The House

Out On The Town: Zappa Plays Zappa Concert at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta

We bought our tickets and paid for our hotel in November! Fabgrandpa was counting down the days until the 18th of April. Finally, the big day was here. We had the VIP tickets that allowed us to enter the venue at about 5:30 so we could be there for the sound check. What a treat. This year we did not have to leave after the sound check. We just moved over a bit to the side where we would be able to see better during the concert.

Becky and Fabgrandpa at Variety Playhouse

Funny thing: We were standing in line outside the theater, talking to the people behind us. It turns out, they are from Tallapoosa, about 8 miles from us. Talk about a small world!

Standing by the bulletin board outside of Variety Playhouse

At 5:30, we went in and found a seat up close to the stage. The sound check was not as much playing songs like they did last year.

Dweezil said they played an outdoor venue the day before, and their equipment got wet.

They were having some problems with Ben Thomas’s guitar. They got it going to their satisfaction before the concert started.When it did start, all that empty space in front of the stage filled up with people.

Ben Dweezil Sheila — Chris Norton, Ben Thomas, Ryan Brown, Dweezil Zappa, Kurt Morgan , Sheila Gonzalez

When the concert was over, we were treated to a meet and greet. We stood in a really long line, for a really long time. It was ok though, because everyone there was just like us. They wanted to meet the band, meet Dweezil, shake his hand, get an autograph.

When we finally got up there, though, it was worth the wait for at least one of us. Fabgrandpa had his picture taken with Dweezil. The only thing that would have made this man any happier would have been if Frank himself had been in that photo with them.

Just look at that huge smile. We also got some photos of the rest of the band:

Ben Thomas, the vocalist. Chris Norton, keyboards. Kurt, the bass player. — Ben Thomas, the vocalist. Chris Norton, keyboards. Kurt Morgan, the bass player.

I was talking to Dweezil in this photo, but all you can see of me is my hand. The rest of the band is Sheila Gonzalez, Kurt Morgan, Chris Norton, Ben Thomas.

And my stupid line of the night, when I was talking to Ben Thomas, the vocalist: “I am so impressed with your singing.” I walked away and smacked my own head. Sigh.

And, just in case you are a Zappa fan, here is the playlist for the concert:

Inca Roads (Frank Zappa cover)

Can’t Afford No Shoes (Frank Zappa cover)

Sofa (Frank Zappa cover)

Po-Jama People (Frank Zappa cover)

Florentine Pogen (Frank Zappa cover)

Evelyn, a Modified Dog (Frank Zappa cover)

San Ber’dino (Frank Zappa cover)

Andy (Frank Zappa cover)

Sofa No. 2 (Frank Zappa cover)

Extra songs:
Status Back Baby (The Mothers of Invention cover)

Big Leg Emma (The Mothers of Invention cover)

The Grand Wazoo (Frank Zappa cover)

Vamp (equipment repairs)

Baby Snakes (Frank Zappa cover)

I’m So Cute (Frank Zappa cover)

Society Pages (Frank Zappa cover)

Magic Fingers (Frank Zappa cover)

Son of Suzy Creamcheese (The Mothers of Invention cover)

Who Needs the Peace Corps? (The Mothers of Invention cover)

What’s the Ugliest Part of Your Body? (The Mothers of Invention cover)

My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama (The Mothers of Invention cover)

Sinister Footwear (Frank Zappa cover)

Encore:
Cosmik Debris (Frank Zappa cover)

Dancin’ Fool (Frank Zappa cover)

Montana (Frank Zappa cover)

Muffin Man (Frank Zappa cover)

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Spring Cleaning? Get Organized With WoodTrac Closets #WoodTracSpring15 : My Newly Organized Closets and a Giveaway

Karen · 58 Comments

I can not tell you how much I love my closets after the installation of WoodTrac by Sauder Half Hanging Organizers. These beautiful units have really transformed my overstuffed, and under used closet spaces. I’ll start with showing you the closet in my bedroom. In the “before” photos, you can see all the wasted space in that closet due to lack of shelving and closet rods. Take a look at that closet now after installing the WoodTrac

Organizers:

Bedroom Closet BEFORE:

before woodtrac — Before installation of the organizers

Bedroom Closet AFTER:

There is so much more room for hanging clothing, and for placing shoes on the floor. I can even put our suitcases on the shelf at the top. No more storing them on the back porch. I am super excited to have such a nice looking closet space.

The white color of the organizers looks so clean! Although these pieces also come in Espresso and Cherry, I love the way white makes the closet look so much bigger, and brightens it up so I can see better in there.

Next, what a difference the Hanging Half Organizers have made in my sewing/craft room/office. It is just so much neater, and I can find things so much easier. I open the closet doors and can see at a glance where my things are. I never thought that would happen!

