tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61397236983774741672024-03-05T10:56:07.574-08:00Angee Bee'sOpinions, gaming, product reviews and pretty much anything that comes to mind. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-65954110076025212662017-05-05T16:57:00.000-07:002017-05-05T17:08:42.399-07:00Birthday Witch ~ Debut Novel from Author Billie Dale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone! It has been some time since I have written a post for
this blog, but here I am, so thanks for reading! I have been doing some
book reviews for authors and this is a little excerpt from a brand new
book that releases today, May 5th, 2017! You can purchase via <a href="http://amzn.to/2pdagbX" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="http://bit.ly/2qlsS8o" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read it for FREE as part of your subscription!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vc_mqfQGkSQBH5bXX2hi9eDwM4HL8JnX72EXcSf1Vn9fV-V1ZuSwUfNm1tcmlWBxCG8IUBBoKES50hANabCHirw1OTnsWLQ0lc1VLuY0_g7h_25RstPVlwnuj7WoIZNZt6uWOyDOzvM/s1600/bday+witch+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vc_mqfQGkSQBH5bXX2hi9eDwM4HL8JnX72EXcSf1Vn9fV-V1ZuSwUfNm1tcmlWBxCG8IUBBoKES50hANabCHirw1OTnsWLQ0lc1VLuY0_g7h_25RstPVlwnuj7WoIZNZt6uWOyDOzvM/s1600/bday+witch+2.png" /></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);">Birthdays
come and go, and once you reach a certain age, they lose their luster,
but Shayden Reigh is about to find out just how unique her 40th birthday
is. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);">A
civil war rages in the alternate realm of Erigate, and it will come
crashing through her door, leading Shayden into the fight of her life.
With strong wit and a smart mouth, she prepares to fight. Chosen by the
Gods with new magic and an ego driven hot guardian, only she can tip the
scale to victory. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);">The
time has come, the Queen is chosen and the Gods have set this single
mom on the path to the throne but she must save it first.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);">Check out this awesome sneak peek trailer! </span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);">Excerpt from the book<b>...</b></span><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);">Prologue:</span></b></div>
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Into every generation, one woman is born…yada, yada, yada.</div>
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Anyone who loves paranormal, and is a Buffy fan, knows this spiel.</div>
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This is real life. A reality where creatures of the night don’t exist and magic is just a wish upon a star.</div>
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Remember
when we were children, and the night before our birthday was full of
excitement? Whether we were antsy in our beds waiting for presents and
cake or anticipating the great party that was coming, excitement filled
our little bodies. As an adult, the eagerness is not so great. A
birthday just means another year older. The enthusiasm we felt as
children turns to dread as we round that bend and head down hill.</div>
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Forty…yes, the big 4-0! </div>
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Every woman’s nightmare. Midlife, wrinkles, grey hair, sagging body parts and just a bunch of shit no woman wants to deal with. </div>
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I legitimately thought I was prepared for forty. It was just a number, right? Just another passing year.</div>
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My hair dyed, my wrinkles creamed, my body put through the paces. All to keep that youthful glow. I was ready.</div>
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Forty would not get me down. I would rule this year.</div>
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I
mean, it’s my sexual prime, when a woman's sex drive kicks into high
gear. When all those raging hormones, that the ‘experts’ claim come
with turning forty, go into overdrive. A woman’s sexual prime that
happens with or without someone to work all those urges out with,
currently I’m without a partner to explore all the gloriousness that
comes. Ha, get it ‘comes’. Currently, I’m in the market for a new man to
scratch that itch; being freshly divorced, I’ll need a new scratcher
when these hormones kick in. </div>
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Oh, right, you don’t know me. </div>
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Hello,
I’m Shayden Reigh. I believe in all things Mother Earth. I’m a Mom to
two wonderfully, beautiful girls, Bryenna who is seventeen and Kassy who
is nine. I’m a Wiccan, I’m a recent divorcee and with some recent
events, apparently, I’m a chosen Queen of a realm unknown to the human
world.</div>
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I
have always wished magic was real, pretending when I was little to be
magical. I dreamed to live in the world of Charmed with Phoebe, Paige
and Piper, maybe battle some scary monsters with the Winchester boys of
Supernatural. A world full of mystic wonder would be an awesome place to
live. </div>
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Be careful what you wish for.</div>
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Forty is when my life flipped ass over elbows, bringing all new meaning to this magical milestone birthday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgcyYTjGNyrZr6g585RzI5ZQFuMTv06bGirOwgDVO2HI1UM7rX5OB7zqWWMjwdXkMd81OEiDwu5ZR0Lgi-JxXMTsYo4ZYF4stLUv8uo9P2hgHV9LcQU-Fb6GzJQSwW4axF-bUfIRFyBI/s1600/image17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgcyYTjGNyrZr6g585RzI5ZQFuMTv06bGirOwgDVO2HI1UM7rX5OB7zqWWMjwdXkMd81OEiDwu5ZR0Lgi-JxXMTsYo4ZYF4stLUv8uo9P2hgHV9LcQU-Fb6GzJQSwW4axF-bUfIRFyBI/s400/image17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Debut Novel from Author Billie Dale</i></b></div>
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<b><i>A Paranormal RomCom with steam, fun and sass....</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Birthday Witch!</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Now available on Amazon and Free in KU!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Get ready for an epic battle full of magic!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>When you blow out that candle, and make that wish...WISH BIG!</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Buy Link:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://amzn.to/2pdagbX&source=gmail&ust=1494114179311000&usg=AFQjCNFsnWGXadojWTwHVSOQsfNNPOrZTQ" href="http://amzn.to/2pdagbX" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/2pdagbX</a></div>
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Goodreads:</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://bit.ly/2qlsS8o&source=gmail&ust=1494114179311000&usg=AFQjCNGZhmsGm02K8LdlxcY4k-WQh3UL5Q" href="http://bit.ly/2qlsS8o" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2qlsS8o</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-67156715289194664372015-07-08T20:51:00.000-07:002015-07-08T21:05:02.353-07:00Why Do You Meme?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Recently, I have been reading numerous posts with people
complaining that they don't like the political rants, religious (or non religious)
views, celebrity gossip, etc. they see on Facebook and other social networking
sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually like reading
some of the above things, because I feel it gives you some insight as to how people
think about things that may not come up in everyday conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some will say everything online is fake and
blah blah blah, but we are all entitled to our own opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of people have even said they have
been deleted or they are deleting certain people who make references regarding
any of the above things. <i>SAY WHAT?!</i><br />
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How about this category: <b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PEOPLE
WHO PRIMARILY SPEAK USING MEMES</span></b>?</div>
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Some of the memes I read are pretty funny - don't get me wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you are a person who uses memes
as a form of communication more than any other avenue, please explain the
thought process behind that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am serious; I
really would like to read your thoughts on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something I have often wondered while
perusing my Facebook news feed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu77sNMLgXGfSHBP_XAwBElp2K9_CpO5taruBwAuapMVqmGurGDB8uqESYgVZpQ1k-hFpF6cPt1UgexG0Iy5EaUAMmqWC_2QQE14Sk9s0kxBudAQ_Q1MV6yszf-zJqP2BAcBHM3GEsi0/s1600/Memes+Meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu77sNMLgXGfSHBP_XAwBElp2K9_CpO5taruBwAuapMVqmGurGDB8uqESYgVZpQ1k-hFpF6cPt1UgexG0Iy5EaUAMmqWC_2QQE14Sk9s0kxBudAQ_Q1MV6yszf-zJqP2BAcBHM3GEsi0/s320/Memes+Meme.png" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://memegenerator.net/instance2/656448" target="_blank">memegenerator.net</a></td></tr>
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Here’s why: </div>
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Many memes are passive aggressive or used in a way to demean
another person (or group of people) you are upset with or simply don’t agree
with, but just don't or won't tell them straight up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, if you have already told the person (or
people), then is the meme just another punch in the gut or a way to bully
specific groups?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way: It is not
nice, people!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/3c/3c7d8b063855f167bf72c1e211a846b6270202f463bdcc70272574b69dabca3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/3c/3c7d8b063855f167bf72c1e211a846b6270202f463bdcc70272574b69dabca3a.jpg" height="311" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 41px;" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/3c/3c7d8b063855f167bf72c1e211a846b6270202f463bdcc70272574b69dabca3a.jpg" target="_blank">quickmeme.com</a></td></tr>
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A large number of memes have typos that are so bad, even if the meme is hilarious, I can't “Like” it. (Please, don’t get all CRAZY. I make typos, too – but when I realize it, I correct them with the quickness).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/c4/c4dd43e6c4c321c0f0ebb5b6f93a93d8ee6ea7785ba7653e082e426350c4b1f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/c4/c4dd43e6c4c321c0f0ebb5b6f93a93d8ee6ea7785ba7653e082e426350c4b1f1.jpg" border="0" src="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/c4/c4dd43e6c4c321c0f0ebb5b6f93a93d8ee6ea7785ba7653e082e426350c4b1f1.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/img/c4/c4dd43e6c4c321c0f0ebb5b6f93a93d8ee6ea7785ba7653e082e426350c4b1f1.jpg" target="_blank">quickmeme.com</a></td></tr>
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Some memes claim to be “quotes” that the famous person they are
quoting never even made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure, eh?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.qkme.me/3r29dn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i.qkme.me/3r29dn.jpg" height="239" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://i.qkme.me/3r29dn.jpg" target="_blank">quickmeme.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>So, tell me – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why do you Meme</i>?
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-79008311166877728772015-05-21T12:46:00.001-07:002015-05-21T12:58:30.244-07:00The Great Motorhome RevealHey everyone! I know it has been forever since I posted any information on our 1998 Jayco Eagle Class C RV, but I am finally making the time to update you all. Long story short - we replaced the entire roof, rebuilt the front bunk and part of one wall, painted the interior, removed the carpet and replaced it with hard surface flooring, re-wired most of the RV, added 450 watts of solar panels, an air ride suspension, new tires, LED lights throughout, had brand new foam cushions made and upholstered, replaced all of the window coverings, replaced the awning, etc. We kept the original appliances, shower, sink and counter surfaces. There were a few minor mechanical adjustments along the way in regard to the generator and engine, as well. All of the above took about 11 months from start to finish. 11 months of hard, back breaking work. There were moments where I could not even look at the project because it caused so much anxiety. We originally purchased this RV for $10k and over the next year we added approximately $8k to that cost in renovations and upgrades. We have been offered $30K for it at an RV show and all of our friends ask if they can buy it, so we know we could get our money out of it if we ever wanted to. For now, it suits our little family of three (sometimes four, if you count my mom) and we couldn't be happier.<br />
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The pictures tell a better story than I ever could, so here goes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgN6b4ZmmQEIgvSZ1yKXq_Fs8y8xLZXiCvC6bozbuPbBLTIMwuZdPohu3GGzPwserxJai8W7zV0z8tJ7wSPJzKXdP7PNFrSf2Izouaq6qBieGLYX46WnpYzZsfpo5awub_joEefrkY-M/s1600/Inside+Jayco+RV+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmhnj-U5XCHCx-Oom-0SKf-iL4MU_3FokpefVvIdL47900K3lA6wV2cxiv9cOJ5CM1m30CUmoIDZ_oYVRTWq6qjj-idFrRFw8ufuyLoIBdvekm1tlFRoaukRbGxjFoXx0eQ4W51DBEkE/s1600/Jayco+RV+Exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmhnj-U5XCHCx-Oom-0SKf-iL4MU_3FokpefVvIdL47900K3lA6wV2cxiv9cOJ5CM1m30CUmoIDZ_oYVRTWq6qjj-idFrRFw8ufuyLoIBdvekm1tlFRoaukRbGxjFoXx0eQ4W51DBEkE/s640/Jayco+RV+Exterior.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1998 Jayco Eagle Class C RV parked on our property in Southern California</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHK6xtI1WKs-d4ZZ4K9n__4idz9e7aNi4OwUQs45sUtledixz5EGSHBRS9Z_SIcMrp3z24fYM9QDPcXzjtDG7oInu61MzPNn37XNMmruCah2flEWEXm-OcLRMJn8hNC4M3XsY_ff-iu4/s1600/Jatco+RV+floors+in+progress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Kh80F4dgzZdnd2PS0agL7D38e5R5jTHZvmsw3WqD51Wzl2CSrw9kflf22Se5iste5Ua7LnjGFsBSer-B11DuavWhax869VJvCk5pANWuUpkVUPBrP0ua9qpFozyAq9UI7vo4O1zJeqw/s1600/Jayco+RV+before+Bunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Kh80F4dgzZdnd2PS0agL7D38e5R5jTHZvmsw3WqD51Wzl2CSrw9kflf22Se5iste5Ua7LnjGFsBSer-B11DuavWhax869VJvCk5pANWuUpkVUPBrP0ua9qpFozyAq9UI7vo4O1zJeqw/s400/Jayco+RV+before+Bunk.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing front bunk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3JwReKP-rQVNZE16UMfomnPaWz9n9DxnflVtoy_udmYfY2Wl9SOLPPgaGpUcENaSHAaFM5TWGTyE1FwzR61IQw0fz-knsI5MDwPyAZ6RXhiv7iG0u5AMNiRbXx1e6jLaX5deOS7lI0/s1600/Jayco+RV+new+front+bunk.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3JwReKP-rQVNZE16UMfomnPaWz9n9DxnflVtoy_udmYfY2Wl9SOLPPgaGpUcENaSHAaFM5TWGTyE1FwzR61IQw0fz-knsI5MDwPyAZ6RXhiv7iG0u5AMNiRbXx1e6jLaX5deOS7lI0/s400/Jayco+RV+new+front+bunk.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front bunk rebuilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu3JwReKP-rQVNZE16UMfomnPaWz9n9DxnflVtoy_udmYfY2Wl9SOLPPgaGpUcENaSHAaFM5TWGTyE1FwzR61IQw0fz-knsI5MDwPyAZ6RXhiv7iG0u5AMNiRbXx1e6jLaX5deOS7lI0/s1600/Jayco+RV+new+front+bunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHK6xtI1WKs-d4ZZ4K9n__4idz9e7aNi4OwUQs45sUtledixz5EGSHBRS9Z_SIcMrp3z24fYM9QDPcXzjtDG7oInu61MzPNn37XNMmruCah2flEWEXm-OcLRMJn8hNC4M3XsY_ff-iu4/s1600/Jatco+RV+floors+in+progress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHK6xtI1WKs-d4ZZ4K9n__4idz9e7aNi4OwUQs45sUtledixz5EGSHBRS9Z_SIcMrp3z24fYM9QDPcXzjtDG7oInu61MzPNn37XNMmruCah2flEWEXm-OcLRMJn8hNC4M3XsY_ff-iu4/s400/Jatco+RV+floors+in+progress+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Floors in Progress</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsATKUucNntmdhVG9BywIlD69uAaN-BTl0VFAOERtyXIOCbTZ0zapBWlM08b3UE1X8Ir0IYEAo3VK__FI52D_NiQc9TvWw-ZUSORYDeOX2wC6MRPlQ0Hkwne0_9CeqiNAqcIja-6IZkAQ/s1600/Jayco+RV+Floors+in+progress.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsATKUucNntmdhVG9BywIlD69uAaN-BTl0VFAOERtyXIOCbTZ0zapBWlM08b3UE1X8Ir0IYEAo3VK__FI52D_NiQc9TvWw-ZUSORYDeOX2wC6MRPlQ0Hkwne0_9CeqiNAqcIja-6IZkAQ/s400/Jayco+RV+Floors+in+progress.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Floors in Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsATKUucNntmdhVG9BywIlD69uAaN-BTl0VFAOERtyXIOCbTZ0zapBWlM08b3UE1X8Ir0IYEAo3VK__FI52D_NiQc9TvWw-ZUSORYDeOX2wC6MRPlQ0Hkwne0_9CeqiNAqcIja-6IZkAQ/s1600/Jayco+RV+Floors+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikK1NWK0CD8cGCK9N3KkRbYGrzWGy0cEay5LlAr4JdC5EgN8XpDXVyLdt_tQbuC707UbwycBGicenWtptXaD0josnnAmJVBZmzKRFty4KE938-ufsNpx0IuoqCjVykWFdHj10qCbFTHY/s1600/Jayco+RV+cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikK1NWK0CD8cGCK9N3KkRbYGrzWGy0cEay5LlAr4JdC5EgN8XpDXVyLdt_tQbuC707UbwycBGicenWtptXaD0josnnAmJVBZmzKRFty4KE938-ufsNpx0IuoqCjVykWFdHj10qCbFTHY/s400/Jayco+RV+cabinets.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the Cabinets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSBD6BY7nqJvVq3c5im7APaELCe5P2r-tf53RYEU3aJkYwtdoJeRg2tdFMk055uS8wYqsN2d_PcNaA2ZPkRTdZMLzr1Ni_F9hoYoky9lCiHJIQ2_tfMYChjxid-o9nnUQPE55U7n7hyM/s1600/Jayco+RV+paint+in+progress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSBD6BY7nqJvVq3c5im7APaELCe5P2r-tf53RYEU3aJkYwtdoJeRg2tdFMk055uS8wYqsN2d_PcNaA2ZPkRTdZMLzr1Ni_F9hoYoky9lCiHJIQ2_tfMYChjxid-o9nnUQPE55U7n7hyM/s400/Jayco+RV+paint+in+progress.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the Interior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbyhmPK4h7mW55NC2-50HjkGQ4y6BnYzJet1KMvONPWfgPdoKdiLp22bSZ4zME9qRdcHz2WGFCr2Ch5YlNdkrFCT3c5EVrc0dfFGXsMadifwo8vNMvzwlYrkplRENAWYgmlgLlS4zi1U/s1600/Jayco+RV+hardware.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbyhmPK4h7mW55NC2-50HjkGQ4y6BnYzJet1KMvONPWfgPdoKdiLp22bSZ4zME9qRdcHz2WGFCr2Ch5YlNdkrFCT3c5EVrc0dfFGXsMadifwo8vNMvzwlYrkplRENAWYgmlgLlS4zi1U/s400/Jayco+RV+hardware.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the Cabinet Hardware</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlwg2c6sBe_vPbK8BXiAcZ2zW8JZrT86a2D_W4bld5PEuGfFo4_IryEdFpOXttFLeNeqq_0Dm_9TA04zCUxkpnHEmqAwhfL_emsC7K79OJQ2daAx3_5MFhniZkfwe9CZazChVFBT0GQs/s1600/Jayco+RV+in+progress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlwg2c6sBe_vPbK8BXiAcZ2zW8JZrT86a2D_W4bld5PEuGfFo4_IryEdFpOXttFLeNeqq_0Dm_9TA04zCUxkpnHEmqAwhfL_emsC7K79OJQ2daAx3_5MFhniZkfwe9CZazChVFBT0GQs/s400/Jayco+RV+in+progress.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polishing the Exterior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9Q-Qz57bWsrNgQZEoSeVXWCbYlMNX5vHvPEhEymNomy6UPW0aAMgMvbV9VoVQY2k_K0k7RJJ_YiYEq_YfexUFDuRC66bvuK-j-Mq4XkOCJ1T9mC3xoIyXVQY7IK1ux6D5ZxsWhsBUaE/s1600/Jayco+RV+new+roof.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9Q-Qz57bWsrNgQZEoSeVXWCbYlMNX5vHvPEhEymNomy6UPW0aAMgMvbV9VoVQY2k_K0k7RJJ_YiYEq_YfexUFDuRC66bvuK-j-Mq4XkOCJ1T9mC3xoIyXVQY7IK1ux6D5ZxsWhsBUaE/s400/Jayco+RV+new+roof.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing the Dicor Roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQP-Mpov09h31M6bF1_43F-4aj-caUwDK27KOj3ynMc8ei2OnsVYsTM0uVtQpkFVi1CDKl4y6o33VvdbGDUu0HE85JCr7DrFj9CxjXvCuvyq8mYyeJZq8-0k8GXf5SACgVugWTsYB6Gk/s1600/Jayco+RV+Solar+Panels.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQP-Mpov09h31M6bF1_43F-4aj-caUwDK27KOj3ynMc8ei2OnsVYsTM0uVtQpkFVi1CDKl4y6o33VvdbGDUu0HE85JCr7DrFj9CxjXvCuvyq8mYyeJZq8-0k8GXf5SACgVugWTsYB6Gk/s400/Jayco+RV+Solar+Panels.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing Solar Panels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp0h2-JfkZ436T9HraAumSqeU7gX9PWNAF8bgH0X29m84UTA-xNrTPmsxtNvobeCpQW3SFlww_q9lPwUMKJJY932ZJme5x28YWsEcEmemKTnSSpabyZw-VoqUSYHNogEmsBMzL_CWG0U/s1600/Jayco+RV+Blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp0h2-JfkZ436T9HraAumSqeU7gX9PWNAF8bgH0X29m84UTA-xNrTPmsxtNvobeCpQW3SFlww_q9lPwUMKJJY932ZJme5x28YWsEcEmemKTnSSpabyZw-VoqUSYHNogEmsBMzL_CWG0U/s400/Jayco+RV+Blinds.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Day-Night Shades Installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2twqqH6o5dbJ8skf0aVmQ7_W5zS0WX7JhRPE66Vwiri8Z11IKtWioMO9J5zB2DgqpYIE4g7KjLn_w2gKAjYu7wD22XUGRB5pQaZ7cFz-VqN_0L4AfjBo-tS18bw03sQDSns7r7LbHw0/s1600/Inside+Jayco+RV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2twqqH6o5dbJ8skf0aVmQ7_W5zS0WX7JhRPE66Vwiri8Z11IKtWioMO9J5zB2DgqpYIE4g7KjLn_w2gKAjYu7wD22XUGRB5pQaZ7cFz-VqN_0L4AfjBo-tS18bw03sQDSns7r7LbHw0/s640/Inside+Jayco+RV.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY_lqqHNcETATkAdrwLScsDy24OCHEnrlTeSy0QhSI3tDn544-LNJAIzGmCYwTNylAeLz4bo59JeGrKW6QNoGD9bgvlhiRt1t_KEds55f9Tm-BJq4EiLJ4QDONfOJrIMPKkogDsjJEbc/s1600/Jayco+Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY_lqqHNcETATkAdrwLScsDy24OCHEnrlTeSy0QhSI3tDn544-LNJAIzGmCYwTNylAeLz4bo59JeGrKW6QNoGD9bgvlhiRt1t_KEds55f9Tm-BJq4EiLJ4QDONfOJrIMPKkogDsjJEbc/s640/Jayco+Bathroom.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKiFimTUPMj8zUn_dv6ZTy0FxHiqTi7-7uMz4I-e5QBhFZXIAwrNay9rT1sC21c4BQTkmmW8HoIuksVQgTABu7zhZqtbLRpkKQtnR3Mj-kwG7znMSV5shxLeRTpvs5A_06ibLSuvYtQs/s1600/Jayco+Shower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKiFimTUPMj8zUn_dv6ZTy0FxHiqTi7-7uMz4I-e5QBhFZXIAwrNay9rT1sC21c4BQTkmmW8HoIuksVQgTABu7zhZqtbLRpkKQtnR3Mj-kwG7znMSV5shxLeRTpvs5A_06ibLSuvYtQs/s640/Jayco+Shower.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom Shower After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhQDrRPrhnr4kmpQxli1K881FgzWui9jPX2VlAooT30ynwGwcpMQve1P67svniHKCzCkwpi33Qj9mNJCNNKQlLA4ydjENMzGX1CWewKp0BfnTKlfbg1tFD81n2gbb-YOABF71m1LSGCE/s1600/Jayco+RV+travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhQDrRPrhnr4kmpQxli1K881FgzWui9jPX2VlAooT30ynwGwcpMQve1P67svniHKCzCkwpi33Qj9mNJCNNKQlLA4ydjENMzGX1CWewKp0BfnTKlfbg1tFD81n2gbb-YOABF71m1LSGCE/s640/Jayco+RV+travel.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Little Happy Camper on a Road Trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We have used the RV lots of times for day and weekend trips. We have only stayed in the Southern California area, but plan on going a bit further this Summer. When people see all of the work we have done they always ask, "Would you do it again?" and our answer is, "We could do it again, but would rather not!"<br />
<br />
Another question I often get is why did I choose to go with a white and light grey palette and is it hard to maintain. Honestly, I love all things white and it is super easy to maintain. I wash the bedding when we return from a trip just like I would anyway, so it has been very easy. All of the painted surfaces are easy to wipe down and I steam mop the floors. Easy-Peasy!<br />
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Feel free to post any questions you may have and I will try my best to answer them. I plan on posting another blog in the future with all of the particulars (brand names, products, etc.), but for now this will have to do. Until next time...<br />
<br />
Happy Camping!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-13056096288204694602015-04-26T18:18:00.001-07:002015-04-26T18:24:00.598-07:00PS4: How to Share your Digital Content with a Second PlayStation 4Before the Internet, if
you wanted to play a game you had purchased on a second console, all you
had to do was take the disk and pop it in that console. These days
things aren't so simple. Or are they? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2LMZJ4jXlC5bGULQSvNTIdfdo64P-U72HqEH8HJ6SJr2Y0WYodcWKJtejcvnoKG1dfs5Mg5zpjnc5Br7LyxrjwVfSbjEkr018wmRF3-xcWJn18n4fXRbtY8WEee02znBF0Frx4YsGvA/s1600/PS4+Consoles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2LMZJ4jXlC5bGULQSvNTIdfdo64P-U72HqEH8HJ6SJr2Y0WYodcWKJtejcvnoKG1dfs5Mg5zpjnc5Br7LyxrjwVfSbjEkr018wmRF3-xcWJn18n4fXRbtY8WEee02znBF0Frx4YsGvA/s1600/PS4+Consoles.png" height="182" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">original image via <a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1535/15354745/2819663-8418826320-28191.jpg" target="_blank">GameSpot</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Have you ever wondered if there was a way you could share your digitally purchased games, map packs, etc. across multiple consoles without having to purchase it all again? Well, I have often wondered this exact thing.<br />
<br />
A Little Background:<br />
Back in the day (circa 2004), before my now 10 year old son was into gaming, life was easy. I liked a game - I bought a game. Easy-peasy. Fast forward to the present time and when a new Call of Duty game drops I am pre-ordering multiple copies. Whatever. I am used to it, however, thanks to current technology and the vast library of available online games and downloadable content (DLC) I have found a way around having to purchase multiple copies of any game, as well as the DLC that goes along with it.<br />
<br />
Are you ready? Here is how it works. (For reference - I actually just did this last night using two PlayStation 4 (PS4) consoles and the game Destiny).<br />
<br />
The Situation: <br />
So, I have (2) PS4 consoles, my PSN ID (cpu22girl) and my son's PSN ID. I have multiple digital games, but for the sake of this post I am using Destiny and the Destiny Expansion Packs as my example. My son wants to play Destiny on his own console using his own PSN ID. I do not want to have to repurchase the exact same game and DLC in order for him to do so.<br />
<br />
You may already know this, but <i>ANY</i> digital content you purchase on the PS4 console you have designated as your "<a href="http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/settings/activation.html" target="_blank">Primary</a>" console can be shared with <i>ALL</i> users on that same console.<br />
<br />
Here is a little excerpt taken directly from the <a href="https://support.us.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5059/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDMwMDkxMzQyL3NpZC9ja0NrVFNrbQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">PlayStation Knowledge Center</a> (AKA PlayStation Support Forum):<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><i>By activating your PlayStation 4 as primary you can enjoy numerous benefits and actions</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><i>
</i></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><i>Anyone who uses your Primary PS4™ system can enjoy applications you purchase from PlayStation®Store.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><i>You can automatically download to the PS4 system content you pre-ordered, or content purchased on PlayStation®App.</i></span></li>
</ul>
<b>So, here is what you will need:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>(2) PS4 consoles</li>
<ol>
<li>Console #1 - Main console you have set as the "Primary" for your PSN account. This is the PSN account you have purchased your digital content on. Also, this is the console your child (spouse, friend, etc.) will now use with their PSN account.</li>
<li> Console #2 - Secondary console which you will now use for yourself.</li>
</ol>
<li>(2) PSN Accounts (PSN ID's). Please note - Per PlayStation: "<i>To enjoy certain PlayStation Plus benefits, you must subscribe to the service.</i>" So, in order to play games online, each PSN Account <b>MUST</b> have their own <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/playstation-plus/" target="_blank">PlayStation Plus</a> Account. If your child is not into online gaming, then you should be fine with just using (1) PlayStation Plus account </li>
</ul>
<b>How to share your DLC with another PS4 user: </b><br />
If you haven't already done so, turn on your PS4 (Console #1) and add your PSN account to it, be sure you designate this console as your "Primary" console. (The first time you sign in to your PSN account you will be prompted to activate the console during the sign in process).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9U_OXHGoNcuP5abHdG5f_XlLTFCr96w5N7FgHJF8RhWZR2EY4_WKdM5SwrTMJhxR1UWR4wYdYUoUA9UsPYwKH4BXtq2qfGnPd95Yhteq4p_C0sGF6tini8RT36-6czs4n8G9N6Gs_wc/s1600/PS4Primary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9U_OXHGoNcuP5abHdG5f_XlLTFCr96w5N7FgHJF8RhWZR2EY4_WKdM5SwrTMJhxR1UWR4wYdYUoUA9UsPYwKH4BXtq2qfGnPd95Yhteq4p_C0sGF6tini8RT36-6czs4n8G9N6Gs_wc/s1600/PS4Primary.png" height="233" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Activate as Your Primary PS4" Option Screen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If for some reason, you do not see the above screen on your console, you can activate it as your primary console by following these steps:<br />
<br />
After you have signed into your PSN Account: Select [PSN] > [Activate as Your Primary PS4] > [Activate].<br />
<br />
Next, add the second PSN account (this is the account that belongs to your child, spouse, relative, etc.) to the console you have designated as your primary console (Console #1). This console will now be the secondary user's console. In my case, this is the console my son will use.<br />
<br />
Also, fair to note - you should probably add a passcode to your account and disable the automatic login feature on this console. This will make it so the other user will not automatically be signed into your PSN account when they turn the PS4 on. Trust me; there is nothing worse than being in the middle of a firefight and then losing your connection because someone signed in on your primary console as you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaCuPP8xMvWcxii1I0RJjmXDSU5rik-GsJQNHxvSlim4kr7FusXVaWAKyV8mp30oJFE0Rf_Ojos7uWoWJm6zDt1sqoqqznPCxt5GAiqUNnQ9aJ9RelV76Xv43sa24pjGc1O2dgvbN2pQ/s1600/PS4Passcode.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaCuPP8xMvWcxii1I0RJjmXDSU5rik-GsJQNHxvSlim4kr7FusXVaWAKyV8mp30oJFE0Rf_Ojos7uWoWJm6zDt1sqoqqznPCxt5GAiqUNnQ9aJ9RelV76Xv43sa24pjGc1O2dgvbN2pQ/s1600/PS4Passcode.png" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to Add a Passcode to your Profile on your PS4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>How to set a passcode for your profile:</b> Go to [Settings] > [Login Settings] > [Passcode Management] and choose your passcode.<br />
<br />
<b>How to ensure that your account is not set up for automatic login on the PS4:</b>
Check [Settings] > [Login Settings] and make sure that the setting is
off. <br />
<br />
Next, add your own account to the second PS4 console (Console #2). <b>DO NOT</b> designate this as your primary console. Per PlayStation: <i>"You can activate only 1 PS4™ system per account."</i><br />
<br />
Next, start downloading all of your previously purchased digital content. This is the console you will now use as your main console, even though it is not the console you have selected as the "primary".<br />
<br />
We followed the above steps last night and this morning my son was playing online, via his own PSN account on his own PS4 console. He was able to jump into a game of <a href="http://www.destinythegame.com/" target="_blank">Destiny</a> and also had all of the DLC Expansion Packs that come with the <a href="http://www.destinythegame.com/wheretobuy/editions?edition=expansionPass" target="_blank">Destiny Expansion Pass</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope this helps save you from purchasing multiple copies of the exact same game and DLC in the future.<br />
<br />
Happy Gaming!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-59092480774185621162015-02-11T18:41:00.000-08:002015-02-11T22:00:42.965-08:00Sausage Fried Rice Recipe<div dir="ltr">
Numerous people have asked me for this recipe, so I figured I should type it up for anyone who loves fried rice. The best part is this recipe is easy, quick and cost effective to make.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL95-_Z0PSb2OQHBTE1al0Vixs_PxH8mrORUPt1EU7NkFtoKdXo24LSvOh2j8ROf-YTtwgx5qUPc8uCLb5HeSycbE7ikncV4DioTfXckyEmmYbAxpvcT6KA_HX8FpTG-W8jrDnytD9ik/s1600/Fried+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL95-_Z0PSb2OQHBTE1al0Vixs_PxH8mrORUPt1EU7NkFtoKdXo24LSvOh2j8ROf-YTtwgx5qUPc8uCLb5HeSycbE7ikncV4DioTfXckyEmmYbAxpvcT6KA_HX8FpTG-W8jrDnytD9ik/s1600/Fried+Rice.jpg" height="225" width="400"></a></div>
(Recipe Credit: One of my long time friends taught me this recipe when
we were teenagers. I think I remember her saying it was her
Grandmother's recipe, but she tweaked it a bit.)<br>
