Tah-tah 2010

Where does the time go? The decorations have been carefully returned to their boxes for the year and preparations to welcome 2011 have begun.

So much to do - shopping, cleaning, laundry, cooking, decorating. The menu for our little New Years Eve party has been set and I plan on going to BJ's in the morning and spend Thursday night getting ready for the all-day Friday celebration.

It's Purple !!!

Elvis and I put our minds together and decided ahead of time, whatever money we get for the holidays will be used to purchase a much needed vacuum. Not fun, I know. I think Shrugs mentioned something to the Outlaws about my needing one because at Christmas dinner we were gifted with a gift card. I did a little dance and sang my thanks. They looked at me like I had 3 heads. Obviously, they never had to sweep a tan Berber rug in winter!

I knew exactly what I was looking for. Bag-less, upright, additional pieces. I finally found what I wanted and I will be fighting Elvis over who gets to use it first - yes, really!

Our little New Years Eve starts off with Diva, Elvis and I having a silver dollar pancake party - banana, chocolate chip or blueberry. I'm not sure which one I want, I may just have to have one of each. Lunch will just be sandwiches. No one is about to starve with all the food I will be serving later. 

Around 6, Shrugs will join us for games, movies and the food parade. It may look like I plan on feeding everyone in the building, but I am not making a ton of each offering. Most of the food will be homemade and using things I already have in the house. Anything I have to purchase will have enough left overs for freezing for another time.

This years food choices -
king crab legs with butter sauce
cheese tray with crackers, grapes and pepperoni
chips and salsa
sweet and spicy crock-pot meatballs (hm)
chicken and turkey bacon (hm)
scallops and bacon
pizza rolls
crab puffs (hm)
fried ravioli (hm)
mini quiche Lorraine (hm)
Spanokopita (hm)
vanilla ice cream with pecan praline sauce (hm)
sparkling grape juice

This is the last post of 2010. Have a wonderful and SAFE remainder of the year and see you all in 2011!

Saying Good-bye to a Well Lived Year

I would like to start off by saying thank you to those of you who have taken the time out of your busy schedules to read my blog. Life has a way of running us in directions we never considered.

Things I am happy about 2010: Diva is finding her 'self' and developing in to a wonderful and fascinating 'tween. Elvis being gainfully employed and setting out to every work day knowing that while it may be sweltering or bitter cold 60' up in the air, he will eventually come back down, he will be paid, the lights will stay on and his family will be all the better for it.

We are now just days away from tossing out the old calendar and replacing it with a crisp clean 2011 version. The calendar is not the only thing I hope and plan on changing in the near future. I have always been 2 steps behind the chaos. I would LOVE to wake up one day and everything be in it's place, the clutter gone, have a full pantry and an empty sink. The condo is about to get a complete overhaul. There is too much. Too much to do. Too much to clean. TOO MUCH CLUTTER IN OUR LIVES! We do not -need- most of the things we have and having it prevents us from reaching a point of happiness. I -do- have a cleaning schedule worked out for the next year... wish me luck!

November?

I am not sure what happened between the last post and now. Most of it seems a blur of cooking, cleaning, knitting, teacher meetings, school runs and preparing for the upcoming holidays. I vaguely remember something about leaves turning and falling, rain, pumpkins, candy.... oh and a wedding!

No, I didn't run off and get married. I was asked to perform a wedding on Halloween. It was fun. The couple dressed like vampires and the guests wore costumes. I wore a black gown with a hooded cape. It was a small, at home family event, but I have never seen two happier people. I wish them all the luck and love in the world. Congrats!

Today I have been going over the shopping list for the week and the Thanksgiving dinner menu. We're going small this year. For the first time in known memory - Diva, Elvis and I will be home. Yes! Elvis isn't working... he won't be working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve or New Years Day. I say this because they happen on his day off. I am hoping the people who are scheduled don't pull a disappearing act forcing him to cover for them.

I will update more soon, I wanted to prove I haven't kicked any rusty buckets. Back to knitting slippers for Diva. Winter has come early around here.

Ohhh... a RAOK.. for... for.... ME !!!!!!!!

A while back I had put my name on a list to give a RAOK (random act of kindness). Imagine my surprise when Diva came in with the mail and there was an envelope... for me!

They Say a Picture is Worth 1000 Words

... so this post is worth 2000.

Isn't it beautiful???? 

Why Is It Called a Skirt Anyways?

Ain't it purdy?

We have a 3' white holiday tree. Yes, seriously.
We once had the 7' big-o-tree, but one year after Thanksgiving dinner we went to the attic and found out that someone had stolen ALL my holiday things.

That is the downside to living in a condo complex, the shared attic space. We each have our own locked 'storage coop' but it wasn't built so much to keep people out as it was to keep the junk in.

So, there we were... Thanksgiving night. Treeless. The family tradition of gathering all the ornaments, checking the lights and setting up the tree - over.

