It has been a while but I am alive! Just barely anyway. Somehow, despite being a closet germaphobe, I managed to catch the Cold from Hell. It is now 10 days and counting but despite bottles of cough syrup, bags of cough drops, homemade chicken broth-in-a-mug (I find I drink more liquids from a cup rather than from a bowl with the whole spoon-to-mouth action), vaporizers, honey, neosporin, and boxes and boxes of tissue...I am still in the grips of that damn Cold.
I really have to get better soon...like...asap. Tomorrow, I have the interview of a lifetime and I cannot be a good candidate if I'm coughing up a lung every few minutes. Lately, I've been running around town running errands and doing things for people--some of it was because of the holidays (I tried my best to contain my germs by covering my nose and mouth with a pashmina) and some of it was due to absolute necessity.
Today, I looked at my closet and discovered that my favorite suit jacket was not dry cleaned after I wore it the last time and my black sheer stockings have a run in them. Normally, I do not dry clean my blazers after each use but the last time I wore it, a bad comedy-cliche happened to me:
There I was...walking around in my beautifully fitted blazer and slim-fitted black pants, feeling all the world like a rockstar in my black patent stiletto pumps and swishy "professionally" bobbed hair, towards a group of classmates and associates about to get my mingle on...when the giant gorilla of a guy directly in front of me takes an unforeseeable step backwards and smashes right into me, sending my super hot cup of coffee flying backwards into me...drenching my top with scalding, burning, dark liquid. Eyes bugged in horror while the gorilla ass takes a look and does a true douche-bag smirk and TURNS AWAY. I would shoot eye daggers at the guy but I am a consumate professional (but in truth, my chest was burning in pain and I quickly walked off to tend to it).
And so there you have it...I could break out my other suits but this is my FAVORITE blazer. I have had it since 2004 but the classic style and fit is unsurmountable. I will dab at it today to get rid of the obvious dried coffee marks and do my best to freshen it up because there is no time to take it to the cleaners today.
Right now, I am wearing a neon-yellow oversized fleece to keep warm and between sips of green tea and hot water, I am eating spoonfuls of buckwheat honey to soothe my raw, irritated throat. Why buckwheat honey? Apparently, it has properties that are great for soothing throats, more so than other honey varieties. It has all sorts of antioxidants and anti-bacterial and other fancy sounding health benefits so I went to the health food store nearby and found a jar of the thick, dark, raw, crystalized stuff and went to town.
I am so very weak right now (5lbs lost in 10 days) that I had trouble opening it but once I did, the pungent odor of horse emerged. That's right...the fresh bouquet of equinous expellius wafted up and actually assaulted my deadened taste buds and olfactory organ. I guess the only time I've ever really smelled buckwheat is on a farm where horses live and um...drop...droppings so I dry-heaved until I could work that thick brown liquid down my throat. What do you know...I think it works!
So now, whenever I get that horrible spot of dry, itchy throat...you know the one....it's just located in a tiny part of the throat...feels like the size of a pencil-eraser...that itches and makes you couch until your abs ache and your throat light on fire...I lick a spoonful of honey to lubricate the throat and I don't feel so bad anymore.
I think I will not go out today to buy silk stockings...I can buy them tomorrow before my interview and still have plenty of time. I just don't want to go outdoors today and expose myself to the elements again. I will hunker down, cuddle up, and do my best to go an hour without dripping, couching, sneezing, or blowing my nose. An hour. That is all I need to get through the interview. Please pray for me.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thinking...
A while back, I posted about some new vehicles we were considering. Since then, my 96' Maxima has bit the dust twice and shall be revived no more. We may be able to hold off on a new car for a little while longer though--hubby already takes the train to work and I might be able to do the same.
I'm just thinking out my thoughts here...so here goes (sourced through random googling):
Research
2007 Prius = <$15,000
MGP = 46 combined
Cargo space = 14.4 cubic ft
2012 Prius V (wagon) = $29,000
MPG = 42 combined
Cargo space = 34.4 cubic ft. (seat up) and 67 cubic feet (seat down)
Analysis
That is a HUGE difference in price and in storage. Our initial goal was to buy a gently used vehicle and let the first owners take the depreciation hit. We plan to buy it outright rather than to make monthly payments unless the financing rate is very very low.
