Search found 258 matches

by Calli114
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June
Replies: 27
Views: 2268

Re: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June

If you’ll be going through Springfield, Relics Antique Mall is a big attraction due to its size.
It has hundreds of booths including some good quality items, and has even been used as a source for period movie sets due to the vast selection.
by Calli114
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June
Replies: 27
Views: 2268

Re: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June

For fine dining you could check out:

Level 2 Steakhouse downtown
The Worman House at Big Cedar Lodge
The Keeter Center Restaurant at College of the Ozarks (staffed by their students), with an excellent ice cream shop in the same building.
by Calli114
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June
Replies: 27
Views: 2268

Re: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June

Highly recommend biking or walking Dogwood Canyon, and canoeing/kayaking the Buffalo River if you’re up for that. Dogwood Canyon also has an interesting shuttle tour with a driver/guide, good for first-time visitors. (FYI if you’re not from the Midwest, the dogwoods bloom in April but it’s still a pretty place.)

The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is located within Branson itself on the west side and has hiking trails - I have not hiked it myself but it gets great comments.

A dinner cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake could also be considered for a more commercial experience.
by Calli114
Sun Oct 29, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?
Replies: 179
Views: 23495

Re: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?

Had my alarm company add two security cameras and it’s never synced well with the Wi-Fi, seems they go offline unpredictably so it’s of little value.
On the decorative side, a wall fountain near the front door which gets clogged up and is very heavy to take it down to work on.
by Calli114
Fri Oct 06, 2023 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physicians - how to join private practice group?
Replies: 13
Views: 1721

Re: Physicians - how to join private practice group?

If they are a primary care physician, they can look up the concierge practices in that city (or also called DPC, direct primary care).
Our city has very few private practice specialty groups left, but as mentioned above the local medical society may know who they are.
by Calli114
Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage floor slush solutions
Replies: 25
Views: 2854

Re: Garage floor slush solutions

fourwheelcycle wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 7:37 am
Calli114 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:00 pm This looks like it would keep the problem contained. So it works well enough that you’re not stepping in puddles getting in and out of the car?
The mat has lips around the edges that keep the water contained. The key on sizing is to measure your tires' outside tread width and the length from the furthest extending edges of your front and back tires. Aim for a mat that only gives you about six inches of extra mat width on each outside-edge of your tires. Your normal step out of the car will take you beyond six inches of mat - no problem.

Sounds like that would do the trick.
by Calli114
Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage floor slush solutions
Replies: 25
Views: 2854

Re: Garage floor slush solutions

Thanks to all for the good ideas!

fourwheelcycle wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 2:47 pm We built a new garage with a concrete floor in a NH town that uses a lot of salt on the roads in winter. I am paranoid about salt causing spalling of the concrete, so I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY ... =UTF8&th=1

It works great.

This looks like it would keep the problem contained. So it works well enough that you’re not stepping in puddles getting in and out of the car?
by Calli114
Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage floor slush solutions
Replies: 25
Views: 2854

Re: Garage floor slush solutions

rob wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:36 pm Mudflaps... New car retaining more snow & slush in the wheel wells?

Some in the wheel wells but also a lot coming from undercarriage that I can’t reach.

Have not tried a squeegee, might be quicker than sweeping.
by Calli114
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage floor slush solutions
Replies: 25
Views: 2854

Re: Garage floor slush solutions

“Maybe the floor isn't graded to let water slowly drain to the outside? I wouldn't worry about a few puddles, that's what evaporation is for! Sweep out all the winter cinders and junk during spring cleaning. Water retention mats sound like a mold breeding bonanza.”

The floor does seem graded toward the garage door, which has a foam seal so I don’t think much gets out.
by Calli114
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage floor slush solutions
Replies: 25
Views: 2854

Garage floor slush solutions

My garage floor has been painted for 10+ years, so any rain or slush runoff will puddle on the floor, and in past winters I’ve used a push broom to sweep out the small amounts if needed.

Interestingly since changing cars (from an Outback to a RAV4), the amount of water has drastically increased, especially with snow/slush meltage, but even with rain.
I’ve tried stopping on the driveway to sweep away all the visible slush, but this car just seems to retain A LOT of slush underneath and in all the grill crevices, etc.

I saw from Google that there are water retention mats; has anyone used these and/or other solutions? It’s becoming a chore just to tend to the puddles.
by Calli114
Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products for getting caffeine quickly in the car
Replies: 41
Views: 5564

Re: Products for getting caffeine quickly in the car

Stinky wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:26 pm Caffeine pills. Available at your local pharmacy, right next to the sleep aids.

