Hello Sunday.
What a view! We still have several inches of snow on the ground from last week’s snow storm and word on the street is that we will be getting another 3-5 inches tonight. Wahooo! I LOVE snow. I love looking at snow and I love not having to go anywhere because of snow. 🙂
Weigh What I Weighed When We Got Married {128 pounds}
Weigh ins will be on the first Sunday of the month.
I’m down about 3 1/2 pounds since the beginning of January and I think that’s great. I had my thyroid removed in early January and basically stuck to soft foods {ice cream, applesauce, yogurt and soup} and I think that helped kick things off.
Since then I have cut down on snacking {I don’t normally snack a lot, but some} and have been eating smaller portions at meal times and I think that has attributed to the weight loss. I’m not a believer in diets so basically, the goal is to lose a pound a month through just cutting back. Weight loss. It’s about as complicated as you want it to be. 🙂
- My February 7th weigh in was 137.3
- My January 3rd weigh in was 140.7
Keep My Husband Busy
He finally installed the transition strip in the hallway where the tile meets the wood flooring. Now he just needs to stain the tranition strip tonight and we can be done with that project.
The HH’s Honey Do List {so far} for 2021 🙂
- Build a new set of stairs down to the water. The old set… it’s not exactly useable.
- Build a firepit near the edge of the property. {He’s handy, he’ll figure it out}
- Build a picnic table near the birch trees for summer lunches
- Build 4 or 6 garden boxes for his little lady
- Build a boatload of birdhouses for the {soon to be} bird sanctuary
- Remodel the bathroom in the hallway {starting this next week!}
- Install some sort of driveway border
- Install a workspace for me in the basement for dying wool.
Things We’d Like to Buy
If you had to buy a new washer and dryer set, what brand would you buy? Buying a new washer and dryer ranks right up there with getting your teeth pulled if making a purchase for an appliance had a rating for enthusiasm level in my opinion. I’ve heard Speed Queens are good. What brands do YOU like? Also, the new set will be installed in the basement, so it will be full size.
- A dinghy for zipping around the nearby islands and for summer ice cream runs
- Archery Set {every camp should have archery!}
- Kitchen table and chairs
- Sideboard
- Bench for the entryway
- A full size washer and dryer set {the house came with a small stackable w/d set}
- Deck chairs and a patio table set
A set of 4 Adirondack chairs for the fire pit area- BBQ {Sayonara smoker?}
Unplug As Much As Possible {but still keep the blog, FB and Instagram}
Ring Ring HELLO? My phone is still on silent mode. And I’m loving it. 🙂
This year I plan to step back more and cut the noise.
- Goodbye Amazon Prime {Done!}
- Goodbye Hulu {Done!}
- Goodbye Netflix {Done!}
- Goodbye keeping my cell phone in my back pocket and checking it constantly {so far so good}
- Limit time online to 3 hours a day {for writing, working, and Etsy} {so far so good}
Try 24 New Recipes {and remember to link them here}
New Recipes I’ve Made This Year
- Seville Orange Marmalade
- Jalapeno Cheddar No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
- Hearty Cheeseburger Soup
- Meatballs and Brown Gravy
Read {or Listen to} 12 New Books about Maine {or written by Maine Authors}
The HH picked me up the book Maine Women Living on the Land and I’m excited to go through it tonight.
Books about Maine {or written by Maine authors} I’ve read this year:
- Christina Olson Her World Beyond the Canvas. {Excellent!}
- At First Light: Two Centuries of Maine Artists, Their Homes and Studios
Currently listening to:
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Currently on hold:
- Wintering by Katherine May
Get 24 Stories Off My Phone and onto the Blog
It’s been busy around here the last few days, I need to get crackin’ on this one!
Get the Photos on My Phone Down to Less Than 1,000 {started the year with 2863 photos}
There are currently 2,433 photos on my phone. So while I’ve still been taking pictures, at least I am getting rid of them faster and making my way though the old ones.
Clean Out My Closet
I turned all the hangers around in my closet and so far 92% of them are still backwards. I suspect though that will change once spring and summer arrive and I’m wearing other things than pajamas, jeans and long sleeved shirts.
My House Projects For This Year
The HH took down the blinds on the back windows yesterday so the plan for today is to paint the window trim in the family room and then I’ll be done in that space and can move on to my next painting project.