We didn't want to spend $100+ to replace the tree, since we were afraid it would get stolen AGAIN... so, we bought a tiny tree that we can keep stored in a tote in the bottom of my hall closet. When we got home we discovered that our new tiny evergreen was white! *LOL*

It doesn't look like much right now, but after we string the lights, place the ornaments, lay the garland, place the skirt - it's beautiful!

Speaking of skirts, I made a new one for the tree this year. The old skirt was for the big tree. Glittery, purple, and bigger than our poor little much loved tree.

Click for Pattern

She'll Scream For Ice Cream !

part of ice cream kit for Diva

I think this is the cutest thing! It doesn't make a lot at one time, but Diva rarely eats more than 1/4 of a cup anyways.


Another Yule gift off the list. Yes, I was aiming for a homemade holiday, but this is the first year Santa won't be bringing his gift. Technically, it is still homemade because I am making an entire Ice Cream Kit with it. I bought the ice cream maker at one store and the bowl at another. I will add a container of chocolate milk powder, jimmies and mint extract so she can make her much loved mint chocolate. I am thinking about making an ice cream designed napkin to go with it. Oh to be a kid again. 

Best of all, I got everything at 75% off. The maker was $9.99 (paid $2.49) and the bowl was $2.00 (paid .50)

2 down, a million to go...

I finished a hat and scarf for Diva!

  

It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This

It was a beautiful day and I wanted to sit out and enjoy the weather - but being me, I couldn't just SIT there, I had to do something!

In an attempt to be both frugal and environmentally friendly, I don't print out patterns. My entire Domestic Goddessness is kept on my laptop. The downside being, I can't do pattern work without bringing my laptop with me.

Diva was playing with the neighbor kids, running, jumping, playing ball... PLAYING BALL !!! I didn't want to run the odds of one of the balls smashing in to my "keeper of all things me"

I had a ball of Red Heart Super Saver in Zebra that has been sitting around wanting to be made in to anything. I decided to go with a scarf since it was on my to-do list for this Yule. After many failed attempts to knit it in to a pattern that worked with the yarn, I decided to start hooking.

Get your minds out of the gutter, it's crowded enough down there!

~~The "It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This" scarf pattern~~

I am not taking full credit for this. This pattern is so easy I am sure it's been done millions of times.

 yarn: any 4ply weight will do
hook: H (smaller will be tighter, larger and you will have gaps - pretty but not very good for keeping warm)

If you want long 'stripes', chain 200 (or however long you need for desired length)
If you want short 'stripes', chain 25 

No matter if you want vertical or horizontal, the pattern is the same... 
 
Row 1: SC in 2nd from hook, sc and every chain to end, ch1 and turn
Row 2+: SC in every chain, going through both loops at once, ch1 and turn

Make it as wide/long as you want.

Casting Call

Wool-Ease Chunky in Walnut

Now that I finished the tree skirt, I feel as if I -can- accomplish something. I cast on for a pair of slippers for Diva. The pattern is simple enough (I hope). I would have loved to make them in a pretty jeweled color, but knowing my reluctant Diva as well as I do, I decided a walnut color would work better for her. I can always add an embellishment to femme it up a bit if they look too... macho. 


School starts tomorrow and if I hope I can get more done without worrying about her questioning what I am making. It was a lot easier when she was small and forgot she saw me making things.


Slipper Pattern --- click here

Update: FINISHED !!!

Less than Four !!!

I have been busy making the tree skirt and scouting out patterns for ornaments. A quick review of the 'to make' list and I realized I am SO far behind. VERY far behind.


I was originally going to make my Mother the 5th Avenue Scarf, but not sure she will like it as much as I do. What do you give to the woman who doesn't have everything and doesn't want to? I will have to put more thought in to it. If anyone reading has suggestions, please chime in.


Staying on the handmade theme, I am still going to make Diva a hat and scarf set, but the pattern has changed. I will be making the Scrunchable Scarf (ETA: slip the first and last stitch - it doesn't say that in the pattern) and Scrunchable Hat in a color to be determined later. The pattern is easy enough that I know I can finish them on time. I want to buy her winter coat first, or do a black/white.


The Harry Potter theme is still on, she loves HP, and so do I. The search for a box the 'Secret Book'. I know that AC Moore has book looking unfinished boxes for a reasonable price.


Shrugs has a way of changing my plans, even if he doesn't know at the time. The one purchased gift Diva asked for was a calligraphy set. I thought it was a wonderful idea... and so did he. He bought her one last weekend when they went to Barnes & Noble. Ugh.


I am looking for a sewing pattern for a sleeping dress. I have a tan plaid one. So comfy, so loved. Diva wants a red one just like it. I am not sure I can find one her size, so I am thinking sewing is the way to go. If I end up sewing it, it has to be a simple pattern. I can sew, but sleeves are my kryptonite.


