legos out that he's working on (please forgive me if I've already mentioned this on this blog). The clutter on his dresser at times would drive me crazy! So, I placed a large bath mat in the corner of his room and a small cardboard box next to it with the essential pieces. He has three large boxes of legos under his bed, but my husband explained to me that it's very hard to find particular pieces in big underbed boxes... So, the small box sits next to the legos on the mat. They fill the mat, but it looks less cluttered because that space is just for legos. It also gives my son parameters and guidance on how to pick up his room.
Lastly, I bought a smaller trash can for our recycling that will fit under the countertop instead of taking up more floor space. Moving it opened up that area and it's surprising how much less cluttered that part of the kitchen feels where it used to stand!
I think next time we're settled into a house, I'm going to pull out my camera and think about how I can simplify the floor space. I wish I'd done these three things 2 years ago when we moved in!
One such silly thing is the trash can in our kids' bathroom. It has been on the outside of the vanity, sitting next to it for the past 2 years. I realized two weeks ago that I could fit it underneath the sink inside the vanity. I moved a few things around and took out what really wasn't needed there and voila! One less thing to clutter up the floor and bump into. I moved the bath toys up to a shelf and put the shampoos/conditioners all in a small basket. It looks cleaner already!
Another thing I did was in my son's bedroom. He loves to leave legos out that he's working on (please forgive me if I've already mentioned this on this blog). The clutter on his dresser at times would drive me crazy! So, I placed a large bath mat in the corner of his room and a small cardboard box next to it with the essential pieces. He has three large boxes of legos under his bed, but my husband explained to me that it's very hard to find particular pieces in big underbed boxes... So, the small box sits next to the legos on the mat. They fill the mat, but it looks less cluttered because that space is just for legos. It also gives my son parameters and guidance on how to pick up his room.
Lastly, I bought a smaller trash can for our recycling that will fit under the countertop instead of taking up more floor space. Moving it opened up that area and it's surprising how much less cluttered that part of the kitchen feels where it used to stand!
I think next time we're settled into a house, I'm going to pull out my camera and think about how I can simplify the floor space. I wish I'd done these three things 2 years ago when we moved in!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Burger King...Just Not What it Used To Be
This is just my opinion. That's all it is. I have these memories of liking Burger King's hamburgers. I remember liking their fish sandwich.
I don't like them anymore. Last night, my husband wanted a hamburger. You know when you are sick and you just need to eat what you're willing to eat because you don't want to eat anything. That's where we were at last night. So, I headed off to Burger King.
Bad choice...
We've really gotten used to 5 Guys Burgers and Fries' burgers--which are quite good! A newly transplanted San Diegoan told me recently at the local sporting goods store that he thinks they're actually better than In-n-out's burgers (which is hard for me to believe), but in my book that reminds me that they really are good. Unfortunately, that's a 20 minute drive for me and I wasn't going to brave potential black ice on the roads for a 5 guys burger.
So, I headed to Burger King and picked up a Big King for my husband (akin to a McDonald's Big Mac and a fish sandwich to me). The price was right--2 for $5, but the food was so disappointing. I think my husband's was okay--not great, but okay. My fish sandwich was almost horrible. I threw almost half of it away. And the new french fries--well, they weren't any better and weren't anything to write home about.
I wish I could say they were better than they were, but they just weren't.
I don't like them anymore. Last night, my husband wanted a hamburger. You know when you are sick and you just need to eat what you're willing to eat because you don't want to eat anything. That's where we were at last night. So, I headed off to Burger King.
Bad choice...
We've really gotten used to 5 Guys Burgers and Fries' burgers--which are quite good! A newly transplanted San Diegoan told me recently at the local sporting goods store that he thinks they're actually better than In-n-out's burgers (which is hard for me to believe), but in my book that reminds me that they really are good. Unfortunately, that's a 20 minute drive for me and I wasn't going to brave potential black ice on the roads for a 5 guys burger.
So, I headed to Burger King and picked up a Big King for my husband (akin to a McDonald's Big Mac and a fish sandwich to me). The price was right--2 for $5, but the food was so disappointing. I think my husband's was okay--not great, but okay. My fish sandwich was almost horrible. I threw almost half of it away. And the new french fries--well, they weren't any better and weren't anything to write home about.
I wish I could say they were better than they were, but they just weren't.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
My Favorite Glue
A few years ago, I found something at Home Depot that I love. It's my favorite glue.It is a great thing! I like this glue a lot more than gorilla glue. A lot of people like gorilla glue, but we bought one bottle and the top sealed itself to the bottle before we could use it again. What a waste! This glue has been much more dependable for me. It has a screw top lid and dries clear. There is some that is white and dries white, though.