<br>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Here's what you'll need:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>1 package of sausage links (I use Farmer John's brand)</li>
<li>3 carrots, peeled and sliced</li>
<li>2 broccoli crowns, separated into bite sized pieces (pulling the broccoli apart works better than cutting the pieces)</li>
<li>1 bushel of green onions, diced up</li>
<li>Soy sauce to taste (I use Kikkoman's reduced sodium)</li>
<li>Freshly ground black pepper to taste</li>
<li>1 egg (optional)</li>
<li>2-3 cups of long grain white rice (I usually use my rice cooker to cook the rice, but have used the frozen steam bags in a pinch) </li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Start cooking your rice per the instructions for your specific rice cooker or steam bags </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULS9Hlls_b0dVBvWkzTET9AnvXhCIYrVuVEV2W8eyOWbvb7T-yr2LzIZphzns7SYFI9pXBVXO6BLMP9_V48wAJBtQGr0RSkGwAPfrWvcw_hVgA0IMI7oWK-3wk59TCD_xppj6Z8FFx3w/s1600/Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULS9Hlls_b0dVBvWkzTET9AnvXhCIYrVuVEV2W8eyOWbvb7T-yr2LzIZphzns7SYFI9pXBVXO6BLMP9_V48wAJBtQGr0RSkGwAPfrWvcw_hVgA0IMI7oWK-3wk59TCD_xppj6Z8FFx3w/s1600/Rice.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Using medium to high heat - Cook the sausage links in a wok or large pan. Brown and crumble. The smaller the pieces, the better. Depending on how spicy you want your fried rice, you can add some fresh black pepper while the sausage is cooking.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DGL8UoBOf79iveODJ0DZFBMYkrXAh0-qxQWgOou8YbSBbYw6xldPU2Cyw5_NUM6QstNIyDnkuTLr7ViCbS3YWg1_zoRL3hVMwLbfx4lpp1lP2f51RDJUP_-BFhwo5H8ZELhRWSfKW1o/s1600/Sausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DGL8UoBOf79iveODJ0DZFBMYkrXAh0-qxQWgOou8YbSBbYw6xldPU2Cyw5_NUM6QstNIyDnkuTLr7ViCbS3YWg1_zoRL3hVMwLbfx4lpp1lP2f51RDJUP_-BFhwo5H8ZELhRWSfKW1o/s1600/Sausage.jpg" height="320" width="238"></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Once the sausage is browned, use a spatula to push the sausage to the outer area of the pan, creating a ring, leaving the middle of your pan for the veggies.</li>
<li>Add the carrots and broccoli first. I usually let them fry/steam with a lid on for about 8-9 minutes. The oil from the sausage helps fry them and the moisture from the veggies creates steam.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVylHyqgdwFHXJOOW_1VHQT4rA4sXSUouU0fJegcVqOojtmsBOoRyWMRSefZe1_KgIr3M2lTLXCoxhfNW2OZ43CQoWN_vWGCG80pTBMI_xvWQ7PQxPsBLuorU3qQJxePSWDdVO0f6_UEI/s1600/BrocCarrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVylHyqgdwFHXJOOW_1VHQT4rA4sXSUouU0fJegcVqOojtmsBOoRyWMRSefZe1_KgIr3M2lTLXCoxhfNW2OZ43CQoWN_vWGCG80pTBMI_xvWQ7PQxPsBLuorU3qQJxePSWDdVO0f6_UEI/s1600/BrocCarrots.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Once your carrots are soft enough to easily cut through, add the green onions.</li>
<li>Mix all of the veggies and the sausage together. I leave my glass lid on and cook for about another 5-6 minutes. Add more freshly ground black pepper if you'd like.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpxrqOaR3PctAejXuO6SY7r8VOgVSLAGh-3-5vAWNEAZi_9F36ILAiJI47G1mf57ee2hkeXIz_g-VKffmbXXHz3822yX8CgewLWQHmCTTN2q23OXeDjfDbI9_4wNRoOU-RsPleh4UtNY/s1600/Cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpxrqOaR3PctAejXuO6SY7r8VOgVSLAGh-3-5vAWNEAZi_9F36ILAiJI47G1mf57ee2hkeXIz_g-VKffmbXXHz3822yX8CgewLWQHmCTTN2q23OXeDjfDbI9_4wNRoOU-RsPleh4UtNY/s1600/Cooking.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Once your veggies are nice and steamed (not limp), add your rice. Mix thoroughly.</li>
<li>Add soy sauce. A few tablespoons to start, and more as needed. You want to keep mixing it all in really well and the soy sauce should just barely coat the rice. If you see rice that is still all white, mix better or add a little more soy sauce. Add more black pepper if needed.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUDQIONAtPKGAOAIE6hgtJuIWugeN9onocICbb1YR2KABhSPnc7_9tT2O8SPZeXwEBBNNmxTe1mdFEf4RiaQpstySDbhUx2sDgvge0ofvlUquxeUxROGs9pFvtXOa2K6xa-cCd5I0hG8/s1600/Fried+Rice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUDQIONAtPKGAOAIE6hgtJuIWugeN9onocICbb1YR2KABhSPnc7_9tT2O8SPZeXwEBBNNmxTe1mdFEf4RiaQpstySDbhUx2sDgvge0ofvlUquxeUxROGs9pFvtXOa2K6xa-cCd5I0hG8/s1600/Fried+Rice2.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Optional - if you want to add an egg (I've even used 1/4 cup of egg beaters before), move the rice mixture to the edges of the pan, again, creating a ring and leaving the middle of the pan open. Add your egg. Your pan will be really hot, so it only takes a few seconds to scramble the egg. Once the egg is cooked, mix it into the rice mixture. </li>
</ul>
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<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Voilà. You just made the best fried rice ever!</div>
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<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
PS this dish works great hot or even once it cools (like for a pot luck or BBQ). You can also use different veggies. For example, tonight I was running low on carrots, so I added in some diced sweet orange, yellow and red peppers.</div>
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<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I used My Fitness Pal to figure out the following basic nutritional information for this recipe (please note, this is not going to be 100% accurate, just a base based on the ingredients used and approximately 5 servings per pan):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohPOD0cbs-PjUlIlIN2k9d6TsBJMt1bWqdoEVvHxIwYweqM-vUUq1VIpMiZfaKd7wpw3g4fqbdXjHLh-oHJOOhE5SkTl2FLLKH8ll8HbEiFlO6N6cyABSSnGxbwjMnqPfIlTGffBqLT8/s1600/8+Ingredients.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohPOD0cbs-PjUlIlIN2k9d6TsBJMt1bWqdoEVvHxIwYweqM-vUUq1VIpMiZfaKd7wpw3g4fqbdXjHLh-oHJOOhE5SkTl2FLLKH8ll8HbEiFlO6N6cyABSSnGxbwjMnqPfIlTGffBqLT8/s1600/8+Ingredients.png" height="120" width="400"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVetRPjj3RcEcGlFGYpg_Ne09_B4EFaBgFBdIw7VqyBwvBVvMfTAb-6l3zpuvcazlKu_kHbBjEaQpL4TZZTdHI7A8eGRlSQ7LfYWHg3lg7qds4PKxLVhRHkrUg5GYIbq0lpmUmhHDzWE/s1600/Calorie+Content.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVetRPjj3RcEcGlFGYpg_Ne09_B4EFaBgFBdIw7VqyBwvBVvMfTAb-6l3zpuvcazlKu_kHbBjEaQpL4TZZTdHI7A8eGRlSQ7LfYWHg3lg7qds4PKxLVhRHkrUg5GYIbq0lpmUmhHDzWE/s1600/Calorie+Content.png" height="400" width="132"></a></div>
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If you try this recipe, please post your pictures in the comments section.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-8817893031905069492014-08-31T20:41:00.000-07:002014-08-31T20:49:13.087-07:00Jamberry Nails Review<div dir="ltr">
One of my sister's friends gave me a <a href="http://kimberlyjennex.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Jamberry</a> nail sample to try out last night. I was excited because I have been hearing about Jamberry from multiple people and had been wanting to test them out. Basically, it is like a decal or sticker you apply to your nails that is supposed to last longer than regular polish. They run about $15 per sheet and you should be able to get a few manicures from each sheet. So, price-wise it is a pretty good deal. <i>If they work</i>.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Here is the sample I was given. The colors are not really my style at all, but I saw another person with the same ones on and they looked fabulous, so I figured, Why not? </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kimberlyjennex.jamberrynails.net/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sample via Kimberly Jennex" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aCVuhyphenhyphenYxJVZKfs30jDfOd5VScW5opAYozq0DHvWrPAaWIPMUoKzfvNITIHiGN6j-OdkpKv-rQM6aJ_ARfNv4Y-zf0B1OR8vMSwpcYmV2ThRc4J2RnHZ-15vv1pzI4RvuEvwJhMXi-e4/s1600/Jamberry+Nails+Sample.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample via <a href="http://kimberlyjennex.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Kimberly Jennex</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I tried them today and here is my opinion.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Please note, I did a <i>quick</i> manicure (removed old polish, cleaned up cuticles a bit, filed and then cleaned my nails with alcohol) prior to application.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
First, the sizes seem to be way off. There was not one that fit my thumb at all and I just used the best size for each of the other nails. I applied them using both the heat, then apply and the apply to the nail, then heat methods (per the <a href="http://kimberlyjennex.jamberrynails.net/about/apply/" target="_blank">Jamberry website application videos</a>). Both seemed to work about the same. It took some trial and error to get the excess to file off properly, but I figured that out without too much of a problem. Overall, they look pretty. Definitely not my usual style, but fun to try out for free. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg6K2NCcBvs8-6sOCF7oZo38l1SXoQhikL-vtYn1ZDveUNlZ0oQlHekF7V6MS0dv_JxHPv68RFVbTpRg7w-Pt9owMVv0D-zUoWDjr_w6x9g2esPL7m_Pucz-kDQPx1A1AD9WsAb8ob0g/s640/2014-08-31%25252018.31.35.jpg" height="149" width="200" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigumefop1dgfx-I5Kzqqx84T6Mv-Ed3keDBaU_HdOf3RoUqxfFpTW-_ZmckRkJexaNi9ejyU0qsduqk0c6q1EWAqbCkpXUM2KEj-tjwosYBoqBuvrDLLy25CCxe-kFWNvJQdGKZdnDp9k/s640/2014-08-31%25252018.32.34.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The main pros to me are they don't smell at all, no dry
time and they are shiny. The lack of smell is a big deal to me, since
I'm super sensitive to most scents. No dry time is great, too. This
means you could apply before bed or when you have somewhere to go and
don't have a lot of time to use actual nail polish. No dry time = No
smudges at all.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Cons would be the
sizing and the slight ripples on some of them (which may be caused by
how I applied/filed them). The sizing really bothers me because I really like a
nice, polished nail and seeing the sides of my nail where the nail
decal didn't extend to is a bit annoying.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Time-wise
it took about the same as a regular manicure. Most likely the
application time and the way they look will improve with more practice.
They are supposed to last for up to two weeks on nails and four weeks
on toenails, but if they last more than five days on my nails I would be
happy and consider purchasing some of the more conservative styles.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So, what do you think? Have you tried Jamberry Nails yet? How did they turn out? On the fence? Order some and give them a try! If you need a consultant, feel free to use this <a href="http://kimberlyjennex.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">link</a> to Kim's Jamberry page.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-64441909887216152852014-08-25T12:06:00.001-07:002014-08-25T12:38:37.381-07:00The Battle of the Brands<p dir="ltr">I have to say one of the things I prefer about uniforms in school are the lack of "name brands".  Ever since our son, Sal III was very young (I'd say about 2 or 3 years old), I've let him pick his own clothes.  He went through a 6 year camo phase, no joke.  All the way down to the underwear.   He never wanted colored hair, faux hawks, jewelry or any name brand things.  What I'm saying is, I let him be himself without placing any pressure on him re who I thought he should be or how he should appear to the outside world (other than daily showers).  :) When he started preschool (at age 3) he could dress as he liked.  I witnessed first hand what appears to be (IMO) the battle of the brands.  I'm not saying his 3 year old classmate did not choose his spiked green hair, DC shoes and Sean Paul (spelling) attire on his own.  That is entirely possible.  However when I see the father of that child wearing the same type of sideways hat and shoes, it makes me wonder if our society is way too focused on all the wrong things.  I'm in no way saying I don't buy my son name brand things.  I do, for sure.  Here is why.  It is not because I like a specific name brand or because of the brand itself.  It is because as he has gotten older, he likes different things for different reasons. He loves a lot of the Quicksilver shirts because he loves the ocean scenes and his dad likes to surf.  But, only shirts in the softest and brightest highlighter-looking colors.  He still loves anything camo because his grandfather (who he is named after) is a Marine.  At his size, camo is hard to come by, so the kids sections at stores like Old Navy and Target just aren't cutting it any more, so I have to look at the other brands now.  We've even been to the Army surplus stores.  He does sometimes pick really odd things. During a trip to Catalina last year, he studied and really wanted this bright blue Patagonia backpack from one of the stores.  My husband said no, because it was over $100.  We asked him why he wanted this specific backpack.  He said because it had safety features.  Reflective tape, a whistle, a place to keep a water pouch.  He also liked all the pockets to store his gear. We thought about it and went back to the store and bought it for him.  He had been using the same two backpacks since preschool.  One was camo (big surprise) and the other was a Boy Scouts one.  Six years of the same backpacks and they still look new.    I explained this to my husband who then agreed if he wanted an expensive backpack, we could justify it because he would take care of it.  He is using it again this year.   My son loves soft things and he really prefers anything he wears to be really soft, so while shopping for his Summer clothes, I came across some really soft shorts for him.  My husband saw them and informed me they were a name brand that was popular.  I honestly had no idea.  They were $14.97 on clearance.  I wasn't sure if our son would like them, but I bought them anyway.  He did not like them.  He asked me to buy the same shorts he's been wearing since he was about 2 years old.  The problem is, he is in a 16-18 now and the boys section of Target ends there and I was trying to prepare him for the move from his non-descript Circo brand Target cargo shorts.  You know, the ones that are 2 pairs for $12?  I guess my point is, I wish more children were unaware of name brands, peer pressure to fit in, be "in-style", etc.  I can only hope that all children have a chance to be themselves, find out what they like and make choices on their own.  I truly believe our society places way too much value on who has the newest name brand purse, shoes, clothes and cars.   It is OK to have these things.  Just make sure you are doing it because it is something you or your child truly LOVES, not because you are trying to fit in or one-up the neighbors.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-48023876187344690392014-01-08T04:06:00.004-08:002014-01-09T02:21:11.614-08:00Things People Didn't Tell Me About The Xbox One.Introducing the all new, Xbox One. The One that does it all. In my opinion, it has the <i>potential</i> to do it all, but sadly, it just isn't there yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw0dtGuv_GFHx1ZGWSsHlTqkXVLUJuMixD_1mrlfnkMvx_pPy7cMVCG9Mi2asl3cqK8w6G-cFf1xKqHyOY-dbCQFpW7lvdl46hfWQhjgKqIacpZAo2UELwzQ2zribgUpaxMeQiggSM0k/s1600/XboxOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw0dtGuv_GFHx1ZGWSsHlTqkXVLUJuMixD_1mrlfnkMvx_pPy7cMVCG9Mi2asl3cqK8w6G-cFf1xKqHyOY-dbCQFpW7lvdl46hfWQhjgKqIacpZAo2UELwzQ2zribgUpaxMeQiggSM0k/s1600/XboxOne.jpg" height="176" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://compass.xbox.com/assets/ac/5e/ac5e96ae-4981-44d1-b40c-a4b09fb904b1.jpg?n=slide-xbox-one-console-angle-1450x644.jpg">Xbox.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I actually waited several weeks to run out and buy my newest gaming console, the Xbox One. Why? My gaming friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jason.sallans" target="_blank">Jason</a> (Gamertag: Jasonincbus) and I made a deal: neither of us would give in and buy one until the other decided to do so.<br />
<br />
Anyway, he gave in first due to some gift cards he received and who am I to go back on a deal? <br />
<br />
So check it out, the following are things no one was trying to mention when I asked people to give me the pros and cons of the Xbox One (and believe me, I asked quite a few people). All I heard were things like, "It so great, Ang!", "It's the best thing like everrrr!" and "You have to get one!"<br />
<br />
These are the things that struck me as foul right off the bat:<br />
<br />
<b>No voice messages.</b> That's right, the Xbox One does not allow you to send voice messages to your friends. You will, however be notified of incoming voice messages from the land of your Xbox 360 friends, but you will not be able to listen to them unless you bust out your 360 and sign into your account on there. Can anyone say, <i>DUMB</i>?! <br />
<br />
<b>No Bluetooth support.</b> Yep. You read that right. No. Bluetooth. Support. So, this means you can say goodbye to your expensive $300+ headsets. Oh, wait. They are releasing an adapter sometime during the "first quarter" of the year. Do real-life gamers even test these consoles out prior to the launch? Get it together, Microsoft!<br />
<br />
<b>No way to view or modify your hard drive capacity.</b> <i>Literally</i>, there is no way to view your current storage situation. Like what happens when I want to delete a game? Oh, never mind there are less than a handful of available games and almost all of them are right around 40GB to install. 5x40=200. We are good! (insert sarcastic undertones here). What the Efff?!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"></span> This brings me to my next complaint:<br />
<br />
<b>You MUST install your games to your hard drive.</b> It is no longer an option to do so, the Xbox One now <i>insists</i> you install to the hard drive in order to play the game. Gone are the days of going to your friend's house and popping in a game and just <i>playing </i>it. Gone! What about the non-tech savvy parents out there? You pay $500 for a console and your kids want to be able to play a game on it, right? <i>RIGHT!?</i><br />
<br />
<b>The games take upwards of 30 minutes to install.</b> Mine took 56 minutes on average per game. I bought (3) games in total, so needless to say I spent most of the night installing games to the hard drive. Fair to note: many people report around 30 minutes to install games, I happen to have a defective device (more on that in a minute).<br />
<br />
<b>Apps.</b> One of the selling features of the Xbox One was the fact it can play my Blu-ray discs. I mean, dang I can now retire my PS3, right? Yeah, I sure can <i><b>AFTER</b></i> I download an app. For real. You are required to download an app in order to play a movie via your Xbox One. This does not come pre-installed.<br />
<br />
Oh and let's not forget about listening to music. Did you get the app? If not, forget about it. MP3 files on your disc? Forget about those, too. MP3 files are not supported on the Xbox One.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, I was able to download Netflix, HuluPlus and Amazon Instant Video with ease. If you want HBO Go, you better just watch it on your Smart TV, your iPad, or maybe even your phone, because the Xbox One, does not offer an app for it.<br />
<br />
<b>Watching Television.</b> I have to say the ability to hook up your cable or satellite box to the Xbox one is pretty nifty, but what about for those times when you don't want to have to turn the Xbox One on? I mean, come on - my almost 60 year-old mom does not want to turn on a gaming console in order to watch reruns of Friends or Murder She Wrote. Come on now. Without having to purchase a splitter of some sort, there should be a way for us to still watch TV the old fashioned way, if and when the need arises. Because, believe me - the need will arise.<br />
<br />
<b>Followers.</b> You will no longer receive friend request alerts (which is handy for just saying "NO!" to the Xbox stalkers out there). Girls: you know what I am talking about. You will, however, soon see your list of "followers" growing. These so-called followers are people who have recently added you as a friend. Wait. <i>Say Whatttt</i>? You may be thinking..."No way Ang, people can't add me unless I approve them first..." Say goodbye to those days, my friends. But, guess what? To add a friend, all you need to do is "follow" them back. Pretty simple, right? Oh my bad! I forgot to mention you will now see every single thing the people you follow (aka add as friends) do via a handy thing known as the Feed. That said, the Feed will tell all of your stalkers every single thing there is to know about you. Did you just watch Prison Break via Netflix? Yup. Are you playing Forza?! Well, by golly you sure are, because I can see it in my Feed! Everything any creeper ever wanted or needed to know about you in regard to your Xbox One is right there for their viewing aka reading pleasure. The Xbox One...The One That Tells It All.<br />
<br />
The following is just something I find annoying, even though I did know about it <i>prior</i> to my purchase. I only have myself to blame re this one.<br />
<br />
<b>No backwards compatibility.</b> I mean like not even for previously purchased <i>digital</i> games via the XBL Arcade. Come on guys. If you can make COD Ghosts, BF4 and even Lego Marvel work, you can let us have access to our digital content.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for technology. Hello, my name is CPU22GIRL for a reason. (That's Computer-22-Girl for the slower folks out there). But this Xbox One is not even close to being ready for the masses. It really isn't. But, guess what? Just like the same crappy games with their same crappy servers and lack of support we have ALL been complaining about for years - we will continue to buy it. If we will buy it, they will make it.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is this: The games (or lack thereof) pretty much suck, the console itself needs some serious revamping in order to live up to its true potential and overall there is no way knowing what I know now, I would ever recommend purchasing this console in its current state. To anyone. Like ever.<br />
<br />
I truly had a list much longer than this, but for some odd reason I can't find the note I typed to myself via my Galaxy Nexus. So, this is all from the top of my head, kids.<br />
<br />
Oh yes, regarding my defective console - I will say this. Microsoft was on point when I contacted them because my brand new, 5 day old console decided it no longer wanted to read discs. I mean, <i>come on!</i> I had already inserted 3 different discs into the console. <i>That is a lot, guys!</i> (insert sarcasm (again) here). They offered me something they are calling an "Advance Exchange Order" in lieu of me having to wait to get my console repaired. Pretty much what that means is I had to provide my credit card info, Microsoft then placed a $500 "hold" on my card and is in the process of shipping me a brand new console. In return I am to ship back the defective one using the box the new one arrives in. Not too shabby, and if the old-school Red Rings of Death (RROD) situation was anything to learn from, it seems they have learned a thing or two about customer service.<br />
<br />
Another thing worth mentioning is pretty much <i>ALL</i> of the above could be fixed via a system update. I mean, <i>really</i>, why can't we send voice messages?<br />
<br />
Last, but not least are the things I really like about the console:<br />
<br />
A stand-out plus of the console is the voice chat is very true to
life. It literally sounds like you are on the phone with someone. Very
clear and concise. So much so, you can hear other people breathing.
Like a lot. Just saying. <br />
<br />
The speed of this thing is pretty awesome, as well. Everything moves super quick.<br />
<br />
The Kinect is amazing. It recognizes you when you walk in front of it and you have the option of enabling auto-log in. I have to say: This is pretty cool. The voice recognition is pretty nice, too. It really does listen to what you say.<br />
<br />
The "Xbox Record That" feature is one of the neatest added features I have seen. Did you just blow someone up with a grenade launcher? Well, tell your Xbox to "Record That!" and it will. You can share the video with all of your friends later.<br />
<br />
I will update this list as things change, but for now, I am out. Happy Gaming!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">01/09/2014 Update: I was browsing the xbox.com website and came across the following: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div id="Solution-Article-Title">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b>Uninstall Xbox One content</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">If you need to make room for a new game, or if you want to uninstall a title that you don’t use anymore, you can do it from <b>My games and apps.</b> Here’s how: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">
</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Start from Home (press the <b>Xbox</b> button on your controller to go Home).</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Go to <b>My games and apps</b>.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Highlight the content that you want to uninstall.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Press the <b>Menu</b> button on your controller.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Select </span><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Uninstall. </span></b></span></li>
</ol>
This sure helps! I checked it out and it even tells you how much space the game/app is taking up. However, there still is not a way to view any type of summary/overview re how much space has been used <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-79533243461158025892013-09-13T13:23:00.000-07:002013-09-16T01:37:24.448-07:00Everyone Should Have Their Own Robot<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxB7bqYhdvRd0BSyn3uaLZq-2Y4BX6QFAFq2VYqgQecVlMlSkxP1JhBOx61SX9WupZL2wGf8FhRsFpJYS5gZIJfwx6DfVudPycGVUT9PXN74ssll4u9wrUrb7nYJF-NGlc4qR3iA4ddU/s1600/iRobot+Love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxB7bqYhdvRd0BSyn3uaLZq-2Y4BX6QFAFq2VYqgQecVlMlSkxP1JhBOx61SX9WupZL2wGf8FhRsFpJYS5gZIJfwx6DfVudPycGVUT9PXN74ssll4u9wrUrb7nYJF-NGlc4qR3iA4ddU/s200/iRobot+Love.png" title="iRobot Love" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green iRobot Logo via <a href="http://www.irobot.com/us/" target="_blank">iRobot</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I Heart <a href="http://www.irobot.com/us/" target="_blank">iRobot</a>. For realsies. This is a post I intended to write a long time ago. I am a <i>HUGE </i>fan of iRobot. I own both the <a href="http://store.irobot.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2501652&s=A-ProductAge" target="_blank">Roomba</a> and <a href="http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12546044&cp=2174932&s=A-ProductAge&parentPage=family" target="_blank">Scooba</a>
models and can not say enough good things about them. Anyone who comes
to my house gets introduced to them at some point. Often, I refer to
them as my kids. Their names are Claire and Sam. As in, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claire_Redfield" target="_blank"><i>Claire Redfield</i></a><i> & <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Fisher_%28Splinter_Cell%29" target="_blank">Sam Fisher</a>.</i> <strike>If they ever</strike> (who am I kidding?!) <i>When</i> they have a <a href="http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11033986&cp=2174932&s=A-ProductAge&parentPage=family" target="_blank">baby robot</a>, she will be named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Croft:_Tomb_Raider" target="_blank"><i>Lara Croft</i></a>. Don't hate. I have a photo album <i>dedicated</i> to my robots on facebook. <i>Seriously</i>.<br />
<br />
Had I known they would one day become celebrities, I would have taken better pictures when they were first born. I regret to say I never took pictures of Claire (the Scooba aka the mop), when she first came to live with us. But, when her boyfriend Sam moved in, it was so on. I understood the <i>power</i> of the robot by then.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A Little History. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Claire. She was born in January, 2010. I found her online. At the time, it was the only way she could be had. I ordered her directly from iRobot. I paid $599 with free shipping. <i>OUCH</i>. But, I would do it again. In an instant. Even if it meant blowing the dust off of my American Express.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiIuDrUMINW9ASUxbRV9B5Zw1Mffc4WYbYR9SZrnICQh7LNq1KQTa00HveMZ0SIYbMUlrsNiVwV3An7o-8jGqaRiWEMm7cA_VDnpXAzbA_-t-UJDJPp0S95TJ1rCoYU9GRpio-2BJJcE/s1600/Scooba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiIuDrUMINW9ASUxbRV9B5Zw1Mffc4WYbYR9SZrnICQh7LNq1KQTa00HveMZ0SIYbMUlrsNiVwV3An7o-8jGqaRiWEMm7cA_VDnpXAzbA_-t-UJDJPp0S95TJ1rCoYU9GRpio-2BJJcE/s320/Scooba.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire aka iRobot Scooba 380, cleaning our floors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Claire is an extremely hard worker. She even cleans our guest house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOeNWOp6hz2-LxlLWiPUa4Ij9jsYoqPXE0syPVK5iACwwqfRBIAFO5ym9fCZ52Il1yz6rDhq3ceNIsHw8_W37ijiGh1P7cFtu8ljkDmcLfEwnRftwvD8V58k8ggP-y7tJLY_HR96nct4/s1600/Scooba2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOeNWOp6hz2-LxlLWiPUa4Ij9jsYoqPXE0syPVK5iACwwqfRBIAFO5ym9fCZ52Il1yz6rDhq3ceNIsHw8_W37ijiGh1P7cFtu8ljkDmcLfEwnRftwvD8V58k8ggP-y7tJLY_HR96nct4/s320/Scooba2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Claire, age 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It wasn't long before I decided Claire needed a boyfriend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Sam. Born April 27th, 2012.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAvzAEqyqGIFG2dyjfQt73sjXoSoOdK_roECtSY4P62XSSyfDn0rzOMBYJ3hllxs40x7JcUYoyKR77t7Y4QlMwayMWUYEsTJcIbDvV9eUHZytkTsEZLLy_iuRyn7UED9Ng_a9dudo1S4/s1600/iRobotBrandNew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAvzAEqyqGIFG2dyjfQt73sjXoSoOdK_roECtSY4P62XSSyfDn0rzOMBYJ3hllxs40x7JcUYoyKR77t7Y4QlMwayMWUYEsTJcIbDvV9eUHZytkTsEZLLy_iuRyn7UED9Ng_a9dudo1S4/s320/iRobotBrandNew.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Fisher aka iRobot Roomba 560</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I purchased Sam from <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Bed, Bath & Beyond</a>. I utilized a 20% off coupon and a free upgrade kit with purchase. I paid just under $400. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Don't
doubt the cleaning power of the Roomba. This is after 3 cleaning cycles
of all rooms. Our floors are super clean, too. We never, <i>ever</i> wear shoes
indoors.</span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c_XB8WlzLmSsVpW5qUVrd2s5U_oe3kGRhT8IS0W0-iJASilVQulkyLxHU15i4lp5C8iWXxQthiZ1m2CsD9bO0ALxNUtYVkbgSe9Z_nmySx6nlwLVpo40hejlOGjzQ7vodXH2dVYNuA4/s1600/iRobot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c_XB8WlzLmSsVpW5qUVrd2s5U_oe3kGRhT8IS0W0-iJASilVQulkyLxHU15i4lp5C8iWXxQthiZ1m2CsD9bO0ALxNUtYVkbgSe9Z_nmySx6nlwLVpo40hejlOGjzQ7vodXH2dVYNuA4/s320/iRobot.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gross, eh?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sam even cleans under the table and between the chairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKFgichOPxumSi3M2Ck5yQGPKWBbiqnxwAOIABvRGZ7nOZNTTjXkk-Nvk5q-6U0SRxAuMUT2qbVzmp7s_4YgPNVQMtc4WfarZL9PrsXxCpDKc9r1W0vw8K4MOexprZY5qNBwayqgp4fM/s1600/Roomba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKFgichOPxumSi3M2Ck5yQGPKWBbiqnxwAOIABvRGZ7nOZNTTjXkk-Nvk5q-6U0SRxAuMUT2qbVzmp7s_4YgPNVQMtc4WfarZL9PrsXxCpDKc9r1W0vw8K4MOexprZY5qNBwayqgp4fM/s320/Roomba.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this little guy. Our cat, not so much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><b>The Nitty, Gritty Details</b>. </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Both units
are low
maintenance and easy to use. Because it uses water, the Scooba requires
a bit more maintenance (aka cleaning) to keep it working efficiently.
