House Hunting

Just the other day, I saw a cute little house for sale. The location was perfect: within walking distance of several local stores, a heartbeat from Michael's school, and about 1/2 block from the freeway. It had a huge paved area in front, nice yard in back, and chain-link fence surrounding the property.

Before I even called the realtor, I was imagining teak patio furniture, desert landscaping, tearing off the hideous 'lean-to' on the south side, and getting a puppy for Michael and Mark. My imagination saw a huge kitchen with tons of counter space, 2 bedrooms, and - blissfully - 2 bathrooms. Then, I talked to the realtor.

Suffice it to say, the patio furniture and puppy are not in our immediate future and that is one delusional property owner.




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God Bless!

Jules

Faucet

I have got to find out where our apartment complex buys their fixtures. We have had, at least, 4 different shower handles installed in the 4 years that we've lived in our unit. For a couple of reasons, they have to be buying really, really cheap.

First, the average price of a quality bathroom faucet would almost prohibit them from affording so many frequent replacements. Second, if they were buying quality, they wouldn't be doing so many replacements. Mike is tough on shower handles, but come on!




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God Bless!

Jules

Calories in Water?

Hmmmm? Calories in water? Didn't know that was possible. And, heaven knows, it wasn't something that existed when I was a kid.

I am dismayed - not amazed or impressed - by the companies that advertise fewer calories in their water. Especially when you consider that many companies who bottle water take it directly from their community's tap.

Hell! Buy a filter and drink from the tap! That's what we do.






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God Bless!

Jules

Mattress

As many of you already know, we are in the market for a mattress. The one we purchased in 2004, when Mark was sick, just doesn't work for him now. What I consider a comfy pillow-top, he (like the Princess and the Pea) finds bumpy and uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, if I had a 5 month old surgery scar on my side, I might not be happy with the bed, either.

There are a great number of sites and stores that sell foam mattresses. Has anyone tried one? If so, could you let me know what you think of it? They claim that the price is comparable to a regular mattress - is that true?

I would greatly appreciate any first-hand information that you could share with us.




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God Bless!

Jules

Hansgrohe Faucet

Okay, we have serious faucet issues. The one on the bathroom sink is at least 20 years old. Most of the plating is pitted, corroded, and/or falling off. It has got to go!

In the shower, we don't even have a handle. We use a pair of pliers to turn the water on, since Michael keeps destroying the fixture. And don't even ask about the shower head.

So, naturally, I went shopping. (Hey, it's what I do!) If you've never seen a Hansgrohe faucet, you don't know what you're missing. These fixtures are beautiful and the sleek lines fit any decor.





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God Bless!

Jules

Tool Storage

One of the most difficult things about living in an apartment is finding a place for all of the tools that we use on a regular basis. It's not just a hammer and a couple of screwdrivers. We need tool storage for drills, wrenches, pliers, sockets and ratchets, and a myriad of things for working on the truck and the bicycles. Plus, it has to be a solution that let's us get at what we need, without rearranging the entire apartment.

Currently, we have things stashed in a tool box, plus most every spare inch of space we could find. It's a reasonable compromise. Just don't look in my closets.




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God Bless!

Jules

Moving Blankets

If you've ever moved anything larger than a toaster, you've seen or used moving blankets. I would imagine it's possible to safely move antiques, big screen TVs, or heirlooms without covering them, but why would you? There is nothing worse than arriving at a new home, only to find that one of your treasured belongings has been damaged.

So, the only question is which type of blanket is best for your situation. Typically, moving blankets, which also make great pads for larger items, come in a variety of sizes, but two basic fabric styles. The first, which is more durable and more expensive, is a strong, woven synthetic fabric. A less expensive version is made of non-woven fabric over thick cotton batting, to protect against dings and scuffs.

You don't have to be preparing for a move, however, to benefit from using these padded blankets. If, like us, you need to store furniture that just doesn't fit in your current home, moving pads are a great solution. Pulling items in and out, or rearranging storage space, can also result in scratches and dents. With the available styles and sizes at US Cargo Control, you're sure to find just what you need to protect your treasures.