I've used this glue to fix a lot of little things. One example is when I glued on a piece of baseboard trim because I couldn't get a nail in at the awkward angle that was needed. And beneath that trim was a little piece of wood that I had fitted into a hole in the floor. (I had shaped the wood with my dremel).
Next to caulk, this is my favorite fixer.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
What we need and what we don't
We're going to move again. It was just two years ago when we bought the house we're living in. We bought it thinking one thing and really found it to be quite another. I remember praying when we were walking through the closing process. I remember the Lord laying on my heart that this was going to be hard, but that it was worth it. I just didn't know how hard the past two years with this house would be!
But, I was struck by something this morning. Life is hard and it's easy to catch one's self complaining and focusing on the difficulties. Instead of acknowledging the difficulties (because they're very real) and then getting up and walking forward, it's easy to get stuck. I have a very dear friend who I call when I'm struggling and need to sort things out. She once made a comment to me that that's what's different about our friendship for her. We vent, but we vent with a purpose. That purpose is to find our way out of what's prompting our venting! And we do.
I realize I am rabbit trailing, but it's all related in my mind. It's easy for me to look back and dwell on the struggles with this house and heart ache it has caused me. Instead, it's wiser to focus on the end product. We've learned a lot and we've fixed a lot. I am beginning to pray for who is going to buy this house--that they would be blessed by it. That they would be blessed by having a house that is totally fixed! What a blessing! Our efforts will not be wasted because someone else is going to enjoy them.
In preparation for what is ahead, I, of course, have begun going through our basement. Our entire basement is unfinished and it has accumulated quite a mass of stuff in it! Wow! I walk around it and ponder. I have some ideas of what we can get rid of, but I struggle with a lot of it. My husband reminds me not to get rid of anything that we might need in our new home. But, there is much that is "extra".
Last week, we began pondering dishes. We inherited 20 boxes of dishes with this house. We had to open up every one. It's an interesting thing to contemplate... what should we really keep and what should we give to another? We ended up keeping 6 boxes, I think. We gave 4 boxes to one of my sister in laws, 1 box to another friend, about half a box to my mother in law, and a large box to Goodwill of odds and ends. Whew... Last week, I got about 12 or 16 boxes of stuff plus some larger items out of my basement. But, if you went down there, well, you'd never guess! But, I know.
When I go down into the basement, I ask myself, "Do I really want to move this???" Sometimes I find the answer is yes and sometimes it is no. Interestingly, I've been asking a similar question all along. I'm known by my friends for my continual purging and passing on of things we no longer need!
It's hard being patient. I know we're just in the beginning of this process waiting for this house to sell and just as importantly for the weather where we live to get better... My goal is to do one thing a day.
Monday: Dropped off bag of prom dresses from a friend of mine to the local high school for their prom closet.
Tuesday: Scrubbed floor in 4th bedroom, dropped off 4 boxes at my mom's, Clean all linens in my son's room
Wednesday: Got together forms I needed to assemble, Clean all linens in my girls room
Thursday...
Friday...
One thing a day is manageable for me and it also encourages me to make the most of this time while I'm waiting so that I'm not bombarded and completely overwhelmed when it comes time for us to move.
I keep reminding myself of God's plan and perfect timing as I wait for events to unfold. I am thankful that I can trust fully in His providence and plans. It gives me peace, hope, and comfort.
But, I was struck by something this morning. Life is hard and it's easy to catch one's self complaining and focusing on the difficulties. Instead of acknowledging the difficulties (because they're very real) and then getting up and walking forward, it's easy to get stuck. I have a very dear friend who I call when I'm struggling and need to sort things out. She once made a comment to me that that's what's different about our friendship for her. We vent, but we vent with a purpose. That purpose is to find our way out of what's prompting our venting! And we do.
I realize I am rabbit trailing, but it's all related in my mind. It's easy for me to look back and dwell on the struggles with this house and heart ache it has caused me. Instead, it's wiser to focus on the end product. We've learned a lot and we've fixed a lot. I am beginning to pray for who is going to buy this house--that they would be blessed by it. That they would be blessed by having a house that is totally fixed! What a blessing! Our efforts will not be wasted because someone else is going to enjoy them.