It is all really easy, though. The Roomba picks up the grossest stuff
you don't
even know is in your house. It cleans under the beds and in closets. You can even schedule your Roomba to turn on automatically every day of the week! Need
I say more?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Some
people may think they are too loud. In my opinion, the noise level is the
equivalent of a blow dryer on the low setting. It does not bother me
at all. Better than having to bust out the <a href="http://www.sharkclean.com/Shark-Steam-Products/" target="_blank">Shark Steam Mop</a> or <a href="http://www.dyson.com/" target="_blank">Dyson</a> (my <i>other</i> mop and vacuum power couple of choice).</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">The Roomba with an upgraded bin kit works great. We have a Husky dog and a Siamese kitty
and there is not a speck hair on my tile after these robots have done their daily chores. If you are wondering how the animals like the robots - they have never bothered the dog and with our cat, it was touch and go at first, but now he doesn't even move when the robots come near him. Like as in, <i>he stays asleep</i>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
In October of 2012, I had to replace Claire's battery pack. This cost
me $69.70, including shipping. Again, I ordered directly from iRobot. I have not had a problem since.<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Do you have
access to a Bed, Bath & Beyond? If so, utilize their 20% off coupon
and call it a day. They have the best return policy, hands-down.
Especially, if let's say, the robot eats a few Nerf bullets and never
sounds the same again. BOOM! Return and get a new one. <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">You
will be right around the $300-400 mark with the upgrade and the one
with scheduling. No need to get all cray-cray and buy the <a href="http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2215227&utm_term=2215227&utm_source=google-shopping&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=IROBOT%2CAccessory%2CAccessories%2CTools/Parts" target="_blank">remote</a>...now
that's just LAZY!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">So, what are you waiting for? Step up your robot game, today. Your floors and your white socks will thank you. This has been a public service announcement to dirty floors everywhere.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636895}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636917}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636943}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[h5fv].[1][4][1]{comment10151700751417730_9636950}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Disclaimer: If you think I am alone in my Robot fandom, think again! People everywhere name their robots and even let their kids ride on them! (Not recommended by iRobot). Yes, I really refer to them by their names. You can ask anyone who knows me. Also, at some point, I would love to own my very own iRobot <a href="http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19784836" target="_blank">pool cleaning</a> and <a href="http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13081876&cp=2878870&sr=1" target="_blank">gutter cleaning</a> robots, too.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-3685004819315231112013-09-04T19:20:00.001-07:002013-09-04T19:22:31.563-07:00A Liebster Award (is what exactly)?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://photosciencechanel.com/blog-awards/liebster-award/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="liebster-award" class="attachment-830x830" height="224" src="http://photoscience.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/liebster-award.jpg?w=223" width="223" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo via <a href="http://photosciencechanel.com/blog-awards/liebster-award/" target="_blank">Photo Science Channel</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I received a notification that I had been nominated for something called a "Liebster Award". Say whaatt? No really, what is a Liebster award? I had no idea. So, I asked my two most trusted friends, who always give me great answers, <a href="http://liebster award wiki" target="_blank">Google and wiki</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon further research regarding the origins of the Liebster Award, I only became more confused. It is like the game of <i>Blog Telephone</i>. Some people say in its original form, it was a <a href="http://smoothreentry.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/origins-of-the-liebster-award/" target="_blank">chain letter</a>, while others say the original <a href="http://sopphey.onimpression.com/2012/05/liebster-blog-award-origins.html" target="_blank">rules were much different</a> than those being used today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically, a Liebster Award is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span dir="auto">A Blog Award</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">"A <b>blog award</b> is an award for the best <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Blog">blog</a>
in a given category. Some blog awards are based on a public vote and
others are based on a fixed set of criteria applied by a panel of
judges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Like <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Film">film</a> or <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Television">television</a> awarding committees, blog awards are started by a certain body, usually composed of blog enthusiasts. Since blogging is an <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Internet">Internet</a> activity, most of the process is done online.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Nominees are usually accepted from anyone in the Internet as long as
the one who nominates adhere to given policies and procedures. The
nominated websites, varying from independent servers to provider hosted
are scanned by a selected team of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Judge">judges</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">The filtered nominees are then announced online or by other means such as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Newspaper">newspaper</a> or <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Radio stations">radio stations</a>. Other <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" title="Bloggers">bloggers</a>
or Internet users are given the opportunity to vote for several
categories such as Best Single Post, Best Blog Site, Best Design, and
others. The winners are announced in a ceremonial night usually held in
large venues and online.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">There are also blog awards initiated by small groups of bloggers in
certain locations. The nomination and selection process is usually the
same with major awarding bodies but the awarding is usually less
extravagant."<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="background-color: white;">Uhm, OK...<i>thanks</i>? I guess this is pretty cool. <i>Right</i>? Regardless, this "Liebster Award" comes with some stipulations. As in some things I need to do to <i>pay it forward</i>, so to speak. So, here we go...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="background-color: white;">To make things easy, I am basing my response on the directions found on the blog of the person who nominated me: <a href="http://alwaysblabbing.blogspot.com/2013/09/liebster-award.html?showComment=1378342114276#c6691670227237865953" target="_blank">Always Blabbing</a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">The Rules:</span></b></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">You must link back to the person that nominated you. </span><b><span style="background-color: white;"> Check.</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">You must answer the 11 Liebster questions given to you by the nominee before you.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">You must pick 11 bloggers to be nominated for the award with under 200 followers.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">You must come up with 11 questions for you nominees to answer.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">You must go to their blogs and notify your nominees.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The questions I was given</b> (in purple font, mind you):</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1. Eyeliner gel or pencil? <span style="color: black;">Pencil.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">2. Favorite nail polish. <span style="color: black;">Essie.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">3. Dream vacation destination? <span style="color: black;">Anywhere I can snorkel.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">4. Sandals or boots? <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://us.havaianas.com/" target="_blank">Havaianas</a> all day.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">5. Favorite Season? <span style="color: black;">I live in California, need I say more?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">6. Favorite Holiday? <span style="color: black;">Summer Vacation. Be quiet, it <i>is</i> a holiday for me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">7. Colored mascara yay or nay? <span style="color: black;">Definitely not.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">8. Do you have animals? <span style="color: black;">Unfortunately. I say that because while I love our fur balls, I have become allergic. The dog resides outdoors, so she is ok. The cat, however, is about to kick rocks.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">9. One make up product you can't live without: <span style="color: black;">Only one? Lip balm with SPF.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">10. Favorite Movie?<span style="color: black;"> I see what you are trying to do: If I were to answer this, you would be able to hack every single account in my name. My second favorite movie, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245844/" target="_blank">The Count of Monte Cristo</a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">11. Favorite Food? <span style="color: black;">Healthy: Grilled Veggies. Not so healthy: My MIL's Tacos. They. Are. The. Bomb.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">My 11 Nominees:</span></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Seriously? This is going to be the most difficult one. I am <i>THE ONLY PERSON</i> with a blog who I know who has less than 200 followers. Hmmm. Okay, here goes. <i>Never mind</i> it's not going to work. Instead, I am listing my <b>top 11 blogs I read the most</b>. <i>What? This is blog telephone, remember?</i> Everyone else has altered the rules, so I am going to, too. I will even go one step further and give a description as to <i>WHY</i> I heart these blogs so much.</span></span></span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://prettiesandposies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pretties & Posies</a> </span></span></span><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">I LOVE her white furniture. Seriously, I am addicted to <i>all things white.</i> Also, her pictures are gorgeous. Go check them out.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dreamy Whites</a> This is the blog that inspired to me to take the plunge and purchase my white sofa. A year later, I can not complain. <i>Much.</i></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty Decor Chick</a> I do not thing there is anything this "chick" can't do She is like <i>AMAZING</i>. Also, her house is gorgeous.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thedesignjunkie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Design Junkie</a> I first met Chrissa back in our MySpace days (don't judge us) and instantly fell in love with her writing style. Fast forward many years later, and we are still friends (like in the Internet sense of the word, but whatevas). I absolutely adore her style, her heart and she makes like awesome things. Just go read her blog already. PS. She <i>also</i> has a white couch. So there.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/" target="_blank">The House of Smiths</a> This family has got to be fake. (I kid.) I mean, their house is perfect, their kids look perfect and their blog is filled with all things fabulous.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.cozycottagecute.com/" target="_blank">Cozy. Cottage. Cute</a>. The name says enough. Super cute site.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/" target="_blank">One Good Thing by Jillee</a> I want her to be related to me. She makes her own LAUNDRY SOAP! Seriously though, I used her recipe on how to clean my expensive pillows and make them bright white again. It worked and she is awesome.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IHeart Organizing</a> This is the site any busy mom needs to subscribe to. She has awesome ideas and I love her blog theme. It is so pretty.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://trippinwithstanley.com/about/" target="_blank">Trippin with Stanley</a> I stumbled upon this blog while researching RV design ideas. (You can read that post <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/04/rv-inspiration.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) These people made their home on wheels so cute and even gave him a name. They blog all about their adventures. Fun!</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://romantiskahem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Romantiska Hem</a> Since we are on the topic of RV's, this is the most chic one I have ever seen. So beautiful, you won't even mind that the entire site is in <i>German</i> (?).</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.venathegreat.com/blog.html" target="_blank">Vena The Great</a> </span></span></span><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Last, but definitely not least ~ this woman is amazing in all things hair, design, photos and even soap making. Plus, she is super pretty on the inside and out!</span></span></span></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">My 11 Questions for the blogs I nominated:</span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">How do we know each other?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Kindle: yay or nay?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">If finances did not play a factor, where would you live?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">List one goal you want to accomplish in the near future.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">What do you want to be doing in five years?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Ten?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Who inspires you most?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">What is your biggest pet peeve?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">If you could do any one thing, right now, what would it be?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">How many subscribers and/or followers does your blog currently have?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Since this award was originally intended to help bloggers increase their following - in your opinion, what is the single best piece of advice you would give to a person just starting out?</span></span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">Now I have to notify all of these people....Good Lord</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The end.</b> Carry on minions. :)</span></span></span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-70720678804108647332013-08-05T18:46:00.002-07:002013-08-05T18:46:19.660-07:00Julep Maven August "Classic with a Twist" Box<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp-JTCbCbteuPeZMIcabg0425mPYXIS_7uC8cm9Dgh47HP7SWFOgf8kQru7eIoTqtK20sqdM1JzlCa-x9ouEuUt29CDxt9suejz-zcrdbEGCaPbh3nAaAjRs4MXwNO0Hckt9lMJTU39Y/s1600/August+Maven+Quote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp-JTCbCbteuPeZMIcabg0425mPYXIS_7uC8cm9Dgh47HP7SWFOgf8kQru7eIoTqtK20sqdM1JzlCa-x9ouEuUt29CDxt9suejz-zcrdbEGCaPbh3nAaAjRs4MXwNO0Hckt9lMJTU39Y/s320/August+Maven+Quote.JPG" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julep's August Quote of the Month</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last month I became a Julep Maven by joining Julep's nail polish subscription service. (You can read all about that <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/07/julep-maven-classic-with-twist-starter.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Since then, I have yet to be disappointed. Around the 20th of July, I received an email notifying me the upcoming August Maven boxes were available for preview. I logged into my Julep account and I have to admit - it was a hard decision to pick only one box. I almost splurged and upgraded my order to the entire "<i><a href="http://www.julep.com/collections/garden-party-collection.html/" target="_blank">Garden Party Collection</a></i>". Since I had purchased Julep's "<a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-julep-summertime-mystery-box.html" target="_blank"><i>Summertime Mystery Box</i></a>" earlier in July, I just couldn't justify spending more money on polish so soon. I chose the "<a href="http://www.julep.com/august-classic-with-a-twist-box.html" target="_blank">August Classic with a Twist</a>" box. <i>That is my style, after all.</i> Oh, I also added a couple of add-ons to my order. I mean, <i>who can resist?!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fast forward to August 1st. This arrived in my mailbox:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLoBjXzt3SWHsIBRMT33Hsca3GOhOFzCBFHwpRlv3ugDAT5sFTexUP4BO3EGWcJJ_APiMV3eCFcYRK_fy0sAbCdMbpUCsN9dO88XcDzY-0ugpDf877ZxambR1hQkn5omPajbWZKnopRE/s1600/Julep+Maven+August+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLoBjXzt3SWHsIBRMT33Hsca3GOhOFzCBFHwpRlv3ugDAT5sFTexUP4BO3EGWcJJ_APiMV3eCFcYRK_fy0sAbCdMbpUCsN9dO88XcDzY-0ugpDf877ZxambR1hQkn5omPajbWZKnopRE/s400/Julep+Maven+August+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, the mailman actually <i>crammed</i> the entire box into my mailbox and I almost broke a nail trying to pry it out of there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ60UY5bqtHIKWS6qp-JoNJlsA8FIi6LrxocsGeTg7ZcxTMttmnpskj09ChD-DG_YlOxuxaKPvE9uIjgbJVFetm_ge-ESLarDz-EMYDB3wHfctop7ADnl4Rp_Cn1rkLEEaDIftYxs2Fc/s1600/Julep+Maven+August+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ60UY5bqtHIKWS6qp-JoNJlsA8FIi6LrxocsGeTg7ZcxTMttmnpskj09ChD-DG_YlOxuxaKPvE9uIjgbJVFetm_ge-ESLarDz-EMYDB3wHfctop7ADnl4Rp_Cn1rkLEEaDIftYxs2Fc/s400/Julep+Maven+August+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up view of August Maven Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One thing I must mention is Julep <i>always</i> has the nicest packaging. They really go all out on making the most of their monthly themes. My polishes arrived bubble wrapped in tissue paper with a cute ribbon. (I opened the packaging before I thought to take a picture). Also, everything is <i>matchy-matchy</i>, which I adore.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8S8Pw47GE3wS29SHHeA1Pn8F5YMYqfjAW1yF1CvcjHGmBkc306JNc2HMbjXs9eJ4ZqnI11rjklQ0VU6zhlb1QORtSS9yF9dync9HEEOdTEJHHMe2g1H3gzdBkmO6XF_sSaIANY8qGHCE/s1600/Julep+Maven+August+Polishes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8S8Pw47GE3wS29SHHeA1Pn8F5YMYqfjAW1yF1CvcjHGmBkc306JNc2HMbjXs9eJ4ZqnI11rjklQ0VU6zhlb1QORtSS9yF9dync9HEEOdTEJHHMe2g1H3gzdBkmO6XF_sSaIANY8qGHCE/s400/Julep+Maven+August+Polishes.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August Classic with a Twist Polishes with Add-Ons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4sU1VIHhxARQqKk6z07GV6g5sGRtAzuuS-CHJ8m4CV-mYom4np1WcetTsn6dqBtsKnVae-S5PWSw1GF9t7H5XcSDUklLOII8ihnc4VWggSccNjXa0l4s-xYGW0gm7R8FDb1z5a048dk/s1600/Julep+Maven+August+Polishes+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4sU1VIHhxARQqKk6z07GV6g5sGRtAzuuS-CHJ8m4CV-mYom4np1WcetTsn6dqBtsKnVae-S5PWSw1GF9t7H5XcSDUklLOII8ihnc4VWggSccNjXa0l4s-xYGW0gm7R8FDb1z5a048dk/s1600/Julep+Maven+August+Polishes+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4sU1VIHhxARQqKk6z07GV6g5sGRtAzuuS-CHJ8m4CV-mYom4np1WcetTsn6dqBtsKnVae-S5PWSw1GF9t7H5XcSDUklLOII8ihnc4VWggSccNjXa0l4s-xYGW0gm7R8FDb1z5a048dk/s640/Julep+Maven+August+Polishes+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Julep <a href="http://www.julep.com/august-classic-with-a-twist-box.html" target="_blank">August Classic with a Twist Box</a> Breakdown:</h4>
The
descriptions for each product come directly from Julep's website. <br />
<div class="product-tabs-content" id="product_tabs_description_contents">
<div class="std">
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.julep.com/collections/garden-party-collection/sylvia.html" target="_blank">Sylvia</a> - Classic with a Twist:</strong> Lilac purple crème</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.julep.com/collections/garden-party-collection/veronica.html" target="_blank">Veronica</a> - Classic with a Twist:</strong> Modern mauve crème</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.julep.com/collections/garden-party-collection/doublestep-foot-treatment-and-friction-stick.html" target="_blank">Doublestep Foot Treatment and Friction Stick</a>:</strong> This no-mess shea butter treatment nourishes and moisturizes feet, stimulates circulation, and prevents blisters. </li>
<dl><dd>Features & Benefits:</dd><dd>
<li>Invisible formula creates a barrier between feet and shoes to protect against blisters</li>
</dd><dd>
<li>Shea butter provides immediate and long-lasting hydration</li>
</dd><dd>
<li>Chili pepper oil invigorates skin and stimulates circulation</li>
</dd><dd>
<li>Vitamin E nourishes rough, dry foot skin</li>
</dd><dd>
<li>No parabens, sulfates, or phthalates</li>
</dd>
<li>A packet of Forget Me Not seeds to plant in my garden </li>
</dl>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<b>My Add-Ons</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.julep.com/shop/collections/bea.html" target="_blank">Bea</a> - Bombshell: </b> Lemonade crème </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.julep.com/shop/collections/the-champagne-trio.html" target="_blank">The Champagne Trio</a></b><b> - </b>A limited edition trio celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the Julep Maven Program.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-left: 40px;">
<li><b>Amity (friendship) - Classic with a Twist:</b> White gold metallic</li>
<li><b>Clio (celebration) - Bombshell:</b> Silver, pink, and lavender multi-dimensional glitter</li>
<li><b>Reiko (gratitude) - It Girl:</b> Rose gold metallic</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Package Value Breakdown:</b><br />
(As of this post all of the individual polishes currently retail for $14.00 or $11.20 if you are a Julep Maven Member)<br />
<br />
(3) Individual Polishes: $42.00 / 33.60<br />
Flower Seed Packet: $1.00 (guesstimate) <br />
Champagne Trio (set of 3 polishes): Normally $42.00, Currently on sale for $20.00<br />
Doublestep Foot Stick: $22.00 / $17.60<br />
<br />
<b>Grand Total Retail Value</b> = $107.00 ($85.00 if you factor in the current sale prices)<br />
<b>Maven Subscriber Price </b>(if purchased separately) = $72.20<br />
<br />
<b>What I actually Paid</b> <br />
August Box $19.99<br />
Bea Add-On $4.99<br />
Trio Add-On $14.99<br />
<b>Total = $39.97 </b><br />
<br />
Overall, I feel like this box is a great value for the money spent. Also, I like all of the colors. Especially the glitter polish, "Clio" included in the trio.<br />
<br />
Did you purchase a box this month? What did you get? Did you love it or hate it? <br />
<br />
If you are not already a member and would like to find out what your Julep Maven Style is, use this <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/74013/" target="_blank">link</a> to access Julep's style quiz and a special offer just for you. Use code "FREEBOX" and your first box is free! You're welcome :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-25623265023518616422013-07-12T15:37:00.000-07:002013-07-12T17:59:29.632-07:00The Julep Summertime Mystery Box RevealA few days ago I received an email from Julep notifying me their Summertime Mystery Boxes were now available. Being <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/07/julep-maven-classic-with-twist-starter.html" target="_blank">new</a> to Julep, I was curious to find out more about what a mystery box entailed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.julep.com/shop/summertime-mystery-boxes.html?utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20130708_mysterybox-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghjcyFLrF_23YLPVB9E_K0WhzwmVF1kkUHoNueNGmWR5DhM9ZVCtxBy7pwDmKc-HyiqeIklyzWMVbCh1roIk5zrE9TXLpxKh-BlXhiWKu2yrOo1ndzZbql3uICG8PUGNHA1HjYhScDsU/s640/Julep+Summertime+Mystery+Box.png" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summertime Mystery Box choices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After clicking the link that was included in the email and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=julep+mystery+boxes&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=3YTgUeWLBayIigL-s4Aw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=553" target="_blank">googling</a>
past mystery boxes I came to the conclusion that I <strike>wanted one</strike> <i>had to have one</i>.
