Peonies and Power Tools

learning to live alone, revamp my style, my house, and love every day

  • Home
  • About me
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Basement
  • Power tools
  • Grief
  • DIY Projects

How To Travel Alone If You’re A Nervous Nellie

April 16, 2021 By Ellie Leave a Comment

Are you depriving yourself of a wonderful tropical vacation ’cause you’re a Nervous Nellie?  Have you found yourself suddenly alone and just can’t imagine taking a trip all by yourself?  Are you dreaming of sitting by the pool with a margarita?

 

 

This is a picture of a margarita which you could be having on your vacation

 

Me Too!!

 

I was doing very well in my journey into widowhood.  My anxiety was fading away.  Every day I congratulated myself on the challenges I had taken on and accomplished.  There was just one thing, though, a stumbling block I had a tough time getting over.  Traveling by myself.

 

When Covid-19 hit I became totally isolated for almost a year.  And I was super careful.  I hardly ever went out of the house, even had my groceries delivered.  And I wore a mask when I went out to get the mail.

 

I found plenty to do at home, so I wasn’t bored, but I began to feel that if I didn’t go somewhere soon, I would lose my mind.  This is a picture of a woman feeling a need for a vacation

 

 

Then I said to myself, “OK, if I can learn to use power tools and finish a basement, I can certainly go on a vacation.”  And I did.  Read on to see how I traveled alone for the first time.  

 

I Wanted To Go Someplace Warm

 

When my husband was alive we would spend a few winter months in Florida to get away from the cold New England weather.  We found a town we loved (Venice, Florida), rented a house, and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

 

 

Beautiful palm tree lined Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida

I love this little town, with the beautiful palm tree lined streets and lovely shops.

 

The kids and grandkids came down to visit, we played golf, met friends, even thought about buying a winter home.  We were snow birds.  That all ended when Jim died of course, and after that I just couldn’t get myself to go alone.  Until this year.  

 

 

So How Was I Going To Manage Traveling Alone?

 

 

The Key To Getting Ready Is Careful Preparation And Organization

 

  • I went to the VRBO website and found a house that would fit my needs; 3 bedrooms for my family visitors and a pool for the grandkids.  I booked it immediately.  Vrbo, now pronounced ver-bow, is a great travel site for booking all types of accommodations.  There is an awesome review of Vrbo  here.  I booked my Florida vacation 6 months ahead of time and I was very lucky.  Next time I will book earlier, maybe a year in advance.

 

  • Then I booked my airfare and my rental car.  This was all done six months in advance and I got pretty good prices on everything.  Never rent a car at an airport if you can avoid it.  I had a friend pick me up at the airport (thank you!) and drive me to the local Budget Rental in Venice, Florida and got a car for less than $800 for the month.  That was half price!  

 

  • By the way, I think it’s a good idea to print out everything.
    Can’t be too careful.

 

Packing

How was I going to transport a month’s worth of clothing, etc. without a strong man to help me out?  I needed a new piece of luggage, the kind with swivel wheels.  What I wanted to get was a large (not over 62″ in total dimensions), lightweight suitcase with swivel wheels.  Nothing fancy.  This is what I ended up with.

 

American American-Tourister-Eclipse-Softside-Spinner-Luggage

My new large suitcase with swivel wheels

 

If you have a piece of luggage that is a dark or common color, buy a fun, bright colored luggage tag.  You want to see your suitcase the minute in comes out of hiding onto that carousel!  Get something like this:

A picture of fun, bright colored luggage tags that can be easily seen

 

 

I also needed a carry on bag to hold my laptop computer, kindle, and miscellaneous stuff.  This is what I bought.

 


A picture of a great set of carry-on bags to hold electronics

This is an amazing set of two bags.  It held all my electronics and fit under the seat.  The large bag folds up and fits into the small bag for storage.  So clever! I also bought the matching ID case.

 

A picture of an ID case that matches the carry-on bag

It clipped right onto the larger bag.  I was able to put my ID, my tip money and my charge card in there and pack my purse in my suitcase!

 

 

I Decided To Check My Bag!

This is the best decision I ever made and I will never ever struggle to get a carry-on bag into one of those ridiculous hard to obtain, little overhead bins again.  Of course, this time my bag was too big to go up there anyway so it had to be checked.  But what a relief not to have that to worry about.  Definitely worth the $30 baggage charge for the piece of mind. (Jet Blue) Be careful of the size and weight, though!  In the case of Jet Blue the over weight/over size charge is $150!  Add the luggage charge when you book your flight.  

 

Buy This Nifty Tool!

 

picture of digital luggage scale

Very cool digital luggage scale

 

I found this at Amazon, but I believe it is available at other stores like Walmart.  With this tool, you won’t have to hold your breath when you get to the airport.  You will already know how much your bag weighs!  Also, don’t forget to take it with you!  Somehow the bag is always heavier on the way home.  How does that happen???

 

Check Into Your Flight From The Comfort Of Your Home

 

The process is easy, just follow the instructions and fill in your name and your confirmation number.

If you haven’t already done so, you can choose your seat and pay your luggage fee.

You can either print out your boarding pass or have it emailed to you so that you can show it at the airport on your smartphone.

You’re done!  All you have to do when you arrive at the airport is hand over your luggage at the counter.  You already know that it is not overweight because you have weighed it with your nifty luggage scale.  So easy!

Before you leave for the airport, charge up your devices.  And make sure both your charging cord and block are available, not packed in your checked suitcase!

Don’t forget your ID!

 

The Airport

 

  • First of all, leave for the airport early!  For me, a good time is 3 hours before the flight departure time.  Remember, I’m a Nervous Nellie.  Use your own judgement, but err on the side of early.

 

  • Take advantage of airport transportation.  In the Boston area we have Logan Express, a wonderful service.  All I had to do was drive (or get a ride) to the nearest Logan Express Bus Terminal and buy an inexpensive ticket to the airport.  The driver handles the luggage and drops you off in the right place!  I wish more airports offered a service like this.

 

  • Did I mention kindle?  I love mine!  These days when conversation with strangers is really difficult due to Covid-19, you need something to read.  Don’t you hate sitting there with nothing to do? My Paperwhite Kindle was a gift from my daughter and I couldn’t be happier with it.  It was great on the plane because I didn’t need to turn on the overhead light.  It doesn’t hurt that I can make the size of the print REALLY BIG.  

 

Arrival At My Destination

 

Yay, warm weather and palm trees!  The friend who picked me up said he’d never seen anyone strip so fast (haha).  Someone else said she thought I might kiss the ground.  Yes, I was happy.  I needed this vacation.

 

A picture of an ibis making himself at home on my car

My hood ornament!

 

Was I lonely in the house all by myself?

 

Not at all!  First of all, I was hardly ever in the house!  I developed a routine which included walking to a cute coffee shop almost every day for breakfast.  If you are ever in Venice, check out Island Coffee, a great little place.  I took advantage of all of the outdoor dining in Florida.  

  • I walked
  • Went out to lunch
  • Sat out by the pool with my kindle
  • Shopped in the boutiques
  • Took some computer courses
  • Went out to dinner
  • Had a lot of company, which included going out to eat yet again!
  • Drank margaritas
  • I unplugged…that’s right, no news for an entire month!

 

A picture of the comfortable lanai and pool area at the vacation house

Isn’t this gorgeous?  I spent a lot of time out there!  Why was I worried?

 

The Family Arrived… The Highlight Of My Month!

 

 

A picture of the family having a fun game of volley ball in the pool

 

3 of my grandchildren are teenagers now so they provided their own entertainment.  They rode their bikes and skate boards downtown to the shops or to the beach and then came back and jumped in the pool.  They had a ball!

OK, Nervous Nellies, You Can Travel Alone Too!

A picture of me relaxing at the pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Enclose an I-Beam in the Basement Ceiling

March 20, 2021 By Ellie Leave a Comment

The ceiling in my basement was quite horrible.  Not only did it have a crazy amount of wires hanging down loosely, and pipes, of course, but it had a massive steel I-beam running right down the middle of it.  My husband actually admired that I-beam and wanted to showcase it.  Hmmm…. not my style at all.  Now that I am working solo, I had to cover it up.  How to enclose that ugly I-beam in my basement ceiling?

 

 

 

What Is An I-Beam And Why Did They Put It In My House?

 

An I-beam, also known as H-beam, W-beam, universal beam, rolled steel joist, or double-T, is a beam with an I or H-shaped cross-section. These beams are all slightly different, but I am going to call them all “I-beams.”  The horizontal elements of the I- beam are flanges, and the vertical element is the “web”.  I-beams are usually made of structural steel and are used in all kinds of construction.  There is a very cool video here showing how the shape of an I-beam makes it very strong.

 

 

Short History of the Steel I-Beam

 

Believe it or not, it all started when the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed thousands of wooden buildings.  After the fire, Chicago responded by creating stricter building codes and requiring non-combustible construction materials.  By then, the I beam had been developed by the engineer, Alphonse Halbou.  As the city grew, Chicago needed to look to steel construction to go upward.  The world’s first all steel framed skyscraper, the Rand McNally building, constructed in Chicago in 1889, gave the I-beam the perfect opportunity to show its strength.

 

 

The Common Way of Enclosing An I Beam

 

From what I had read, the accepted way to enclose a steel I beam was to build a soffit around it.  What is a soffit?  A soffit is basically any finishing material, such as wood or sheetrock, that is installed to cover the underside or visible side of a beam or other structural element that you’d like to hide. This is done by building two ladder-like structures, one to go on either side of the beam, and connecting them on the under side.  Once you have constructed this soffit, or frame, you can cover it with sheetrock, wood, or whatever material you like.  There is a good video showing in detail how that is done.  Watch it here.  

So that is what I expected to do.  HOWEVER… when I looked at the length of my I beam, which is 24 feet, and realized how heavy and cumbersome that would be for me to handle, I figured there had to be a better way.

 

My Way of Enclosing the Beam

 

An inspiration came to me and I thought a good way would be to take a piece of scrap wood, cut it to size to fit within the width of the flange of the beam (4 inches), and pound it in there real snug so that I could attach some kind of sheathing to it.  I used a piece of 2 by 4 and used a hammer to bang it in.  Low and behold, I found a video of a carpenter who did just that!  Amazing.  Got to love Bernie and his wonderful accent.  Watch him here. I did exactly what Bernie did except that I added construction adhesive to the 3 edges of the 2X4 that were touching the beam.  Probably overkill, but I wanted to be sure it would stay forever.

 

 

What Material To Use To Cover The Beam

 

When it comes to covering the beam with material, there are many choices.  Bernie used 2 layers of sheetrock.  I have also seen hardwood flooring, lumber, and faux pre-fabricated beam covers among other materials.  My way was far simpler.  I bought PVC boards to cover it.

 

Why I Chose PVC Boards

 

PVC boards have many advantages:

  • They come in white so I didn’t have to paint them.  If you want to paint them, they are paintable and they are also washable with a cleaner such as windex.
  • Will not split, crack or warp
  • Can be cut with standard tools
  • They come straight as an arrow so they are ready to install

All in all, very easy and low maintenance.  No sanding!

I purchased (at Lowes):

  • (4) 3/4 inch by 9 3/4 inch by 12 foot long PVC boards for the sides
  • (2) 3/4 inch by 5 3/4 inch by 12 foot long PVC boards for the bottom

I was able to get these boards into my car, with help from the Lowes guys, taking up the entire space from front to back plus some, and avoided the delivery fee.  

 

How I Constructed the Box

 

The first thing I did was to attach the narrower pieces of PVC to the underside of the beam with construction adhesive.  

 

 

I held it up with lots of clamps.  That was the easy part.  The wider pieces of PVC were much heavier.  I positioned 2 six foot step ladders under the beam where I wanted to place one of the PVC side pieces.  Then I lifted the big (giant) PVC board on top of the ladders.  I lifted one end up and tried to hold it while I nailed it into one of the blocks I had pounded into the I beam.

Then I got off the ladder and called a friend to help.

My friend held one end and I held the other and, between us, we nailed the board onto the blocks.  And then the 3 others.  

 

So much better!

 

 

Now what to do with the ceiling?

 

The one thing I was sure of was that I needed access to the plumbing and electrical.  I needed to have some sort of suspended ceiling.  In my dream I was going to hang my own ceiling grid and fill it with lightweight beadboard.  Rob from ourpinterestingfamily.blogspot.com did it and his looks gorgeous!  See how he did it.

 

 

Isn’t that a beautiful job?  That’s exactly what I wanted!

 

Then I woke up from my dream and realized that, while I could do a lot of things, I could not do that.  I know my limitations.  So sad, though.

 

So I broke down and hired a ceiling contractor to put in a suspended ceiling.  It’s not beautiful, but it covers up the pipes and wires, and makes the room look finished. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Basement, Uncategorized

How To Rip Up Carpet From Stairs

March 4, 2021 By Ellie Leave a Comment

 

I had one big thing left to do in my basement.  Rip up the ugly carpeting on the stairs. During construction in the basement, I realized that I might cause a lot of damage to the stairs, so I had saved them till last.  When refinished, I wanted them to be gorgeous.

