Saturday, February 27, 2010

Fur Fighter

WOW Fur Fighter things really really work.  My daughter tried it on the couch, chairs and then she went in her room.  She came out saying  "this thing really works!!! Mom, can you get more?"  Then I sent her in my room to do my black comforter that is covered with white Henry hair.  It looks great now.  Yup, gotta buy stock in this company!! LOL!!!  Even if it didn't work and my daughter likes to use it, I have to then buy it again and again.  She doesn't like to help clean.  She does help but with a little grumbling.  I have been getting the grumbling to stop quickly, by reminding her about the All About Nicci Day she had earlier this month.  Her tune changes quickly.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Target Pedigree Dog Food

I did finally get to go shopping.  Very good day on the deals.  Target has 20# bags of Pedigree Dog Food on sale for $9.99 a bag.  I had $3 off 8# or larger coupons from the Sunday Inserts.  I can't believe I got a 20# of dog food for $6.99!!  Amazing.  I also got the Fur Fighter's free after coupon.  I also got a 4 pk of Reveal light bulbs for $.64!!  About a month ago I printed a $1.50 off one coupon from Target.com.  They are on sale right now for $2.14.  That is a very good deal because they are 100 watt, hubby needs those for in the shop.  100 watt bulbs are getting harder to find all the time.  I also got Rimmel Mascara free.  Price was $2.99 and I had a coupon for $3 off any Rimmel Mascara!!  This coupon came from All You Magazine.  If you ever have a chance to pick this up (only available at Walmart or through subscription) do it!!  Every month there are a ton of coupons...  high value.  This magazines coupons pays for itself over and over again!!  I spent $26.00 and saved $33.20.  Nice for 3 bags of dog food, light bulbs, mascara, and fur fighters.

Pick N Save I spent $22.00 but saved $36.  That was without double coupons.  I got 9 Gum Toothbrushes free!!   If I would have been able to double (they only double on Wednesday) I would have saved another $5.  However I did get a catalina coupon for $2.50 forward my next visit.  This came from buying 4 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks.  They were $2 each and I used 2-$.50/2 coupons.

Goodwill I dropped off the bags of stuff and stopped in to take a peek at what they had.  I bought 5 Pampered Chef Season's Best cookbooks and a cookbook stand.  I've always wanted one of those.

I stopped at a few other places to just shop the deals.  However nothing real exciting!!

Carpet

I received a phone call from the where I bought the carpet.  They aren't sending a rep.  Instead they went ahead and ordered new carpet.  When it comes in, I will be moved to the top of the list for the install.  I'm very happy that they are taking care of this situation quickly.  All day I couldn't even look at the carpet and upset not knowing the length of time this would take.  Well good news it will be taken care of in a timely matter.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Carpet~RANT

The carpet is in.  I very unhappy with it and the distributor is coming to look at it.  Here's what it looks like


Do you see the problem?  They delivered one large piece of carpet and they had to put a seam near the front window (which the old carpet was the same way...with no issues).  It was cut from the same piece.  The installer said it was a manufacturer flaw.  But I have my doubts, I think he put the seamed piece in the wrong direction.  Yes this carpet doesn't have a pattern, but it does have a direction (it's Berber).  I'm so upset, I was crying.  First the carpet install job was taking too long.  We had the old carpet and pad tore out and vacuumed.  The job was only the living room and the hall.  It took 6 hours.  I think that is a long time.  I was anxious to get the stuff back.  Then the installer came to tell me about the flaw.  That just took me over the edge.  I talked to the store and they are sending a rep out, however they don't know when.  I really don't care whose fault it is.  I want it fixed and I want it fixed now.  I want to get my life back.  I know they will have to replace the carpet.  There is nothing they can do to fix it.  So why don't they replace it and then figure out whose at fault.  I had to move most the stuff back in to the living room.  That means I will have moved the computer 3 times.  I won't bring the new TV in and set it up if we have to move it again.  Plus every time we move this stuff we are taking a chance of scratching the floor, woodwork and messing up the new paint.  Not to mention dropping something and breaking it.  This upsets me.  So now my life at home is on hold for who knows the length of time.  After all this I just can't say how nice it is.  I wanted that special feeling of how nice it is all done and I don't have it.  Now when someone comes in and they say oh it looks beautiful..  I just groan.  That's not fair to me I wanted that "it's all done" and "it's beautiful" feeling.  I spent a lot of money on this project and now it won't look or be complete for a unknown time.  I'm sure being sick has a bit to do with my disappointment.  But I really really wanted this done so I could get everything back where it belongs. 