- Figure out new window treatments for the back of the house
- Come up with a game plan for the kitchen remodel {for 2022}
- Paint the family room
wallsand trim - Paint the entryway
trimand doors {halfway there} - Paint the dining room walls and trim
- Paint the master bedroom walls and trim
- Paint the barn and add a new fixture {okay, so the HH will be adding the fixture}
My Garden Projects For This Year
The current state of the garden. 🙂 Or at least part of it. 60 days from now hopefully I’ll be looking at raised garden boxes being built in this space and my vegetable and herb garden beginning to come together.
My List of Garden Projects For This Year:
- Install a simple flower bed border in front of the house
- Install a boatload of birdhouses/feeders in the side yard
- Transplant evergreen saplings to the side of property for a privacy border
- Clean up and prune the area that faces the road
- Install a vegetable garden
- Install a sunflower patch
- Plant 2,500 flower bulbs {Why 2,500? It seemed like a good number to start with}
Reach 10,000 Sales on Etsy {as of this morning I’ve made 6222 sales on Etsy}
Only 3,778 to go!
After getting so many requests for rug hooks, I was able to add some beginner rug hooks to my Etsy shop this past week. I also worked on cutting wool to dye for bundles and hopefully I’ll be able to do another hand dyed bundle re-stock in a few days.
Create 12 New Rug Hooking Patterns or Kits
I continued to work on my newest pattern and will have it ready to offer as a kit {and a pattern} on my next update for finished goods on March 5th. With a little luck I’ll have a second pattern finished and ready to go as well.
Create 12 New Ornaments for 2021
I didn’t create any new ornaments this past week but I did get a bunch of garden markers made. 🙂 Mrs. HB’s birthday is coming up and she put in a special request so I’ve been busy making garden markers for her as well as a few more for my Etsy shop.
2021 Ornaments I’ve Made So Far
#1 ♥ Ladybug Heart ♥
I am currently working on bunnies… and have had a few requests for foxes so if there is an ornament you’d like to see made, leave me a comment and I’ll give it a whirl.
Discover 12 Made in Maine Products and Share Them on the Blog
On Friday the HH and I drove to Harpswell, Maine to visit a local potter and I will be sharing the photos of that trip and have a little giveaway for you next week. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Visit 6 Lighthouses in Maine
No lighthouses this week but other Places in Maine We’ve Been to This Year Are:
- Owls Head General Store
- Wasses Hot Dogs in Rockland, Maine
- Langlais Sculpture Preserve – Cushing, Maine
Lighthouses I’ve Been to in Maine So Far:
So that’s it. That’s my progress report for this past week. How about YOU? Did you make any goals for 2021? Have you checked any of them off your list yet?
Have a great one,
~Mavis
Robin says
Good morning! That is gorgeous too look at.
I am curious to know if you by you planting box filler already mixed or make your own?
If making, what do you prefer?
I have been Googling and readin up on different ideas about it and just wondered.
Thanks, have a wonderful weekend!
Wendy says
I bought a Speed Queen Commercial washer and dryer about 5 years ago and it has been the best. I would buy it again. I did not want the new low water use washers. I have used them at vacation houses and relatives houses and just didn’t feel they got the clothes clean. But I know there are people who like them. Speed Queen Commercial was recommended to me by a neighbor, and I am very pleased with mine.
Also your new rug pattern looks like it’s going to be beautiful!!
Lauralli says
I second the Speed Queen! Mine is the Commercial Heavy Duty. It is exactly what washers were like 40 years ago. Top load with agitator. No electronic lights (to go out). It will actually allow you to soak clothes as long as you like by lifting the lid (shocker). It also has a delicate cycle which was a must for me. I’ve had mine for 5.5 years and have had no problems. I will never have another brand. I don’t have the SQ dryer yet as my 15 year old one still works fine.
Susie in Indiana says
Third the Speed Queen! Love my set. 🙂
Christa H says
I would call several repair people and find out which washer/dryers they say they service the least. I did that 8 years ago and still have not had one repair.
I also prefer top loading. Front loading seem to collect mold and also smell.
Emily B. says
This is kinda brilliant! Kudos.
CherylV says
Front-loading also travels across the room on a spin cycle unless it is on a stable base or concrete. My handyman screwed my washer into the floor to prevent that after it walked itself in front of the door so I couldn’t get in.
Rosemary Calhoun says
Whatever brand of washer/dryer you buy be sure to get the 5 year extended warranty. We did not do that (bought a Maytag) and had to replace it at 4.5 years. We replaced it with a Samsung – so far so good (and this time we got the 5 year warranty).
