Minions Monday - The old and new

For those of you who knew me from a long time ago, you might remember that I use to have some Winnie the Pooh collections (in the early 2000).  After 10 years, it was time to let it go.  Since then I didn't have anything that I wanted to collect until the Minions Meyhem started. 

First I got Kevin, which is the one that when you press his tummy, he would speak in a variety of languages that you can't understand.  Then I started finding Minions Cotton Fabrics and started sewing items, like my luggage tag, pouch, etc.  During our last visit in the USA, I stumble upon a couple of key holder at Rite Aid, of course it was one sale.  The lastest addition to my collection is Bob which I got from a neighborhood garage sale.  The owner (a man in his 40's) sold it for $2 as long as it will be in a good home.  And from the way I held it, he knew it was going to a good home.  By the way, he said that it spent over $50 USD at the fair in Orlando.  It looked so new, the tag was in it.  When my cousin in law was shopping for fabrics in the US, she found a bunch of other minions fabrics and got me some. Now I have a collection of a variety of design and colors. Are you a minion fan if so which one do you like?

Security Saturday - Upgrade required

A year ago we moved into this wonderful neighborhood and it appeared to be a very friendly and safe neighborhood.  During the winter months, there were some incidents of theft of

Christmas decorations and later some sports equipment.  In the spring we organized a meeting to establish a Block Watch in our neighborhood.  There were at least 12 homes that were interested and being part of the group.  We now have a registered group and the signs on the road will be posted next month.  Each Friday we received a Crime Prevention tips.  Most homes now have lights around their homes and some already added security cameras.  Just recently there was another incident involving two homes with their garage door slightly open.  Although we believe this is still a great neighborhood, we are not sure about those others who are just in the area scoping homes for easy target.  As you know Jeff likes his toys aka techie toys, he is now looking into installing cameras, etc.  We also noticed that we would need to replace our smoke detector and possible add a carbon monoxide detector. Aside from all these items, I would like Jeff to add more outside lights. Before purchasing those items, Jeff needs to do all the research and compare online versus in store shopping.  With all the technology available in making your homes more safe, it is still very important to be aware of what's out there.  Being part of the Block Watch is just one part of the total package.  Here's some of the toys we are contemplating on adding to our home.  And if one still feels unsafe, they can always hire a security guard or maybe just build a wall around it.

Spoiled Sunday - It can't be better than this

Last Tuesday was Prime Day Deals on Amazon.  I got so excited to check out what were the deals.  It was very interesting to see all kinds of deals but at first there was nothing that interest me, until I saw E010.  You might be wondering what is this number means.  It all started when we had nothing to watch on TV and I stumble upon DRL (Drone Racing League).  After show, I told Jeff I want my own beginner Drone toy.  Luckily, it was available during the Prime Day Deal on Amazon.  So I placed it on the Wish List and of course Jeff ordered it for me.  Yeah.  It can't be better than this because it arrive the next day.  There was another item that we wanted to get and Jeff decided to order it since it was such a great deal.  I am calling it the daughter of Alexa, the Echo Dot will be a great addition to our techie family.  Jeff ask what color I wanted and I chose the white one.  We plan to have it in our new home, most likely in our upstairs area and have Alexa in the family room.  Now that I have my own Drone and Jeff has his, it was time for us to have our own race around the empty home.  Unfortunately we are still trying to tweak the piloting of our drone.  It's very finicky and there's some extra buttons for trimming but it's difficult to do all the adjustments while learning how to operate it.  Since everything is all packed, I am not allowed to buy anything anymore, but on Friday my MIL and I went to Kohl's and I got a new sandal flip flop and a new top for a very good price.

My new toy E010 aka Whirlie

Introducing Alexa's daughter DOT.

Jeff's not so new toy - Whytti

Furcon Friday - It was fun until...

When we arrived at our hotel in Reno last Sunday, we were surprised to see so many different kinds of animals walking around.  Well, they are not real animals, they are people in costumes but all furry animals.  After talking to some other people, we found out that it's the last day of the FURCON.  On our way to our room we saw more on the elevators, the hall ways and some are even bowling.  It seems like every one is having a great time and everyone is very friendly and didn't mind posing for a photo.  Here's some of the one's Jeff took from his camera.  My friend thought of searching the web for more info about this particular event and for some reason we read some things that made us feel a little weird. I guess you can check it out for yourself. 

 

Washerless Wednesday - Our new fixture

It is so nice to have a handy man around the house because you can get things done the same day without having to wait for an appointment.  The other benefit is that it's cheap labor because we don't have to pay anyone.  During the weekend Jeff decided that it was time to get the kitchen faucet replaced.  The good part about him is that he does read all the reviews before we go out shopping for one.  For me it's all about the looks and of course user friendly.  The store we picked is the all time favorite for most household - HOME DEPOT.  Since Jeff already have done his research it was a quick stop.  Walk the aisle, find the section and surprise - the item was in stock.  On Sunday morning after doing the dishes, he started to install the new kitchen toy and sooner than later it's all done. Ta ta da da!