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God Bless!

Jules

Mailboxes

I've been shopping again. But it's not my fault; really! Mark and I were talking about mail delivery, back when we were young and the mailman had to get out of his truck at every house. In the neighborhood where I grew up, all of the post-WWII houses were the same exact size and shape. The only thing that made each home unique, besides the paint colors, were the mailboxes.

Back then, residential mailboxes were pretty simple: a rectangular metal box, hung by the front door, with a hinged lid and two pieces of curved metal underneath for magazines or a curved-top box, mounted on a simple wooden post, with a hinged front door and a mail-to-pick-up flag that sometimes even stayed up. Utilitarian, but not necessarily attractive. Not any more - I checked! Now, these mailboxes are amazing, artistic items, crafted with style. I've already picked a couple that I want in front of my house, once I get my house.

Although, when I was checking out commercial mailboxes - you know I can't resist any shopping page - I found some security mailboxes that really made me stop and think. With all of the identity theft these days, it might not be a bad idea to use something that's going to be really difficult to break into. Nice to know that I have lots of options.

And lots of reasons to keep shopping!




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God Bless!

Jules

Real Estate

If one of your goals for the new year is buying or selling a home - something I would love to be doing - you need an agent that knows your area and market. There are a lot of real estate companies out there. How do you know you're getting good service and a decent price? You research.

I didn't realize that there were so many specialists in the industry. From buyer representatives to luxury home specialists to residential marketing masters, the services you need are available. I really enjoy reading up on the available options, because the market is changing constantly. Right now there are a lot of defaults and financing isn't as easy to find.

One day we are going to be buying our own place and I don't want to end up paying too much or getting less than we need.





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God Bless!

Jules

Mattress

Mark has been complaining about our mattress for a while now. It's a pillow-top, so it feels bumpy to him. I don't really notice it, but I don't have the level of pain that he experiences. Even the new mattress cover doesn't help. So, I'm looking for something better.

I didn't realize how many different mattress options existed. Especially, memory foam mattresses. Between in-home trials, free shipping, and 10-20 year warranties, you almost can't go wrong.






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God Bless!

Jules

Lamps

I am a woman on a mission. While the torchieres we bought years ago were not inexpensive, they were, apparently, cheap. When I went shopping before, I wasn't sure where we would be putting everything, so it was difficult to know precisely what lamps to buy. Now, I have the luxury of being able to shop by placement, as it were.

Today, I found a store that helps me find the perfect choices for each location. First, I want a desk lamp. Not a standing lamp, but something with a flexible neck that clamps onto the computer desk. It took me about 2 minutes to find it.

Then, I need to replace the torchiere that stands between the two recliners. It's an area that is subject to bumps and bangs, so it has to be tough. This was a little harder to find, because I changed my mind in mid-shop and decided to go with a floor/task lamp.

All in all, I found what I was looking for.







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God Bless!

Jules

Ask Annie

I really like Care2.com. They have a tremendous news network, links to petitions that urge politicians to support the environment, and great ideas for Green Living - especially Ask Annie.

Are you looking for a non-toxic oven cleaner? Need a natural way to clean the spots and stains off your stainless pans, sink, and toaster? Is there a safe nail polish on the market? Looking for a natural skin toner, hydrating mask, or even hair spray?

Just Ask Annie. I'm going back to find out how to get rid of scale on my shower doors and what natural cleaner is best to ungunk my oven.






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God Bless!

Jules

Happy Anniversary!

I can't believe that it's been six years since I stepped off that bus from Michigan. If you're planning to move here from a cooler climate, I would strongly recommend you do it in November. The weather is just perfect - highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. It's a refreshing change from the cold, but it gives you at least 6 months before the 100s and higher start melting your socks.

