You know who has two thumbs and will be raiding her children's treat bags in a few hours?
October 31, 2011
October 28, 2011
Kitchen Nightmares
Those of you that read this regularly (or know me IRL) probably know how much I hate my kitchen. It's full-on, rotting 80's style grossness, and it's missing a wall from when Mr Bee and my Dad removed a wall from the refrigerator alcove (to fit a new fridge in) over a YEAR ago. We've had estimates in the past and they were above what we could afford, and trying to get a loan from the bank was a gigantic waste of time (9% interest? are you kidding? We have awesome credit too, makes no sense.) We did manage to save some money, so when I received a coupon from Sears for $500 off and a free consultation, I thought, why not?
Big mistake.
The consultation was 2.5 hours, we had to sit through a presentation, and then at the end of it all, they quoted us $17,000 to REFACE our laminate cabinets and do new laminate counter tops and a sink. No new floors or appliances. Bare bones. $17,000. That's like almost a 1/5 of what our house is worth. I was quoted less for NEW MAPLE cabinets last year. I was deflated to say the least. All we want to do is fix up our kitchen enough to sell the house, and I'm not sinking every penny of our savings into a sub par remodel. First we asked if we could get a break down of prices, and they told us that they had no way of doing that- they just plug the numbers into the computer. We told them thanks but no thanks, even though they did try the hard sell.**
The next day I got a call from Sears asking why we didn't purchase and I told them it was too much money. They wanted to send someone else out to recalculate a new price for us (this is after they told us they do not haggle for prices, everyone gets the same price). Can you believe them apples?
So we are back to square one. All I can say about this experience is that I would add Sears to the list of "those I will not use for any remodeling". (The list so far is Sears and Home Depot. If you want to hear a horror story, just ask me about Home Depot one day.)
Anyone have any hints or suggestions about Kitchen remodeling? I could use them!
Big mistake.
The consultation was 2.5 hours, we had to sit through a presentation, and then at the end of it all, they quoted us $17,000 to REFACE our laminate cabinets and do new laminate counter tops and a sink. No new floors or appliances. Bare bones. $17,000. That's like almost a 1/5 of what our house is worth. I was quoted less for NEW MAPLE cabinets last year. I was deflated to say the least. All we want to do is fix up our kitchen enough to sell the house, and I'm not sinking every penny of our savings into a sub par remodel. First we asked if we could get a break down of prices, and they told us that they had no way of doing that- they just plug the numbers into the computer. We told them thanks but no thanks, even though they did try the hard sell.**
The next day I got a call from Sears asking why we didn't purchase and I told them it was too much money. They wanted to send someone else out to recalculate a new price for us (this is after they told us they do not haggle for prices, everyone gets the same price). Can you believe them apples?
So we are back to square one. All I can say about this experience is that I would add Sears to the list of "those I will not use for any remodeling". (The list so far is Sears and Home Depot. If you want to hear a horror story, just ask me about Home Depot one day.)
Anyone have any hints or suggestions about Kitchen remodeling? I could use them!
October 18, 2011
Shutterfly Card Giveaway
I have a Holiday Tradition. Every year, I send a card of the little Bees in front of our Christmas tree to family and friends. I think it's really fun to watch our family grow through the years.
That is why I was so excited when Shutterfly contacted me to blog about their line of Holiday Cards. I was excited to see which ones were my favorite. They offer so many varying cards at so many different price points, there is no way you won't be able to find a winner.
They have flat ones for those that don't want to have to write a message (raising hand) or folded ones for that extra room to go all sentimental. They also have every kind of color, font, and style you could want in stationary paper (my favorite) or photo paper where you can choose glossy or matte. It's impossible not to create your own personal take on a design.
There are so many to choose from, I'm not even sure what I will end up with! Some of my favorites are:
The best part is that you can store and share your pictures there for free, so you are all set to create gifts and cards whenever you want, for any occasion or any season. You can also print your pictures and pick them up at Walgreens, CVS, and Target® stores.
Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q
Buy it!
Below are links to Shutterfly, where they are offering 20% off on cards and free shipping on select orders.
Holiday cards
Christmas Cards
Greeting Cards
Christmas Photo Cards
Calendars Perfect gift for the Grandmas (or the Nanas as they are called around here).
Photo Gifts
Win it!
3 lucky readers will win Promotional codes good for 25 cards of your choosing! MANDATORY- To enter, all you have to do is visit Shutterfly and tell me which Holiday card design is your favorite (besides the ones listed above) in the comments.
Want additional entries? (Please make sure to leave a comment for each entry, and leave your email address in each comment please):
UPDATE: The #s drawn were 93, 33, and 76. Congratulations Telitha, Misty and Melissa, I will be emailing you the promo codes!
Thank you to Shutterfly for providing the promotional codes for free cards for me and for the giveaway. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own personal opinions and experiences.
