Friday, August 09, 2013

7 Quick Takes

(1)
Results of BlueberryFest 2013?  Well, for the piece de resistance (blogger thinks two of those words are in English, but I'm counting on you to imagine the little slashy marks wherever they're supposed to be.) y'all are gonna have to wait until Monday for the Mystery Ingredient Monday link-up, but I'll happily share with you the runner-up specimen:

Blueberry Lemon Freezer jam.


Verdict- delicious flavor, but a little watery.  Of course, you'll probably have better results if you actually follow the instructions.  Ahem.

(2)
What else?  OH!  I bought a swim suit off ye olde interwebz, like the foolish fool that I am.  And then I chewed my nails waiting for it to come planning how I would justify the equivalent of shredding $23 and throwing it in the trash.  But then it arrived and guess frappin' what?  It totally fits AND looks greatish.  As great as a swimsuit can look on a woman who is basically 3.5 weeks postpartum, I mean.

You can see it by clicking this clicky right here, but do you know what apparently the secret is?  Buying a size bigger than the biggest size I think I need.  Painful, I know.  But totes worth it in the end.

(3)
So the other day the plumber was here putting in the plumbing for the washing machine (!!!!) so of course he had to turn off the water in the house.  So naturally, because it is writ large in The Children's Manual of Rules Thou Shalt Not Break, Paul and Cecilia did this:


For the first time in his life, Senor Texture Issues of Extreme Cleanliness decided to participate in the ritual of making, using the dirty water from the baby pool, mud-pies.  And mud hills.  And mud baths.  When we had no running water in the house.  It was super fancy awesome o'clock!

(4)
But hey, speaking of the laundry room and washing machines (!!!!!), take a gander!
The room isn't done-done, so you don't get the real reveal yet, but I had to share this awesomeness with you.  Is it gorgeous or is it gorgeous?

(5)
At some point I'm going to have to get motivated for next school year, yes?  Usually I'm rarin' to go by August and I gleefully jump in come the Monday after Labor Day but this year...well, I kind of feel like my summer sort of just started.  What can I do so that I get sick of vacation and sun (yes, we are out of jackets and back in swimsuits, people!  Thank God!) and popsicles within the next three weeks?  Give me your tips, stat.

(6)
Also, did you know I installed the power cord on the dryer all by myself?  And the dryer works?  And I didn't even electrocute myself at all?  I know!

(7)
Oh, last thing.  I think I'm going to place my very first order with ThredUp today (what is with these kids growing so much over the summer?) but I'd like to hear from someone who's actually received an order from them.  Is it as good as it seems?  Is the shipping fast?  Help a sistah out.

7 quick takes sm1 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 228)

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25 comments :

  1. That swimsuit looks awesome! And, no running water and muddy kids...I'd be headed out looking for the nearest swim pool I could throw everyone in.

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    Replies
    1. I was seriously about to get out my wood burning kit to make a sign for the entryway: Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here

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  2. Okay, just one thing. Check to be sure you installed that cord the right way up. Because Rosie just had to call in the repairman due to having installed it the wrong way up, and he was wondering how it worked for 3 months that way before shorting out. Her hubby may or may not have gotten his skills from his father-in-law. Don't know how that would work, genetically, but well, just check.
    Otherwise, well done and kudos and also props to the kids for their sense of timing.

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    Replies
    1. Full disclosure: in my fear and trepidation, I watched several thousand YouTube videos before I allowed myself to even start the project. It was terror inducing, but I think we're good. I think.

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    2. I am totally in awe of your electrical skillz. Totally.

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  3. I think you are totally justified not starting school until October 1st. Give yourself an extra month to enjoy the sunshine and the swimsuits because goodness knows you will be donning the parkas soon enough way up there. You can always finish up anything that needs to be done next June but I'm betting those super smart kids of yours with the excellent timing can handle the work just fine!

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    Replies
    1. Agreed! Michigan lake water is in its prime in August after being warmed by the sun all summer - don't stop the popsicles until everyone is back in pants and long sleeves! Consider the next several weeks natural/experiential studies :)

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    2. Charlotte beat me to it. In a way your summer did just start. It doesn't feel like you had a summer because you didn't get to enjoy it. I think after the last few months you've had you deserve a real break before diving into school again. If you don't feel ready, then don't do it! Time enough for school when the weather is cold and the kids don't want to go outside and you need to give them something to keep them occupied and out of trouble.