In preparation for what is ahead, I, of course, have begun going through our basement. Our entire basement is unfinished and it has accumulated quite a mass of stuff in it! Wow! I walk around it and ponder. I have some ideas of what we can get rid of, but I struggle with a lot of it. My husband reminds me not to get rid of anything that we might need in our new home. But, there is much that is "extra".
Last week, we began pondering dishes. We inherited 20 boxes of dishes with this house. We had to open up every one. It's an interesting thing to contemplate... what should we really keep and what should we give to another? We ended up keeping 6 boxes, I think. We gave 4 boxes to one of my sister in laws, 1 box to another friend, about half a box to my mother in law, and a large box to Goodwill of odds and ends. Whew... Last week, I got about 12 or 16 boxes of stuff plus some larger items out of my basement. But, if you went down there, well, you'd never guess! But, I know.
When I go down into the basement, I ask myself, "Do I really want to move this???" Sometimes I find the answer is yes and sometimes it is no. Interestingly, I've been asking a similar question all along. I'm known by my friends for my continual purging and passing on of things we no longer need!
It's hard being patient. I know we're just in the beginning of this process waiting for this house to sell and just as importantly for the weather where we live to get better... My goal is to do one thing a day.
Monday: Dropped off bag of prom dresses from a friend of mine to the local high school for their prom closet.
Tuesday: Scrubbed floor in 4th bedroom, dropped off 4 boxes at my mom's, Clean all linens in my son's room
Wednesday: Got together forms I needed to assemble, Clean all linens in my girls room
Thursday...
Friday...
One thing a day is manageable for me and it also encourages me to make the most of this time while I'm waiting so that I'm not bombarded and completely overwhelmed when it comes time for us to move.
I keep reminding myself of God's plan and perfect timing as I wait for events to unfold. I am thankful that I can trust fully in His providence and plans. It gives me peace, hope, and comfort.
Utility Bills
My mom lives in an apartment. She enjoys it very much. But, it is horribly insulated! A month ago, I went over and caulked around her windows and the wall heating unit. We put baby plug covers over the electrical outlets that were on the outer wall of the apartment. And she put in a request to have the maintenance fellow put in insulation around her patio door.
Unfortunately, they never came and we have hit a horrible cold snap here! So, today I went over with the extra insulation tubes that I hadn't needed when I insulated the hot water pipes in our basement last year. I cut each tube in three long strips and used these strips to fill the gap between the door and the wall. I wish I had done it before today! But, I am thankful it is done now and that cold air isn't continuing to pour in through her door.
So, a couple of things to think about and matter for mercy and prayer...
If you know someone who lives in an apartment on a fixed income, do you know if it is insulated? Do the windows need caulking? My mom told me that her friends' apartments are just like hers... I hope I'll get the chance to go caulk around some windows soon. It's hard. There's a lot going on, but hopefully I will...
But, there's another way that the winter is hitting many families hard this winter. Did you know that there is a propane shortage across the country and that tanks aren't being filled completely? The winter here on the east coast is much colder than the past few years. The fall was wetter for farmers this past season across the country and a much greater amount of propane was used so there is a greater shortage (and exports have also increased according to the Baltimore Sun last Saturday's edition). The article we read last week opened our eyes to something we didn't know. It is this... Only 3% of the general population use propane for heat... BUT 49% of all mobile homes use propane for heating. This means that many families who live in mobile homes this winter are struggling to stay warm. I'm not sure how to help besides prayer.
Unfortunately, they never came and we have hit a horrible cold snap here! So, today I went over with the extra insulation tubes that I hadn't needed when I insulated the hot water pipes in our basement last year. I cut each tube in three long strips and used these strips to fill the gap between the door and the wall. I wish I had done it before today! But, I am thankful it is done now and that cold air isn't continuing to pour in through her door.
So, a couple of things to think about and matter for mercy and prayer...
If you know someone who lives in an apartment on a fixed income, do you know if it is insulated? Do the windows need caulking? My mom told me that her friends' apartments are just like hers... I hope I'll get the chance to go caulk around some windows soon. It's hard. There's a lot going on, but hopefully I will...
But, there's another way that the winter is hitting many families hard this winter. Did you know that there is a propane shortage across the country and that tanks aren't being filled completely? The winter here on the east coast is much colder than the past few years. The fall was wetter for farmers this past season across the country and a much greater amount of propane was used so there is a greater shortage (and exports have also increased according to the Baltimore Sun last Saturday's edition). The article we read last week opened our eyes to something we didn't know. It is this... Only 3% of the general population use propane for heat... BUT 49% of all mobile homes use propane for heating. This means that many families who live in mobile homes this winter are struggling to stay warm. I'm not sure how to help besides prayer.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Great Kitchen Scale
For years, I've had a cheap, plastic Progressive scale. No electronics. I twist the outer disk to adjust for the bowl I'm measuring in. I can really only measure to ounces. No half ounce business.
