Fed-Up

Is it that I blogged about poor customer service or is it just my fate? I had 3 packages to mail today. I don't have boxes or stuffing, or anything like that at my house, (I'm not the Post Office) so I just haul all the items in the trunk of my car. Of course my dear son is along for the ride too. Don't get me wrong it's not that I don't have boxes at my house. There's always a ton in the recycle bin. But the problem is they're never the right size. Never.
Anyhow I arrive at Fed-Ex Office and load my son in the stroller, the items over-flowing from the bin below and head on in. I am quickly greeted by the delivery truck driver - hands full of packages - and he asks if I need help. I say "Yes" loud enough for the two ladies behind the counter to hear and continue "but I'm sure one of them can help me." as I look down at his full hands. He understands that I don't want to slow him down from his responsibility when there are employees there to help me. He says "Oh yeah, Sarah in the back there can help you." Maybe I should have stopped him then, or perhaps followed him out and gone someplace else.
I walk over to the boxes, expecting one of the girls in the back to come help. Yeah right. My mistake. A few minutes there and I've found a box about the right size (for 2 of the packages, I'm still not sure what I need for the bigger one though). Then my son starts fussing. I check on him, and another customer walks in and walks up to the counter. One of the girls in the back drops everything she's doing and comes to help the other customer. Umm... Hello? So - I grab the boxes and a few labels and go stand behind the other customer in hopes I'll get some service. The other girl in the back continues her activities back there oblivious to the third customer now standing behind me hoping to get some assistance as well. He finally goes and works on a computer. I pull out the address I am shipping to. Finally the employee assisting the customer notices me, looks at my boxes and says: "If you're shipping express you need the air bill, not ground." I reply I didn't plan to ship express. She says "Oh, well to ship ground you have to use a brown box or one from home." OK that was about it. There's not a brown box in the store that is the size I want. At least not that I could see AND for goodness sakes - do you think I'd load up my child and all those items into his stroller and haul it all to the store without having checked at home for a freaking box?! Whatever. I stand there for a minute and look at the boxes. There's not one the size I want. I look back, she's still taking her sweet time with the customer (who came in with packaged boxes - shouldn't be too hard) and now she's eyeing me like I'm a nut. I give up. I look back at her and ask where the nearest UPS is. She answers and I leave.
At UPS the employee got up from the computer she was working at as I walked in the door, got behind the counter, let me quickly explain everything, pull out all the items I had and divide them into piles for each package. She hands me a shipping bill, tells me I only need one because I have three packages, and starts measuring and weighing as I fill it out. Once I'm finished she says "So the cheapest shipping is $$. I am assuming you want the cheapest method, is that right?" Yup, she was right. So I pay. As I finish the filling out the addresses and a quick note for one of the packages she's in the back wrapping up one of the packages. As I leave, number two is about to be wrapped up. Oh, and did I mention she squeezed in some help to another customer who had his box ready, and another one with a question her co-worker couldn't answer? I know it's not rocket science, not even advanced math. But for me, it makes a world of difference when an employee does their job!
I've seen what Brown can do for me! Thanks UPS!

Non-Buyers Remorse

I know we all sometimes have buyer's remorse after purchases. I think in this consumer driven world it's almost a given. We spend so much time making decisions on what to buy and how much to spend - groceries, home decor, technology, entertainment, clothing, cars, houses, etc. I know of a few times I actually had buyer's remorse. But for the amount of things I purchase, I'm grateful to say I rarely regret the purchase. Normally I'm glad I purchased it.
I guess I don't experience the remorse often because I am a thrifty shopper, especially when it comes to home decor, clothing, and anything craft related. Maybe that is what caused my recent dilemma. Let's call it Non-Buyers Remorse (for lack of a more creative name).
Two weeks ago I was in a very awesome home decor store. One that is a little more expensive. I could buy their stuff, but I'd rather go there, be inspired and make something similar for under half the price. While there I found this glass tile artwork that was just perfect for a gift for someone. I mean, I saw it and automatically the person came to mind. It was perfect. But I didn't want to spend the money right then - I wanted to think about it. There-in was my mistake. Upon my return, it was already sold. Hence, Non-Buyers Remorse. I lament not having made the purchase immediately. Now I am scouring the Internet to find the same item, but alas to no avail. Has that happened to you? It's bothering me so much today. I really want that item now.