Basically, Julep will guarantee a specific color (in this case, two) and
there will be a minimum dollar amount assigned to the box. Usually, Julep will offer a couple of different boxes and you really won't have any idea what will be in them. Because of this, nail polish addicts everywhere will commonly order both boxes, often resulting in duplicate polish colors and/or products. Alas, Julep made it easier for people who want to try it all and not get duplicates. This time around they gave us three different box choices. Summer Days, Summer Nights or a combination of Day & Night. I went with the combo box. Of course, the bigger box cost a bit more ($39.99) than the individual Day/Night boxes ($24.99), but I was okay with that. For $39.99 I was guaranteed to receive $125 - $300 retail value of products. This amount actually becomes a bit less with my Julep Maven discount, but as I am trying to build my Julep collection, I felt like I would still be getting a great value for my money.<br />
<br />
As usual, the products came packaged super cute - ready for gift giving if that's your thing. :) Okay, so what did I get in my "Mystery Box"? Here are all the details:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.julep.com/shop/summertime-mystery-boxes/summertime-big-box.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwsH0ALk7Dxv8XS7zmr3SicmCPkSzdstmGH4c1WQ5zomzzZJ4kBcM7iRv43dCJZRRutd34j7ui4BTRY9Tw1mezRLXgGci3MjWgtJSuWjvqTgJhsa08tH7HHXefrwQ_BPJ1OEZPi8b_cg/s640/Julep+Summer+Nights+Big+Box.jpg" title="Julep Summertime Day & Night Mystery Big Box" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julep Summertime Big Box Version 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRmVss_2zBu2O-3vewskIl5ayMMnQmYRNbBiD5UtgD32ze8Le1D5byKe6QU3_ICeo9rsIovHn5ikBPz1JqpTJnDLKH3F9yQZZJ44gxMVRPtQX210UcI6KSyvldXPAVqRAyDxfyK9-V1w/s1600/IMG_20130712_142227.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRmVss_2zBu2O-3vewskIl5ayMMnQmYRNbBiD5UtgD32ze8Le1D5byKe6QU3_ICeo9rsIovHn5ikBPz1JqpTJnDLKH3F9yQZZJ44gxMVRPtQX210UcI6KSyvldXPAVqRAyDxfyK9-V1w/s640/IMG_20130712_142227.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors (the tag for Felicity was missing upon arrival)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Product Breakdown:</h4>
I have listed the nail colors in the order pictured above. The descriptions for each product come directly from Julep's website. Also, as of this post all of these polishes currently retail for $14.00 or $11.20 if you are a Julep Maven Member.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/emmanuelle.html" target="_blank">Emmanuelle</a>: Sheer warm pale pink crème</li>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/raegan.html" target="_blank">Raegan</a>: Electric dark pink crème</li>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/nicolette.html" target="_blank">Nicolette</a>: Opaque french white</li>
<li>Monica: Multidimensional pink glitter (Exclusive to the <a href="http://www.julep.com/summer-nights-mystery-box.html" target="_blank">Summertime Boxes</a>)</li>
<li>Kyla: Coral orange glitter (Exclusive to the <a href="http://www.julep.com/summer-nights-mystery-box.html" target="_blank">Summertime Boxes</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/felicity.html" target="_blank">Felicity</a>: Yellow gold metallic chrome</li>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/amber.html" target="_blank">Amber</a>: Golden bronze suede</li>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/double-duty-makeup-brush-2857.html" target="_blank">Double Duty Makeup Brush</a>: This unique 2-in-1 tool
contains two stackable brushes—a large tapered brush for streak-free
foundation application and a flat concealer brush that offers precision
coverage and control. (<span class="price">$28.00/</span><span class="price-label">Maven Price: </span><span class="price">$22.40)</span> <span class="price"></span> </li>
<li>Toe Separators (they do not sell these individually, but I would guesstimate a price of $1.00)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.julep.com/glycolic-hand-scrub.html" target="_blank">Glycolic Hand Scrub</a> Sample: This "facial for hands" packs a 10% glycolic acid punch. Whisk away dirt
and oil and reveal noticeably softer and younger looking hands after
just one use. (Since this is a sample size, I will guess $1.00 here, as well)</li>
</ul>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Price Breakdown:</h4>
(7) Julep Polishes = $98.00 / $78.40<br />
Double Duty Makeup Brush = $28.00 / $22.40<br />
Toe Separators = $1.00<br />
Glycolic Hand Scrub Sample = $1.00<br />
<h4>
Grand Total Retail / Maven Subscriber Price = $128.00 / $102.80</h4>
<br />
Even if I purchased these individually at my Maven discounted price, it is still a decent deal. Would I choose these specific colors? Probably not, however, I really do like some of them. There is always the chance I will try the colors I think I don't like and end up loving them (and vice versa).<br />
<br />
When I ordered my Summertime Mystery Big Box, I also added a special "add-on" to my Julep order. I got this sparkly little number for $6.99!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.julep.com/america-the-beautiful.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspjtbtnK4S0YyQNUk551G9v2U2Z7PNnRshLYCDTpaJusrL-Bxs0prwXbaRnr7hVCg9ZOzu4YllJbGGBo2PuVgrpLSFpEqfZLj1W1XGJETA5Si4hmrRKpY96ZeZ3mkWWtdMP1NFTqwhe0/s320/IMG_20130712_142125.jpg" width="91" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.julep.com/america-the-beautiful.html" target="_blank">America</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.julep.com/america-the-beautiful.html" target="_blank">America</a>: Sterling silver stars with shiny red and royal blue glitter (Currently on sale for $9.99)<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_2048732845"></span><span id="goog_2048732846"></span><br />
So, what do you think? Would you order a "Mystery Box" and risk getting things you don't really love? Until I receive duplicates or have a ton of Julep polishes, I am pretty sure I will keep trying my luck. :)<br />
<br />
Would you like to find out what your Julep Maven Style is? Use this <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/74013/" target="_blank">link</a> to access Julep's style quiz and a special offer just for you! <br />
<br />
If you did order a Summertime Box, please comment below and feel free to link to your pictures/blog/etc. I would love to see what you received in yours!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-26210967648868871182013-07-05T16:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T16:31:56.914-07:00Influenster's SunKissed VoxBox Final Product ReviewsRemember last week when I <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/06/sunkissed-voxbox.html" target="_blank">posted</a> my exciting news? I had received my very first VoxBox from <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>! My box contained four exciting new-to-me products and I started using them almost immediately. Well, it has been a few days and I have some information to report.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihivW_5dNj-IlHHKjLOoU1dkB11hGJyGSpoBcTvcfKfPWG3ibm33qguW5qrR76PTJy2teg-_t2P1O6pzDnAUGUD0pLQgiTkBwE3T12KGZ_DYYec2dUStWqbvkyUu-rNEa4tjJYgkmo1cQ/s1600/SunVoxBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihivW_5dNj-IlHHKjLOoU1dkB11hGJyGSpoBcTvcfKfPWG3ibm33qguW5qrR76PTJy2teg-_t2P1O6pzDnAUGUD0pLQgiTkBwE3T12KGZ_DYYec2dUStWqbvkyUu-rNEa4tjJYgkmo1cQ/s400/SunVoxBox.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#SunVoxBox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
PRODUCT REVIEWS:</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h4>
<a href="http://www.drscholls.com/Products/HighHeelInsoles" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles</span></a></h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drscholls.com/Products/HighHeelInsoles" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RF5-zkPvMTGOOIp-rv3WlTrEk9VGlhHJbyowRQ3poAYr6OcFeC4aa6PFDht8FF91b2RGEwRhkEf6MRZf4nOTf0aYF8RTBmLzfRAdVYoXUzeRBa8deOwb6uI4loO_uWW0M9nNT6MwDkk/s200/ForHer_HighHeel_large_tcm67-48487.png" width="72" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$10.99</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="gbold"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKLv4LDZYHTbDVNHKsKt5t_Vy1qhVwh1IVo7sErtKU00caf1CweO6_RF9xxKF4iJqvC68L0q8fvxVjwQ-TYgaHu4tjy1X5hxAJZG-ymi4wcALKYjHzpakHGKNpCz_k60zbT-pTDoP3JM/s1600/Heel+Insert.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKLv4LDZYHTbDVNHKsKt5t_Vy1qhVwh1IVo7sErtKU00caf1CweO6_RF9xxKF4iJqvC68L0q8fvxVjwQ-TYgaHu4tjy1X5hxAJZG-ymi4wcALKYjHzpakHGKNpCz_k60zbT-pTDoP3JM/s200/Heel+Insert.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKLv4LDZYHTbDVNHKsKt5t_Vy1qhVwh1IVo7sErtKU00caf1CweO6_RF9xxKF4iJqvC68L0q8fvxVjwQ-TYgaHu4tjy1X5hxAJZG-ymi4wcALKYjHzpakHGKNpCz_k60zbT-pTDoP3JM/s1600/Heel+Insert.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="gbold">Recently, I was involved in a car accident which resulted in a back injury. Because of this, I passed this specific product along to my mother-in-law who has a favorite pair of heels she purchased from Nordstrom, but recently have been hurting her feet. I have seen her wear these sandals and </span><span class="gbold">within 20 minutes she takes them off under the table. No joke. She wore them for quite a few hours with the inserts and said her feet felt great the <i>entire</i> time! Score for </span><a href="http://www.drscholls.com/Products/HighHeelInsoles" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">Dr. Scholl's</span></a>!!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h4>
<span class="gbold"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="gbold"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="gbold"><a href="http://www.goody.com/Products/Hair_Accessories/Ouchless_Ribbon_Elastics" target="_blank">Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics </a></span></h4>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goody.com/Products/Hair_Accessories/Ouchless_Ribbon_Elastics" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePzwijDDTGGLswBZ_qH-TBdPo8PviPH93n1ckLdrKS9XOyKWp9zAquOmFf_VTBXJMjiFwFM3HMafzqZ2h-Y4JFggN38oHyiIKGhwcq5n7Y6g750pNHQyVCkxBkc9l6hnjBVYdt_AdbnQ/s200/Ouchless-Ribbon-Elastics.ashx.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$3.99 - $4.99</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR654wj4SUlM-APcAvdEMIFskhE8SJ9KjLNdDulqYko7PyzCsHsM7kEjGeGSrMb1cd7UIkG2hpa2rQksug-0NhGtVKmNhPpE1_z-6UKMdJzYQ47VU0u76ygCKGkJkE66w5hsMWyOizN0/s1600/IMG_20130704_153335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR654wj4SUlM-APcAvdEMIFskhE8SJ9KjLNdDulqYko7PyzCsHsM7kEjGeGSrMb1cd7UIkG2hpa2rQksug-0NhGtVKmNhPpE1_z-6UKMdJzYQ47VU0u76ygCKGkJkE66w5hsMWyOizN0/s200/IMG_20130704_153335.jpg" width="150" /></a> These hair ties are awesome! I have slept in them, worn them in the
pool and even used them on my 6 year old niece. They stretch well,
don't pull your hair and look cute, too! For thicker hairstyles, use your fingers to stretch it out a couple of times before placing in your hair. I always buy Goody hair bands
and these Ribbon Elastics live up to Goody's good name. (See what I did there?) Go get some!!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h4>
<span class="gbold"><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/fresh-effects/Fresh-Effects-Skin-Perfecting-Tinted-Moisturizer-with-Sunscreen-light-to-medium?pid=075609191503&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Olay_Search_Category+Interest+Product.BMM&utm_term=%2Bbb%20%2Bcream&utm_content=sv82SNW4g%7Cdc_%2Bbb%20%2Bcream_b_22002774854" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15</span></a></span></h4>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/fresh-effects/Fresh-Effects-Skin-Perfecting-Tinted-Moisturizer-with-Sunscreen-light-to-medium?pid=075609191503&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Olay_Search_Category+Interest+Product.BMM&utm_term=%2Bbb%20%2Bcream&utm_content=sv82SNW4g|dc_%2Bbb%20%2Bcream_b_22002774854" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaKYkhizKxCFWD4kewQiLPg9mgowcuzJip2P9gjGNBnR8Q7QdO3DKDoUfPcSmZXwE_Ax8LxPX4cjKv1VabeX8tN6SaG9oTAPnO2G8MLmDd9vetyL6RDa7Et0txOzIfMZOhIXdFuVzLp8/s200/Olay+BB+Cream.jpg" width="70" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$12.99</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="productInformationHeader">
Excerp from <a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/fresh-effects/Fresh-Effects-Skin-Perfecting-Tinted-Moisturizer-with-Sunscreen-light-to-medium?pid=075609191503" target="_blank">Olay's</a> site: Finish your daily beauty regimen with the all-in-one solution with 6 skin perfecting benefits:</div>
<br />
• Refreshes skin instantly<br />
• Brightens for a radiant glow<br />
• Evens tone with a splash of sheer color<br />
• Hydrates for 24 hours<br />
• Smoothes for softer feeling skin <br />
• Protects against UV damage with SPF 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFGJff9seCURnRzPWRsoT0a3gHWAEZamcJSk6HPGUA9MX9l3g89kPJ4ZFD0BABkGp0OExFRj5LQQrHatWe8jccHiDkyMfbYgeCrpkAM1sZVYvFX58m0a9eRHYo2xgAZweIalE5BUAjEg/s1600/OlayBBCream+Before+&+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFGJff9seCURnRzPWRsoT0a3gHWAEZamcJSk6HPGUA9MX9l3g89kPJ4ZFD0BABkGp0OExFRj5LQQrHatWe8jccHiDkyMfbYgeCrpkAM1sZVYvFX58m0a9eRHYo2xgAZweIalE5BUAjEg/s1600/OlayBBCream+Before+&+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFGJff9seCURnRzPWRsoT0a3gHWAEZamcJSk6HPGUA9MX9l3g89kPJ4ZFD0BABkGp0OExFRj5LQQrHatWe8jccHiDkyMfbYgeCrpkAM1sZVYvFX58m0a9eRHYo2xgAZweIalE5BUAjEg/s1600/OlayBBCream+Before+&+After.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFGJff9seCURnRzPWRsoT0a3gHWAEZamcJSk6HPGUA9MX9l3g89kPJ4ZFD0BABkGp0OExFRj5LQQrHatWe8jccHiDkyMfbYgeCrpkAM1sZVYvFX58m0a9eRHYo2xgAZweIalE5BUAjEg/s200/OlayBBCream+Before+&+After.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The things I do for this blog...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="gbold"><span class="gbold">Out of all of the products, this
was my least favorite. It seemed to work OK, however, I didn't notice
that much of a difference in the way my skin <i>looked</i>. Sure, it
did help (somewhat) to even out the overall texture and color, but the
scent was a bit much for me. Fair to note, I am <i>super sensitive</i> to any and all types of fragrance. Also, it made my skin feel a bit on the oily side - and that is never a good thing. This product can be purchased through <a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/fresh-effects/Fresh-Effects-Skin-Perfecting-Tinted-Moisturizer-with-Sunscreen-light-to-medium?pid=075609191503" target="_blank">Olay</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Olay-Effects-Perfecting-Moisturizer-Sunscreen/dp/B009GEUOZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372188816&sr=8-1&keywords=olay+fresh+effects+bb+cream" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span></span><br />
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<h4>
<a href="http://www.sinfulcolors.com/collections/sinfulshine" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">SinfulShine with Gel Tech Nail Polish</span></a></h4>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sinfulcolors.com/collections/sinfulshine" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5m96SMEh_-ttcjb0cqGuGx05PaukUq3IlKyw_lM8sqZAHiHk-786Kd-TwE9yObahbWPI5sOFfkhgEHm8pD-_nQsY7RmMCCUmXfYipF9WJYM9d_dA4klA8aNGZBtWbFntdsmB05XzTJ4/s200/PolishPalette.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many colors to choose from!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love me some nail polish and at $2.99 each, what's not to love about this polish?! I have to say, the color went on smoothly, dried well and was super shiny!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/bPhc1UpiMC/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVnfvSp9Qbn-uxY1_8o_SjPs8LVzzct1ZS9-zjAipz2GwnAcm7Ik_WCXGoaA8lHKXZV-cp1Px4f3_R6BMYrBtXrvaaxajiiCPCd9wkJJPtgVWpJORj3YOHb6uLvfut9iKnUJM4Bs3Zqw/s200/IMG_20130701_165304.JPG" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info490758001341637378_249952439}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info490758001341637378_249952439}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[2]"> Color: Mardi Gras</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It started to chip within 48 hours, but that is the norm for me. I was cleaning our pool and doing dishes - so kind of my own fault. The most important thing was that it removed easily with gentle polish remover. That is not always the case with some of my other polishes. These 32 shades are available for a limited time, so I will be purchasing more of these from <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/sinful-shine-nail-color/ID=prod6179736-product" target="_blank">Walgreens</a> ASAP. What are you waiting for?? Get your Summer mani and pedi on!<br />
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In conclusion, I really enjoyed receiving and trying out all of these fun and exciting products. So, what do you think? Will you be purchasing any of these products for yourself this Summer season?</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolHBXfLFWzGjGo0v6PqZZSWe7qxESR0zqBeUNeUbYDx_JvPud5bZoo2YcxNVjwAPJcGIoenRGbtikec-QAotZRQ4OB7zXiZTxJr00PfVirK3b27ewmt9cGHgwCJo62ZckM3v8_hDCGYo/s1600/Sunkissed+VoxBox.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolHBXfLFWzGjGo0v6PqZZSWe7qxESR0zqBeUNeUbYDx_JvPud5bZoo2YcxNVjwAPJcGIoenRGbtikec-QAotZRQ4OB7zXiZTxJr00PfVirK3b27ewmt9cGHgwCJo62ZckM3v8_hDCGYo/s320/Sunkissed+VoxBox.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_5tzo5bVJ7f9YSH0-1RUi9J_nx8Y6g8cycTFDkq74nZz2cjgAhqlZj0pCB1WMOhjYFyv3GdIDmtcI3SvGv986dh3dhzw8pfXAX5znxM44rVq04yDnadtpOxdVqOzFJ5lSSWGSCJuHPU/s1600/voxbox-blogimage-popup2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_5tzo5bVJ7f9YSH0-1RUi9J_nx8Y6g8cycTFDkq74nZz2cjgAhqlZj0pCB1WMOhjYFyv3GdIDmtcI3SvGv986dh3dhzw8pfXAX5znxM44rVq04yDnadtpOxdVqOzFJ5lSSWGSCJuHPU/s200/voxbox-blogimage-popup2.png" width="190" /></a></div>
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<span class="gbold">Disclaimer: I received all products complimentary from <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-80246204040044247402013-07-03T00:09:00.000-07:002013-07-06T15:51:48.383-07:00Black Ops II: Vengeance Maps with Detailed Call-outs<div class="fbPhotoAlbumTitle" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here they are...the third installment of maps for Call of Duty Black Ops II.</span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotoAlbumTitle" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vengeance Map Pack with detailed call-outs. You can thank me later.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> :)</span></div>
<div class="fbPhotoAlbumTitle" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO61YnxlVWQeSCtpHFfjPJxZrVWWAgnLa4ommIZTa1d1AFWLgkbmZOpHGPw_r_LOM4nxxWlAEfJ-DTRHA-a9DAkx8mjk4iHxycQ1ErBT7mAbwGHAX1Hh_0Bhd3iMJUAWNB1CAL9zq7mw/s512/Cove.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO61YnxlVWQeSCtpHFfjPJxZrVWWAgnLa4ommIZTa1d1AFWLgkbmZOpHGPw_r_LOM4nxxWlAEfJ-DTRHA-a9DAkx8mjk4iHxycQ1ErBT7mAbwGHAX1Hh_0Bhd3iMJUAWNB1CAL9zq7mw/s640/Cove.png" title="Black Ops II Vengeance Map Pack: Cove" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ops II Cove Map with Call-outs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX0XfnwFvdvtE_c_oR1vXXpBzHW1voUIAAftGURG4imD3MSD-unsA48Y1-cKUH17ifPzhoRbvb2dFtGuBhV4Q_gVuMWpskApJlcHn-t2HU8spg46Chaps0rEND0Ox9GzGqzb0JxuSF-I/s474/Detour2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX0XfnwFvdvtE_c_oR1vXXpBzHW1voUIAAftGURG4imD3MSD-unsA48Y1-cKUH17ifPzhoRbvb2dFtGuBhV4Q_gVuMWpskApJlcHn-t2HU8spg46Chaps0rEND0Ox9GzGqzb0JxuSF-I/s640/Detour2.png" title="Black Ops II Vengeance Map Pack: Detour" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ops II Detour Map with Call-outs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzsOcggPQe1ROu02PHBkHzeP3xpNDrf6aSGIFuZR6cLHB2ABop0x8eC8JKovgiatWo1ncKv_XFtWvH2-VCcrqYxFOTPrq3YIkisYBBswsvv_D8j5ApzVK3VtbeuobyMidj2TUuIFOGTY/s821/Rush.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzsOcggPQe1ROu02PHBkHzeP3xpNDrf6aSGIFuZR6cLHB2ABop0x8eC8JKovgiatWo1ncKv_XFtWvH2-VCcrqYxFOTPrq3YIkisYBBswsvv_D8j5ApzVK3VtbeuobyMidj2TUuIFOGTY/s640/Rush.png" title="Black Ops II Vengeance Map Pack: Rush" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ops II Rush Map with Call-outs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXDwX-6gHjCuLn1czhv56HByit_aI705B8cfxvrJEFmak4zYf9Q3tR2AFS5y8sK_9Esih1oAV2cevWEPwCZ0lr-sGIAKlriM5Fdl4UMkOeC6NRkIgAjL_LKY5f5lfXh1dbX0EjD6xmbY/s970/Uplink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXDwX-6gHjCuLn1czhv56HByit_aI705B8cfxvrJEFmak4zYf9Q3tR2AFS5y8sK_9Esih1oAV2cevWEPwCZ0lr-sGIAKlriM5Fdl4UMkOeC6NRkIgAjL_LKY5f5lfXh1dbX0EjD6xmbY/s640/Uplink.png" title="Black Ops II Vengeance Map Pack: Uplink" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ops II Uplink Map with Call-outs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="fbPhotoAlbumTitle" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I don't mind if you would like to share, post to your site or use in any manner, but please link back to this original post.<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: All of the map images were obtained through the <a href="https://elite.callofduty.com/" target="_blank">Call of Duty Elite</a> website.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-35057568813389473752013-07-01T19:17:00.001-07:002013-07-12T15:38:41.890-07:00Julep Maven "Classic with a Twist Starter Box"Guess what was delivered to my house today? Yep, my very first Julep Maven box! This is something I have been wanting to be part of for about the past year...and finally, one day last week I went for it. I couldn't be happier. Julep has this neat little tool on their site that helps you find out what your "Maven Style" is. My style is "Classic with a Twist", which surprisingly really <i>IS</i> my style.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVVNCGEu2zGqMQi-W8TgcR9XzXjJIoTvzTpfGugIsDFaifmuijiY-2BUjVUPVGUy7v5zGaJ-TgrnOH2jTIzPFnel_vi7mnnAu0e0xqTdr9C8Swp_vmOIzCk1CWsiCoimadYDRn2po_5w/s1600/Julep+Maven+Unboxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVVNCGEu2zGqMQi-W8TgcR9XzXjJIoTvzTpfGugIsDFaifmuijiY-2BUjVUPVGUy7v5zGaJ-TgrnOH2jTIzPFnel_vi7mnnAu0e0xqTdr9C8Swp_vmOIzCk1CWsiCoimadYDRn2po_5w/s640/Julep+Maven+Unboxing.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't the packaging pretty?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN-J3XjNVxr6tAsiqF8T8USgWgvciRKWxSb4uRYoMSW_EeVyMfMmcL-x0JNI0Xnsk-FFrAk5maC5-RECz-fRknZ5PGRzkBOZU0Sbm5_iwsNII6V3UOc2Dd3nsfQLEcJTuMaXyvlmnHzk/s1600/Julep+Packaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN-J3XjNVxr6tAsiqF8T8USgWgvciRKWxSb4uRYoMSW_EeVyMfMmcL-x0JNI0Xnsk-FFrAk5maC5-RECz-fRknZ5PGRzkBOZU0Sbm5_iwsNII6V3UOc2Dd3nsfQLEcJTuMaXyvlmnHzk/s400/Julep+Packaging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Some of the reasons I decided to order from Julep are because </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"> their colors and products are toxin-free, </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">the website is very user-friendly and</span> </span>I love the idea of having new polishes and products shipped directly to me each month without even having to think about it. However, if I I <i>do</i> think about it - I have options. I can skip or change an order with no questions asked. <i>Mama likes that.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">What <i>is</i> a Maven, you ask? The following information can be found on the Julep website, but I decided to make life easy for you: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">"</span></span>Becoming a Julep Maven gives you exclusive access to COLOR. Each month
we hand-pick trendsetting new nail colors, cult faves and cutting-edge
beauty products that are just right for you. Commitment shy? No problem.
YOU decide how often to receive your Julep Maven box, and you can
cancel at any time.<br />
<br />
<b class="subhead">We'll send an email previewing your upcoming Julep Maven Box on the 20th of each month.</b>
Love what we've chosen for you? Do nothing and your box is on its way.
Want to try a new style, send your box to a friend or skip the month
(and the bill)? Just log into your account between the 20th and the 24th
to submit your request.<br />
<br />
<b class="subhead">Earn on!</b> Earn Julep Jules for referring friends who become Mavens.<br />
<b class="subhead">Enjoy 20%</b> off all products plus free shipping.<br />
<b class="subhead">Send your monthly box to a girlfriend!</b> Maven Boxes make perfect gifts.<br />
<b class="subhead">Satisfaction Guaranteed:</b> If you're ever unhappy with your Julep Maven box, email <span class="nobr">maven@julep.com</span> or call <span class="nobr">1-877-651-3292</span>, and we will personally take care of you!"<br />
<br />
After you take their Style quiz, they will send you an email with your style and a special offer code to try out Julep at a discounted rate. I got my first month for FREE. Yep, for <i>FREE</i>! Do you see why I am so excited to try Julep out? Upon checkout they have all these mini-offers you can take advantage of (if you desire to do so). You are allowed to choose up to four of their "mini-deals" and I chose two. I ordered their <a href="http://www.julep.com/shop/pedi/the-best-pedi-prep-ever-and-julep-foot-file.html" target="_blank">Pedi Prep Set</a> which includes a roll-on callus remover and a Julep Foot File. The callus remover uses Alpha Hydroxy Acids along with chamomile extract to "<i>soften and
prepare calluses for foot filing</i>". It was something I had my eye on anyway and at the discounted price I had to try it out. I also ordered their <a href="http://www.julep.com/freedom-topcoat.html" target="_blank">Freedom Polymer Top Coat</a>, a product that has gotten rave reviews and is supposed to extend the life of your manicure, make your nails ultra-shiny, dry quickly and is removable with any regular polish remover (including non-acetone formulas).<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
The picture below is everything I received in my first Julep package. My cost was less than $15.00 for everything you see. They even included a free sample of their hand cream. <i>Say whaatt</i>?!<br />
<br />
To be clear, my <i>"<a href="http://www.julep.com/intro-box-ct.html" target="_blank">Classic with a Twist Starter Box</a>"</i> shipment included:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Two Julep Polishes in <a href="http://www.julep.com/niecy.html" target="_blank">Niecy</a>, a bright pink crème & <a href="http://www.julep.com/kennedy.html" target="_blank">Kennedy</a>, a khaki crème</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">A full size bottle of <a href="http://www.julep.com/essential-cuticle-oil.html" target="_blank">Julep Essential Cuticle Oil</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">A sample size of <a href="http://www.julep.com/rock-star-hand-creme.html" target="_blank">Rock Star Hand Cr</a><a href="http://www.julep.com/rock-star-hand-creme.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ème</span></a> </span></li>
</ul>
This is representative of the type of things that come in the monthly Maven boxes. According to the Julep website, "<i>Each box will feature over $40 worth of never-before-released polishes, cutting edge treatments and cult favorites</i>". The other products shown (Pedi Prep Set & Top Coat), I purchased separately.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b_ng7jyrL4V5lRs508lVOT0JMM9vkckIoce2gwOHpfXSHQkO8p5Gq4WbZLuLOZvcjrBe-HI7SP1tQgBV7qHHuWCHtQBsIHr9HEcjZCGN6W3m3he-NVW3SJFyEkWV8b1yumafxINdEdU/s1600/Julep+Products+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b_ng7jyrL4V5lRs508lVOT0JMM9vkckIoce2gwOHpfXSHQkO8p5Gq4WbZLuLOZvcjrBe-HI7SP1tQgBV7qHHuWCHtQBsIHr9HEcjZCGN6W3m3he-NVW3SJFyEkWV8b1yumafxINdEdU/s400/Julep+Products+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Maven Box and a few other products I ordered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have to say, I am an <a href="http://www.essie.com/" target="_blank">Essie</a> Girl at heart. Other than the occasional <a href="http://www.sephora.com/sephora-by-opi?ref=900078&brandId=5907&om_mmc=esv332600-GG&om_kwpur=336512520&ppc_crid=23590703537&site=us_search&esvcid=S1372728227_ADOGOe_AGI3830556_CRE23590703537_TID336512520_DVCc_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3d_RAWc2VwaG9yYSUyMGJ5JTIwb3Bp" target="_blank">Sephora by Opi</a>, Essie is all I use. I also do 99% of my own manicures and pedicures at home, so I was super curious to try the Juelp brand and see if I even liked it.<br />
<br />
The applicator brush on the Julep polish is different, however I was
pleasantly surprised at how fast I got used to it (by my fourth toenail)
and at how well the application process went overall. I applied two
coats, but could have gotten away with only one if I was in a hurry. I
used my trusted Essie base and topcoat and then applied the Julep Top
Coat I purchased. I really like the color and the way my pedi turned out. Also, I liked the "Pedi
Prep Set", but I want to use it a few times before I write a formal
review on it. I am curious to see if the Top Coat really extends the
life of my pedicure - only time will tell and then I will tell you...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOOMhX5CWhFnNtXbp0ZqcjCPdQmGlMdp9JZu7cMge_EYtqZU-H_xbdCbcjLd1GhWLsy3YV-gE77VBm477Esz07fNgPpaPOldrrDn5qd5rhJQO8_TMcEaLNB8OKneikCDsA8HniwCF7Tw/s1600/Julep+Niecy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOOMhX5CWhFnNtXbp0ZqcjCPdQmGlMdp9JZu7cMge_EYtqZU-H_xbdCbcjLd1GhWLsy3YV-gE77VBm477Esz07fNgPpaPOldrrDn5qd5rhJQO8_TMcEaLNB8OKneikCDsA8HniwCF7Tw/s400/Julep+Niecy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My at-home pedi using Julep color in "Niecy"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFuWcUpBKaiyVenmEl8bf75JCikr1tdZNDDvUtzOP0SnkpcQGg_J9zF6jV65-7PY3LjsdQhavWuMhS7pb9QHE-mbDpZ4-YS675XMlCGPcLXO1Wjl7vb5HD-KqZWq79bHGcUQ88DMhyphenhyphen9s/s1600/IMG_20130704_221248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFuWcUpBKaiyVenmEl8bf75JCikr1tdZNDDvUtzOP0SnkpcQGg_J9zF6jV65-7PY3LjsdQhavWuMhS7pb9QHE-mbDpZ4-YS675XMlCGPcLXO1Wjl7vb5HD-KqZWq79bHGcUQ88DMhyphenhyphen9s/s320/IMG_20130704_221248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mani using Julep color in "Kennedy"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, Niecy is a bright, pretty pink and Kennedy stays true to its name - meaning it totally looks like the color of khaki safari pants! The cuticle oil takes a bit of maneuvering to get it out of the bottle at first (it has one of the roller ball applicators), but once you get it going, it works well. Also, the cuticle oil has more of a medicinal smell than a fragrance, which I actually prefer. Overall, I am very happy with my first Julep order.<br />