I have a million ideas in my head for gifts, and I know it's not humanly possible to finish them all - not even for a Domestic Goddess.

Okay, I couldn't resist myself. I was sitting here crocheting a tree skirt for our small (but loved) mini-tree. There is just something about this song. Maybe it's the trip down memory lane to my childhood. Maybe it's because I watch this movie constantly. Maybe it's because whenever I am working on gifts, I find myself humming it. Whatever the reason, I admit that I love it!


I will post pictures of the tree skirt when I am finished with it. I adapted a pattern I found online. Smaller hooks, 2 different colors. Looks good so far, about 17 rows finished. 

Is That the Sound of Summer Ending?

Here we are, 8 more mornings left before our lazy leisurely routines morph in to the 'school shuffle'. 

That's not to say that we haven't had practice runs during summer vacation - basketball camp, tutoring twice a week and this week it's soccer camp. A lousy weather week, rainy and cold. I guess being a little chilly and running around is better than if it was sweltering outside.

My computer died a most painful death. Elvis tried to build me new one from the scattered pc graveyard. All was well, until I tried to  reinstall the disc - that came with it - and there is a file missing. How? It's an Emachine disc, ad can't be written over, so -how- is it missing the file??? 

I feel so lost. I don't have my personal files at the ready. I emailed them to myself so they are not lost, but not available for use until we can fix my frankenputer or  breakdown and finally get myself a laptop. Elvis has been after me for over a year now to get one. I have been putting it off because I know that as soon as I buy it something will happen that needed the money more. 

Yes, I have a problem spending money on myself. Diva has everything she needs and most of the things she wants - within reason. I try to keep some money set aside for emergencies, vacations, etc. When I had money set aside for my laptop - the fridge died. When we got the refund for the fridge - Elvis needed a car... 3 new tires... $1500 worth of repairs... do I need to go on?

Elvis now has a different car, the fridge has been replaced and yet I still don't have a laptop. I'll get one - someday.

Wow, what a long way around to the point of this post.

Summer is unofficially over. It happened faster than we thought and hoped. School goes back a week from Wednesday. We always thought of Labor Day as the end because school went back the Wednesday after. Oh, how the times have changed.

This weeks weather has been predicted to be in the upper 60's, gloomy, cloudy, rainy. Thursday is suppose to shoot up to 80 so at least the last day of soccer camp will be pleasant enough for Diva. It feels weird not having her home right now. 

In an attempt to be occupied I started gathering all the school supplies. I pulled up the list and realized it's NOT the same as the one I posted here months ago. They changed it. Not drastically, but enough to be noticed. Luckily, I have extras.

New School List and Costs - for personal challenge

48 #2 pencils (.10/box = .40)
8 ct. washable markers (.50)
12 ct. colored pencils (.25)
2 highlighters – different colors (.09/each - .18)
2 erasers (white medium) (.19)
5” sharp scissors (0 - had)
1 plastic 2 pocket folder without fasteners (0 - had)
individual pencil sharpener (.29)
1 12” sturdy ruler (inch and cm. marks) (.29)
6 Elmer’s glue sticks (small) or 3 large (.39/each = 1.17)
3 packs of 100 lined index cards - 3x5 (white) (.39/each - 1.17)
2 spiral index cards (3”x5”) (.59/each = 1.18)
3 packs 3-hole wide-ruled paper (100 sheets)* (.99)
1 composition notebook (.50)
1 5x7 spiral notebook (.99)
1/2” 3-ring view binder w/interior pockets (0 -had)
1 expandable coupon holder for flashcards (0 - had)
1 pencil case (0 - had)
2 large boxes of tissues (for class use)
1 old shirt/tee (adult size) for painting projects
2 Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
1 Scotch tape (.99)
On the first day of school, please send in $5.00 to cover cost of plastic folder and a planner book purchased by the school.

Simple Ratatouille

I am happy to say that my house is rat free! This is so simple to make and can be eaten hot or cold. There are as many ways to eat it as there is to make it... and this is mine.

Ratatouille

1/4 cup olive oil
2 onions, slivered
3 bell peppers, cubed
2 eggplants, cubed
2 zucchini, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced 
2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil


Cut everything up ahead of time to save you from running around with a knife in one hand and a spoon in the other.

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. If you don't have a dutch oven, use a thick bottom soup pan. 

Put each ingredient in the pan separately and cook a little before adding the next.
ONIONS - PEPPERS - EGGPLANT ~stirring well to coat the eggplant with oil. Stir often to keep it from burning while the veggies begin to soften. ZUCCHINI, GARLIC, TOMATOES, THYME ~Stir well and cook 2 minutes.

Turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer until everything is soft and well blended - about 40 minutes.
Stir in basil and remove from heat.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Turkles

What the heck is a Turkle? Good question... and since I made the word up I will tell you.

