Its almost February - Resolutions Update

Okay, its not quite one month yet, but with February just around the corner, and possibly 2 of the most busiest weeks I've EVER had behind me, I feel like it is a good time for an update on my New Year's Resolutions. Kind of a status scorecard, I guess.

If you remember, I had three

1. Get in control of my finances.
   
2. Have the electrical service changed over to 100 amp (this will require saving $ and so will depend on #1).
   
3. Develop a plan for my basement.
   

So, here's where I stand.

1. Finances. I have done something. I am counting that as a small victory. I have updated my budget and spend worksheet to keep track of what I'm spending and try to cut where I am being a little too lavish. I also got the book "The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton. We read this in university and friend suggested I re-read it, and actually try to apply what I learn. Not a bad idea. Where did I fall down on this resolution? A Nine West sale was too tempting to pass up! With new shoes on foot, now I'm set to keep the spending down and get the finances in control!


2. Electrical. Okay, really, this one is somewhat dependant on #1. I have a contractor in mind, but I've had the name for four months now and not done anything with it. In February, I will call him and get a quote. In the meantime, my savings account is reserved for this task and my recent, second income will fund this.


3. The basement. This is more longterm, but I did find this really cute design idea last fall, that I still think would work.

Large Space Requiring Some Colour ? Try a Quilt!

While stalking the internet for storage ideas, I came across this easy decorating idea at Apartment Therapy. Do you have a huge wall that you are in desperate need of decor? Why not invoke a little country charma and hang a quilt!

Be sure to read the comments on some proper ideas for hanging, so you don't damage your grandma's heirloom gift.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/artwork/how-to-hang-a-quilt-artisticallyboston-051328

Savvy Homegirl - 1, Cats - 0

Okay, that is probably not an accurate score. My cats typically win. Always, really. I think I have outsmarted them for now, however.

One of my co-workers loves this story. I came home from 2 weeks of travelling in the fall, and I arrived back at my house late at night. Throwing my bags onto my floor and crawling into bed, I noticed the rooted-up plant in the corner but thought little of it. I must have left my door open, and Penny and Fergie spent the week terrorizing my bedroom.

Only hours later, I was awoke by a loud bang in the basement. Certainly nothing that was normal. Still not fully awake, I ignored it, only to roll over and see a little, furry head poke up from my cold air vent. A few more tries, and Penny pushed the vent cover aside and climbed up out of the vent!!

Since this day, I have been forced to keep my pet monsters out of the basement. I had yet to find the vent they were getting in through, although I knew that they patrolled the rafters of my basement regularly.

But no more! This weekend, after realizing that no open crevice was safe from their nimble limbs, I raided Dollarama's pantyhose section, and I went to work closing all the open duct work. It is not the most attractive handiwork, but for now, it seems to be keeping my rascal cats out of the vents.

Now I will wait to see how long it takes them to realize that they can claw right through the barrier. For now though, the score is even!

How to Install Quarter Round

I moved into my house to discover that it had many 'almost-done projects', and the quarter-round was one of these. There wasn't any in the living room or hallway!

It was not a hard task to finish, and it is incredible the difference in making my house look "done". It was also an easy job to do in the house (or basement) that left very little mess behind.

What you will need:

• Quarter-round: Usually sold in 8 ft sections at Home Depot. Measure the total amount that you will need. You will also need to decide how wide/high you want the quarter round. For me, this was determined by the width of the gap that I had to cover where my hardwood did not quite meet the wall.


• Mitre box and saw (look for a combo set at Home Depot)


• Paint to match your trim


• Finishing nails, hammer and punch

Installing the Quarter round:

1. Measure (twice) to determine the lengths you need. Mark with a pencil on the quarter round where you will need to cut. Remember - always measure twice and cut once!


2. Cut the sections by laying the quarter round into the mitre box. Place the saw in the appropriate groove and cut the quarter round at your pencil mark. The sections should then fit together on an angle.