That's where a digital scale is nice. If you are making anything that really requires precision, then a digital scale would be the handiest thing in the world! This scale is light and easy to store. The bowl feels very thin to me---but that has its advantages. If you've measured something in it and need to tip it up to scoop into the bowl you're mixing in, then this is an easy bowl to lift up and manage! Especially if you're a lone cook. It's easy to lift up a bowl and scrape out of it when you're cooking in tandem with a friend. But, if it's just you,
you need to make accommodations. One of those would be using a bowl and scale like this one.
As for how easy it is to use... Press the on button to turn it on, and hold it down to turn it off. To reset the scale for a dish you're measuring into, press the on button again and it will recalibrate. I liked this process. It was easy and hands free. It was also exact (unlike my well used and loved older scale).
My only concern about this scale is the cost. If you like the appeal of the lightweight stainless bowl, then this would be a nice scale to purchase. If not and you have a lightweight bowl you can use, then I'd recommend Mira Brands' less expensive scale. I'd give it 4 stars (on a scale of 5) because of the price on Amazon. I'd give the scale itself 5 stars.
Please note that I received a complimentary scale for review.
That's where a digital scale is nice. If you are making anything that really requires precision, then a digital scale would be the handiest thing in the world! This scale is light and easy to store. The bowl feels very thin to me---but that has its advantages. If you've measured something in it and need to tip it up to scoop into the bowl you're mixing in, then this is an easy bowl to lift up and manage! Especially if you're a lone cook. It's easy to lift up a bowl and scrape out of it when you're cooking in tandem with a friend. But, if it's just you,
As for how easy it is to use... Press the on button to turn it on, and hold it down to turn it off. To reset the scale for a dish you're measuring into, press the on button again and it will recalibrate. I liked this process. It was easy and hands free. It was also exact (unlike my well used and loved older scale).
My only concern about this scale is the cost. If you like the appeal of the lightweight stainless bowl, then this would be a nice scale to purchase. If not and you have a lightweight bowl you can use, then I'd recommend Mira Brands' less expensive scale. I'd give it 4 stars (on a scale of 5) because of the price on Amazon. I'd give the scale itself 5 stars.
Please note that I received a complimentary scale for review.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Making a Habit of Joking
One thing that was missing in my house growing up was laughter. My mom commented to me about this two years ago. She commented on it because it is present in our home now. My kids love jokes. Last year, I made an advent calendar with pockets for the month of December. I put a joke inside each pocket. The kids take turns telling one at dinner each night. They love this tradition!
I regularly keep my eye out for joke books to keep their minds tumbling. A
new one coming out is titled The Big Book of Laugh Out-loud Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliot. It's a 3 in 1 collection that combines his 3 previous books into 1 collection. I think this is great! #1 it saves money (the three books separately would cost about $12.50 and the one book costs $9 on Amazon. #2 it saves space--one book is much easier to travel with than 3!
This book is full of jokes that all my kids (5, 8, and 10 years old) can enjoy together! They'll sit at lunch and read a few at a time. My middle daughter suggested that they each read one and then trade the book. But, then she loved telling one so much, she wouldn't pass it on! As a mom, I'm glad that it's full of wholesome jokes and not potty humor.
In any case, if you're looking for a fun joke book to share with your kids--look this one up!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Revell Publishing.
I regularly keep my eye out for joke books to keep their minds tumbling. A
This book is full of jokes that all my kids (5, 8, and 10 years old) can enjoy together! They'll sit at lunch and read a few at a time. My middle daughter suggested that they each read one and then trade the book. But, then she loved telling one so much, she wouldn't pass it on! As a mom, I'm glad that it's full of wholesome jokes and not potty humor.
In any case, if you're looking for a fun joke book to share with your kids--look this one up!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Revell Publishing.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
For Moms Who Have Time...
I wrote this post last night...
Okay, I'm feeling a bit tired and cynical tonight. My day... I got up at 6:30 a.m. then folded two loads of laundry, drank a cup of coffee, did dishes, got my husband's lunch ready for work, sent two emails, made french toast, went grocery shopping, made lunch, dropped by a friend's house for a minute, did school, made dinner, cleaned up, talked with my husband, got the kids to bed, ate a piece of chocolate. There wasn't a lot of extra room in today. I did get think aloud bookmarks laminated to help guide our conversations as we read The Cricket in Times Square. I did get a birthday gift purchased for a party the girls are going to next week. I did get a new shirt and pants purchased for my oldest daughter. But, planning a holiday tradition or getting things together was not on my mind today. Traditions and holidays take energy and time.
