Going to start a Christmas list, because every year, someone asks what I want (no really, I insist, tell me what you want!), and I always forget, at that moment, what I thought of two days before.
• waffle iron
• plasma tv (in case the president of Best Buy wants to get me something)
• Onion chopper/dicer (here's an example)
• Handheld GPS (Costco has one on sale)
Friday, November 10, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
New Home Walk-Through Checklist
When I was told that DR Horton does not permit "others" to accompany homeowners on final walk-throughs, I did some research on the web and compiled a checklist. I'll be so thorough that they'll wish they'd just let be bring my contractor friend.
Pre-Delivery Checklist
Bring a level, measuring tape, notepad/pen, flashlight, mirror, stud-finder …
Doors
• Open and close all doors. See that doors are well-fitted and operate as intended.
• Make sure all six sides are painted – front, back, top, bottom and both ends.
• Be certain locks, including deadbolts, operate properly without binding, and that thresholds are adjusted correctly.
• Look for warping.
• Hinges should be clean and free of paint.
• Sometimes doors must be trimmed to fit. Make sure the cut is at the bottom, that it's straight, and that so much hasn't been cut off that the door is now hollow at the bottom.
• Check that locks are well-installed and do not rattle when the door is closed.
• Check that the exterior doors have been sealed with weather-stripping.
Windows
• Open all windows.
• Determine that locks operate properly.
• Tracks should be lubricated to prevent binding.
• Make sure screens are in place and not torn.
• Look for broken panes.
Walls
• Walk the perimeter of each room, checking floor and ceiling moldings to be sure they are uniform.
• Look for gaps that need caulking, protruding nail heads and proper finish.
• Examine all wall and ceiling surfaces under natural light and, if possible, at night under artificial illumination. Poor drywall work tends to show most when the lights are on.
• Look for visible seams, nail heads that have popped out and other irregularities.
• Be sure the walls are square. Otherwise, the tile floor or patterned vinyl floor will be askew. In such a small space, anything that's out of line will become a constant source of irritation.
• Inspect the wall finishes for uneven paint coverage.
Electrical
• Be sure all wall outlets and switches operate correctly.
• Test light fixtures, making certain they are attached securely and contain the correct-wattage bulbs.
• Locate the main electrical panel and review the function of each circuit breaker and fuse.
• Your new home must be equipped with ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI and AFCI). GFCIs protect bathroom and exterior receptacle circuits, while AFCIs protect bedroom receptacle circuits. Ask your builder how to test these devices.
Flooring
• Tile and vinyl flooring should be clean and free of chips and cracks.
• Check for missing grout, and be sure molding is installed and painted or stained.
• Walk all carpeted areas, checking for loose fits at the edges, ripples in the middle and squeaks in the subfloor.
• Walk across all floors. You should hear only a minimum of squeaks and notice a minimum of spring when walking on the floor. Due to the nature of wood, a wood floor system will have a certain amount of unevenness.
• See that floor coverings have a relatively flat surface.
• Examine seams in carpets and vinyl to ensure they are tight.
• Inspect ceramic tiles for surface cracks. Joints between ceramic tiles should be well-filled with grout.
• Inspect flooring for damage.
• Examine carpeting for stains or shade variations.
Kitchen
• Check countertops for scratches and abrasions, a frequent complaint. Counters are a magnet for toolboxes from every trade.
• Also make sure the cabinets and appliances are level and properly anchored to the wall or secured to the countertops.
• Check all doors and drawers. They should open fully and without binding.
• Ask for the instruction manuals for every appliance in the house – the range, refrigerator, dishwasher, furnace, heat pump, water heater, electronic thermostat, everything.
Bathrooms
• Look for scratches and nicks in the sink as well as the shower enclosure and tub. Workmen like to put their toolboxes there as well.
• Check that the sink and tub stoppers hold water, and that the shower strainer is fastened securely.
• Make certain the toilet is securely fastened to the floor. Don't test the commode by trying to rock the fixture back and forth. That will break a seal that's correctly installed. Just sitting on it is enough to tell if it is tight.
• While sitting there, close the door and take a long, hard look at the walls and other surfaces to make sure they are acceptable. Flaws show up most when semi-gloss paint is used, and that's what bathrooms should be painted with, not flat paint.
