thumb tacks, thumb tech

Keeping birds away from vegetables garden - Part 2

2013-03-25T16:06:00.001-07:00

There was something missing from the "bird netting" isn't it? Well now, where is the net?

We tried searching a few places including online stores such as Amazon for bird netting but they don't come cheap. Finally, Lowes has what we need at the price we want - Greenscapes 14' x 14' Bird Netting at about $6.

Bamboo U-Hoops at Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) for $5 and Bird Netting at Lowes for $6, which set our bird netting at just under $12.

Keeping birds away from vegetables garden - Part 1

2013-03-16T19:54:00.002-07:00

We have attempted to grow chard late last year but before the seedlings had a chance to grow to the real vegetables, they were eaten by birds!!! Bird attack! I was frustrated as our efforts to grow vegetables were wasted!

We learn from each failure. As Spring has just kick-started planting season, we decided to try growing vegetables again with precautions taken this time.

As seen is an attempt to build our own "bird net" over the raised planter bed in the backyard.

It is not an expensive solution and the entire bird net is easy to set up. You start with pushing two ends of the bamboo hoops into the soil, securing these 3-Pack 60-Inch Bamboo Hoops in the soil, each hoop at equal-distance across the planter bed. These hoops are multifunctional and are able to provide stable support for long-stemmed plants and climbers as well. As it is bamboo, they are suitable for outdoor use and will not rust easily.

Le Boulanger Card - free cookies, bread surprises

2012-10-04T21:18:00.002-07:00

This is not just a loaf of bakery bread...

...but Le Boulanger October Bread of the Month - Roasted 3 Seed. For club card members, it is also the complimentary Bread of the Month for October. Yay!

Pick up a Le Boulanger Card at any of their retail locations, and register your card here.

Start getting surprises such as Free Cookies and Free Bread!

Target Easter Coupons on toys

2012-03-28T01:31:00.000-07:00

These Target coupons (prices good Mar 25 - Mar 31 ) are useful if you intend to buy toys to fill your Easter basket. Take into consideration the sale and price cut items in Target stores, then take additional 50% off - THAT, is a great deal!

For example. the Disney Princess Carriage set cost about $22 and with the current sale on-going in Target that sets the price at about $13 plus another 50% discount --> it is about $7 per set.

Some classic board games by Hasbro is also on sale at $10 per piece, and spend more than $10 on Hasbro in Target and get a free Hasbro card game. That is another great great deal!

E-FILING TAX RETURN

2012-03-21T10:09:00.001-07:00

E-FILING TAX RETURN

This guest post from Lenny Mcknight

This year, instead of getting my taxes done at H&R Block like I usually do, I decided to get a program and e-file my taxes. It was actually a lot easier than I thought that it was going to be. I used a program called e-file. It didn’t take long at all! It asks you a series of questions and based on what you answer, the program takes you to the next question. It is like meeting with the person at H&R Block but you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home. I also set it up to where I received my refund through e-deposit. I got my refund in my bank account in less than two weeks! It was awesome. I like to get my taxes done early so I don’t have to worry about them. They are really annoying, but the on-line e-filing programs make them so much easier. I don’t itemize my taxes though, so I think that if I was itemizing I may actually take them to an accountant because keeping up with all of that stuff on-line is just way too difficult!

Amazon Local

2012-03-21T10:08:00.002-07:00

I pride myself as a bargain hunter :)

So when Amazon Local Deals had a $5 for $10 Amazon gift card yesterday, I had to snatch it; also my first purchase on Amazon Local Deals.

My deal is round and about the Bay Area in California including San Jose.

You can pick yours up too!

Internet Dependence

2012-02-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Internet Dependence

The Author of this post is Solomon Dejesus

Since I don’t have internet at home, I have to go to my mother’s house whenever I need to use it. Since I’m looking for a job right now, I’ve been going there about every other day to check the postings and fill out online job applications.
She lives almost an hour away from me, and this routine is getting old. I’m spending a ton on gas, and the two hours in the car is wearing on me. I am becoming increasingly dependent on the internet, and this is becoming very inconvenient. Last time I went over there I decided that I was going to check out getting my own internet connection so I didn’t have to drive so far all the time. I figured that with all the money I was spending on gas, it would probably be worth it for me to spring for the service in my own home. I went to wildbluedeals.com and I think I am going to have them vome out and get me connected. I know my mom likes it that I come over so often, but I just can’t take it anymore. All that time I sped driving would be better spent looking for a job and networking.

Organic Peanut Butter - next greal deal?

2012-02-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Costco Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter has always been a great deal - two 28oz organic peanut butter for slightly less than $9. Sadly, I could not find them anymore in Costco in the last two months, and I heard this product time might be discontinued.