Take me out to the Playground...

So it had been nearly one year since we moved to Washington and I was getting pretty disappointed with the lack of fabulous playgrounds. But then I finally found one! Steel Lake Park. It's a drive but oh so worth it. Let's just say when the playground will distract my son from the nearby water it's a major success. In fact - it was a first. The pictures will explain everything.

I got a Grand Piano!

I know - some of you are wondering where I would fit a grand piano. I'm proud to say it took very little re-arranging. It's a "Baby" Grand - so it is much smaller than your regular Grand. And I got an amazing deal on it. ($5 on Craigslist! Wahoo! These cost $100 new.) This is the first night we had it home. Little Monkey loved it from the get go!

Couch Re-upholstery Project

OK so I decided it's time to post before and after pictures of things I've done. I feel like I've been holding out. I am going to hold out a while longer with pictures of the house. It's just that we have details left undone that I'd like to finish first.

So my first before and after is going to be an old one. My couches.When we got married we bought an old sofa and love seat. Together they cost $100. We could not in our right minds justify more than that. But - they were hideous. This is the couch in it's former shape!

I'm not sure what the pattern was called in it's glory days - but to us it was Pastel Tex-Mex. We didn't waste time finding cheap slip-covers. I also found some cute napkins and sewed pillow covers for some cute decor.

But alas, as those of you with slip covers know - they are terrible to deal with. I was constantly stuffing the fabric back into place, pulling on it. It was like sitting on your bed right after you finished making it. After a few months I was determined to find a better solution.

It wasn't too hard to find - but I'll admit it was a lot of work. A trip to a local Home Fabric shop and I found some really nice green upholstery fabric for $3/yard! I bought the rough estimate amount. I think it was 17 yards.

Another trip to the BYU's library had me about 7 books on upholstery projects. During one of our road trips to Canada I read the books, narrowing down the pile of useful aides to about 2 books. I learned as much as I could from those books.

Then one day when classes were cancelled and I didn't feel like studying I grabbed the tools and started demolition. I pulled those couches apart (1 at a time) as fast as I could. The worst part was pulling out the old staples. My hands were so sore. My wonderful husband helped when he came home, and he helped with the next couch. Bless his heart for putting up with all my craziness.

I used the old fabric pieces as patterns for the new fabric and began re-forming the couches. I can't even begin to describe the difference the new fabric made so I will show you instead.

There's the love seat in all her glory! All together the re-upholstery cost $150. I bought new legs later (the nice bun feet style) and painted them black. Another $80. So all told the lovely couches (yup both of them) cost us $330. A few months after we finished my hubby and I saw couches like these at Pier 1 for $800/couch. Oh yeah - talk about saving $$$!

Later, after all was said and done I found more napkins and made the red pillow covers. I also found the lace to put on them at Jo-Anns. I still can't believe how well they turned out for a first timer.

What has happened to Customer Service?!!