We already have a sedan but we have continually needed a larger "hauling" vehicle and it has been a huge PITA trying to stuff things into the little car or borrowing people's trucks/SUVs. Plus, it'd be nice to have a larger car when we have a family. A stroller fits easily into the trunk of hubby's TSX but it leaves no room for anything else. Of course groceries/stuff can be put in the backseat of the car but we'll still be tight on room.
On the other hand, a '07 Prius is about half the cost of a new Wagon. Is it worth the extra cargo space? le hmm. Perhaps it is not a good idea to compare a wagon with a sedan. It's more accurate to compare the wagon with a SUV. Could we wait another year or so before buying a new car? That way we might be able to get a used 2012 wagon then?
Hm.
To be continued.
I'm just thinking out my thoughts here...so here goes (sourced through random googling):
Research
2007 Prius = <$15,000
MGP = 46 combined
Cargo space = 14.4 cubic ft
2012 Prius V (wagon) = $29,000
MPG = 42 combined
Cargo space = 34.4 cubic ft. (seat up) and 67 cubic feet (seat down)
Analysis
That is a HUGE difference in price and in storage. Our initial goal was to buy a gently used vehicle and let the first owners take the depreciation hit. We plan to buy it outright rather than to make monthly payments unless the financing rate is very very low.
We already have a sedan but we have continually needed a larger "hauling" vehicle and it has been a huge PITA trying to stuff things into the little car or borrowing people's trucks/SUVs. Plus, it'd be nice to have a larger car when we have a family. A stroller fits easily into the trunk of hubby's TSX but it leaves no room for anything else. Of course groceries/stuff can be put in the backseat of the car but we'll still be tight on room.
On the other hand, a '07 Prius is about half the cost of a new Wagon. Is it worth the extra cargo space? le hmm. Perhaps it is not a good idea to compare a wagon with a sedan. It's more accurate to compare the wagon with a SUV. Could we wait another year or so before buying a new car? That way we might be able to get a used 2012 wagon then?
Hm.
To be continued.
Monday, August 15, 2011
A New Goal
Last fall, I went through a pantry/freezer cleaning experiment to see if I could go the entire month without buying any more groceries/spending any money on food. Although we had a few unexpected food expenses arise (taking the family out to dinner), we saved a lot of money that month. Obviously the stuff that was languishing in the back of the pantry and freezer for months weren't items we typically used so once we cleared it out, we were able to start anew with stuff we actually do consume regularly.
Now I want to embark on another experiment. While it saved money to empty out our food stores, it isn't sustainable in the long run because we'd have to replenish it eventually. A better experiment would be to try my hand at a little extreme couponing! We don't typically consume a lot of conventional groceries: we either try to grow our own or buy local & organic--not stuff you'd see in the weekly sale mailers. However, there are items that occasionally pop up that we do put to good use: soy milk, almond milk, juices, jarred (never canned) tomato sauce, and occasional toothpaste/mouthwash/floss etc. I'd prefer to use Tom's of Maine toothpaste but we haven't fully made that switch yet.
Anyway, today was my first attempt at extreme couponing and while it isn't much, I did manage to save $2.05 on a half gallon of Almond Breeze! I've purchased it at as high as $4.29 before but I usually buy it for around $3.79-$3.99. Today, it was 2 for $6.00 and I had a $.55 manufacturer's coupon + store double coupon. I ended up paying $1.95 for Almond Breeze...pretty much a 50% saving from my normal cost! It feels so good!
So I'll do a little here and there to start accumulating more coupons in anticipation of my experiment come September. I'd really like to see how much I can save that month. My goal is $100 off our normal food/grocery expenses.
Now I want to embark on another experiment. While it saved money to empty out our food stores, it isn't sustainable in the long run because we'd have to replenish it eventually. A better experiment would be to try my hand at a little extreme couponing! We don't typically consume a lot of conventional groceries: we either try to grow our own or buy local & organic--not stuff you'd see in the weekly sale mailers. However, there are items that occasionally pop up that we do put to good use: soy milk, almond milk, juices, jarred (never canned) tomato sauce, and occasional toothpaste/mouthwash/floss etc. I'd prefer to use Tom's of Maine toothpaste but we haven't fully made that switch yet.