So I had Quartz, Back Splash, Floor Tile and Carpet installed, that's 4 different projects and 2 of the 4 had problems.  Can you imagine if we were building a whole house, what it would have been like.  We did our own contracting when we build this house.  I don't remember this many issues.  I know we had issues but not like this.  I remember 2 issues that we had.  One was they installed the wrong patio door.  The opening door was suppose to be on the left, but they installed it to open from the right.  Which I could live with.  The other was the crown molding on the top of the cabinets were in stalled upside down.  That was also no big deal, I'm the only person that knows that... well now you do to.  But you can't tell when you see it.  I can live with unnoticeable flubs, but this I can't.   And the way it looks it isn't going to be fixed quickly.  Grrr!!  I'm done ranting.  

I don't know when I will post before and after photos. 

Swagbucks

Yesterday I cashed in for my 6th Amazon certificate from Swagbucks.  I really like this program.  I score about 1-2 bucks a day.  Plus I get referral points, which add up nicely.  Today is Swagbucks birthday and they have changed their points system, I'm really glad I cashed in yesterday.  I did my first search and I got 10 bucks, I was really excited, however they also raised their prices on prizes.  Amazon gift card went from 45 to 450, but if they are giving away 10 bucks as their lowest it will all come out the same.  But today is a good day to do extra searches.  They are crazy about give away bucks today. 

If you have signed up, do it now with my referral link Here

Best Buy Recycle Program

Did you know about Best Buys recycle program?  You can take in select electronic items for recycling.  You have to pay $10 for each item, however they give you a $10 Best Buy Gift Card.  I like this program.  I have taken in a few computer towers (you do not have to pay for these), a dinosaur of a monitor and a TV so far.

Best Buy Recycling Program

Just Waiting for the Carpet Installer

The carpet installer said that he would be here between 8:30 and 10:00 so here I wait.  When they get here, I have to call my mom.  So she can come and get Henry.  He has been sneaking out of the house when the door is open.  So he will spend time with mom and Ford (her little dog).  I hope they get here soon.  I'm just so anxious to get my house back in order and get my desk top computer set back up.  I miss my computer, I don't care for the laptop.  I have so much to do today.

While the installers are here I'm going to make a list of all the places I have to stop when I go shopping.  I have not shopped at all this week.  Wednesday is my usual day to shop, well I couldn't go yesterday and well I felt horrible with this cold that I have.  I feel slightly better today.  I have a set of Sunday Coupon inserts from mom that I have to cut and file.

Once the carpet is in, then Son and I will put back the furniture.

I have to pick up my daughter, she has a half a day of school.  After school she will be going with her friends to the coffee shop to hang out.  So I will do my Kaukauna Shopping, Library and pick her up.  When we get home I will reorganize the hall closet.  Everything that DOESN'T belong in my bedroom will be put back where it belongs.  It's scary in there when it dark, I only have narrow path to the bed.  Set up the my desktop again.  Tomorrow I will do my Darboy shopping.  I have 4 bags of Goodwill stuff.... of course that is a nice excuse to stop in there and see if there are any treasures that I need to take home!!!   I took the hard drive out of mom's old computer, so I have to stop at Best Buy to recycle that.   

I'm really ready for the Rummage Sale season to start again.  I looked on craigslist for any listings for sales and there aren't any in my area.  Pooh!!  I have been doing my thrift shopping lately because I need my good deal fix!!!  I can't believe how many thrift stores are opening all the time!!  I like it, however I worry that people will be donating all their treasures to the thrift shops instead of having Rummages Sales.  We have had a very mild winter, hopefully Spring will come early and so will the Rummage Sales.  Prices at Rummage Sales all typically better then Thrift Shops.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Kitchen Floor is done

The kitchen floor tile is installed and looks great.  No issues...  all went perfect.  The fumes were not good.  Yesterday I went in the basement to clean up and get away from the smell and hubby came down there to varnish the woodwork.  Man that didn't smell good either. Just couldn't get away from the smell.  This usually doesn't bother me to much, however I have a cold.  The smell is not helping.  I did get a lot done in the basement yesterday, but it was a challenge with all the decor from the kitchen and living room is in totes down there.  These totes have been down there since I decorated for Christmas.  I have so many things I use to decorate for Christmas I take all the regular decor out of the kitchen and living room.  I knew that I was doing the remodel so I didn't put any of my decor back when I put the Christmas decor away.