Dirty yucky carpet, the before

I literally couldn’t wait to get that old dirty commercial grade carpeting off the stairs.  But I am not going to kid you.  It was a much more difficult job than I had anticipated.  However, if you have basic tools and take your time, you can definitely rip up that old carpet just like I did.  This is how to do it:

Gather Your Tools

Did I mention that I had no money for this project?  By the time I got to the stairs, the budget for the basement had been depleted.  Luckily the tools I needed, I already had on hand:

  • Very sharp utility knife
  • Pry bar
  • Hammer
  • Needle nose plyers
  • Gloves
  • Vac
  • Chisel
  • Contractor grade trash bags
  • Awl

 

These are basic tools you probably already have in your workshop

 

Steps for Ripping Up Carpet from Stairs

  • First vacuum the entire staircase thoroughly.  You want to get rid of as much dirt as possible before you start pulling up the carpet.  When you start pulling, dust is going to fly.  This is a dirty job, so you will need to run that vac a lot.  

 

  • Start at the top.  It’s so much easier to pull downhill.

 

  • Take the utility knife (with a new, sharp blade) with two hands and carefully slice the carpet at the joint between the tread and the riser.  

 

 

  • Slide the pry bar into whatever space you can find, and tug until you have enough space loosened to fit your hand in there.  Be really careful here, and wear gloves.  The carpet is probably held in place with a tack strip, essentially a thin strip of wood with razor sharp tacks sticking out towards the carpet.  Ouch!

Those tacks are nasty!

 

  • Pull with both hands in short jerking motions until the carpet on the whole step comes loose.  

 

  • When you have the carpet detached from the first step, cut it with your utility knife if it hasn’t already separated.  Roll it up, being real careful as there are probably lots of tacks and staples in it, and tape it with duck tape and set it aside for the trash man.  

 

  • Now that the layer of rug padding under the carpet is exposed, you have to decide what your next step will be.  Are you planning to put new carpet on the stairs?  Is the padding in good shape?  If so, you may leave the padding in place and continue down the stairs, removing just the old carpet.  Also, if you are planning to re-carpet, you may leave the tack strips in place too if they haven’t gotten damaged in the process.

 

  • I was planning to stain and paint my stairs, so everything had to go!.  It is helpful to put a little bucket in close range as there will be lots of tacks and staples flying everywhere.  Lots of dust too.  I ran that vac a lot!
  • The padding is easy to get up.  It just tears around the tacks and staples which you can come back and get later.

Removing the tack strips

You can continue removing all the carpet and padding and then go back later and remove the tack strips or… you can remove the tack strips as you go along.  I decided to remove them as I went along so that I wouldn’t injure myself by stepping on them or landing on them in some other way.  Much safer.

The first method I tried to remove the tack strip was using the pry bar.  I tapped it under the strip with a hammer and then pried it up.  It worked, but I found I couldn’t do it without denting the treads.  So I switched from the pry bar to the chisel.  This worked much better for me.  I could be much gentler. 

 

 

This is a messy job as the tack strips tend to splinter and break, so it takes time and patience. Have a heavy duty contractor grade trash bag ready to put the pieces in.  Gradually move along the strip’s length, prying up each section in increments, instead of just pulling up one end.  Then toss them right into the heavy duty trash bag.  With gloves.

How to remove the carpet tacks and staples

First of all, there are millions of them.  Just when you think you’ve found them all, you’ll find a few more!  The tacks and most of the staples came out OK with the needle nose pliers.

Yuck, look at all this dirt too!

Some of the carpet tacks, which are U-shaped, were too buried in the wood to get out with the pliers.  There were flat staples too, all hard to get out.  For these hard to remove buggers, I used my awl.  I love my awl!  What is an awl, you ask?  An awl is basically a steel spike with a nice handle with its tip sharpened to a fine point.  As a matter of fact, it looks like a screw driver with a sharp point.

An awl

I took the awl, squiggled it under the staple or tack, tapped it with my hammer, and it came right out.  Times about a million.

Finishing the stairs

Even though I was lucky and had oak treads under the carpet, they were in terrible shape.  Now full of holes, they were also extremely worn and dirty.  So I got to work with my electric mouse sander, starting with 80 grit sand paper and working up to 1000.  It took me hours, (actually days) but it was pretty smooth when I was done.

 

My plan was to stain the treads to match the new dark Pergo floor I had installed in the basement, and to paint the risers white.

I filled all the holes in the risers which were to be painted white, but left the holes in the treads until later.  I find that the filler never takes the stain the same way the wood does.  Never!  So it’s safer to do the filling later.

I had several different colors of stain (oil based) in my workshop, so I experimented with different mixes until I ended up with a color that matched the Pergo floor pretty well.

Next I vacuumed very thoroughly.  Did I say “vacuum” yet again?  Yup!  There was sawdust everywhere. Then I wiped down the stairs with a tack cloth and mineral spirits.  

An optional step is to water pop the floor, also known as popping the grain.  This is an especially good idea if you are working with with a dark stain like I was.  Using this process, the result is less likely to be blotchy because it opens up the pores of the wood.

How to water pop a floor

Check out this article by theflooringgirl. She does a fantastic job describing the process. I followed her directions, wiping on the water in the morning with a rag, and then sanding and staining in the afternoon.  I am very happy with the result, no blotchiness.

Staining the steps

By the next day, the steps were dry and ready for stain.  I applied my stain mix with a brush and removed the excess with a rag.  I stained every other step so that I could get up and down.  Amazing that I thought ahead.  It took 3 coats of stain to get the coverage I wanted.  I waited about 2 hours between each coat of my oil based stain.

Finish coat

I waited a day or two before I started with the finish coat.

 

 

This is what I used.  It went on smoothly with my favorite brush, the Wooster Shortcut.  I have learned the hard way that it is never smart to use cheap brushes.  Do you want bristles stuck on your floor?  No, me either.  I applied 3 coats of this.

 

 

Wow, I’m getting excited!  I still have to paint the risers and touch up the paint in the stairwell.  I’ve also decided to stain the bannister to match the stair treads. So I still have work to do.  But I’m so happy with what I’ve done so far.  

Never underestimate a woman with a crowbar!  Why?  She can do it.

Filed Under: Basement, Uncategorized

How I got worms to eat my garbage

February 8, 2021 By Ellie Leave a Comment

 

 

 

Many decades ago, when I was a young girl, I became the country’s first ever recycler.  Just kidding, but it was the sixties and I took my concern for the environment seriously.  I dragged my cans and bottles to a recycle center, made clothes, grew vegetables and started a compost pile. Composting is an aerobic (requiring air) method of decomposing and recycling organic solid wastes.  The resulting humus-like material, known as compost, is a good (the best!) fertilizer for plants.  So, naturally, when I heard about vermicosting, the addition of worms, I was all in.  What could be better than having worms that would eat my garbage?

My first worm bin

My first worm bin was a simple affair that I made out of 2 plastic storage totes for about $10.  This is how to do it:

  • Purchase 2 identical heavy duty storage totes.  They need to be heavy duty as once they are full, they will be quite heavy and you don’t want them to break.  Also, make sure they are opaque and dark in color as worms hate light.  Be careful not to get them too big as you will need to lift them when full and, again, they get heavy!  I’d say a good size for the totes would be anywhere from 15 to 35 gallons. This 18 gallon tote from Target would make a good starter composter and it’s only $5.00!
  • With a drill, make 1/4 inch holes evenly spaced on 2 inch centers all over the bottoms of the totes.  These will be for drainage.

 

  • Drill a row of holes around the the circumference of the totes about 2 inches down from the top. These will be for air circulation.

 

  • Assemble the worm bin as follows:  First, lay one of the tote covers on the ground to catch drips.  Next add some risers.  I used about 5 bricks.  Next, place one of the bins on the risers.

 

  • Fill the bin, starting with several inches of damp, but not wet, bedding.  This can be shredded paper, shredded cardboard, peat moss, hydrated coco coir, leaves or other yard scraps.  Keep it loose and fluffy.  In my case, I mixed peat moss and shredded newspaper together because that is what I had on hand.  On top of that, mix in a couple scoops of soil.  Worms need soil like chickens need grit, to help them digest their food.  Remember to dampen it (like a “wrung out sponge” is what is recommended) but not soak it.  Add the worms!  Red wigglers are the best worms for composting.  You can find them at Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm in the buy live worms section.
  • Add the food.  Worms are not fussy eaters so you can feed them just about any food scraps with the exception of meat and dairy.  Also, don’t feed them what they don’t like!  You’ll figure this out soon as what they don’t like will just sit there and rot, causing a nasty mess!  Examples could be onions and citrus, although my worms seem to like citrus.  This is a lot of trial and error!

 

  • I keep a nice looking compost pail next to my kitchen sink. I like this one because it blends in with my kitchen.  It comes with a filter too.  I can’t find this exact one, but there is a similar one here.

 

  • I always cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bin, place it on top of the compost and moisten it.  This will discourage fruit flies.  When I feed the worms, I lift the cardboard, put the food scraps in and replace the cardboard.  However, if you should have trouble with fruit flies, you may have to reduce the acidity of your bin.  I do this by sprinkling a layer of dolomite lime every month or so.  Adding more bedding will help as well.

 

A worm farm with the lid off and cardboard  cover folded back

 

 

  • Add the tote cover.  This will keep it nice and cozy, dark and dry in there and keep the critters out.  

 

  • Eventually the first bin will be full and the worms will have pooped out a lot of castings (the compost) from the food scraps they have eaten.

 

  • Time to add a new room!  Place new bedding material in the second bin.  Take the cover off the first bin and place the second bin directly on the compost surface.  Bury your food scraps in the bedding of the second bin.  The worms will go in search of food and migrate up through the holes in the bottom of the second bin.  By the end of two months, most of the worms will have migrated up into their new home and the bottom bin will contain (almost) worm free compost!

 

  • Time to harvest the compost.  Spread the compost in the garden and save the empty tote to start the process again.  Don’t worry if a few worms make it into the garden.  They will like it there too.  I used this system for years until I had so many worms that they would no longer fit!  At this point, I splurged and purchased a fancy, new worm composter.
I participate in select affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you make a purchase through certain links on this site I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own, and all brands included are those I personally like and recommend. Thank you for your support!

My second worm bin

 

My worms and I love this new bin, the Can-O-Worms.  You can purchase it at Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm, in the outdoor composters section.  

 

Just like my first DIY worm bin, this is very easy to use.  It has 3 removable bins and a bottom bin for drainage.  You start your worms in the lowest removable bin just like I described above with my DIY bin.  When that layer gets full, stop feeding the worms until they have eaten all their food and are looking for more.  You want them to be hungry!

 

Add the next layer, with bedding, making sure that the worms can reach it.  It needs to be touching the material in the lower level.  They can’t jump!  Once all the worms have moved up, you may harvest the compost below, or you may leave it for the future. 

 

When all 3 layers are full, you’ll need to empty the bottom bin, harvest the compost, and put that bin on top.  So easy!

 

Be sure to drain the system often by opening the handy spigot at the bottom.  This is really important!  I sadly let my system get too wet at one point and my poor worms drowned.  Now I leave the spigot in the open position at all times with a collection bucket under it.  

 

If you find that you are getting a lot of drainage, your bin is probably too wet.  You may be feeding the worms more than they can eat.  Cut back on food, cut out liquids altogether (I never add any to mine) and add more bedding.  

 

A word about the liquid that is draining out the bottom of the system.  This is not worm tea!  There seems to be some confusion on this topic.  The drainage is “leachate”, not worm tea.  During decomposition, liquid waste is released from the cell structure of the food scraps. This liquid or leachate seeps down through the worm composter into the collection area. It can contain harmful pathogens because it hasn’t been processed and cleaned through the worms intestinal tract and should not be used on edible garden plants.  This is strong and toxic stuff.

 

How to use leachate: If you would like to use it on non-edible plants, dilute it this way; 1 tablespoon leachate to 1 gallon water.  That’s right, really dilute!  I have killed plants with a solution any stronger..

 

How to make worm tea: best explanation I have found (from Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm)

 

A Simple Way to Make and Use Worm Tea

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Uncle Jim | Tagged under Benefits of Composting, Compost, Vermicomposting, Worm Kits, Worm Tea

compost-tea2

Worm tea is ultimately the end result of steeping worm castings or vermicompost in water. It is known mostly for its ability to boost microbiological activity in soil by adding bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and protozoa to the soil. If you are already worm farming and have easy access to worm castings then making worm tea will be a breeze, or if you want to start a worm farm to reap the benefits of the castings we have you covered with our many options of worm kits.

 

Things you will need to make worm tea:

  1. Porous bag (Uncle Jim’s worm bag, old t-shirt, panty hose, cheese clothe, etc)
  2. dechlorinated water such as: rainwater, pond, or distilled water
  3. bucket ( 5 gallon will work)
  4. Worm Castings

 

First thing you will want to do is add your worm castings to the porous bag of your choosing and tie the end of the bag. Place the bag of castings in your container of water and let it steep overnight. In the morning the water should be light brown and that water is your worm tea! After the bag of castings is ‘spent’, you can add it to a potted plant or to your garden because it has finished its tea making job. Ultimately, to make a batch of basic compost tea with worm castings, all you really need to do is soak some vermicompost overnight in water.