Anyway, today was my first attempt at extreme couponing and while it isn't much, I did manage to save $2.05 on a half gallon of Almond Breeze! I've purchased it at as high as $4.29 before but I usually buy it for around $3.79-$3.99. Today, it was 2 for $6.00 and I had a $.55 manufacturer's coupon + store double coupon. I ended up paying $1.95 for Almond Breeze...pretty much a 50% saving from my normal cost! It feels so good!
So I'll do a little here and there to start accumulating more coupons in anticipation of my experiment come September. I'd really like to see how much I can save that month. My goal is $100 off our normal food/grocery expenses.
Upcycling
Things have been shifting and changing the household lately. We moved in over two years ago and we haven't really touched the house since then. Now that we have settled in, we have a better of idea of our habits and we are working on re-doing parts of the house. We have 4 bedrooms, all of which are good-sized, but they aren't being maximized so we went to work planning and rearranging existing furniture.
The first project we did was to repaint a horrible bright blue bedroom (think "My Little Pony blue") into a much more flattering and neutral pale grey. We are also in the process of taking apart the study and moving one of the two desks out to make a sewing/crafting area for me in the grey bedroom. We have plans to turn the study into a more functional library/playroom/guest room down the road. By rearranging the study, we re-use existing stuff to complete other areas of the house. We hung curtains and added a large pendant light for the dining room. It is currently an IKEA white paper lantern but I saw this wonderful DIY hack for making a hemp pendant lamp that I want to try:
The first project we did was to repaint a horrible bright blue bedroom (think "My Little Pony blue") into a much more flattering and neutral pale grey. We are also in the process of taking apart the study and moving one of the two desks out to make a sewing/crafting area for me in the grey bedroom. We have plans to turn the study into a more functional library/playroom/guest room down the road. By rearranging the study, we re-use existing stuff to complete other areas of the house. We hung curtains and added a large pendant light for the dining room. It is currently an IKEA white paper lantern but I saw this wonderful DIY hack for making a hemp pendant lamp that I want to try:
I either want to make one gigantic one or maybe 3 medium sized orbs hung in a row. They look like West Elm's Abaca pendant but at a fraction of the price:
I can see it being a fun craft project with kids so I'll probably attempt this on a weekend when I have my niece over.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
I was Born in the Wrong Era
Hubby always jokes that I was born in the wrong era. My BA is in English and focused on 18th century Anglo literature (and comparative literature from other countries around that time.) I love all things from that era: the literary works, the history, the fashion, the furniture, and the lifestyle. It's just fascinating! Lately, I've been drawn to living the lifestyle of the generations past: I'm into baking my own bread from homemade starter, growing organic vegetables, and refurbishing furniture. Basically, it's just old-fashioned homemaking and working with one's hands.
I have one more professional hurdle to pass in the very near future but once I complete it, I will have a short period of free-time before I begin working again. During that time, I have multiple home projects that I hope to accomplish. They include: remodeling our kitchen (cabinets and backsplash), painting and re-decorating the study, painting a bedroom, installing a picture gallery, sewing slipcovers for our cream colored sofas, and buying a cheap (<$30) wingback chair to reupholster.
If I have time, I want to make a headboard for the master bedroom, hack our living room ottoman into a storage ottoman, and some other plans that include metallic grasscloth wallpaper. It's going to be a super busy but very fun-filled summer! I can't wait!!
P.S. Hubby, if you are reading this, I would really really really like a sewing machine (preferable Janome brand) for my birthday/our 2nd wedding anniversary! Oh! and an electric nail gun.
okthanksbai.
I have one more professional hurdle to pass in the very near future but once I complete it, I will have a short period of free-time before I begin working again. During that time, I have multiple home projects that I hope to accomplish. They include: remodeling our kitchen (cabinets and backsplash), painting and re-decorating the study, painting a bedroom, installing a picture gallery, sewing slipcovers for our cream colored sofas, and buying a cheap (<$30) wingback chair to reupholster.
If I have time, I want to make a headboard for the master bedroom, hack our living room ottoman into a storage ottoman, and some other plans that include metallic grasscloth wallpaper. It's going to be a super busy but very fun-filled summer! I can't wait!!
P.S. Hubby, if you are reading this, I would really really really like a sewing machine (preferable Janome brand) for my birthday/our 2nd wedding anniversary! Oh! and an electric nail gun.
okthanksbai.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Jet-Set lifestyle!