That is why I was so excited when Shutterfly contacted me to blog about their line of Holiday Cards. I was excited to see which ones were my favorite. They offer so many varying cards at so many different price points, there is no way you won't be able to find a winner.
They have flat ones for those that don't want to have to write a message (raising hand) or folded ones for that extra room to go all sentimental. They also have every kind of color, font, and style you could want in stationary paper (my favorite) or photo paper where you can choose glossy or matte. It's impossible not to create your own personal take on a design.
There are so many to choose from, I'm not even sure what I will end up with! Some of my favorites are:
 |
| The classic look of the "Royal Elegance" design. |
 |
| The Simplicity of the "Sparkle Joy" design". |
 |
| The cool retro vibe of the "Retro Stripe" design. |
 |
| The Modernness (I like creating words) of the "Berry Merry Design." |
The best part is that you can store and share your pictures there for free, so you are all set to create gifts and cards whenever you want, for any occasion or any season. You can also print your pictures and pick them up at Walgreens, CVS, and Target® stores.
Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q
Buy it!
Below are links to Shutterfly, where they are offering 20% off on cards and free shipping on select orders.
Holiday cards
Christmas Cards
Greeting Cards
Christmas Photo Cards
Calendars Perfect gift for the Grandmas (or the Nanas as they are called around here).
Photo Gifts
Win it!
3 lucky readers will win Promotional codes good for 25 cards of your choosing! MANDATORY- To enter, all you have to do is visit Shutterfly and tell me which Holiday card design is your favorite (besides the ones listed above) in the comments.
Want additional entries? (Please make sure to leave a comment for each entry, and leave your email address in each comment please):
- Like The Bee Chronicles (my main blog) on Facebook (2 entries)
- Like Shutterfly on Facebook (1 Entry)
- Follow Shutterfly on Twitter (1 entry- Leave your twitter name )
- Follow me on Twitter (1 entry-Leave your twitter name )
- Follow The Bee Chronicles on GFC (2 entries)
- Follow The Bee's Knees (My actual giveaway blog) on GFC (2 entries)
- Tweet this Giveaway: Go visit The Bee Chronicles for a chance to win 25 free cards from @Shutterfly http://bit.ly/oPedl8 #giveaway (Please put link to tweet in comment, you may do this once a day for 1 entry each time)
UPDATE: The #s drawn were 93, 33, and 76. Congratulations Telitha, Misty and Melissa, I will be emailing you the promo codes!
Thank you to Shutterfly for providing the promotional codes for free cards for me and for the giveaway. No other compensation was received. This post is based on my own personal opinions and experiences.
October 14, 2011
Stressimessiness
So, I know I have been gone a while. It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I have been so wrapped up in the stressimessiness (my new word) of it for a while, it's been hard to see anything else. To start:
I'm officially unemployed, and now am a stay at home mom, unless by some miracle I find a job that's flexible and pays me as much or more as my last job.
I'm trying (rather unsuccessfully) to work on our house in the hopes that we can sell it next year. So far I have gotten nothing done because-
Jacob is not reacting well to all of these changes and to being a 3 year old in general.
He is driving. me. slowly. insane. I cannot take any more. What have I gotten myself into? I have talked to his teachers, and seen him around others, and it seems that I am getting the worst treatment.
He doesn't listen to me at all and he doesn't care. He's faced every kind of consequence a little boy could face, and it doesn't matter to him. It's awful, it's time-consuming, and it's tearing me apart.
Most of the time, while I may love him, I don't like him, not even a little bit, right now. I feel terrible about this. Also- there are these moments when he is still so sweet and they make everything else seem that much worse.
Where's my little guy? I miss him so much. he's been tough for a while now, but this is ridiculous. Drew was tough at 3 and turned into this amazing, caring little guy at 4, and I am hoping Jacob does the same. His 4th birthday is only 4 days away. Let's keep our fingers crossed, shall we?
Also, any suggestions would be very welcome right now.
I'm officially unemployed, and now am a stay at home mom, unless by some miracle I find a job that's flexible and pays me as much or more as my last job.
I'm trying (rather unsuccessfully) to work on our house in the hopes that we can sell it next year. So far I have gotten nothing done because-
Jacob is not reacting well to all of these changes and to being a 3 year old in general.
He is driving. me. slowly. insane. I cannot take any more. What have I gotten myself into? I have talked to his teachers, and seen him around others, and it seems that I am getting the worst treatment.
He doesn't listen to me at all and he doesn't care. He's faced every kind of consequence a little boy could face, and it doesn't matter to him. It's awful, it's time-consuming, and it's tearing me apart.
Most of the time, while I may love him, I don't like him, not even a little bit, right now. I feel terrible about this. Also- there are these moments when he is still so sweet and they make everything else seem that much worse.
Also, any suggestions would be very welcome right now.
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