So I have to admit this blog began with all the intentions of complaining about the fact that customer service no longer existed. I've been seriously disappointed by the lack of service I've received in so many places lately. But alas, my blog has been foiled. I have encountered excellent customer service. I suppose that I should not be complaining - but you may find yourself surprised as I was by the time you finish reading.
Recently I have eaten out at tons of restaurants. Girls Night out, Anniversary Dinner, Simply Doing Something, Anniversary weekend away, and dinner out with my parents are just a few of the reasons I've been out. So here it is: BJ's, The Rainforest Cafe, Old Spaghetti Factory, The Blackforest Restaurant, The Copper Room, Wild Cat Grill. Have you lost your minds? You are restaurants known for top quality foods. I mean, everyone recommends you these days. So WHY did you not serve me well recently? I KNOW what some of you are thinking. You can't expect to enjoy an evening out with a 16 month old in tow. You can only try to blame my son for bad service at Wild Cat Grill, every other evening out he was in someone else's care.
SO I've come up with a theory. I don't drink alcohol. Could it really be that simple? I'm not sure. I've waited over 25 minutes at more than one of the above mentioned restaurants to even have my order taken. That's not because I didn't close my menu. It was closed most of the time. Have you noticed the trend too? Is it really that these servers are more concerned about how big of a tip they're going to get? Is it really that much different if I don't drink? I THINK SO.
Here's why: Servers automatically assume that because I don't order alcohol I won't tip as well (I mean, based on the whole percentage of your order rule, it's true right?) BUT then they don't serve you very well and end up getting even less of a tip because they didn't even try. It's a crazy theory I know, but I'm sticking to it.
As I've been thinking about the lack of customer service everywhere I've stumbled upon a few examples of excellent service.
Tina at The Rock - Wood Fired Pizza. Thank you for your prompt service, your understanding, your smiles, and for actually checking on us as you walked by. Both my husband and I enjoyed the difference good service made. Seriously, you made our evening more enjoyable. I know you said it's because you love people - but I think some of it has a lot to do with common sense too. Everyone wants good service.
Christina at I-HOP. Thanks to you for making our breakfast enjoyable. It was so refreshing midst your busy holiday morning to still receive good service. I know you'll be shocked to hear that just by asking me if I wanted water because I was out of milk I was impressed. I was - I sat in one of the above restaurants without a refill for my drink for 30 minutes. (At another place my husband and I were actually notified by our server after drinking our lemonades that they do not have free refills so would we like a water?!) OK enough venting - I'm talking about good service here.
And you know the craziest thing? My son was with us at both of the "Good Service" places! So I'm holding out hope that my most recent experiences eating out are not rare, never to be repeated experiences.

Harrison Hot Springs

I can't even begin to explain how wonderful Harrison Hot Springs is. It's a place you have to experience for yourself. But let me mention just a few of the reasons why I love it there:

1. It's only 1/2 an hour from my parents house so leaving our son with them overnight was so convenient.
2. Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (http://www.harrisonresort.com/)
3. Harrison Lake and the surrounding luscious green areas - so beautiful.
4. The World Sandcastle Competitions (http://www.harrisand.org/)
5. The Black Forest Restaurant
6. Desert, Dancing and Live Entertainment at the Copper Room in the Resort.
7. The 98 degree pools and the enticing hot tub (pictured on their home page).
8. The Spa - ahhh.....
9. The free upgrade to a room on the top floor of the hotel with a breathtaking view of the lake. (Although I must admit a King size bed is almost daunting - it's huge!)
10. The hike to Bridal Veil Falls.

I honestly can't wait to go back to Harrison. It was the most enjoyable, relaxing weekend and I miss it there already. I was honestly concerned about spending that much money on a hotel. I didn't want to walk away feeling like we paid way more than it was worth. I'll admit in the end I still think it was a lot of money BUT I also feel like it was worth every penny.

(I know, I know - some of you are thinking: "She's actually posting pictures? What?" In my defense I just loaded 3 months {translate: 369 pictures} worth of pictures onto the computer. So maybe other pictures will actually be popping up soon too...)

Links...

OK - these sites are just a few sites I had up on my screen today....

http://www.etsy.com/ Handmade crafts anyone? I've seriously been considering selling my own crafts here. I wonder how much I should charge?

http://www.reallchic.com/ I really want to order the soaps and candles this company makes. I mean - when it looks so good you want to eat it - how can you resist?

http://www.inkandspindle.com/ Right now they only have the blog going - but here you will be able to order hand printed textiles. (I believe you will also be able to have your own design printed! How cool is that?)

http://www.cocomyles.com/ This company makes bridesmaids/formal dresses. You choose the top and the bottom style, the fabric, the color, and a few additional things. (They have 4 tops styles with sleeves!) The prices are amazing. This is perfect for weddings with several bridesmaids because you can reserve fabric bolts so the fabric for all the dresses matches perfectly. The other fun thing is all the bridesmaids could choose their own style of dress but match the fabric.

http://www.personalizationmall.com/ I love ordering things from this company. I have a canvas picture of my husband holding our son on his Blessing Day with a poem I wrote. Tons of people have asked where I got it - this is the site. It's a great way to personalize something.