Turkey Turtles

Someone had posted the link to these cuties and right away I knew I -had- to make these at the cabin next month, but with turkey and turkey bacon!!!

Bacon Cheese Turtleburger

Help! I'm trapped under a yarn-slide!!!

Today I decided it was too hot to be overly domestic. I pulled the curtains closed, turned the fan on and grabbed the yarn stash.

I took a break from the Yule list and wanted to do something fun, easy yet still needed.

Elvis, Diva and I are taking our vacation at the end of July. I plan and plan, and the more I wonder what will be available, the more things I think I need to take with us. Exactly how much -does- a Yaris hold???

~~~ The "What if the cabin doesn't have pot-holders" Potholders

This was super simple, and if I need them I have them, if not... well, they make cute coasters. I used 2 strands of Red Heart Super Saver together (yes, they should pay me for my loyalty) and used size 9 needles.

Cast on 4

Row 1: Knit

Inc: K2, YO, knit to the end 

(repeat Inc. until 25 stitches)

Dec: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit

(repeat Dec. until 4 stitches and bind off)






~~~ The "I don't want to bring my wallet" Wallet
I used 2 strands of Red Heart Super Saver together and used size 10 needles.
Cast on 34
Row 1: K2,P2
(repeat until 8 inches)
(1) K2,P2,Kx,P2,K2
(2) K2,P2,K2,Px,K2,P2,K2
(repeat 1 & 2 - 5 times)
K2,P2,K4,yo,k2tog,Kx,k2tog,yo,K4,P2,K2
K2,P2 (for 5 rows)
Bind off in pattern
Fold-up bottom of the bag to 4"
Sew sides together, sew on button

TADAH!!

Mid-Year Check-in

Summer Solstice is today. Six months until Yule.
  
Six months????

When everyone else is thinking summery thoughts, I am focusing more than ever on completing the gift list. My plans for having hand-made items under the tree are coming together. 

Slowly.

I had hoped to have more finished by now. I did manage to finish Diva's hat, and more than halfway finished with the matching scarf. The mittens - well, the cuffs are done, and not much more. I have yet to get to start the others.

My list so far --

 ~Diva - hat (done), scarf (done), mittens, bookworms, HP pencil brooms, HP pencil holder, HP secret book box,
HP bookscarf - All 4 houses, tube socks, fish soap
 
~Elvis  -$94 Neck-warmer (can’t find the pattern anymore, look for another)

~Mom  - 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf 



~Misc - Christmas dishcloths, cloth napkins, coffee can crafts, dishtowel & dishrag set, fabric drawstring bags, fabric gift bags, knit apron, pillowcases, scrubbers, spicy shortbread cookies, teacup candles

I'd love to stay and chat more, but my knitting needles are getting cold! 
(I'll update as I finish) 

Vee's Patterned Scarf - Knitting

I love to make things. Every once in a while I design something and want to share with others.

I use Red Heart SuperSaver yarn mostly, but a thicker yarn would work as well. 

size 10 US (or larger) 

Cast on 22
 
rows 1-20 ~  knit

start pattern

10 rows ~ kkbp
20 rows ~ knit 
10 rows ~ kkpp
20 rows ~ knit

repeat pattern until scarf is long enough ** end after 20 knit


*pictures will be posted as soon as I finish

Summer Vacation Isn't Just for Kids!

Today is the last day of school for Diva and I have been looking for fun (and frugal) things for her to do this summer. 

First thing is check your local library! There is usually a summer reading program where the kids (and adults at mine) sign up and receive prizes for reading.  (cost - free)

TD Bank is having a summer reading program too. Kids under 18 get $10 for 10 books read. The money is deposited in to their Young Savers accounts. They will open one if they do not already have one (cost - free)  

National Amusement Bookworm Wednesdays - "Every Wednesday at 10:00 am beginning July 7th for six weeks. A fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months. BOOKWORM WEDNESDAYS entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report." (cost - free)


AMC Summer Movie Camp - "Looking for a cool getaway for gobs of kids this summer? Bring them to AMC Summer MovieCamp and enjoy the magic of movies! Summer MovieCamp will be offered at 10 a.m. each Tuesday morning this summer at participating theatres, from June 15 through August 10. At only $1 admission, it’s an affordable option for summer fun for families and groups. All admission and concession proceeds will benefit two AMC charities, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute." (cost - $1 pp)

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain - "Kids ages 14 and under can earn a $3 HalfPrice Books shopping card for each week they read at least 15 minutes per day" (cost - varies)

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading -  "Earn a free book when you read 8" (cost - free)

Bowling - "Once you register, you will have the opportunity to purchase the family pass. The Family Pass was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well. The Family Pass starts from $24.95 and includes 2 GAMES PER PERSON PER DAY. The Family Pass covers up to 4 adult family members. You may have 1, 2, 3, or 4 adults on the family pass." (cost - $24.95 for up to 4 adults, kids bowl free)

Home Depot Build. Learn. Create. - "The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit." First Saturday of the month at 9am. (cost - free)

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic - "From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", our Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project." Saturdays at 10am (cost - free) 

Oh Kia, Why Have You Forsaken Me?