Yes, apparently Vivarin is still on the market. I used it WAY too much back in school.
by Calli114
Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:23 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?
Replies: 83
Views: 7955

Re: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?

Calico wrote: Wed Nov 30, 2022 6:57 pm Aside from the things money can't buy like time with family and good health, keeping in the spirit of this "consumer forum," the first thing on my list is Texas Ruby Red Grapefruits and I will get them because if no one else buys them for me, I will buy them myself. But usually my brother gets them for me. Although I also put Kona peaberry coffee on my list too. Basically, I like to ask for consumables because I don't want any stuff.

Of course my joke answer is always "a barrel full of hundred dollar bills." :mrgreen:
I’m also a grapefruit person - I have a friend who sends me some pears each year and I don’t have the heart to tell her I’d rather have citrus, so I do have the catalog handy.
by Calli114
Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: insurance [for fine art]
Replies: 11
Views: 1031

Re: insurance [for fine art]

Did you already ask your insurance agent?
When I asked about needing a rider for fine art, he said that the personal possessions coverage is enough (based on a % of my home’s value).
If it’s above that, the agent might have a recommendation.
I try to keep records on the purchase price, title, artist, etc but currently do not have a photo or video inventory, which would be also seem prudent.
by Calli114
Sat Nov 26, 2022 11:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Sequence of Health Risk: AKA What Age is it Worth Planning For a Full Life To?
Replies: 73
Views: 9392

Re: Sequence of Health Risk: AKA What Age is it Worth Planning For a Full Life To?

My rule of thumb is that you want to have your bucket list items checked off as much as possible by age 75. Doesn't mean that a person or a married couple can't enjoy robust health well into their eighties but my personal observation is that the wheels will often start coming off health wise at about age 75. For a married couple, often what happens is that one enjoys relatively good health while the other starts developing bigger problems around that time. When one or both of you starts having very serious and debilitating health issues, then your travel days are pretty much over. So not at all saying that one can't have a full, rich, and meaningful life right up to the end but robust health doesn't last forever. For a married couple, plan...
by Calli114
Sun Nov 06, 2022 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724000

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Blues wrote: Sun Nov 06, 2022 8:35 pm
Calli114 wrote: Sun Nov 06, 2022 8:07 pm Mila 18 by Leon Uris, set in Poland during the Warsaw ghetto uprising in WWII.
One of my favorite books from my youth.
I was not familiar with it until 2 different friends mentioned it when I recently went to Poland.
I’m not very far along.
by Calli114
Sun Nov 06, 2022 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724000

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Mila 18 by Leon Uris, set in Poland during the Warsaw ghetto uprising in WWII.
by Calli114
Fri Sep 16, 2022 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips to improve executive presence.
Replies: 41
Views: 5875

Re: Tips to improve executive presence.

London wrote: Fri Sep 16, 2022 8:17 pm Unless you’re a complete mess, it’s not a clothing thing.

Look people in the eye.
Speak confidently.
Be self effacing.
Give others a chance to talk.
Remember names or a fact about people.
Have a plan and be able to easily convey it.
Speak with a smile.
Give credit to others.

I run a very large org and I focus on those things.

Excellent advice. When I took a Dale Carnegie course ages ago, the gist of it seemed to be that we all want to feel we are “seen” when we are speaking with someone. Not “seen” in the sense of natty attire or meeting VIPs, but as if we are truly being treated as a unique individual and not just another human face to network with because it’s required.
by Calli114
Wed Aug 31, 2022 10:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise Line Preferences and Comparisons
Replies: 41
Views: 5199

Re: Cruise Line Preferences and Comparisons

carolc wrote: Wed Aug 31, 2022 8:56 am I did a Nat Geo expedition to the Arctic in May. About 80 passengers onboard. We all were tested 4 times during the trip. We had to wear masks inside. They were careful about our contact (very limited) with others. No one got COVID.

My sister was on a Viking River cruise a few days ago. No mask requirement. She said lots of people were sneezing and coughing. Not surprisingly, she and her husband now have covid. Who knows if they’ll get home in a few days as planned.

I would only travel on Nat Geo ships for the foreseeable future.

carolc
How did they do the meals then, did you have to eat in your cabin?
by Calli114
Wed Aug 17, 2022 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Am I spending too little on a house?
Replies: 40
Views: 2415

Re: Am I spending too little on a house?

