Category Archive

Nitty Gritty

This is our category dedicated to the hard topics of occupancy – the realities of having a home. Nitty gritties might involve moving, dealing with appliances, handling passive aggressive landlord notes, or choosing a utility company.

Sweet, sometimes geeky, and generally non-religious funeral readings

What if your loved one did not leave behind helpful clues as to what to read at their funeral? Don’t fret, you have enough upset right now, just scroll down this post and hopefully the perfect funeral reading will resonate with you…

“Why do you smoke?”

I, like most people, know the risks and dangers associated with smoking. We should — we hear them often enough. So when a kid, who are often present at adult parties, asks me “Why do you smoke?” it becomes difficult to answer.

Baseboard heater safety freaks me out! How can I feel safe around baseboard heating?

There are baseboard heating units EVERYWHERE, and as lifelong book hoarders (we’re both English teachers) with small children, we have no idea how to fit all our bookshelves, furniture, and kid’s toys and playthings safely up against the walls. What are your creative work-arounds for rooms filled with baseboard heating units?

How to be a happy vampire in the sun

I have pale skin, and I enjoy having pale skin. I dislike the beach, tan lines, sun damage, and 100 degree heat. However, in mid-July, my husband and I will be staying for a week in a Galveston, Texas beach house. Do any of the Homies have advice for keeping the sun off while keeping cool? (Other than liberal application of sunscreen, of course.)

My favorite geeky April Fool’s tradition

April Fool’s day went from my most loathed made-up holiday (Valentine’s Day is a close second) to one of my favorite days of the year. That’s all because of Think Geek

How can I make my uncomfortable tub more relaxing for a comfy soak?

My apartment’s bathtub is not conducive to a relaxing soak. The back wall of the tub goes straight up at a ninety degree angle, with a little ledge before the wall.

A few helpful hints on internet security from your friendly neighborhood whitehat

As a “retired” hacker I have some suggestions on the matter of basic security easily implemented by the average internet user. These are a few helpful hints on internet security from your friendly neighborhood whitehat.

How to keep your whole family warm when walking in sub-zero temperatures

My family only has one car, which my husband uses to commute an hour to work each day. But that doesn’t stop my family from going out and enjoying our neighbourhood. I still drop my son off at preschool a few mornings a week, enjoy library programs, and our awesome local fair-trade coffee shop. If you’ve got two feet, a heartbeat, and some basic gear, sub-zero temperatures and snow can’t get in the way…