<br />
Would you like to find out what your Julep Maven Style is? Use this <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/74013/" target="_blank">link</a> to access Julep's style quiz and a special offer just for you! You're welcome. :)<br />
<br />
What colors are you rocking this Summer season? Please, feel free to comment and tell me below. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-70599698724485400602013-06-30T17:05:00.002-07:002013-06-30T17:08:19.917-07:00Sunkissed VoxBox<div style="text-align: center;">
Guess what I woke up to today?! My very own <span class="gbold">Sunkissed VoxBox!! Say whaaat? I sure did! I am beyond excited about this specific VoxBox because, well it <i>is </i>Summer and I absolutely love all of the products that were included in it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphpQwjwDpY3btrSpBhucc3DvuaXhaWcwSHvvTz1cjiqh6JJONaSJoNOYinPqu3EwE7jcc_83Ra29_tWC16UCfjO6n7qgR8VpBqU_BRWefNu0ye3TKCT7Bo1-oBeIk5sve441Y7DFjido/s1600/SunVoxBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphpQwjwDpY3btrSpBhucc3DvuaXhaWcwSHvvTz1cjiqh6JJONaSJoNOYinPqu3EwE7jcc_83Ra29_tWC16UCfjO6n7qgR8VpBqU_BRWefNu0ye3TKCT7Bo1-oBeIk5sve441Y7DFjido/s640/SunVoxBox.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunkissed VoxBox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold">What was included, you ask? <i>Four</i> exciting products! Check out the details:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.drscholls.com/Products/HighHeelInsoles" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold"><a href="http://www.goody.com/Products/Hair_Accessories/Ouchless_Ribbon_Elastics" target="_blank">Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold"><a href="http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/fresh-effects/Fresh-Effects-Skin-Perfecting-Tinted-Moisturizer-with-Sunscreen-light-to-medium?pid=075609191503&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Olay_Search_Category+Interest+Product.BMM&utm_term=%2Bbb%20%2Bcream&utm_content=sv82SNW4g|dc_%2Bbb%20%2Bcream_b_22002774854" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sinfulcolors.com/collections/sinfulshine" target="_blank"><span class="gbold">SinfulShine with Gel Tech Nail Polish</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold">Needless to say, I can't wait to try all of these awesome products out ASAP! I am going to try the hair ties and BB Cream right now and I plan on giving myself a spa manicure and pedicure tonight. Oh, and for those who are wondering: Yes, I will be using my awesome <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-aqua-jet-foot-spa-by-brookstone.html" target="_blank">heated foot spa</a> I blogged about earlier this month. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtq7XSfoNyPgHAxR-MI_fwrvmSgT7B5Pa7_w3mIe6Gy6KFLCEpmLj5dsRVpN74bVfjgZKTuCvXYY59uwwHhVKKS5UHaD8_isoHjJ2YC4ikcMUbCEVl_TZ00to9AsS5EQwN8XypY7Jas0/s141/voxbox-blogimage-popup2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Disclaimer: I received all products complimentary from <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="gbold"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-60185854028082271782013-06-27T16:45:00.001-07:002013-06-27T16:47:31.128-07:00Garden Fresh Zucchini Pasta with Garlic, Spinach and BasilIt is still hard for me to believe I have my own garden and have been able to grow fresh herbs, veggies and fruit successfully! Who knew it could be this easy? I was inspired to create this dish using things found in my own front yard. Yep. All from my garden I started a few months back. (You can read all about that journey <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/04/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
<br />
I belong to many Facebook groups and earlier this morning someone posted a <a href="http://www.feastingathome.com/2013/02/zucchini-linguine_24.html#.UcymaJz3O8o" target="_blank">Zucchini Linguine </a>recipe in one of them. It looked so awesome and sounded so easy to make, I thought, "Shoot, I have most of these ingredients right outside in my garden!"<br />
<br />
This was the recipe that inspired mine. Granted, I made a few substitutions along the way and my pictures in no way look as good as this:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk48KNCJbYR4CWcf-77aM89sHVelqDOQLFoppnZzNt6HDmqvkjX2BZnRKNZPjwL30JNcGzmmiy-ksOclUj8p-rqsu-Hbv7FUeE1-FWYQfppGh_iUJihQDRTR06cRDNxhzkn4ESBO-jVY/s640/zucchini+linguine+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk48KNCJbYR4CWcf-77aM89sHVelqDOQLFoppnZzNt6HDmqvkjX2BZnRKNZPjwL30JNcGzmmiy-ksOclUj8p-rqsu-Hbv7FUeE1-FWYQfppGh_iUJihQDRTR06cRDNxhzkn4ESBO-jVY/s400/zucchini+linguine+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.feastingathome.com/2013/02/zucchini-linguine_24.html#.UcymaJz3O8o" target="_blank">Feasting at Home</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My version still turned out super yummy. Here is how I made it...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrya1APiwkV4gZ7qPuMNreqJr7rohCnJurpRfmZztUXefYY6K2XUN6RiQPV-ptFhEUZ4xTbnB41XW7sAK8ZTkNBRetLJHvIM4lRzGpYUnICrh8oXHoOBU96oEaLMz1AW6KYJLoXu2Nps/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrya1APiwkV4gZ7qPuMNreqJr7rohCnJurpRfmZztUXefYY6K2XUN6RiQPV-ptFhEUZ4xTbnB41XW7sAK8ZTkNBRetLJHvIM4lRzGpYUnICrh8oXHoOBU96oEaLMz1AW6KYJLoXu2Nps/s400/Ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Fresh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6Fr5_-nAtfbJAEmICs_JyclRJWWlUPYjdZTf2nfn2LgD2pxr8854bm_GtAp1LMqOYap2VDhJlobMqdqKSfXOzAuR6U86npmofAvwsTUxoyHCgmK4RJSZ6-w-gYvr0T_gmbd6k8HBOV4/s1600/Parmesan+Cheese.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6Fr5_-nAtfbJAEmICs_JyclRJWWlUPYjdZTf2nfn2LgD2pxr8854bm_GtAp1LMqOYap2VDhJlobMqdqKSfXOzAuR6U86npmofAvwsTUxoyHCgmK4RJSZ6-w-gYvr0T_gmbd6k8HBOV4/s320/Parmesan+Cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Store Bought Parmesan Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Ingredients:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>1 Large Zucchini</li>
<li>3 Cloves of Garlic</li>
<li>4 Tablespoons of Light Olive Oil</li>
<li>5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves</li>
<li>8 Fresh Spinach Leaves</li>
<li>3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese</li>
<li>8 Turns of Fresh Ground Black Pepper</li>
<li>1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt</li>
</ul>
<br />
I started by peeling my zucchini and cutting the smaller end off. I wanted my "noodles" to be similar in size and shape in order to cook evenly. (Next time I will leave the peeling on - I think it would make for a firmer "pasta").<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVi9adpLf8qhd1DBiY97T9Ks7n-_ZCoWdIIuw8SAyfXrUP80Iw8fePWG0876poho2Z2HnW6HBh3PM_XWL58D4QykePRsQouGTPWWK26jMJ0OWekkNGPoZ5Z-XKEUoM7a0P7cbHOAPkXY/s1600/Zucchini+Prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVi9adpLf8qhd1DBiY97T9Ks7n-_ZCoWdIIuw8SAyfXrUP80Iw8fePWG0876poho2Z2HnW6HBh3PM_XWL58D4QykePRsQouGTPWWK26jMJ0OWekkNGPoZ5Z-XKEUoM7a0P7cbHOAPkXY/s400/Zucchini+Prep.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I used the shorter piece I had cut off to "practice" my technique. I think my mini noodles turned out pretty well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkegkgcS46PQ8AkNaMGOPXnlz97VZxvIU_n7aMv68IEZ0MkcIeqHW2NiKtVfBVaf7uaRULWPY2DTZEcvWC46F0eetLFmi9eY9TLgnaxPDx5WJNfdeDVEHv0Jpc1btyPywQhWiELMroRU/s1600/Zucchini+Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkegkgcS46PQ8AkNaMGOPXnlz97VZxvIU_n7aMv68IEZ0MkcIeqHW2NiKtVfBVaf7uaRULWPY2DTZEcvWC46F0eetLFmi9eY9TLgnaxPDx5WJNfdeDVEHv0Jpc1btyPywQhWiELMroRU/s400/Zucchini+Cut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Zucchini Noodles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, I sliced the larger piece into what resembled the approximate size of fettuccine noodles. At this point, I realized I needed a way bigger knife, but it worked out in the end.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW14COUCxxmYOAnkm9ksm__HN9a2hpdsOk4_YKEC9yc7E7ueT6wVw4EMF_TUeLkgjTF37HFLV9v6sOTguHT3JAdUqdrzMqlXTy_wmEA4YLzz1eOnAuF0eqG8qQuNyaQNS8E8gkmOsfPw/s1600/Zucchini+pasta+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW14COUCxxmYOAnkm9ksm__HN9a2hpdsOk4_YKEC9yc7E7ueT6wVw4EMF_TUeLkgjTF37HFLV9v6sOTguHT3JAdUqdrzMqlXTy_wmEA4YLzz1eOnAuF0eqG8qQuNyaQNS8E8gkmOsfPw/s400/Zucchini+pasta+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger Fettuccine-Like Noodles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next, I diced 3 cloves of garlic. My basil wasn't looking that great (blame it on the hot California weather), so I decided I would add some spinach. I wasn't sure if the two pair well together, so I <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=do+spinach+and+basil+go+together&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">Googled</a> and <i>voila!</i> there were plenty of recipes out there using both spinach and basil in the same recipe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdKPHwPTjciv_gXvdW9ikqD4EsJpsQiynd7TLP3qVmRELN3J1s2tQKJjBcIL4eY95I7NRCkkLprfuP-TOfgDdTM7eOM9M77R09Juvb2GDa_R6kU0HkpRtGJXWYbRjQA8G1qPERqUrhfc/s1600/Ingredients+Prepped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdKPHwPTjciv_gXvdW9ikqD4EsJpsQiynd7TLP3qVmRELN3J1s2tQKJjBcIL4eY95I7NRCkkLprfuP-TOfgDdTM7eOM9M77R09Juvb2GDa_R6kU0HkpRtGJXWYbRjQA8G1qPERqUrhfc/s400/Ingredients+Prepped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini, Garlic, Basil and Spinach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I copied the "ribbon" technique from the original recipe to cut both the basil and spinach leaves. It was really easy. Stack your leaves, roll them and then slice. Do not slice lengthwise, start at the smaller end and keep slicing until it is all cut up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vuwoZSF0hux5FmhW-WEKRcmyL5pq4GQpKew7WeCSTn-HzCvXQhoksvSrMFOgRlYDQIevh0NwMPm_43GGt6-elPqfr9xd3YNTZFc8aUI22rGxM2VbkY7Ve_3mK3a6s4qPuj_AdYObYac/s1600/Spinach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vuwoZSF0hux5FmhW-WEKRcmyL5pq4GQpKew7WeCSTn-HzCvXQhoksvSrMFOgRlYDQIevh0NwMPm_43GGt6-elPqfr9xd3YNTZFc8aUI22rGxM2VbkY7Ve_3mK3a6s4qPuj_AdYObYac/s400/Spinach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled Spinach Leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG0uXSuiuzJZu1vu5rpx5HK6j8MO2kWrhPSa80DprJL8GfnqISgfaFs2qIA5q5EgV-n7S9eKq_DH7vnaTBgvASzy1SGNdtJP9s-q1q8OGZe4d1XY0R0-gdXqO_NT05ntGC4hGzR6lF6k/s1600/Spinach+ribbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG0uXSuiuzJZu1vu5rpx5HK6j8MO2kWrhPSa80DprJL8GfnqISgfaFs2qIA5q5EgV-n7S9eKq_DH7vnaTBgvASzy1SGNdtJP9s-q1q8OGZe4d1XY0R0-gdXqO_NT05ntGC4hGzR6lF6k/s400/Spinach+ribbons.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil & Spinach Ribbons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next, I warmed about 4 tablespoons of olive oil and sauteed the diced garlic in the oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Then I added the zucchini, salt and pepper. I put the lid on and continued to cook the zucchini for about 9 minutes, stirring often.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQtBlY3A2h-jR4T5Oepp__JBBHlKtwe05_yrMYtXpBjCwVtH0kfN_14nDESVUpn0jwjyx2JRNsC75_TJIbOuEcwJR50Eh60ZSq0aFlUzlNfvrfZV2Arf75hKa_Vc20Fhvtsgx2ur5doM/s1600/Zucchini+Cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQtBlY3A2h-jR4T5Oepp__JBBHlKtwe05_yrMYtXpBjCwVtH0kfN_14nDESVUpn0jwjyx2JRNsC75_TJIbOuEcwJR50Eh60ZSq0aFlUzlNfvrfZV2Arf75hKa_Vc20Fhvtsgx2ur5doM/s400/Zucchini+Cooking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking Zucchini Pasta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There really is a ton of moisture when cooking zucchini this way and it steams up quite nicely. Once the zucchini actually started to resemble cooked pasta, I added the basil and spinach and continued to cook for about a minute. My kitchen smelled heavenly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl-3TZBQy9r6nGtWukCbwsrv1En9kxfe63mySCVblBVBY5GgTiL-I_1XSMHaJ7-tw6zlG8DTyDoZKmx7wvNEWphiR6DHmMaVCo9MYamD6HcVcQKvMOQBIW1qhGxcNZp0RnatJS8O6epI/s1600/Zucchini+Pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl-3TZBQy9r6nGtWukCbwsrv1En9kxfe63mySCVblBVBY5GgTiL-I_1XSMHaJ7-tw6zlG8DTyDoZKmx7wvNEWphiR6DHmMaVCo9MYamD6HcVcQKvMOQBIW1qhGxcNZp0RnatJS8O6epI/s400/Zucchini+Pasta.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil & Spinach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Finally, I added the Parmesan cheese. I used DiGiorno. It saved me the step of grating my own. I continued cooking over medium heat for about a minute or so - just until the cheese started to melt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BY9gWPPp731f9DlDDJ0uqjZGYwmq8TtI6GrGr3s9eEgD64S-SBXyTyJOG2xAofqHZKphmIKi4rKXvSzCXnFINk3bHmxzxltw-Uv-EWMDTDpb96UD9R-_l0JiLzKrPuO-KvXtjRb5Qtc/s1600/Zucchini+Pasta+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BY9gWPPp731f9DlDDJ0uqjZGYwmq8TtI6GrGr3s9eEgD64S-SBXyTyJOG2xAofqHZKphmIKi4rKXvSzCXnFINk3bHmxzxltw-Uv-EWMDTDpb96UD9R-_l0JiLzKrPuO-KvXtjRb5Qtc/s400/Zucchini+Pasta+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parmesan Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since there was still quite a bit of moisture, I used a slotted spoon to plate the pasta. I then added some additional Parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper. This is the end result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-_pfszuNeDqCDuYKkJBjNX-YqcutTn-wwZVXX8px6-UdXV7ZgehskX8MZ1fvIfSmgQGXKZXNJBUYKqyZqieViNo9ohYJOkFoXDNrLvmVMtVwoUYBrMwdoVDmuiSHuQpPofe-Jm9L9WE/s1600/Zucchini+Pasta+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-_pfszuNeDqCDuYKkJBjNX-YqcutTn-wwZVXX8px6-UdXV7ZgehskX8MZ1fvIfSmgQGXKZXNJBUYKqyZqieViNo9ohYJOkFoXDNrLvmVMtVwoUYBrMwdoVDmuiSHuQpPofe-Jm9L9WE/s400/Zucchini+Pasta+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I know it does not look super pretty, but I promise it was so flavorful, even my mom, who really doesn't eat this type of stuff, liked it.<br />
<br />
Next time I make this I will leave the peeling on the zucchini, cook in a nonstick pan and use half the amount of olive oil. My thinking is doing all of these things will help eliminate some of the excess moisture. I could be wrong. Either way, this was simple and tasted great. All in all, it took me about 30 minutes to make. That includes picking the zucchini and herbs from the garden, all of the prep, cooking and taking pictures. It made three servings the size you see in the picture above. I could easily grill some chicken at the same time and really have a great meal even the hubs would love. Please post a comment if you try this and let me know how yours turns out. Until next time...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-88125342723688911632013-06-26T17:43:00.000-07:002013-06-26T18:42:43.917-07:00The Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa by BrookstoneHey everyone. I really need to start posting more. I have told so
many people about this product and every single time I say to myself, "I should
write a blog on this...". Okay, here it is!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/aqua-jet-foot-spa" target="_blank">Brookstone</a></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: -1999px;">
Heated Aqua-Jet Foot SpaB</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: -1999px;">
Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: -1999px;">
Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First, check it out in all its glory:<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDS32/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aq_6LkzSjDpq1G6ZFPQt4mClFe8dmM4LcOg-Pe0rdTiaN8LqadM9NYpv0jFf0uwZRGKphujBcHjXpjRtZxxJd2cQicZ-Um6GIoCJiakAAdIz8cKlVr9fpFgi1OSgDdq7ubd1Stsl4sc/s320/Brookstone+Foot+Spa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDS32/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Looks
awesome, right? Well, it is. As most of you know, I always do my
research when splurging on an item. This was no exception. I read
reviews, shopped around and waited to see a price drop. <i>Hoping</i> the price would drop. Alas, it didn't. So I went for it. I chose to order mine from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDS32/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for a couple of reasons. First, I am a cardholder and not only is the ordering process as smooth as pie, but I earn reward points. Also, the price was exactly the same as on the Brookstone website. Besides, Brookstone has a store on Amazon, so I figured it was pretty much the same thing, right?<br />
<br />
On to the details...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pros:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Heats water and keeps it hot to 115 degrees</li>
<li>Jets (that rotate and have two speeds)</li>
<li>Deep basin</li>
<li>Accommodates larger feet (hello, size 11!)</li>
<li>An easy to use drain plug </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cons:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Price at $129.99 this foot spa ain't for everyone. (I do <i>most</i> of my own pedicures at home, so it was easy peasy to justify the cost) </li>
<li>The "Two rolling nodes" that are supposed to provide a "kneading massage to your arches" - they don't. (At least not for me)</li>
<li> The removable pumice stone - it really isn't that awesome.</li>
<li>It is heavy. Loaded with water, it is even heavier.</li>
</ul>
Even
with a few cons, (because let's be honest all products have cons), the
stuff that does work is so awesome you won't think twice about those
things.<br />
<br />
A couple of additional points I would like to mention: First, the <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/static/customerService.jsp?panelId=100011" target="_blank">customer care</a> department at Brookstone is awesome. One of my rolling nodes would not stay in its place and kept floating to the top of the basin when it was filled with water. I went on Amazon and submitted a claim and within a couple of days not only did I receive a replacement in the mail, but they sent me two of them! Second, based on reviews and the directions that come with it I am afraid to add any products to the water while the unit is operational. People have posted comments stating adding salts or fizzies to the water has ruined their foot spa. However, that has not stopped me from using some products while the unit is turned off. I just make sure to rinse it really well when I am done.<br />
<br />
Overall, this thing is super user friendly and looks really nice. I set it on my kitchen counter, use the kitchen faucet wand to fill it up and then dump the water in my bathtub when I am done. I always wipe it down with a warm cloth, turn it upside down and leave it inside of the tub to ensure thorough draining and drying. After it is dry, I place it in my hallway and I cover it with a clean, dry white towel so it won't get dusty and is ready to use the next time I need it. I literally use this foot spa at least once a week. Sometimes, to do complete pedicures and sometimes just to have a nice relaxing soak while watching <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey" target="_blank">The Real Housewives</a>. :) <i>Oh yeah, I said it.</i><br />
<br />
So, what are you waiting for? Summer is here and you need to get those feet into shape, sista'! A long time fan of high(er)-end(ish) nail polish, one of my next blogs will be covering my newest subscription to <a href="http://www.julep.com/" target="_blank">Julep</a>, a company that sends you nail polishes and other goodies on a monthly basis for less than $20 per shipment. Other than the huge savings, the best part is you can cancel or defer a shipment at anytime. I have referral codes with a nice discount if you are interested in trying them out.<br />
<br />
Looking for some nail polish inspiration? Look no further. Mama has a <a href="http://pinterest.com/angeebees/nails/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board dedicated to this very subject. <i>Hollaaaa! </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/angeebees/nails/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbMowrLjfcGgTLakYyH5kyxig-KeCyJnJZKkhO5fFiokTcLbmcahW62rFt_ZIGAWwQvspLEe7dOB6cJ7KAg2jnnI2Be8u0_WR3v_RkYUhRtIU18NdNUYxIgl4rV2hPUFVqy62pcsP4Ps/s400/Nailn+Inspiration.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://pinterest.com/angeebees/nails/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-37582016829557834522013-05-30T14:41:00.002-07:002013-05-30T17:08:41.722-07:00Backyard Botanical Garden Series: Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It's been almost two months since I started this project and I couldn't be happier. I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves on this one...</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFNSNjjnCusgjTs87-jTkR3JMg6yq6f-YBPBYMxjyIK887jrVrdwlHuE2xt_8TvB5qdkyaiGi5BRgoQP12bKIZtOSQ3heN-qAFA7W2-3GOV7wm2tUgn0Fl4qc8wDSLJumYWd2OGpITG8/s1600/IMG_20130524_180652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFNSNjjnCusgjTs87-jTkR3JMg6yq6f-YBPBYMxjyIK887jrVrdwlHuE2xt_8TvB5qdkyaiGi5BRgoQP12bKIZtOSQ3heN-qAFA7W2-3GOV7wm2tUgn0Fl4qc8wDSLJumYWd2OGpITG8/s320/IMG_20130524_180652.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sABV04JmOLnbC-5fM22YMBDx-untIps1VxMokGLv3pgqKx64wKfTvjMqHu6SjPMKHE7oHf9aZHW9WPjwWNGOpglBUruEo3cABPUoQbYpMJ5fy2c62UP-jC7DwCSt3ST05FMBWtYhPAA/s1600/IMG_20130524_180705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sABV04JmOLnbC-5fM22YMBDx-untIps1VxMokGLv3pgqKx64wKfTvjMqHu6SjPMKHE7oHf9aZHW9WPjwWNGOpglBUruEo3cABPUoQbYpMJ5fy2c62UP-jC7DwCSt3ST05FMBWtYhPAA/s320/IMG_20130524_180705.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2J30_mAUakta4sSuNHF0xA6BRtnxxq061bEo0tQ86fDHVam8LwBkKggqaWbVg8-ZZpk4z1zaJ7q2hFAHQKf0hgb-q1DAoiaj3Pn6kMg-EmsJpeqJGbiI2imhiCckjZA0q5svQwff3yU/s1600/IMG_20130524_180630.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2J30_mAUakta4sSuNHF0xA6BRtnxxq061bEo0tQ86fDHVam8LwBkKggqaWbVg8-ZZpk4z1zaJ7q2hFAHQKf0hgb-q1DAoiaj3Pn6kMg-EmsJpeqJGbiI2imhiCckjZA0q5svQwff3yU/s640/IMG_20130524_180630.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Squash & Zucchini</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EhwxbrTDEDRtcWLITp1PlFKpcgTyvFs31yqorPbxn0lGi12vH7TJ3Fw7wvjFHQGYcf3XfMzAFM4XseW5omUWIW_KoAVskAAbUygeCiIoIsij6rijlVLws2wo5k0Buq4emvqDLIpkjYk/s640/IMG_20130524_180838.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I added a stand to help the cucumber vines stay off of the ground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBO-2jBXELBwa0U-ZprpvmPIewItkZNLGeknC8-xFMkUa1Fs48GimTvGAuwtxuDDqBo00fyT2GjXQx-1y9wPzkihRsYLqBKlQisSeR_DpXcE6fG738xed66EspunCm2fBN8mIvRfGGig/s400/IMG_20130529_075353.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cucumber</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EhwxbrTDEDRtcWLITp1PlFKpcgTyvFs31yqorPbxn0lGi12vH7TJ3Fw7wvjFHQGYcf3XfMzAFM4XseW5omUWIW_KoAVskAAbUygeCiIoIsij6rijlVLws2wo5k0Buq4emvqDLIpkjYk/s1600/IMG_20130524_180838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EhwxbrTDEDRtcWLITp1PlFKpcgTyvFs31yqorPbxn0lGi12vH7TJ3Fw7wvjFHQGYcf3XfMzAFM4XseW5omUWIW_KoAVskAAbUygeCiIoIsij6rijlVLws2wo5k0Buq4emvqDLIpkjYk/s1600/IMG_20130524_180838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrdym9PaUhP0np3Lg6DbPeKoKPxK5txPDTBUBPCTuh7iCLhvrY6i4_PRn-iUZGi9z__W0bDF14EvxCeA_O_pn52EpHleJusnSb7vszGyHlzdcMXFX0HoZVuvZ9UeaVEgNPXQR6KyMS7w/s640/IMG_20130524_180736.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chili Peppers & Onion Patch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lrnLcUS59CRoeJE-IiR8OX798zPh2Erx6CugL1A4L2GoNaWBRfRlCTxNSAu26JPDFu8-3DTKkE7HdXXwbY-QVeOCbsamdzpHOiOeGUdbbbfnQ_go31WZCSUP2H3VbtNuRbbmH6n6JgU/s400/IMG_20130524_181151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOzbjLaC160pXRv_bQRxcHllTTiICrgDRBnC8mJ0FJimJzWByQ7agUaQ3wMNTiVqV58IBu5rNlREJmoRIt764KI4BoUkOcjZQx1r5XkNtZrpsrp6bwZVVm24t6duGnXlk7F7-Y-JJ5RM/s1600/IMG_20130524_181220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOzbjLaC160pXRv_bQRxcHllTTiICrgDRBnC8mJ0FJimJzWByQ7agUaQ3wMNTiVqV58IBu5rNlREJmoRIt764KI4BoUkOcjZQx1r5XkNtZrpsrp6bwZVVm24t6duGnXlk7F7-Y-JJ5RM/s400/IMG_20130524_181220.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chili Peppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lrnLcUS59CRoeJE-IiR8OX798zPh2Erx6CugL1A4L2GoNaWBRfRlCTxNSAu26JPDFu8-3DTKkE7HdXXwbY-QVeOCbsamdzpHOiOeGUdbbbfnQ_go31WZCSUP2H3VbtNuRbbmH6n6JgU/s1600/IMG_20130524_181151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrdym9PaUhP0np3Lg6DbPeKoKPxK5txPDTBUBPCTuh7iCLhvrY6i4_PRn-iUZGi9z__W0bDF14EvxCeA_O_pn52EpHleJusnSb7vszGyHlzdcMXFX0HoZVuvZ9UeaVEgNPXQR6KyMS7w/s1600/IMG_20130524_180736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcr9s9wzzPwz5mAChOp1A3iLlPhbG9PwBkyD1ckBXYjYiyZ-e4kpIQ2QxNrTtbn3xZZ28ZAWrBTU10OGiUQd3X-NFZWnJxyF2GvnMgz7z3bSLTqWVGPPcIuCvyU7CRl9OG9Lp0OSid3g/s400/IMG_20130524_181059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomatoes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhuDcl0LPvN2g5yp_hZScYO24ms6j9JLlJgSYFmy9btNfH_hssg2lukI3QKst44r3Wph_8IPy5uvHYxndTs8mK67nsUTZph365mnSy2I0LzINjxo0-TRCW6o9dxt56rPWVPBaMwhUKnA/s400/IMG_20130529_075614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cherry Tomatoes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Squash</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBO-2jBXELBwa0U-ZprpvmPIewItkZNLGeknC8-xFMkUa1Fs48GimTvGAuwtxuDDqBo00fyT2GjXQx-1y9wPzkihRsYLqBKlQisSeR_DpXcE6fG738xed66EspunCm2fBN8mIvRfGGig/s1600/IMG_20130529_075353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I
am pleasantly surprised that my Bell Pepper finally started growing.
It was touch and go for a few weeks because of the aphids that were
attacking the leaves. An order of 1500 lady bugs seemed to do the
trick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWb12i5GJ2qNX8Qh-5xq9VrqEcMnEoBbHdi9OAtd1EjnqKaxwRgERHTk2SDt83tiZTqodPoZ4_4kB3TPMfRuN0hGDo2VSSW4LquIhyphenhyphenGchC_tlyy5etEapl01iLAI07pHy_OSDnzf_V6I/s640/IMG_20130529_075631.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bell Pepper</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvByQIoA5IbUEI4gSWXDmSyD4FHIVgxgsNIjNB1fkZygp2kmIejq-bycF1Xq1zm15AKoWsmDT6zhNSGlFI82jDsmCDrVdCFfjCFpdY7jgUwgW5RDrHasZbPO9H73oBF1YSoLhQ-_AeU8/s640/IMG_20130529_075754.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Corn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> As you can see, everything is thriving. I have had one
celery plant die (my fault) and a couple of corn plants met their demise
due to animals. Other than that, things are going well. I have
propagated a couple of plants, had my husband build 6 additional raised beds to house my tea garden, new berry patch, 3 rows of corn, my seedlings and an overall thinning out of some of the plants. I plan on doing a post on growing plants from
cuttings and seeds soon.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What are you growing this season? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVaQNzxKpvTrBliwlxnzYP_ItORdPrbL0dLBq6aexM4O5wXDyjDzvy-tYt2aVO3JhuSxZn1RxPQGlQZYQes0XAIb8Hw8MHPtWhv0zpn5_tgWd43CEG2Nx2CU2DtZnK5t7_7UUce0SKS4/s1600/IMG_20130524_180700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFNSNjjnCusgjTs87-jTkR3JMg6yq6f-YBPBYMxjyIK887jrVrdwlHuE2xt_8TvB5qdkyaiGi5BRgoQP12bKIZtOSQ3heN-qAFA7W2-3GOV7wm2tUgn0Fl4qc8wDSLJumYWd2OGpITG8/s1600/IMG_20130524_180652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2J30_mAUakta4sSuNHF0xA6BRtnxxq061bEo0tQ86fDHVam8LwBkKggqaWbVg8-ZZpk4z1zaJ7q2hFAHQKf0hgb-q1DAoiaj3Pn6kMg-EmsJpeqJGbiI2imhiCckjZA0q5svQwff3yU/s1600/IMG_20130524_180630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-63757677756324666042013-04-30T01:54:00.005-07:002013-04-30T15:47:52.355-07:00Backyard Botanical Garden Series: Part 2<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi88djAnjQb9D6WWGhvjOf7Ykw_BZcwYjgzcb8I_eUhiQ5d9lY_pMsiOOMKpQAf2C7VdDX5TysZ4uQHHuchtIKKc634E-7Wdi1bPEp-KC1q7DbZy__VIpqH3Dt5dGTnEsdfrjkRX8I-mo/s1600/Sunflower.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi88djAnjQb9D6WWGhvjOf7Ykw_BZcwYjgzcb8I_eUhiQ5d9lY_pMsiOOMKpQAf2C7VdDX5TysZ4uQHHuchtIKKc634E-7Wdi1bPEp-KC1q7DbZy__VIpqH3Dt5dGTnEsdfrjkRX8I-mo/s400/Sunflower.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Hey everyone. It has been almost 2 weeks since we <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/04/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening.html" target="_blank">constructed and planted our garden</a>. I am extremely happy to report that the majority of the plants are doing well. We have a few dead/dried out celery plants, but I think I have found and fixed the problem that led to their early demise.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I had to go out of town this weekend and was really worried about maintaining the watering schedule of my garden. Up until this point, I have been manually turning on the soaker hose system for 15 minutes each day, as well as watering with the hose. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We still haven't figured out what the issue is with the original timer that came with our system, so this afternoon we made a few changes to the garden. My husband installed a better timer and we ran additional soaker hose to the rain gutters and the back of the garden. It doesn't look as "pretty", but for now it will get the job done if I am unable to water daily for any reason.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are some pictures I took earlier this evening...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The sage has done really well. I can't believe how lush it has become. I may have to take one of the plants out and replant it in another
container. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_ytlS-i5FqhQqf2fkTAEPLcNZEt8byp4pegQCkoPW3j7dnwu8JJMCeRrGuiEtrs5q4eTi9-6LKxjxZzr88AdkSED5GVAZvRj6zsSFVLmYqkyIk0Q3O0ZG5SR0tnIQEcWAXgF3B8GUrk/s1600/Sage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_ytlS-i5FqhQqf2fkTAEPLcNZEt8byp4pegQCkoPW3j7dnwu8JJMCeRrGuiEtrs5q4eTi9-6LKxjxZzr88AdkSED5GVAZvRj6zsSFVLmYqkyIk0Q3O0ZG5SR0tnIQEcWAXgF3B8GUrk/s640/Sage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Sage Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I can't express how much I adore our little garden. My son loves to check on the plants each day after school. So far, so good. :) </span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUETwB2rhPn1zELvCl5SUsZ4quRoHMBYEDyHFG1jpBIW8Xf2EPyk2rrhq0pA6gnIsD2Sx6wv5vC_BlyfyWtU4QDZkiNl7uKAR2ymU2CpkjnZ74nwczlgYFnBoQJMKZLNRrzo0HDbLl64M/s1600/Welcome+Friends+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUETwB2rhPn1zELvCl5SUsZ4quRoHMBYEDyHFG1jpBIW8Xf2EPyk2rrhq0pA6gnIsD2Sx6wv5vC_BlyfyWtU4QDZkiNl7uKAR2ymU2CpkjnZ74nwczlgYFnBoQJMKZLNRrzo0HDbLl64M/s640/Welcome+Friends+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: An overall picture of our <a href="http://www.swingsetsonline.com/backyard-products/gardens/oasis-garden/" target="_blank">Backyard Botanical Complete Gardening System</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We are up to about 5 hours of direct sunlight each day. My husband assures me that time will increase over the next month or so.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzNbaQPnT8lShgmS4_0ENOHABzNxk3CQsgdxDFiC32ES5dM_A9njHuJAvlB3xjRwLpoG2nlbFqsDpNPK5tA_PpFOzFyq5miJL_a4JG8lVDOGF22-t1tNRDfM7VxsfR3vnNsT5SKM38vQ/s1600/Garden+View.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzNbaQPnT8lShgmS4_0ENOHABzNxk3CQsgdxDFiC32ES5dM_A9njHuJAvlB3xjRwLpoG2nlbFqsDpNPK5tA_PpFOzFyq5miJL_a4JG8lVDOGF22-t1tNRDfM7VxsfR3vnNsT5SKM38vQ/s640/Garden+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Side View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Even though I have watered the plants daily, the back of our garden seems to be growing at a slower rate. I am hoping with the addition of the soaker hose we ran tonight, the plants will become a bit more productive.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzfFilKCbThaKvVEOtm4-h-0ihwudDrRQzcTP_zGgnf2mas8QGDHNAbV0biTrVNqluTIP-kHNjQa5Pek63gVxk1p91tV1bBqkr8HmvgV7TiWsWznqFkBMaLkAf1pEsuYA17ppijJVVps/s1600/Back+View+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzfFilKCbThaKvVEOtm4-h-0ihwudDrRQzcTP_zGgnf2mas8QGDHNAbV0biTrVNqluTIP-kHNjQa5Pek63gVxk1p91tV1bBqkr8HmvgV7TiWsWznqFkBMaLkAf1pEsuYA17ppijJVVps/s640/Back+View+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: View of Back. Growing asparagus, cucumbers, pole beans, squash & zucchini.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Out of all of the plants back here, the beans seem to have grown the most.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHwWYUevjW-m0zxrwb34XjwW3Lc3xL-8faMWbrRhNruv5210VUMxh_VitxI8HT07T2dGS6H999uqRh5fhMNf5krBVEyDsfBfhIEfebPRL-JWXunVg6K5AlpzR3q1m1x-2dtZ-sb08BS0/s1600/Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHwWYUevjW-m0zxrwb34XjwW3Lc3xL-8faMWbrRhNruv5210VUMxh_VitxI8HT07T2dGS6H999uqRh5fhMNf5krBVEyDsfBfhIEfebPRL-JWXunVg6K5AlpzR3q1m1x-2dtZ-sb08BS0/s640/Beans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: The bean plant has flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMRAmwAWHZktKuv9cTmretaI88YlWh95Hyfn4FOZXpRjTl1tMV8whyphenhypheniitlsSt7PO-W6vBp2wcoJ5XI3Ezeo_d0FblBaYGFrVwBSznQxLTsxeXvCq3hpBiixAA3pg0M2LUylETylLgsTs/s1600/Back+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMRAmwAWHZktKuv9cTmretaI88YlWh95Hyfn4FOZXpRjTl1tMV8whyphenhypheniitlsSt7PO-W6vBp2wcoJ5XI3Ezeo_d0FblBaYGFrVwBSznQxLTsxeXvCq3hpBiixAA3pg0M2LUylETylLgsTs/s640/Back+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Another shot of the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have come to the conclusion that when I was watering the rain gutter
strawberries, the water was running over onto the top of the celery
plants, effectively burning the leaves in the sun. I (hope to) have fixed the
problem by watering in the evening and also pointing the hose toward the
outside of the garden instead of facing inward.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWrKwkABpPTDcssI-BqSCoeCq-HS4pSis6lGvUw6Uw4gvlChx25WPX1jkLm4hfJ2TozEBu8fq01PUFZThXDsg1fF_LjH1ZhdsBwEmU1PEnu7U-BCa_kvxs85LA562U5GJQZf-1AQk3gw/s1600/Celery+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span id="goog_537775252"></span><span id="goog_537775253"></span><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWrKwkABpPTDcssI-BqSCoeCq-HS4pSis6lGvUw6Uw4gvlChx25WPX1jkLm4hfJ2TozEBu8fq01PUFZThXDsg1fF_LjH1ZhdsBwEmU1PEnu7U-BCa_kvxs85LA562U5GJQZf-1AQk3gw/s640/Celery+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Celery Plants. One plant has died completely, two more are right behind it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love my solar powered butterflies. They spin around as long as they are facing the sun. I think they help keep the critters away. Super cute!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA5cJHvPndIzJYXVnog0UAkQi1pibXvdfCADFIqXZHQcfKmf4GPUQcrnbHj9jluTUObbpJSWHML81hpBd4mS1MgKSWAUmCy_34xR3MgA0o3tGmHJzwR0_QW9zo_zymonqZnPDqjr_8ZY/s1600/Peppers+%2526+Berries.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA5cJHvPndIzJYXVnog0UAkQi1pibXvdfCADFIqXZHQcfKmf4GPUQcrnbHj9jluTUObbpJSWHML81hpBd4mS1MgKSWAUmCy_34xR3MgA0o3tGmHJzwR0_QW9zo_zymonqZnPDqjr_8ZY/s640/Peppers+%2526+Berries.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Bell Peppers, Celery & Strawberries</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDSlSKVwYGwydaFtZAaVqB1ZiaJerltwRiEjbnPGCCU6Bx3izM6uPnUGWkD8JPAuJiN1NUGPf5y1DB26c0Z2pEcpBPpBKdMcFB6dAi7gEIhIwEyos9_aDi7FENwXr6lfoDYlRt_9E6Cw/s1600/Bell+Peppers+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDSlSKVwYGwydaFtZAaVqB1ZiaJerltwRiEjbnPGCCU6Bx3izM6uPnUGWkD8JPAuJiN1NUGPf5y1DB26c0Z2pEcpBPpBKdMcFB6dAi7gEIhIwEyos9_aDi7FENwXr6lfoDYlRt_9E6Cw/s640/Bell+Peppers+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Bell Pepper Plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoNcSMLVeR7cNG3PfGA5OO9lEtI0E0mxWK4x3KgcpFKETNaFdwJrM_7SRiXahlGkMZKpKkjbu9cRKkI7Q4KkMsSEfxN8tiVpgOiRDq8FFbiIHGVydYR3Xb-oB3grbpS0tYatE0EJ7LWI/s1600/Bell+Pepper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoNcSMLVeR7cNG3PfGA5OO9lEtI0E0mxWK4x3KgcpFKETNaFdwJrM_7SRiXahlGkMZKpKkjbu9cRKkI7Q4KkMsSEfxN8tiVpgOiRDq8FFbiIHGVydYR3Xb-oB3grbpS0tYatE0EJ7LWI/s640/Bell+Pepper.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of bell pepper plant - flowers should appear soon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr1KIpILwR_D_MPwEmVEA_AYHPLqHIBxx73psOrmCY9J1edqBtxqQH7OMlm39D28xRNJFhc_IAACkoXTfsPIY858Oq9ONUXiYKVk5WoGx8MEAOZzGuUoU_9vmNJDflyeO0-dyxRlXDRQ/s1600/Onion+Bulbs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr1KIpILwR_D_MPwEmVEA_AYHPLqHIBxx73psOrmCY9J1edqBtxqQH7OMlm39D28xRNJFhc_IAACkoXTfsPIY858Oq9ONUXiYKVk5WoGx8MEAOZzGuUoU_9vmNJDflyeO0-dyxRlXDRQ/s640/Onion+Bulbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Onion Bulbs. These seem to have taken off overnight!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjv1pOxO5mro-IlOUMn7CykwoAHzZeOtlOxhbI7EoZ-mjXE05cdPAXmNJhvoOMrRgwbw-MuCFAnx7orJRA-sBAT5_FwvD1Fy0_Oss7qZrpeDGMb1EJ_LmoUDHwTmouqc7P210yrztCBg/s1600/Cucumber.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjv1pOxO5mro-IlOUMn7CykwoAHzZeOtlOxhbI7EoZ-mjXE05cdPAXmNJhvoOMrRgwbw-MuCFAnx7orJRA-sBAT5_FwvD1Fy0_Oss7qZrpeDGMb1EJ_LmoUDHwTmouqc7P210yrztCBg/s640/Cucumber.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Flowering Cucumber Plant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHtQXxo5lQbxUz06g1CHjohlKO3tBf53vsO7AVx8u_LlsCucAMTHoFIhXZyYAlVm_hAqIG8h9lv2LPJFxCmvzv8qsvBU-cvSBoQV-EJ2HRK3_Xw2IXYOBV8S0G5ibklLxXA3p_ud6Wes/s1600/Basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHtQXxo5lQbxUz06g1CHjohlKO3tBf53vsO7AVx8u_LlsCucAMTHoFIhXZyYAlVm_hAqIG8h9lv2LPJFxCmvzv8qsvBU-cvSBoQV-EJ2HRK3_Xw2IXYOBV8S0G5ibklLxXA3p_ud6Wes/s640/Basil.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Basil Plant. The basil has nearly doubled in size.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBx0wqtjYkXw0tZ8ZDwvtIO_I1v15sb4cJWjPOuqeEjNKtdC2coUtbmIKdAVVDt8vgQ0QyblwQM_FK43ymlOmitzwURQskyww6kmUEM0iU8iSb4Z_0bAWnKzOzn_10VqFxFrucEINBb4/s1600/New+TImer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBx0wqtjYkXw0tZ8ZDwvtIO_I1v15sb4cJWjPOuqeEjNKtdC2coUtbmIKdAVVDt8vgQ0QyblwQM_FK43ymlOmitzwURQskyww6kmUEM0iU8iSb4Z_0bAWnKzOzn_10VqFxFrucEINBb4/s640/New+TImer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new timer my husband installed this evening.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj6eWbMe1DQ-3yHbu6TS9jinp_wo80N3pGbjG8hyphenhyphen3M_0YJTD5FvTIWB8o9v8N3oIUuJD2PL9uTopABw6CrDq3p5jXzbRNJyU3MbDVmYI26hJ3Pfovu0x4kTieiKk_jI5ywO-QEmLLzI0/s1600/Chili+Pepper+Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj6eWbMe1DQ-3yHbu6TS9jinp_wo80N3pGbjG8hyphenhyphen3M_0YJTD5FvTIWB8o9v8N3oIUuJD2PL9uTopABw6CrDq3p5jXzbRNJyU3MbDVmYI26hJ3Pfovu0x4kTieiKk_jI5ywO-QEmLLzI0/s640/Chili+Pepper+Flower.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Flowering Chili Pepper Plant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKdq1nI5AeFn_oF1qAlA9V_vMyu7ClGocrZMSBjK_6ZqQLXDrJ1_rx4ZmjQDHhPjmFj7Jks68OHzv8NAyKDXKx6NVzPtMhAQGWVxCApB2MKN6AuYFxzX78WReJCOu0p3UMyVe538Qz-0/s1600/Tomato+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKdq1nI5AeFn_oF1qAlA9V_vMyu7ClGocrZMSBjK_6ZqQLXDrJ1_rx4ZmjQDHhPjmFj7Jks68OHzv8NAyKDXKx6NVzPtMhAQGWVxCApB2MKN6AuYFxzX78WReJCOu0p3UMyVe538Qz-0/s640/Tomato+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Tomato Pant</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeU0_VHDyjBwUrB-paYIOJNMymYz45uwiNLmvpBLqSdsAsAUITvJ7yEsdTVy-4yjh06yJH4doUyqFm3fIURAaTJtC3Q55_zHPx3M58gCRiWy3AimFP8VLqnAS6KbgVsonRg53NmJfS6s/s1600/Strawberries+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX1099gvRvDAzDtOdT27Tvj07igP3PhtYWjZl6jegB1pf3k2kl3AD-x1B8KkCfkw8J8UvdgIvvcEwNEW8GHjhddcw4Fhhxi3eZTbZ7N6tLriONEVHIvJeUIkvIR3I4lDSOGozvr6LWJY/s1600/Rosemary+%2526+Cilantro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX1099gvRvDAzDtOdT27Tvj07igP3PhtYWjZl6jegB1pf3k2kl3AD-x1B8KkCfkw8J8UvdgIvvcEwNEW8GHjhddcw4Fhhxi3eZTbZ7N6tLriONEVHIvJeUIkvIR3I4lDSOGozvr6LWJY/s640/Rosemary+%2526+Cilantro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Rosemary & Cilantro Plants. The rosemary has grown a bit taller and the cilantro has perked up.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So far, we have picked and eaten a handful of strawberries and they are super sweet. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeU0_VHDyjBwUrB-paYIOJNMymYz45uwiNLmvpBLqSdsAsAUITvJ7yEsdTVy-4yjh06yJH4doUyqFm3fIURAaTJtC3Q55_zHPx3M58gCRiWy3AimFP8VLqnAS6KbgVsonRg53NmJfS6s/s1600/Strawberries+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeU0_VHDyjBwUrB-paYIOJNMymYz45uwiNLmvpBLqSdsAsAUITvJ7yEsdTVy-4yjh06yJH4doUyqFm3fIURAaTJtC3Q55_zHPx3M58gCRiWy3AimFP8VLqnAS6KbgVsonRg53NmJfS6s/s640/Strawberries+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19: Flowering Strawberries</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I apologize the next two pictures are a bit dark. I took them after we were done installing the additional soaker hose in the gutters and it was already dark outside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am worried the gutters will receive too much water now, so I am going to monitor them closely over the next couple of days. Another thing I am worried about is the weight of the gutters. My husband is going to install some 2x4's under the gutters to add some extra support. This should provide adequate support once the plants become heavier.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYi9Zor8GBzrC8HWK3F59pAg7cLaFFSdvW_J-W4XgoEfpuq3_PFvs5MBPBlHM0N2OczW3_9iJrIBcYjyLjNHpho_c6YHoK4PjeTMc7Qr59XcLtSlKOXOLzNIqqcovd4kmarx_Y6luWmM/s1600/Soaker+Hose+%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYi9Zor8GBzrC8HWK3F59pAg7cLaFFSdvW_J-W4XgoEfpuq3_PFvs5MBPBlHM0N2OczW3_9iJrIBcYjyLjNHpho_c6YHoK4PjeTMc7Qr59XcLtSlKOXOLzNIqqcovd4kmarx_Y6luWmM/s640/Soaker+Hose+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New soaker hose in the rain gutter strawberry garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGLbZThHyXYq-hhvp6LrMMw3s5lFKXRaU5VfFERvHTS30jDx4XCCG0CpgnRaI_XH2361awSjeTctwCA3j7hyphenhyphen1qYRFVswoQMfzJqjLNhsonNp_4pTlclddHpOi04ahO9zDfJDEgeplo-U/s1600/Soaker+Hose+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGLbZThHyXYq-hhvp6LrMMw3s5lFKXRaU5VfFERvHTS30jDx4XCCG0CpgnRaI_XH2361awSjeTctwCA3j7hyphenhyphen1qYRFVswoQMfzJqjLNhsonNp_4pTlclddHpOi04ahO9zDfJDEgeplo-U/s640/Soaker+Hose+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaker hose installed in the rain gutter chives.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well, this is my update for now. I hope to add a post every few weeks or so in order to track the progress and allow others to get an idea of how long it will take for the veggies and berries<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>to grow and be able to be eaten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by. If you have a garden blog of your own, please link to it in the comments section. I would love to see what you are g<span style="font-size: small;">rowing this <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">season</span>! </span></span>Questions? Feel free to leave a comment, I always try to reply to each one I receive.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-31769761600015866452013-04-25T17:55:00.003-07:002013-04-25T18:04:56.020-07:00RV InspirationSome of you may have already read my post about our <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-great-motorhome-hunt.html" target="_blank">new-to-us, used RV</a>. Throughout this entire ordeal, I have spent most nights researching all things RV. I am addicted. There are so many resources available online<i> if you know</i> what to look for. Keywords are important. After finding all of the technical specs we needed to reconstruct our RV pretty much from the walls up, I started researching design ideas. Because, <i>Hello</i>, this is what I love: <i>The design part of remodeling</i>.<br />
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This has taught me many things, but the most important one is: RV Decorators are awful. Who picks the fabrics for RVs?? Even the newer models are at most "OK". I get the part about using durable, stain resistant fabrics, but COME ON. <i>Really?</i> Do the designers go to the fabric wholesalers and find the most hideous colors on purpose? Why can't camping be cute? Well, I am here to tell you it <i>can be</i> cute. Seriously, it really can. Amongst all of the hideous-make-me want-to-throw-up-in-my-mouth RVs out there, I have stumbled across some super cute remodels. If your RV has great bones, consider remodeling with some easy changes like paint, hardware and incorporating some color. You don't have to spend upwards of $60k just to get a decent interior palette in an RV. I don't agree with some of the color <i>choices</i> per se, but everyone has their own style, so who am I to judge? Check out all of this awesomeness:</div>
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Look at all of that <i>white</i>. I just love how clean it looks.</div>
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The dark floors add a nice contrast. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyRsFNOQd3Y8vztzu9ShAaKFB6u3oRFBojnr3m8uo8cNkKJ3oZks35UIKNvw5d3P-QJE1bNE9hW4G3PmXMqih-6xbuDo3boSNPwAijRwfNrx9_MaaYTXEgRU0tiMy4SeQclPYjDAPh-3o/s400/Screen+shot+2013-03-20+at+3.38.47+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyRsFNOQd3Y8vztzu9ShAaKFB6u3oRFBojnr3m8uo8cNkKJ3oZks35UIKNvw5d3P-QJE1bNE9hW4G3PmXMqih-6xbuDo3boSNPwAijRwfNrx9_MaaYTXEgRU0tiMy4SeQclPYjDAPh-3o/s400/Screen+shot+2013-03-20+at+3.38.47+PM.png" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://happydayvintage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">happydayvintage</a></td></tr>
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This is so simple and clean. Again, the dark floors are striking with the white backdrop.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/120528/Photo_Video_82021988916411389483613_topmed1_vert.jpg?1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="RV Reno, My family purchased a 1995 bumper-pull travel trailer. My husband had trouble seeing past the 90s blue carpet, and blue and pink splattered wall paper and draperies. I looked at the travel trailer completely differently and immediately knew what I wanted the end result to be., So much more open!, Other Spaces Design" id="imgTop4" src="http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/120528/Photo_Video_82021988916411389483613_topmed1_vert.jpg?1" title="RV Reno" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Other-Spaces/RV-Reno/detail.esi?oid=28596744" target="_blank">roomzaar</a></td></tr>
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Another view. This bedroom looks super cozy and by now, I am sure you have noticed: I am <i>all about the color white</i>..</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/120528/Photo_Video_86264030418531581111317_topmed1_vert.jpg?1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="RV Reno, My family purchased a 1995 bumper-pull travel trailer. My husband had trouble seeing past the 90s blue carpet, and blue and pink splattered wall paper and draperies. I looked at the travel trailer completely differently and immediately knew what I wanted the end result to be., Smidgin of yellow!, Other Spaces Design" id="imgTop5" src="http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/120528/Photo_Video_86264030418531581111317_topmed1_vert.jpg?1" title="RV Reno" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Other-Spaces/RV-Reno/detail.esi?oid=28596744" target="_blank">roomzaar</a></td></tr>
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Shabby Chic say whaat?</div>
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This is one of the first RV remodels I fell in love with. <i>Love.</i> My husband: not so much. The colors are super cute. Notice everything is neutral, so when you want to make a major color change, you only have to change out a few key pieces.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am completely envious of this look.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc3Hxd50xFVJgXtOOyvUKJ6nDO7YutB-bbHABuKD31k_U9w1sJjt96Lu1_NokJqZczVWGgRytWy2QRSKeEe1DpUEk131-n375GE9DFT2ddBYnqvncceI4Ak2sUJleI11Ol2q8ZHA2X3U/s640/IMG_9097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc3Hxd50xFVJgXtOOyvUKJ6nDO7YutB-bbHABuKD31k_U9w1sJjt96Lu1_NokJqZczVWGgRytWy2QRSKeEe1DpUEk131-n375GE9DFT2ddBYnqvncceI4Ak2sUJleI11Ol2q8ZHA2X3U/s400/IMG_9097.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://romantiskahem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">romantiskahem</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBTNzBBvocjSFc1zuLc-HVT0BsSfzg9g0tVPSha3KsaqUKOrvQjpyfp7OPvMbLpaXdet0A-eJqO2Ml4GkB-H36tqrfh3cvxgidglMQelMYmfQ-9vwNNMaparMmBmjJJ-VoWsp1jmNm3U/s640/IMG_9100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBTNzBBvocjSFc1zuLc-HVT0BsSfzg9g0tVPSha3KsaqUKOrvQjpyfp7OPvMbLpaXdet0A-eJqO2Ml4GkB-H36tqrfh3cvxgidglMQelMYmfQ-9vwNNMaparMmBmjJJ-VoWsp1jmNm3U/s400/IMG_9100.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://romantiskahem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">romantiskahem</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPWiM9hk6eBnbt2NfF7sEAjiQYfBNV3bzVckiSVZuTxXgyHOieW-kEC0RoOlesIYLysARRAVWJ2t0lyCQb0VDOhszYU15ECl48O0HbcoZTGGrZPlccGvvxMI0S87vLUZ2VADdu5ORGZc/s640/IMG_9194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPWiM9hk6eBnbt2NfF7sEAjiQYfBNV3bzVckiSVZuTxXgyHOieW-kEC0RoOlesIYLysARRAVWJ2t0lyCQb0VDOhszYU15ECl48O0HbcoZTGGrZPlccGvvxMI0S87vLUZ2VADdu5ORGZc/s400/IMG_9194.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://romantiskahem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">romantiskahem</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The same RV, changed to a black and white color scheme.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDe1etB3B3snjpmMngQVjDhJJ6FUTvQsuzg1rzthqKSq9YOj5Feh_UyEaAEl4_D2Uf_-ShGqO8EfOaPiAtO9nUAzBV4jeHzDCcpCh3ed1ToX6CEx13qQKQoErEEPQzp6PnR7EaLrcZ2E-/s400/IMG_4665.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDe1etB3B3snjpmMngQVjDhJJ6FUTvQsuzg1rzthqKSq9YOj5Feh_UyEaAEl4_D2Uf_-ShGqO8EfOaPiAtO9nUAzBV4jeHzDCcpCh3ed1ToX6CEx13qQKQoErEEPQzp6PnR7EaLrcZ2E-/s400/IMG_4665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://home-sweet-motorhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">home-sweet-motorhome</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I especially enjoyed reading this <a href="http://trippinwithstanley.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, because their RV has a layout very similar to ours. I really loved the detailed posts on how they renovated everything. The use of color is great and I absolutely adore the white cabinets. I found it interesting the way they removed the bedroom and created a living room-like area.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trippinwithstanley.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P1020873.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-253" height="299" src="http://trippinwithstanley.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P1020873.jpg" title="bed" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://trippinwithstanley.com/" target="_blank">trippinwithstanley</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trippinwithstanley.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P1020874.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-253" height="400" src="http://trippinwithstanley.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P1020874.jpg" title="Kitchen2" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://trippinwithstanley.com/" target="_blank">trippinwithstanley</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one is more like a small apartment than an actual home on wheels. They even travel with their animals! I really like the kitchen back splash.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/101013/Photo_Video_23306251632117241420489_medium.JPG?0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Nature Inspired RV Renovation Part 2, Other Spaces Design" height="300" id="imgTop0" src="http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks.com/pickle_media1/media/HGTV/101013/Photo_Video_23306251632117241420489_medium.JPG?0" title="Nature Inspired RV Renovation Part 2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Other-Spaces/Nature-Inspired-RV-Renovation-Part-2/detail.esi?oid=21152841" target="_blank">roomzaar</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, painting the cabinets white, makes a HUGE difference in the overall feel of an older RV. The owners of this RV even painted faux marble-like counter tops.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i0.wp.com/www.thenewlighterlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Kitchen-Countertop-After-Painting.jpg?resize=584%2C876" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kitchen-Countertop-After-Painting" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1861" height="400" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.thenewlighterlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Kitchen-Countertop-After-Painting.jpg?resize=584%2C876" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.thenewlighterlife.com/category/rv-remodel/" target="_blank">thenewlighterlife</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more inspiration, check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/angeebees/rv-motorhome-ideas/" target="_blank">RV Board</a> on Pinterest. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you have design ideas for RVs? I would love to read about them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As always, thanks for reading. :)<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-64809064434743620292013-04-24T21:47:00.001-07:002013-04-30T15:49:11.327-07:00The Great Motorhome Hunt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl9ctBJ-ULfdKafLHH4JaAnhJ1YyPEeFHW5nrHhK78rweStto1KPD_hMhZECEWDJhRao56tplr6bJE3jnotMXkr2EGaw4qVQyMgdmczlPvkR6kXfadImk94SCsL_dIU4nnKzS7kcB7Bo/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Bunk+Removal.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl9ctBJ-ULfdKafLHH4JaAnhJ1YyPEeFHW5nrHhK78rweStto1KPD_hMhZECEWDJhRao56tplr6bJE3jnotMXkr2EGaw4qVQyMgdmczlPvkR6kXfadImk94SCsL_dIU4nnKzS7kcB7Bo/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Bunk+Removal.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Good, <span style="font-size: large;">The Bad & The Ugly</span></span> <br />
We recently purchased a 1998 Jayco Eagle 26' Motor Home via an ad found on Craigslist. It had less than 13k original miles, a generator that fired right up with less than 100 hours on it and every single appliance worked properly. All of this for right around $10K. <i>Say whaaaat?</i> It sounded great. It even looked OK. It smelled pretty awful and in the words of my 7 year-old nephew, <i>I have a nose like a dog.</i> He recently said that to me. <i>Really</i>. I am usually spot-on re smells. However, my husband pretty much dismissed my issue (because he could not smell anything weird at all) with the "scent" and kept it moving. Mistake #1.<br />
<br />
In all fairness, I should mention that a few years back we had a water leak in our bathroom (shower pan failure) and I coincidentally started getting sick more than usual - anyway, I <i>SWORE</i> there had to be mold. Like complained so much that we systematically ripped out our entire bathroom. Down to the studs. There was not any mold.<br />
<br />
<i>Ooopsie</i>.<br />
<br />
Hey, I never said I <i>smelled</i> anything, only that there had to be hidden mold spores somewhere that were probably killing me every time I inhaled. I am not dramatic. <i>At all</i>.<br />
<br />
Moving on...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Idea</span><br />
My husband has wanted a
recreational vehicle on and off for the past 7 years. We go back and
forth regarding the idea. He likes to tent camp, I don't. My idea of
camping is at the Marriott or any Hilton Family Establishment. We have
looked at least 3 times for a few days each time and have never come to
an agreement on what to purchase. We have looked at trailers, pop-ups,
hybrids and motor homes. New, semi-used and way used (like as in <i>before I was born</i>).
For me, it always comes down to the money factor. I refuse to spend
money on something I am not even sure we will use enough to justify the
cost. I may buy <a href="http://us.havaianas.com/" target="_blank">$40 flip flops</a>,
but mama rocks those on the daily. Just saying. Anyway, about a month
ago (end of March '13), I heard him mention the motor home idea again
and I said, "I'm not opposed to looking at a motor home if the total
monthly cost including insurance does not exceed $350."<br />
<br />
The
hunt began. We both started scouring the Internet for recreational
vehicles. We drove to more than a few RV places. We looked at a couple of
private-party RVs. We almost purchased a brand spanking new <a href="http://www.forestriverinc.com/HybridTravelTrailers/Shamrock/default.aspx" target="_blank">Hybrid Travel Trailer</a>. When I say <i>almost</i>,
what I mean is I went online to our credit union and got pre-approved
for the full amount plus tax and license. To the tune of $27k. For
real. We had a plan, man. We were so excited, we started researching
camp grounds and how people set up said campgrounds. Like what types of
awesome things people buy to make their camp area uber-cool. We
stumbled upon a picture of our same Travel Trailer (TT) and realized all
at once, the TT lifestyle wasn't going to work for us. The picture had
a camp fire in it. Like really close to the TT. I know, you are
thinking, <i>so what? That's what you do when you camp.</i> Uhm yeah.
People do build camp fires, hang out till the wee hours, sing songs, tell jokes and
stuff. Not this mama. I am highly allergic to smoke. If I am anywhere
near smoke, I will get sick. Like lung infection, respiratory
distress, (TMI) green phlegm kind of sick. So is my kid. Like as in
all kinds of smoke. The whole point of a Hybrid TT is it has tent-like
ends that fold down on each end or sides of the unit. These ends are
made of tent-like material. HELLO. I am not risking that much money on
the hope that I won't smell the smoke inside the unit. I mean, come
on. Every time my husband comes back from camping, we have to
completely sanitize all of the stuff he used during his trip. The camp
fire smoke infects everything. So, all at once our dreams of Hybrid
camping went poof. At that point, we decided to put the entire RV thing
on the back burner for awhile.<br />
<br />
Except, the next day I
needed to get my mind of making the remembrance cards for my dads
funeral. So what did I do? I went back on Craigslist and started
looking at used Class C Motor Homes. Okay, so this is the point where I
admit, this entire thing is kind of my fault. If I would have stuck to
the plan of waiting awhile, we more than likely would not be in this
mess. Super long story shortened: I stumbled across the one we ended up purchasing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3jtEAivYb31aKgRE7gmBK2sTG9dhIZ3uf53FHVnEYuwwaaHZ57RxTXjnt4oJJ5iN4ZJFvLRh4j8itc2O8nX-qg3ct6RjMkmNg23xNoNTXEG0rpVX9OiiQopUSt34nEAmAb4bwUnxjTw/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3jtEAivYb31aKgRE7gmBK2sTG9dhIZ3uf53FHVnEYuwwaaHZ57RxTXjnt4oJJ5iN4ZJFvLRh4j8itc2O8nX-qg3ct6RjMkmNg23xNoNTXEG0rpVX9OiiQopUSt34nEAmAb4bwUnxjTw/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Exterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1998 Jayco EAGLE Series M-267 F-FORD WB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We knew by purchasing any used RV there would be some things we would have to "renovate" or "re-do". "Re-do" is probably not the right term in this case. More like "should
have never even considered purchasing", but coulda, woulda shoulda... Mistake #2.<br />
<br />
We were told this specific RV had some past water damage. Most used RVs do. The water damage occurred on the roof near the overhead bunk. The previous owner had repaired the entry point and everything was <i>"just fine now"</i>. Yeah. Understatement of the YEAR, people! Mistake #3 (This entire "listing of the mistakes" is actually no longer any fun for me. It actually is making me nauseous at the moment. Suffice to say, I am going to stop with the bloggy-land sarcasm).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">DISCLAIMER re My Mental State:</span><br />
Let me sum this up in a
quick paragraph or less - My dad had just died and I was in the middle
of preparing for his service during our "Great Motor Home Hunt". Needless to say, but fair to mention in case someone just isn't following here: I was an emotional wreck.