Let me make the counterpoint a little. Don’t just save and save till the end of the universe for no reason. If you want a “nicer”/more expensive home, you can easily afford it (within reason). There are some people on this board who would live in a cardboard box to keep their 7 figure taxable account as high as possible….for reasons. If you are happy with the house, go for it. If not, look around more for a different one. I mean, if you are like most people, it’s where you will spend a lot of your time. It’ll be your home. It’s not just a permanent hotel room. I'm fine with the home, I think the main reason I'd buy a bigger home is to impress guests, friends, and family, which I can't do with this house. If available in your area, you have...
by Calli114
Fri Aug 05, 2022 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please advise on how to cool upstairs in my 1950s house - UPDATE 2
Replies: 167
Views: 12607

Re: Please advise on how to cool upstairs in my 1950s house

When I was having problems with a front bedroom always running hot, it turned out to have totally inadequate air return and luckily the ductwork was running right nearby, so adding an air return made a big difference. I agree with those who have mentioned ductwork issues.
Prior to that, I had gotten more insulation blown in, which gave me a utility credit but was no help with the temp.
by Calli114
Thu Jul 07, 2022 10:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help…Mosquito Madness! Summer is Here.
Replies: 62
Views: 6542

Re: Help…Mosquito Madness! Summer is Here.

I’m trying citronella bracelets for the first time this season and have had good luck so far, including sitting out at dusk with zero bites. And I am very prone to getting bit. Also I’m mindful about not wearing colors that attract mosquitoes, such as black and blue.
by Calli114
Sun May 01, 2022 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford to help mom?
Replies: 69
Views: 7947

Re: Can I afford to help mom?

OP, I understand your concerns. We are the financial backstops for my aged parents and, before their passing, my husband's parents. As suggested by other posters, you should find an opportunity to ask your mother about her finances, just to make sure that there are no "hidden" expenses or debt. Of course this is a difficult conversation to have with one's parent, particularly if she is still capable of handling her financial affairs. Perhaps you can couch it in terms of your offer to help out and needing to do some due diligence. You would be in a much-improved position to know your financial outlays should you help out. Know, of course, that once you provide regular assistance, it would be very difficult to withdraw such assista...
by Calli114
Sun May 01, 2022 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacuum cleaner recommendation for new carpet
Replies: 25
Views: 2659

Re: Vacuum cleaner recommendation for new carpet

I see mixed comments on here, but I have a hard time using a Dyson on my newish carpet.
Too much suction, makes it a real job.
by Calli114
Thu Apr 28, 2022 10:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: South Dakota Vacation
Replies: 29
Views: 2775

Re: South Dakota Vacation

Buffalo burger: Black Hills Burger and Bun in Custer, right on the main drag.
Got the tip from a guide at the state park and it was quite good.
The key is not to overcook or it gets quite dry.
by Calli114
Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your travel plans in 2021 and beyond?
Replies: 350
Views: 36757

Re: What are your travel plans in 2021 and beyond?

flyingaway wrote: Sun Apr 10, 2022 5:21 pm Flying to Croatia by the end of this month, driving from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, staying at Plitvicka Nationsl Park, Zadar, Split, with side trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, then flying to Zurich, train to Lucern, Interlaken, and Montreux, with a day trip to Liechtenstein.
This will be our biggest trip since the covid restrictions started.

Hope I have time to hear about this one!
I’m set to go to Croatia in late May on a tour that’s been cancelled 2 yrs in a row.
by Calli114
Fri Apr 08, 2022 11:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Reporting & Freeze
Replies: 24
Views: 2416

Re: Credit Reporting & Freeze

gtd98765 wrote: Fri Apr 08, 2022 7:50 am There is a good wiki article on this issue: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Credit_freeze
One good point in there is about an online SS account - if someone doesn’t already have this account established, do it BEFORE your credit is frozen.
I did the reverse and found it a major pain.
by Calli114
Wed Apr 06, 2022 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Reporting & Freeze
Replies: 24
Views: 2416

Re: Credit Reporting & Freeze

Mine is frozen with the top 3 and with ChexSystems, as I understand with that one they would not be able to get new checks printed. I froze these in the past during one of those big breaches, and I really have no need for open credit.

When I bought a car last year (with cash), they required a credit check and I briefly unlocked the Experian at the dealership with a number they had on hand.
by Calli114
Fri Mar 04, 2022 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]
Replies: 393
Views: 43952

Re: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]

delamer wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 9:26 am
MidwestMike wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:50 am
tennisplyr wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:18 am I can’t get Wordle to work on my iPad. Tried deleting history, cookies, different browser???
Worked fine for me this morning on my iPad.

Check that you have the correct NY Times url. Click here.

Check your software is up to date.
Me too.

