Friday, March 18, 2011

Hair cutting @ Great Clips

Hair cutting/trimming was long time due task and I have to go to a party this weekend so I thought this is high time I should finish it up. This was my first experience with Great Clips or any other American Salon for that matter. In New Jersey, I found an Indian Lady running salon from home. She was good at her job, easily available, very neat and clean and charging very reasonable. I loved the fact that blow dry was also part of hair cutting/styling.

Anyway, when I went to Great Clips I asked how much they charge for blow drying and shampoo. Their answers made it clear that they were in hurry and not willing to spend time. Looking at their response I found it safer to go only for hair cut. Job was finished within minutes (without even basic drying) and later the way she lifted the apron all hairs fell on me (And now I madly need a shower). She did not see this or conveniently decided to ignore it. She was not at all friendly so far and when time came to pay the bill she was very much into getting tips. My hair was not so bad, but I was so mad at her that I even thought not to give her tip!

I am quite disappointed and I definitely will have to look for a different option.


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

How to buy a bed/ mattress?

When we rented an apartment for the first time, we bought things that were cheap and avaialble with free shipping. Initially we had only a coil mattress which we used to put directly on floor. Later we bought a metal frame and box spring from a local store to make the complete set. It worked very well so far but lately my box spring has become quite squeaky and it has become so bad that I would be afraid of disturbing HIS sleep by just changing the side. Whenever we have guests sleeping in the next room I feel “embarrassed” because of such noise. So finally time has come to change the stuff.

Initially I was very confused since here we have different varieties in mattresses. Beds are sold in parts - frame, headboard and footboard. And box spring is something we rarely find in India. I have been going through a strong brainstorming session about buying the new things which are cost effective, efficient and easy to move. First I thought to change only box spring. But then I realized this would not end the problem since my mattress has also started sagging a bit. And if I am buying a new mattress and a new box spring, I do not want to continue using the old metal frame!!

I literally read guidelines about buying a new mattress and/or bed. And I am sure this would help some beginner like me! Before we go over the guidelines, here are some facts worth keeping in mind.

• If you are using bed, use of spring box can be avoided i.e. you can directly put mattress on bed base. I like low platform beds hence I would prefer setting mattress without spring box
• Bed base could be a solid wood board or a slated base. Of course, solid wood base would be more durable and comfortable, but slated base would be considerably cheaper and easier to pack and move
• Box springs tend to get affected by bed bugs while wood base are more immune towards such bugs
• In short, either you buy metal frame + box spring + mattress or bed + mattress. This does not mean that box spring cannot be used on top of wood base, but it would be an extra expense. Box springs were introduced to offer comfort and shock absorbance since in earlier days mattresses were made of solid cotton. Now we have high quality coil mattress and memory foam mattresses available, so shock absorbance is taken care of by mattress only
• If you are going to use foam mattress you can absolutely avoid spring box. But for coil mattress, it depends on quality of mattress whether to use spring box

I have made up my mind to buy a bed frame (with headboard and footboard) along with slated bed base from IKEA (and say final good bye to box spring :)). If slated base does not work for me, I will replace it with solid base or just buy a wood board (from Home Depot) to put between mattress and slated base.

How to buy a mattress,
• I have already been using not so good quality coil mattress for 3-4 years and now I do not think I would go for it again. As I am thinking to buy memory foam mattress only, I am going to write only about it
• Queen size memory foam mattress is available in a range from $200 to $4000. I would not recommend to go for a very expensive one since it’s better spend money on changing the mattress every few years than spending big on one piece
• Generally it is common understanding that thick mattresses are more comfortable, but in foam mattress density of foam matters and not the thickness. If density is 3 Lb or above, it is good. So, 8” thick mattress with higher density can work better than 12” thick mattress with lower density.
• Another criterion is what kinds of fibers are used. Natural fibers work fine in all seasons but they cost quite high ($1000 +). In my budget, I would go for synthetic fibers only so I would check if they are temperature adjustable. If not then you might get up sweating in middle of the night :)
• Generally foam mattress comes in 2 or 3 layers. 2 layers have base and top foam layers. While 3 layers have top, core and base layers. I would go for 2 layers, since more layers means higher probability of falling them apart
• Top foam layer should be at least 2.5” thick since this is the layer your body will be in direct touch with.
• Generally foam mattress tends to emit smell of chemicals for first 2-3 days. If smell does not go away completely, contact the manufacturer and ask for replacement
• Buy a mattress that has minimum of 15 days return policy
• If you are going to avoid box spring for a foam mattress, it's important to keep in mind that a foam mattress weighs signicficantly higher than a coil mattress with same thickness
I am not in a favor buying a mattress online. So I will visit and check them in store. Once I can decide on brand and thickness, I might buy the same online.