I would have more than likely agreed to anything just to keep my mind
of of what I was going through at the time. What's the saying,
"Hindsight is 20/20"?? Well, I am pretty sure I would not be interested
in this same motor home had I been my normal, super rational (for the most part) self.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Pictures</span><br />
Because lets face it: pictures will tell you way more than I ever could. The first three pictures are the ones I originally saw on Craigslist. When we went to see the RV in person, it looked pretty much the same inside.<br />
<span id="goog_1790072763"></span><span id="goog_1790072764"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7477km2oeMhURqzatBEdP7whBJ8uHHo-IjCECo8esfPXXcEDJUQf4eTaSnqHj8twuPzfPJB22bT3SqkyTO6dxuckw8kSVTZJqnVDfR6i3yEX4twq6NVpNI1UO5ZRdY91aDPH6sM7dLCA/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Removal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEIaJJl91G_Spf3lsrvSfCVTYJMbglg7lezS74ApC9UVuuRiVuZW2NJoAMvoiJEa1y9aq0b1YZUR2k_BOjgA2oBdHxsCfRCEGbPL5XN2h5eIUBcqZQ9KTCfcJmW7A5Z5VxSCKT5uHHNY/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEIaJJl91G_Spf3lsrvSfCVTYJMbglg7lezS74ApC9UVuuRiVuZW2NJoAMvoiJEa1y9aq0b1YZUR2k_BOjgA2oBdHxsCfRCEGbPL5XN2h5eIUBcqZQ9KTCfcJmW7A5Z5VxSCKT5uHHNY/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Before.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen looking toward the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCQasoOV1gZfwXFdAAxGPREP4oOIjPxPReV3tGVWb2WmIDOG43-K0G13HP8yQjEyoSEnBa_lZTjQPqd29xQZ3hsSEjvnUzlbm1VH9V5aSz_xnOV_Y6HLamdLQQaak2YKTkRdzBwlDsIA/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Looking+Toward+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCQasoOV1gZfwXFdAAxGPREP4oOIjPxPReV3tGVWb2WmIDOG43-K0G13HP8yQjEyoSEnBa_lZTjQPqd29xQZ3hsSEjvnUzlbm1VH9V5aSz_xnOV_Y6HLamdLQQaak2YKTkRdzBwlDsIA/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Looking+Toward+Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK2T0lbcUqXK6R8WJvmHDvj7lz5FJ-YqsFSwpNIYhrYnBpjBuOlv0p3Agp1HFXNZptqFxhbp4q07fUAl7QpUACqFF8Q6v10sYkg20ICf6FzUkR5NZb64bYxKrQ_U9g0LbeXOG3ExMzXE/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Bathroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK2T0lbcUqXK6R8WJvmHDvj7lz5FJ-YqsFSwpNIYhrYnBpjBuOlv0p3Agp1HFXNZptqFxhbp4q07fUAl7QpUACqFF8Q6v10sYkg20ICf6FzUkR5NZb64bYxKrQ_U9g0LbeXOG3ExMzXE/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Bathroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we initially saw the RV, we knew the roof would need some general maintenance repairs. This picture was taken a couple of days after we brought the RV home.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA49SZH6cPTK2R6iUBa366cNTWUipXlg4UTSmTJ7h7h9QvtbYVfbgzObxEylKdVcrMBPEEhw_RJSul_JppjiEMgocb2M9mmemChstuAGcev-pjYTtMECYws7ZbPinYazXU19mEO-c5Na4/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Roof+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA49SZH6cPTK2R6iUBa366cNTWUipXlg4UTSmTJ7h7h9QvtbYVfbgzObxEylKdVcrMBPEEhw_RJSul_JppjiEMgocb2M9mmemChstuAGcev-pjYTtMECYws7ZbPinYazXU19mEO-c5Na4/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Roof+7.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We figured all we needed to do inside was rip out the old flooring, reupholster the dinette and thoroughly clean and disinfect the unit. Boy, were we <i>wrong</i> on so many levels.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7477km2oeMhURqzatBEdP7whBJ8uHHo-IjCECo8esfPXXcEDJUQf4eTaSnqHj8twuPzfPJB22bT3SqkyTO6dxuckw8kSVTZJqnVDfR6i3yEX4twq6NVpNI1UO5ZRdY91aDPH6sM7dLCA/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Removal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7477km2oeMhURqzatBEdP7whBJ8uHHo-IjCECo8esfPXXcEDJUQf4eTaSnqHj8twuPzfPJB22bT3SqkyTO6dxuckw8kSVTZJqnVDfR6i3yEX4twq6NVpNI1UO5ZRdY91aDPH6sM7dLCA/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Removal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing carpet and linoleum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Remember that <i>smell</i> I mentioned noticing the first day we looked at the RV? Well, after Sal had ripped out all of the old flooring, it was still there. I insisted we investigate further. I started opening cupboards and closets and smelling everything. I kept coming back to the same area near the dinette and that was where it was really bad. I <strike>demanded</strike> asked him nicely to remove a small piece of the wallpaper so we could see what was behind it. Based on his previous experience with me (hello 10k bathroom remodel), he decided to remove a piece of the wallpaper from inside of the cupboard.<i> </i>At this point, he was super annoyed with me. All he wanted to do was go down to Lowe's and pick out some flooring. He even said something like, "If I remove a piece of this wallpaper and nothing is there, I am going to be upset". <i>Something</i> like that. I think there were a few choice words I refuse to type on a family-friendly blog. <i>Just saying</i>.<br />
<br />
At the time, I did not think to snap a picture of the initial cut and there was no way I was going anywhere near the inside after he made that first cut. By the way he was talking out loud to himself, I knew it wasn't good news. That "small" piece turned into the complete removal of the cupboards over the dinette are. This is what was waiting for us:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jFQRIXGlc-Mjs9a4ZzGRxT4v0gckAamV1ON9QACbTuhQD0UdgaS0o_8eTDzI0iWBkCX0duLIEPnTod5sUINst-KieTb6QUOjcbXLGkSaRW0b1f3TRfGHpjKSiqitx9Ir8Oaoetiu6r8/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Wood+Rot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jFQRIXGlc-Mjs9a4ZzGRxT4v0gckAamV1ON9QACbTuhQD0UdgaS0o_8eTDzI0iWBkCX0duLIEPnTod5sUINst-KieTb6QUOjcbXLGkSaRW0b1f3TRfGHpjKSiqitx9Ir8Oaoetiu6r8/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Wood+Rot+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Major wood rot caused by water damage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and that was only the beginning people...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Water Damage</span><br />
Is way worse than anyone ever thought. The walls on 1/3 of the drivers side are completely rotten and the foam behind them has what looks like black mold. <i>BLACK!</i> The overhead bunk has to be completely rebuilt. The only thing holding up the fiberglass siding are a few screws my husband has yet to remove. My husband has already ripped out the flooring, removed all of the equipment from the roof, gutted the rotted wood walls and scraped most of the foam from the inside, removed almost the entire overhead bunk and some of the roof. Here are some additional pictures:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimU3Ddh5BumdjZXGp-jYrBubSXoLveODQwlsU-bwWBv0zZpazi138j2FtmuyRrI-LZNDeYfhOAEbaQ4m0vHhtB9T-QlF01CiRoXx5ECV8iejB1fKsgRlJwKZhOs6O5osbOIGcsPVjkLtk/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Roof+Removal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimU3Ddh5BumdjZXGp-jYrBubSXoLveODQwlsU-bwWBv0zZpazi138j2FtmuyRrI-LZNDeYfhOAEbaQ4m0vHhtB9T-QlF01CiRoXx5ECV8iejB1fKsgRlJwKZhOs6O5osbOIGcsPVjkLtk/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Roof+Removal.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the rubber removed from the roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LX9akGxg_yzQb7BlaqCEDmrWyh95lDTAnKOkOPgKevC2YfTs7aKtWBbB_KmnoahAV2VTz5d4IPXAjBxwzOAsiIBmq1INjNllyeX_921XvOLsIBsNWCaBKDKbSXg-JzRwmFwdLYBnfXo/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Roof+Water+Damage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LX9akGxg_yzQb7BlaqCEDmrWyh95lDTAnKOkOPgKevC2YfTs7aKtWBbB_KmnoahAV2VTz5d4IPXAjBxwzOAsiIBmq1INjNllyeX_921XvOLsIBsNWCaBKDKbSXg-JzRwmFwdLYBnfXo/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Roof+Water+Damage.JPG" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot - The dark part toward the front is wet wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5121CMprjXYJ7aVjB-6CJbP7FyMl1GPNkuhcApC5orkAUmcylyp4JlyekKilS3DnhZucePaky-gYoY8EkAfvdgMX2DwBel1vD-Ki1y3oDDvuVQkL_tP694YOQb8G70v0PM7wiHqYyvQ/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Water+Damage+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5121CMprjXYJ7aVjB-6CJbP7FyMl1GPNkuhcApC5orkAUmcylyp4JlyekKilS3DnhZucePaky-gYoY8EkAfvdgMX2DwBel1vD-Ki1y3oDDvuVQkL_tP694YOQb8G70v0PM7wiHqYyvQ/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Water+Damage+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the cabinets used to be</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc_7etDLRuyfobjIEvakZ80cwaQoHtksa8yhgalSiW6bh7Y4f81swXr-u_yzD04wQDM8-n1jgS7YJqL1NbECMc2FPI8vUWV-ntzc8ltLN-kIKsPuYH7D2L6Zcx1LXEav2_CKYhvdX2o0/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Water+Damage+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc_7etDLRuyfobjIEvakZ80cwaQoHtksa8yhgalSiW6bh7Y4f81swXr-u_yzD04wQDM8-n1jgS7YJqL1NbECMc2FPI8vUWV-ntzc8ltLN-kIKsPuYH7D2L6Zcx1LXEav2_CKYhvdX2o0/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Water+Damage+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the same area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6Tu5uS-3Jx7YyU_Axy2FtSJNTov9gLQeTvrx3mi1jeiTHuCSWkoxRCtjju-_ZUYjRXyz93_9jrzvYyPYTWG8JUuc1KOp463UB7nDXNXezB7s0rPwsDrxPm0YVa7HZBMZsFEaurCkRD0/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+INterior+Water+Damage+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6Tu5uS-3Jx7YyU_Axy2FtSJNTov9gLQeTvrx3mi1jeiTHuCSWkoxRCtjju-_ZUYjRXyz93_9jrzvYyPYTWG8JUuc1KOp463UB7nDXNXezB7s0rPwsDrxPm0YVa7HZBMZsFEaurCkRD0/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+INterior+Water+Damage+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Below the cabinets, where the dinette used to be</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since there was so much damage and really no acceptable way to repair the rotten wood, and after much research, we decided to cut out all of the bad areas. This includes the entire front bunk. (I did not get a picture of this, but the guys told me when they started removing the drivers side front bunk area, water started pouring out!) <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl9ctBJ-ULfdKafLHH4JaAnhJ1YyPEeFHW5nrHhK78rweStto1KPD_hMhZECEWDJhRao56tplr6bJE3jnotMXkr2EGaw4qVQyMgdmczlPvkR6kXfadImk94SCsL_dIU4nnKzS7kcB7Bo/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Bunk+Removal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl9ctBJ-ULfdKafLHH4JaAnhJ1YyPEeFHW5nrHhK78rweStto1KPD_hMhZECEWDJhRao56tplr6bJE3jnotMXkr2EGaw4qVQyMgdmczlPvkR6kXfadImk94SCsL_dIU4nnKzS7kcB7Bo/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Bunk+Removal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend Ray and Sal removing the damaged front bunk area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Notice all of the black areas on the wall. All of the wood in this area has been removed. That is the foam that was behind the actual rotted wood. Oh, and the black stuff - that is <i>MOLD</i>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HxKsGNy1zKsXh9q7A3LzkNB4Xhp4kJqQIBQN_2yv9X7N-11VzUSKPGDv_TEXwZvy194QAS4QCI3QoShyXccPpysl76uCN6gXXO4ze7OkkvpmrW0be-D0ge6ubggGXzjHvmKdKkbIeyc/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Damage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HxKsGNy1zKsXh9q7A3LzkNB4Xhp4kJqQIBQN_2yv9X7N-11VzUSKPGDv_TEXwZvy194QAS4QCI3QoShyXccPpysl76uCN6gXXO4ze7OkkvpmrW0be-D0ge6ubggGXzjHvmKdKkbIeyc/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+Damage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuaakgunguSrexSdqgnmdGutsNFgCDiu2cBXCEhYQ2X_ImWQ-u9iruKft1JNfBG0scKGo37w0deHKr-m_KDMNakZ6gLo5e5GcYdQRVn72OgAkFNb1epzgQhyw-QgthgLdJ5rrDoUHgaA/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuaakgunguSrexSdqgnmdGutsNFgCDiu2cBXCEhYQ2X_ImWQ-u9iruKft1JNfBG0scKGo37w0deHKr-m_KDMNakZ6gLo5e5GcYdQRVn72OgAkFNb1epzgQhyw-QgthgLdJ5rrDoUHgaA/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Interior+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiabRXoharzp13O0PLJOJJAkHL2zTlo5qUFj2M-iRu8bVcG2gjmS3Vbhhua9gLRneS1Bx0EeoT5X-vIR6a_ymFlAjrtVtDi-xgwyixZudMU48M1Vfq8hGYRoBJvGe1KlhdF9-DWx2mAY/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Removing+Bunk+Electrical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiabRXoharzp13O0PLJOJJAkHL2zTlo5qUFj2M-iRu8bVcG2gjmS3Vbhhua9gLRneS1Bx0EeoT5X-vIR6a_ymFlAjrtVtDi-xgwyixZudMU48M1Vfq8hGYRoBJvGe1KlhdF9-DWx2mAY/s400/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Removing+Bunk+Electrical.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the damaged area has been removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Interior</span><br />
The front of the cab is near perfect. The seats show minimal wear, the wood grain looks great and the carpet doesn't have a stain on it. This is the only area we are not ripping out.<br />
<br />
Only someone above knows what has been used on the cushions throughout the rest of the motor home. They smell like a mixture of old-lady perfume and funk. We went to an upholstery shop today and they estimated $1,500 to replace all of the cushions in the dinette, the overhead bunk bed and recover everything including the valances. The price also includes recovering one chair. I <strike>know</strike> <i>think</i> we can do it ourselves for less. After researching the best way to approach this and realizing how expensive foam is (!!) I am down to try anything to get the cushions clean and smelling freshly laundered before shelling out hundreds of dollars on foam. I am going to attempt to clean one of them by placing it in the bathtub with oxi-clean and detergent and pounding on them until the water rinses clean (settle down, I plan on using gloves)...then air drying outdoors for a few days. I will also try a baking soda method I read about and then go from there. I figure it will save me hundreds of dollars if it works. If it doesn't, then I only wasted a few hours. At least I will know I exhausted all possible ways to save us some money.<br />
<br />
So to recap, we need:<br />
<ul>
<li>A completely new roof</li>
<li>New interior walls</li>
<li>Repair or replace the fiberglass on the drivers side and the overhead bunk</li>
<li>New cushions and upholstery</li>
<li>Paint the entire interior including cabinets and walls </li>
<li>Replace the toilet and bathroom sink (they work, but are really discolored due to age. The shower, on the other hand, is fine).</li>
<li>Brand new flooring throughout (the sub-floors look perfect. No water damage or anything).</li>
<li>New hardware (handles and hinges) throughout</li>
<li>Attempt to clean the day/night shades</li>
<li>and probably a ton of things we don't even realize yet</li>
</ul>
The good news is the RV runs like a champ. It passed smog, is fully insured and Sal had new tires put on it. This was <i>before</i> we realized how much work was yet to be done.<br />
<br />
I always say there is a reason for everything and I truly believe that. Throughout this experience, I have learned way more than one ever needs to know re motor homes. I can easily explain how to tear off and rebuild a roof (the <a href="https://dicorproducts.com/catalog/roof-products/membranes-and-installation-products/brite-ply-epdm-rubber-roofing/" target="_blank">rubber EPDM kind</a>) on an RV; what to look for when browsing used RVs and most importantly what to run away from. I have researched everything from how to clean the old, nasty, rank-smelling foam cushions, and <a href="http://thebeginningfarmerswife.blogspot.com/2008/07/camper-cushions.html" target="_blank">re-cover</a> them, to the cheapest place I have found to purchase new <a href="http://www.thefoamfactory.com/" target="_blank">custom foam replacement cushions</a> from. I have researched the best way to <a href="http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-daynight-shades/" target="_blank">clean the stained day/night shades and maintain the pleats while drying</a>. I have read, browsed and commented on many a blog and forum post throughout the world wide web (does anyone even call the Internet that anymore?) as well as "pinned" a ton of stuff to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/angeebees/rv-motorhome-ideas/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> account.<br />
<br />
Will any of this actually work?? How the heck do I know?! We are just getting started...<br />
What I can say is this: Remember that bathroom of ours? Before my accusation re the mold, it was the original 1950's mint green bathroom. We now have a travertine-tiled, spa-like bathroom complete with a eucalyptus steam shower. That has got to count for something.<br />
<br />
Anyone? <i>Anyone??</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN21RNkkoMQsWa8wZDW3I8aBspnVQ9x_D4T8kr8pKBvAlBmoOn5eGnKlr-3u2Ge543nudUjMvHJ6cUtAH7558g5hyl972jZ2hAmxRFL1BwHQXes2BJjW-XxbGyP1Y_1eluWjMXVt2ESqs/s1600/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Ray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN21RNkkoMQsWa8wZDW3I8aBspnVQ9x_D4T8kr8pKBvAlBmoOn5eGnKlr-3u2Ge543nudUjMvHJ6cUtAH7558g5hyl972jZ2hAmxRFL1BwHQXes2BJjW-XxbGyP1Y_1eluWjMXVt2ESqs/s640/1998+Jayco+Class+C+Ray.JPG" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray said the RV is now the "Ultimate Beach Cruiser". He has jokes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-15494712967423151862013-04-20T01:16:00.000-07:002013-05-30T15:41:57.618-07:00Backyard Botanical Complete Gardening System Detailed ReviewOkay, so I know it has been some time since I have posted anything to my blog. I don't really have any excuses, except that I have been extremely busy (see: overwhelmed with life). However, in my opinion, the wait has been worth it. I am so excited to tell you about this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening-system/194570.ip" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJE33RJHZ31y1XxATy-xjEsLckWp5668TRdHBGDNt8WtEHh8jcRGOXuPf3-JJyK40JlDJlO5uvNNVH-ARdAwKwhdy_Ccot933Pu2KdABkRNftEZIS3lhFTartqso5gUv-saJaQodS4jE/s640/Garden+Welcome.jpg" title="Backyard Botanical Complete Gardening System" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening-system/194570.ip" target="_blank">Backyard Botanical Complete Gardening System</a><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening-system/194570.ip" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pretty, right? <i>RIGHT?!!</i> It wasn't easy, but if the set-up was the hardest part, I am more than happy to be past it.<br />
<br />
Please note I am a details type of girl, so this post is super detailed. Maybe next time I should break something this big up into smaller posts? I'm not sure....okay so here goes...all you ever wanted to know about the....wait for it....drum roll, please:<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span itemprop="name">Backyard Botanical Complete Gardening System<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Leisure Time </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening-system/194570.ip" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuFEvql9XSEyioOo4c3VPOeL23Gi-Dc85iqvRY_o-n6YwrralF12Nx6bqGJrFUfh-S4tLyNwrardO2LzkuYR7J4Tez6uA_F_cHwmuMHx4xuJ-YQRFt7QWTI7YZ2IgjejljS7dZ-Q43H8/s320/Sams+Club.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo via <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/backyard-botanical-complete-gardening-system/194570.ip" target="_blank">Sam's Club</a></td></tr>
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<b>SPECIFICATIONS</b><br />
<b>(via Sam's Club Website)</b><br />
<div class="itemFeatures span8 offset0 itemDetailsPara">
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<li>20" High raised beds</li>
<li>Natural decay resistant cedar</li>
<li>Automatic irrigation system</li>
<li>Pest-proof flooring & fencing </li>
<li>Innovative polyethylene planting tubs</li>
<li>Coil Garden hose with sprayer</li>
<li>Built-in trellis for climbing plants</li>
<li>Holds 1.5 cubic yards of soil</li>
<li>Detailed assembly manual</li>
<li>Ships in two boxes </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MY REASONS (aka justifications)</b></span><br />
I have been coveting this garden since 2009 (!!) and could never bring myself to spend the money. It <i>is</i> pricey, but after getting it all together, even my husband agrees it is well made and well worth the cost. Even though we live on a little over 2.5 acres, it is extremely hard to grow anything. We have rabbits, squirrels, gophers, owls and even the occasional coyote. Our dog, Gracie brings us "treats" often. <i>Ew.</i> Those pests demolish everything from flowers to grass to our friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raymond.mapstead?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Ray's</a> electrical wiring in his car! <i>Twice.</i> Anyway, I knew I for sure did not want to put a ton of time and effort into planting a garden only to have the animals ruin everything.<br />
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That was my Reason #1 for buying this system.<br />
Reason #2: I do not want to deal with weeds. Sorry, but this mama is not interested.<br />
Reason #3: Raised gardening is easier on your knees and your back. <i>Isn't it?</i><br />
Reason #4: I just liked it, <i>okay?</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE COST</b></span><br />
I originally saw it at my local Sam's Club toward the end of Summer in 2009 for a little less than $400.00. Sam's club <i>always</i> brings back their seasonal Summer items each year, right? <i>NOT. </i>My bad for not buying it then. Since that time, I have watched and waited for it <i>every </i>Spring & Summer. <i>Just hoping</i>. I knew they had it online, but heck if I was going to pay shipping on this sucka. When I purchased mine (March 22nd, 2013), this <a href="http://www.swingsetsonline.com/backyard-products/gardens/oasis-garden/" target="_blank">website</a> was selling this same system for quite a bit more than what I paid: $1099. It is now listed for $599.00 (including shipping). <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Backyard-Botanical-Oasis-Garden-6309/100661951#.UXGoCcqNBvA" target="_blank">Home Depot</a> and <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM798937414P?ci_src=184425893&ci_sku=SPM798937414&sid=IDx20130125xMPALLx028" target="_blank">Sears</a> both carry it for $799. I bought mine from Sam's Club for $575 (including shipping). Tax was not included, so my total with shipping and tax came to $621. Fair to say, it did take about a week longer than the estimated time of arrival I was given.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> PRE<span style="font-size: large;">P</span></b></span><br />
Before we could even think of setting something this big up, I knew we had to figure out where we were going to place it. The instructions say, "<i>For best gardening results select a level area that will receive at least 6 hours of sunshine per day.</i>" I chose somewhere close to my house, because let's face it, I am not about to be gardening all the way down at the other end of our property. Period. Also, I needed a sunny location and access to water. I was already asking a lot of my husband without adding, "Please run a water line for me, too."<br />
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I mentioned where I <i>thought</i> I wanted it and before I could even consider other places, he was already out there prepping the ground! Hmmm, note to self: decide if I really want the driveway re-paved and an electrical gate with call box. I digress.<br />
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First, he measured the space we would need for the actual garden (8x8) and then an extra foot in order to leave room for pavers or ground cover. Next, he spray painted lines to use as guides. Then, he fired up our rototiller and got to work. All in all, it took less than an hour to prep the ground from start to finish. It was super soft when he was done. Like so soft, that my Havaianas literally sunk into the ground. Anywho, here are some before, during and after pics:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpQmDK2ygbcrj8ejGojTH8Lw5rxvTpwHs7woJgb-wdWk7fX-rjF-m3eKUvgiysO_JCoepD8VhWlEyUoF4frpJJS6g_5QXh_Z-65lGxsCH6c29lDmTMv_iLzMjg8JI4z_dPHSz7qvqciA/s1600/Garden+Spray+Paint+Boundaries+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpQmDK2ygbcrj8ejGojTH8Lw5rxvTpwHs7woJgb-wdWk7fX-rjF-m3eKUvgiysO_JCoepD8VhWlEyUoF4frpJJS6g_5QXh_Z-65lGxsCH6c29lDmTMv_iLzMjg8JI4z_dPHSz7qvqciA/s400/Garden+Spray+Paint+Boundaries+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray painted lines to use as guides.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLGFRwHG9cbH3ioIlz-zuYTIxDYH4dq1uQeSCLdS4oRDqENUI242AarMHt0XJrSe3sKrWZrh_bH-XcMsbe-SsLHqv8zcWzgEerE1aNsDQjHwWaZIOlgMNez1CXxp-NuGZ_ruPJkSx89k/s1600/Garden+Spray+Paint+Boundaries+3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLGFRwHG9cbH3ioIlz-zuYTIxDYH4dq1uQeSCLdS4oRDqENUI242AarMHt0XJrSe3sKrWZrh_bH-XcMsbe-SsLHqv8zcWzgEerE1aNsDQjHwWaZIOlgMNez1CXxp-NuGZ_ruPJkSx89k/s400/Garden+Spray+Paint+Boundaries+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of area to be tilled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4ymzKsKMaJr7u0fwodh5nJVRHBopYr1yGrCEnc4EfUD9TAAgzQno9Kk5Mf-_5AGnNPtQMgDhdztn9r8m2K1C_2ureLwE7gFuUBFwSnHFHNDychwN7cEOVtcsRmfxZRQ_i6DKAh-4Y0s/s1600/Garden+Rototiller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4ymzKsKMaJr7u0fwodh5nJVRHBopYr1yGrCEnc4EfUD9TAAgzQno9Kk5Mf-_5AGnNPtQMgDhdztn9r8m2K1C_2ureLwE7gFuUBFwSnHFHNDychwN7cEOVtcsRmfxZRQ_i6DKAh-4Y0s/s400/Garden+Rototiller.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had no idea we actually owned one of these.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU5Z37cKMeZhWM4nDXJZEped3cmFyp_nBYwZrpgbi1R2WeEynupDEJeAwCtPXq-BiFb4mkaaRYVL_m8p9YXEwDBMxEf9OcL-OYc0ozwa3cxOL2HbITilbeiiNHfnJg9ZucEGcWJiF5RI/s1600/Garden+Ready+to+Till.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU5Z37cKMeZhWM4nDXJZEped3cmFyp_nBYwZrpgbi1R2WeEynupDEJeAwCtPXq-BiFb4mkaaRYVL_m8p9YXEwDBMxEf9OcL-OYc0ozwa3cxOL2HbITilbeiiNHfnJg9ZucEGcWJiF5RI/s400/Garden+Ready+to+Till.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband, Sal, hard at work.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1warY2jxSXtgWvrh_VMoROd6JT9l3hybYqqu4bpQBx-G8oJAqRZyerZCXa8pnblhDBHsUkR75EKsiVQpC-Nm9nLn62jhY9JLwPM00TMA9oVgIWgE7pxoq7wio9zIeY62wQGccqnSbAA/s1600/Garden+Ready+to+Till.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpUQuirSAxekAeNrQze8LDuKRChvE-3uq4NrMnyfQIBp0uXf_DQ_ozOPYnGsk61dMQtBcDz9PrLBY2HRxafl6wYqFzNlKarf8mXIRCQZ6WGFEz9aMnNCpOL0HiuFVPQobxHsoRij_BD4/s1600/Garden+Till+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpUQuirSAxekAeNrQze8LDuKRChvE-3uq4NrMnyfQIBp0uXf_DQ_ozOPYnGsk61dMQtBcDz9PrLBY2HRxafl6wYqFzNlKarf8mXIRCQZ6WGFEz9aMnNCpOL0HiuFVPQobxHsoRij_BD4/s400/Garden+Till+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First turn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWpwwNeE_b3IE1YnVcDxf8O2XEPZAdGWuEQIm8GQx4rH5Qvrkg4dB-E5RJg3Efwolas9eiMgBt_ztzZ4aXOMZS3r0KIxmChD4NmJJ8qtd-04Cj2EihWgMbAWQ9s4_5I45Vfcz2xyeAnQ/s1600/Garden+Till+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWpwwNeE_b3IE1YnVcDxf8O2XEPZAdGWuEQIm8GQx4rH5Qvrkg4dB-E5RJg3Efwolas9eiMgBt_ztzZ4aXOMZS3r0KIxmChD4NmJJ8qtd-04Cj2EihWgMbAWQ9s4_5I45Vfcz2xyeAnQ/s400/Garden+Till+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get the picture, eh?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbryI66BvU86qhsyVWZLVTjxzLnLv8aj3Xo9AeCnwpY3DnxRaJOM280QG3EIGweh3S4Lzq3hXLCM1SqE7_vuUKmx_jvu8XUzH2G0geu7z1Wxj1JOhx1eBLo4tKelOxDGysj9AvryRcBI/s1600/Garden+Tilled.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbryI66BvU86qhsyVWZLVTjxzLnLv8aj3Xo9AeCnwpY3DnxRaJOM280QG3EIGweh3S4Lzq3hXLCM1SqE7_vuUKmx_jvu8XUzH2G0geu7z1Wxj1JOhx1eBLo4tKelOxDGysj9AvryRcBI/s400/Garden+Tilled.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished with the hard part.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZxuBWhnjRjKpSFhyxFC8mA7-cGCS4aRjf_TmDAr7Odl8UZqcW0915gWq7sVgKygTNrlMfGFldk-LdY37ax0wn_OnBdqnA4Bu1nBonQXewjAPw87qZ8OHqozCP_ZiCDUV7b3QJ3QSovY/s1600/Garden+Tilled+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZxuBWhnjRjKpSFhyxFC8mA7-cGCS4aRjf_TmDAr7Odl8UZqcW0915gWq7sVgKygTNrlMfGFldk-LdY37ax0wn_OnBdqnA4Bu1nBonQXewjAPw87qZ8OHqozCP_ZiCDUV7b3QJ3QSovY/s400/Garden+Tilled+4.JPG" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground tilled and smoothed with the flat side of a rake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iC5l-8zsaNoW0QjRyiWjBttTb7MRckE8vxIutnt6vpsLKy0LvyyW4zXFFVa7zjbWGUFoMxWOKA20oK603OEAgYsIr0mGc2zM29dbqCdz-0nR0GARSuivWGdDSexmONEaQdxiIdUYxbo/s1600/Garden+Random+Bird.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iC5l-8zsaNoW0QjRyiWjBttTb7MRckE8vxIutnt6vpsLKy0LvyyW4zXFFVa7zjbWGUFoMxWOKA20oK603OEAgYsIr0mGc2zM29dbqCdz-0nR0GARSuivWGdDSexmONEaQdxiIdUYxbo/s400/Garden+Random+Bird.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random bird. Thank goodness Gracie was asleep. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE ASSEMBLY</b></span><br />
Once my Backyard Botanical Complete Gardening System finally arrived, <strike>we immediately put it together</strike> it sat for two days. I wasn't about to touch that thing on my own, I don't even have a working drill gun at the moment and my furniture putting-together-skills are limited to IKEA furniture. No joke. Besides, it looked like it might rain and I for one was not about to start a project only to get rained on.<br />
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We asked our friend, Lucas to <strike>help assemble the garden</strike> put the garden together by himself. He arrived around 8:30 AM with all of the required tools and was here until about 8:00 PM. <i>Settle Down, I fed him.</i> Geez. Also, my husband, another friend and our son helped toward the end. Oh, and I supervised. (Pretty much walked around pointing out things while trying not to ruin my pedicure.) Just saying.<br />
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I would like to mention, Lucas said the biggest problem with the
assembly was that the "tools required" section did not list all of the
tools required (!!). Thank goodness he is a man of many tools and
happened to have all of the extra drill bits and other paraphernalia
required to complete the job. Also, be advised: not a single hole was
pre-drilled or marked. It <i>was</i> a lot of work. I highly recommend
hiring a skilled person to assemble this thing. Had I begun on my own,
I would have been upset, to say the least.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dXvu8g8SzItmfhoGGjqZzr6V4FItb916lqxLa1DxGqIYgW7Mp6aH7aR29Hb59ofnQENPkEmxE-VJgM1O4y8htBatUotfNMa0szvkrW2VELWZnaex2q1Em1MXJJHJMJuBtm9m-8WESJo/s1600/Garden+Assembly+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dXvu8g8SzItmfhoGGjqZzr6V4FItb916lqxLa1DxGqIYgW7Mp6aH7aR29Hb59ofnQENPkEmxE-VJgM1O4y8htBatUotfNMa0szvkrW2VELWZnaex2q1Em1MXJJHJMJuBtm9m-8WESJo/s400/Garden+Assembly+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucas, reading the directions <i>before</i> starting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEqey3KU3QxNGQqJIf7Z3YuTKQZ9JtmnkbuhuIO7jl353XjYIrjF27rhXJnwzC5RyQ5LE78AoxLOw2RmbdX_jmpSdcVHxgHNouwNiWauuaojd7thWq3wJ_y3XBzrZC0HQni2bE67zLWo/s1600/Garden+Assembly+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEqey3KU3QxNGQqJIf7Z3YuTKQZ9JtmnkbuhuIO7jl353XjYIrjF27rhXJnwzC5RyQ5LE78AoxLOw2RmbdX_jmpSdcVHxgHNouwNiWauuaojd7thWq3wJ_y3XBzrZC0HQni2bE67zLWo/s400/Garden+Assembly+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organizing the materials and still reading. A boy who actually reads!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcZ2MmlzK96CYlnk3VxkkM0_FlhoGYxy6r8ulLVQDY1odAy8yjzhY5svlvPDf3SViP45IExQEX5rjPaF5LtR5oFeLVz1qj0YeVS0_oFwiB2ZWMqBJdTBh8Ke0TtB0Zry_-GJsG7EvPmY/s1600/Garden+Assembly+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcZ2MmlzK96CYlnk3VxkkM0_FlhoGYxy6r8ulLVQDY1odAy8yjzhY5svlvPDf3SViP45IExQEX5rjPaF5LtR5oFeLVz1qj0YeVS0_oFwiB2ZWMqBJdTBh8Ke0TtB0Zry_-GJsG7EvPmY/s400/Garden+Assembly+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base put together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA1FOsAVfUTLFFh6WmyMi916D1c6UBgiAC6i7wlbJeETDL9yNdK3iXHgrOgCG3qyHWQ1b9trpjqd1IF6-W-UYAVNgJhstvpmeuLpm0QN8cbuhQLrrlPY_YAdZWvwUzSvQtOX5sq7CFxw/s1600/Garden+Assembly+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA1FOsAVfUTLFFh6WmyMi916D1c6UBgiAC6i7wlbJeETDL9yNdK3iXHgrOgCG3qyHWQ1b9trpjqd1IF6-W-UYAVNgJhstvpmeuLpm0QN8cbuhQLrrlPY_YAdZWvwUzSvQtOX5sq7CFxw/s400/Garden+Assembly+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the plastic liner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
