Jun 8, 2008
Fuel Costs
I found a webpage today called "AAA Fuel Cost Calculator" at www.fuelcostcalculator.com. Just enter your starting city, destination, vehicle year, make, and model and it will calculate how many miles your trip is, how many gallons of gas it'll take, and the fuel cost (gasoline prices for each region of the country are updated daily). Kind of handy!
Jun 6, 2008
It's All Over
I've had some annoying experiences trying to buy things online. The most annoying to me is when I find something I like for a price I like, I go to order it, and the shipping costs are horrendous...up to an extra 25% on top of the purchase price. For example: one day I was trying to order some maternity clothes that were for sale on Target's webpage...then I noticed that it was going to cost me an extra $16.00 just to ship 3 shirts!! Insane! And don't even think about ordering furniture online....those shipping costs will kill you. That's one reason why I like to shop at http://www.overstock.com/ where the shipping on your entire order (including furniture!) is $2.95!! Is that amazing or what?? The deal with Overstock is that they don't necessarily sell the cheapest stuff out there, they sell higher quality stuff for the price that you would pay for normal quality or cheap stuff. Yesterday I bought a rainfall showerhead for $15.00 that retails for $40.00 plus only $2.95 shipping. Great deal. They also have really good deals on sheets and faucets and other things for the home. Have fun shopping!
Don't Worry...Be Happy
I'm sure we've all had it happen. There we are, just watching or reading the news, when we suddenly feel our spirits getting depressed. Why is it that the only news that gets reported is the bad news? I suppose the tv execs assume that if they scare us enough, we'll feel like we need to keep watching in order to prepare ourselves for the inevitable end of the world.
Well, if you ever feel like you want to be uplifted by hearing some of the great and inspiring news going on around the world, visit www.happynews.com. You'll be surprised how much better you feel about life and the world around us after reading its stories.
Have a happy day!!
Well, if you ever feel like you want to be uplifted by hearing some of the great and inspiring news going on around the world, visit www.happynews.com. You'll be surprised how much better you feel about life and the world around us after reading its stories.
Have a happy day!!
Bad Hair Day
Hello, everyone!
The pick this week is for all those girls who are constantly wanting a change of hairstyle. I don't know about you, but I like to look at pictures of hairstyles so I can get an idea of what I want to do with mine. Come on, admit it, you've flipped through those totally lame hairstyle guide magazines at the store. It's embarrassing, I know. I always feel like a 15 year old when I do it. So I've tried looking online for pictures. First of all, you get a bagazillion results. Second of all, most of those hairdos are from the '80s (big bangs, anyone?) And third, even if you get an updated webpage, you are literally bombarded with pop up ads. I got so frustrated just trying to get some decent ideas...until I found the page and http://www.bosshairstyles.com/. This page is free of ads, has tons of tips and information on styling tools and techniques, and actually has some really cute, original hairstyles. Yay! Make sure to check out the "updos" and "alternative" pictures. They're killer.
The pick this week is for all those girls who are constantly wanting a change of hairstyle. I don't know about you, but I like to look at pictures of hairstyles so I can get an idea of what I want to do with mine. Come on, admit it, you've flipped through those totally lame hairstyle guide magazines at the store. It's embarrassing, I know. I always feel like a 15 year old when I do it. So I've tried looking online for pictures. First of all, you get a bagazillion results. Second of all, most of those hairdos are from the '80s (big bangs, anyone?) And third, even if you get an updated webpage, you are literally bombarded with pop up ads. I got so frustrated just trying to get some decent ideas...until I found the page and http://www.bosshairstyles.com/. This page is free of ads, has tons of tips and information on styling tools and techniques, and actually has some really cute, original hairstyles. Yay! Make sure to check out the "updos" and "alternative" pictures. They're killer.
Simply Put
Gosh, it's been a long time since I've posted a favorite web page...I better get to it!
I can't remember how I got introduced to the magazine REAL SIMPLE a couple of years ago, but I'm soooo glad I did!! I'm addicted! This magazine is geared towards women, but Rob also finds it pretty useful sometimes. It's focus is on making life more simple for the overworked, sometimes underappreciated, hectic lifestyle of a women. I know many, many gals who can relate to that. There's just so much packed into this thing, I can't cover it all, but some of the articles include:
Best things (spaghetti sauce, high heels, floor cleaner, hair dye, etc.)