The Toyota Saga has been put on pause while we wait for the title. Our car journey did not end there though, seems as if there is a few new chapters to toss in.

Thursday (I'm starting to think Thursday's are a bad day for cars) Elvis and I jumped in to my cute 2006 Kia Rio Lx. Destination: Local car dealers -  sans rats. While we were traveling, we hear a woman yelling in our direction. Seems our brake lights weren't working.

Easy fix, right?

Slight delay as we stop to buy fuses. Neither of us were able to get the old one pulled out, so back in to the car and to the mechanic. He checked the fuses, he checked the bulbs. Diagnosis was a bad brake switch. Since the Kia is still under warranty, onward to the dealer!

When we finally arrived at the dealer, I spoke to the Service Manager, and he thought I was someone else who had the same problem (is a recall in the making?). He assured me that it is covered under the warranty, but the part is not in stock - anywhere. After a few calls, he was able to locate one, but it wouldn't be there until Friday.

Now what? Elvis and I are both at the dealer. Our only car was resting in a bay.

After a back and forth exchange of ideas trying to get us a temporary replacement, I suggested he speak to the Head Manager about it. A few more phone calls and the SM arranged for us to split the cost of a rental until Friday. Finally, something going our way.

Or so we thought.

Fast forward a bit, we now have a rental (same make and model as mine). We were back under way. We checked out a dealer that advertised good cars, and financing. What he failed to mention is the cars are over-priced, and the interest rates if you go through his bank is 21% !!!

Another rat.

Almost giving up, I suggested we stop at the dealer our mechanic suggested. I looked at their online inventory and knew we didn't have the cash to buy one outright, no clue if they financed. At that point I was tired and yes, somewhat cranky. The salesman came over to us and asked what we liked. Point blank I told him he wanted something that wasn't a 2010, but with low miles and a factory warranty. He showed us 2 cars. I wasn't fond of either. Elvis was starting to show signs of fatigue and would accept a horse and buggy as long as the horse had at least 3 legs.

There it was!

Sitting among bigger, more expensive cars was a black 2008 Toyota Yaris. What caught my eye was the stickers on the window. Low Miles (25K), 1 owner, Carfax, Factory Warranty. It was as if the car was dropped from the sky just for us. He signed papers on it and as of Friday afternoon after picking up the loan check from the credit union, Elvis had a new-to-him car. We just needed to get the check to the salesman to make it official.

My automobile pride and joy, my Kia, was finally ready. We returned the rental and left the dealers feeling good. We have my car back, we have another car. The sun and clouds were dancing a tango. We were on our way to drop off the check for the Yaris and surprise Diva with the 'new' car and take her out to celebrate.

The celebration was short lived however.

I jumped on the Connector to take the highway home. I hated taking the Connector, but it was the closest entry to the highway I needed. I missed my jumping on point, I always do. Go north, turn around, go the right way. No big deal, I've done it a handful of times. Usually when I have done this in the past, the car would happily accelerate until I was able to get to the next exit.

Usually.

Of course, when you have something really special and you're happy, something just has to come along to mess things up. How lucky for us that we didn't have to wait long. The car wasn't accelerating. Worse still, I wasn't able to maintain the 60 mph I was traveling. I called the dealer as soon as I realized what was happening to have them meet us with a truck. I can only imagine what it sounded like to the guys in the garage when I started screaming because we were almost taken out by an 18-wheel truck that was traveling behind us. At that point I had had my flashers on and looking desperately for any signs of a break down lane. Even though I was less than 7 minutes from the shop, they told me I would have to call Kia Roadside assistance for help.

Gee, thanks.

I was going 20 mph! There was no place for me to pull off to. The first exit emptied to a rotary, there was no way I was going to try to crawl through it. It was dangerous enough in a car that could get out of the way of the other cars. Finally I was able to get to an exit that I knew would be safe, as long as I could get far enough away from the end of the ramp. I was feeling a bit better now that I was off the highway and heading to a plot-able location. It would have been nice if my brakes worked when I hit the end of the road.

No Acceleration--No Brakes--No Battery--SMOKE

Elvis and I jumped out of the car and ran up the street a bit. We were convinced the car would explode. The pitch black smoke and the loud popping sounds worried me since I was now parked across the street from a gas station. Many calls back and forth to the Kia Roadside people. Shrugs and Diva came up to get Elvis so he could drop off the check and they would meet me at the dealer since the tow truck was on it's way.

THREE HOURS LATER the tow truck arrives.

