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I now understand how elated housewives were when they owned their very first dishwasher.
You see, mine checked out on me about 4 weeks ago, and was only 5 years old. She did not age gracefully!
Sure, it was fun in the beginning. I got to wear my cute little dish gloves, and let the hot water warm my frigid winter hands. That lasted all of about 2 nights. I got tired of this picture real quick!
So, this weekend the kiddos and I headed out to purchase us me a new dishwasher. Ryan was on the road in San Diego so I prepared the kids with charged itouches and candy. Met Violet at my local Sears, and went to work. She had the biggest smile on her face when I told I needed to purchase a dishwasher, washer and dryer.
The kiddos parked themselves across the aisle on lawnmowers in the home and garden section, and Violet and I got down to business.
Reaching into my purse I pulled out my report{s} comparing all makes and models. Showing her what I had narrowed them down too. In less than an hour we were done. I was pleasantly surprised she really knew her stuff and what worked best.
And today she arrived. Meet Bosch model #SHE55906UC in black.
Across the board Bosch dishwashers have the highest ratings. This model is known for getting dishes clean, with less than 3 gallons of water and so quiet you have to check and make sure it’s on. Its racks move all around and you can even wash only half a load and a fast load.
Ronnie {the installer} was not excited as I was. Betting he hasn’t been washin’ dishes for weeks in his sink!
Aesthetically I would have liked the controls to have been on the top. But, it was just too tight of a fit to be user friendly.
Watching her being installed, and excited about not washing dishes anymore, I thought only a woman could have thought of this. So I googled it and guess what? In 1886, Josephine Cochran proclaims "If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I'll do it myself." And she did, Josephine Cochran invented the first practical (did the job) dishwasher. She founded a company to manufacture these dish washers, which eventually became KitchenAid.
Leave it to us women to invent the more important things in life.
Now, excuse me I must go load my dishwasher {smile}.
Can’t wait to share with you the washer and dryer that are coming my way.
It has been weeks sence my local Goodwill has had anything really worthwhile to offer up. So imagine my thrill last Friday when I found these little goodies.
Books, books and more books.
I love to find fabulous kids books.
One can never have too many copies of Mike Mulligan.
Or a neat book on tractors.
These books were in fabulous shape; their dust jackets still looked new. And they were all to Mandy and signed by the author.
Honest to goodness Gabe and Hannah went giddy over them.
A cute little clock.
A nice craft jar.
Something to fill the hole over our tallboy.
And a framed print, in just the right color.
And this, I just couldn’t pass up. I love the texture and lines. I have NO idea what the heck it is or what I am going to do with it yet. My gut was telling me to get it. All of this for a mear $19.34! Let's all say it togather...I L.O.V.E. Goodwill!
Happy hunting everyone! Thrift Thursday - The Shabby Chic Cottage
So, while organizing throwing out the kids Valentine candy this weekend, I got inspired!
Wal-mart had these super cute marshmallow cupcake suckers the kiddos happened to get a few of. And if you did too, have ya’ tried to eat them yet? Let me tell you I am a Peep o’holic, and love anything to do with a gooey marshmallow. But these things taste like raw dough. Instead of tossing them I created with them.
Grabbing a frame that I purchased a few weeks ago at my local Goodwill.
Along with my never ending red burlap and some handy tools.
The frame got a nice new coat of paint. I spray achieved the burlap to the board. Cut the sticks of the suckers and applied a nice clear sealant. In retrospect this was not necessary. The marshmallow absorbed it all. And in due time they will just dry out and harden up.
I ‘m loving the color combination and the smile it will bring to someone. Yep, that one in the middle is not staying inline.
Remember, rethink what you're about to throw out, ya’ just never know what it can become. Sharing over at Blue Cricket Design - Thrift Thursday - Transformation Thursday
I think every family has a few of these.
One of our family {minus the husband} favorites is Tuna Noodle Casserole. My mom used to make it for us when my dad was away on hunting trips {he didn’t like it either}. It gave us something to look forward to when we knew he was going to be away.
And now I have passed that on to my kiddos. When Ryan’s season starts, and he heads back out on the road, this is the first thing we have when he leaves.
I also personally request it for my birthday etc..
The reason that Ryan turns his nose up is the tuna factor. But, it taste’s just as yummy made with chicken.
One cardinal rule that cannot be broken, you must use the fat cheap tuna. No tuna packed in water, it just won’t taste as rich. And as you can tell I left it out of the picture.
Click here for a printable Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
I will be linking up to these other fabulous sites. Stop by if you are looking for a few new things to break up your food rut. Beauty and Bedlam - Tempt my Tummy - Tuesday's at the Table - Foodie Friday
So, this was my first “big” giveaway for The Gaines Gang. I have been completely blown away with all my wonderful new followers and their fabulous blogs.
It’s been so much fun visiting you’ll!
And, I so want each and every one of you to win. But, sadly there can only be one.
The kids and I went old school, tossing all the comments in a bowl. Held it high in the air, letting Hannah pick the one lucky duck.
Hubs walks by and asks “how are people going to know that you didn’t stage the winner?” Hmm…. I guess because I am an HONEST person. That thought never crossed my mind! Makes me wonder about him a tad bit {smile}! Anywhoo…. I have two little ones that can contest that this was the straight and clean winner.
Congrats Jennifer from JRU Studios
Thanks again to everyone that participated. I look forward to sharing some great ideas with all my newbie followers! Along with a few more fabulous giveaways down the road…stay tuned!
The Goodwill gods have showered me with love! When I picked up little man from school yesterday this sign was hanging on the empty building next door.
Can you hear the trumpets and hallelujahs?