Feel-good stories (about totally normal women who make a difference in this world.)
Organizational/How-to tips (framing pictures, the newest technology in cell phones, the best ways to organize your files on your computer, etc.)
You get the picture. When I know it's about the time for REAL SIMPLE to arrive in the mail, I practically wait outside for the mailman every day until it comes (Rob can attest to that!). So my favorite web page this time around is www.realsimple.com. It's updated monthly and there's so much there, you'll probably never get through it all. It's a fantastic resource!!
I can't remember how I got introduced to the magazine REAL SIMPLE a couple of years ago, but I'm soooo glad I did!! I'm addicted! This magazine is geared towards women, but Rob also finds it pretty useful sometimes. It's focus is on making life more simple for the overworked, sometimes underappreciated, hectic lifestyle of a women. I know many, many gals who can relate to that. There's just so much packed into this thing, I can't cover it all, but some of the articles include:
Best things (spaghetti sauce, high heels, floor cleaner, hair dye, etc.)
Feel-good stories (about totally normal women who make a difference in this world.)
Organizational/How-to tips (framing pictures, the newest technology in cell phones, the best ways to organize your files on your computer, etc.)
You get the picture. When I know it's about the time for REAL SIMPLE to arrive in the mail, I practically wait outside for the mailman every day until it comes (Rob can attest to that!). So my favorite web page this time around is www.realsimple.com. It's updated monthly and there's so much there, you'll probably never get through it all. It's a fantastic resource!!
Jun 3, 2008
Allez Cuisine!!
I'm hoping at least some of you know what my title is a reference to. For those unfortunate souls who don't, it's what the Chairman says to get the Iron Chef America competition under way. I totally dig this show! I highly recommend it (Sunday nights at 7 or reruns during the week).
So, growing up, I was known as the terrible cook in my family. No matter how hard I tried or how many times I read a recipe, I always messed something up. And boy did I hear about...actually, I still do. But after I got married, I decided that I'd practice cooking and I started getting a little better at it. Then, I started watching the Food Network and my skills have just taken off (if I do say so myself). That is, except for the occasional disaster. Hey, we all have them. But, anyway, I have learned SO MUCH just from watching this silly channel. A big shout-out to Alton Brown!
So for my web pick of the week, http://www.foodnetwork.com/. You can watch videos of cooking demonstrations, see what's coming up on tv, it is a wonderful resource for cooking tips and suggestions, and, of course, it has a gazillion recipes!! I've had quite a bit of luck with Giada De Laurentiiss' Everyday Italian recipes.
Rob and I would like to someday put together our own little Iron Chef competition if anyone else is interested.
Good eats, everyone!!
So, growing up, I was known as the terrible cook in my family. No matter how hard I tried or how many times I read a recipe, I always messed something up. And boy did I hear about...actually, I still do. But after I got married, I decided that I'd practice cooking and I started getting a little better at it. Then, I started watching the Food Network and my skills have just taken off (if I do say so myself). That is, except for the occasional disaster. Hey, we all have them. But, anyway, I have learned SO MUCH just from watching this silly channel. A big shout-out to Alton Brown!
So for my web pick of the week, http://www.foodnetwork.com/. You can watch videos of cooking demonstrations, see what's coming up on tv, it is a wonderful resource for cooking tips and suggestions, and, of course, it has a gazillion recipes!! I've had quite a bit of luck with Giada De Laurentiiss' Everyday Italian recipes.
Rob and I would like to someday put together our own little Iron Chef competition if anyone else is interested.
Good eats, everyone!!
Critical
I've decided for my second post to blog about a good, user-friendly, movie review page, http://deseretnews.com/movies/main/1,1258,,00.html. I've tried looking for movie reviews on all sorts of web sites, but I've found that there is just way too much garbage I have to sort through to find what I'm looking for. I'm talking about annoying, busy pages with crazy pop-ups and all the works. Plus, the movies are usually reviewed by weird critics whose taste is so far removed from mine, that their opinions are not even worth hearing. The guy that reviews movies for the Deseret News is a down-home Utah boy who knows what we Utahns appreciate (and what we definitely don't). Of course, I don't always agree with him, but for the most part I trust his critique. There is also a link to reader reviews and an easy way to find movies in the area.