Jamie says
We are in the process of buying a new house and need a new washer and dryer too. The last week has been dedicated to research on this. Based on comments from our Realtor, family, sales associates, and online reviews we will probably go with a Whirlpool or Maytag. Everyone we talked to who had owned a Samsung said they were terrible and the warranties weren’t great. We are probably getting a top loader impeller for the washer. We have been warned that they can be a bit loud, but our machines will be in a utility room away from the living areas of the house. We are avoiding front loaders due to their smallish capacity size, issues with getting very dirty items clean (e.g. dirt caked gardening clothes), and long cleaning cycles. I have also had a number of people tell me they have had issues with front seals and locks on these machines after only a few years of use.
Thank you for putting up all the gardening posts over the years! The house we hope to close on has a large, sunny backyard, half was which we are going to convert into a garden. I have been refencing your content a lot as we plan out the beds and planting times.
Lisa Rostocki says
I have had a Speed Queen washer and dryer and they are the best. I asked my appliance shop and they told me they are easy to fix but hardly ever have to be. They have a stainless steel drum and usually last over 20 years. I just recently had a high efficiency front loader in a rental I was in and hated it! My clothes never were clean and it used barely any water but also ran a lot and used more electricity.
Also I had a Samsung agitatorless in another place I was in and it also ran up to 2 hours for a load and clothes weren’t clean.
Go for the Speed Queen you won’t regret it!
Patty P says
I, too, have a Speed Queen Washer( TC5). It is the “classic” which means that the agitator moves separate from the drum, giving a more thorough clean. I have had it for about 6 months and I really love it. I do not have a dryer though, I hang my laundry out to dry (so that’s a lie, I have a dryer…but I barely even use it, and even if I wanted to use it, the heating element needs repair…it is NOT a Speed Queen).
verna says
Yes get a speed queen. I work at a laundry mat and that brand has outlasted all the other brands we had. It is quick, efficient and cleans everything. The appliance place said that all the parts are” solid” and will last forever.
Melissa says
Speed Queen hands down. It fills the drum to the top on both the wash and rinse cycle.— my clothes are finally CLEAN instead of the ghastly spray rinse every other brand does. (Plus I had to rinse twice with my old washer, so I’m glad that “eco” thing is working out for everyone.)
My SQ washes the way all washers used to wash. It rinses great, and the agitator gets clothes clean.
It’s also super fast— a full load is done in 37 minutes. Even the spin is better!
Don’t even look at other brands. We went to an actual shop, not a big box store, and their guys gave me a detailed rundown of the SQ and how the other brands didn’t compare. The contempt was real.
Melissa says
Maytag Commercial series.
My SO did significant research (it’s his jam) and the Maytag Commercial not only outperforms Speed Queen, but is also less expensive.
Kathy H. says
I love your philosophy on weight loss. Too many people spend a lot of money on gimmicks and special diet foods.
Cathrin says
Maytag or whirlpool is the brands i would pick from
Carhy says
Ditto with calling Repair,
Or ask which is easier to get part
Or what they’d rather work on.
We found out during pandemic
Dishwashers are throw away
They don’t want to come fix.
So we bought the one my husband could install
Linda says
My dad was a repairman & he said the fancier the appliance the more breakdowns & the higher the repair cost. His other advice, don’t pay more for an appliance than you’re willing to spend on the repairs. That being said, although I wanted a Speed Queen (he said you rarely need a repair man) I went with a Maytag because I live in the sticks. Ha! No Speed Queen repairman- but had a Maytag guy!
mrs. c says
I asked our appliance repairman what NOT to get and he said Samsung and LG. He said that parts are still hard to get and the companies are terrible about reimbursing repair people for items under warranty, so many are reluctant to work on those brands.
Donna says
That view is awesome! You are one lucky woman Mavis. As a Speed Queen owner I cannot say enough good things about the brand. First and foremost we have owned our set for almost 10 years. Repairs – NONE! I absolutely love that they are made in the US as well. Would love to see a fox added to your ornament offerings.
Toni says
My next washer/dryer will be speed queen!