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  4. Nice swimsuit! I had the perfect swimsuit, which I left in a hotel room in Anchorage and was never able to get back (there is a hotel maid rocking that suit, I swear)!

    Mud pie kids - of course they do it when there is no running water. My brother and I (aged 5 and 2) decided to make mud pies on the day of my brother's wedding, and when my SIL's clueless brother came to pick us up for the reception, he just scooped us up out of the yard, without first letting the babysitter bathe and change us as she was instructed by my mother. My SILs family, already not pleased with the idea of an Hispanic son in law (!), were not impressed by our muddified appearance at the reception. My mother was horrified, of course.

    Can I have your recipe for lemon blueberry jam? After making lemon meringue pie x2, lemon chicken, and lemon brownies, I still have a few lemons to use up. Last time I buy a whole bag of lemons at Costco!

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    Replies
    1. Lemon ice cream? I make it with sweetened condensed milk and yoghurt and just some whipped cream, not a lot, lots of lemon juice and zest, and freeze it in my stand mixer bowl so I can take it out periodically and churn it. Google around...you will find similar recipes. Also what about homemade lemon curd?

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  5. I am capital E Envious of the flooring in your laundry room and my breath is absolutely bated for the reveal. I seriously love before/after posts and your "before" was the beforest I've ever seen.

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  6. My first ThredUp purchase is about 3 days away from my house...I'll let you know when it gets here. I'm really excited about it. The washer and dryer are beyond gorgeous! Can't wait for the full reveal!

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  7. Love thred up. I have ordered from them 3 times and never had a bad experience!

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    Replies
    1. Super duper! I'm so glad. Buying jeans for girls who are in adult sizes is way less scary when the jeans are five bucks :)

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  8. I have made one purchase from ThredUp and it was better than I expected, even! Except that the jeans have weird Xs down the outside of the legs that were not visible in the picture. But I can remove those. Some day . . .

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  9. I ordered something from ThredUp for myself and was very pleased with the process. The item was very nice and looked new. It didn't fit as I had hoped, but that's the down side of ordering off the internet. I went with a brand I usually have no problems wearing.

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  10. Yay for swimsuits that fit and dryers that work.
    Based on one order/shipment with thredUp; the quality seems good and as promised.

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  11. I've ordered a few things from ThredUp! It was great and timely (one order wasn't, but they emailed ME to give me a heads up). Hope you're as lucky as we've been :)

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  12. I cannot believe you got a Walmart swimsuit that you never even touched and it looks awesome. You, my dear, are an anomaly! And your laundry room is fantasic.

    No tips on enjoying the summer. It's been summer here since February. I am done.

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  13. Oooh my favorite swimsuit is from walmart too. I always get so many compliments when I wear it and it looks really vintage. So if you want another good style that I think works on most people, it's this one -

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Catalina-Suddenly-Slim-Women-s-Shirred-Halter-Swimsuit/17804485?findingMethod=rr

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  14. That washer and dryer! A thing of beauty! I'm so excited for you and for the big reveal!

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  15. ThredUp is awesome. Do it!! I've been ordering from them regularly the last few months and I love it. Fast shipping, reliable, easy returns if need be, just great. Even got a few great things for myself!!

    My suit this summer was the catalina line from walmart too! Ordered the retro cherries print online and it was totally fine. Nursing friendly and everything (my babe is less than 3 months old). Yay for good swimsuits!!

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  16. Homemade jam = yummy!

    Your swimtop is very cute. I love the criss-cross front look, but I can't wear it because I'm too top-heavy. The girls always look like they're about to make a break for it when I wear a top like that. LOL!!

    Yay for the new washer and dryer! Looking forward to the big reveal.

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  17. Love the washer and dryer! Everything looks so clean and fresh and new! I can't wait to see the whole room.

    I'm happy your swimsuit worked out. I got one from that brand, also, and it fits great.

    And I'm looking forward to your recipe on Monday.

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