What is my next alternative since peanut butter is considered a staple in my family? Santa Cruz and MaraNatha organic 16-oz versions passed my taste test but since they do not come reasonably priced, I recently turned to Trader Joes with organic peanut butter (unsalted, a plus for me!) at $3.99 for 16-oz.

If the taste is acceptable, that will be my source for peanut butter in the coming months.

Why do I need a home security system?

2012-01-13T14:37:00.001-08:00

Why do I need a home security system?

Guest post from: Kent Lara

I know what you are thinking. I live in a nice neighborhood. I have nosey neighbors. My parents live down the street from me. Why do I need a home security system? I will tell you that while you may feel safe with all of these creature comforts close by no one can ever be watching over your home twenty four seven. I thought that our neighborhood was safe until recently when a few homes at the front of the subdivision were broken into. This really got me to thinking about what if that happened at our home? Even worse, what if it happened when I was at home alone with the kids and my husband wasn’t there to scare the intruder off? That is when I decided to check out www.homesecurityfamily.com one night on my laptop. I found out that there are affordable options to having a home security system installed and monitored. In fact it was much cheaper than I had imagined. I guess that when it comes to your home safety you can’t put a price on it.

How to save with Mambo Sprouts - Part 2

2012-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

The latest deal coupon-ing with Mambo Sprouts (Manufacturer coupons) and Whole Foods Market's (Vendor coupons) Whole Deal must be on those CLIF and LUNA energy bars.

Retail at Whole Foods:

(1) CLIF:
Retail price: $0.99/bar

Mambo Sprouts coupon $1.00 off for 4 bars or more
WHFs coupon $1.00 for 3 bars or more

Buy 4 bars and get $2.00 off. So that is $0.99x4 - $2.00 = $1.96
and $0.49/bar

What a steal!

(2) LUNA:
Retail price: $0.99/bar

Mambo Sprouts coupon $0.50 any one bar
WHFs coupon $0.50 any one bar

Buy a bar, get $1.00 off. So 0.99x1 - $1.00 = FREE!

FREE taste good, isn't it!

Far and Away

2011-12-12T13:46:00.001-08:00

Far and Away

Guest post written by Kevin Beach

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? These are the questions I often ponder in the quiet of the night when the rest of the house is asleep. Many nights, I am sitting up alone watching HGTV’s “House Hunters International” on http://www.direc4u.com/, and this takes me away to exotic and lovely destinations. After spending 6 weeks in England during college, I long for the days when my girls are old enough to appreciate traveling to historic locations like Oxford, England or even somewhere less inhabited like rural portions of Nicaragua. There is so much that the world has to offer. It’s a place far bigger than ourselves, our city, or even our country. Endless differences in culture and lifestyle exist, and I find it immensely important to be able to raise my children in a way that they can experience and embrace the differences amongst nations and populations. Only through exposure and awareness can we truly appreciate these differences, yet find a common thread in humanity. Experience and immersion and far more impacting than any book or website or TV show. True understanding only comes through experience and the time to absorb those experiences to change the fiber of our being.

How to save using Mambo Sprouts

2011-12-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

What I usually do is to pick up the Mambo Sprouts coupon booklet and the Whole Foods Deals coupon; then double-coupon valid items at Whole Foods Market. It will be more savings if the item happens to be on sale.

For example, with

Earth Balance $1.00 off manufacturer coupon (Mambo Sprouts coupon valid to use at any stores); and
Earth Balance $1.00 off vendor (Whole Foods Market) coupon (only valid to use at Whole Foods Market);

the Earth Balance Unsweetened Soy Milk which is on sale in Whole Foods Market at $2.99 (regular $3.49) is now $2.99 - $1.00 - $1.00 = $0.99 !!

It is spectacular savings!

Medical Scrubs - comfort first, then style

2011-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

It might be classic and it might be http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Men/ but it does not mean style-less and in no way less fashion-savvy. This collection of men's scrub tops comes in a variety of classic colors but are hand made and tailored to a slimming design - the scrub tops are just the perfect length to tuck in or wear out.

The men's scrub pants are also tailored for superior fit and long lasting enjoyment. They are made boot cut, low-rise using soft, wrinkle-free fabric. Comfort comes first then style, isn't it? Just like the nursing scrub pants and bottoms - classic design and comfort with a modern flair. You can now also custom make (each stitch, each seam, each pocket etc.) your professional medical attire. The scrubs are handmade from the best-quality fabrics, and sewn to fit perfectly by trained tailors.

Ready? Check out the sizing chart for your fit and order online. It is currently free shipping on orders $155 or more, with free returns and exchanges on all orders. If you are a team of medical professionals, why not order or even custom make your uniforms as a team? Maybe the whole team can go with a custom design to show team spirit!