Sewing Room Closet BEFORE:

Woodtrac by Sauder Half Hanging Organizers — Sewing Room Closet Before Installation

Sewing Room Closet AFTER:

woodtrac by sauder hanging half organizer — My sewing supplies are so neat now!

And last, the laundry room. We had a couple of organizers left over, so we decided to install them above our washer and dryer in the laundry area on the back porch. There was NO storage at all there, so this is like heaven, having shelves to put things on and a clothing rod to hang things up as soon as they come out of the dryer!

Laundry Area Before:

woodtrac by sauder for the laundry room — The laundry area before: No storage area at all!

Laundry Area After:

Woodtrac by sauder half hanging organizers in laundry area — The Woodtrac Half Hanging Organizers in the laundry area

To buy these organizers, go to WoodTrac’s website and find a dealer near you.

Now, the best part, is that I can give some of these WoodTrac By Sauder Hanging Half Organizers away! Two (2) Fabgrandma readers will each receive two WoodTrac By Sauder Hanging Half Organizers, one 36″ unit and one 30″ unit. These two units will fit well in a normal size double door reach in closet, or in a small one door reach incloset. They can also be hung in work areas, such as over the laundry machines, or by the back door for hanging coats and things like that

Use the Giveaway Tools form to enter the giveaway. Good Luck!

Entry -Form

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Spring Cleaning? Get Organized With WoodTrac Closets #WoodTracSpring15 : The Installation

Karen · 21 Comments

This post was sponsored by Woodtrac

A couple of weeks after my Woodtrac Hanging Half Cabinets arrived, the handyman that I use for household projects had a day that he could devote to the installation. I have to say at this point, that if you are a young person who has some experience with putting things together, and can lift up to fifty pounds, you could install these units yourself. My husband and I are not physically able to do things like this anymore, so we hire someone to do it for us.

The WoodTrac Hanging Half Units stacked up in my bedroom

The first thing we had Young Joe do (yes, we call him that) was to take a few minutes to watch the installation videos on the WoodTrac website:

The video shows how to do the easy installation of the cabinets. Also, each unit shipped comes with installation instructions packed in the box, along with all the hardware needed.

Young Joe reading the instructions while putting the cabinets together.

I only have two closets in my whole house, and each is a typical closet with folding doors. Because the units I received each measured 36″, and the width of my closets is 68″, Young Joe had to cut one of the units for each closet, to make it 30″ wide. He said it was really easy to trim the top and bottom pieces to the correct width. However, when you purchase your units, you will be measuring your closets, or have a closet designer do it for you, so that you will not have to take this step. The Woodtrac Hanging Half Units come in a variety of widths so that you can customize your installation to fit your closets.

The hanging half units are assembled and ready to hang.

Young Joe assembled and installed six Woodtrac Hanging Half Closet Organizer units in my home in one afternoon. He started the job around noon, and finished up with the last one around five p.m. Once you get started and have all of the tools needed on hand, you can install these units very quickly.

WoodTrac Hanging Half Closet Organizers installed over my laundry machines.

One of the things I really love about the Woodtrac Hanging Half Closet Organizers is that you can put them anywhere you need them. We had some extras after installing two in each closet, so we decided to hang two over our laundry machines. This gives us room to store laundry detergent and fabric softeners, and also to hang clothing as it comes out of the dryer. My husband also likes to hang dry some of our clothing, and he can do that very easily now that we have these units installed in the laundry room.

To find a dealer: Where To Buy

To design your closet: Design Gallery

To learn more about WoodTrac Closets: Product Features

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Coming next: The After photos of my closet, and a giveaway!

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Spring Cleaning? Get Organized With WoodTrac Closets #WoodTracSpring15

Karen · 23 Comments

This post is sponsored by WoodTrac

One of the things I really hate about our house is that there are only two closets in the whole house. And to make matters worse, the way that the hanging rods are spaced is weird–the one in my bedroom is about halfway up the wall. Because of this, it is hard to hang a winter coat in there–it drags the floor.

You may also notice that there is no shelf above the rod at all, leaving a ton of wasted space in the closet. The way that rod was installed in the beginning would have allowed for three shelves but nope, none were there.

It was really hard to get a picture of the floor of the closet. That’s because you can’t see it. We had just piled stuff in there when we moved in and it has never been moved in two and a half years. When I was taking everything out of the closet to install the organizers from WoodTrac, I found a bag of shoes. I just threw them all away. I figured if I haven’t worn them in that long, I probably won’t ever.