I won't bore you with the details of my 'stuck on the side of the road woes'. Just know it was hot, I was dehydrated, my cell phone was dead and I was ticked off more than you can imagine. By the time I was dropped off, the garage had been closed for well over an hour. Being Friday, nobody would be in the shop again until Monday morning. I dropped my keys in the box with a description of what was wrong with the car. I think "Dead. Won't move, lucky it didn't blow up" will catch their attention.

Fast forward to Monday

Elvis is enjoying his little Yaris. I am borrowing Shrugs second car. Diva is starting her last week of school. The Kia has been looked at. The SM said that they intend on going over the car with a fine toothed comb because they can't understand why it happened. The calipers locked up. With the brakes locked, I couldn't accelerate. He also said he's never seen anything quite like this.

And, here we are, at the end of another installment of "Car Wars".

The $2400.00 Lemon Aid

Sit back with a cool drink for the tale I am about to tell is as true as it is long.

Thursday started out like every other day... the sun was shining, the weather was comfortable. The only thing different about that day is that we handed $2400.00 in cash to a rat.

The rat didn't have a tail, but a rat all the same. He was a used car dealer. Now, I don't think all dealers are scammers, but this one was the shining example of why people don't trust them much.

 We needed a car - in the most absolute definition of need. Not having a car was putting stress not only on my household, but Shrugs as well because he was having to leave work early 3 days a week to bring our daughter home from school.

We wanted to avoid another car loan. So, with that in mind, we bought what we thought was the 'responsible choice'. The car only had 69K miles on it. It wasn't 'pretty' but we dismissed cosmetics for the extremely low miles.

69K may not seem very low in miles, but it was a 1990 Toyota Corolla. Before we took possession of the car, the dealer changes the oil pan, a router, a caliper and some other 'thingy'.

 Elvis took the car to work Sunday and all the guys at work ranked on him up one side and down the other. They pointed out flaws that we weren't properly educated to notice. They all said we should take the car back.

Massachusetts doesn't have a buyers remorse. The only way we would be able to return it was if it failed inspection and the costs to repair the car to passable status was more than 10% of the purchase price. It's Massachusetts' Lemon Aid Law.

Since we didn't take possession of the car until Friday night, we had to wait until Tuesday morning to get the car inspected.

As I was waiting in the line of waiting cars, the head mechanic came over to me. I didn't know why he singled me out, I wasn't next in line... my radio wasn't too loud.

He smiled and said "Ma'am, I just wanted you to know that I don't think your car is going to pass inspection." He looked confused when I responded with an over-joyed "That's the best thing I have heard today". I don't think it's the usual response to failure.

IT FAILED !!!

First thing to fail was the wipers; they didn't 'park' when you turned them off. I honestly didn't realize that was a failing offense.

The next failure actually made me smile. The exhaust had a leak.

The nice mechanic told me to call the dealer and if he was a gentleman (which the mechanic truly is) he would take the car back without a hassle.

I went home, called the 'gentleman' to tell him the car failed inspection and I would be returning it. He said "No, I will fix what is wrong, you can't bring the car back".

CAN'T ???

He made the mistake of thinking because I am a jolly rolypoly that I must also be a complete moron. When it comes to cars, I am still learning. The law, I know!

When he presented himself as the rat he is. I told him I would be getting the estimates for repairs and sending the letter of intent via certified mail and will be pursuing the Lemon Aid Law.

Off to the muffler shop. I explained to them what was happening and they were more than happy to put it up on the lift and give me an estimate.

$819! Everything needed to be replaced. I was under the car. There was nothing to weld patches on to other than rust. Where there wasn't rust, there was holes.

That was MORE than enough to force the return. While we were under the car trying to avoid the rain of rust, he pointed and said "The manifold has a crack in it. The estimate is only for the exhaust. Go to another mechanic and get the estimate for that too".

And, that's exactly what I did. When I returned to the garage that failed the car earlier that morning, they were more than happy to write up an estimate to replace the manifold.

 They offered to check everything else for me, but I said no. At that point, I knew I was going to definitely return the car. Over 50% cost for repairs.

If I had not gone for the exhaust estimate, I wouldn't have known about the manifold. I highly doubt the dealer would tell me out of the kindness of his heart.

 That brings us to today. Elvis and I brought the car back to the swindler... er, I mean dealer. I think he realized it was the easier thing to do because I came armed with estimates, forms and various printouts. That, and I looked rather bitchy.

We exchanged unpleasantries. Him yelling that he didn't tell us to buy a 20 year old car... me volleying back with how he did not disclose everything that was wrong with the car and had we known upfront, we wouldn't have!

He gave us a check for $1000.00 (which we cashed as quickly as my car could get us to HIS bank). We will get the other $1400.00 when we give him the title. We applied for the title on Friday, I called Tuesday and it is being expedited to us. The sooner we get him out of our lives, the happier I will be.