Brianna says
I wash a lot of sleeping bags and outdoor gear, so I have a high capacity kenmore. It is my 2nd in 15 years, but the first went through cloth diapers and a dozen moves. I would stay away from Maytag, as I bought a kitchenaid fridge (Maytag brand) and the seal was bad. I did not even have it 2 weeks when it started, so it was under manufactures warranty. Well they had their own idea on what to do and I lost so much food, they recharged it, had so many service calls, and finally they decided it was confirmed to be a bad seal, I lived with a cooler for almost 5 months with 3 little kids and not a reliable working fridge before they decided to replace it. We ate all of the costs for food loss and service calls. Their customer service was terrible and their process for warranty coverage on a brand new fridge was terrible. Then we had to pay for delivery of a new replacement fridge and disposal of the bad one. The $2200 fridge cost us nearly $4000, almost double what we paid.
Jeanine says
We have a Speed Queen top loading washer since 8/20. It’s good, but locks down and you can’t add anything once it starts. Once in a while it gets stuck and has to be unplugged and reset. Our old washer was a Magtag top loader and lasted over 15 years. Miss that old washer! Whatever you decide don’t get a front loader, they get mold and stink. You have to wipe it out and leave the door open to air out. My daughter had a front loader and it have her nothing but problems.
Linda T says
I don’t have a Whirlpool, but the washer we bought also had a lock mechanism and it regularly became unbalanced. Unfortunately, you couldn’t get it to balance the load until it ran itself through 3 tries, all of which took ages, especially on days when I was busy. When the repairman finally came for another problem, I asked him to disconnect the locking mechanism. It still gets unbalanced, but at least I can fix it quickly. I wouldn’t do this if you have kids who can open the washer, but it is just my husband and I.
Sandra says
My Whirlpool top loader has been good for over fifteen years. I’ve never had service for it. My daughter has a front loader (very expensive) and has had repeated service calls as well as the issue of smelly laundry mentioned by others. She is careful to wipe it down after each use and to leave the door open at all times and that has helped, but it still has diminished capacity compared to a top loader.
Ruth says
Our 30-year-old washer is on its last legs, so we are also researching. Our repairman said get something as basic as possible…with as few bells and whistles as you can find. He said “electronics and water don’t mix.”
Suggestion: keep your convenient stackable unit for small, daily loads and do the bigger, dirtier stuff in the basement units. Basement laundry becomes an ordeal as you get older. I know that that won’t happen (for you!) for awhile! But it has become a biggish issue for us…and for several friends.
Diane says
I have had my Kenmore washer and dryer for 30 years and they are still working fine. Only thing we had to do was replace the dog feet on the agitator and that was something my husband could do with YouTube tutorial. I like the top loaders because I’m always adding some thing after the wash started!
Ramona says
I’ve had a Whirlpool top loader, very basic, and dryer I purchased in 2017. I haven’t had any problems with it. I did look up when I bought it and saw a note I wrote to Whirlpool saying my clothes seem linty after washing. I guess I haven’t noticed that since I first bought it. My washer before this must have done a better job getting lint off clothes. I only bought a new washer because we had moved to another state and didn’t bring our old ones with us.
Donna Jantzer says
I have a Whirlpool washer and a Maytag dryer. My appliance repairman lives with me, so it’s so easy to get repairs done. Both are 10+ years old, and the Whirlpool washer has only needed a new computer board, which we just bought cheaply on Amazon and then he replaced it. I know, I am SO lucky! The dryer has needed more work, but dryers work horribly hard and I have put it through the ringer (so to speak, ha ha). I love my front loading washer, it uses less water, is easy to load and unload. I do leave the door open when not using, (it’s in the basement) and I haven’t had any problems with mold or musty smell.
Elle says
We have an LG frontloading pair. We bought the medium size. It is only the 2 of us and honestly, I wish we had purchased the small size.
Congrats on your weight loss through lifestyle changes 🙂
NeeNee says
I have the Whirlpool front loader I love them big enough to wash a king size comforter I have the pedestals with the draw under so no bending lots of storage and you can fit a lot so do laundry less often!! I know two appliance repair guys they both said whirlpool are easy to get parts for and some brands they won’t even work on!! But new appliances today don’t last like the old ones
Especially refrigerators
Don’t buy at big box stores
Anyplace with price match
Good luck
Richelle says
Check this blog post by Yale Appliance:
https://blog.yaleappliance.com/bid/86332/the-least-serviced-most-reliable-appliance-brands
Anita F says
Whirlpool is best!
Laura says
I have a Whirlpool washer and dryer that we got at Costco. We bought them when we remodeled our house 21 years ago. They’ve never been serviced, they just keep plugging away. Before them I had a refurbished Whirlpool that lasted 15 years. That’s the brand I will always buy.
