PUR

I've always been somewhat of my environmental impact and try to do what I can. Recently, as I changed my water pitcher's filter, it reminded me to contact PUR's customer service to inquire about recycling their filters. I know Brita and Zero water have a recycling program. Here is the response from PUR:

Thank you for your recent email.

I would like to inform you that PUR has recently been purchased by Kaz Inc. from Proctor and Gamble.  Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a program or suggestions for recycling PUR products.  I would suggest contacting your local waste management company for recycling recommendations.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Kaz is committed to offering quality customer service and we hope we have done this for you.  Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require further assistance.

Please visit our website www.kaz.com to view all of our current products and Web Specials/Rebates! The site also contains many Frequently asked questions, pricing, and the Owner Manuals for the products.

Nicholas Marszalkowski
Consumer Relations Specialist

I wish I had purchased a Brita or Zero water filtration system years ago instead of PUR. I wasn't aware back then of the issue. 

So now the question is, do I still stick with PUR (using what I already have, with no current solution, in hopes of future improvements in recycling)? Or purchase another system (spending money, purchasing a new system which is a waste of energy for a redundant product, and donate my PUR but not solving the landfill reduction in regards to filters)?

Landline

A good reason why we have the antiquated landline...

Dine In

We got a big new dining table recently and it's my dream dining table. What makes it my ideal table? It's solid (oak to be exact) - which means it's not going anywhere or will it tip over when you lean on it; it's round - which means no one sits at a corner; and can be extended to accommodate a bunch of people when needed, up to 8 or 10 (depending on how close everyone wants to be); it has a pedestal stand - which means no outside legs for anyone to straddle. Unless that's your thing of course, in that case don't dine here.

It also came with a table pad shown in the last photo, but I'm not sure what to use that for? Is that for card games? And if so, why do you need a pad to play card games?

I love my new table! I can envision homework sprawled out messily during finals, yards of fabric strewn across it for sewing projects, curtains being ironed (if I actually ironed them, does anyone actually do that?), piles of laundry folded on it, intense rounds of scrabble or bananagrams that couldn't be interrupted, and of course large feasts with friends and family (if they lived near).

And even if none of the above occurs, I just love that I could imagine it. Because it could.

I know that oak isn't really in fashion right now. Or old fashioned, traditional dining tables. Or even clunky wooden furniture. But I love this new addition - makes our house feel more like a home. Do you have a piece of furniture you feel the same way about?

Flat Broke

Thanks to Karma, this is no more:

Ever since we went away for July 4th, she has become an absolute TV junkie. And I don't mean her eyes happen to be pointing at the screen when she's on the couch.

It used to be that she would hear animal sounds on the TV and run up and watch. Or maybe look for the ball during tennis matches, as they whiz across the screen.

Quickly her favorite commercials became: King Kong 3D Universal Studios, Empire Flooring, and Cymbalta. But now it's anything on TV. And her watching habits have become, how do I say, interactive?

She killed the screen in 2 shots. First was the Empire Flooring commercial, where there is an animated cat at the end*. And then the final shot was when a woman was walking her dog at the end of a Cymbalta commercial.

After she slaughtered the TV screen, she would continue to sit and watch the black screen. As if hoping for it to turn on. She's even moved onto watching computer screens now. Her new favorite activity is to Skype.

Anyway.

RIP little guy.

To the TV grave yard you go tomorrow (monthly e-waste collection).

*if we sing "588-2300 EMPIRE" she will run to the TV screen.

Window Opportunity

We came to a decision regarding our windows...

Here was our list of pros and cons to help us come to this decision:

Pros of DIY:

1. all money goes towards the windows, which means we can get top of the line windows
2. top of the line windows would obviously qualify for the energy efficiency tax credit
3. after this project, we'd know how to install windows
4. $400 off right off the bat by opening 2 new Home Depot credit cards
5. rental of truck is pretty cheap (we get first hour free with the Home Depot credit card)
6. rental of scaffolding is pretty cheap (like $70 a week)

Cons of DIY:

1. rental of a vehicle to pick up the windows
2. rental of extra tall ladders and scaffolding
3. need tons of caulk to seal around the windows, and other finishing touches
4. disposing old windows
5. we have a 2 story house
6. I'm not very big or strong
7. if we broke or dropped a window, that's a lot of money wasted
8. if we broke or dropped a window, that's several weeks until a replacement arrives (and see #1 of this list)
9. we're going into rainy season

Pros of pros (professionals):

1. the windows they offer qualify for the energy efficiency tax credit
2. we sign the dotted line and they do everything in 1 day
3. we instantly free up a lot of time by not having to study up on this and making several hundred trips to the hardware store
4. we instantly free up a lot of time by not planning to do this on nights and weekends
5. they guarantee their labor
6. they have all the proper permits and know all the current city codes and laws
7. we don't have to source tools or ladders
8. we don't have to worry about how to get the new windows here
9. we don't have to worry about how to get rid of the old windows

Cons of pros (professionals):

1. it costs a lot more
2. they will see our messy house

So as you can see by my lists above (or by the photo), we decided to get 'er done by the pros.