 

Now that you have your worm tea brewed let’s talk about how to use it.  If you have a large garden or many houseplants, worm compost tea can be diluted with water to cover more area. Yworm-tea-featureou simply take 50% water to 50% worm tea. I suggest putting your worm tea in a watering can, however, a sprayer or spray bottle works well too. Just be sure to strain the worm tea before adding it to a spray bottle. Now simply water your house plants, outdoor potted or hanging plants, and you garden. Cover a whole plant with worm compost tea including the leaves. Many people believe that the beneficial microbes in worm tea help protect plants from diseases.

 

And that is it! Now you know how easy it is to make worm tea. It is just one of many great benefits to having your own little worm farm. Your plants will especially thank you!

 

My third worm bin

I bought my third bin, the Hungry Bin Flow-Through Worm Farm, simply to make my life a bit easier.  The full layers of my Can-O-Worms were getting too heavy for me to lift, now that I am alone, and I had to wait for a strong guy to come along.  Asking a guy to help me with my worms wasn’t a question I wanted to ask just anyone.  Ha!

With the Hungry Bin, I never have to lift anything!  I just put the food in the top and take the castings out the bottom!  It’s really flow-through!  You can find it at Uncle Jim’s, in the outdoor composters section.

I now have both of these worm habitats in my garage and I have plenty of room for a ton of worms.  They seem quite content to eat my garbage and garbage from my neighbors too!  

 

My email address may be “weddinglady” but people now know me as “worm lady” too!  Strange but true.

 

 

 

 

.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Absolute Best, Quickest Last Minute Super Bowl Appetizers!

February 3, 2021 By Ellie 3 Comments

 

Truth be told, I am not a football fan.  I know, horrors, I live in the Boston area, home of Tom Brady and the Patriots, and still not a fan.  What I do love, though, is a good Super Bowl Party, especially if I am hosting it.  I just love making all those manly appetizers full of meat.  Got to give them something to neutralize the alcohol!

This year, I decided at the last minute to have a small (just fam due to covid) Super Bowl Party.  So I rounded up the absolute best, easiest, quickest recipes from my favorite bloggers for my football party.

My family loves deviled eggs.  These eggs by Camille at mymommystyle.com are just adorable.  Check her out!

football deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are a great traditional appetizer for any party or potluck. Add a little touch of green onion to make these look like footballs and you have the perfect game day snack.

To see the recipe, look here:  https://www.mymommystyle.com/?s=football+deviled+eggs

 

PULL-APART PIGS IN A BLANKET

Another family favorite!  My granddaughter and I have always used the crescent roll recipe but this recipe looks even easier!  I’ve never used it before so I’m going to watch very carefully and maybe set the oven lower at 350 instead of 375.  I definitely don’t want to burn those little guys.

You can find Stephanie’s recipe on her awesome site:  Check it out!

 

https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/pull-apart-pigs-in-a-blanket/

 

 

Look how delicious they look!

A bowl filled with different types of food on a plate, with Pigs in a blanket and Dough

Serve with the dipping sauces. We like ours with ranch, marinara, ketchup, or mustard. You can use classic yellow mustard, or go with spicy brown mustard, or honey mustard, based on preferences.

Pull apart pigs in a blanket also pair wonderfully with these dips:

  • Cheese dip
  • Rotel dip
  • Beer cheese dip

 

 

GRAPE JELLY MEATBALLS (3-INGREDIENTS)

 

This recipe is from Jill at kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com.  Thank you, Jill!

 

These meatballs are a favorite at my house.  It is so easy to whip up a batch.  Guests always assume the meatballs are homemade as well!!  Just throw all 3 ingredients in a pot and you are done!  So easy! Tender meatballs made in the slow cooker (or on top of the stove in a large pot) in a sweet and tangy sauce.

 

Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs for a Crowd on a white platter

When I make these meatballs, I usually cut the recipe in half.  I also use whatever ingredients I have on hand and it’s always excellent!  No grape jelly??  I’ve used other jellies, cranberry sauce or various mixtures.  No Chili Sauce?  I’ve used ketchup!  Experiment!

 

I make them in a large pot on the stove top if my slow cooker is busy. (I only have one slow cooker and I sometimes need it for something else.)  After the sauce is mixed, I add the frozen meatballs and simmer until warmed through, at least 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

 

 

 

Copycat TGI Friday’s Potato Skins Recipe. Potato Skins loaded up with cheese and bacon. Make your skins at home to save $$'s. Perfect for entertaining!

 

I love skins loaded up with tons of bacon, cheese and green onions. If you are a fan of TGI Friday’s skins you are going to love this simple and tasty recipe.  It’s from Jen at cincyshopper.com.  Thank you, Jen!  

See Jen’s great recipe here:  https://cincyshopper.com/copycat-tgi-fridays-potato-skins-recipe/

 

 

Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites... These are so simple and the perfect finger food ideal for serving kids and as an appetizer! These are DELICIOUS!

 

 

Aren’t these cute?  I can’t wait to try this recipe I found at chef-in-training.com.  Thanks, Nikki! 

The grandkids will be here and I’m pretty sure these will be a hit.  They love mac and cheese and here you have it in little finger-sized appetizers!  What’s not to like?  To see Nikki’s full recipe, look here:  https://www.chef-in-training.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese-bites/

 

 

BUFFALO CHICKEN CHILI

I love throw everything in a pot recipes!  I found this one at dashofmandi.com.  Thank you, Amanda!

Nothing like chili on a cold day in New England!  This hearty buffalo chicken chili is packed with delicious, spicy flavors!

Buffalo Chicken Chili - Dash Of Mandi

 

This recipe is so easy to throw together! To check it out, look here:  dashofmandi.com.

 

7 layer salad

I feel better when I round out an appetizer buffet with something more-or-less healthy.  

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon
  • (1) large head iceberg lettuce (totally rinsed, dried, and chopped)
  • (1) red onion, chopped
  • (1) (10 oz) package frozen green peas, thawed
  • (10 oz) shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped cauliflower
  • (1 ¼) cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Add bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside
Place the chopped lettuce in a large flat bowl, layer with onion, peas, shredded cheese, cauliflower, and bacon on top.
Prepare your dressing by whisking the mayonnaise, sugar, and Parmesan cheese together. Drizzle over salad, refrigerate until chilled.

Notes:
The perfect time to make overnight layered salad is the night before or at least four hours. Any sooner and the dressing will make the salad a little soggy. Make sure to carefully arrange it, scoop the dressing over the rim, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it cold until ready to serve.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Seriously, no-one leaves my house without dessert!  I found this really easy one at thesoccermomblog.com.  Thank you Stacey!

Just looking at the pictures makes me drool!  And so easy to make with a cake mix! (and a few other things…)  Check out Stacey’s recipe here:  https://thesoccermomblog.com/slow-cooker-chocolate-lava-cake/


The ultimate decadent chocolate cake – and it’s foolproof! Stacey’s slow cooker chocolate lava cake is rich, gooey, and literally overflowing with fudge-y goodness!

The ultimate decadent chocolate cake - and it's foolproof! Our slow cooker chocolate lava cake is rich, gooey, and literally overflowing with fudge-y goodness!
I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

 

You still have time to whip up an awesome last minute Superbowl Party!

Thank you to the following bloggers:

  • mymommystyle
  • spaceshipsandlaserbeans
  • kitchenfunwithmy3sons
  • cincyshopper
  • chef-in-training
  • thesoccermomblog

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Are you cursed by perfectionism?

January 23, 2021 By Ellie Leave a Comment

I love music.  All kinds.  However, I realized recently that whenever I mention my love for music, I add a qualifier;  “I love listening to music, but “I am terrible at identifying the band” or “I used to play the piano but I am out of practice now.” After saying these words to a friend recently, he asked how often I played.  “Never,” I answered, “because I’ll never be able to play the pieces I used to play with the skill I used to have.”  “So you’d rather not play at all?”  Hmm…the curse of the perfectionist.  Is your perfectionism holding you back too?

How did I get here?

I am not a psychologist so I won’t try to analyze myself or what brought me to my strong lean toward perfectionism.  It’s possible, though, that it had something to do with parents who were more than a little critical.  As a child, I always considered myself to be highly motivated as opposed to being a perfectionist.  It wasn’t a bad thing then, as I quickly became a high achiever. In adulthood, though, I tend to give up if I don’t meet my own expectations.  Not good.  This attitude can affect so many parts of our lives if we let it; dieting, exercising, writing, learning…  It’s one thing to give something up because we don’t like it, but quite another to not try at all for fear of not being good enough.

I realize now that I’ve also let perfectionism keep me from finishing projects when they don’t seem to be turning out as well as I’d hoped and from starting others for fear that they won’t be perfect.  This leads to procrastination and, inevitably, becoming disappointed in myself.  As Winston Churchill said, “Perfection is the enemy of progress.”

It’s really funny that my perfectionism didn’t stop me from starting my biggest project ever; remodeling my basement.  I had no idea what I was doing and just charged in there.  And I made plenty of crazy mistakes.  Like these:

Uh oh

Not good

How did that happen?

 

I laughed at these mistakes and fixed them!  Interesting…  I must have been highly motivated for this project because I kept going! 

On the other hand, this Thanksgiving pie was so ugly I almost threw it out before it got to the oven! 

I hid it and cut it in the kitchen and served it a la mode!  It was good!

 

 

How to deal with the curse of perfectionism

One of my goals for 2021 is to start playing the piano again.  I want to get myself out of the paralyzing trap of feeling I can’t be good enough.  Perhaps I may play badly, but I do love it.  It’s not like I’m being graded, right?  I have to learn to do things imperfectly.

Using piano playing as my example, here is my plan:

  • Treat myself with compassion.  Accept the situation for what it is.  I have to start somewhere!
  • Set small, realistic incremental goals.  I probably won’t practice an hour every day to start.
  • I’ll try not to compare myself to others. 
  • Ask for help when I need it.  Maybe someday I’ll even feel like taking lessons again!
  • Celebrate success, even if the success is only that I am actually doing it!
  • My 2021 plan is to Go For It!  Be satisfied with my imperfect self!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

My BUDGET DIY basement is almost done! My goal for the new year is to finish it!

January 14, 2021 By Ellie 15 Comments

One of the goals I have for the new year is to continue working on and finish up my DIY basement room.  Make it look like the above picture.  This has actually been my goal for a couple of years and, to be honest, I have run out of steam for this project.  Has that ever happened to you?  The grandkids are using it in its current almost done condition and it would be so easy to leave it as it is.  I want to be proud of this room, though, so I am determined to finish it up.  Here it is now. 

 

Almost done!

 

Where it started

I wish I had a before picture of this room, but it was such a disaster in the beginning that a picture wasn’t really possible.  Imagine if you moved into a house and put all of the boxes in the basement, piled up from floor to ceiling.  That’s what happened when we downsized. 

 

Similar

 

The dream in my head

  • Shiplap walls
  • Beautiful built-in cabinets, shelves and closets for storage
  • A stone corner wall with built-in fireplace and a TV over it
  • Wood floor, or one that at least had a wood look
  • A finished ceiling that didn’t look too commercial
  • Comfy furniture for the grandkids
  • Everything light and bright

In my dream I was going to accomplish all of this by myself on a tiny budget with a little help (or a lot) from Pinterest and YouTube. 

A summary of what I have done

I have done nearly everything in this renovation myself, having started out without much knowledge.  It has been very slow going.  Here is how I did it…

Shiplap wall

There was one outside concrete wall.  This is where I wanted to put the shiplap, so it needed insulation and studs. Since there is more than one way to stud a wall, I didn’t go with the old fashioned way, the way that requires two people or at least one very strong person. I did it another (easy) way, one that I, a grandmother, could do all by myself!  I didn’t invent this product, nor am I being paid to tell you about it.  However, this 2-in-1 product, called InSoFast, literally made it possible for me to finish my basement by myself!  I can’t tell you how much I love InSoFast.  

 

 

I did all of this in one day with the very easy instructions provided by the company.  Believe it or not, the panels are applied with glue!  Those black lines are the studs.  After the insulation/studs were up, I applied the shiplap planks with my ryobi brad nailer.  My favorite tool!

 

 

I used this tool for everything except nailing into cement.  Unfortunately, it wouldn’t do that.  With this tool and my table saw, I put up my planks pretty easily.  You can find more details here.

Wall of built-ins

This was fun.  I took my ideas to Lowe’s and sat down with the cabinet guy.  In a few minutes I had this:

 

 

I had them deliver (2) pantry closet cabinets (one for each end) and (4) 36 inch upper wall cabinets which I installed on the floor, plus all the lumber for the shelving units.

 

 

Since I was installing wall cabinets on the floor, I built a box out of 2X4s to serve as a base for each of them.  I used a lot of shims as the floor wasn’t even close to level.  For the wood counter, I used (2) 2X8 pine boards 12 feet long glued together to form a 15 inch wide counter. 

 

 

The shelving units were made entirely from half inch plywood.  I used this product to accommodate my budget.  