So many things have happened and so many things have changed in 6 years. From Mark's transplant, to the boys moving here, to the cancer surgery - it's been a wild ride. I just hope we have lots more time together - without life-threatening diseases. Please?!






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God Bless!

Jules

LED Christmas Lights

Now this is a great idea! LED Christmas lights! There are so many reasons why it pays to upgrade your decorations this year. To start with, they use less electricity, which is one of the best recommendations I know.

You probably already know that LED lights last 50,000 hours, as opposed to about 2,000 hours for incandescent lights. LED Xmas lights also generate very little heat, so the risk of overheating and fire is virtually non-existent. Whether you need LED mini lights or LED Christmas tree lights, they come encased in an epoxy bulb that is not going to be nearly as fragile as regular glass holiday lights.

If you've ever wanted to decorate your house and yard for the holidays, but didn't want to face the outrageous electric bill, now you don't have to worry. LED holiday lights are the answer to all of your decorating needs.




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God Bless!

Jules

Mortgages

I think I have mortgages on the brain. Lately, I've been doing a lot of research, because the market around here is changing monthly. While there have been some defaults on sub-prime mortgages, there are a large number of contractors, with homes on their hands, who are eager to sell. I've even seen companies who are still willing to help people with poor credit remortgages.

When I started to compare mortgages, even though our credit isn't the best, I found that we have some interesting options. Here in Arizona, there are lenders who are still working in the sub-prime arena. Not to mention, there are FHA mortgages, where the government insures the mortgage, that are still very attractive to most lending institutions.

Of course, with the financial problems that have been plaguing the housing industry, you can't just walk in and say, "Hi, I wanna buy a house," and necessarily strike gold the first time. It's important to research what the lender / mortgage company is offering, naturally. But it's also critical to research the company itself.

I can't be the only one in the world who's heard about finance companies cheating people by dramatically increasing their mortgage payment with hidden fees and points.




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God Bless!

Jules

True Shopping

I have this recurring dream that my kitchen and bathroom don't actually look like a 1950s nightmare. Then, I wake up and my heart sinks, pardon the pun. Broken shower fixtures, cheap chipping bathroom faucet, hideous shower doors. Excuse me, but I'm going back to my lovely dream!

Now this is a beautiful bathroom! I can imagine myself soaking in this tub until I run out of hot water. And the vanity? Just perfect for keeping everything handy, but out of the way.

If I need any other bathroom accessories, all I have to do is page through trueshopping.co.uk - they have everything I could want. They actually have over 40 bathroom mirrors on their site!

But, you know, this is a great look, as well. The whole suite - pentangle (5-sided) enclosure and thermostatic shower, basin and stand, toilet and tank - can be ordered together for only £479.00. And, if you order before 2pm, it will ship the same day. Isn't that just fantastic?!

Don't live in the UK? Not to worry; trueshopping.co.uk ships outside the UK. Although, because of export restrictions, be sure to check availability before you order.




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God Bless!

Jules

Design Diva Fabrics

Back in my youth, I used to do a lot of sewing. Saved me a fortune on clothes and kept me from getting really odd polyester outfits for my birthday. Well, rumor has it that Santa is bringing me a sewing machine for Christmas. That, naturally, means that I had to do some fabric shopping. Mark's chair desperately needs a cover; with Michael using it every night, it's getting really dirty.

I have to say that I fell in love with the discount Kravet fabric at Design Diva Fabrics. This gorgeous "Ricamo" silk and velvet, in gold, sage, and mushroom, wouldn't work for the recliner, it's not heavy enough. But don't you think it would make truly amazing throw pillows?


Especially gorgeous, if I were to make them reversible pillows, with this sage-on-sage "Silk Vines" pattern on the other side. At 54" wide, you could easily get six (6) good-sized pillows out of only a yard of each fabric. Now that's a great deal! And what tremendous Christmas presents they would make!


Of course, that leaves me without material for recovering the recliner. Hmmm? Guess I'll just have to keep shopping.




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God Bless!