This morning hubby, number one son and I put all the appliances and kitchen furniture back, plus took everything out of the living room.  There is living room stuff everywhere... basement, garage, bedrooms and kitchen.  The bathroom is the only place there isn't living room stuff!!!  Hubby pulled up the old carpet and I pulled all the staples out of the old pad.  That was something I have never done before.  Very interesting job, I probably would have liked that job but with this cold, I just didn't feel like crawling around on the floor with a screwdriver and pliers!!!  But I did.  When hubby got the carpet pulled up and outside he left for a weekend fishing trip.  Yup you heard that right, he is leaving me and the son here to put all the furniture back after the carpet is installed tomorrow.  I really hate moving things over the new tile.  I'm so afraid of scratching it!!  When he told me he was leaving for this trip a few weeks ago he said that he was leaving on Friday.  That wouldn't be a problem.  Well early this week the guys he is going with changed the leave date to today.  Man.  Now I'm totally in charge.  I guess I should be able to handle watching the carpet installers LOL!!  But putting all the furniture back bothers me I don't want anything bad to happen to the floor..  I won't be picking up the new TV until hubby gets back.  I can hook up the new TV by myself, but the old big screen is still upstairs.  I could probably get some of my sons friends to move it downstairs, but what if something bad happens.  I hate trying to explain bad things that happen when he's not home.  He's thrilled when things get done when he's gone on trips, but when something bad happens we are all responsible!!!   Grr.  Don't get me wrong my hubby doesn't get mad easily.  This would not be one of those things that would get him mad, but he would be disappointed me.  I don't want to disappoint him, just like I don't want to be disappointed by him.

Monday the Quartz installer came and took the island counter top back to their shop.  Yesterday they brought it back.  It looks great.  You can't tell there was a scuff.  I'm very happy!!!

The remodel is just about over.  I'm so ready for things to be orderly again.  My house is never neat as pin, but I always know where everything is.  Well as things are right now..  I don't feel like I know where things are!!  Well I'm going to rest up for another big day!!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Morning View

When I opened the blinds in the our bedroom, this is what I saw!!   The tree and the crab apples are covered with frost!!  This tree is a haven for small birds in the summer.  So in the summer I wake to wonderful chirping and in the winter I wake to the a frost/snow covered crab apple tree.  Also out this window I have a row/fence of about 12 Lilac bushes.  My favorite flower scent is Lilac, plus they are a beautiful flower.  Anyway in late spring they all bloom and I get to fall asleep and wake to the scent of Lilacs!!  I'm so very lucky.  Last year the scent was the strongest I have ever had yet.  On a calm day I could smell the Lilacs near the driveway which is about 100 yards away from the trees.  It was great!!!  Anyway right now all the trees are covered with frost, this is my favorite look in winter.  I dislike snow, not for it's beauty, because it usually is beautiful.  But for making the roads slippery and dangerous.  Usually when it snows it's 20 to 30 degrees, I can bear those temperatures.  But when the wind chills are below 0 that's when I wish out loud "I want to move 500 miles south"!!

Venison Bacon

A friend of my son's bought a old van, to be used for ice fishing.  In Wisconsin we buy old vehicles and cut holes in the floor to use while ice fishing.  Anyway, this old van appeared in a shop driveway back in September.  I asked my son where it came from he said that his friend just bought it and didn't have a place to park it.  Well I"m thinking why here in my driveway!!!!  We have enough of our own rusty junk!!!  Anyway it sat there for months and recently it disappeared.  I asked my son about it and he said his friend picked it up!!  Alright, it was a good day!!!  Well the next time, by hubby went down to the shop there sat a box of 4 beef steaks, a package of venison hot sticks, 6 venison hamburgers and a package of venison bacon.  These where all frozen and they stayed frozen in a cold weather this time of year.  Kind of surprised a animal didn't get into the box.  But they didn't.  Well hubby put the box in our freezer...  it was a surprise to me to open the freezer to find a box of meat.  Again I went to my son, asking him where that came from.  It was a mystery to him, put my hubby speaks up and says I found it by the shop!!  A short time later my sons friend with the van called him and said that he left the meat!!  So we had steaks one night, they were excellent.  Then the other night I made venison bacon cheeseburgers (venison of course).  The hamburgers didn't taste like much but the bacon was excellent!!!  Very good.   I never had venison bacon.  Next time we get a deer and have it processed I'm getting bacon done too!!  Hubby took the hot sticks Sturgeon fishing last week, so I didn't get a chance to try those.  But all the meat is gone and so is the van!!  Hopefully when the ice melts the van doesn't appear again in the driveway!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Smell of the Tile Glue