When they came to give us a free quote, they informed us that our city's new laws require all windows to be tempered glass, and they have all the appropriate permits that are apparently required to do this job. We didn't know about any of this.

We got a quote and it seemed reasonable, at less than double the price of DIY, for better windows (rated #1 by J.D. Power and Associates), with an awesome warranty - a double lifetime warranty. What's that? It means that the warranty carries over to the next homeowners as well. And it covers accidental breakage. And we can use our Home Depot credit card to finance this super blingy job.

This was all music to my ears.

So we offered him leftover Halloween candy, signed on the dotted lines, and handed over our plastic.

Hallelujah.

Window Shopping

We have been window shopping (literally) because we are getting NEW WINDOWS! I am not sure if I have mentioned before that our windows are original to our 1973 house, which means they have been around longer than my parents have been in this country!

Here are photos of our current windows from the exterior:

And a close up on the interior:

And here's how I've dealt with them for the past 2 years:

Unfortunately the new retrofits won't cover this stuff up so we'll have to finally address it:

We measured all 9 of our windows last week. We are planning to get 3 casements, 7 side sliding, and 1 picture window. So we are replacing all 9 windows in our home. And if you're crunching the numbers you'll see that it looks like I do funny math but we are upgrading our old windows while we're at it - adding 3 casements. And that doesn't add up either because 2 of the casements are going in 1 window. Y'all are keeping me accountable!

Why are we replacing our windows? Why don't we want to stay in the 70's with our old aluminum frames that rock back and forth instead of slide? Well here is the number one reason, but also because there's a Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency that expires at the end of this year. That's in a little over a month. We love to wait until the last minute (and Rylie breaking her leg last year didn't help the matter either)...

Anyway, with the tax credit, you get 30% of the cost (not including labor and installation) back up to $1500. Reaching that $1500 max is no problem when you're doing an entire house. And if you plan on getting new windows, just go ahead and do the whole house - everything will match and labor will be quicker/easier/cheaper. And you have to get qualifying windows (but why wouldn't you? The ones that don't qualify must suck). Just be sure to file tax form 5695 with your 2010 return, and keep a copy of your manufacturer's certification statement for your records (a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that their product qualifies for this credit which can be found on their website).

So much research to do - what brand? Vinyl? Grids? Casements? Egress? Tempered? Hinges on which sides? And THE biggest question is - DIY or get 'er done by professionals or a combination of the two? Suggestions?

Scared of My Own...

home? No, I didn't turn my house into a haunted one but if this isn't scary, I don't know what is!

This is the old vanity from the master bath.

This is/was the beau's studio.

Here is his new studio after swapping rooms.

Here is the hallway, still with a toilet tank but now filled with old air vents!

And this ladies and gents, is the master bedroom. Because we might need an old light fixture or $90 worth of wigs nearby right?

Or a vacuum, subwoofer and computer keyboard, no?

This is one of the night stands. And something Rylie hacked up on it. With a bag full of junk mail next to it.

There are no sweet dreams happening here. Only nightmares...

Clearing Up the Air

I have a dirty secret. Literally. And it involves this:

(my furnace)

I have never changed the air filter in this thing since I've lived here. I have no excuse because I have pets. And eczema.

So that's where this comes in:

I ordered a 6 pack from Amazon. Not that kind of 6 pack. Or that kind either. Although I would be happy with either. Or both!

First take out 1 filter, and put away the rest. Then cut along the top to access the filter, but don't remove the plastic case completely (you'll soon see why).

Then head to your nasty old air filter located under your furnace:

Remove the old air filter*. And brace yourself:

How gah-rows is that? Big time yuck.

This is when you finally remove the plastic sleeve off the new filter, and carefully slide it over the old one:

Mark your new filter with the date you installed it:

Now slide the clean new one where you pulled the gross old one out.