I believe, I am done with my homework and ready for change. What I wrote was just based on theory I read online and might change once I buy and actually start using them!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Knitted Scarves (Beginner's level)

There must be something wrong with me. I always get right ideas at the wrong time. All of a sudden I wanted to knit something and I came up with this thought when winter is almost getting over. I have very fond memories of my mom who was always busy knitting and discussing new designs with her friends during winter days. I always had scarf and sweater knitted by mom during my school days and that would always make me feel proud since my outfit will be unique and different from others. She just taught me simple stitch in knitting but I actually never practiced.

I knew the basics but was not confident whether I can make finished product which someone can really wear. I wanted to surprise my mom so could not ask her where to start from. But I indeed found my source, YouTube. I came up with video tutorial for knitting for beginners. I bought the cheapest wool and needles from Jo-Ann Crafts and I am quite happy. In 3 weeks of time, I knitted two scarves. (since scarf would be the best start for beginner like me :)) I just spent 10 bucks out of which needles are re-usable. Now I am confident to use little more expensive matrial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hv44QwQ-A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgwi3xgZzlk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD5fxWP75yI

Scarf for Men (Or I should say both man and woman can wear)
Material: soft acrylic
Quantity: 300 gram
Needle: size 5
Length: 50”

Cast on 32 stitches and knit until desired length is achieved. This is made with just knit stitches since it was my first time experiment.

Scarf for Woman
I made this one mainly to utilize leftover acrylic and also to add little design. I wanted a short narrow scarf which I can just wrap around my neck and won’t become cumbersome with jacket/coat. I found some design online where length would be just enough to wrap it around neck in a single layer. To hold it, designer buttons were used.

Material: soft acrylic
Quantity: 100 gram
Needle: size 5
Length: 30”

Cast on 15 stitches and make alternate knit and purl stitch in group of five i.e. first 5 stitches will be knit, then purl and again knit. Do so for five rows and then change the pattern i.e. start with purl stitches, then knit and then purl again. This will create alternate block pattern. I stitched couple hooks inside which I can close if I want the scarf to hold over the neck. These are small hooks so even if I do not fasten them they won't be visible.

Birthday Card fro HIM

Initially I had thought to go to Hallmark and get a Birthday Card. Then last minute I decided to make it myself. I did not have much time to think creative or make something extraordinary. I knew that I wanted “benchmark for 30” and it must look funny. (Somehow I am loosing taste for senti stuffJ) So I came up with an idea of drawing a small puppy. Anyway, puppy has special value and meaning in our relationship. So here I am!


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Eating while Reading

I had had this habit a long time ago, reading while eating. Then recently, he got stuck up with work and I happened to have dinner just by myself. I was not in a mood to watch TV and settled for a book. This reminded me of my school days. I would be home from school around 1 and that time mom would be busy putting my kid brother to nap. So I would warm up my lunch and have it with newspaper or magazine. Monday to Wednesday will pass quickly since there will be long interesting supplements with newspaper or Chitralekha to read. Once in a month I would have bonus to have Safari as well. Then Thursday would be the most boring lunch day and somehow I would manage on Friday. Saturday I would be home early and we all would have lunch together.

I am so happy to remember these days. Happy Reading and Happy Eating!!!