My $16 Garden

It's unofficially the start of summer and I am still cleaning the dirt out from under my nails. 

My mother jokes that by the way I talk about gardening I have a secret farm somewhere. Sadly, that is not the case.

What is a condo dwelling Domestic Goddess to do you may be asking. Good question. So good in fact that I will tell you.


When you run out of ground, think UP! 

Today I was lucky enough to receive Daylillies (Tiger) from a neighbor, thanks to Freecycle. Normally, I don't use the little plot of dirt I have for flowers, but I love the Tiger Lily. How could I not devote a small corner to it's beauty?

On the way back from picking up the flowers, I stopped at the local gardening shop and picked up a few plants. So far I have a 'patio' tomato plant, broccoli, bell pepper, white eggplant and cucumber plants. Just one of each. That came to $12 total, I have $4 set aside for lettuce if I decide to grow some in hanging baskets. If not, I lied and it's "My $12 Garden".


Hidden away in the closet was a TopsyTurvy. No, I am not paid to endorse them. (Hint: Topsy people, I will be willing to praise your glory if you send me 5 of them for next year) This is the first year I will be using them, I have made my own in the past. 

Life would have been easier if someone hadn't stolen all my gardening tools. I had to dig it with a shovel about the size of a tablespoon! 

Real Men DO Cook... and Other Tales

I am writing from my sick bed - a place I have been a resident of for the majority of the last 4 days. It started out as a sniffle, progressed to a cough and has morphed me in to looking like an extra from Zombie Prom.


Apparently someone didn't give me the memo that said Momma's aren't allowed to get sick! I have to give kudos to Elvis though for taking care of things in my time of need. Well, he was the one who gave me his cold...


My week has looked something like this --


Monday - *sniffle, cough, sniffle* Ugh, am I getting sick? I probably should just call for pizza delivery just in case.
Tuesday - I'm officially sick, luckily Elvis has the day off and he can drive Diva to and from school today, and since she has her play tonight, we were going out for a post-play dinner anyways.
Wednesday - Elvis back to work, Shrugs will drive Diva to and from school and take her for dinner. Elvis cooked his own dinner with some coughed out directions.
Thursday - Why am I still sick? Enough already! Good thing this is the start of Elvis' normal days off, he can take her to and from school. If he wants food, he knows where the kitchen is. I'm going back to bed - wake me up when it's over! 

Elvis went to the grocery store to get a few items we needed for the house. Yes, he knows how to shop. He isn't exactly the frugaltarian I am, but he does fairly well. He made a pepper and onion quiche for brunch. Yes, I said quiche. He made it. It was his idea. Men -do- cook. He even got enough to make one for tomorrows brunch too. Not very creative, but I've been living off cough drops and pastina the last few days, who am I to complain? Dinner is in the crock-pot for when Diva comes home from soccer practice tonight. I would say it smells wonderful, but *sniffle, cough, gag* I can't smell anything. It looks like terryaki pork roast. I will be having my usual garlic heavy pastina tonight.

I am trying to fake myself better - or at least get to a point I can be vertical without looking like I am going to fall over. We're having a birthday dinner for Diva tomorrow night, I can't cancel since the Outlaws arranged it.

Mother's Day Monday Catch-up

I know it's late, but I was otherwise occupied this weekend. I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. 

Elvis and I started 'the great purge' of the bedroom on Saturday and managed to get the bed on the wall I wanted. There is only so much you can do in a room that has a wall of windows, a wall of closet and a wall with a door. The rest of the purge will have to wait -  for today... I am sick!

Originally I had planned on 'sleeping in' Sunday in the 'finally in the right place bed'. I was up at 5:15... in the morning! I kissed Elvis good-bye since he had to go to work (and of course, that's how I got sick). 

Diva was up around 6:30, so I made us blueberry pancakes. Normally it was something Elvis and Diva made for me, but she isn't quite ready to tackle cooking on the gas stove alone yet. She gave me a bird house she had painted in school and a drawing she made complete with accolades.

After an afternoon of watching Harry Potter and rounds of 'Go Fish', Shrugs came over to give me a beautiful hanging plant for the patio. I don't know what type it is, but it is a pretty shade of pink. I have to admit, I was surprised to see him here. He isn't a bad man, and we don't have the stereotypical divorce. We actually like each other.

Elvis got home early (around 7pm, after working 12.5 hours) and gave me a cute card, a bag of Lindt chocolates and a Barnes & Noble gift card. He even joked how hard it was to sneak money to buy it because I do too good of a job keeping track of the finances. I took that as a compliment.

My future star is in a play Tuesday - Ants'hilvania. She has two roles, an ant in the opening scene and a bug/dinner in the last. All black clothes was easy... finding lime green tights to wear under her lime green bug suit was difficult. When all else fails... dye it! 