Jeanine says
Another comment about washers….if you are dyeing wool, and need to do a final rinse and spin…top loading washers seem to work the best that you can stop and start anytime. Also, basic washers are more versatile in my opinion. And keeping the stackable is a good idea, as long as you don’t need the space inside the house.
Denise in TN says
I have a Speed Queen set and love them. I had an HE set before and never felt as if it got our clothes clean. This washer works like a boss and gets my clothes so clean. Is that weird to love a washer so much?
Karen says
We bought a top loading GE 3 years ago. When the washer is running I can open the top which is handy. Some brands lock while the machine is running. Our machine has a spot on the dial marked Hot but the water never gets above 68. We had a repair man out and I talked to repair at GE and this is normal. Federal regulations require this because it is more energy efficient. If the top hadn’t opened I would never have known this. I was told that if I want/need to wash in hot water I need to upgrade to a machine with a sanitize cycle. Apparently there is a secondary water heater on those models. Who knew!
Lori says
Do not get Samsung. Worst set Ive ever had. I used to always buy Kenmore and they worked forever. Not sure if they still exist. Why I changed, I don’t know!
Pat from Buffalo says
Mavis, please buy a top loading machine. I have had a Whirlpool machine for over 20 years with no repairs. A technician told me many years ago to buy a basic machine, since the manufacturers deliberately make them to only last 20-25 years, obviously to ensure you replace them with new ones. Good luck in your search!
Brj says
When purchasing, check how long the cycles take. Some go on forever.
“The Clean Mama” has gone back to a top loader.
We have a Samsung 7.5kg (not the recalled ones) and it has been the best. Love that you can do a separate spin. Also can pause anytime and add in anything extra.
Gwenn F says
Mavis – I bought a Samsung top-loading washer & gas dryer when we moved into our house 2.5 years ago from Costco and have zero regrets. We bought the extra warranty on top of what Costco already offers, we got free delivery/setup from a local company and the price was comparable to similar machines. It’s “agitator less” which I love, makes washing things like pillows easy and I like that I can adjust so many of the settings. It does take anywhere from 54 to 127 minutes to wash a “regular” load of laundry, it’s been FOREVER since I bought a new washer/dryer so I don’t really know if that’s excessive or not.
Having said that, it is just the HH and I (and 3 dogs) so we don’t do that much laundry which makes the wash time a non-issue for us (and I work from home so I can throw a load in during the day easily). It has a “self-clean” setting and it will let you know when it needs cleaning (like after I washed a bunch of nasty throw rugs or the dogs bedding that is full of dog hair).
Hattie says
We have a 23 years old Sears Kenmore washer and dryer set that was left in the house we purchased a few years ago. In our old house, we bought a new Maytag washer from a store like Home Depot, and hated that thing. It had a locking lid, and took a really long time to wash a load. We have already looked at a Speed Queen set for when the Sears Kenmore set quits, however it is running strong and works perfectly. There are options with the Speed Queen washers that do not have a locking lid. They are made in the USA with replacement parts readily available if needed and you can also purchase the extended warranty.
Sue says
My handyman told me to get a Speed Queen washer and he said they are the only brand that still uses metal gears. He says the other brands all have plastic gears now that don’t last as long.
I also wanted a washer that was basic, with no “phantom load” because I use off-grid electricity. My Speed Queen has turn dial settings instead of a digital display, so zero power use except when it’s actually running. Yay!
I don’t have or use a dryer so can’t comment on those.
I would buy Speed Queen again!
Lace Faerie says
We have been in our house that we built with our own hands for 30 years. With 3 under 5 at one point, I averaged just about 10 loads a week. We are on our second pair of Maytag washer and dryer. Only replaced/sold the first set because I got sucked into the energy efficiency and water saving of the front loading washer. I hate HATE !!! my front loading washer. Constantly battling mildew smell in the washer. Keep hoping the d*mn thing would die.
Its’ replacement will be/have:
Extra large capacity with the ability to adjust water level
Top load
Stainless steel drum (for dyeing fabrics)
No center agitator
I will stick with Maytag, although my sister has a LG set that she loves. My daughter is very pleased with her Whirlpool set.
My mother swore by Speed Queen. They used to be the brand laundromats used. Her first washer was a rebuilt SQ and the second set, brand new SQ. Not a bad run of 40+ years!
Heidi P says
Happy Sunday, We have snow in the forecast here in the PNW and I’m so excited. Not holding my breath as the forecast can change here in an instant but the prospect makes me smile.