The smell of the tile glue is something awful.  It's horrible.  I can't wait for the installer to be done for the day, I can't stand it in the house.  I had know idea it would be this bad.  Henry (the dog) is at my mom's house for the day, so as soon as this guy is gone I'm going to her house.  Right now I'm sitting in my bedroom with the window open, hey I live in Wisconsin, we don't open our windows in February here..  that's a hint how bad it is!!!

I'm a little worried about bringing Henry here...  I know I should be worried about our own health breathing these fumes in.  How can the installer do this every day??  Will this guy live a LONG life dealing with these fumes every working day??

I'm not thrilled with the idea of another full day tomorrow with the smell.  The bit the installer has done so far does look great!!!

The quartz people called this morning, he asked if he could have the island counter top picked up and taken back to the shop.  They want to buff and work on it there to see if they could get the scuff marks out.  I'm like yes please.  However I don't have a counter top on the island now.  Sure I'm not doing a lot of cooking these days, but I know I will miss it.  That is where we do all of... well everything there. 

Well my son is in need of the laptop so I guess I'm done blogging.

Target Clearance Schedule

There is Targets Clearance Schedule.

Target markdown schedule:
MONDAY- kids clothes, electronics
TUESDAY- women's clothes, domestics
WEDNESDAY- men's clothes, toys, health and beauty
THURSDAY- lingerie, shoes, housewares, sporting goods
FRIDAY- cosmetics, hardware, auto, jewelry. 


If you waiting for a certain item to go on clearance, this schedule can help you be there are the right time.  That is one thing about Target, they have great clearance!!!!  


Seasonal items don't use this schedule.  For example if Valentines Day is on Sunday then Monday everything Valentines will be 50%, they usually run 50% off for 2 days then it goes to 75%.  They run might run 75% off for a day or two and then it will go 90%.  They only run holiday 90% off for one day.  


Always always price scan items to check the price.  Sometimes a clearance sign will say 30% but the items are actually 50% off. 

Another tidbit...  Target is price matching other store ads again!!  For a few years they didn't price match, however back in November or December they started again.  That is a nice service!!

Free Fur Fighter at Target

This week Target has Scotch Fur Fighter on sale for $3.99.  Print these coupons and get it for free!! Fur Fighter Coupon  Nice deal!

If you have any troubles using this coupon because the item is a penny less then the coupon.  Print and bring this letter below to the store for the cashier and manager can read it!!  This is still no guarantee that they will accept it, because every store has the right to deny certain coupons.  However if you have a reasonable manager/cashier they will accept it.



From: guest.relations@target.com
Subject: Using Coupons at Target
Dear Target Shopper,
I'm sorry to hear you've had difficulties using coupons. Coupons are a
great way to save even more when shopping at Target, and we make it
easy to use them at our stores. But because of the variety of coupons
available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be
redeemed at Target:
-We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and
manufacturer-issued coupons.
-We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the
same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
-We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than
the purchase value of the item; in that case, we'll adjust the value
of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
-We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products
not carried in our stores.
-We reserve the right to limit purchases to reasonable family-size
quantities.
-Target empowers the store to limit the number of items a guest buys
with coupons.
All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of
sale.
If you would like a letter response, please send your request to:
Target Corporation
Executive Offices
PO Box 9350
Minneapolis, MN 55440-9350
Have questions or want more information about using coupons at Target?
Check with a Guest Services Team Leader at your local store. You can
also give us a call at (800) 440-0680, or visit us on Target.com. Either
way, we're here to help!
Thanks for shopping with us. We'll see you again soon at Target.
Sincerely,
Julie
Target Guest Relations