We just got back from Europe a few weeks ago and now we're on our way up, up, and away again! This time, we're headed to the Mayan Rivieria with it's white sand beaches and clear, turquoise water. The forecast shows a low of 70 and a high of 90 (my ideal zone) but unfortunately, it'll also have scattered thunderstorms. Regardless, I am so looking forward to our leisurely tropical getaway with a bunch of our closest friends!
We have a couple excursions planned while where there...touring the Mayan ruins, a girl's spa day, and either swimming with dolphins or taking a zipline over the forest. I think I'd enjoy ziplining but the opportunity to swim with dolphins (Hub's favorite animal) is too hard to pass up. I guess we'll see what the rest of the group wants to do when we get there! Can. Not. Wait.
Off to take care of houseplants and a quick mani/pedi!
We have a couple excursions planned while where there...touring the Mayan ruins, a girl's spa day, and either swimming with dolphins or taking a zipline over the forest. I think I'd enjoy ziplining but the opportunity to swim with dolphins (Hub's favorite animal) is too hard to pass up. I guess we'll see what the rest of the group wants to do when we get there! Can. Not. Wait.
Off to take care of houseplants and a quick mani/pedi!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
She sells Seychelles by the seashore.
**Update**
Yay!! After wishing I had them during my entire trip in Paris, I bit the bullet and placed a pre-order as soon as I got back. Unfortunately, it took over a month before the order was fulfilled and I wasn't able to enjoy them in Cancun, but I am enjoying them now! I ordered .5 size up but I found that they run true to size, so the recommendation to order .5 to 1 size up was inapplicable to me. It fits very well without any chafing, rubbing, or discomfort but when I lift my feet, it feels a tad loose. The wide leather bands hold it in place and it's not so bothersome that it'd make me return and reorder. All in all, I am very pleased with these shoes. I've worn them with a fancy silk and sequined outfit to a wedding, casual cotton summer dress, and a jaunty nautical inspired shirt and shorts outfit. Yes for the perfect pair of wedges!
**End Update with a fist pump!**
Or so I wish. I wore out my last favorite pair of shoes--metallic slippers with just a 1.5 inch heel--perfect for wearing with anything from skinny jeans to dresses to shorts. In my quest to find a new replacement, I stumbled upon the cutest pair of shoes yesterday. They are way higher than my last pair of favorite utilitarian shoes but heel height has never intimidated me. Here are these beauties, in all it's glory:
Yay!! After wishing I had them during my entire trip in Paris, I bit the bullet and placed a pre-order as soon as I got back. Unfortunately, it took over a month before the order was fulfilled and I wasn't able to enjoy them in Cancun, but I am enjoying them now! I ordered .5 size up but I found that they run true to size, so the recommendation to order .5 to 1 size up was inapplicable to me. It fits very well without any chafing, rubbing, or discomfort but when I lift my feet, it feels a tad loose. The wide leather bands hold it in place and it's not so bothersome that it'd make me return and reorder. All in all, I am very pleased with these shoes. I've worn them with a fancy silk and sequined outfit to a wedding, casual cotton summer dress, and a jaunty nautical inspired shirt and shorts outfit. Yes for the perfect pair of wedges!
**End Update with a fist pump!**
Or so I wish. I wore out my last favorite pair of shoes--metallic slippers with just a 1.5 inch heel--perfect for wearing with anything from skinny jeans to dresses to shorts. In my quest to find a new replacement, I stumbled upon the cutest pair of shoes yesterday. They are way higher than my last pair of favorite utilitarian shoes but heel height has never intimidated me. Here are these beauties, in all it's glory:
Aren't they beautiful? Even though it has a 4 inch heel, it's on a stacked platform so it'll feel like more like a 3 inch heel. I like them enough to pay full price for them ($110) and there are actually quite a few amazon promotions right now which would bring the price down to around $60. Yet the gods defy me! There are no more taupe colors left in my size :( While I can still order it and wait for the next shipment, the next shipment won't arrive for several weeks so it won't arrive in time for my impending vacation. I guess its probably better not to teeter around in wedge heels on cobblestone streets but still--I feel a pang of sadness. Add in a double pang because the Amazon sale won't apply on the impending shipment so it'll be full price. While I said I'd have been willing to pay full price for it, knowing that I can get it at around $60 makes me unwilling to pull the trigger. Boo! Boo hiss snarl!
And the shoe search saga continues...
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