Getting a little inspiration for my fall home decor

2011-10-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Guest post written by Liiy Smith

I'm really inspired by the nature around my home when it comes to decorating it. I've always loved flowers, other plants and animals so much that I think that there's nothing that I'd rather surround myself with in my home. Now my house isn't a green house or anything but I mainly just stick to things that are simply representations of those when it comes to my home.

That goes the same for my holiday decorations too. I love to look online with my San Francisco wireless internet to find all kinds of ideas about how I can incorporate nature into my holiday decorations.
I guess that for fall, the obvious natural fall decor inspiration is pumpkins. But I thought that maybe I could get a little more creative and am also using some fall colored flowers with my decorations too. It just keeps everything looking so fresh and not so obviously Halloween-y. I think that when it comes to successful holiday decorating that goes with the rest of your home decor, it's small little things like that which make the difference.

Bra Shopping!

2011-08-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Bra Shopping!

Posted by Virgil Burks

I did something today that most women avoid like the plague, I went bra shopping. I remember back in the day I wanted a bra that was sexy and came in a certain color. Today I wanted something that would make me look somewhat normal. Of course this is coming from someone in their 30?s and has a couple of kids. Prior to this shopping trip I only had three really good bras and decided one or two more would not hurt. So after I cleaned up the breakfast dishes I managed to drag my youngest away from the television to go with me to the store. She was enjoying a new channel we have from TVBYDIRECT.com. After my daughter and I arrived at the store, I spent an hour trying on many bras while she spent the hour getting tangled in them. As I untangled my daughter I felt a bit of sadness come over me. I was no longer looking at the pretty sexy colors. I had a boring white bra in my hand. I left the store realizing there was a part of my life that had changed, but looking at my daughter, I realize it is worth it.

Groupon pays to stay local!

2011-07-29T12:49:00.001-07:00

Buca di Beppo Coupon Deal $10 off $20 on Food & Beverage

2011-06-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Right now, the only American chain-restaurant I frequent the most, with the food I enjoy, gotta be Buca di Beppo.

The fried calamari is one of the most delicious fried calamari I have tasted to-date. Crispy, fresh and tasty. The spicy marinara dip is a good pair-off too.

I have also tried the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Spaghetti with Meatballs. The meatballs are huge and the dish is typically too "meaty" for me. So I prefer the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, as I enjoy how the meat in the meat sauce "sticks" to the pasta strands - makes a great consistency and each mouthful is satisfying.

Food is delicious and there are good coupon deals $10 off $20 on Food & Beverage around too.

Coupon expires June 30, 2011.

Wind Turbines, Are They The Future For Energy?

2011-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Post contributed by Alfredo Gaines

From what I can tell, I am expecting to see home energy savings through new green technologies in the very near future. The reason I say that is because there are a lot of different things that are taking place today, to create newer methods of generating electricity than ever before.

Things like wind turbines being placed in fields all across the nation. These turbines are showing up out in open farmland where there is no obstruction to prevent them from receiving all of the wind they need to turn. They are wired to pow! er plants, like batteries, to store the energy they generate. These huge power plants are then ready to send electricity wherever the need is.

Contrary to what some would believe, faster turning wind mills does not mean more electricity generated. What is needed to produce the greatest amount of electricity is torque, so the turbines are adjusted for resistance to the wind.

Generating electricity from renewable sources will put this planet back to its healthy state faster than could ever have been imagined just a couple of decades ago. This is very exciting indeed. Along with solar power, there seems to be no end to what can be done to decrease our "carbon footprint", using the earth's own clean natural resources. Why didn't we think of this before? Check out http://www.shopelectricityratestexas.com/ for more.

Almost FREE Groupon Deals - how good can it get?

2011-04-06T13:01:00.001-07:00

It pays to stay local! Sign up with your email at Groupon.com and receive up to 90% off on Local Daily Deals!

Earth Balance Best Deal

2011-03-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

This month, I made the best deal out of Earth Balance Organic Soymilk (unsweetened).

With the manufacturer coupon (expires 31 May 2011) from Mambo Sprouts Coupon Book ($1.00 off) + the Whole Foods Market coupon (expires 31 May 2011) - Whole Deal Coupon ($1.00 off), I get $2.00 off the retail price ($3.49) of Earth Balance Organic Soymilk. And the soymilk is so good!

Professional Mold Removal - reduce allergies found at home

2011-03-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for the longest time (as far as I remember) since a month ago. The sore throat, runny nose, congestion, coughing never ended; and at this time, I am still coughing. Initially, we thought it was the common cold (it's winter season) but when the congestion and coughing did not go away for so long, my husband suspected it was the mold in the house. I must be allergic to the mold. A moldy house really makes one sick!

I told my husband to inform the landlord about the mold especially mold on the windows. I am quite sure if we were the owners of the home, we would engage professional cleaners similar to The Steam Team (in Austin) which offers services such as elimination of mold from water damage austin and mildew odor removal austin.