Jules

The Perfect Dishwasher

I am going to be rich - just you mark my words! There's a product that Mark and I desperately need and it doesn't exist yet. So I am going to design it and sell it to the highest bidder.

What am I planning to design, you ask? That's a very good questions - I'm glad that you're paying attention. I am going to create the first . . . Collapsible Dishwasher! Seriously!

We have absolutely zero floor space left and, after doing dishes today, I want a dishwasher. What I need is something that sets up at full size, holds all of the dishes I want to wash, and then folds down to the size of - oh I don't know - a cigar box? Yup! A cigar box is just perfect! When I'm not doing dishes, I could collapse the dishwasher and stick it in a dresser drawer.

So, remember me when you see the "Expando Dishwasher" !






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God Bless!

Jules

Curtain Rods

I would just like to say - upfront, before we go any further - I prefer curtain rods with style! If you've ever rented an apartment, you know that the standard hardware for hanging window-coverings is not attractive. Usually plain white, flimsy metal rods that clip over a coordinating hook in the wall, generally so bent that you can barely get draperies on the rod, let alone hung securely on the wall.

Trust me! You have not lived until you've experienced curtains crashing to the floor, taking the plaster right off the wall, in the middle of dinner - in front of your mother-in-law! Have you ever noticed that when people say "Some day you'll laugh about this," they never mention that it will take years - and occasionally therapy - before these things are laughable!? Anyway ...

Personally, I've always loved the look of wrought iron - stair railings, beds, storage racks, bar stools, drawer and door pulls, candle holders - just everything. It adds so much to the style and feel of a room. In fact, I have wrought iron and wicker wall shelves in the bathroom and the matching 3-shelf stand works as a perfect occasional table between the two recliners in the living room.

You know? The more I think about it, the more I think that it's time to redecorate the living room window. Just look at this leaf pattern. It would be absolutely perfect in my little living room. It's not too big. It's not too bulky or heavy looking. And, (drumroll please) it is incredibly affordable! Even if I were doing more than one window, Wrought Iron Haven keeps everything within my budget, yet absolutely beautiful.

Did I mention that what we have is white, cheap, bent and eats bits of the curtains every time I take them down and put them up? Have I pointed out that the white, cheap, bent wall hooks are so bad that it takes two people to remove and rehang the white, cheap, bent rods? Ummm, did I happen to mention that I really, really, really hate white, cheap, bent curtain rods that eat my draperies?

If you have the same problem, don't wait! You never know when your mother-in-law might drop in. And, frankly, I think MILs have special powers to embarrass DILs. Seriously! It could happen!

Oh and by the way ~ I know a secret WROUGHT IRON GARDEN GATE backdoor that gives shoppers a great discount! Just go to the Wrought Iron Haven homepage. Halfway down the page, click on the comma in the line that reads "Our Store now has over 1,300 home & garden items for you to choose from!" Isn't that fantastic!?




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God Bless!

Jules

Plastic and Food - Handy Tips

We've all read about the risk of microwaving food in plastic containers. I've never really done that, preferring glass containers for the microwave. But I do have a couple of containers in which, admittedly, I have 'nuked' food. It's just easier to go from fridge to micro in the same dish.

Today I was reading my latest Green Living email, the Care2 newsletter about healthy living ideas, and found an article about food and plastic. Not good news, my friends. But a lot of really helpful tips that I just have to share:

Many of these tips don?t exclude the use of plastic, but rather offer the safest options.

1. Know your plastics. Plastic items are marked with a resin identification coding system (the number surrounded by arrows), which stand for:
1 - polyethyelene terephthalate (PETE)
2 - high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
3 - vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
4 - low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
5 - polypropylene (PP)
6 - polystyrene (PS)
7 - other (includes polycarbonate, acrylic, polylactic acid, fiberglass)

2. When you need to use plastic, these are the safer choices to use with food: 1, 2, 4 and 5.

3. Learn to recognize, and then avoid, polycarbonate (number 7) for food usage. Polycarbonate plastics are hard and clear. Common items made from this BPA-containing plastic are food storage containers, baby bottles, water bottles, bowls and tableware. (And the lining inside food and drink cans, by the way.)