 

 

I made a 36 inch wide box with a back to fit over each cabinet.  Then I used 1X2 inch pine to hold up the each shelf.

 

 

I used the 1×2 pine to trim everything as well.  See that nasty pipe hanging in front of the built-in wall??  It was a pain in the a** to work around!

 

 

When the wall unit was almost done, I actually hired people to do the ceiling, the electric and the floor.  I realized my limits.  The floor is Pergo which I purchased from Lowe’s on a big sale.  I really wanted a much fancier ceiling, one that looked like beadboard.  Not in the budget, though, so I settled for this drop ceiling.  I don’t love it.  In the meantime I had:

  • boxed in the 2 lally columns
  • boxed in the I beam
  • built 2 closets with sliding barn doors

Fireplace wall

I originally wanted a gas fireplace with a remote, like the one I have one upstairs and love.  It turned out that with all the venting issues involved, the price was going to be way too high.  This is what I found instead when I went to the August West Fireplace Store .

 

Gorgeous!  Not gas, electric, but it looks real.  More or less.  Let me say that it was not cheap (about $1000) but I splurged on this one thing.  My sons built the diagonal wall in the corner to install it in and I put up the drywall.

 

 

After the drywall was up, I started to apply the ledger stone panels.  I bought them for a great price at Floor and Decor.  Each “tile” is 6 by 24 inches and put up with mortar.  I had to cut nearly every one.  Luckily I was able to borrow a wet saw.  The mortar I bought was already mixed.  That helped.  Really difficult to open that container, though.  Wow.  I have since discovered that there is a special tool for this purpose.

 

 

People told me this would be easy.  It wasn’t hard, but it took me forever.  Like I said, I had to cut nearly every panel.  Still have all my fingers, too.

 

 

What is left to do

I am still working on the stairs.  I have torn up the ugly carpeting and am refinishing the worn out oak treads that were underneath.  They will match the new floor and have white risers.

All the finicky details:

  • baseboard
  • closet doors
  • door hardware
  • sanding and painting
  • fix mistakes (yup, there are some)

The grandkids don’t notice these things but I do.  I have vowed not to start another room until this one is finished.  Bummer.  

So, onward I go!  Finish it up, Ellie!

 

Filed Under: Basement, DIY Projects, Uncategorized

A Christmas Gift Round Up For A Difficult To Buy For Person

January 13, 2021 By Ellie 1 Comment

 

Do you have a person on your list who is absolutely impossible to buy for?  I am one of those people.

How did this happen?

It all started years ago when my parents sold their condo and retired south.  I was in charge of the move and the clean-out which followed.  OMG!  This is when I vowed to never do this to my kids.  I would start culling my belongings.  “Please don’t buy me any more stuff,” I pleaded. 

Well….. that didn’t work and this is why; I personally love gifting.  Completely my fault.  It brings me such joy to watch my family members open their gifts.  If there is any squealing involved, I am especially happy!  I admit that I have let the amount I spend get a bit out of control and know I should cut back.  And I understand why my kids feel the need to reciprocate.

So what to do?

 

We have started to use the wish list system, which works pretty well.  If I think of something I need, I put it on the list.  There is never much on the list, though, because I really don’t need much.  So yes, I am one of those difficult-to-buy-for-people.

Gifts that made me smile

Now I’m cleaning up after Christmas and putting my lovely gifts away.  I am enjoying them again as I realize how thoughtful they all are.  

Thank you to my son-in-law for a whole bunch (6) of HOT DATES.  God knows, at my age, it’s difficult to get just one!  Isn’t this a hysterical gift?  Not on my list, by the way, but incredibly delicious.  And…10% of the profits are donated to causes that help combat climate change and reduce poverty.  My kind of company.  You can get them here…hotdatekitchen.com

 

Look at this beautiful wine bottle bag from my daughter-in-law!  I don’t know where she bought it, but there are similar bags on Amazon.  And, of course, it came with a bottle.

 

Don’t scoff, this was on my list!  I haven’t tried it yet but it’s the iron I wanted and the best thing about it is, it can be used vertically as a steamer!

 

Isn’t this bag funny?  I love it and can’t wait to take it grocery shopping!  There is a similar one here.

 

Another item from my wish list.  When Covid-19 hit I bought a bike to keep myself in shape during my quarantine.  But, in order to ride it, I needed to get it out of my hilly neighborhood!  Bottom line, I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t ridden it yet.  Now I have no excuse!  Get moving Ellie!

 

My first sleep mask.  Sometimes I am literally awake all night.  This comes with age, I’m told. This mask is so soft.  And it’s weighted!  I find that the gentle pressure really does help calm my mind!  It can be found here.

 

This is really neat.  A refresher to spray on my mask between washings.  It may be found at Mono Mono Boutique.

 

Isn’t this the most gorgeous rain gauge?  I was expecting a plastic one! Available on Amazon.

 

Who knew that Ryobi makes a glue gun?  Woohoo!  Two great things about it; first, of course, no cord.  The other great thing is that it stands up!  So much easier to control.

 

The gifts I have shared with you here are my actual gifts and the links are here to help if you would like to find them.  I am not receiving a stipend of any sort for recommending these gifts.  

 

In summary, what to do if you have a difficult to buy for person on your list

  • Try the wish list system.  It will at least give you ideas.
  • Think of something funny in a thoughtful way.
  • Favorite consumables are great and won’t take up space for long.
  • Remember that it really is the thought that counts.

 

 

Subscribe

* indicates required



/

( mm / dd )


Filed Under: Uncategorized

No Thanks to New Year’s Resolutions

January 11, 2021 By Ellie Leave a Comment

 

I told a friend the other day that I was planning to have the best 2021 ever!  When he responded that he couldn’t wait to hear my plans, I realized that I didn’t actually have any plans.  After a horrible 2020, I just planned to be happier.  I’m not a big fan of new year’s resolutions because I believe they are doomed to guilt-inducing failures.  So I say “no thanks” to New Year’s resolutions.

History

An interesting article by Sarah Pruitt, which I’ll summarize here, tells the history of New Year’s resolutions.  4,000 years ago the ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions.  During a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. They also made promises to the Gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed.

The ancient Romans offered sacrifices to the Gods and made promises of good conduct for the coming year.  For early Christians, the first day of the new year became the traditional occasion for thinking about one’s past mistakes and resolving to do and be better in the future.  Instead of making promises to the Gods, most people today make resolutions only to themselves, and focus solely on self-improvement.

From what I have read, the most common resolutions are the following:

  • Exercise more
  • Lose weight 
  • Get organized
  • Learn a new skill or hobby 
  • Live life to the fullest
  • Save more money / spend less money
  • Quit smoking
  • Spend more time with family and friends
  • Travel more
  • Read more

How many of those items have I failed???  All of them, except for smoking.  I have never smoked.  

Resolutions, no thanks!

Instead of major unachievable resolutions, I prefer to set small daily goals. Changing behavior is a difficult and complex task, and it’s most often successful when it’s done a little bit at a time.  For example, years ago I vowed to make a “to do” list every day.  I never vowed to complete the list in one day!  Years later, I still make that list every day while I drink my morning coffee.  If there is something left from the day before, I add it.  Sometimes an item is on the list for a long time!  It’s OK.  At the end of the day, I feel such a sense of accomplishment for the items I did complete.

I set my daily goals over a cup of coffee every morning

Making the list of my daily goals

After spending a week or so of decadent eating and drinking, January 1 is a terrible day to start a program of self improvement.  Is this the day I’m going to feel motivated to diet?  Really? I don’t know about you, but I have trouble just getting through the long, cold, depressing month of January.  For me, this is more a month to just take stock of my life.

The older I get, the harder I try to avoid setting myself up for failure.  This isn’t a good feeling for me.  This is not to say that I don’t try to implement healthy changes.  I do.  But I do it slowly and I try to remain positive.  If I slip, I forgive myself and continue on.  So, do I have any goals for 2021?  Of course I do.

My Goals

  • Continue working on finishing my basement.  I’ve been working on it for several years now and I want to keep going until it is finished.
  • Start playing the piano again.  Not to play for others, but for myself because I love it.
  • Continue learning the technical side of computing.  It’s good for my brain and, after all, I am trying to write a blog.
  • Continue sorting and discarding my belongings.  All this extra stuff is making me crazy.
  • Be thankful for all that I have and for every day.  I do realize how lucky I am.

Favorite New Year’s Quote

“Many years ago, I made a New Year’s resolution to never make new year’s resolutions. Hell, it’s been the only resolution I’ve ever kept!”  

D.S. Mixell

 

As we pick up the pieces and move on, may the gift of the New Year be filled with hope.  Keep smiling, everyone, and have a wonderful, healthy year.

 

 

.

Subscribe

* indicates required



/

( mm / dd )

View previous campaigns.

Powered by MailChimp


Filed Under: Uncategorized

Downsizing Christmas

January 2, 2021 By Ellie 8 Comments

The family has gone home, the house is quiet and the the dishwasher is humming along for the 4th time. Another wonderful Christmas has been put to bed. This was my 5th Christmas since becoming a widow, and I am slowly becoming used to doing it alone.

I have kept everything the same, as much as possible, for the kids and grandkids; all the family traditions we loved when Grandpa was alive. I have to admit that it is getting harder, not just financially, but also physically, and I’m thinking more and more about how to downsize Christmas.

For my whole married life I have nearly killed myself starting the day after Thanksgiving making gifts and wrapping them, shopping for everyone and his dog, making and filling stockings, baking, entertaining, decorating the house inside and out and every other thing I could think of to make Christmas “merry.” But why??  By the time Christmas arrived, I was exhausted, and never ready. Time to reevaluate.  

Downsizing Christmas is a gradual process.  This is how I started:

Before Jim died, we reluctantly bought an artificial tree. We fought it for a long time, but when it was no longer fun for us to buy a fresh tree, due to Jim’s illness, buying an artificial one was the practical solution.  

It is a gorgeous, lifelike tree! Guests have been known to touch it to see if it is real. I am so happy that I have it, and can’t imagine dealing with a real tree by myself.  For the last 4 years I have lugged the boxes of tree ornaments out of the attic, down the drop-down ladder, and decorated the tree.  And then, back up.  



This year I left my tree unadorned and it was still lovely.  It is so covered with those pretty little white lights, it doesn’t need anything more, in my opinion.  To my surprise, I liked it and I was so much more relaxed. 


I also decided that not every surface needed to have Christmas on it!  I brought down only a few favorite decorations.  Next year maybe I’ll rotate them for others.  The Santa collection didn’t make an appearance at all!  Except for my Beach Santa.

So this was the start of my downsizing Christmas.  I have offered the tree ornaments to my children who have politely declined, so I will have to figure out how to somehow pass them along to others.  I could try these possibilities:

  • ebay, craigslist, facebook marketplace:  I imagine there are many baby boomers just like me trying to rid themselves of these things as well, so who knows.  
  • donate:  Goodwill etc., facebook marketplace free

In either case, I think the smart thing would be for me to place the ads next fall when people are looking for them again.  If I remember…

This year my granddaughter addressed all my Christmas cards. And wrapped most of my gifts.  Thank God for her.  Accepting help is new for me and I now gratefully accept!

I swear to have a serious talk with myself next year about how much cooking and baking to do.  I always do too much and have so much left over.  Wasted expense, energy and time!

The most difficult thing for me to downsize is the amount of my gift giving.  I know I will have to do it, but it is so hard for me.  Watching a grandchild open a gift which then brings a squeal of delight, oh my goodness, I live for that!


Emma opening her Dr. Martens.  They are in style again!

This year, the Covid epidemic forced me to simplify Christmas somewhat.  We were very limited in the size of our Christmas celebration, so we had just the immediate family as we did for Thanksgiving. https://www.peoniesandpowertools.com/traditional-thanksgiving-menu-2020/  That got me to thinking about the holiday parties we usually have.  Maybe, in the spirit of simplifying our lives, we don’t need so many of them.  Being with family is what is important.  

Are you ready to downsize Christmas?  In summary, this is what I did:

  • I bought an artificial tree
  • I left the tree undecorated
  • I limited the decorations I brought down from the attic to a few
  • I accepted help!
  • I vowed to not overdo baking and cooking next year
  • I am seriously thinking about cutting down on gift giving.  We’ll see.

To me, the best thing about Christmas is spending it with my family.  And in my family our get together isn’t usually on Christmas.  No matter.  I hope you all enjoyed yours as much as I did mine!  If you enjoyed this post, please let me know!

Happy New Year!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Thanksgiving Lasagna; What To Do With All Those Leftovers

November 27, 2020 By Ellie 1 Comment

Thanksgiving is over and my refrigerator is bursting its seams with leftovers.  Did they actually eat anything?  We had a lovely, peaceful day; I’ll post some pictures later.  Here’s one for now of Olivia’s fantastic charcuterie board.

Didn’t she do a great job?

 

 

So What To Do With The Leftovers?  My 2 Favorites

 

#1     Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna

Everyone knows the best part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers, and it just so happens that layering those leftovers into a lasagna is a fantastic way to guarantee that every bite is the perfect bite.