It's nothing fancy but it's practical. It swivels smoothly and it has two settings and a retractable piece for directional cleaning.

 

Wakeful Wednesday - Stop playing the game

I am blaming it to the Kindle Fire.  During the day, I don't think of playing the games on Kindle but I don't understand why I like playing before going to sleep.  When I was having difficulty sleeping, I use it to make my eyes tired and it did help for a while.  There was a time when Jeff made the rule that there is no games allowed in bed.  Well, you know that only lasted for one day.  Sometimes I don't need it but other nights, I would play only for half an hour, then sometimes an hour.  The bad part is that sometimes it actually keeps my mind so active that I stay more awake.  Of course I will be so tired in the morning and will sleep in until 900 am.  It's good that I am retired because I would never get to work on time.  I am sure it's the same as those people who are on other social media.  If I start playing the games longer and keeping me awake, Jeff might reinstate the rule.  We don't have a TV in our bedroom because it's suppose to keep you awake.  I agree with Jeff on this.  Here's some of my favorite games on Kindle and my phone.

Tidy Thursday - Less toys to pick up

How long does it take for a mother to tidy the kids bedroom?  I would say at least an hour because that's how I remember it many years ago.  But with all the tech toys that children have, it might take only five minutes.  It would be like, "Billy, put away your Ipad or turn of your Xbox.  Maybe there's still a lot of kids who loves the other non techy toys.  Like dolls and their accessories, train sets, Lego sets, and game boards or puzzles.  I'm going back in time and recall some of the toys that my kids had.  There was that one with all the little pieces that accompanies the main figure.  Aaahh - GI Joe.  Let me see if my memory is still good.  Only my daughter is able to correct this list when she reads this post.

• GI Joe figures and all the accessories
• Masters of the Universe
• Fisher Price Farm
• My Little Pony
• Cabbage patch kids
• Barbie
• Baking set
• Little cars - diecast
• Assorted Lego sets

As an adult who still likes to play games, I have a couple of old toys that I inherited from my kids.  My son gave me his old PS2 with a variety of games on a memory card and my daughter gave me their Wii with some of the games - my favorite is bowling.  Once a day I still play with my Nintendo DS that has many games but my favorite is Big Brain Academy and the Tiger Woods golf.  Almost forgot to mention that I play a few games on the Kindlefire before going to bed.  All of these games have their own place and it doesn't mess up any part of our home. But if I was a kid now, here's what I would want Santa to deliver (via Amazon of course as it ships in two days).

Sorry Sunday - My Nintendo DS is broken

How can I get mad at Gamble (Jeff's grandson who is 6 yrs old) who broke my DS this morning?  For years I have never shown him or let him play with this game.  Last night he was getting bored so I introduced him to my DS and he was very happy because there were a lot of games to choose from.  This morning after breakfast he wanted to play with it again.  It was time for him to change from PJ's to day clothes so I asked him to give the DS to his Grampa.  Instead of handing it to him, he threw it while it was open and landed on the couch.

I didn't think of it then but I specifically said don't throw it and he did.  When he came back to play with it again, he noticed that a piece was falling off.  My heart just stopped as I knew that my favorite toy is now broken.  I wanted to cry but I couldn't let him see me so I went to our room and called my daughter.  Of course she had some perfect solution and was so adult about it and advised me to talk to Gamble about what he did and explain the importance of taking care of someone else's toy.  Gamble said "Sorry Ola".  "Are you mad or just a little mad" then he said "Are you disappointed?".  I told him that he had to save up his allowance if any to buy me a new one.  He then said that he has been saving for a PS3 which cost a lot of money and so far he has only $30 saved up.  Jeff says he will try to fix it but I believe it is not fixable.  I told him to buy a new one which I will give to my daughter in exchange for her old one that she will give me so that my memory card full of games (which my son gave me) will still work.  I am still sad of what has transpired this morning.  In a way I blame myself for sharing something that I treasure so much.  I know that it can be replaced by it's never going to be the same.  Oh bother.  I guess I just have to suck it up and find a replacement.  What would you do if you were in my position?  

 

 

 

Fraggle Friday - Do you remember them?

The first episode was shown January 1983 and the last episode was March 1987.   What is interesting about this date is that we moved from Yellowknife to Whitehorse in August 1983 and left Whitehorse to try and lived in the big city of Toronto in September 1987.  I am not sure if this was shown in the USA because my children watched it on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).  Some of the Fraggles are a bit scary but the songs are very catchy.  Here's some of the characters and the opening song.

This one is scary.

These ones are kinda cute.

Truthful Thursday - It pays to have a geeky hubby

When your hubby makes your house chores very easy to complete, you won't mind doing them over and over again.  If you remember from another post, Jeff got me an assistant for when I clean floors.  Consuelo has been very helpful and does a great job which makes my job easier.  After she sweeps then I can take my mop and special solution to clean and shine our hardwood floors.  She also vacuums the bathroom floors before I mop it.  Now it take less time to clean all the floors.