4. If you don?t get rid of all of your plastic, at least retire old plastic containers, especially those that are heavily worn or scratched. Older plastics tend to leach increasing amounts of toxins as they age. Use them to organize and store non-food items.

5. Be careful of serving and storing hot foods or foods made with fats or oils in plastic containers. These foods more readily facilitate the transfer of plastic toxins.

6. Never microwave foods in plastic containers. ?Microwave safe? means the container won?t melt or warp, but doesn?t mean it won?t leach. Heating plastics increases the potential for leaching of chemicals into your food.

7. Never microwave food in yogurt tubs, take-out bowls, or other one-time use containers. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.

8. Avoid using plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap products.

9. If you must use plastic wrap, make sure it is a brand free of both BPA and PVC. Ziploc, Glad and Saran are promoted as being free of BPA and PVC?but remember that these plastics live for 1,000 years?in our landfills.

10. Avoid deli-wrap and similar generic packaging since you can?t ascertain the plastic type used. When sliced cheese and meats are sold in plastic bags and/or plastic deli wrap, transfer them as soon as possible to unbleached wax paper or a safe container.

11. Remember that if you are pregnant or nursing, BPA chemicals are passed through your bloodstream directly to your baby.

12. Instead of mixing petroleum (i.e. plastic) with your food, use inert alternatives such as glass and ceramic rather than plastic food storage containers. Reusing jars is a win-win?and you can often find glass storage containers at flea markets and thrift shops. Or simply store food in bowls covered with a plate.

I'm going to go check all of my bowls, storage containers, and that gallon-size pitcher that we keep in the fridge for tea. Wish me luck - I have a feeling I'm in for some serious surprises.






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God Bless!

Jules

No Good Deed . . .

There's a saying, quite popular around our house, that No good deed goes unpunished. We are rapidly becoming living proof that the saying is quite, quite true. Today, we got hit with one great big example.

After 6 weeks in a group home, Michael has come back to live here. Given all of the possible options, everyone involved decided that it was best for him to live with us. With the issues that we've had for the past 3 years, I'm not sure that it's best for Mark or me, but right now we're not the primary concern. Working within the system, we are getting Michael the attention that we couldn't get for him on our own, so that is a good thing.

Unfortunately, the system that we're hoping will help, is the same one that has brought Michael's mom back into the mix. For years, we have heard nothing but horror stories about the boys' life with this woman. Three years ago she put Michael, at the tender age of 13, on a bus with a total stranger and told him that she didn't want him back.

Since the court tracked her down and is working to terminate her custody and/or parental rights, she immediately moved back to Arizona with her father and is worming her way back into Michael's life. Right now, that means every Saturday morning and every Saturday evening, we'll be invaded as they pick him up and drop him off. It is good for Michael, because he'll get to spend some time with his only grandfather every week.

For Mark and me? I'm not so sure.






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God Bless!

Jules

iFLOOR Unveils $1,000,000 Flooring Warranty

I do a great deal of online shopping, and I have never heard of manufacturers refusing to honor a warranty on products that were purchased from an online retailer. Frankly, I'm appalled at the concept and was under the impression that a warranty was a warranty was a warranty, regardless of point-of-sale. That would be like HP refusing to warranty a computer because it was purchased online at BestBuy. Ridiculous!

Thank heaven for companies like iFLOOR. They are providing a one million dollar limited warranty (see Press Release below) to cover any of their customers whose warranty claims are denied by the manufacturer, simply because the product was purchased online. I think that's pretty amazing and definitely qualifies as some of the greatest customer service I've seen in a good long while.

When I buy flooring - you know where I'm shopping!

Press Release:

iFLOOR, America's largest online flooring retailer, today announced a $1,000,000 limited warranty designed to protect its customers from predatory manufacturer policies that exclude warranty coverage from online purchases.