If that one bedroom closet hasn’t given you the creeps yet, let me show you the other closet. It’s the one in my sewing room. I don’t think I could have crammed one more thing in there:

It was so frustrating to go into this room and try to sew or do some kind of craft, because all of the supplies were just crammed into the closet. Evey single time I needed something to sew with, to craft with, or whatever, I had to move boxes of “stuff” to find what I was looking for.

Another view of the sewing room closet: Shambles!

You will notice that this closet had a shelf at the top. It was so high up in the closet that I couldn’t reach anything that was up there without a ladder, so I always felt like that shelf was useless.

Because I had these ridiculously disorganized closets, I was very happy when WoodTrac Closets contacted me and asked if I wanted to review their Hanging Half Closet units. WoodTrac by Sauder has a beautiful full line of closet organizers. I only wish I had more closets or a bigger one so that I could put more of them in my home. Wouldn’t this be just fabulous in the bedroom:

The next time, I’ll show you the installation process! OH! and stay tuned for a giveaway for some of these awesome closet organizers.

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Thrifty Thursday

Karen · 7 Comments

We had a little work done on the car, so we decided to drive it down the road to a thrift store operated as a fund raiser for a drug rehabilitation center in Waco, Georgia. No Longer Bound inhabits an old school building. The thrift store had a lot of the usual stuff, like clothing, pots and pans, kitchen ware, books. They also had a lot of used furniture. I found a great deal on an old desk, that I decided to put in my sewing room. I have needed a work surface, and this baby sure has it. Can you believe it was only $15 plus $20 to deliver it? I was surprised when they said they deliver because most thrift stores don’t.

What do you find this week?

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Thrifty Thursday

Karen · 5 Comments

We haven’t been to a thrift shop or antique shop in quite a while. But, we finally found someone to come and clean our house once a month, and we need to be out of the house for a few hours while she is here. So, we decided to go to The Apple Barrel in Bremen, Georgia to pass the time.

I found several things I liked, but this sweet Kewpie Doll came home with me. I used to have a similar one before we sold everything to go RV-ing. I have been looking for another one for the longest time. This little darling really wasn’t a bargain, at $18, but I was thrilled to get her.

There were three of these in a locked case in the front of the store. None of them had price tags on them, but this one is the only one that had the Kewpie mark on the bottom.

KW916 is marked on the bottom — KW913 is marked on the bottom

This new little Kewpie will live on the shelf in my kitchen now. She looks right at home there.

Fabgrandpa was poking around in another booth, and found this cute ceramic “chopper hopper.” We had to take it home, too. This fat little man is just too cute. He was also $18, but again, we both loved it and it is still useful.

What have you found in a thrift, antique, or junk store lately?

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Four Georgia Getaway Ideas For Valentines Day

Karen · 22 Comments

Not-your-average Valentine’s Day – Four Memorable, Romantic Adventures

Adventure lovers and true romantics can have a Valentine’s Day to remember at three locations not far from Atlanta. Instead of the usual chocolates and long waits at a restaurant, take your love to new heights, stay in a cozy cabin or treehouse, or create a heart-melting love spell with a Fairy Godmother at a luxury resort. Here are four options:

I Heart You at Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth offers couples rock-solid proof that their love can stand the test of time. Standing high up atop Fort Mountain and gazing out over the Chatsworth valley is an old stone fire tower with a romantic feature: a rustically lovely, heart-shaped stone centered just above the tower’s window. The story: a young stone mason building the tower for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s hand-carved and set the “heart rock” in the tower in honor of his sweetheart, who later became his wife of 59 years! With the creation of the “heart rock,” this young mason literally and figuratively set his love in stone for all the world to see.

In addition to the “heart rock,” Fort Mountain State Park offers over 14 miles of companionable walking trails, 15 snug cottages with fireplaces or wood stoves, and four romantically-isolated back country campsites. There will be a guided hike to the fort on February 14.

All across the state at Georgia State Parks, couples can celebrate being together on winter wonderland hikes, picnics under the stars and full-moon wagon rides, as well as at a variety of romantic accommodations and specials for couples planning a weekend escape. Looking for a luxury splurge? Smithgall Woods State Park “cottages,” which are really luxury homes to die for, right on a bubbling stream. Smithgall Woods is just a few miles from Helen, Georgia, too, which is a quaint little Bavarian Village set in the mountains of North Georgia.

Flying Hearts at Historic Banning Mills

Adventure lovers can take on a new kind of romantic venture at Historic Banning Mills near Whitesburg, about 45 mins West of Atlanta. What’s more romantic than an exhilarating day of zipping through the woods, then relaxing with an in-room Jacuzzi in your personal tree house room?

Banning Mills tree house suites are perfect for couples and include a jetted tub, fireplace, bathroom and panoramic forest views with rope bridge access. The rooms are made from heart pine logs featuring Aspen Log king beds and pillow top mattress. The comfortable stand-alone tree house rooms enable couples to “stay high” all day and night – you can zip, climb, soar and sleep in the treetops. Massages and meals can be arranged.