A friend of ours commented to me after Christmas that he and his wife were so tired after Christmas had passed. They realized that when they were kids they just got to enjoy Christmas. But, now they are the adults and they get to do all the work that goes into Christmas! I agreed with them. It is a lot of work. It's worth it, though. We are making memories for our children that they will have when they are older.
On days like today, it's hard to imagine all the work that we put into holidays and traditions to make those memories. But, we do it. Because we enjoy the work and our families enjoy the fruits of our labors.
My goal is to find easy, simple ideas to make traditions and holidays fun and special for my family. My kids know how much I love them and that I try. I'm very transparent to them about my humanness--probably too transparent since I wear my heart on my sleeve.
In any case, I love to look for ideas. So, books that are full of ideas are right up my alley...
A new one is coming out titled Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer. These two
women are a part of Lysa Terkeurst's Proverbs 31 ministry (proverbs31.org). Everyday Confetti walks you through the year with ideas for each holiday and a recipes along the way. The book has a fun front cover that made me want to love this book. I wanted to "want" to make the recipes in the book. I wanted to find simple ideas in it that I looked forward to doing with my family.
But, I just didn't. I didn't find any recipes I wanted to make. I kept flipping and hoping, but none of the recipes were ones that I would make. I was a little bothered by the idea that Valentine's Day is known as "Singles Awareness Day". But, I looked it up and found that indeed it is also now known as Singles Awareness Day. Hmmm...
I kept reading and looking for ideas. But, none of them clicked for me. It doesn't fit with my life. My time is taken up right now with school and teaching. When I read, it's usually about how children learn. I hadn't realized this before I picked up this book.
This book is filled with stories by moms. They're written in the flowery, descriptive way that we talk with our friends (with more words rather than less). They're great if you have time--to read them and implement them. If you're going on a vacation and will be spending time as the passenger in a car, this is a book you could read. If you're starting out with toddlers and big dreams of all the things you'll do with your family, then this book might be for you.
But, if you're coming down from the clouds, grappling with your life as a mom, trying to figure out how to make things enjoyable and simple for your family, then I'd pass on this book. I know that may sound strange and like I said earlier--cynical, but that's where I'm at right now. Sometimes this is the kind of book that's actually hard to read. Because it can feel overwhelming or discouraging. Sometimes you don't have a husband who's on board with cheesiness.
I do things to make my kids' lives special, but it looks a little different. Making my kids' lives special means breakfast in the morning. It means giving a hug whenever they want one. It means listening to Adventures in Odyssey with them. The time we have is what we savor.
This is probably a perfectly fine book. It's just not where I'm at right now and after getting through the Winter holidays, I'm not ready yet to tackle anymore for a little while. Right now, I'm keeping my head above water and putting one foot in front of another!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Revell Books.
Post Script... please forgive me for my cynicism in this book review!
Okay, I'm feeling a bit tired and cynical tonight. My day... I got up at 6:30 a.m. then folded two loads of laundry, drank a cup of coffee, did dishes, got my husband's lunch ready for work, sent two emails, made french toast, went grocery shopping, made lunch, dropped by a friend's house for a minute, did school, made dinner, cleaned up, talked with my husband, got the kids to bed, ate a piece of chocolate. There wasn't a lot of extra room in today. I did get think aloud bookmarks laminated to help guide our conversations as we read The Cricket in Times Square. I did get a birthday gift purchased for a party the girls are going to next week. I did get a new shirt and pants purchased for my oldest daughter. But, planning a holiday tradition or getting things together was not on my mind today. Traditions and holidays take energy and time.
A friend of ours commented to me after Christmas that he and his wife were so tired after Christmas had passed. They realized that when they were kids they just got to enjoy Christmas. But, now they are the adults and they get to do all the work that goes into Christmas! I agreed with them. It is a lot of work. It's worth it, though. We are making memories for our children that they will have when they are older.
On days like today, it's hard to imagine all the work that we put into holidays and traditions to make those memories. But, we do it. Because we enjoy the work and our families enjoy the fruits of our labors.
My goal is to find easy, simple ideas to make traditions and holidays fun and special for my family. My kids know how much I love them and that I try. I'm very transparent to them about my humanness--probably too transparent since I wear my heart on my sleeve.