The policy, which goes into effect immediately, offers up to one million dollars of coverage in the event that a customer's warranty claim is denied specifically because they made their purchase online. It is complimentary for every iFLOOR customer, and protects the buyer under the same terms as the original product warranty.

iFLOOR, Inc. CEO, Steve Simonson, came up with the program to combat "scare tactics" used by manufacturers of hardwood floors and laminate flooring. "Their idea is to discourage you from buying at a discount!" wrote Simonson in his blog "It's About Flooring". "This is not right! You deserve to save money! So we're going to take care of this problem once and for all."

And it would appear that federal law is on his side. Section 108 of the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Act, states that, "In general, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty."

Under iFLOOR's new warranty, a key provision allows for iFLOOR to "seek justice" on behalf of the customer in the event of legal action. According to Simonson, "I'm putting iFLOOR's money where my mouth is."

About iFLOOR, Inc.
Since 1998, iFLOOR.com has been the leading online and retail flooring company, with 36 local retail stores nationwide offering more than 70,000 products, including hardwood floors, laminate flooring, bamboo flooring and cork floors. iFLOOR.com is the largest online flooring retailer according to Internet Retailer Magazine, and was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States for the past three years. Committed to quality customer service, superior selection and friendly expert advice, iFLOOR.com enables customers to buy flooring both online and in its retail stores at a substantial savings over traditional retailers. For more information about iFLOOR, please visit www.iFLOOR.com.

###

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God Bless!

Jules

Vitamins Are Bad For Your Health

Trust me on this one - vitamins are bad for you. I rarely take vitamins, not because I don't need them or don't like them, I just don't think about it. Well, today I took a multiple vitamin.

By the time it wore off I'd washed, dried, folded and put away at least 6 loads of laundry. (After the first few, you just stop counting.) I washed all of the bedding, from sheets to comforter to afghan; pulled everything out of my linen closet, washed and straightened that up; washed and rehung the shower curtain; and wiped down the bathroom. In between, I did the dishes and washed down the kitchen counters. The trash needed to go out (yes, that chore still makes me a little nervous), the litter box needed cleaning, and we needed more soda - so I did those, too. (I managed to down most of a 2nd pot of coffee, so perhaps the caffeine contributed to the manic laundry session.)

One of my neighbors dropped by for a couple of hours, so I lost a little time, but quickly got back into the thick of things. Since I was in the closet putting away laundry, I reorganized all of my dresser drawers, the shelves above my dresser, and the dresser where I keep my finished crochet projects. The afghans that are too big for the small dresser, got refolded and put into clear vinyl storage bags - that didn't have huge holes in them. One is now under the bed; the other one will be as soon as I can get down on my knees. Oh, and I had some miscellaneous stuff under the edge of the bed - crossword puzzles and notepads - which had to be moved to a better home and/or tossed. (I have the worst time throwing things away - you just know you'll need it once it's gone forever.)

Of course, by that time, I needed to start dinner. Homemade sloppy joes and macaroni and cheese took about 1/2 hour. By 7:00pm I had the dishes rinsed, the last of the laundry folded and put away, and the bed remade.

So, you see -- vitamins are bad for you! I am exhausted!! and I just can't stop! Hmmmm? Is that a dust bunny I see under the desk? Where's my vacuum?!






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Solar Air Conditioning Systems

Living in Arizona, the one thing we have an abundance of is sunshine; over 300 days per year, in fact. This makes solar energy an obvious and economical choice, what with the personal tax credit, property tax exemption, equipment sales tax exemption, and utility rebate programs. And that doesn't include the federal renewable energy incentives. (Just search " your state energy incentives " to see what programs and rebates are available in your area.)

Solar Panels Plus offers products to produce hot water and electricity. Depending on your location, the electricity, which can be used immediately or stored for future use, may also be sold back to the public grid. As great as these ideas are, what really caught my attention was the solar air conditioner. This process powers an absorption chiller unit, the type of system that's been in use since the early 20th century. But, with the addition of solar energy collection, this system has become truly cost-effective.