• While you're at it, be sure to see if the toilet-paper dispenser is at the right distance and height. If it isn't, you may have to be a contortionist to reach the roll.
• Check for chips in bathtubs, toilets and sinks.
• Ensure that all faucets work properly.
• Check that cabinets are securely fixed to the wall.
• Examine caulking around tub and shower enclosures and at countertop backsplashes.
Heating/Air-conditioning
• Test for cold A/C.
• Check the furnace and hot water heater.
• Ask about the capacity, shut-off mechanisms and the type of filtering systems installed.
• Review the operation of your heating system.
• Locate the furnace filters and ask about their care and maintenance.
• Ensure that heat registers are not located below a thermostat.
• Check the location and number of cold air returns and make sure they are unobstructed.
• Learn the location of any fuel lines (gas, propane or oil) and understand how to operate any shut-off devices on these lines.
Mechanical ventilation
• Locate the switches for ventilation and circulation fans (normally placed near the thermostat).
• Locate supplemental fans and switches in each bathroom and in the kitchen and ensure they are operating. Make sure you understand how to achieve proper ventilation in order to avoid condensation problems which may not be covered under the warranty.
Plumbing
• Locate the shut-off valves for the main water supply and the location of other shut-off valves throughout your home.
Kitchen
• Check for damage to countertops, cupboard doors, sinks and appliances.
• Ensure that cabinet doors are properly aligned.
• Check spaces for standard appliances unless specific measurements were given to your builder. The space allotted for your appliances should be correct.
• Test the range hood fan and light.
• Make sure there are electrical outlets above the counter.
Closets
• Make sure that doors are secure and that they open and close easily.
Upgrades and options
• Rain glass it kitchen cupboards.
• Rain glass shower enclosures.
• Tile in kitchen and bathrooms.
• Vinyl in laundry.
• Marble in bathrooms.
• Granite in kitchen.
• Correct carpet and pad.
Stand your ground
Builders have been known to try to pressure customers into closing even though there is a laundry list of outstanding issues. But stand your ground. Builders live and die on cash flow, so you have some power, too.
Be sure the builder explains how the house's mechanical systems work – the electrical service panel, the furnace and water heater, the thermostat. Also find out where the water shutoffs are located for each connection.
Pre-Delivery Checklist
Bring a level, measuring tape, notepad/pen, flashlight, mirror, stud-finder …
Doors
• Open and close all doors. See that doors are well-fitted and operate as intended.
• Make sure all six sides are painted – front, back, top, bottom and both ends.
• Be certain locks, including deadbolts, operate properly without binding, and that thresholds are adjusted correctly.
• Look for warping.
• Hinges should be clean and free of paint.
• Sometimes doors must be trimmed to fit. Make sure the cut is at the bottom, that it's straight, and that so much hasn't been cut off that the door is now hollow at the bottom.
• Check that locks are well-installed and do not rattle when the door is closed.
• Check that the exterior doors have been sealed with weather-stripping.
Windows
• Open all windows.
• Determine that locks operate properly.
• Tracks should be lubricated to prevent binding.
• Make sure screens are in place and not torn.
• Look for broken panes.
Walls
• Walk the perimeter of each room, checking floor and ceiling moldings to be sure they are uniform.
• Look for gaps that need caulking, protruding nail heads and proper finish.
• Examine all wall and ceiling surfaces under natural light and, if possible, at night under artificial illumination. Poor drywall work tends to show most when the lights are on.
• Look for visible seams, nail heads that have popped out and other irregularities.
• Be sure the walls are square. Otherwise, the tile floor or patterned vinyl floor will be askew. In such a small space, anything that's out of line will become a constant source of irritation.
• Inspect the wall finishes for uneven paint coverage.
Electrical
• Be sure all wall outlets and switches operate correctly.
• Test light fixtures, making certain they are attached securely and contain the correct-wattage bulbs.
• Locate the main electrical panel and review the function of each circuit breaker and fuse.
• Your new home must be equipped with ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI and AFCI). GFCIs protect bathroom and exterior receptacle circuits, while AFCIs protect bedroom receptacle circuits. Ask your builder how to test these devices.
Flooring
• Tile and vinyl flooring should be clean and free of chips and cracks.
• Check for missing grout, and be sure molding is installed and painted or stained.
• Walk all carpeted areas, checking for loose fits at the edges, ripples in the middle and squeaks in the subfloor.