I’ve had a Kenmore front loader for a very long time. 12+ years and have never had a problem. It doesn’t stink at all or grow mold but I follow the manufacture instructions to a tee and clean it occasionally with a special cleaner. Maybe once a year. We have a very small laundry room with very little folding room so front loaders were a must for my sanity due to space. I think your idea of asking a repair person is the best idea.
Can’t wait for your post about visiting the potter. It’s an amazing art form. Wish I had the talent!
Mrs. H says
Yes, *definitely* get the Speed Queen brand.
The other brands are crap. I used to work as a customer service rep. for one of the other appliance manufacturers. They don’t make ’em like they used to. Speed Queen does though.
ElisabethL says
LG washing machine and dryer are great! Love mine!
Why do you have to get rid of your smoker if you get a BBQ? They’re not the same . . .
Katie says
I was wondering this too about the smoker! Definitely different flavors, both good.
Michelle says
We have had our LG washer (top loader) and dryer for going on 10 years and never had an issue with either. Knock on wood. Highly recommend
Mary says
I would purchase a basic top loader. More gadgets mean more problems. I would purchase a Speed Queen. Good Luck.
Sara says
I really like my Maytag. It’s about 6 years old now and I’ve never had a problem. I also think it gets my clothes nice and clean.
lynne says
I worked in an appliance service department for 9 years. Our techs, and me, would definitely recommend Speed Queen. Best warranty out there, and they make a model without computer boards – just standard mechanical parts. Much easier to repair, and most of the time, cheaper to repair.
Tracy says
Here’s my advice: do not buy front loaders. They use so little water, nothing gets clean. The cycles take forever. (For real.) And, they smell. SMELL. They don’t drain properly so water stays in them and mildews quickly. After ten years of LG machines I hated, I went back to very basic GE top loaders that use a TON of water, and I love them. I Don’t have to do a ton of laundry and decided I was going to actually wash my clothes, not just dampen them! Buy a machine with a fully metal interior basket, and metal agitator. Not plastic. And no, the agitator doesn’t hurt your clothes!
Mel says
On the subject of washers/dryers, we have a cheap set that we had to buy in a hurry when closing on our house, and so far they are the only appliances in the house we have not had to replace in 6 years (*knock on wood*). All the appliances were new, but those are the only ones that have lasted. I don’t particularly like them (the washer doesn’t always fill all the way because it’s “water saving,” and it gets off balance easily), but they have held up.
On the subject of goals, one of my goals was to get back to pre-pandemic levels of veggie consumption. It’s still difficult with such infrequent grocery trips, but I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. I started using a visual food diary the past week, and it’s made it much easier to stay on track with veggies, especially since my work schedule changes daily and throws off when meals happen. Our CSA is also adding a winter fruit option, so I’m super excited about that.
Marcia says
As a general rule, I’m a fan of any eating plan that helps people. For some people, that’s counting calories or points or carbs. For some, it’s intermittent fasting. For me, it totally depends on what’s going on in my life.
I don’t get on the scale often. I got on at the end of January (after fitting into my skinny jeans in mid to late December). I was feeling a little fluffy. Geez, 6 pounds in 6 weeks! No wonder I was feeling a little fluffy. I lift weights regularly, so I don’t generally worry about the number on the scale, but the combo of scale + fluffy.
I got a LOT of chocolate for Christmas gifts, and I have been hitting it a little too hard. Now it’s almost gone though, and I’ve been using grocery pickup (so I don’t have to deal with the ice cream temptation).
So for me, right now, just little cut backs are the way. Less chocolate, more veggies. I have realized that it’s all too easy for portion sizes to increase. When I start feeling fluffy, I dig out my measuring cups to remind myself of what a regular portion size is.
We bought a low water top loader. I wouldn’t recommend it. It doesn’t have the smell that front loaders do, but it’s low water because it doesn’t have the agitator in the middle. It easily becomes unbalanced.
Sarah says
Speed Queen. We bought our set used on craigslist five years ago and I think they’ll go forever with no problems. My husband is handy, so if something needs repair my hope is that we can order the parts and he can diy.
Annette says
My Maytag washer and dryer are 37.5 years old and I am thankful every time it survives another load. Need to research what to replace them with when they finally bite the dust.
Katie says
We just got a new washer a couple years ago when ours broke. We bought what we could afford at the time, a simple Maytag. My next set however will be a Speed Queen!