By Ivy Odom
Recipe by Well Done

Recipe Summary

Active:
10 mins
Total:
35 mins
Yield:
Serves 9 (serving size: 1 square)
Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna image

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  •         Step 3
  • Remove from oven.  Cut into squares.  Spoon gravy over each square.

    #2

    Leftover Holiday Turkey Wrap

    posted by ASHLEY on NOVEMBER 28, 2014
  • This copy-cat Earl of Sandwich Restaurant recipe uses up those holiday leftovers in a hearty turkey wrap: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy inside a wrap or your favorite bread.

    This copy-cat Earl of Sandwich recipe piled high with slow roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, will put your Thanksgiving leftovers to good use.

     

    This copy-cat Earl of Sandwich recipe uses up those holiday leftovers: slow cooked turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy inside a wrap or your favorite bread.

     

    This hearty sandwich, piled high with sliced turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, makes the most of holiday dinner leftovers.

    Leftover Holiday Turkey Wrap
    Prep time:  5 mins
    Total time:  5 mins
    This copy-cat Earl of Sandwich Restaurant recipe uses up those holiday leftovers in a hearty turkey wrap: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy inside a wrap or your favorite bread.
    Ingredients:
    • Flour Tortillas or Bread of your choice
    • Jarred or homemade cranberry sauce
    • Homemade stuffing
    • Turkey Breast
    • Gravy
    Instructions
    1. Assemble sandwich with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and top with warm gravy. Heat the bread or wrap ahead of time, if you prefer.
    2. Serve with baked sweet potatoes or sweet potato chips.

     

Happy Thanksgiving Leftover Day!
×

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Ideas 2020

November 16, 2020 By Ellie 15 Comments

Our Thanksgiving will be small this year, just 9 immediate family members instead of the usual 20.  We will miss our special family members and friends who won’t be able to attend due to Covid-19. They will get zoom calls from us.  I know that it’s been a tough year.  Hopefully you are all OK.  I’m going to be upbeat and make it as festive as possible.  I’ll have to try really hard to cut the menu down, though. So hard for me.

Look how cute this is!  The kids will love it.  I found it at http://sassyeats.com/turkey-charcuterie-board/.  She is such a clever girl.  I have to hold myself back or I’d make all of the turkey ideas on her post.

My family members are basic eaters so I have to resist my urge to jazz up the menu.  Just the basics will make my group very happy.  Keep it simple will be my mantra this year.  Here is the menu:

  • Turkey ~  For decades I have used the cheesecloth (aka sacrificial dish towel) soaked in butter method that my grandmother taught me and have always had a wonderful, juicy turkey.  It didn’t matter what kind of bird I used either; fresh, frozen, brined, dry rubbed…..they all came out the same fantastic way.  But last year I did something different, I used a roasting bag!  I had always considered this the lazy way to roast a turkey, but I have been converted!  It was just as juicy and it cooked faster, giving me oven space to keep the veggies warm.  Bonus!  I used the directions from 12tomatoes.com and highly recommend it.  The one thing I will add is that I always use a meat thermometer.  Not the little pop-up that comes in the turkey, you can throw that away.  This is the one I use and it is awesome.  It will call you on your phone when your meat is done!  Well, almost.  It has bluetooth connectivity.  I absolutely love this thing and use it for the grill outside and the oven inside.  Best gift ever.. How To Cook A Turkey In A Roasting Bag

Ingredients

  • 1 oven roasting bag, 19×23 ½-inch
  • 1 turkey (8 to 24-pounds), thawed, giblets and neck removed, rinsed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and dried thyme until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Shake flour inside the roasting bag. Place bag in a large 2-inch deep roasting pan.
  4. Place onion wedges, garlic cloves, and carrot pieces in bottom of roasting bag.
  5. Rub turkey with melted butter. Evenly spread and rub seasoning mix around whole turkey.
  6. Place turkey into the bag, resting on top of onions and carrots. Roasting bag opening should face one end of the roasting pan and not open upwards.
  7. Close and seal with cooking twine. Cut 4-6 slits in top of roasting bag.
  8. Transfer roasting pan to oven and bake according to the weight of the turkey. (See weight and cooking times below)
  9. When turkey reaches an internal temperature of 180°F in at the thickest part of the turkey thigh, remove from oven and rest in oven bag for 15 minutes to allow juices to settle back into the turkey.
  10. Use a carving fork to lift turkey from bag and transfer to a carving board. Carve and enjoy!

Turkey Cooking Times

  • 1.5-2 hours for 8-12 lb turkeys
  • 2-2.5 hours for 12-16 lb turkeys
  • 2.5-3 hours for 16-20 lb turkeys
  • 3-3.5 hours for 20-24 lb turkey

 

  • Stuffing ~ The family loves stuffing!  As long as I don’t sneak any meat or fruit into it, they are happy with Pepperidge Farm Stuffing out of the bag.  I make it according to the package directions, adding the onion and celery, and I cook it in the bird.  This year, for the first time, I’m going to make home made stuffing.  I still can’t add any fun stuff, but it will be home made.  This is the recipe I am going to use, courtesy of Buzzfeed.  I am definitely still cooking it in the bird.  I can save my Pepperidge Farm for day 2 if I need it.
  • Cranberry Sauce ~ My family likes cranberry sauce!  Not the kind I make, with fresh cranberries, but the gelatinous blob that comes out of the can, complete with ridges.  Oh, they are so easy.  So I serve them what they like, but I slice it up and try to arrange it in a pretty way in a cut crystal dish.  However, I also serve my home made version because it is Thanksgiving and because I like it.  Hopefully someday one of the grandchildren will try it.

Ellie’s Simple Cranberry Sauce

1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained (save juice)

2 (12 oz.) packages fresh cranberries

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Add water to saved pineapple juice to make 2 cups liquid.  

Place liquid, cranberries and sugar in saucepan and heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil.  Boil for about 10 minutes until most of the cranberries have burst and the mixture is thick.

Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, cloves and drained pineapple.  Stir to combine.  Transfer to bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours. 

  • Mashed Potatoes ~ Everybody eats mashed potatoes!  Luckily I have one of these, which I don’t believe is sold anymore.  Westinghouse steamer/masher.  Apparently there were issues.  Too bad because I love mine, and I (actually my son does this job) use it every year.  It does everything but peel the potatoes. So simple! If you find it somewhere, (like the Amazon reviewer who said he found it at Christmas Tree Shop) pick it up.  This is the recipe I use:

  • I double or triple it on Thanksgiving.  Of course, without the steamer/masher, you’ll have to do it the regular way; cook the potatoes in water for 30 minutes or until done, drain, mash and mix in other ingredients.  I generally use a ricer instead of a masher to get all the lumps out.
  • Gravy ~ My daughter picks this up at a local turkey farm.  Thank you!!!  It’s delicious and frees me from this last minute job.  
  • Vegetables ~ This is always a problem.  My grandchildren just don’t like them.  William said he’d prefer frozen peas this year, as in still frozen.  Enough said.  So this is what I’m serving this year:

 

RUTH’S CHRIS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS

Crust Mixture:

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Sweet Potato Mixture:

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (3 medium)
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 1/4 cup butter

PROCESS

  1. Combine Crust Mixture in mixing bowl and put to one side.
  2. Combine Sweet Potato Mixture ingredients in a mixing bowl in the order listed. Combine thoroughly.
  3. Pour Sweet Potato Mixture into buttered baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle Crust Mixture evenly onto surface of Sweet Potato Mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350°. Allow to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

 

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

  • Preheat oven to 425F
  • Cut carrots diagonally into 2” lengths. Cut the thicker ends in half so they are all about the same width.
  • Toss in a bowl with:
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Spread on cookie sheet and roast 15 minutes. Toss, then roast 10 minutes more until soft and caramelized on the edges.
  • Toss carrots in the glaze.

Neither of the above recipes is difficult.  I am hoping that the added sweetness will tempt the grandkids.  However, I’ll still serve assorted frozen vegetables for them, with plenty of butter.

 

Star of The Meal

 

  • Cinnamon Rolls ~ In most families the star of Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey.  Not so in my family.  In my family, it’s the cinnamon rolls.  The recipe was passed down through my husband’s family and has been always referred to as “Grandma’s Cinnamon Rolls.”  This is what it looked like when I got it:

I was 19 and clueless in the kitchen, but I figured it out.  Over the years I have realized that I needed to make a larger batch (makes about 42) so this is how I make them now:

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages dry yeast
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, to proof the yeast
  • 6 tablespoons shortening or unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 9 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (more if the dough is sticky, up to 10 cups)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup softened butter, divided
  • 2 cups brown sugar (about)
  • ground cinnamon

Directions:

Dissolve the yeast in the 1 cup of lukewarm water.  Add a teaspoon of sugar to “proof” the yeast.  After 5 or 10 minutes, the yeast should start to foam up.  This proves that the yeast is active.  Do not skip this step!  Always have extra yeast.  If the yeast doesn’t foam up, throw it out and start again with fresh yeast.  

In a large bowl, put 6 tablespoons tablespoons shortening (I use Crisco), 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 cups very hot water.  Stir to dissolve.  Set aside to cool a bit.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.  When the water mixture is lukewarm, add eggs and yeast to it.  Then add the flour, a bit at a time, until it is no longer sticky.  You can do this by hand or with your mixer with a dough hook.  I use the mixer.

Put out on a floured pastry cloth or counter and let rest for a few minutes.  Meanwhile, soften the butter.  I use the microwave.  

Cut dough in half.  With a floured rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.  Spread the softened butter over each rectangle.  Next spread a lot of brown sugar over the butter.  I wing the amount, but it’s about 1/4 inch thick or a bit more.  Sprinkle cinnamon over this.  Now roll them up so that you have 2 rolls, each approximately 18 inches long.  

Cut the rolls with a serrated knife into 1 inch wide slices and place them into greased muffin tins.  Cover with clean dish towels and let rise until double.  

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes.  I always start checking a few minutes early so they don’t overcook.  You want them to be just slightly brown on top.  

YUM

 

 

  • Grandma’s Apple Pie ~ I always make 2

Crust:

In large bowl, put 4 cups unsifted all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoons salt.  

Add 1 and 3/4 cup crisco shortening and mix with fork until crumbly.

In separate small bowl, beat together 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Combine the 2 mixtures until well mixed.

Divide dough into 4 equal portions (makes 2 pies) and shape each into a flat round patty ready for rolling.  Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1/2 hour.  

When ready to roll out, lightly flour both sides of patty and put on lightly floured pastry cloth.  Keeping pastry round, roll from center until 2 inches larger than inverted pie pan.

Apple Pie Filling For Each Pie:

Peel, core and slice 7 cups of apples (2.5 to 3 pounds)This is what I use and it is an awesome time-saver.  I’ve been using it for decades.

Mix apples with 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Mix in 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Fill pie crust with apple filling.  Dot with 2 tablespoons butter, cut up.  Top with remaining crust.  Try to make pretty edges.  I cover the edges with foil so they don’t over brown.

Bake in preheated 425F oven for 45 to 50 minutes until apples test fork tender.  It’s a good idea to place a cookie sheet under the pie to catch drips.  

I always make the pies a few days ahead and warm them in the oven while we eat our dinner. 

I have never had a failure with this pie.  It’s not always pretty, but it’s always delicious!

 

From my family to yours…Have a wonderful, safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I participate in select affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you make a purchase through certain links on this site I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own, and all brands included are those I personally like and recommend. Thank you for your support!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Best Christmas Gifts For A Cool 10 Year Old Boy

November 11, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

I absolutely love my 10 year old grandson, William.  One minute he is a snuggly little bunny and the next he’s a world philosopher.  Which means… buying gifts for him could be difficult.  Luckily he’s pretty talkative, so I just needed to listen to make a pretty good list.  So here it is, straight from a 10 year old’s mouth.

 

William has recently gotten super excited about using his skateboard, and he is ready to move up from his little beginner board.  As a grandmother, I’m always concerned about safety, so it goes without saying that he must be decked out with complete safety equipment. This includes:

  • a top-quality helmet
  • wrist guards to support his wrists during falls
  • knee pads and elbow pads
  • closed-toe shoes that have soles that don’t slip
  • goggles or shatterproof glasses

Advantages of this board

  • Small enough to be easily carried around, even for a 10 year old
  • High quality bamboo and maple deck that is strong and durable and has a grit finish to grip the feet
  • Reliable and sturdy trucks made of cast aluminum.  No plastic parts. 
  • Double kick tails that add fun and versatility.  Mannies, ollies, flip tricks and general tick-tacking are all made possible because of these kick tails. Asymmetric front and back kick tails makes for a cool directional surf style design while maintaining the performance of a great skateboard. Asymmetric front and back kick tails makes for a cool directional surf style design while maintaining the performance of a great skateboard.  OK, Grandmas, you know what all this means, right?

 

TOMY Screwball Scramble Games for Kids

Designed for 1 to 4 players, your 10 year old can challenge himself or play with the whole family. This is a exciting game of skill and coordination.  Kids love mazes!