I can hardly wait till they open in less than thirty days. On the down side, little man only has about 3 more months at this school before attending another school, on the opposite side of town.
But, oh the possibilities that await my crafty little mind{smile}!
Happy Friday, and good luck to ya'll that have entered my Le Cresuset giveaway.
Sitting here on my bar stool excited to announce an awesome giveaway for you featuring two fantastic cooking products! Courtesy of CSN Stores , one lucky reader will receive two Le Creuset baking dishes (9'' and 5'' Square) in Caribbean.
Starting today, February 18th, anyone can enter by completing one {or both} easy tasks: (1) become a follower (if you haven't already) by clicking 'Follow' on the right hand side of the blog. (2) post this giveaway on your blog and link back to me { don’t forget to comment and let me know you did so I can check it out}. So easy! On Monday, February 22nd the kiddos will pick a name out of a hat and announce the winner.
Le Crueset's Baking Dishes can be used in the oven, broiler or microwave and will not absorb odors or flavors. They are resistant to chipping, scratching and staining, plus both are beautiful and colorful pieces perfect for any kitchen!
Good luck!
* Giveaway to close 6 a.m. Sunday Feb. 21st!
I will be posting this at all these great sites Thrift Thursday - The Shabby Chic Cottage - Somewhat Simple - Finding Fabulous - Show and tell Friday - Muss Mustard Seed - Funky Junk Interiors
Ok, I need your help. Duh! Don’t know why I didn’t think to ask ya’ll first.
Seems that things like to break at my home in threes, yes THREE’S! Stinks, I know!
We need a new dishwasher and washer/ dryer set.
I have been all over the web researching. First, we want good quality followed by a decent price.
Looking a Bosch and Maytag, but won’t buy from Home Depot, Lowes etc..They say they sell the same models. However, they are made with cheaper parts in order to offer such a discount at these mass chain stores.
I am VERY hesitant on a front loading washing machine, and like the Maytag Cabrio Top loader.
If money were no object I would own this Speed Queen set {$3,800}
Please give me any advice you can share!
A BIG THANKS!
When we built our home, five years ago, I really wanted woodwork with some character to it. So, when we stumbled upon Alder wood, it was love at first sight.
{see that door hanging?}
The knot holes and textured distressed look was perfect, and we proceeded to install in throughout our home.
The downside of Alder wood is that it's a very soft wood, and does not hold up well to children hanging on them wear-n-tear.
Every now and then the hinges will come loose on the doors with the most use.
Here is a quick trick I do to fix it right up.
You'll need a hammer, Phillips screwdriver and a few toothpicks.
Unscrew the loose hinge.
Shove about 3-4 toothpicks into the hole {more or less depending on the size of your hole}. Use your hammer to nail them in good and tight, and to break them off flush.
Then simply screw back into where you whole once was.
Now your door will hang just right.
Stop back by tomorrow for a fabulous giveaway!
I will be sharing this over at Works-for-me and
Ahhh… the aroma alone is enough to cook this.
Anytime I want to put a smile on my family’s face I make it.
The thing is, it doesn’t get any easier than this!
Gather up you ingredients.
* Just an itty bitty tip. Please insure that your roasting pan is deep enough to hold the drippings. If not, the possibility of catching your stove on fire is highly likely. Then learning that flour DOES NOT put out grease fires, but in fact fuels them. You will end up standing outside your home in your PJ’s{no makeup} as you meet your new neighbors and discuss the methods that your local fire department are using. Only then to clean up the aftermath on just how far a fire extinguisher can reach. But, not that I would know that, no sir!
The Brisket
5-6 lbs brisket WITH FAT
Liquid Smoke
Salt
Pepper
Celery Salt
Paprika
Nutmeg
Parsley flakes
Garlic powder or salt
Sprinkle and rub all ingredients onto both sides of the brisket refrigerate overnight. Cook in a preheated oven at 300*. Fat side needs to be placed fat side up. This allows all the wonderful flavors to drip through your brisket. Bake uncovered for the first hour then cover with foil for the remaining cooking.
Remove and let stand for about 30 minutes. Trim off fat and enjoy.
Taking a double look at the picture below, I promise this is not an alligator head!
Looking for more great recipes visit these other great blogs.
Beauty and Bedlam - Tempt my Tummy - Estimated cooking time is about 4-5 hours for a 5-6 lb brisket. I tend to bake about a 10 lb brisket for around 7 hours. I shred up what we don’t eat mix with BBQ sauce and freeze. Makes for great chopped BBQ brisket sandwiches.
My baby had yet another “first” this week.
It was hanging on by a thread with its entire mite. We talked him through it, and with just a nudge of his hand, it was out. No blood was shed, but he was prepared with a dark cold washcloth. Lucky for Gabe I had just finished his tooth fairy pillow a few days earlier.
So with one good look.
In it went.
Snug as a bug, waiting to be scooped up by the tooth fairy.
Daddy takes Hannah out a few times a year, just the two of them. But, there is one night a year that she always looks forward to.
It’s about the dress.
The peep toe shoes and glittered nails.
The perfect hairdo and a touch of gloss.
Pretty pink roses, that smell like a dream.
And daddy…
Just the two of them all dressed up going out for dinner and dancing. It’s a time that Ryan reinforces what is expected of a young man. Opening of doors, listening, and curfews. We know she is only 9, but these nights, I am sure, will be filed away with her childhood memories. And we hope that she remembers how special she is and to never settle for less.
Little man took me out for Chick-Fil-La and a Barnes & Noble stop. He managed to open all the heavy doors and cleaned our table without being asked. And nothing can top holding your sons 5 year old hand on date night!
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