3. Paint all the quarter round once it's cut.


4. Using finishing nails, use the punch to hold the nails, and hammer into place. A nail every 2-3 feet should be sufficient. You'll need to hammer these in on an angle, so they attach to the wall, almost where it meets the floor. All your pieces should fit together.

Now I just need to locate some hardwood caps to cover the gap between my living room floor and the kitchen ceramic tile!

Beat the Winter Blahs

According to CTV News tonight, it is common for seasonal depression to set in this time of year - early nights, endless dreary days, and the bitter cold we experienced last week are all contributors. Add to that the busyiest three months of the year at work, and I have a serious case of the winter blahs.




My futile efforts to keep my sanity have thus far proved successful. Here are a few of my strategies:

• Make a pie, bake brownies, cook up a mini-feast. By now, I've recovered from the baking hangover of the holidays, and I find the whipping and stirring actions in baking something yummy always relax me. Sure, we may be trying to cut back, but there's no reason you can't share your creation with your friends, neighbours or coworkers.


• Get a massage. It doesn't require much explanation, but I can not believe that I have not been to a massage therapist before recently. Talk about a new addiction!


• Go bargain shopping! Watching the budget? Head to Value Village for some unique decor finds and pick up a savings calender. For $2, you will get coupons to use throughout the year. I picked up some extra blankets, new curtains and some additions to my "blue" collection in my bedroom.


• Not a lot of time to visit? Grab coffee with a close friend and spend 30 minutes at the coffee shop enjoying your latte and catching up. It's amazing how refreshed you feel after a good gab session.
  
• Spend an evening or weekend curled up on the couch watching one of the 'classics' and don't feel guilty about everything else that's waiting - Four Weddings and A Funeral anyone?
  
• Declutter your surroundings. Got the Christmas decorations down but haven't managed to get them put away? Dedicate an hour to getting the clutter gone, and you'll be able to focus on the things that matter, not the mess that awaits you at home.
  
• Hit the slopes or the trails. Taking up a winter sport is one of the best ways to make the season pass quicker. The exercise and time outdoors will also energize you, so you'll be ready to tackle the challenges that wait indoors.

Happy Winter!

My Acts of Green

I often download CBC's "The Hour" podcast to listen to on my way to work. Not only is George Stroumboulopoulos incredibly entertaining, but I always learn or gain new insight into the issues of discussion.

Currently, they are rallying Canadians to carry out 1 Million "Acts of Green" - actions, habits or things you can do everyday to reduce your carbon footprint and make the earth a little less affected.

Thus far, I am already doing 17 Acts of Green, for a total reduction of 1640 kg of greenhouse gases (or GHG). Some of mine include:

• Set Your Thermostat to 18C (65F) or Less in the Winter
  
• Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter Every Season
  
• Replace an Incandescent Light Bulb With a Compact Fluorescent Bulb
  
• Air Dry Clothes
  
• Use A Refillable Coffee Cup
  
• Replace Plastic Bags With Reusable Bags
  
• Pack a Litterless Lunch
  
• Donate Clothes and Other Used Goods
  

A new one I am striving for in 2009 - Using a reusable, stainless steel water bottle.

Go to One Million Acts of Green to sign up your commitment. Only 176,471 acts left to go! (As of today!)

Savvy Homegirl is NOT Savvy Cargirl!!

So, no big surprise here, but I arrived back at the airport last night to find... my car would not start!! I even disconnected the battery before I left, because I heard that it was going to be cold this week.

Turns out, at -25 degrees every night, even that tactic does not work. So, after freezing my tootsies off in my Kansas City-suited footwear (which doesn't stand up as well to the frozen, white north), the parking lot attendant boosted my car, and I was on my way again. A hassle I could do without after five hours of travelling? Most certainly.


Needless to say, since I still haven't bought a block heater or trickle charger, the car's attempt to start this morning was pathetic at best. Now I am waiting for CAA to come out again to give me a boost.


It could be worse. I could be sitting in the dark, waiting for CAA, like many Torontonians are probably doing this morning. That reminds me, I should pick up a flashlight and candles when I get a trickle charger.