In current use, these air conditioners are actually gas-fired, meaning heat is applied to a boiler which then powers the cooling cycle. However, combined with a rooftop solar thermal collection system, these units no longer need gas firing, resulting in extraordinary savings. There's even a low cost option that allows the system to function as a heater during the winter.

If you're looking to live a 'greener' life, wouldn't Solar Panels Plus be the perfect place to start? You don't have to live in the desert to take advantage of solar energy.




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Guess What's New at JMark Afghans, etc.

Well, I've finally gotten pictures taken of some of my newest products - placemats, which can also be used as doilies on tables and nightstands. In fact, I made one out of the yarn remnants from my queen-sized afghan, so it matches perfectly and is just beautiful on my nightstand. But, there's no reason you can't put them anywhere you want, for any purpose under the sun.

Many of my afghan designs were created with variegated or single color yarns. Since those seem to be the most popular orders, we've changed the order forms so that each is only available in single colors or variegated yarns. There are several designs that still offer multiple colors.

Be sure to stop by our affiliate partners. Limoges Jewelry has a program for the month of October, supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. Shop their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection; 5% of all proceeds goes to BreastCancer.org. What better way to show your support?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans.

Come by My Gallery at Zazzle and see all of the new products.

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Budgeting

One thing you learn, when you have a fixed income, is how to stretch a dollar. It also helps if you prioritize your spending and stick, like glue, to your goals. Yes, it's much easier said, than done. But it can be done.

We start each month by immediately paying all bills that aren't set up on automatic payment - our phones, cable, and rent. Nothing gets done and not a single penny gets spent until those 3 bills are paid. Then, it's grocery time.

Because we invested in a small chest freezer a few years ago, we have the luxury of shopping sales quite aggressively. Given the price of . . . everything . . . we start our grocery shopping by comparing sale prices at the 4 different supermarkets where we have VIP or Club Cards. Knowing what we need, we create shopping lists by store.

Perhaps store 1 has the best prices on beef and canned goods, while store 2 has pork, chicken, and produce on sale this month. Because the two stores are within a mile of each other, we start at the closest and move on to the specials at the second store. If either of the other two has a sale that we can't miss, we'll hit them the next day; but we don't waste time and gas unless there are several items that are priced far below all of the other markets.

Store 2, which we frequent for produce and meat specials, offers home delivery. If there are sufficient items priced below store 1, we'll take advantage of this service and place an online order. By choosing the best delivery window possible, we can often have everything we want brought right to our door for $4.95. If you take into account the time and fuel it takes to get there, do the shopping, load the truck, get home, unload the truck, haul everything upstairs, and put it all away, $4.95 is an acceptable charge. (With Mark recovering from surgery and me still unable to bend my left leg, home delivery is a necessary luxury right now.)

Once the bills are paid and groceries restocked, we have a good idea of our remaining cash flow for the month. Now, it's time to 'pay' ourselves and move something into savings. This gives us a cushion, should we have an emergency. Right now, we've got to pull maintenance on the truck, which would be impossible if we didn't set aside something every month toward that inevitability. Not everything will get taken care of at once, but we're in a position to whittle away at what needs to be done.

Over the last couple of years, we've really started tightening our belts. We rarely eat out or order in; one of us is always able to prepare dinner, even if it's only hamburgers and tater tots. By keeping the pantry and freezer stocked, our options are usually pretty varied and there is always something that's quick and simple, even near the end of the month.

The key to managing any budget, whether you're on a fixed income or have a regular paycheck, is to not totally deny yourself some fun. I like to have my nails done. Since going to a salon is, to my mind, too expensive, I treat myself with kits from the corner drug store. For $6.00, I can have beautiful nails for an entire month.

If I were to use a salon, it would be about $20.00 to start, then $20.00 every 2-3 weeks to have the acrylic filled in as my