Another "culprit" might be due to allergic reaction to the dust on the carpet. I wish I had hardwood flooring. But it is not my home and I can't do changes to it. So we better have best home carpet cleaners in Austin to thoroughly clean and sterilize the carpet regularly. Of course, hardwood floor needs cleaning and maintenance too. You just need to know how to care for such flooring, for example, know the hardwood floor cleaning products austin suitable for hardwood floors.

Medical scrubs, apparel and accessories from Blue Sky Scrubs

2010-12-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

I blame myself for not reading enough when I was younger. Goodness gracious! I did not even know this word - "scrub". Well, I usually use this word as a verb e.g. I scrubbed my back. But now I know. Scrub also refers to a kind of occupation - a group of professionals which is part of a team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Further, scrubs can also refer to the apparel worn by nurses, surgeons, and other operating room personnel. Knowing this word now, I can finally appreciate what is "Designer Nursing Scrubs", and know what Blue Sky Scrubs is all about.

Whoever said uniforms are boring are in for a surprise. The nursing uniforms and medical scrubs and uniforms offered by Blue Sky Scrubs are so stylish. They are also made of high quality fabric. Sometimes, the correct custom-fit nurse scrub top and pants make one proud of her own occupation. It is true. If you wear with confidence. You feel confident. Blue Sky Scrubs did not forget the men. They have an apparel line for men, so the men gets it too! I am attractive by the scrub caps and hats which are uniquely designed. I can even use this word "pretty"! Blue Sky Scrubs offers distinct collections of scrub hats: the executive collection, the urban collection and the sports collection. How cool is that?

Professional House Cleaning Service

2010-11-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Late last year while house-hunting, my Agent and I came across a few houses that are exceptionally disgusting. I remembered a house we viewed which was still owner-occupied. We were greeted by a lady and a friendly dog. Of course, when it is not an empty house - it makes house-viewing more restrictive. However, that was not the point. The house was not even neat or tidy to start with. My Agent told me that is not usual. If the Seller is serious in selling, they should at least do a basic/minimal cleaning of the house. The carpet was stained and moldy, the house smells (not sure if it was the pet but the odor was really strong).

Such owners should at least engage a similar carpet cleaning or pet odor removal, Austin professional cleaning service to minimal freshen up the house. At least the house should not smell bad! Would you buy a house that smells? I would not. Also, if you have leather sofa, make sure a leather cleaning specialist, Austin is engaged for help and service. You know how I used to have a moldy leather sofa when I was living in a country that is humid. If you do not want such headaches in the future, make sure you maintain the leather sofa by using a special leather maintenance kit regularly. To find a professional cleaning service, make sure you ask friends for referrals or look out for ratings like this Austin company which is rated the best professional carpet cleaning service.

Servers reliability and protection

2009-09-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

For disaster recovery and business continuity, reliable back-up and storage servers are critical in corporations. Double-Take for Windows is an affordable and easy-to-use product that provides real-time replication for your physical and virtual servers.

Over-protective is evil

2009-09-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Last night, communication broke down with my D & M, once again. Repeatedly, they failed to realize I was not happy bound to my birth country. Weather could not convince them. Quality of living (I know that is too general) could not convince them either. They just want me to live THEIR life and not my own life. If that were the case, why was I born to this world and given my own lungs to breathe. I could jolly well be stuck to a external life support and breathing apparatus (them) and just wait till the day I die.

Life without heart is sad. Life without soul is equally the same. I am almost vivid clear that I will gain more happiness if my body and my heart (and souls) stays together. A fallen entity means failure, and I will not make the same mistake again.

D&M, sorry if I have broken your heart. It is your refusal to believe in me, your refusal to have trust in me, refusal to see that happiness can be mine by a simple act of being able to enjoy what I want to do, who I am with, and where I am, even when it means not able to stay close to you. If not being seen by you defines an act of losing filial piety, then mark me down with those hideous words. Deep in my heart, I know I am not. I can only choose a distant way of expressing filial piety, a way you consider NOT. I know you are not wrong but I can bravely stand on my grounds that I am not wrong too. As I have told D previously, if we cannot share a same vision and perspective, both of us will lose the battle altogether. You will not lose me by letting me go. Rather, you will win a part of my heart if you can understand that whatever I am doing now is to pave a better path for my own family. Happiness is not $. Quality of life is not $ either. It is all about an individual feeling comfortable in the state of mind and heart.

I watched Curious George this morning, taking one leaf from a book. The kite. It sounds cliché but it rings my heart. The purpose of a kite is to let it fly. If you refuse to release the line and wants to have total control, then a kite can never be a kite. It will not fly and merely be a decoration. If you want to tie it with a line and allow it to fly, then manage it with good control. The looser you hold the line, the better the kite flies in the environment. The extreme will be a total let-go (kite flies and be gone forever) which in this analogy is not the end-goal.