Today the Alterna Tiles Installation

Today the kitchen floor installation will start.  Yesterday Hubby and I did all the requirements for preparing for the flooring.  We moving everything out of the kitchen and bathroom/laundry room.  Hubby took off the vinyl coving that was under the cabinets, removed the toilet and all woodwork that lines the floor.  I took everything out of the closets, while my daughter painted the insides of the closets.  Boy painting becomes so much easier when there isn't woodwork to tape off.  I washed the heating vent covers, vacuumed out everywhere that I could under the refrigerator.  The refrigerator was packed with dust bunnies...  how in the world did that still run????   Hard to believe how much work is involved with this project.  We didn't remove the carpet yet.  I hope all goes well with the tile installation.  Hubby will be here to over see the project.  What a relief for me!!  The tile installation should take 2 days.  I will update then!!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Shelby

Shelby was a good girl yesterday, she didn't get loose!!  What a relief!!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Quartz and Tile

The Quartz counter top is in and it looks great.  However it wasn't without problems.  The plan was to reuse the current stainless steel sink.  However for whatever reason the counter top installer didn't cut the hole for the sink large enough.  So they took off the tack strips that you use to tighten the sink to the counter top.  When they did that it put about 50 little dings in the sink.  The other issue was on the island.  There were 3 very long scuffs.  These were very easy to see because on the island you get glare from the lights above and the light from the windows.  So yesterday they came back to cut the sink hole larger.  I bought a new sink the day before.  (the installer is paying for the new stainless steel sink).  All is good now with the sink.  The island scuff is still there, although it's harder to see.  The manager is coming out to look at it and try another cleaning product to see if it will disappear all together.  I wonder if after some wear will the scuff appear again?

The tile is on the wall, the tile installer will be back today to grout.  It looks fabulous!!  I love it.  No issues with that...  Thank Goodness!!

Monday the kitchen floor installation starts.  It will take 2 full days to complete the floor in the kitchen.  Then we give the floor a rest and then Thursday the carpet in the living room will be installed.  That shouldn't take that long.  I hope.  I really want my house back in order.

After that, I have to decide what to do about the curtains.  I love my old curtains, however do I want to use them again?  Will they look right?  We'll see.  I want to recover the seats on my dinning room chairs.  I have never done that before, so that should be interesting.  But it needs to be done.

Next week at this time I should be able to post before and after pictures!!

Will Shelby get loose today?

The last 2 Friday's Shelby has found a way to get loose.  First Friday she broke her collar and last Friday she broke loose from her anchor. She is now anchored to the wall in the garage.  Hubby put a 3 inch long eye bolt into the stud in the garage.  So what else can she break to get loose??  The first time she was loose for 3 hours and she didn't have her tags because they were still attached to the broken collar.  But she did finally came when hubby whistled.   The last time she was loose she had her collar, but she also had the 20 foot plastic covered wire rope attached.  She was found 5 hours later in a neighbors barn wrapped around a combine.  She is not happy about being caught in the barn.  I would not give her any sympathy.  She knows better.  Every time I would look at her she would hang her head.  "Yes, you were a bad girl".   I swear I will never get another dog with even an ounce of Husky blood in it!!!  Every one said that Husky's like to run, but I thought I knew better because she only is a quarter Husky.   I know that a fenced in kennel with a concrete run would keep her home.  But I really don't feel as though that's a good life for a dog.  A fenced in backyard wouldn't keep her home because she would dig her way out.  We have a shocker collar for her and the stock doesn't stop her.  So a underground or wireless fence wouldn't stop her.  So I guess we and the neighborhood are going to have deal with her adventures!!
"Bring it On"

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Feel Good Comment

I sell media on www.half.com.  I just got a feel good comment from a customer via email.

"thank you the book is so kool, our shipment was first
rate,love the bow, once again thank you ,, the ward"

 I really love the great comments from wonderful people!!!  It really does make it all worth while!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Targets Daily Deal

$5.00 shipped. Today only...  so hurry!!!
Perfect for giving as party favors for your teen!!
Buy enough for the whole party!!

Fremont Wisconsin School Fundraiser Cookbook

This is now available at Different Things

Best of the Best from Louisiana Cookbook

This is now available at Different Things

Torte Cookbook Fundraiser

Now available at Different Things

The Quartz Is Being Installed

The Quartz counter top is being installed as I write this.  I love it!!!  So exciting!!   I'm also listing a bunch of Community Cookbooks at Different Things so check them out!!