Shrugs is on his way over here to bring Diva to school right now, he's been driving her 3 days a week. Being a one car family is starting to weigh on us. Elvis' car needs repairs, yet again and since he needs a car to get to and from work, he wins temporary custody of my car. We're looking at used cars now, but I am unwilling to deplete the emergency funds in order to buy one right now. 

 Sometimes being financially responsible can be annoying. We could have credit cards, we could go out and buy him a brand new car... but then we would have credit card debit and another car loan. 

On a positive note - my new refrigerator was delivered Friday afternoon. I think I stood in the kitchen for an hour just staring at it. It's by no means huge, but it's a heck of a lot bigger than the dorm-size one we've been using for 3 years! 

Back to School Spending Challenge

I was reading a post at Frugal Village about a group of people who have formed a compact and agreed not buy anything new for a year. They allow for some items (food, underwear, etc) , but everything else has to be purchased used.


It got me thinking. How long could I go without buying anything new - at all. 

I'm realistic. Diva is growing out of her clothes every time I blink. (I tried not blinking... no luck there.) Elvis and I don't need much in general but things do pop up from time to time. Could I go a year without buying anything "new" (first owner). The simple answer is no.

Don't see it as a failure. I view it as knowing my personal limitations. School clothes could be purchased second hand... school supplies can't. Diva's birthday and party is coming up this month and summer is coming faster than usual around here, so she will need new summer clothes. She has outgrown everything from last year, and I will need to buy her clothes this month. 

About now, I am thinking I need a spending challenge.  

Back to School Challenge

I already have some things in my school stockpile, I will update the list, along with the final costs. Some of her clothes will still fit for the start of school, so I have not added those to "new" list.

The Rules
- stick to the list
- complete list for as little as possible 

The Unofficial List * subject to change as her sizes and seasons
5 pairs of pants/jeans or shorts
5 short sleeve shirts
5 long sleeve/hoodies
2 pair sneakers
5 pair socks and unmentionables
1 winter jacket
1 pair boots 
scarf, gloves, hat 

The Official List (per the school all things mandatory)
 36 #2 pencils
8 ct. washable markers
12 ct. colored pencils
5 blue/black ink pens
5 red ink pens
2 highlighters - different colors
2 erasers (white medium)
5" sharp scissors
pencil sharpener
1 12" sturdy ruler (inch and cm marks)
6 small or 3 large Elmer glue sticks
3 packs of 100 lined 3x5 index cards
2 spiral 3x5 index cards
3 packs 3-hole wide ruled paper (100 sheets)
1 composition notebook
1 5x7 spiral notebook
pencil case
container large enough to hold all supplies
1 1/2" 3-ring view binder w/interior pockets
1 expandable coupon holder
3 large boxes of tissues
3 containers Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
1 Scotch tape
1 old shirt (adult size) for painting projects 

Raising a Young Woman

I wanted to share something we are doing in our home for and with my daughter.

We are starting a 'secret notebook' that only she and I will know about. There are just some things you don't want Daddy to know, and embarrassed to ask Momma... so, she will leave it in a special place we pick out when she has written a question in it for me to answer, and I will replace it in a place she chooses. Nothing she asks about will be talked about verbally unless she comes to me about it again, or I feel it is a safety issue (ie: improper touching, drugs, etc).

I also bought her some books published by the American Girl people. Luckily, I found them at the used bookstore on .19/book day. I can't remember all of them, but it includes these...

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book - answers all the questions growing girls have about their bodies—from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bra buying, pimples to periods. It offers guidance about basic hygiene and health without addressing issues of sexuality.

Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them This interactive book helps girls learn how to make new friends and to make the most of the friendships they already have. It's filled with quizzes, crafts, thoughtful advice, and true stories of friendship shared by girls.

Smart Girl's Guide to Boys: Surviving Crushes, Staying True to Yourself, and Other Love Stuff - the number one topic of conversation for girls ages 10 and over. Here’s straight talk on what to do when everyone’s wondering "who likes who?" The book explores being friends, going out, getting dumped, being yourself, and much more. Letters from girls and advice on boys, along with quizzes and tips, help a girl get her brain back on track when her heart’s in a wreck.

Smart Girl's Guide to Manners - girls learn proper etiquette for everyday events and tricky social situations. The book is filled with great advice on everything from eating in fancy restaurants and handling troublemakers at parties to regaining composure after embarrassing accidents. Humorous illustrations, letters from other girls, and entertaining quizzes make the lessons fun to learn.

She already asked me to buy another book when she is in fifth grade ...

Smart Girl's Guide to Middle School - Middle school is all about change. This book, filled with tips and quizzes, will help girls feel more confident as they anticipate and adjust to the changes of middle school. Includes insights and information on what to expect, plus advice from other smart girls who’ve already made the grade in middle school.

The books are on her bookshelf, along with other books, for whenever she feels ready for them.

Current listing of Smart Girl's Guide