it's another wonderful day! It's sunny out and I'm here crafting to forget about the Earth's stressors. I wish everyday was a beautiful Sunday (or Saturday).

On rare occasions, Gypie, our senior cat comes to join in a wishful attempt to go outside. Unfortunately, she's never been really outside (we took her in at 17 years old, she's now turning 20) so I don't think it's much of a good idea to let her try this late in her life.

It's not that bad. Just challenging... and expensive.

A lot of kids can't wait to grow up because it seems so simple that adults can do whatever they want and there are just no rules to follow. As an adult, and you probably are too, you would know that's a lie. Adulting is quite the struggle - there's actually a lot of rules that apply (e.g. laws) of what you can and cannot do, and what you should do or else you get in trouble, like filing your taxes.

I personally enjoy my adulthood. There's a lot of challenges, but I know we'll get through it so I never really think of it as an issue. I mean, they are, but I try not to let it bring me down. I know people handle problems different and I typically prefer not to tell people who aren't involved. Probably another reason why some folks would think I have the perfect life, and some people assume that I'm rich and swimming in thousands of dollars if not more - because life is good.

Now here's the truth.

A few weeks ago, our water heater broke. It was leaking from the top and the basement was starting to flood a little bit. I urgently had to call a plumber and unfortunately, it had to be replaced. We were billed for $1,200 and I had to file a claim for our Home Systems Protection through State Farm. They approved our claim without any issues but there was a $500 deductible. Many friends and family have been telling me about getting an actual home warranty so that's what I did on July 12th.

I was browsing online and like a lot of services, every company has both good and bad reviews. One of the "most recommended" companies was Home Choice Warranty. While I was still on their website checking out plans, I had to fill out my personal information and before I can even submit it, I already got a phone call from one of their sales rep - Matthew. I should've taken this as a major red flag for their hard selling tactics but I was still in the state of panic about expenses and things breaking. I was paranoid that what if one breaks after another - then I'll have to shell out another $500 and how many more $500 deductibles do I need to pay??​

I entertained the offer and spoke with Matthew. Bear was at work and I didn't want to make a decision immediately, but Matthew made sure that if I sign up now I have 30 days to cancel. I was still hesitant, so he gave me what were seemingly great offers that was quite too hard to pass.

Maybe it's a little late, but here we go...

HAPPY 4TH!

The puppy photoshoot was a little bit of a struggle. I didn't really plan any of this but I wanted to do a little bit of puppy celebration. We spent pretty much the whole day with Bear and his mom. It was a great day, he finally took her on a ride on the new bike but it was a bit short lived because it rained. I made my ribs, I think I will make it official that I'm the rib-bearer lol. For some reason I really enjoy making ribs so I think that's something I'll be sharing soon.

Happy Sunday everyone! 
And Happy Father's day to all the deserving hooman and paw-dads out there!

The weather's been quite good this week. It was really hot the days prior but this week it was less scorching than usual. It's still quite hot, planting herbs on my veggie garden facing the sun most definitely killed them. There goes additional casualties. Overall tho, it's been better. Reasons to get a mini greenhouse.

I have to admit, our garden is my pride and joy. I mean, on top of a lot of other things that I take pride of. Let me rephrase that, it's my life's spring & summer pride and joy. That being said, I put a lot of work in it over the past few years. Living in a home we didn't own yet then, I really didn't make that much modifications - just planted a few perennials and mostly annuals. This time, we're able to do more to it and I'm excited on what other changes the future will bring. In the meantime, let's focus on NOW!

What else is new in the Frank Family home?

Gyppie Catto and the bed sheets.

Things can still get magical ♥

I don't think I previously mentioned it yet, but Bear was laid off at the end of November due to the pandemic. It's truly unfortunate, especially that we just bought a home. Thankfully, there's already a lot of back up assistance for people affected by the pandemic so I was able to postpone some bills. That being said, things are a little tight with just my income and savings. It really sucks because I don't think I would be able to buy gifts and all.

Now, now - that doesn't mean Christmas is over right? Great things still happen and I know this is just a challenge. So let's get on with the magic!

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year ♥

I will begin with saying I am not religious, and I believe in nature and a higher deity. That being said, I sometimes get asked (usually by Bear), how can I love Christmas so much as it really has no religious meaning to me. There are several things that make me truly appreciate this holiday and today I will talk about these things that I do not really openly discuss.

Lights, Glitter, and Decor

My reasons aren't really in any particular order and this first reason probably sounds shallow to some, but for some reason I really enjoy decorating and definitely love the lights. There's something about lights that really amaze me. I love fireworks, holiday lights, flickering lights... lightworks just really make me feel... happy.

That being said, this year I was able to decorate more outside and it really made me happy. I love the puppy too! I think that's my favorite decor to date. I guess with decorating comes shopping, and I got to admit that I probably have some mild shopping addiction.

Me: I want another puppy. I think Hans would really love to have a sibling. See how he cries every time we drive by another puppy and how happy he gets when  he's in daycare?

Bear: We can't. We don't own the house and we don't have enough room for two dogs.

So we bought the house. And got a puppy :)

Okay, I lied, that's not how it went.

We've been planning to buy the house we live in for a few years now. Unfortunately, life happens and things change, and we were unable to move forward. See, I'm the kind of person that when I set my eyes on something, I have to get it. This is taking too long. So I told myself and Bear - we're getting the house this fall. 

Bear shrugged, sure. What better way to seal the deal than to make sure you're getting the best home warming gift to the family? Get a new family member. I put us on a waitlist for late 2020 or early 2021. And by October 25th, our Ein was born.

I love glitters and sparkly things. Most definitely. Yus.

That being said, I love getting my nails done! It's relaxing, it feels good, but it also comes with a price. Maintaining your nails can get quite pricey. To some, it's one of their priorities so splurging on it every few weeks isn't a big deal. For someone like me to likes to spend on many different things and can't seem to make up my mind whether I should buy new shoes, get a massage or just get some home decor - it's a bit of a toss up.

Aside from the ultimate indecisiveness, there's also the fact that I like to collect literally anything and everything and I love art. So then, let's make art! I dipped into the world of dip nails.
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