Take it up a notch and double the fun with the addition of this game:

 TOMY Screwball Scramble 2 Maze Game 
NERF Ultra Pharaoh Blaster

OK, this one is hard for me.  After all, it’s a gun.  My kids didn’t have them. But love them or hate them, they are a hit with kids. That would explain why it’s a best seller, with comments like “tremendous range, highly accurate, farthest flying Nerf darts ever, up to 120 feet.” It is huge, it’s a blaster and the kids really love it.  It’s Christmas so use your best judgement on this one.  Oh, and you’d better buy one for Dad too.  And extra darts.  Just sayin.

 

Ninja Box (Choose Your Own Adventure)

I love these.  Choose Your Own Adventure books are like readable video games.  The reader starts out on a mission and is soon presented with a number of possible choices.  Each decision creates branching plots that lead to more options as you try to decide the best ending.  So creative.  According to Amazon, “Choose Your Own Adventure is the 4th bestselling gamebook series for children of all time.”  There are many other themes in addition to Ninja.

ThinkFun Domino Maze STEM Toy and Logic Game for Boys and Girls 

This is a brain and logic game…so I automatically like it.

LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Urus ST-X and Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO 76899 Building Kit, New 2020 

A perfect Lego building set for race car fans with a nice degree of challenge for a 10 year old.

Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set Marble Run & STEM Toy For Kids Age 8 & Up – Endless Indoor Activity for Families

 

” Logical thinking, Hand-Eye Coordination, Problem Solving, Spatial Awareness, Kinetics, Creativity, Physics,” this is my kind of toy.

 

Legend 1:10 Scale RC Truck

Remote controlled cars are not new, but wow, boys really love them.  There is a new one on William’s list every year.  The reason I might not want to get him yet another RC car is that they seem to break so fast.  This one, however, is very rugged and can be repaired as well.  It has almost 2500 5 star ratings on Amazon.  Wow. 

Good things about RC cars:

  • Playing with RC cars can significantly develop and improve a child’s eye-hand development
  •  Remote control cars must be used outside.  Outdoor time, away from their electronics, is a good thing
  • Going outside to play with RC cars is a great way for families to spend time together

What is NOT on William’s Christmas list:

Clothing.  Never, ever buy clothing for a boy for Christmas.  Ask me how I know.  The poor guy will try to look appreciative, but it will be hard.  Don’t put him through it.  Of course, there may be an exceptional item he has been begging for, but otherwise, pass on clothing.

 

Other Cool Stuff:


I love Christmas shopping for the kids.  Hopefully I have given you a jumpstart for your 10 year old.  Happy shopping!

 

I participate in select affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you make a purchase through certain links on this site I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own, and all brands included are those I personally like and recommend. Thank you for your support!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sweater Roundup

November 7, 2020 By Ellie 2 Comments

 

It has been a beautiful fall here in New England and I have finally become resigned to the fact that winter is coming.  I’ve been getting the house ready for fall, adding pumpkins here and there, getting my Thanksgiving menu ready, my fall chores done and suddenly I realized… baby, it’s cold out there!!  Time to get out of these flip flops and summer clothes!  Has the cool weather snuck up on you as well?

If so, you’re in luck because now is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe.  Sweaters are a great way to do this without spending a ton of money. You can add them to your existing pants, camisoles and shirts from last year and have a whole new look!  Here’s a pretty sweater roundup to get you started and some of them are under $50!

 

I love this comfy, chunky, oversized sweater.  I ordered it in this gorgeous blue, and it comes in many other colors.  Wear it with jeans or dress it up with black pants and heels.

When I was a teenager my boyfriend (who later became my husband) gave me a hot pink cashmere sweater just like this.  I loved it so much that I wore it until it was  threadbare.  It still resides in my cedar chest.  And look, here it is again.  You can get  this one at Macy’s.This piece is essential!  It can be worn all year long and goes with everything.  Very long (hits me just below the knee) and chic.  

This soft, cashmere tunic/poncho is fabulous!  As it has sleeves, it can be worn under a coat!  It’s a little pricey, though.  I’m saving up.  Available at Ann Taylor.

My absolute favorite!  A fleece-like fabric, it feels like a dream.  I don’t wear it with the front tuck as that isn’t my most flattering look.  It looks great untucked!  And this color (powder puff pink is how I ordered it) is yummy!  You can buy it at Express.

The asymmetrical cashmere poncho shown above is available at Macy’s.  I have it in gray (heather cinder).  

Are you beginning to get excited about updating your winter wardrobe?  Happy shopping!

I participate in select affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you make a purchase through certain links on this site I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own, and all brands included are those I personally like and recommend. Thank you for your support!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How I Revamped My Wardrobe And Got Rid Of My Frumpy Style

October 7, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

There came a time in my life when I simply was not stylish.  Not exactly frumpy, but not exactly stylish either.  I had been in the fashion business for many years, advising others on their special wedding attire, but here I was at 68 and my personal style had dropped into the gutter.  Almost.  Having just lost my husband, I felt like my life was spinning out of control.  Realizing that I needed to take control over something, and knowing that shopping always gave me pleasure, I decided to revamp my wardrobe.

 

This is what I did to revamp my wardrobe:

 

  • The biggest help was Pinterest.  I started filling my “Fashion Board” with everything that caught my eye.  Boy, that was a lot of pins!!  But it helped me figure out what was “in” and discover which things I liked.  I found that I was drawn to simple, solid color clothes with slim lines.  And… 
  • I signed up for Stitch Fix which really helped!  My Stitch Fix stylist sent me things I never would have picked out for myself!  And they looked good!  My best buy on Stitch Fix was a pair of Mavi high-rise skinny jeans in dark wash.  Here they are:                                                           

and on me…


 

I learned what my style was BEFORE I went shopping by

searching Pinterest and reading fashion blogs.

 

Now that I had a handle on the jeans, I could buy them anywhere I wanted as long as I remembered the lessons I had learned:

  • A high waist makes for an ultra-flattering, slimming fit on women of all ages and sizes.  Just make sure they fit correctly.  They are jeans, not tights.  The high waist tends to hold in the tummy and, most importantly, avoid the “muffin top” look we all do our best to avoid, where our waist spills over the waistband of our jeans. Horrors!
  • What color jeans to buy?  My personal preference is dark wash blue as I feel it lengthens the leg and is slimming.  Black is slimming as well and white is surprising flattering.  I don’t like the lighter blues, which to me are less flattering and more casual.  I also do not wear distressed jeans and I leave them to the younger gals.  

You can’t wear jeans all the time, of course.  I have purchased dress pants following the same rules I follow for purchasing jeans; fitted, high waist, and slim leg.  I love the “curvy fit” pants I found at Ann Taylor; a little extra room in the hip, and tapered or skinny in the leg.  Perfect!  I have these in black and in white.


                                    You can buy similar pants in many shops now.

 

What to wear on top?

So many options for tops!  I bought tee shirts!  I had never felt comfortable in them before, but I discovered V neck tee shirts which are so much more flattering and comfortable! Long sleeve blouses, camis in all colors and turtleneck sweaters all found their way into my closet.  I can wear them all under my great blazers, which I now have in black and white.  An important thing to mention is that I wear all my tops untucked, not even a half-tuck.  The tucked in look is very unflattering on me!

For color, I love neutrals; white, black, navy and gray.  For a burst of color, a great option is a brightly colored camisole. And maybe a scarf.  My go to outfit for a night out is my skinny jeans, a cami, and a blazer.  Maybe pearls, I always feel elegant in pearls.

One more thing…

When you put something on that looks unflattering, for heaven’s sake, do not put it back into the closet!  Have a “donate box” ready at all times.  Also, the great thing about being this age is that no one can tell us what to wear.  We’re euphemistically called “interesting.” We can really get away with anything.  While my style is decidedly understated, yours may be wild and free!  Go ahead and find your style!

 

 

  

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How I Cured My Poison Ivy Naturally

September 5, 2020 By Ellie 1 Comment

The weather was gorgeous here in New England for Labor Day weekend.  As I was spending it alone, I decided to take my laptop outside and do some work out there.  My kitchen counter is lovely, but my patio view is even lovelier.

Am I the only one who didn’t realize that you can’t see a laptop computer screen in the sun?  So I took my laptop back in the house so I could see it, messed with the controls, (I mean I very carefully followed the Google instructions), and somehow managed to make the screen nice and bright so that I can now work outside!  I must be a real blogger now.

I learned something else too, which confirms that one is never too old to learn.  While pulling weeds this week, I had managed to contract a serious case of poison ivy.  Oh, the itch!  My lovely neighbor brought me a bouquet of jewelweed to solve my problem.  Apparently jewelweed is a natural remedy for poison ivy and, lo and behold, that weed was one I hadn’t yet pulled up!  It was running rampant in the damp areas of my yard near my little stream.                          

So this is what I did and you can too…

Split the largest part of the stem to find the juice

I smoothed the juice over the rash.  Almost immediately, I felt better.

Make jewelweed tea

I chopped up the whole plant, leaves and stems, and boiled them in water until the “tea” turned bright orange.             

 

Next, I strained out the greenery. The next step is to pour this lovely orange tea into ice cube trays and freeze. 

Then, whenever I need it, I can pop out a cube and run it over an itchy part.  Problem is, who has ice cube trays these days?  So that step has to wait until I buy ice cube trays.

In the meantime…

I have what seems to be an unlimited supply of jewelweed in my backyard.  The juice from the stems seems to work.  Ah, relief. 

                                                             

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Deal With Grief; A Few Tidbits

August 22, 2020 By Ellie 3 Comments

 

Jim was gone and I felt like someone had shot a hole through my life.  I knew about the 5 stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  That’s not how I felt at all.  None of these seemed to apply now. I must have gone through those stages during the last year while I was anticipating his death.  It seemed that learning to deal with the grief from the loss of my mate of almost 50 years was going to be really hard.

So what did I feel now?  I felt an immense sense of guilt.  And emptiness.  I had failed in finding and getting Jim into a clinical trial that might have saved his live, and worse, I had not honored his last wish to keep him alive at all costs. 

Logically, I knew that I hadn’t had much control over keeping him alive, but this little voice in my head kept saying “he’s so disappointed in you.”  It didn’t make sense to anyone else but it sure made sense to me; I had failed.

Because I had devoted so much time to researching treatment and taking care of Jim, I really had nothing to do now.  That’s not really true, I had plenty to do learning how to take over Jim’s responsibilities!  I didn’t even know which bank held our mortgage.  Hard to imagine that now.  So there was that, but I really felt lost, like my life no longer had a direction, a compass.  It’s been 4 years now and this is my little bit of advice:

Realize that recovery from a loss will take time

Appreciate every baby step that you accomplish.  I found it helpful to find something to be grateful for each day.

Take care of yourself

This is the last thing I felt like doing and I had to force myself.  As a matter of fact, I probably would have starved if I hadn’t had a wonderful neighbor watching out for me.  So force yourself to sleep, exercise (at least get outside and walk a little) and eat.

Learn something new

This is what helped me the most.  I started to turn my basement into a finished room.  It was the next thing on the list my husband and I had intended to do, so I just decided to learn how to do it.  And I did! 

I also joined a hand bell choir.  In addition to learning something, it made me actually leave the house. 

I bought a bicycle which I am still afraid to ride.  I’ll get to it! 

I also wanted to write this blog, but it took me 4 years to get to it. 

All of these things took me way out of my comfort zone and kept my brain distracted somewhat.  Speaking of that…

Make a list every day

This is absolutely essential!  Grief can cause a mental fog that makes it impossible to concentrate.  So at a time when you need to summon all the strength you can muster, you feel mentally exhausted.  The thoughts in my head were so jumbled that I could never have gotten through a day without a list. 

First thing on the list everyday was make the bed.  (I really loved the inspirational “Make your bed” speech by Admiral William McRaven.)  I had so many extra things to do now including putting accounts in my name and cancelling others, etc. that it would have been extremely easy to forget what I was doing.  Or what year it was!

Do something frivolous that makes you happy

I got eye lash extensions!  Talk about frivolous!  I also revamped my sad wardrobe.  Both of those things still make me smile.  Smiling keeps the negative thoughts at bay.

This is something I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND

I had surgery.  It was minor, but it required me to be in a cast, and then the dreaded boot, for weeks.  I really thought that, after all I had been through, this would be easy.  It wasn’t.  The fact that I was alone hit me very hard at this time and caused a major depression.  Be very careful to take things slowly for at least a year after a major loss.

These are a few of the things that worked for me

Everyone is different.  Hopefully something I have written will help someone else.  Please let me know.

 

Picture of the pillow I made for my grandchildren from Grandpa's shirts

Pillows I made for my grandchildren from Grandpa’s shirts

                          

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Grief, Uncategorized

Pros And Cons Of Stitch Fix, A Review

August 16, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

I was passing a mirror and I actually thought I saw my mother in there.  My mother was a beautiful woman, but 24 years older than me.  It was then that I realized that while I had been caring for my sick husband, I had not been paying attention to me.  UGH, time for a change.

Where to start??  My daughter suggested Stitch Fix and I was leery.  I couldn’t believe that someone else, even a professional stylist, could select clothing that would look good on me!  However, my daughter was enjoying her experience with Stitch Fix, so I gave it a try.

