My musings today are on the topic of Spend a Lot and Save a Little (but do it repeatedly!)
House Improvement Spending:
We had the painter we trust to do a good job on our old, many layers of paint, and very large concrete patio out for a consultation. We feel confident that his approach would be the best we could hope for and know it will cost us. This is the last piece of redoing the yard and would make it more pleasant to set up an outdoor eating area or otherwise spend more time out there.
We are waiting for the bid and trying to pick out colors. I say colors because the patio has 2 levels with on step between and people don't see that step unless we point it out. We are going to do the 2 levels in different shades of the same color to get some contrast.
Not Shopping Savings:
I was getting ready to ask around to try to borrow a clothes steamer for the wedding guest dress but thinking I would have to buy one. When searching reviews I was reminded that the steamer I bought for cleaning tile floors has an attachment to steam clothes. I found a YouTube on how to use it properly!
I do like figuring out how to use what I already own. I think if I can get the creases out from how it arrived I can pack it for a brief plane trip without having a problem at the other end. It is washable and can be ironed but I am reluctant before the event is over to do that.
Picking Up Pennies:
I’ll definitely not get rich but I’m now at 15 cents for the year to date. I think Pennie’s are dropped the most because people don’t value them. I use all change for tips at the coffee shop once I have enough so I don’t mind any change.
The Week Ahead
On the calendar are a haircut and Pilates. Possibilities include going to a library presentation on Jack London's photographs and the citywide yard sale on Saturday. As I did for the last yard sale day, I’ll put out with a free sign anything we or our son’s family want to pass on that is in good shape.
We're just beginning to get warm enough here (S Orange County) to think about enjoying our patio in the evening, and I'm so looking forward to it since, like you, we just redid our outdoor space.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying learning about some of the East Bay's many activities that you've been sharing here!
Thanks - I don't think I'm a good source of East Bay activities as there is so much we haven't explored or considered. My town is right next to Berkeley on the north end but very quiet and not large. Lots in Berkeley and Oakland to do though if you want to pursue it and of course SF is just a BART or ferry ride away.
DeleteYou might consider taking the two colors you're using on the patio and paint the vertically edges of the step with strips running up and down the side). Depth perception with two colors in different shades might not read as well as you'd like. I've seen the same idea done using a stencil in bright, colorful flowers.
ReplyDeleteInteresting ideas - thanks.
DeleteWe have a slight step up from the addition to our home to the old 1920 part of the house. Two different floorings and people still trip. Glad that you can use the steamer you already have for the dress. It really is wonderful when something can be used for two different purposes.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I definitely use my cleaning steamer on clothes. Spraying a mixture of equal amount vodka and water helps clean and remove stains. I often do that first, wait for it to dry, then steam.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging!
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