Savour with Sue A Community Cookbook Wisconsin Recipes


This is now available at Different Things

Potatoes Pies & Pioneers Community Cookbook Wisconsin Recipes 1984

Potatoes Pies & Pioneers Community Cookbook 

This is now available at Different Things

 

 

Monday, February 15, 2010

I'm Cleaning Out My Recipe Book Drawer

Tomorrow the Quartz counter top  will be installed.  So I'm cleaning out drawers.  Well I had all drawers cleaned out except for the junk drawer and the recipe drawer.  Those are the two drawers that I didn't want to clean out because they were terrible messy and stuffed full!!  I was in the throw away mood so a lot of junk was thrown away.  The recipe drawer was so full that I couldn't get it shut.  I didn't even have all my most used cookbooks in there.  So I'm selling many of my cookbooks in my store.  I love cookbooks, specially vintage! I will buy them just to look through them and then sell them.  I don't experiment with a lot of recipes.  I love it when I find someone hand written recipe tucked in a cookbook.  Most times I will leave them in the cookbook when I sell them, so the next owner can enjoy them too!!  I have listed a cookbooks few in my store, but there will be more to come.  I have many community, fundraiser type to sell... so keep checking back to my store Different Things

Tomorrow the counter tops will be in and we will be one more step to being done!!  Can't wait.  I want my house back in order!!  Sometime this week the tile for the back splash will be install and then next week the floors!!  I will post pictures when it's all done!!

3 Seasonal Celebrations Cookbook Lot

3 Seasonal Celebrations Cookbook Lot  is now listed at my store Different Things
Some really great, elegant recipes!!!  Complete menu ideas for all occasions. 

Taste of Homes Sargento Recipe Collection Magazine

Taste of Homes Sargento Recipe Collections Magazine now listed at my store Different Things

Shopko Employee Community Cookbook

Shopko Employee Community Cookbook Now listed in my store Different Things

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Free Excredrin Coupon by mail

Free Excedrin  this is the link to the free coupon.  The first page will ask you what brand you use.  Don't click Excedrin.  I clicked Tylentol and I got the free coupon.  This is for a limited time... so act now.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Everything is Scheduled

The Quartz will be installed on the 16th, the tiler for the back splash, sometime between the 16th and the 22nd.  The kitchen floor on the 22 and 23rd.  And the carpet on the 25th.  Then finally the TV will be in after that!!  I can't wait.  I will post before and after photos when everything is in!!!

The tile was surprisingly easy to pick out.  I went to  Lowes and they had 2 different color 6x6 tiles, a dark tan and a light tan.  So it will be light tan angled with one row of dark.  Then by the cooktop there will be one decorative tile.  I didn't want something extreme, because I was afraid I would tire of it fast and it would get dated.  So I went simple but different.   When I looked at the tile I picked these 2 colors sat down on the floor and started a pattern.  I really liked it, it was the first and only pattern I put together.  I then went looking for the sales person.  She came to help me figure out how many tiles I would need.  The first thing she said when she looked at what I had put together was "I can't believe no one has done this pattern before"  She really liked it and hadn't seen anyone do this pattern before. 


Love the dishwasher!!  Only one thing has come out dirty so far and that was a noodle stuck to a kettle. I think thats great!!!  I have put some dried on sauces in there and it's come out clean!!!  Yesterday I did have a broken glass.  Not sure what happen with that.   I'm thinking I didn't load it correctly.  It was a weird break.  A big chunk broke, it didn't shatter.  It was the top of the glass, which was upside down in the rack, so it really couldn't hit something else.  Maybe it was just a weak glass.