Celebrating Forever with My Love!

Back before I had any idea of who or when I would marry I already knew where. It would be in an LDS Temple. I remember explaining to a friend of mine why it was so important for me to marry in the temple. Here's sort of how it went:

Friend: "What is the temple all about anyway? I mean, it's like a castle, so pretty, but what do you do there?"

Me: "Well, one of my favorite parts about the temple is that we perform marriages there. It's not like a normal civil marriage, the couple is married for eternity not just time. We believe that we live forever so it only makes sense to be married to the one you love for eternity."

Friend: "Oh, How Romantic!" (Now it's not just what she said but how she said it. Imagine her voice dripping in pure delight and slowly emphasizing each word.)

At this point her phone rang and the conversation ended (we were working at a call center).

I'll admit her reply had me surprised. Most people don't know how to respond when I tell them about temple marriage. They are shocked by the idea of being married forever. For them, just being married for this life is a long time. So when she thought it was romantic I was really intrigued as to why. I had never connected temple marriage and romance together. I'm not sure why - but she's right. It is romantic. When I married my husband August 20, 2005 in the Seattle Temple it was such a wonderful experience. What made it even better was knowing that he was going to be with me for eternity!

3 years have gone by - and quickly. I can't believe how fast it's gone. I'm so glad we have forever together or I'd seriously be panicking about not having enough time in this life. My husband is my best friend, he's my greatest support, and he is the most wonderful man I know. Not only that, but he is an awesome father too. Who could ask for more? Being married for eternity helps us to have a different perspective on our marriage. We don't want to get out, we want to make each other happy and we work hard to make our marriage better. So when 3 years have gone by and I can say I love my husband more than ever it makes me so happy! It sure helps to know he feels the same way.

Here's to us love, and our eternity together!

When your room feels like a Mexican Restaurant...

I studied color theory in my Interior Design class. I know how important color choice can be and how different colors can be influential. But I wasn't prepared for the difference a subtle cream undertone could make.
I chose our paint colors for our Master Bedroom. It took forever, perhaps because I'd already chosen colors for every other room in the house - so when I finally chose a cream with a red accent wall I was so relieved it was over. Unfortunately I didn't double check the cream color before I painted the whole room. I finished it and stood back and thought there was something off. Then I decided it was just that I didn't really like the red. The next day I decided it was definitely the red, the cream just didn't work with it. The cream looked too orange and it was making me feel like the room was a restaurant, not a romantic room.
So I decided I would rather repaint one wall. I grab my paint fan, pull out the green that was choice #2 and put it up to the cream. It didn't go either. How odd. I knew the cream was supposed to go with either one - in case we decided we didn't like the red. I was so confused. I whipped out the cream chip at that point. The cream on the wall seemed off, by just a little. Why? So I double checked the can. It was the wrong color. Argh. What do I do? We got the cream replaced with the correct color.
So today the room is cream (the brown based cream, not orange based) with a red accent wall. It looks fantastic - no longer a Mexican Restaurant. Hurray!
I just have to finish up the red accent wall. We're striping it with gloss/flat in the same color. I'll let you know how that goes.

More Free Patterns

So another one of my favorite fabric designers - Heather Bailey - has a new free pattern. I never thought I could drool over a pincushion pattern - and yet here I am drooling. Hope you all enjoy!

The sidebar on her blog has other free patterns and tutorials as well!

http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/

A little about me Mosaic Style

1. Maggie's, 2. Empanada!, 3. http://flickr.com/photos/robertlz/2408352447/, 4. Blue Color Bilbao Guggenheim Perspective, 5. I'm nobody..., 6. Italian Soda, 7. Cataratas del Iguazú 012 / Iguassu Falls 012, 8. Schokosoufflé mit Kirschen, Schokocrèpes und dulce de leche Eis, 9. { She's Happy ,,, 10. Family Portrait, 11. Friendly, 12. RENO

My friend posted this on her blog and challenged her readers to make their own. So I'm going to do the same. If you read this and have a blog you now have to do one yourself. Here's how:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker. Choose 3 columns with 4 rows.
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (kid version: favorite animal?)