Introducing my new assistant CONSUELO

Yesterday when I came home, there was a package waiting at the door.  It was addressed to Jeff so I brought it inside the house.  I always get excited when we get a package because I never know what's inside the box.  As soon as he gets home, I immediately ask him to open the box and to my surprise, he bought another assistant for me.  A Panasonic Cordless Iron.

The old iron was getting a little annoying because Jeff had to replace the cord twice.  I guess I was complaining more than usual therefore it was time to keep me quiet.  Check out my new toy.

It comes in this very cute case with a little handle like a small purse.

This is how it sits on the charging base.

It almost looks like a small robot, very light and it's multi-directional with powerful steam

I wanted to share more of my flower arrangements that I've done during the weekend.

 This arrangement is located in our guest bathroom.

Sharing Sunday - still satisfied with toys

Today will be all about sharing all my not so new and new toys.  One of them has not even arrived but will be delivered tomorrow. I am so excited because I know that cooking & baking will never be the same. Each of these items have a story and I wish to share them with you.  There is no order with regards to the best or my #1 favorite, as they have different use and provides different level of satisfaction. 

KEYBOARD - Yamaha Claviers Portatone Keyboard, a 2007 Christmas gift from Gino. I believe I have mentioned this in my other blog. I never opened the box until before Christmas this year.  I felt very guilty because this was a gift that I told Gino to return because it was expensive because at that time he was not working.  I still have not forgiven my self for hurting his feelings after I said some words.  I did not get a chance to say I'm sorry.  So now I am learning to play this keyboard and am trying different songs and I know he is probably looking over saying something like - "see, I knew you would like it". It gives me joy but also sadness because he cannot hear me play "Lean on Me" or "As tears go by".

12 STRING GUITAR - Ibanez acoustic - again a weird story for my 2009 Christmas Gift from Jeff. The first one he got was a also a 12 string Epiphone but made by Gibson. I used it once and then stored it in the case and the next time I took it out of the case, the neck had a big crack and the strings all lose. So we took it back and since it was still under warranty, they were willing to replace it because they new that some Gibson guitar are very fragile. Make the long story short, I now have the Ibanez 12 string and sounds great. Every time I trim my finger nails short, I would take out this guitar and play some old song. Lots of reminiscing.

SEWING MACHINE - Brother Project Runway Limited Edition - 2010 Christmas gift from Jeff. I bought my first sewing machine the year my daughter was born. I kept it all those year until last year when I move to SJC.  Jeff suggested that I just leave it with someone who would make use of it as it is too heavy to ship.  I left it with my friend and co-worker who was very interested in doing some tailoring. I hope he is enjoying it. This new machine is very quiet with a lot of bells and whistle. I haven't even read the manuals but have used it for a couple of projects. Here's the sample which were my Christmas gift to Jeff's sister in law and a cousin.

8 placemats, 2 hot plate holder, 2 hand towel.    Set of bath and hand towels (2)

LUCKY POTS & PANS - the name of the grocery store that we go to is named LUCKY. I guess you know why I am shopping there. A couple of months ago they started the promotion of collecting Lucky sticker for every $10 you spend and in return you can exchange it for really nice pots and pans. Since I did not have a wok, that was the first item I got.  Then I was able to save more and got a small and a large frying pan. The promotion will be ending next month and I will have to decide my 4th piece to get.  My choice will be the small pot with cover and will need only 16 more stickers to get this last piece. I love using them when I cook because they are non-stick, regulates the heat, goes in the oven and every easy to clean.

KEURIG- the individual coffee maker with a wide variety of flavors. This is actually Jeff's toy. He received this as a Christmas gift from his mother. We have been using it since boxing day and we really really enjoy our coffee. Sometimes we get really creative by adding stuff and spiking it up. These are some of our favorite flavors: French Vanilla, Butter Toffee, Donut Shop, Gingerbread, Holiday Blend, Golden French Toast. 

These are what we would like to try next: Cinnamon Pastry, Raspberry Chocolate Truffle, Mocha Nut Fudge, Rain Forrest Nut, Creme Brulee, Mudslide, Jamaica Me Crazy, and Pomegranate Berry Fusion Tea.

Jeff's milk chocolate hot coco with whipped creme and chocolate sugar

DOUBLE OVEN & MICROWAVE - made by General Electric - Profile Series.  Jeff did all the searching and reading a bunch of reviews before making the decision to purchase these 2 items on line. There is smooth surface with 5 burner with one being the warmer. The oven has a small one and a big one both have windows. The current stove we have has no window and you can just imagine that if you were baking something and you are not allowed to open the door and take a peek. The microwave as you can see will be just directly above it and it will also comes with a built in hood. Installation will be easy for the oven but the microwave will have to be built it to the existing cabinets. As Jeff is a very good with his tools, he will be doing this himself on the weekend and you will see the end result on this blog. At this time, I can only show you a photo and would not be able to give a review because this item won't be delivered until tomorrow.