Antivirus Soft Malware

Antivirus Soft is a Malware.  My hubby's laptop got it Sunday Night.  I worked on it for 5 hours on Sunday night and then again for 6 hours on Monday to rid the laptop of this.  It's similar to Security Tool, but Antivirus Soft tricker  it changes the proxy so you can't download updates even after you shut it down.
Solution as follows:  First turn off the computer, start it back up, at start up go to task manager.  Do this quickly before Antivirus Soft loads or you won't be able to open task manager.  To open task manager hit CTRL, ALT and DELETE all at the same time.  Click on processes.  Then you have to figure out which one is Antivirus Soft.  Mine was urbssftav, look for tav at the ending.  What I did was hit mem usage, this will put the biggest running programs high on the list.  urbssftav was the third on my list.  Click on it to high light and then click end processes.  This will shut it down, but it's not gone.  You need to download, update and run Malwarebytes program, it's free.  Malwarebytes  Ok you might be able to surf and download the program.  But you need to update it to get the spyware off your computer.  Now if you can't download the update this is what you have to do.  On any web page (must be using an Internet Explore page) go to Tools, Internet Options and click on Connections tab, click on ok.  Then on next pop up click on LAN Settings, next pop up uncheck Use a proxy for your LAN, then click ok.  Now you should be able to download the much needed update from Malwarebytes.  After you have updated do a quick scan.  It should find 3 to 5 infects.  Once you have found them, make sure all are check marked and click remove selected.  You are then clean of the malware.  If you can not into task manager or if none of this works restart your computer in safe mode.  To do this restart your computer, at first sign the computer is loading start to tap F8 on your keyboard.  It will start up looking different and it might scare you a little but it will be alright.  The computer will take you to a black page with Safe Mode high lighted, but you want Safe Mode Networking high lighted.  Use your arrows on your keyboard to move down to Safe Mode with Networking, then click enter on your keyboard.  This will then take you to your desk top.  It will look different the icons will be bigger and the background will be blue.  Thats good.  Safe Mode is your computer with only bare bones software loaded.  Now do all the things I talked about above except don't go into your task manger.  You won't need to shut down Antivirus Soft because it didn't load in Safe Mode.  Now you can surf to Malwarebyes, but you might still need to uncheck the Lan settings to get the update to download. Good Luck!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Samsung 55" LCD TV

Samsung 55" LCD TV Model Number LN55B640 at Best Buy.  This is the TV we chose.  It was an open item.  The clearance price was $1,699 but online it was $1,599 so we price matched and got an extra 10% off.  It was better then the open item price.  Plus I had about $300 in gift cards and rewards from my Best Buy CC.  We did not bring it home with us because of the remodeling going on.  So they are keeping it in the warehouse until all the flooring is installed.  I have high hopes.  Once it's hooked up, I will review it here on my blog.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

All About Nicci Day

My Daughter had her first All About Nicci Day!!  She had been dying to go to the mall for a long time.  I don't like the mall.  I rarely go there, maybe I will go to the anchor stores a few times a year.  Away, she had money from selling her Bratz collection on ebay, before Christmas.  So off we went, first we stopped at Shopko because I wanted to get some non slip seat cushions for the island chairs.  The old ones won't go with the new colors of the kitchen.  Shopko is the only place I could find them.  Anyway, we left there and stopped at the Library to pick up some DVD's that were on hold.  Then off to Pluto's Closet, she got 6 tops there.  Then to the mall.  Stopped at Claire's to get some much needed earrings.  Then Hot Topic, Hollister, Aeropostal, Build a Bear and few other stores.  She was in heaven.  Then we stopped at Burger King, she loves the original chicken sandwich.  Yeah, we still weren't done.  We then stopped at Gordman's and picked up a top that has glitter!  One thing I absolutely hate is glitter, too messy in the house.  But it was All About Nicci Day, so yeah, she got it.  Then to Goodwill to get jeans.  Most jeans are $5.99 or $8.99 including name brands so that is where we go for her jeans.  She got 2 pairs, just what she wanted.  And finally home!!   She thanked me over and over again.  Which I know she appreciated the day.  She still has some money left which is going in the bank.  Yup she is like me, a saver and careful shopper.  This is how she spend her money.  I made a deal with her that I would split the cost of everything.  So she didn't spend all her money on what ever then want me to buy her a $30 sweatshirt.  This way she looked for the deals on everything because she was spending her money too.  She stretched her money as far as it could go.  I worked great, very proud of her.  We do something very similar when I take her rummaging.  I give her $5 and that's it.  She spends it as she pleases and when it's gone it's gone.  She can't ask for more and she can not complain that she is bored because she doesn't have any more money.  This way there is no pouting about money and an unpleasant day.  We always have fun when we rummage sale and shop because it is always clear how much she can spend!!  Neither of my kids, when they were young ever had tantrums when we shopped.  They always got a little something and it was made clear that was it.  And it wasn't a big toy, my son sometimes would get a Match Car, but that was a rare thing.  My regular plan was they could pick like pudding at the grocery store for later or department store shopping it was a ride on one of the toys in the front of store or fruit snacks and they were happy shopping kids!!  I'm so glad their behavior has carried on to their teens.  Makes shopping so much easier and pleasurable!   Anyway I got off the subject.  We were only home a for short time and my husband came home from fishing and we left again.  It was time to look for a new TV for the living room.  All the deals on TV's made it hard to not buy a new one right now!!!  Or course the All About Nicci Day did not stop.  We stopped at Rocky Rocco's first.  She had never been there.  She wanted to stop there for about a year, well since it opened.  So we stopped there and she got her Super Slice, which she couldn't finish!!!  But she loved it and then off to Best Buy to pick a TV.  It took 2 hours to decide and she was a saint.  Not one complaint, but she wanted a new TV in the living room.  Plus the old big screen will go in the basement for the game consoles!!  She loved that idea!!  So her All About Nicci Day ended about 9:00 last night.  She had 13 hours of All About Her Day!!  I hope she savored it because she never have another day like that again!!   I will blog about the TV later today... I have to leave for work soon and I don't plan on watching the Super Bowl later!!!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Bosch Dishwasher Review