In any case, I love to look for ideas. So, books that are full of ideas are right up my alley...
A new one is coming out titled Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer. These two
But, I just didn't. I didn't find any recipes I wanted to make. I kept flipping and hoping, but none of the recipes were ones that I would make. I was a little bothered by the idea that Valentine's Day is known as "Singles Awareness Day". But, I looked it up and found that indeed it is also now known as Singles Awareness Day. Hmmm...
I kept reading and looking for ideas. But, none of them clicked for me. It doesn't fit with my life. My time is taken up right now with school and teaching. When I read, it's usually about how children learn. I hadn't realized this before I picked up this book.
This book is filled with stories by moms. They're written in the flowery, descriptive way that we talk with our friends (with more words rather than less). They're great if you have time--to read them and implement them. If you're going on a vacation and will be spending time as the passenger in a car, this is a book you could read. If you're starting out with toddlers and big dreams of all the things you'll do with your family, then this book might be for you.
But, if you're coming down from the clouds, grappling with your life as a mom, trying to figure out how to make things enjoyable and simple for your family, then I'd pass on this book. I know that may sound strange and like I said earlier--cynical, but that's where I'm at right now. Sometimes this is the kind of book that's actually hard to read. Because it can feel overwhelming or discouraging. Sometimes you don't have a husband who's on board with cheesiness.
I do things to make my kids' lives special, but it looks a little different. Making my kids' lives special means breakfast in the morning. It means giving a hug whenever they want one. It means listening to Adventures in Odyssey with them. The time we have is what we savor.
This is probably a perfectly fine book. It's just not where I'm at right now and after getting through the Winter holidays, I'm not ready yet to tackle anymore for a little while. Right now, I'm keeping my head above water and putting one foot in front of another!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Revell Books.
Post Script... please forgive me for my cynicism in this book review!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
After Christmas Sales
You might laugh at this admission, but this Christmas I actually thought about making sure I had a little money to spend after Christmas at the sales that come up. I've noticed that there's often some very good sales around this time of year.
My purchases this year were...
Some tissue paper (50cents for 24 sheets) at Walgreens.
An light triggered switch for our lights with two plugs to replace the one we had been using ($5) at Target.
A gift for my mother in law down the road for $4 at ShopRite (Grocery Stores often have great deals!)
Treat bags for cookies next Christmas for 50cents at ShopRite as well...
And about it. My husband made the point to me that we have a lot coming up and that sometimes buying ahead isn't always the wisest thing to do. I agree. If I'm shopping for an event very far off, I might forget that I've purchased something or purchase something else additionally because I didn't remember!
But, today, I found one deal to purchase for my girls this winter for sick in bed days and too cold to go outside days... On CBD.com, Seasons 1, 2, and 3 or Road to Avonlea are $9.99 each. And there's a free shipping code available through Jan. 3rd if you purchase more than $35. If you go to Retailmenot, they have a code you can copy and paste. Normally, it's always between $45 and $60 a season. I've never actually seen it go on sale and I've been watching because my girls really enjoy it. I love it too and watched all 7 seasons when we used to have a Netflix subscription. It's hard to find shows I feel really comfortable with them watching and this is one of the good ones!
Anyways, just wanted to pass that along...
My purchases this year were...
Some tissue paper (50cents for 24 sheets) at Walgreens.
An light triggered switch for our lights with two plugs to replace the one we had been using ($5) at Target.
A gift for my mother in law down the road for $4 at ShopRite (Grocery Stores often have great deals!)
Treat bags for cookies next Christmas for 50cents at ShopRite as well...
And about it. My husband made the point to me that we have a lot coming up and that sometimes buying ahead isn't always the wisest thing to do. I agree. If I'm shopping for an event very far off, I might forget that I've purchased something or purchase something else additionally because I didn't remember!
But, today, I found one deal to purchase for my girls this winter for sick in bed days and too cold to go outside days... On CBD.com, Seasons 1, 2, and 3 or Road to Avonlea are $9.99 each. And there's a free shipping code available through Jan. 3rd if you purchase more than $35. If you go to Retailmenot, they have a code you can copy and paste. Normally, it's always between $45 and $60 a season. I've never actually seen it go on sale and I've been watching because my girls really enjoy it. I love it too and watched all 7 seasons when we used to have a Netflix subscription. It's hard to find shows I feel really comfortable with them watching and this is one of the good ones!
Anyways, just wanted to pass that along...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)