Sunday, May 30, 2021

Bathtubs and MacKenzie-Childs, NY

 


A beautiful  MC-inspired bathroom was recently posted on the MacKenzie Childs blog.  My first thought was: Been there! I was personally at that said bathroom in 2019 during their last MC Barn Sale event.  See my pictures below.  So happy that Hubby had agreed to go out of his way after our Family Reunion in Canada.  

This year will be two years in a row that MC will not hold their annual barn sale. Darn you, Covid 19! 😕😠

Barn Sale 2021

After careful consideration, we have decided to hold our iconic Barn Sale only online again this summer to keep our customers and employees safe during these uncertain times.

For those who enjoy shopping MacKenzie-Childs in person, you can look forward to the launch of The Outlet in Aurora, New York, which opens in May. This store, which replaces the current store in Aurora, will be our permanent, full-time outlet and will stock the types of items that are historically carried at the Barn Sale.

To learn more details about the Online Barn Sale, including when it will be held, and The Outlet in Aurora, sign up for email updates or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. (by MC email)


Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. (Psalm 30 ) 

An MC-Inspired Bathroom




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Thursday, May 27, 2021

Real Estate: Actor Bryan Cranston Sells His Beach House for More Than Asking Price

The house ( nicknamed "Three Palms" )was listed for $4,995,000; and property records show that the home has sold for $5,450,000 — $455,000 above asking price, nice !! 


"I put my heart, soul and blood, sweat and often tears into it," the Breaking Bad star said of the custom-built home - People Magazine

Photo Credits:  JAKE CRYAN PHOTOGRAPHY







Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston's Beach House

The Spaces: Bryan Cranston's House



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Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Dogs on Instagram: Prancer, the Chihuaha

This is Prancer, but you may know him better as “the vessel for a traumatized Victorian child.” He went viral earlier this month when his foster parent posted a brutally honest adoption ad for him. Well, we are excited to share it worked! Prancer was adopted last week and is settling nicely in his forever home: one without men, children, or anything else he can’t h*ckin stand. 14/10 congratulations buddy ❤️ (follow @prancerthechihuahua) -- IG: We Rate Dogs






🐾He protecc, he attacc, if the adoptees are men, pets, or children, they better take him bacc! 😂

 


A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: 
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.





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Thursday, May 20, 2021

Home Renovations For Maximum Resale Value

 We will be doing two major renovations this year, Lord willing:  Windows, and Siding.  

The goal for these changes  is to achieve  our version of Modern Farmhouse from the exterior.


Renovations need not be major or costly.  Doing any of the ideas below will pay-off financially down the road, whether the Real Estate market is hot or not:

For a Reno With Maximum Resale Value, Focus on These 7 Details - Domino Magazine

A larger master suite may not be the best idea.

We all want our homes to be a reflection of who we are. That’s what makes renovating so energizing. But if you plan to live in your space for only a few years—let’s say less than five—it’s best to keep in mind the potential for resale before picking blue countertops or painting the rooms black. Every choice you make could entice or detract a potential buyer.

So where should you start when renovating with resale in mind? First, make sure all systems are in good working order and there are no structural issues before turning your attention to the areas that matter most to buyers. Focusing your time and money on remodeling the most visible parts of your home, for instance, tends to bring the best value, and kitchens have one of the highest rates of return. 

pc: Domino Magazine


In one New York City building where Sweeten renovated two kitchens, both apartments sold at $100,000 above asking price (in one case, far exceeding the purchase price for the exact same non-renovated unit on a higher floor). Want a similar return rate? Pay attention to these seven details above all else.

Replace Any Outdated or Worn Items

Lighting or plumbing that looks like it’s from the ’80s won’t make the best first impression. Instead, substitute existing fixtures for more modern varieties with clean lines. Get rid of timeworn trends that serve no purpose—glass-block walls, faux wood paneling, etc. If you’re swapping out kitchen appliances, consider purchasing name brands that can be touted in a real-estate listing (for instance, a Sub-Zero fridge).

Refinish Your Floors

This is a necessity if your flooring isn’t in great shape, but it’s also generally one of the best investments to improve a space because of the large surface it covers. Carpets are a turnoff for many buyers.

pc: Cambria


A Fresh Coat of Neutral Paint Can Do Wonders

Some homeowners want to do it themselves (though if you ask them afterward, they often say they’d hire a pro the next time). Whatever route you choose, covering purple or pink walls with a palatable light cream or beige will go a long way in attracting buyers who don’t see past existing finishes.

Play Up the Kitchen for That Positive First Impression

Change out kitchen cabinet fronts by sanding and repainting or replacing the existing doors and hardware. If you have a very dark kitchen, going lighter will almost certainly appeal more to buyers. Replacing countertops and backsplashes can have a major impact if your budget allows.

pc: Magnolia Realty


Make the Bathroom Sparkle

If you’re not looking for a gut renovation, the easiest and most affordable way to update the bath is to paint and replace the medicine cabinet and mirror. Updating the tile and vanity and reglazing the tub can also revive the space. For a small bathroom, consider a floating vanity, which gives the illusion of more space.

pc: Domino Magazine


Think Hard About Layout Changes

Eliminating a bedroom to create a big master suite means one less bedroom in the listing. You may lose buyers looking for a certain number of rooms. Similarly, converting your hall bathroom tub into a shower may hurt your resale chances if families with small children are the primary buyers. However, it’s an easier choice if you have two bathrooms with tubs. In an ideal scenario, you’ll want to consult a local real-estate agent to advise on what a typical buyer wants in your neighborhood.

Add Flex Spaces to Show Versatility

Help buyers envision the possibilities for the space by putting up pressurized walls to create an office nook or adding sliding doors across a large living room to create a den or meditation zone. By putting in the work to create an inviting vision for the space, you’ll make sure anyone who walks through the door can picture living in your home.