• Walk across all floors. You should hear only a minimum of squeaks and notice a minimum of spring when walking on the floor. Due to the nature of wood, a wood floor system will have a certain amount of unevenness.
• See that floor coverings have a relatively flat surface.
• Examine seams in carpets and vinyl to ensure they are tight.
• Inspect ceramic tiles for surface cracks. Joints between ceramic tiles should be well-filled with grout.
• Inspect flooring for damage.
• Examine carpeting for stains or shade variations.
Kitchen
• Check countertops for scratches and abrasions, a frequent complaint. Counters are a magnet for toolboxes from every trade.
• Also make sure the cabinets and appliances are level and properly anchored to the wall or secured to the countertops.
• Check all doors and drawers. They should open fully and without binding.
• Ask for the instruction manuals for every appliance in the house – the range, refrigerator, dishwasher, furnace, heat pump, water heater, electronic thermostat, everything.
Bathrooms
• Look for scratches and nicks in the sink as well as the shower enclosure and tub. Workmen like to put their toolboxes there as well.
• Check that the sink and tub stoppers hold water, and that the shower strainer is fastened securely.
• Make certain the toilet is securely fastened to the floor. Don't test the commode by trying to rock the fixture back and forth. That will break a seal that's correctly installed. Just sitting on it is enough to tell if it is tight.
• While sitting there, close the door and take a long, hard look at the walls and other surfaces to make sure they are acceptable. Flaws show up most when semi-gloss paint is used, and that's what bathrooms should be painted with, not flat paint.
• While you're at it, be sure to see if the toilet-paper dispenser is at the right distance and height. If it isn't, you may have to be a contortionist to reach the roll.
• Check for chips in bathtubs, toilets and sinks.
• Ensure that all faucets work properly.
• Check that cabinets are securely fixed to the wall.
• Examine caulking around tub and shower enclosures and at countertop backsplashes.
Heating/Air-conditioning
• Test for cold A/C.
• Check the furnace and hot water heater.
• Ask about the capacity, shut-off mechanisms and the type of filtering systems installed.
• Review the operation of your heating system.
• Locate the furnace filters and ask about their care and maintenance.
• Ensure that heat registers are not located below a thermostat.
• Check the location and number of cold air returns and make sure they are unobstructed.
• Learn the location of any fuel lines (gas, propane or oil) and understand how to operate any shut-off devices on these lines.
Mechanical ventilation
• Locate the switches for ventilation and circulation fans (normally placed near the thermostat).
• Locate supplemental fans and switches in each bathroom and in the kitchen and ensure they are operating. Make sure you understand how to achieve proper ventilation in order to avoid condensation problems which may not be covered under the warranty.
Plumbing
• Locate the shut-off valves for the main water supply and the location of other shut-off valves throughout your home.
Kitchen
• Check for damage to countertops, cupboard doors, sinks and appliances.
• Ensure that cabinet doors are properly aligned.
• Check spaces for standard appliances unless specific measurements were given to your builder. The space allotted for your appliances should be correct.
• Test the range hood fan and light.
• Make sure there are electrical outlets above the counter.
Closets
• Make sure that doors are secure and that they open and close easily.
Upgrades and options
• Rain glass it kitchen cupboards.
• Rain glass shower enclosures.
• Tile in kitchen and bathrooms.
• Vinyl in laundry.
• Marble in bathrooms.
• Granite in kitchen.
• Correct carpet and pad.
Stand your ground
Builders have been known to try to pressure customers into closing even though there is a laundry list of outstanding issues. But stand your ground. Builders live and die on cash flow, so you have some power, too.
Be sure the builder explains how the house's mechanical systems work – the electrical service panel, the furnace and water heater, the thermostat. Also find out where the water shutoffs are located for each connection.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Cincinnati chili
Had this weird chili a couple years ago whilst attending meetings in Cincinnati. At first, you think it's the most horrible combination ever, but you soon realize that you can't stop eating it and you crave it at odd times. There's a recipe at Cincinnati chili - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. I haven't tried the recipe, but plan to soon.
Lid-on Grilling (per Real Simple magazine)
Refer to Real Simple for help and recipes...