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a fashion clothing subscription service where a professional stylist selects items for you based on a profile you have filled out in advance.  There is no membership fee and you are not locked in.  There is a very reasonable $20 styling fee, which can be used towards the purchase of any of the 5 items in the box.  And, if you decide to keep all 5 items, you get a 25% discount.  Very cool.  Shipping both ways is free.

My First Box

Exciting.  The first thing I unwrapped was a tiny pair of jeans that I almost sent back without trying on.  No way would they fit me, no less look good!  I also got a sweater, a couple of tops, and a purse.  It was 4 years ago and I am still wearing those jeans!  My first pair of skinny jeans, which I never ever would have purchased on my own.  They are high rise and extremely flattering.  The other items were OK and looked good with the jeans.  Why did they send me a purse??  I’d told them I didn’t need purses, but it was nearly free if I kept it with my 25% off.  So the first box was a definite winner. 

Going Forward

After that my experience was mixed, I kept some and sent some back.  I believe I sent the whole box back once.  I discontinued after a while.  By then I was getting a handle on my new style.  By the way, I did this review for your information.  It is not a paid review.  

Pros

  • Great way to try out new styles!  Like the skinny jeans I never would have purchased otherwise.
  • Shipping is free both ways so you can exchange for size or just send things back without paying postage.
  • You get a personal stylist.  How cool is that and for only $20?!
  • They carry all sizes, Women sizes 0-24W (XS – 3X).  They also do men and children now, but I’m not covering that as I have no experience with it.
  • Request specific items. If there’s a certain piece you want, just tell your stylist. If it’s available in your size, it’ll be included in your next box. This is new since I was a Stitch Fix customer.  I would have loved another pair of those skinny jeans!
  • Not locked into a subscription. You don’t have to choose a subscription service. You can choose “on demand” shipments. There is no penalty for doing this. This is a more affordable option if you don’t want new clothes every month. 
  • Try on new items with your own clothes. This is something I really like.  It’s nice to be able to try the pieces on at home with the proper undergarments, shoes and accessories.  That way you can see if you have items that match.  No guessing.
  • There is no sign up fee and shipping is free both ways.   

Cons

  • $20 styling fee is nonrefundable.  This is lost if you return everything.  This never bothered me.  I think it only happened once. 
  • You pay full retail prices.  If you are a bargain shopper, you may not like this.  There are no sales.
  • You only get the 25% discount if you keep everything.  This never bothered me either.  I considered it a bonus.
  • You might find it expensive.  No sales, remember?

So, In Conclusion…

Stitch Fix did exactly what I needed it to do; it got me out of my style slump.  I also found it fun!  I discovered a new and better way to dress.  And I still love those skinny jeans!

 

Stitch Fix Skinny Jeans

Me in my Stitch Fix Skinny Jeans

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How To Cut Plywood On a Table Saw

August 12, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

 

It has recently occurred to me that I do all my work by myself.  That makes me a DIAer, not a DIYer.  What is the difference, you ask?  My definition of a do-it-yourselfer is a person who builds, modifies, or repairs things without the direct aid of experts or professionals, but perhaps with the aid of others.  A do-it-aloner works alone.  All alone.  Is this a problem?  Not usually, but sometimes…

 

Cutting plywood is very difficult to do alone

 

  • How to figure out how much plywood to buy

 This requires a bit of math.  Measure the dimensions of your wall.  For instance, my wall was 24 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall.  To get the square footage of the wall, multiply those two numbers together; 24 X 7.5 = 180.  Plywood is 4 X 8 or 32 square feet.  To determine the number of pieces you need, divide the square footage of the wall, by the square footage of the panel.  180 divided by 32 is 5.6.  So I purchased 6 pieces of plywood.

 

  • Have the plywood delivered 

Do not try to squeeze a piece of plywood into your SUV.  It will not fit and will damage your car in the process.  Here is a great hint. If you open a Lowe’s American Express Business Card, (affiliate) you can get your purchases delivered for $20 instead of the regular $60.  You also get 5% off every purchase.

 

  • Getting the plywood on the table saw

Handling a full size sheet of plywood can be problematic.  (see update, below)  I found that I could maneuver a piece onto the saw, but it quickly wanted to twist, turn and fall off!  It is possible to do if you stabilize the sheet throughout the cut. 

In order to do this stabilization, and hold the sheet steady, I built myself a couple of helpers, one to catch the plywood after it went through the saw, and another to hold the plywood on the left side and keep it level.  Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain a steady rate of speed as the piece went through the saw. 

I made the catch table from a couple of saw horses with an old door on top.  Nothing fancy, but just the right height!  Then I scrounged around and found a couple of chairs that worked to hold up the plywood on the left side of the saw. 

 Great, I had two helpers!  Like I said, nothing fancy!  Make sure you have the best side up because, if there is going to be chipping, it will most likely occur on the bottom, not the top. 

 

  • Start cutting

I was really careful cutting the plywood.  My kids were counting my fingers at this point when they came to visit.  Every time!  I set the fence on the saw at 5 and 7/8 inches so that I would get 8 equal pieces.  

With such a large piece, it was difficult to put equal pressure from the end and the left side of the piece.  So don’t rush. Turn on the saw.  Yikes.  I pushed it through slowly, making sure the edge of the plywood was always tight against the fence.  Amazingly, that first piece was perfect!  Phew!  Each cut got easier after that as the plywood got smaller and lighter. 

 

  • Feel terrifically proud!  Good job!

 

After using the table saw I still have all 10!

 

Update

After I wrote this article, I heard from a licensed contractor, my brother.  Apparently, the professionals consider it an absolute no-no to cut a full size piece of plywood on a table saw, as it is too dangerous.  Yikes!  Cut it in half first!    

Filed Under: DIY Projects, Power tools, Uncategorized

My Affordable Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

August 3, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

 Every once in a while someone will ask me how I manage to look younger than my grandmotherly chronological age. To be honest, it’s probably 90% genetics. Here I am with my mom at her 90th birthday.

She looks great for 90, right?  At 66, I look pretty good too, don’t I?  And I don’t do anything fancy!

I Use Sun Block!  My face hasn’t been exposed to the sun for decades!  You want some color?  Put on a little blush.  These are the products I use on a daily basis.  I use them and love them. If you make a purchase using the links included, I may earn a small commission.

Bedtime Routine

I use the following products for my simple quick and easy bedtime routine:  

 

Baby oil First of all, baby oil to remove all my makeup.  Any kind.
Wash face I then use Neutrogena Deep Clean Daily Facial Cleanser with Beta Hydroxy Acid.  You’ve got to love the beta hydroxy acid which weakens the “cellular glue” that makes dead skin cells stick together, encouraging exfoliation and revealing healthy, younger skin cells.

 

Vaseline Next, I use this sparingly on my lips and also on any dry spots on my complexion.  I have never had dry lips!
Retinol wrinkle preventing night cream  

Full disclosure … I don’t actually use Retinol as I have a prescription for .05% Tretinoin Cream, which is stronger than Retinol.  I highly recommend the Tretinoin Cream or the strongest Retinol that your skin can tolerate.

Babe Lash   

This is probably not much of a secret anymore….but I used to get lash extensions. It was expensive, but it was something I splurged on and did for myself after my husband died. I really loved them too! I didn’t need to use eyeliner or mascara.  But I did need to get a “fill” every 2 or 3 weeks. THEN covid-19 closed the salons and (sob) I had to do without my lash extensions. Since then I’ve been using Babe Lash and I think it’s working! Bye bye lash extensions! Anyway… I apply it my eyelids every night before bed.

That’s it!  The whole routine takes 5 minutes! 

 

Morning Routine

Wash face  

Neutrogena Facial Cleanser just as I use at night.  Keep it simple!

 

Revitalift Even though I was happy with my skin, I decided to give this product a try about 6 months ago and I’m extremely impressed!  I apply about 3 drops on my clean skin and let it perform its magic for a few minutes.  I go make the bed or something.

          

The difference in my skin is amazing!  Much smoother and brighter! This is an amazing price too.

 

Moisturizer/sunblock There are many of these on the market but I like this one for its light weight and quick absorbency.

           

As you can see, I don’t spend a lot of money on my skin care products and I don’t think I need to!  I don’t look bad for a grandmother! And I’m 72!  OMG

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Is It Really Possible To Put Up Shiplap By Yourself??

July 29, 2020 By Ellie 3 Comments

So, is it really possible to put up shiplap all by yourself?

I have done it and the answer is yes!  I applied shiplap and finished my basement all by myself!  And I’m a Grandma!

How I applied my shiplap

  • Lightly sand the edges and the good side of the planks.  I had already cut the planks from 1/4 inch plywood on the table saw.  You can sand by hand or with a power sander.  I, of course, used power.

 

  • Now you should apply primer to the planks before hanging them.  I didn’t do this and immediately regretted it.  It’s really difficult to get paint in between the boards once they are hung.

 

  • Install the first plank.  I know some people start at the top, but I started at the bottom.  This is why; I knew that I would be installing planks to above the ceiling line. (drop ceiling) No one would see any unevenness up there.  So I wouldn’t have to worry about cutting and fitting.  I did not want to bother cutting and fitting the last planks down at the floor where everyone could see them.  Also, I really think it’s easier to do the leveling if you start at the bottom.

 

  • Keep the planks level.  The first plank is the most important as it needs to be absolutely level.  My basement floor was by no means level so I had to adjust with lots of shims before I nailed.  Here, I did need a helper.  My neighbor, Susanne, came over and helped me hold and level the planks while I nailed them in with my handy Ryoby brad nailer.  This is a fantastic tool!  It is so light that I can use it with one hand! 

 

  • Use spacers to keep the look consistent.  I used nickels for spacers between the planks and continued nailing the planks, being careful to keep them level and to keep the seams staggered.  A couple of times I forgot to stagger the seems.  I hope no one will notice.

 

  • Nail into the studs.  Nails elsewhere will be useless and the planks will pop out.  The studs in my Insofast Panels were easy to see as they were black.

 

 

                                 

See those black lines?  They are the studs.

 

 

Now it just needs paint

Having great, easy to use tools sure helped make this project easy.

Here are the tools I used:

  • Ryobi Chop Saw to cut the planks when needed. This is the only corded Ryobi tool I have.
  • Ryobi Jig Saw to cut around outlets, etc.
  • Ryobi Brad Nailer.  My favorite tool of all!  It made nailing up the planks a snap!
  • Ryobi Cordless Sander

They can be seen here: https://www.peoniesandpowertools.com/how-i-fell-in-love/

So this is how I installed shiplap in my basement by myself.  You can too!  It was easy!

 

Filed Under: Basement, Power tools, Uncategorized

The Last Year

July 23, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

I spent the last year of Jim’s life searching the internet for a clinical trial to save his life.  It was 2015 and he had been a cancer patient for almost 20 years.  He had taken early retirement and was now running up and down the basketball court refereeing school basketball games.  I don’t know how he did it.  

We had heard that there was a new cancer immunotherapy utilizing T-cells in clinical trial. This gave us a glimmer of hope.  I had discovered by then that it was difficult to be accepted into a clinical trial; so many desperate patients and so few available slots.  You almost had to know someone.  As it happens, Jim’s doctor did know someone, the doctor who was running the CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial at Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital in New York.  Mass General did not offer this trial back then, but the therapy is now offered right here in Boston.  Good article on the therapy here:

https://www.massgeneral.org/cancer-center/clinical-trials-and-research/immunotherapy/car-t-cell-therapies#:~:text=The%20Mass%20General%20Cancer%20Center,with%20lymphoma%2C%20Yescarta%20and%20Kymriah.

Jim was seen at MSK in October of 2015.  Unfortunately, he was too sick by then to receive the therapy.  I remember the doctor’s words “You have a good 6 weeks or so of life left.  I don’t want to take that away from you.”  Jim, on the other hand, completely ignored those words and went home determined to build himself up so that he could go back to New York in January and take part in the trial.  

One of the most difficult things for me and the rest of the family was that Jim never accepted that he was dying.  As far as he was concerned, he was going to beat the cancer. This was his way of coping.  He never lost hope.  So we supported him in his fight.  We raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://www.lls.org/ (another great resource), we printed tee shirts and we never used the word “hospice.”  He died in January of 2016.  His last words to me were “I don’t know why you are upset, I am going to beat this.“

 

 

A word about clinical trials…  be prepared to do the research yourself!  I discovered that doctors cannot do this work as it is very time consuming.  Unless the clinical trial is being run at his or her hospital, he probably will not know about it.  I used the searchable registry http://clinicaltrials.gov.  It is wonderful and up to date.  When you find a good fit, contact the trial team directly.  Fast.  Do not worry about “bothering” them.  This is a life you are trying to save!  Of course, discuss it with your doctor, but don’t expect him to do the work for you.  

 

P.S.  I have no medical qualifications, but feel free to contact me if you need help with your journey.

 

 

Filed Under: Grief, Uncategorized

Jim’s Journey

July 21, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

The bone marrow transplant had failed.  No one had actually said that.  It was hinted that even though Jim’s tumors were reappearing, the BMT could be working.  In any case, chemotherapy was started, first CVP, then CVP-R.  This drug combination worked extremely well and Jim continued his normal, everyday life; racquetball, basketball, work every day.  On the days of his scheduled outpatient treatment, he went directly from Mass General to his job in Boston.  He suffered very few side effects.  No one even knew he had cancer.  He was determined to beat it.