Bosch SHE43F16UC Dishwasher
Bought at Lowe's $699 and used a 10% off movers coupon
It does qualify for the Energy Star Rebate.  We didn't qualify because we didn't have a clunker to trade in.  I picked it up from the store and my husband hooked it up so we didn't have to get the "permit" and no delivery charge.

My review:  It works great.  Everything I hoped!!  Cleans great!!  I haven't found anything that came out dirty.  It doesn't have a drying heat element on the bottom.  I have to wait about an hour for all the dishes to dry.  If I open the door when it's done, there is a lot of steam.  However it doesn't release steam into the house during the run time or after unless I open the door.  The steam was something I was really worried about, we don't need any more moisture in the house.  I'm using Jet Dry and Electra Sol tabs for detergent.  Glad and Ziploc containers do come out wet.  The rim edges have a lot to do with that.  The rims hold the water and doesn't dry.  No spots on any of the dishes or flat wear so far.  The plastic containers I put under the glass holder arm so they don't fly around the dishwasher.  Without the heating element on the bottom I don't have to worry about the plastics melting.  I do scrape all the dishes before loading, however there has been dried on BBQ and tomato sauce and all items came out clean.  I'm really happy with it.  Being that I haven't had a dishwasher before I have nothing to compare it to.  This dishwasher has done so far everything I wanted.  It's so strange to load it and I'm done!!  I stand by the sink and think I can't believe I'm done.  It doesn't seem right.  I'm sure I will quickly get over that!!

Update April 2010.  Still loving it.  No real problems.  The dishwasher has broke 2 glasses, which I'm sure is my fault with the placement in the machine.  I have had a few things come out dirty, however again it was my fault... not having the item upside down correctly or general placement...  Placement is a huge factor in the dishwasher doing the job.  The detergent is very hard on prints.  I had a coffee cup with a Mustang logo painted on it, well it's just about completely bleached out.  Also some of my drinking glasses had cows painted on them...  well not any more... gone!!!!   About 3 weeks ago everything was coming out cloudy.  I was scared that something horrible was going on...  well I did a bit of research and realized that this was caused by hubby not keeping up with the salt in the softener.  Well that was quickly fixed however whatever went through the dishwasher and the dishwasher it's self still had a cloudy film and running it normally was not taking it off.  So I did some more research..  I filled a glass measuring cup with vinegar and ran the dishwasher empty using the shortest cycle... Bingo the dishwasher cloudiness was gone and once everything that was cloudy went through after that was sparkling too!!  So I learned a few things in the 3-4 months we have used it.  I love it. 

Monday, February 1, 2010

The Heavenstone Secrets by VC Andrews

Just finished reading The Heavenstone Secrets by VC Andrews.  This is the first book in the new series.   I have read every book by VC Andrews.  It all started with Flowers in the Attic release back in the 80's, when I was a teenager.  Now 60 or so books later I'm still reading them as they are released.  

This book is very good.  Semantha Heavenstone has a sister named Cassie.  Cassie is the evil sister.  Early in the book Cassie takes control of the family and her sister, Semantha.  Cassie is careful to cover her manipulating ways, murder and rape!!  In the last 2 chapters all her secrets and torture of her sister and father come pouring out.  By the last chapter you want more of the story and can't wait for the next book in the series.  The next book Secret Whispers the second and final book in the Heavenstone series will be released in February 2010.

Also there is news that the next VC Andrews series will be a vampire related book.  Interesting...  I have not read the Twightlight series.  I've seen the first movie.  My daughter has read the series and seen the movies.  I can't wait for VC Andrews book releases!!!