Did the problem just start today? Did you recently do a software update?
I’m having this happen on the iPad too, when I click on the link, it comes up with the NYT banner and a blank page, so I’m having to play it on my phone.
by Calli114
Sat Feb 26, 2022 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jigsaw Puzzle Recommendations
Replies: 21
Views: 3113

Re: Jigsaw Puzzle Recommendations

veggivet wrote: Sat Feb 26, 2022 4:15 pm I love Cobble Hill puzzles. Sturdy pieces, and quite challenging.
+1 for Cobble Hill.
I think the ones I have by them were on the Puzzle Warehouse website, which usually has some nice seasonal selections.
by Calli114
Thu Feb 24, 2022 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Popcorn Mastery
Replies: 155
Views: 15673

Re: Popcorn Mastery

I like spicy snacks - after the butter is on, I toss with salt, black pepper, curry powder and cayenne pepper.
by Calli114
Wed Feb 09, 2022 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]
Replies: 393
Views: 43952

Re: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]

I just recently started playing and have used the starting words from this thread - the 2 words I’ve missed so far have had a double letter. :oops:

But it’s fun.
by Calli114
Sat Jan 29, 2022 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experiences of selling cars with online sites
Replies: 15
Views: 1461

Re: Experiences of selling cars with online sites

I was happy selling to Carvana (April 2021) and their price beat the other comparisons.
They do a walk-around at the time of pickup.
My car had only minor dings.
In my case, I had to drive to their radius of service as my city was not included, so you may want to check that if you’re not in a big city.
by Calli114
Wed Jan 19, 2022 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How does one "find" art?
Replies: 34
Views: 3008

Re: How does one "find" art?

If you live in or near a city, they might have a First Friday Art Walk or similar monthly event to encourage browsing at galleries and shops that sell art. It’s a good way to hit several places in one evening.
by Calli114
Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085902

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

The Julia Child documentary, Julia.
It has a lot of vintage footage from her shows and interviews, as well as comments by contemporary chefs and quite a bit of humor. Her life was fascinating; she and her husband were a rather odd pair.
The food cinematography is amazing, don’t go if you’re already hungry.
by Calli114
Sun Nov 28, 2021 12:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Cost Once-in-a-lifetime "Vacation"
Replies: 196
Views: 23682

Re: High Cost Once-in-a-lifetime "Vacation"

Yes vote!
Sounds like an amazing adventure - I was fascinated when following the progress of Colin O’Brady a few years back.
And speaking as someone >60, good idea not to wait too long to do it. One travel goal I am pretty resigned to giving up is climbing Kilimanjaro, due to a couple of issues. In general, I have tried to have the mindset to prioritize any difficult trips sooner than easy ones, such as high altitude, etc.
by Calli114
Sat Nov 27, 2021 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow Boots Recommendation
Replies: 23
Views: 2415

Re: Snow Boots Recommendation

Another vote for LL Bean.
by Calli114
Fri Oct 08, 2021 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do I purchase original artwork?
Replies: 37
Views: 3739

Re: How do I purchase original artwork?

You might check whether your city or somewhere nearby has a First Friday Artwalk or similar function each month - the downtown galleries stay open late and some offer refreshments. It’s a good chance to see a variety of art for sale in a casual atmosphere.
And you did say you didn’t want to travel for it, but keeping an eye out for art while on vacation anyway can make for a really memorable souvenir.
by Calli114
Sun Sep 05, 2021 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal
Replies: 152
Views: 29039

Re: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal

There are wealth counselors who deal with issues like you are experiencing. I’ve read about them in the context of helping people with sudden windfalls such as lottery winnings and inheritances, but IPO wealth would create similar feelings or conflicts I suppose (even though it’s a result of your employment instead of a completely random thing).

It’s possible they would have some insights to help you move on.
by Calli114
Mon Jul 26, 2021 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Toys/Experiences Have Brought You The Most Joy?
Replies: 174
Views: 23669

Re: Which Toys/Experiences Have Brought You The Most Joy?

I’ve had a lot of nice overseas trips, but something else just came to mind - I was able to drive to the total eclipse of the sun in the Midwest in 2017. Although brief, totally worth it. It is a completely different experience than a partial eclipse.

Another one is coming in 2024.
by Calli114
Mon Jul 26, 2021 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brass front door kickplate: paint or remove?
Replies: 21
Views: 5620

Re: Brass front door kickplate: paint or remove?

I find kickplates esthetically pleasing. My door doesn’t have one, but they add a touch of class IMO.
by Calli114
Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone sold car to Carvana ?
Replies: 63
Views: 14138

Re: Has anyone sold car to Carvana ?