Now toss the old filter and try to forget you let that happen. And then sit back and take a deep breath.

But before you forget the horror, here's one last look at how nasty mine was. *You saw right, it said '30 Day' on the old filter (and indeed it's been a year and half since we've lived here). Are you horrified? Did we beat the world record for air filter procrastination/ignorance?

Have you any similar horrors? Obviously, I won't judge...

Square the Circle

I have no idea what this is:

I think it has no current day use as it has several coats of paint over it (a couple from myself).

It's on a pass-through wall with a thermostat. Any idea what it could have been for?

Rain? Check.

When it rains:

It pours:

Stay warm and dry. And don't forget to donate to Haiti.

Sticking to it

How many and what kinds of glues and adhesives do you keep around?

Front row (L to R): Outdoor adhesive, Clear silicone rubber sealant, 5 min. epoxy, JB Weld
Back row (L to R): Drywall corner bead adhesive, Laminate tongue & groove adhesive, wood glue, crazy glue, Gorilla glue

I forgot to include all the caulking I have.

Is my adhesive collection complete? Am I missing anything? Got an awesome glue to share?

Avoiding the Draft

My New Year's resolution for 2010 will be to stop throwing money out the window. And since I like a good head start, I weatherstripped our windows.

Here's what you'll need and how to do it, if you're lucky enough to have ancient windows like me:

Rubbing alcohol, paper towel (or a rag), tape measure, scissors, weatherstrip (appropriate width for your window)


First, open up your window and clean your cracks (or tracks, jambs if you take offense and want to be technical) with rubbing alcohol and paper towel. This will clean up greasy stuff, and general debris. Let it dry (which won't take long).

Then measure the crack-track-jamb and cut weatherstrip to length.

Then remove the adhesive strip and stick inside the area you just measured.

Close your window tightly, and you're done. If you have side sliding windows (or doors), do it on the sides. If you have regular up-down windows, do it on the top and bottom.

I should have done this a year ago, but we thought we were going to replace all our windows. Which is also why we didn't bother doing a decent job painting around the windows. Just ignore that :)

Do you have old original windows in your home? Is your place drafty? Are new windows crazy expensive like I think they will be (none of ours are standard sizes)? Do you have any resolutions for the new year that you can't wait to get started on?

Fancy-Pants Living

The holiday season is a time for splurging and living the life. It's a time of using your good dishes (or in my case, just matching dishes), buying good wines, and no limits for calorie consumption. It's fancy living to the fullest!

But why should treating yourself to some finer things in life be limited to the holiday season? [insert big shrug here] Here are a few small ways I keep on living fancy year round:

Snip some fresh flowers or greenery from the garden. Free and fancy!

Use cloth napkins. Could be free if you made them yourself using scrap fabric. And definitely will save you money in the long run. Definitely green! And fancy!

Keep a bowl of fresh fruit. It's nutritious. It adds color to your home. And becomes an instant centerpiece. You can look at it and then eat it. What's not to like?

Snag a lemon from said fruit bowl and put a slice in your water. Instant fancy!

Got any more fancy living tips that anyone can achieve?

Wish List

Each year for the past several years, we've requested no gifts for the holidays. Why? Well here, let me list the reasons, I love any opportunity for a list:

1. We don't live near any family, so everything would have to be shipped
2. Space is precious and limited (especially when we still lived in the apartment) so we don't need any more 'stuff'
3. This automatically eliminates any possible stress (did I mention I hate shopping?) on what to get us
4. This saves everyone money (we couldn't be happy knowing our gifts are breaking our loves ones' banks)
5. If gifts are a must we've suggested options of consumable items, handmade items, or inexpensive items
6. This directs the holiday's focus on the more important things rather than the materialistic, like sending a card with a nice message that we are missed and loved
   
7. And if a card was forgotten, a phone call would make us just as happy
8. Cash. We will accept cold hard cash. Just kidding. Or are we?
   

Since we've started this tradition of breaking tradition, we've received handmade items, food baskets, wine. And everyone has been on board with the idea!