At some point, the CVP combo started to work less well.  His tumors weren’t fully going away between treatments.  As they were subcutaneous, they were visible.  Depressing.  Luckily, at this time a number of new targeted therapies became available in clinical trials.  One at a time, he was able to qualify for many of them:

Velcade

Romidepsin

Ibrutinib

Zydelig

I think there were more, but it’s been a few years now and I don’t remember them all.  This cancer was smart.  The therapies all failed.  How about a second BMT, they asked?  UGH.  But OK, it was really the only choice.  We were told that the chances of success were real, but small.  

This would be a “mini transplant”, meaning that the pre-transplant chemo would be less harsh and less harmful to Jim’s body.  This procedure didn’t work either.  BUT during these years of treatment, our other two children had gotten married and given us 4 grandchildren.  Jim was even more positive that he was going to beat the cancer.  These kids were his reason to live.                                             

Filed Under: Grief, Uncategorized

Becoming A Widow

July 21, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

Looking back, it seems now that I always knew that I would someday become a widow.  At least since the mid 1990’s when my husband Jim, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  We had 3 children; 2 sons, 24 and 21, and a daughter, 12.  The 24 year old son was about to be married.  Sitting in the oncologist’s office with a calendar, we tried to figure out the best time to schedule the life saving bone marrow transplant (from stem cells) so that it wouldn’t interfere with the wedding.  The doctor reacted negatively, to say the least.  How could we put a “social engagement” ahead of Jim’s life??  I guess at that point we really weren’t taking it seriously enough.  In any case, the wedding went on and so did the BMT.  After 4 weeks or so Jim came home, looking like death, to be nursed by me and kept in isolation.  There is a good article by the American Cancer Society about transplants here:  

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/stem-cell-transplant/types-of-transplants.html

We live in the Boston area and Jim’s treatment was done at Mass General.  We had day 100 circled on the calendar.  I’m not exactly sure why, but I think the new cells were then supposed to be safely attached and starting to do their job of making new blood cells.  This is also the day when Jim noticed that one of his tumors had reappeared.  Also, the day I realized I would eventually become a widow.

 

P.S.  I have been a widow for 4 years but a blogger for only 4 months.  If you like this post, please pin me.  Or leave a comment!  I’m a newbie, I need help.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Grief, Uncategorized

Fun With Shiplap

June 29, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

So, what in the world is “shiplap“? Of course I’d heard of it, cause I don’t live under a rock and I watch the show “Fixer Upper“.  But what is it really??

Defined in the dictionary as “a type of wooden board used commonly as exterior siding in the construction of residences, barns, sheds, and outbuildings”, it may once have been used to construct the hull of a ship, the boards overlapping each other to form a watertight surface, making the vessel seaworthy. Possibly where the term shiplap originated – however for a different slant, see What Is Shiplap? Make Sure You Know About This Hot Decor Trend.

To read what REAL shiplap is, see what Scott Sidler of THE CRAFTSMAN BLOG says. Great article!

Today “shiplap” refers to a wooden board applied horizontally to create a decorative effect. You can buy these boards at big box stores already cut in various widths. Look up “shiplap boards” on the Home Depot site and you will find 140 results, ranging in price from $5.63 a board to about $50 a board. Wow! On my tiny budget even the least expensive board was too much.

So what did I do with all this new knowledge about shiplap? I bought myself some new cool tools and got to work. I cut my shiplap boards from 4 by 8 quarter inch underlayment plywood purchased from Lowes.  Only $14 a piece – such a bargain! https://www.lowes.com/pd/Underlayment-1-4-in-Common-Sumauma-Plywood-Underlayment-Application-as-4-x-8/1000750294  Another nice thing about this plywood is that it is super smooth.  I sanded the cut edges and ran over the flat parts of the boards with my mouse sander ever so slightly.  That’s all they needed!

Some stores will rip (don’t I sound professional? I just learned that word) the strips for you, but none near me offered this service, so I ripped them myself. I cut the first several with my Ryobi cordless circular saw. I divided them equally into 8 strips horizontally, giving me boards approximately 6 inches wide. This worked out OK, but what a pain in my back!! So I broke down and bought a table saw. I highly advise you to get yourself a table saw if you plan to do this  project. So much easier! I didn’t feel guilty about this fairly large purchase as I knew I would be using it many times during this total basement remodel.  This is the one I bought:

I bought the table as well:

 

I have since discovered the Ryobi has come out with a table saw!  If it had been available at the time, this is the one I would have purchased as I really love Ryobi products and it is so much more budget friendly.  This is the Ryobi model: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-15-Amp-10-in-Expanded-Capacity-Table-Saw-With-Rolling-Stand-RTS23/309412848

My basement remodel was on its way!

 

NEXT:  Putting up the shiplap.

 

Filed Under: Basement, Power tools

My Favorite Amazon Purchase Of All Time, The Best Wallet On The Market

June 25, 2020 By Ellie Leave a Comment

Surprise, it was not a power tool!

I bought this wallet from Amazon two years ago in the Pink Lotus color and it still looks as fresh and new as it did when I received it.

Every time I whip this baby out, someone says “Oooh, where did you get that cool wallet?!” I wish I had a nickel for each time!

So many places to hold all my cards, not just credit cards but store discount cards, gift cards, merchandise credits, you name it! And it still stays slim and sleek! 16 card slots, multiple zipper pockets, RFID-blocking feature, and it comes in many colors too! All for under $20.  Such a bargain. I love it.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How I Fell In Love With Power Tools

June 22, 2020 By Ellie 4 Comments

 

It is Valentine’s Day and I’m thinking about how much I love my power tools!  When I first became a sole DIYer, I was comforted by the fact that my husband had left me with a fully equipped workshop right next to the room I’d be working on. So convenient! Then I tried to use his tools. Ugh. Hubby’s tools were old, heavy, and they all had cords. I tried to use them, I really did: I am a thrifty sort. The first cut I made into my InSoFast insulation panel nearly went through the electrical cord of the old jig saw. Eeks! Don’t do that.

Ditching Hubby’s tools was difficult for me.  After all, they were Hubby’s!  I still had a closet full of his clothes.  Never-the-less, I turned on my computer and started shopping for new power tools without cords. A whole new world!

My first Ryobi tools

 Ryobi jigsaw

I chose Ryobi for its price, its light weight and, of course, its pretty green color. This would cut the insulation panels.

The next tool I bought was the Ryobi power caulk gun. Did you know that caulk guns come with power? Cool! This tool would magically apply the adhesive to the back of the insulation panels in a breeze without putting any stress on my arthritic finger and thumb joints. Now I was in business. Best of all, Ryobi tools all use the same interchangeable battery and they have committed to never change it. In 20 years when your Ryobi tool is still working but you need a new battery, no problem!  I was in love. Ryobi was for me.  

My favorite tool of all time is the Ryobi brad nailer.

 

Ryobi brad nailer, my favorite tool

I have terrible aim with a hammer, and… noisy compressors, bulky hoses, or expensive gas cartridges??  No thanks!  This tool is perfect for me, light-weight and easy to aim.  The whole basement was renovated with this guy.  I didn’t stop there, though. 

My collection also includes:

  • Ryobi Compression Drive 3/8 in. Crown Stapler
  • Ryobi drill
  • Ryobi circular saw
  • Ryobi impact driver
  • Several chargers

Excuse the mess on the bench!!  You would think I was being paid by Ryobi!  I am not.  I just love these easy to use tools. 

In Conclusion, the Reasons I Bought Ryobi Tools:

  • They are cordless, this is a must
  • They are lightweight, so I can easily l lift them with one hand
  • They use the same interchangeable battery

I hope you all have great tools to love!

 

 

– a<aaa”0<
<>-

Filed Under: Basement, DIY Projects, Power tools

The Miracle Product That Made It All Possible

June 21, 2020 By Ellie 1 Comment

There is more than one way to stud a wall. Not wanting to bore you with the old fashioned way, the way that requires two people or at least one very strong person, I am going to tell you about the way I, a grandmother, did it all by myself!  I didn’t invent this product, nor am I being paid to tell you about it.  However, it literally made it possible for me to finish my basement all by myself! So, what is this product?

 

                                                                      InSoFast insulation panels!!!

 See below for info from their website:

“An excellent, cost-effective way to insulate your basement interior is with closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam panels from InSoFast!

Feature-Rich InSoFast Panels

InSoFast is a style of engineered continuous insulation that comes in 2-foot x 4-foot interlocking panels of varying thicknesses. The closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam panels can be applied universally to any interior or exterior wall assembly in both new and retrofit construction projects.

The InSoFast UX 2.0 Panel is 2-inches thick with a flat surface that exposes the face of the embedded studs. R-8.5 continuous insulation, rot-resistant framing, drainage channels, electrical raceways, and a simple, stackable interlocking design make this panel the most cost-effective solution for base-level code requirements.

The InSoFast EX 2.5 Panel is 2 ½-inches thick. If you need a solution that goes beyond base-level, this panel’s continuous R-value of 10 outperforms traditionally framed R-15 batt walls and provides 20% more insulation than our UX panels. Its tighter interlocks and recessed studs keep the EX barrier truer and straighter, enabling it to bridge over cups, bows and other irregularities in concrete basement walls.

Panels include built-in chases that run both vertically and horizontally across each panel, enabling you to install electrical boxes anywhere you need them. They also provide a simple, easy way to insulate cold concrete floors. The attachment studs provide a secure surface to screw the subfloor.”

Not sure if you noticed this, but the STUDS are EMBEDDED in the panels!  See those vertical black stripes?  Those are the studs!  This means you can insulate and stud the wall, ALL IN ONE STEP! AND it’s done with GLUE! The other great thing about this company is that they are so consumer friendly.  On their website you will find step by step easy to follow directions and videos.  If you have trouble, give them a call.  They are friendly and helpful folks!

I accomplished all this in one day!

Filed Under: Basement, DIY Projects

Getting Started As A New DIYer

June 19, 2020 By Ellie 1 Comment

Getting started is the absolute hardest part! 

I love doing the research and planning, but as far as actually starting the project, I’m the worst. So, for this part, I spend many hours on the internet looking for products and tools to make a project EASY. That is, easy enough for a woman in her 60s to accomplish.

Pinterest has been been a wonderful help, giving me not only thousands (OK, maybe not thousands) of ideas, but also a place to keep them more or less organized.

I have found great products and tools that have made my projects easy and fun. My goal is to share all of this with you.

 

Planning the layout

The fun part!  One can spend hours on line dreaming over beautiful room designs.  How will the room be used and who will use it? In my case, this was easy. The room was for my grandchildren. I would need a comfy place for them to sit and view television and play their electronic games. Maybe something like this:

I also wanted LOTS of storage. Cabinets with shelving overhead. Maybe something like this:

Enough room for a couple of game tables would be nice as well:

See how much fun I’m having!  (I mean how much fun THEY will have, of course)

I didn’t need bedrooms in my new basement area, but if you want a legal bedroom in yours, you will need to install an egress window.  I, personally, am not up to digging out cement and would have to hire a contractor. BUT … it is possible to do it.

So, if you need an egress window here is a great article. This young couple did a wonderful job!

Before you start a basement project, you should check for moisture.  Great article on how to do this and how to fix moisture problems here.  I am so excited about starting this project!

Filed Under: Basement

Basement Project…the beginning of turning an ugly basement into something beautiful

June 18, 2020 By Ellie 5 Comments

The Beginning

It was a typical basement; concrete walls, unfinished ceiling with exposed pipes and wires going every which way, lots of spiders and a few mice. Really ugly.  If I looked past this, though, I could see that it had some advantages:

  • It is really big
  • The furnace and hot water heater are already in a separate room
  • There is good ceiling height (over 7 feet)

My basement was an ugly mess, (I wish I had pictures) but I had a dream to make it beautiful.

Imagine moving into a house and piling all of your boxes into your basement, filling it from floor to ceiling, making it impossible to navigate.  This is what we did after a major downsize. 

 

We lived with this situation for several years while we worked on more pressing issues; a new roof, siding, kitchen, deck…. and then my husband died.

The basement was the last thing on our to-do list and I decided to just do it.  I was never short on optimism.

My basement dream

This room was going to be for my grandchildren.  A room for them to lounge in, watch tv, play their video games, read, nap, whatever.  I had a picture in my head which included the following things:

    • Shiplap walls
    • Beautiful built-in cabinets, shelves and closets for storage
    • A stone corner wall with a built-in fireplace and a TV over it
    • A wood floor, or one that at least looked like wood 
    • A finished ceiling that didn’t look too commercial
    • Comfy furniture for the grandkids to lounge or sleep on
    • Everything light and bright

In my dream I was going to accomplish all of this by myself on a tiny budget.  I had no idea how, but I figured I’d get a little help from Pinterest and YouTube.  It was going to be beautiful.  At the very least, it was going to keep me busy for a while.  I needed a project.  Crazy, you say? Stay tuned!

Filed Under: Basement, DIY Projects

© 2020 Eleanor Hill