I sold them my Outback for a good price in April.
Only catch was I had to drive within a radius for them to pick it up as they did not pick up in my town.
Got a wire transfer a few days later.
My neighbor who followed and gave me a ride home was sure I’d been scammed until the payment came through, b/c we just met the guy in a parking lot and were done in probably 10 min.
by Calli114
Mon May 10, 2021 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230286

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Several indigo buntings in a small prairie area - gorgeous color.
by Calli114
Sun May 09, 2021 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you pay for a car?
Replies: 55
Views: 6283

Re: How do you pay for a car?

When I bought a new car in March with a personal check, the dealership wanted to check my credit score despite the fact that I was not financing any of it.
My credit is frozen for security reasons, so I had to call one of the credit agencies to get it unlocked while there.
I don’t know if this is a common practice, but I was somewhat surprised.
by Calli114
Thu May 06, 2021 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone hate where they live primarily because of the weather?
Replies: 155
Views: 15811

Re: Anyone hate where they live primarily because of the weather?

alfaspider wrote: Thu May 06, 2021 12:04 pm In Houston, mostly just June through September. The heat is oppressive, and you always have to have one weary eye on the Gulf of Mexico for a possible hurricane. Rest of the year, the weather is mostly pleasant.

Someday, when I no longer have any constraints from kids/work, I may do a reverse snowbird thing and live in Colorado during the summer.

I’m considering this for a month or so each summer to get away from the Midwest humidity and bugs.
Maybe an affordable part of WY or UT. The occasional low humidity summer day makes me acutely aware of how sticky it is much of the time.
by Calli114
Sat Apr 24, 2021 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Low sodium restaurant foods
Replies: 66
Views: 7618

Re: Low sodium restaurant foods

As a person that worked at Burger King in my college years, just please don't be the guy that comes in and requests some fries without salt. Most fast food places offer this as a courtesy and a "customer is always right" kind of a concept, but nothing about the system is prepared to deal with it. It means: a) throw away the current batch of fries b) wash the current tray or get a new one if available c) make a fresh batch of fries Essentially this causes the entire assembly line to break and is not just affecting the length of order time for the customer who ordered it, but everybody else in the pipeline. Ha! I worked at a Burger King in 1980, and I also remember those people who would order fries, no salt. I blame that commercia...
by Calli114
Sat Apr 17, 2021 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get the best sleep?
Replies: 27
Views: 2634

Re: How to get the best sleep?

I don’t eat or do any strenuous exercise within 3 hrs of bedtime and cut off screen time for devices at least an hour prior. Reading a book almost always makes me drowsy within 30 minutes or less.
I make a cup of camomile tea, and if tense I do some deep breathing and make sure I’m not unconsciously clenching my jaw.
I like to get hygiene chores done ahead so that I’m going directly from the living room straight to bed when sleepy. If I’m worrying or rehashing something in my mind, I tell myself I have to “change the channel” to more pleasant thoughts.
by Calli114
Mon Apr 12, 2021 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did you move for better weather? Did you regret it?
Replies: 246
Views: 32842

Re: Did you move for better weather? Did you regret it?

Anybody move to the drier part of Washington like Yakima or Spokane? What do you think of the weather? We lived in Spokane for years. Since moved on to Atlanta and now Seattle. The weather is great if your into 4 seasons, snowy winters and it's drier, until you consider the amount of snow they get. Winters are long, but depends how much you enjoy that. Other factors like career may have a bigger downside depending on your situation. And if your in Western Wa you may miss the green, the sound, the access to big city amenities and access to the mountains. Spokane has great outdoor access depending on what your looking for, hard to beat the access to rainier, olympics, cascades, mt baker (especially if your a hiker, camper or do winter sports...
by Calli114
Fri Apr 02, 2021 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best nonstick pans?
Replies: 122
Views: 14447

Re: Best nonstick pans?

After reading online ratings, I bought a Tramontina pan for eggs and have been happy.
People here have mentioned the brand and were pleased with them.
by Calli114
Fri Apr 02, 2021 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good time to sell a car?
Replies: 16
Views: 1510

Re: Good time to sell a car?

It seems to be a good time to sell a car - Carvana is offering me thousands over the KBB value for a 2013 Subaru.
by Calli114
Thu Apr 01, 2021 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Duolingo
Replies: 41
Views: 5010

Re: Duolingo

Duolingo is fun but doesn’t teach one any grammar rules or cases - I used it for Russian for months but don’t feel I would be conversational as a tourist just from doing that. It does help with pronunciation and flow of speech but I think at this point if I wanted to be conversational in another language it would require 1:1 online lessons which can get pricy.