The Screaming Eagle zip-line canopy tour at Banning Mills was named the Guinness World Record holder for The Longest continuous Zip-Wire (line) course / tour in the world. The tour includes sky bridges, ropes challenge courses, zip lines that take guests up to 60 MPH and offer exceptional scenic views of the naturally preserved and historic landscape below. This will be a Valentine’s Day couples are sure to remember. For additional information, reservations or lodging options, please visit Banning Mills website or call 770-834-9149.

Rates, Discounts and Package:

February deal: Mention “smooch15” and guests can “buy one get one free Forest zip line canopy tour”.

Package:

One Night Stay in a Creekside Jacuzzi or Pine Log Cabin Room, Five Course Gourmet Meal and Full Country Breakfast the following morning, $299 (all inclusive) or 323.00 (all inclusive) for a Tree House Room.

Love Spells by a Fairy Godmother at Barnsley Resort

Near Adairsville, Georgia, Barnsley Resort’s fairytale setting and stunning scenery alone could make it the ultimate couple’s getaway with cozy cottage settings, beautiful landscaped gardens, preserved ruins and private dining locales such as the historic ruins, a hidden bamboo garden or fireside butler service.

But more than this, Barnsley has a Fairy Godmother (yes her real title) on staff whose sole job is to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In addition to her regular menu of “Love Spell Experiences” for 2015, Fairy has created A Black Tie Affair love spell ($225) for Valentine’s celebrations. Return from dinner to find tea light candles in your room, setting the mood for romance. Share a bottle of sparkling wine and decadent chocolate truffles for a sweet treat to end a special evening. Open an elegant gift box filled with surprises, including Barnsley Resort’s signature bubble bath.

Additionally for that weekend, lovebirds can enjoy a Valentine’s Day Package including:

Two-night stay in a luxurious cottage
Complimentary breakfast, chocolate truffle sweetheart gift and a special four-course gourmet dinner in the Rice House
$100 resort credit for additional dining or activities such as horseback riding or spa treatments
Moonlit horse drawn carriage rides on Friday and Saturday evenings
Rate start at $500 for Manor Room Accommodations.

Whether for Valentine’s Day, your Anniversary, his or her birthday, or just any weekend that calls for romance, you won’t have to go far to get away in the Atlanta area. Taking a drive away from home to celebrate any important date can be so much fun!

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Home Remodeling: The Kitchen

Karen · 8 Comments

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them, and buy one of the products, I will receive a commission. This will not add anything to your cost.

After we got the Broan Range Hood and the stove installed in the kitchen, and finished painting, it was time to put things on the walls. I have been shopping on Amazon.com to find a spice rack and a pot rack. Installing both of these on the wall took up most of an afternoon for us. We are old and we are slow.

The stainless steel sheet that holds the magnetic spice canisters was easy to put on the wall. It has six holes for the screws. It also came with the little plastic things that you use when you have to put screws in sheetrock so that the screws won’t come out of the wall. The hardest part of putting this thing up was getting it straight. I bought the Lipper International SOHO 20-Piece Magnetic Spice Rack with Tins.

To hang the pot rack, we first had to find the wall studs. At least two of the huge bolts that hold the pot rack on the wall have to be installed in wood. If you don’t have the wood studs, the screws will pull out of the wall and your pots and pans will fall down. Fabgrandpa found the studs, marked the spots where the screws would go, and then used a hammer to start the hole for the bolts.

Next, I held the pot rack in place while Fabgrandpa screwed in the bolts. It was a little hard to get the bolts all the way in, but we know they will hold firm.

The brace attaches on one end to the inside of the pot rack. The other end is attached to the wall with a long screw and a wing nut. As you tighten the screw, the wing nut expands to help keep the screw from pulling out of the wall. The brace stabilizes the rack so it won’t sag in the middle from the weight of the pots and pans.

The rack came with six hooks for hanging pots and pans, and I bought another set of six, just in case I needed more. The CuisinartChef’s Classic Half-Circle Pot Rack is strong enough to hold all of my pots. Now I can get them out of the dishwasher. It is easy for me to reach them to use them and to put them away. Love it!

Stainless steel spice rack for extra stuff

I kept the two stainless steel spice racks that I had used in the RV. They will be installed somewhere on the wall under the magnetic spice rack so I will have space for extracts and other things that I didn’t have tins for.

The kitchen is coming together nicely. I still want to get some decorative art for the walls, and a couple of canister type things for storing oatmeal and brown sugar. One other major thing I would like to do is put a glass tile backsplash behind the stove, but that will be a while before I can do that. What do you think so far?

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