Updating with Julie Pages
Like I said previously, I'm moving over my posts from Julie Pages. There are 19 blog entries, so sorry for the inundation and just ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks for being patient while I do this.
Good Ole' Craig
Hey, everyone! Thanks for checking out my new blog. As you read in my profile, I just thought it'd be fun to share some of my favorite web pages with everyone.
This time I'm profiling CraigsList at http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/. This site is really cool. Think browsing the classifieds, but with pictures and email addresses. You can search the Salt Lake area (or any other area) for anything from used furniture (my personal favorite) to pets to event tickets. For fun, I thought I'd show some of the great deals...some cool, some totally wacky. For example (these are actual posts, minus the pictures):
"This couch was purchased at RC Willey for $875.00 and we are selling of for $215.00. It is in great condition, scotch-guarded, extremely comfortable, appealing to the eye, and all pillows and blanket accessories included. I love this couch, but unfortunatley it has to go."
"NEW TABLE AND CHAIRS. NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD! SIX CHAIRS, GLASS TABLE. GREAT CONDITION. PAID 600$. WILLING TO EXCEPT ANY OFFERS."
"I have a hardly used, in great condition Lasonic Surround Sound System for your TV. It has 5 speakers, sub-woofer, control panel, and a box that allows you to switch between your tv, vcr, and dvd player. Also plays MP3s. Asking $45 OBO."
Some of the wacky things I've seen: Sombreros, pizzeria equipment, a 1950's refrigerator, and
"Soviet Union uniform unit identification epaulets. These are great conversational items and can be attached to any clothing item. Get one or both packages for 4.50 each. I personally purchased these items in the former Soviet Union not long after its break up. I also have Soviet Uniform buttons take your pick at $0.50 each. How about a Soviet Military Cap badge only $5.00."
Check out Craigslist!! One thing to keep in mind, okay, two...most of the good stuff goes fast, so reply to the seller asap and new things are constantly being posted, so check back often.
Let me know what you think of one of my favorite web pages!!
This time I'm profiling CraigsList at http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/. This site is really cool. Think browsing the classifieds, but with pictures and email addresses. You can search the Salt Lake area (or any other area) for anything from used furniture (my personal favorite) to pets to event tickets. For fun, I thought I'd show some of the great deals...some cool, some totally wacky. For example (these are actual posts, minus the pictures):
"This couch was purchased at RC Willey for $875.00 and we are selling of for $215.00. It is in great condition, scotch-guarded, extremely comfortable, appealing to the eye, and all pillows and blanket accessories included. I love this couch, but unfortunatley it has to go."
"NEW TABLE AND CHAIRS. NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD! SIX CHAIRS, GLASS TABLE. GREAT CONDITION. PAID 600$. WILLING TO EXCEPT ANY OFFERS."
"I have a hardly used, in great condition Lasonic Surround Sound System for your TV. It has 5 speakers, sub-woofer, control panel, and a box that allows you to switch between your tv, vcr, and dvd player. Also plays MP3s. Asking $45 OBO."
Some of the wacky things I've seen: Sombreros, pizzeria equipment, a 1950's refrigerator, and
"Soviet Union uniform unit identification epaulets. These are great conversational items and can be attached to any clothing item. Get one or both packages for 4.50 each. I personally purchased these items in the former Soviet Union not long after its break up. I also have Soviet Uniform buttons take your pick at $0.50 each. How about a Soviet Military Cap badge only $5.00."
Check out Craigslist!! One thing to keep in mind, okay, two...most of the good stuff goes fast, so reply to the seller asap and new things are constantly being posted, so check back often.
Let me know what you think of one of my favorite web pages!!
Jun 2, 2008
This is Not a Kit
This is a picture of my dad building a new ship model, The Mayflower. He does it all by hand and it'll take him a year from this point to finish. Wow! What dedication and talent! For those who don't know, this is his second large-scale model. The first was the 9 ft long Enoch Train on display in the Museum of Church History and Art. Because of his interest in this sort of thing, he and my mom started a ship modeling magazine called "Seaways: Ships and Scale" many years ago and they still run the business. It is the premier ship modeling magazine in the United States. Pretty cool stuff.
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