Beef:
1" steaks (med-rare): 8 min. direct heat, turn once, 4 min. indirect heat
1" burger (medium): 10 min. direct heat, turn once
Chicken (skin on for moisture, sauce/rub in last 10 min., no turning):
wings: 25 min. indirect heat
all other parts: 45 min. indirect heat
Fish:
1" tuna steak (med-rare): 4 min. direct heat, turn once
salmon fillet (skin on): 10 min. direct heat, no turn
Veggies:
Corn (soak in husk 1 hr.): 15 min. direct heat, 5 min. indirect heat, turn often
Potatoes (in foil): 30 min. direct heat, turn once
Most others: 10 min. direct heat, turn once
Beef:
1" steaks (med-rare): 8 min. direct heat, turn once, 4 min. indirect heat
1" burger (medium): 10 min. direct heat, turn once
Chicken (skin on for moisture, sauce/rub in last 10 min., no turning):
wings: 25 min. indirect heat
all other parts: 45 min. indirect heat
Fish:
1" tuna steak (med-rare): 4 min. direct heat, turn once
salmon fillet (skin on): 10 min. direct heat, no turn
Veggies:
Corn (soak in husk 1 hr.): 15 min. direct heat, 5 min. indirect heat, turn often
Potatoes (in foil): 30 min. direct heat, turn once
Most others: 10 min. direct heat, turn once
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Fat-Burning Stew
1 1/2 bags (1 lb. each) dried lentils
2 Tbs. oil, preferably olive
2 cups chopped onions
2 Tbs. prepared chopped garlic (or 6 cloves)
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
10 cups fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes in thick puree
1 Tbs. salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 bags (1 lb. each) assorted frozen vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower & red pepper
3 Tbs. vinegar, preferably balsamic or red wine
Sort and rinse lentils. In large pot heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add lentils and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add broth, tomatoes, salt, paprika and cayenne. Break up tomatoes into pieces with back of spoon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are very soft, about 1 hour. About 10 minutes before serving, add frozen vegetables and vinegar; heat through. Makes 10 (2 cup) servings.
2 Tbs. oil, preferably olive
2 cups chopped onions
2 Tbs. prepared chopped garlic (or 6 cloves)
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
10 cups fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes in thick puree
1 Tbs. salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 bags (1 lb. each) assorted frozen vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower & red pepper
3 Tbs. vinegar, preferably balsamic or red wine
Sort and rinse lentils. In large pot heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add lentils and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add broth, tomatoes, salt, paprika and cayenne. Break up tomatoes into pieces with back of spoon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are very soft, about 1 hour. About 10 minutes before serving, add frozen vegetables and vinegar; heat through. Makes 10 (2 cup) servings.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Cheap Baby
• Cloth rags for cleaning up
• Cloth diapers, washed with detergent, bleach, then vinegar in the rinse cycle
• Dilute juice 1:3; boil to pasturize
• Smash, blender food rather than jars
• Mineral oil rather than "baby oil" (same thing with fragrance added)
• Corn starch rather than "baby powder"
• Olive oil rather than "baby lotion"
• Cloth diapers, washed with detergent, bleach, then vinegar in the rinse cycle
• Dilute juice 1:3; boil to pasturize
• Smash, blender food rather than jars
• Mineral oil rather than "baby oil" (same thing with fragrance added)
• Corn starch rather than "baby powder"
• Olive oil rather than "baby lotion"
Costco Roomba 2.1 Discovery Scheduler Vacuuming Robot
I want a Roomba. Seriously. How cool is that? People with shedding dogs (like ours) should definitely have one of these. Too bad I have no birthdays coming up!
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Upward Look, p. 102
"It is the duty of everyone who professes to be a Christian to keep his thoughts under the control of reason and oblige himself to be cheerful and happy. However bitter may be the cause of his grief, he should cultivate a spirit of rest and quietude in God. The restfulness which is in Christ Jesus, the peace of Christ, how precious, how healing its influence, how soothing to the oppressed soul!"
~Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 102
~Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 102
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Budget Cleansers
Glass cleaner, mix 2 tbsp alcohol to 16 oz of water.
Hardwood floors, mix 1 cup vinegar per gallon of water.
Furniture polish, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 16oz water and 1 tsp of lemon oil.
Hardwood floors, mix 1 cup vinegar per gallon of water.
Furniture polish, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 16oz water and 1 tsp of lemon oil.
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