happened to have a ton of bricks laying around, so we used those to
create a foundation of sorts under the edges of the garden. Mainly to
help level the area. Also, (I forgot to take a picture of this step) prior to installing the black plastic material included in the kit, we added extra mesh wire below the plastic to ensure pesky critters would be less likely to eat through the plastic. The guys used a utility knife to cut it to fit and a staple gun to attach it to the cedar frame.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx7PwfVmqjcTyi812kIPhl8kVBaV_TZ0sUZ_abNZDZMCozBh0CoaETLIGPRzZzp0YpD9Ytkq1iXPNIn7OLvjrRtuvfoVAGsV1B432W91E1Q63s7_1uNJUjF8bw-dQ6_xPosQYwOfeUbw/s1600/Garden+Assembly+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx7PwfVmqjcTyi812kIPhl8kVBaV_TZ0sUZ_abNZDZMCozBh0CoaETLIGPRzZzp0YpD9Ytkq1iXPNIn7OLvjrRtuvfoVAGsV1B432W91E1Q63s7_1uNJUjF8bw-dQ6_xPosQYwOfeUbw/s400/Garden+Assembly+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 8-year-old son wanted to help, too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3BI0V1HAX5ql7PnP_VGlnwbAb6Hq3X-yC1fSRpOUWhrsvQlwSwA5Lwn5pYkwcjTbSPH8pyKV9mNv03Bmt_a7fXVyvYNKJIHcCFCwY69OEzqoH-EQU9RuEX0RylI9NLYgzUsbRUKzcsU/s1600/Garden+Assembly+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3BI0V1HAX5ql7PnP_VGlnwbAb6Hq3X-yC1fSRpOUWhrsvQlwSwA5Lwn5pYkwcjTbSPH8pyKV9mNv03Bmt_a7fXVyvYNKJIHcCFCwY69OEzqoH-EQU9RuEX0RylI9NLYgzUsbRUKzcsU/s400/Garden+Assembly+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembling the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHmY9c6YA9EVdOHpsP0FGBwC6SKnLgfeeT98rcCCZ8U97D1GVOLVFpV2iYgSR-q6VvrpCtN3JvdaLJ4N7RyOHGZklzqcA7P46pzjDFLkIJKg7um6AOuZgBBM5cUh7P92a6W5-YVZh5Tc/s1600/Garden+Assembly+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHmY9c6YA9EVdOHpsP0FGBwC6SKnLgfeeT98rcCCZ8U97D1GVOLVFpV2iYgSR-q6VvrpCtN3JvdaLJ4N7RyOHGZklzqcA7P46pzjDFLkIJKg7um6AOuZgBBM5cUh7P92a6W5-YVZh5Tc/s400/Garden+Assembly+16.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A drill gun is a <i>must</i> for this project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the garden was fully assembled, we sprayed two coats of <a href="http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/" target="_blank">Thompson's WaterSeal </a>and then used a paint brush to make sure it was evenly applied and in all of the crevices. Dry time was approx 30 minutes between coats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WrsRxk25QyPaR-X6rbCsV-zrkrFOKcosichfIl6Fg0H8ez9oacKMrI95cP7elE9Z2ptZY7E2oVW-UqQkgGEy2jgEp3AaFvSxdTqaNXxwiJzMicM418_czqRkBtQ0Jrp5TDGnCsqXzNs/s1600/Garden+Assembly+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WrsRxk25QyPaR-X6rbCsV-zrkrFOKcosichfIl6Fg0H8ez9oacKMrI95cP7elE9Z2ptZY7E2oVW-UqQkgGEy2jgEp3AaFvSxdTqaNXxwiJzMicM418_czqRkBtQ0Jrp5TDGnCsqXzNs/s320/Garden+Assembly+21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry brushing <a href="http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/" target="_blank">Thompson's WaterSeal</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBMnq60w5I6MG2rwWaunx8ZRmcpSNqtloXG4bcR0CHAzNhLT7PgD9NRlZmkD1VOFAhMbb_GWAmqO6GMTOSt7iCqufdbm017Ux5JFCKiKbF_jf5YM3CnID9jLo8pl5LUOvg2YyRyP9Stc/s1600/Garden+Assembly+Lucas+22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBMnq60w5I6MG2rwWaunx8ZRmcpSNqtloXG4bcR0CHAzNhLT7PgD9NRlZmkD1VOFAhMbb_GWAmqO6GMTOSt7iCqufdbm017Ux5JFCKiKbF_jf5YM3CnID9jLo8pl5LUOvg2YyRyP9Stc/s400/Garden+Assembly+Lucas+22.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucas, done for the day. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was around 8 PM at this point - I wanted to quit for the day, my husband - not so much.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGdrnhadCvBUX1k3dTZufqlZ9VZKX6Nb-56z9u0-_5QD6fp8IH7IR7u1TMc55gJKjCKAu3fRWU-_MOLMy5FMMzU8awYuFQFYrdqLf2eOjQZkcxLP8kae5cJ4-UVOe1I1o8KIlRFy7Naw/s1600/Garden+Patio+Plus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGdrnhadCvBUX1k3dTZufqlZ9VZKX6Nb-56z9u0-_5QD6fp8IH7IR7u1TMc55gJKjCKAu3fRWU-_MOLMy5FMMzU8awYuFQFYrdqLf2eOjQZkcxLP8kae5cJ4-UVOe1I1o8KIlRFy7Naw/s320/Garden+Patio+Plus+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alas, our work continues on until early AM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband and I continued into the night. We added the soil, and spread it evenly. The directions call for 1.5 Cubic Yards of soil. In order to top the garden beds off, we used a bit more than that. I really wanted to use
Miracle Grow, but my husband swears what he bought is way better.<br />
<br />
We also installed the included automatic soaker hose irrigation system with
timer. Many of the reviews for this system suggested testing the hose
prior to installation, but my husband said the hose was a high-end brand
and it would be fine. It was. I was way too tired to argue. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIK5Fl3BXZFfFHV60-z5_UsL6D_YgBRk8Cbb6hVTIGtrmftmpV3CPmX9fNMcGGwuW8z3U8NK0y-vNg432Uex69SqxCAgKz6G1wghB8kt60qrDNpWzpmhNkvC_GTo5BjoRhAKpub4YsusE/s1600/Garden+Cloth+and+mulch+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIK5Fl3BXZFfFHV60-z5_UsL6D_YgBRk8Cbb6hVTIGtrmftmpV3CPmX9fNMcGGwuW8z3U8NK0y-vNg432Uex69SqxCAgKz6G1wghB8kt60qrDNpWzpmhNkvC_GTo5BjoRhAKpub4YsusE/s320/Garden+Cloth+and+mulch+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professional Grade Weed Blocker Cloth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband decided it would be in our best interest to lay down a roll of professional grade weed blocker cloth underneath the mulch. We unrolled, measured the length and cut to fit. We did this on all 4 sides, as well as in the middle. It took the two of us approx. 40 minutes to complete this step. Next, we spread the mulch on top of the weed blocker cloth.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmRamApq5o3tNJMp7D11VQKTIURb8DDLXP5GuqN7_-s1UmCmqH5DwcqrnWQ9AIykncma5gvvMKL_Zps7uacODiLYKT_pXzRYdzHBKKR1ex5-rMD8lBIne7enjvfpgab5-TKG74yaBSfo/s1600/Garden+Mulch+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmRamApq5o3tNJMp7D11VQKTIURb8DDLXP5GuqN7_-s1UmCmqH5DwcqrnWQ9AIykncma5gvvMKL_Zps7uacODiLYKT_pXzRYdzHBKKR1ex5-rMD8lBIne7enjvfpgab5-TKG74yaBSfo/s320/Garden+Mulch+down.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulch Complete</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was well past 2 AM at this point. All I wanted to so was take a shower and go to bed. In the end, it was well worth all of the hard work. The next day, I woke up to this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEP47Fw75D6xQWjCk-77pK9KrqZjlv1vFRkdI18gJjptecN-BCFJ5lWHk4zrKTuk3ZhIXE5ZVtIhKTcfE7BaIz8J7Mu53v1akehRbvecPn-8ZndG-e8iuNeWJ5ueREEC0FnPVGr0GVBE/s1600/Garden+plant+placement.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEP47Fw75D6xQWjCk-77pK9KrqZjlv1vFRkdI18gJjptecN-BCFJ5lWHk4zrKTuk3ZhIXE5ZVtIhKTcfE7BaIz8J7Mu53v1akehRbvecPn-8ZndG-e8iuNeWJ5ueREEC0FnPVGr0GVBE/s400/Garden+plant+placement.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am in <i>LOVE.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband made a trip to our local <a href="http://www.parkviewnursery.net/" target="_blank">nursery</a> and purchased a whole bunch of different plants.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZqzDh2dy5GFf_yJ0oTjsXZjc9absAppyBp61g1UskNccqE6bGkJm_NjvfoywuOfATSaPxatWLL2LSWJJyxl5Pq5UckK1whmFmSBx-P0JfMIZU6TRyYr67xpK5ENYONJ43umz6zansoI/s1600/Garden+plant+placement+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZqzDh2dy5GFf_yJ0oTjsXZjc9absAppyBp61g1UskNccqE6bGkJm_NjvfoywuOfATSaPxatWLL2LSWJJyxl5Pq5UckK1whmFmSBx-P0JfMIZU6TRyYr67xpK5ENYONJ43umz6zansoI/s400/Garden+plant+placement+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plant Placement: Decisions, decisions...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really wanted to get the plants into the soil, but I knew my son would want to help with this part, so I waited until he was home from school. He was such a huge help and even more excited than I was.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqOyu2Bi6p3n76BVf6fh7vBS5XwxyDiQXGxMH_HzzxZGHf3e9x58_PHiqTm7JTHOOQXJbBBIdF2EPHHm1uvg7Z7W-cppSFSf9loQjiEoffBRsj0tU_49MHTW_VZnhcoDK3lPQl6hCEpE/s1600/Garden+baby+Sal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqOyu2Bi6p3n76BVf6fh7vBS5XwxyDiQXGxMH_HzzxZGHf3e9x58_PHiqTm7JTHOOQXJbBBIdF2EPHHm1uvg7Z7W-cppSFSf9loQjiEoffBRsj0tU_49MHTW_VZnhcoDK3lPQl6hCEpE/s400/Garden+baby+Sal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plants have been planted. My child is happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In order to maximize my planting space, I asked my husband to make some rain gutters to hang from the side of my garden. Fortunately for me, his <a href="http://www.hascoac.com/" target="_blank">company</a> makes custom, seamless rain gutters, so it was easy peasy. He installed them that night, while I was asleep.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gsqADIYTG17XAwqHlla-A3f24waWx5hO-Drevmi1rlf9_Y97sCBzoAywW4qzAwO5iTS8hsKiD1s_-HOMdo7CzPkRW64OWhMk5i6FA8Fe26SL0nR7yZndtGOfjr7mM3knvmkIMGUAfUg/s1600/Garden+Gutters+Night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gsqADIYTG17XAwqHlla-A3f24waWx5hO-Drevmi1rlf9_Y97sCBzoAywW4qzAwO5iTS8hsKiD1s_-HOMdo7CzPkRW64OWhMk5i6FA8Fe26SL0nR7yZndtGOfjr7mM3knvmkIMGUAfUg/s400/Garden+Gutters+Night.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seamless Rain Gutters by <a href="http://www.hascoac.com/" target="_blank">HASCO</a> filled with Potting Soil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next morning, I planted chives and onion bulbs in one gutter and strawberry plants in the other.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LJSuztFMVGQtjehkAV6me6cfqnNWWHcFGJ3ICN2JSJqxn1C4diVeByhTfMkNMCiOm_xy10LylwCvehXE_mx3CfVe757C8QiHMN9HgsYOTChtN2FYssitannE00TvOBmv-EmYbUBmjY4/s1600/Garden+Day+6+Gutters+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LJSuztFMVGQtjehkAV6me6cfqnNWWHcFGJ3ICN2JSJqxn1C4diVeByhTfMkNMCiOm_xy10LylwCvehXE_mx3CfVe757C8QiHMN9HgsYOTChtN2FYssitannE00TvOBmv-EmYbUBmjY4/s400/Garden+Day+6+Gutters+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day time shot of the completed garden and gutters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE <span style="font-size: large;">ADDITIONAL COSTS</span></b></span><br />
Galvanized Mesh Screen: $20<br />
Professional Grade Weed Blocker Cloth: $49<br />
Patio Plus Soil: approx. $150<br />
Mulch for ground cover: approx: $100<br />
Thompson's Water Seal: $16<br />
Sprayer for Water Seal: $10<br />
Rain Gutters: approx. $70<br />
Plants, pots and additional soil: approx. $200<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">W<span style="font-size: large;">HAT I PLANTED</span> </span></b></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Basically, what I wanted in my garden were vegetables that would allow me to make salads, a nice stir fry once in a while, salsa and also some herbs for roasting chicken. Too bad, so sad - lettuce, carrots and broccoli are out of season in my area.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I am currently growing
thyme, basil, rosemary, cilantro, chives, a variety of onions, chili
peppers, jalapeño, 4 types of tomatoes, celery, green, red, and yellow
bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, 2 types of cucumbers, asparagus, 2 types of sage, gingermint
and strawberries. Oh and some aloe vera plants recovered from my dad's house after the <a href="http://angeebees.blogspot.com/2013/03/coping-with-death.html" target="_blank">fire</a>. In addition to all of this, I had my husband plant lemon and lime trees near by. We already have about 7 avocado trees as well as different types of oranges.</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /></span></span>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Eventually, I will plant lettuce, carrots, broccoli, corn, potatoes, watermelon, pumpkin and some other things I am sure I will think of later.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE PROGRESS<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Week one: The pesky rodents have yet to discover my garden. There are no weeds. My back is not sore. It looks absolutely <i>gorgeous</i>. Seriously, almost all of my friends are envious. I'm envious and it's <i>my</i> <i>garden</i>!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The only problem we have encountered so far is either the original washers </span></span>included with the kit for the timed watering system or the timer system itself (yet to be determined) needs to be replaced. They leak no matter how much we tighten the fittings. My husband is going to buy some different washers to try and fix the leak. I will report back once we have figured out what the problem is.<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v89MBOF7TYwBxRuG2zpCfhP2cW3CrOo-bxHtAPb45Utfk-_t_gdoObqb0SyKhXe_9NEFZ18Ks4POOro2_d04n8lszxW0BuPFy-fNRnu4ASNZOKgvXf44_-OT8U8keAHchfqV-a5uwnM/s1600/Garden+Day+6+squash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v89MBOF7TYwBxRuG2zpCfhP2cW3CrOo-bxHtAPb45Utfk-_t_gdoObqb0SyKhXe_9NEFZ18Ks4POOro2_d04n8lszxW0BuPFy-fNRnu4ASNZOKgvXf44_-OT8U8keAHchfqV-a5uwnM/s400/Garden+Day+6+squash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back View: Cucumbers, beans, squash & zucchini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So far, so good. The following pictures were taken 10 days after planting. All of the plants are doing well and seem to be growing. Baby tomatoes and strawberries are starting to peek through.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtVv7KCfNknfpiiYJ5Tlhz6u6m-Xw2_BDcysY8Fn1Lj5LAahKLADCXmdGJ-kxlDcrdth8vXDPxnJREPpt77mUy2aS2xg32UuI481_7_h9kfoGhvPYipQETvjRDzRYxezW2-CtnffQMKQ/s1600/Garden+Day+8.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtVv7KCfNknfpiiYJ5Tlhz6u6m-Xw2_BDcysY8Fn1Lj5LAahKLADCXmdGJ-kxlDcrdth8vXDPxnJREPpt77mUy2aS2xg32UuI481_7_h9kfoGhvPYipQETvjRDzRYxezW2-CtnffQMKQ/s400/Garden+Day+8.22.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfVL8VDPmPnEbKz7bVT7Ctv5WfxLBzZbS9tARvXr3Saytw49-Xe9IJq1BHz6HJ-WCBo2mSEb1PSfaaNYFGN5KTQ4UgOPkmYMvdJ88vLVFU12_l2L08kYO4C8B5Kgcd2KEhpfoBRZxQCo/s1600/Garden+Day+10+Bell+Peppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfVL8VDPmPnEbKz7bVT7Ctv5WfxLBzZbS9tARvXr3Saytw49-Xe9IJq1BHz6HJ-WCBo2mSEb1PSfaaNYFGN5KTQ4UgOPkmYMvdJ88vLVFU12_l2L08kYO4C8B5Kgcd2KEhpfoBRZxQCo/s400/Garden+Day+10+Bell+Peppers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikMdI8e-YwnWbCWMv5cOExYrVaH3Tmn6LRGEAtgIuCziOmzuBcLu9sHF4IGXl28zzczsV_hA7kgqBYaWSbzI9O_qXLHWxU_TGYv1gNBHH610JeysTbJECzXeNoVeQOAtfjXOsRQHWS00/s1600/Garden+Day+10+Middle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikMdI8e-YwnWbCWMv5cOExYrVaH3Tmn6LRGEAtgIuCziOmzuBcLu9sHF4IGXl28zzczsV_hA7kgqBYaWSbzI9O_qXLHWxU_TGYv1gNBHH610JeysTbJECzXeNoVeQOAtfjXOsRQHWS00/s400/Garden+Day+10+Middle+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrChj9UFpKstbiWTj_mmxoKGsoMxToTIdfknrgb15z1-P15BWsN6MPCIB2VqhOOZnaU-bistaYMMyXqlnp_RuoVLyEJTd3fcXrHMcXf-GnUdTv7pw1c-rTdVdBBihRpnV_AvUFqskjPYw/s1600/Garden+Day+8+first+tomato+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrChj9UFpKstbiWTj_mmxoKGsoMxToTIdfknrgb15z1-P15BWsN6MPCIB2VqhOOZnaU-bistaYMMyXqlnp_RuoVLyEJTd3fcXrHMcXf-GnUdTv7pw1c-rTdVdBBihRpnV_AvUFqskjPYw/s400/Garden+Day+8+first+tomato+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY7jH6VzlBcyYWs7RdEf_BRd2a0-5ItfzjomUQiDDQK48aJkTShjqEfE08thjJs7dDtw20niaGSxoo9ld6NFDboznnjFE18Ap9mNl5Aya5tXHld9nX9-1RLmgnLjHVbHi3wv1SV0gftM/s1600/Garden+Day+10+Strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY7jH6VzlBcyYWs7RdEf_BRd2a0-5ItfzjomUQiDDQK48aJkTShjqEfE08thjJs7dDtw20niaGSxoo9ld6NFDboznnjFE18Ap9mNl5Aya5tXHld9nX9-1RLmgnLjHVbHi3wv1SV0gftM/s400/Garden+Day+10+Strawberries.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I am so proud of my garden. It was a lot of work, but we were able to do it as a family and that is what matters the most. I can't wait to pick my own organic produce right from my yard.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">So, what do you guys think? Have any of you started or plan on starting a garden this year? Please comment below with any tips and tricks you have for gardening in the soon to be Summer weather. This is my first garden, so I am going to need all of the help I can get!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">If you loved this post, please give my garden a 5 star rating over at <a href="http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Gardens/Backyard-Botanical-Raised-Garden/detail.esi?oid=30495676" target="_blank">HGTV's Rate My Space</a>. Thanks for reading :)</span></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-65687000672778317072013-03-10T01:35:00.001-08:002013-03-10T03:59:17.758-07:00Coping with Death<div dir="ltr">
This originally started out as a Facebook post, but I quickly realized it was much too long and people would start <strike>un-friending me</strike> deleting me with the quickness <i>or</i><i> </i><i>something</i> if I started posting novels such as this on a regular basis.</div>
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The main thing I've learned in the past 24 hours is the best coping mechanism for myself when dealing with death is to immerse myself in something completely different. To stop thinking of the "why's" and the "hows" and just take a minute to breathe.</div>
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Last night, it was a call from one of my best friends who was making a late night commute from work and hadn't heard the news yet. We talked mostly about things going on in her life. I didn't realize it at the time, but the laughing and talking got me away from the constant thinking and wondering for an hour or so. It didn't fully hit me how much until we ended the phone call. I have never felt anything even close to how I did when all of the sadness and disbelief came rushing back. I would never fully be able to understand this without actually feeling it myself. No explaining this to me would ever be sufficient. It is like having the wind knocked out of you, breathing fine while having a tight feeling in your chest and borderline hysteria. <i>All at once</i>.</div>
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That's the best way I can attempt to describe it. I have had other family members pass - they were either old, sick for many years or had been hospitalized - so you kind of know it's a possibility, even if it is only in the back of your mind and you never voice it. </div>
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<i>This</i> is not the same feeling. The unexpected abruptness of this is something I can't quite put into words yet. It doesn't mean others who have died meant any less - it's just this is something I've never experienced until now. It comes out of nowhere. It's not a panic attack, but has similarities. It's not depression, but feels very sad. It's almost as if you want to sleep and wake up and have it all be gone. To have never happened. I know this is fresh in my mind and so many things have yet to be taken care of. I also know that this too, shall pass and if and when that feeling hits me out of nowhere I need to temporarily change my focus to something that is less serious.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Earlier tonight, it happened again - I had been watching something random on TV and it was so absurd that I couldn't take my eyes off of the program (Millionaire Matchmaker - <i>do not</i> judge me). I didn't even realize it until it ended and the overwhelming feeling came out of nowhere. I am not a person who takes medication unless it's extremely serious, but I thought to myself, this would be the time for me to have something handy. It's no surprise I didn't have <strike>anything</strike> <i>much</i> available. So instead, I took a bath, called my sister and then a friend. I felt OK for the past couple of hours. A few minutes ago, I recognized the tightness in my chest and the feeling of wanting to breakdown and cry. I thought of playing a game or downloading a book to read on my Kindle. Then, I thought I should record and share this feeling in order to remember it in a way, but also if it could help one other person learn to refocus their sadness to something they enjoy - even a small distraction for a few minutes while trying to process the unimaginable - then it would be worth it to take the time and type.</div>
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As a side note - while typing this, the awfulness has passed. <i>For now</i>. Next stop, Safe Haven via my Kindle. </div>
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Something sweet: my always super articulate 8 year-old came up to me earlier, placed his hands on my knees, looked into my eyes and said, "Mommy, what's wrong? Why are you so sad? You already know he (grandpa) has died and... (he looks around and kind of up at the ceiling, toward heaven)...so you don't need to cry anymore, mom". </div>
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This child is seriously the best thing I have ever done and my dad, Dan loved him so very much.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBtGq5D4NDKnupHSYf4nymXKRO4D12hhQ4z_0-dEANzZO6OQQGkGd3K_aa22S1Jcesb8VjTU5IC53gEH8E4RnqUgyVlEI28hxhsRKeULwH4HPfLup2e-uvw2u7iZA6clI0CAwPzmdJ_g/s1600/Grandpa+Dan+&+Baby+Sal+August+7,+2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBtGq5D4NDKnupHSYf4nymXKRO4D12hhQ4z_0-dEANzZO6OQQGkGd3K_aa22S1Jcesb8VjTU5IC53gEH8E4RnqUgyVlEI28hxhsRKeULwH4HPfLup2e-uvw2u7iZA6clI0CAwPzmdJ_g/s320/Grandpa+Dan+&+Baby+Sal+August+7,+2005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad, Dan (age 55) and Baby Sal (age 1), August 7th, 2005</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f-bpvOf4o49osyenA0xZ7KSLFACHkLNsIpPng9A6TqgZQlS6Ei2VMZKVDgkSg7H1adPJyxyMpdkuElFdYfcIcvG5w9TsvqoyjGlz4FUzYpXaQf2_toEBiZVxcHoZMQ5pXIuilZEVcMM/s1600/Visiting+Grandpa+Dan+in+hospital.+July+11th,+2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f-bpvOf4o49osyenA0xZ7KSLFACHkLNsIpPng9A6TqgZQlS6Ei2VMZKVDgkSg7H1adPJyxyMpdkuElFdYfcIcvG5w9TsvqoyjGlz4FUzYpXaQf2_toEBiZVxcHoZMQ5pXIuilZEVcMM/s320/Visiting+Grandpa+Dan+in+hospital.+July+11th,+2009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 11th, 2009 - Visiting Grandpa Dan in hospital, San Diego, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Rest in Peace, Dad. You will be missed dearly.<br />
<br />
Daniel Martin Drake was born December 23rd, 1950 and died on March 8th, 2013 due to injuries suffered during an accidental fire in his home in San Diego, CA.</div>
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Thanks for reading. This is my first post via my phone, so please excuse any errors.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139723698377474167.post-67859558321072195362013-02-17T16:47:00.001-08:002013-02-17T16:53:36.288-08:00Are all trash cans created equally?<span style="font-size: small;">Is a trash can that retails for $179.99 worth it? That is the question I had to ask myself yesterday while in line at my local Bed, Bath & Beyond. It is also the question my mom asked when helping me carry <i>this</i> into my house earlier today.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=15848529" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoC3a4leoaFGWQGXeo73AAiNReVKhIMjAcQ2tXzl8spHmk_iIUrxYhhmEmTu5_El-feOu1ipPXZyjgig7J9oWAazw-CkCVvy19uPjSIbeyyz4IzxoDNZHk7k4Pv3tyjpHGEu6GiqACNM/s320/SimpleHuman.jpg" title="simplehuman Deluxe Rectangular Recycler Can" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">image via <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=15848529" target="_blank">Bed Bath & Beyond</a><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you are asking yourself why one would want such a trash can, here are <i>my</i> reasons (in order of importance)<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pros:</b> </span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> Trash and Recycling receptacles all in one</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> Removable bin inserts (making cleaning a breeze)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> Silent closing lid</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> The ability to lock the lid in an open position for extended chores (i.e. cleaning out the fridge)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> Cons:</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Price</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Small size of each receptacle (a blue 16-liter aka 4.23 gallons and a black 30-liter aka 7.93 gallons)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Inserting the bags properly <i>does</i> take a little more time and getting used to</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If you want the proper fitting bags, they can be pricey (I am using my regular 13-gallon ones without too much of a problem, fyi)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">A little "trash can" background:</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have had this <span style="font-weight: normal;">Sterilite 11-Gallon Step On Trash Can </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">for over ten years with zero problems. It washes well, was less than $15.00, the bag <i>sometimes</i>
falls inside of the can and it is white (my fave color). Alas, I was
bored with it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-11-Gallon-Step-On-Trash-Can-White/16351110" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH5rrFvhyphenhyphenmJjbD-1CkrIkWd8bdngsNVHmD53J0chmqO4NwIgpcOVJBF-m5uRM5dZbA5g-XUcGLRhI4nYbS5FAnQt9KXFh1cj_WQTAhyia1WoihSw3T80d6_rjoU5KNO9QFkcaThLaxL8/s320/Sterilite.jpg" title="Sterilite 11-Gallon Step On Trash Can" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">image via <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-11-Gallon-Step-On-Trash-Can-White/16351110">Walmart</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=15848529" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My Trashcan Research:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From the beginning, I really wanted the <a href="http://www.simplehuman.com/46-litre-rectangular-recycler-fingerprint-proof-brushed-stainless-steel" target="_blank">simplehuman</a> trash can, but I could not justify the expense. Almost $200 for a trash can!? What was I smoking? (Disclaimer: I don't smoke <i>anything</i>). So instead I headed over to <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/urise-semi-round-stainless-steel-trash-cans-2-ct/prod5460213.ip?navAction=" target="_blank">Sam's Club</a> and bought <span style="font-size: small;">their </span>knock off version.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/urise-semi-round-stainless-steel-trash-cans-2-ct/prod5460213.ip?navAction=" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfEv3K_GzrnWiJKDj2gFWWp4HCZKYpEk9NcfBd2_C5iUTbRXm7EuSLjhbwCiCZAiHczq6KZAhNblL9t04TSJtjqgAIMEbIU1fUpaQ1bLDim8ObIROphmabH-RaNlFUJg5wa7pcBjs10k/s320/URISE+Trash+Can+Sams+Club.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">image via <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/urise-semi-round-stainless-steel-trash-cans-2-ct/prod5460213.ip?navAction=" target="_blank">Sam's Club</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I mean, it came with <i>two</i> trash cans, was less than $50.00, had the removable insert, slow closing lid <i>and</i> lock mechanism I so coveted in the simplehuman version. I though to myself, Why not? <i>Winning!! </i>Not so much. This can broke within the first month. The lid stopped functioning properly. I fixed it once and my husband fixed it a second time. It jams halfway open<span style="font-size: small;"> or</span> closed every other time you try and throw something away. It is now at the point where it refuses to close even when you press on <span style="font-size: small;">the lid</span>. They look great, they just don't work well. I have dealt with this since August. <i>AUGUST!!</i> The mini one works fine, but they are both outside ready to be taken back to Sam's Club (they have a great return policy by the way).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Mama needs her $50.00 back.. Just saying.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have owned<span style="font-size: small;"> my new trash<span style="font-size: small;"> can </span></span>less than 24 hours and I am in <i>LOVE</i>. In love with a garbage can? Yesssss<span style="font-size: small;">, yes I am.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqY-59x8bWK75B32aUuRYak4c1wsRf1g71fvNAWCGp_Hr0n5OrntoA3BVpKcPfv-_Px7xUGu2fMCHaT9BRGA9pV8nk5Kk4ebsKVCNI9u_U04nYngfTxgITG9k06hEq5YhD9gGDRoECTI/s1600/simplehuman+recycler+trashcan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqY-59x8bWK75B32aUuRYak4c1wsRf1g71fvNAWCGp_Hr0n5OrntoA3BVpKcPfv-_Px7xUGu2fMCHaT9BRGA9pV8nk5Kk4ebsKVCNI9u_U04nYngfTxgITG9k06hEq5YhD9gGDRoECTI/s320/simplehuman+recycler+trashcan.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am super excited with my new purchase. Even more so because I was able to purchase it for a lot less than the retail price. Here's how:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">$179.99 Bed, Bath & Beyond Price</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-$36.00 BB&B 20% off coupon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-$50.00 Gift Card I received for Christmas</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">$93.99 Price I actually paid (before tax)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I realize this is still an <span style="font-size: small;">astronomical</span> amount to pay for a trash can. Did <span style="font-size: small;">I</span> <i>really</i> need it<span style="font-size: small;">? Most likely not, but I really wanted to de-clutter my kitchen and not have two separate <span style="font-size: small;">bins for trash and my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dasani" target="_blank">Dasani </a>water bottles.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have you been eyeing one of these, too?<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I figure we only live once, so...</span>a</span>ll you need to do is get</span> yourself a coupon, find a friend willing to give you a gift card and go get yourself one of these bad boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As always, thanks for reading.<span style="font-size: small;"> :)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10815159928551230634noreply@blogger.com2