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Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4 )


Renos For Maximum Value





Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Announcement: No More Face Mask or Face Shield Required, Hoorah!!!

Dear Costco Member,

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently announced new guidance regarding COVID-19 and vaccines. Among other things, the CDC now says that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most settings, except where required by state and local laws. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

Based on this new guidance regarding vaccine effectiveness, beginning May 14, 2021, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings in some U.S. Costco locations.

U.S. locations with no state or local mask requirements - revised policy
In Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate, we will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy. Face coverings will still be required in healthcare settings, including Pharmacy, Optical, Hearing Aid. Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield.



U.S. locations with state or local mask requirements - no policy change
In those Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require members and guests to wear a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt. If a member or guest has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, they must wear a face shield.

As before, our goal is to continue to provide a safe shopping environment for our members and guests and to provide a safe work environment for our employees, while following public health advice and applicable laws.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.


Craig Jelinek
President and CEO
Costco Wholesale



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Sunday, May 16, 2021

This Diamond Ring Don't Shine


 My personal  diamond rings (and my beautiful Gucci-like nails), in comparison to a couple of COSTCO's one-of-a-kind rings.


I own a round-shaped diamond; and a pear-shaped diamond with additional channel-set diamonds on the band.

In comparing my rings to Costco's, I ignored the platinum bands  ( mine are 14k gold bands). My main criteria became the size of the stone.

Round Brilliant

Round Brilliant 1.01 ct VS1 Clarity, G Color
price $7999.99

Pear Shape

Pear Shape 1.01 ct VVS2 Clarity, D Color
price $8499.99


I am aware that Costco's diamond rings are rare (only 1 available of each); and their brilliance, color, and so on are several grades above mine.  When I compare costs, though, the benefits of my diamond rings are superior: 

  • Hubby spent $600 for my 1+ carat round diamond ring
  • The pear-shaped diamond ring was an inheritance (read: free!) from my Parents. 
Sixteen💲thousand+ dollars to purchase both Costco rings, vs $600 for my 2 rings 😧

I am quite content with my diamonds, thank you very much! 
❤😊❤

 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  1 Timothy 6

Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

Pear Shaped Diamond Ring


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Thursday, May 13, 2021

College Life: When a Federal Student Grant (Pell) Must Be Repaid


Son recently received a letter from Wheaton College (Illinois). 

He had to repay his Federal Pell Grant!! 

    😮😕😧😯😐😑😮

With all the political-talk about student debt forgiveness, what the heck was this?!!

Pell Grants do not ever need to be repaid by a college student.  However, there are a few exceptions (there may be others):


When You May Have to Repay a Grant

Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

  • You withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given to you.

  • Your  changed in a way that reduced your eligibility for your grant (for instance, if you switch from full-time enrollment to part-time, your grant amount will be reduced).

  • You received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal student aid.

  • You received a TEACH Grant, but you did not meet the requirements of your TEACH Grant service obligation.

Yep, dear son fell in one of the few cracks regarding this federal grant and was obligated to repay it in full.  I am proud to say that he did it within a few days -- with tears in his eyes, certainly,  but with determination to work harder than ever.  His  small treasure-trove of  hard-earned cash got lessened by 2K; but our estimation of his maturity as a man increased tenfold. I am so very proud of you, my beloved boy ❤💙❤💚

This phone call from another college student made me angry 😠 😖 



The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.




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Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Liberals & Climate Alarmists (Al Gore, Ocasio-Cortez, etc)

More reasons why I am not a Liberal nor a Democrat, sheesh!










21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?

22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.  (Deuteronomy 18 )








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Sunday, May 9, 2021

Mother's Day: My Beautiful LV Accessory

 

As expensive as the LV Tambour watch is, it did not come with a strap. It needs to be bought separately.  

They also are quite expensive,  yipes. Louis Vuitton certainly knows how to dig deep into our pockets. 

Thus, I asked the kids to contribute to Mom's LV-Strap Fund.  They came through, thank you, Lord:




In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God
 in Christ Jesus concerning you.




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Thursday, May 6, 2021

Uses & Benefits of Honey

 There are countless uses for honey! 

Google it, or click on the ✔️ links below to start.  As always, do your own research and proceed with caution:

Fast facts on honey

  • Honey is linked to wound-healing properties and antibacterial action.
  • It has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years.
  • Honey can replace sugar in meals, providing a healthier option. However, they can also add browning and excess moisture to a dish.
  • Do not give honey to children under 12 months old. (Medical News Today)



✔️9 Unexpected Uses for Honey


Everything You Need to Know About Honey


Manuka honey is sometimes used to treat chronic leg ulcers and pressure sores.

Manuka honey is made in New Zealand from the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium. It's the basis of Medihoney, which the FDA approved in 2007 for use in treating wounds and skin ulcers. It works very well to stimulate healing, says wound care specialist Frank Bongiorno, MD, of Ann Arbor, Mich. ( Web MD )

✔️Medicinal Uses of Honey


✔️12 Ways Honey Can Up Your Beauty Game


Honey: an Overview, by Web MD




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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

MacKenzie Childs: Beautiful Birds!

 

A couple of recent MacKenzie-Childs (MC) purchases: 

Cardinal Christmas clips; and a beaded black Parrot pillow for son's room. 


Both are relatively "simple" items. The checkered wings on the birds are what makes them desirable to me.  


I like the Parrot pillow as the figure is embroidered with colorful beads. Cute! It's made in India -- a recent hot bed for Covid-19 😒😧  This will disrupt the supply chain for MC as India embroiders many of their items.  The customers will again have to suffer delays in MC's shipping of their orders.  Please, prove me wrong.




Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? ( Matthew 6 )



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