Home & Garden Archives | The Sparrow's Home

Starting a Website for the Non-Tech Savvy: 6 Don’ts You Need to Know About

October 16, 2017 by Susan Leave a Comment

I think I am every tech support guy’s worst nightmare.

Literally every email I send to any tech help begins with “I apologize in advance because I am not tech savvy.”

And more than once when calling support I’ve had to say, “I’m really sorry I’m crying.”

Yeah, they have got to hate me. But, I get it done. Let the lesson here be: If Susan can do it, I can do it!

I’ve had a number of people ask me about the tech side of the blog, so I thought I’d put together a post for anyone who might be interested in starting a website of your own, or to share with someone who’s thinking of it.

Prepare with Simple Food Storage

August 24, 2017 by Susan 2 Comments

Ben Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

I have no bomb shelter. I have no prepper storage facility. But I do have a healthy respect for the fact that a little bit of time now could make all the difference in the event of a future emergency. And much in the same way that we put money in savings and make freezer meals to have on hand for busy nights, preparing for a potential emergency is a wise step.

Have you had storms in your area that have taken out the power? How about floods or hurricanes? There are so many things that could cause you to have to venture out of your normal routine.

No-Fuss, Cheap Copies: Serious Savings on Money and Hassle

August 14, 2017 by Susan Leave a Comment

I love getting the best stuff. And I love a deal. Almost never do those two loves come together. Before I tell you about my new favorite thing, let me ask you a question:

Do you know how much you pay for copies?

I did some research, and found that each black and white page printed on a home laser printer can cost an average of 5-8 cents, and 12-15 cents for a page with color. Pages with solid color graphics can cost even 50-60 cents per page.

And that’s printing at home. The office store nearest me charges 11 cents for black and white prints and 59 cents for color. One sided. And you have to drive there to have them done.

Mother’s Day Gift Basket Giveaway!

April 17, 2017 by Susan 12 Comments

Mom’s are where it’s at.

To celebrate this fact, we’re giving away a gift basket full of handmade goodies. You can sign up below for your chance to win. Not a mom? Sign up anyway. I’ll bet you know a mom you could share this with.

Trader Joe’s Best Products (Or, My Love Letter to Trader Joe’s)

February 22, 2017 by Susan 12 Comments

Have you met my friend, Joe? I think you’re gonna like him.

The nearest Trader Joe’s is about a half hour from us, which is probably a good thing. I alternate my regular grocery shopping between Aldi (do you love Aldi as much as I do?!?!) and the Super Walmart, with an occasional trip to other local groceries.

I also hit Costco about once a month or every other month to stock up, and Trader Joe’s about the same. I don’t usually do my main shopping at either of these places, but at each, have items that I always pick up.

If you’re not familiar with them, Trader Joe’s is different from other grocery stores. It’s pretty much made up of all ‘store’ brands, and they pretty much have one of each product. What that means is that instead of 6 brands of chicken broth, there is one.

Happy Clean Your Computer Day!

February 13, 2017 by Susan 5 Comments

Everyone knows that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, but did you know that today is Clean Your computer Day? (It’s also Get a Different Name Day, so you can refer to me as Judy for the rest of the day if you don’t mind).

I’ll tell you, tech is not my thing. It has by far been the most difficult part of starting and maintaining a blog. Cars and computers: When they don’t work, my default is to sit down and cry. But just like Valentine’s Day is an annual reminder for guys to show some affection to the lady in their life, let’s take today as a reminder to tidy things up a bit.