Even though we request no gifts, it doesn't mean we don't like to dream. Here is my wish list of items I need or would love to have! Uh oh, I sense a list forming:

Image from Amazon.com

1. Bathroom vent because the one in the powder room is about to die any minute now, and it would be nice to upgrade to an integrated light
   
2. Pendant chandelier to replace the ancient one in our stairway
   
3. 2 storage ottomans to replace our coffee table which is heavy and bulky
   
4. TV console because ours is currently too low and Rylie has gnawed on the edges (thanks Rylie)
   
5. 3 bar stools to replace the ones that I sold. These have a smaller footprint.
6. Lever for the entryway door to the garage, it's the only one left in the house to switch out
7. Dimmable CFL bulbs for the chandelier in the dining room, surprisingly expensive and hard to find
8. Area rug for the living room that actually matches stuff and didn't come from a dead guy's house (we bought our current one at an estate sale where the homeowner passed away)
9. Buffet/sideboard/credenza/server/console/bar cabinet to store infrequently used kitchen things that are currently in the back of the coat closet
10. Electric hedge trimmer to keep the Creeping Fig in check
11. Roundup to show Creeping Fig who's boss
12. Power core aerator to loosen our compacted lawn (thanks dogs)
    
13. Soil pH and moisture tester to know what amendments our lawn needs
    
14. Fireplace draft stop balloon to well, stop drafts
15. Latex Window Glazing, because if you haven't noticed it's really drafty here
16. Caulking gun to apply said glazing
    
17. mailbox and new post because our mail box is rusty and won't close all the way and attached to a post that is hanging onto a retaining wall by 1 loose nail
    
18. A hard-sided cooler with drain plug to keep beers in during parties, and to keep our food in at flyball tournaments
    
19. Chiminea or outdoor fireplace because the firepit is really smokey on windy nights
    
20. More solar lights
21. Outdoor lights over our garage
22. An integrated hose and reel for the front spigot, so I can stop toting the one from the back
    
23. Artificial grass for the incline
24. Wheelbarrow for future lawn redo and possibly to cart around a dog or two around the neighborhoods so that we can cement our role as the neighborhood dog freaks

What's on your wish list? It's fun to come up with one even if no one reads it...

Stool elimination

Sorry about the post title, I can't get enough of poop jokes...

But this post is about bar stools again. This time, it's not fixing or refinishing, but getting rid of. Last year on move-in day, the boyfriend was sent off to buy a fridge from someone locally, and came home with a pair of these:



And oddly enough, a free book.

Anyway, back to the stools. They were heavy (but sturdy), large, and matched nothing in our house. I'm sure they would fit right in if we lived in a German pub.

So we kept them for a year. And then week before last, I sold them on craigslist for twice the amount I paid for (which was not much). I wasn't sure if they'd sell, but indeed they went. I should have included the book...

Tool Around

Thanksgiving was our power tool sandwich. We ordered a cordless drill on the morning of, and a tile saw a couple days after. We didn't plan these new purchases but saw some deals we couldn't refuse.

Image courtesy of Lowe's

We've been looking at drills for weeks, maybe even months now, to replace our beloved 12 volt Makita cordless drill (you can spot it here and here). Both batteries have died and no longer hold a charge. At all. We've been doing all our screwing and unscrewing by hand. And when we can't, we resort to nailing. This is making life around the home difficult. Not to mention we can't drill holes at all. We were planning on buying another Makita, as we're big fans of the brand (did you know that they are used in space by NASA?), but we saw a deal on Thanksgiving morning, on Lowe's website ($99) for a DeWalt drill that still kicks our outdated dead drill's butt. And couldn't refuse.

Image courtesy of Home Depot

On Cyber Monday (is this a new term this year I don't recall hearing it before), I saw a deal on a wet tile saw ($99.88 - half off, and cheaper than renting) with 4.5 star reviews on Home Depot's website. To be honest, I wasn't shopping for one, but our next big project will be the master bath. And even though we don't know yet what the plans are for that room, it most certainly involves tile (and therefore tile cutting).

Oooh I can't wait for the new gadgets to arrive (I just tracked the packages and the drill is scheduled to arrive TODAY!). Did you score any awesome deals? Are you awaiting fun toys to arrive on your doorstep? Do tell.

Thankful

This Thanksgiving, I realized what I'm thankful for:

1. Not having a dead hummingbird in my freezer. I buried him and the katydid before the baby shower:

2. Not having a fridge in the living room:


3. Having a range that is actually hooked up:


4. No musty concrete floors (or stinky chemicals applied to them):


5. No exposed live wires or studs:


6. A drywall dust-free living environment:


7. Having a dining table that no longer looks like this:


8. Not cooking in the powder room:


9. And most of all... not washing dishes in the (upstairs) bathtub:


Although I never cooked a Thanksgiving meal in the old kitchen, or in any kitchen - I'm glad I was able to do it in the new one and make enough food to feed several people. How about y'all?