Post from Computer to Instagram

Instagram is designed to be mobile-only, but if that doesn't work for you, here is an option for uploading directly from your computer to Instagram. 

Many Instagrammers including me shoot photos on a dSLR camera and edit the photos on their computer before uploading to Instagram. That means having to transfer the finished photo to a phone (via Air drop or email), which is cumbersome, at best. 

Because I had to perform many steps just to post a picture I couldn't appreciate Instagram and I stopped posting.  Now I've been revamping my account and posting more. I'm not an expert but I'll get there.  

I can navigate my computer better and faster than my phone so for me this is perfect. I have thousands of pictures on my computer and I have about a dozen on my phone that are good enough to share. You can now upload images directly from a browser without the need to use the Instagram app and it’s easy for Chrome users.  

Use this link to add the Chrome Extention and you're ready to go.  

Oh yeah, when you're on Instagram follow me (chattergal2016) I only have about 2 followers!! And I promise to follow back. 

Stop Blocking My Driveway

Just out of this shot is another 10 feet of this guys truck and my driveway.

The parking laws in Massachusetts are developed by the state and then enforced by the cities and the towns. As such, this means that the cost of the fines for parking violations can vary from one town to another. 

Follow the parking laws

If you are parking in a business or residential district, you need to make sure your vehicle is no more than 12 inches from the curb. There is only one exception to this, and that is when angled parking is allowed. In those cases, you must make sure your vehicle is parked within the indicated lines. You cannot take up more than one space with your vehicle, or you will get a ticket.

Massachusetts drivers are not allowed to park their vehicles at a bus stop, or at a taxi stand. You also need to be aware of street cleaning signs. They will let you know when the regular scheduled cleanings occur, and when you are able to park in those locations. You cannot park in a posted loading zone or within 20 feet of an intersection.

Drivers cannot park in a crosswalk, nor can they park in front of a driveway. You must park at least five feet from a driveway or alley. This would be a massive inconvenience for anyone who needs to use the driveway. In addition, when you are parking near a curb, or even in a parking lot, you need to be careful that you do not park in front of a handicap access ramp. Never park in a disabled parking area unless you have the plates or placards that will allow it.

You cannot park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire lane, or on a curb, a center traffic island, or a median. If there is a roadway emergency or a weather emergency, you are not allowed to park on the side of the road. Never park facing the wrong way in traffic. 

In Massachusetts, you cannot park your vehicle on a rural roadway or outside a “thickly settled district.” Double parking is also against the law. This would impede traffic and it could become a hazard, even if you are only there for a few minutes. It is also illegal to park on the side of the road to make non-emergency repairs to your vehicle.

If you do not follow the laws, you could get a citation and a fine. Always check for signs and any other indication that you are not allowed to park in certain locations before doing so.

updated 7 23 2018
~CG

Orange Creamsicle Fluff - Dessert

Orange Creamsicle Fluff

Ingredients:

• 1 box Orange Jell-O
• 1 box Instant Vanilla pudding
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 can Reddi- Whip 8 oz.
• 1 can Mandarin Oranges 11 oz. - drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

instructions:

1. In a large bowl combine orange Jell-O and boiling water.
2. Whisk until Jell-o is dissolved.
3. Add cold water and allow to chill for 15 minutes in refrigerator.
4. Slowly whisk in vanilla pudding mix until smooth and chill for another 15-20 minutes or until it becomes slightly thickened.
5. Fold in Reddi-Whip, Mandarin oranges, and Marshmallows.
6. Chill for at least 1 hour.

NOTES:

Garnish the top with a few oranges and marshmallows.

Feta, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Feta, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

prep time: 30 minscook time: total time: 30 mins

ingredients:

2 cucumbers - cubed

2 medium tomatoes - cubed

Half Red Onion - chopped

Feta Cheese Crumbles  4-5 ounces

3 tablespoons Parsley  

1/2 teaspoon Salt  

1/2 teaspoon Ground Pepper Medley

1/2 cup Olive Oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 ounce lemon juice 

instructions:

Add cucumbers, tomatoes,  and red onion in a serving bowl

In a separate bowl whisk

3 tablespoons Parsley  

1/2 teaspoon Salt  

1/2 teaspoon Ground Pepper Medley

1/2 cup Olive Oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 ounce lemon juice 

Pour over salad and top off with feta cheese

1980's Brass Lamp Makeover Part 2

I bought these in the 80's - loved them when they were brass. Then changed my decor' and painted them black.

That was actually my first try at spray paint over brass. They lasted a long time - about 9 years or so.  I bought new lamps this time around only because I wanted wood. I put the black lamps in the basement and they looked okay. But kinda dark. So I went out of my comfort zone...

I saw this color in Home Depot 

I sanded both lamps not a lot just enough to take the gloss off. Then washed with Dawn and warm water - allowed to dry. When painting a bright or bold color it's good to apply a dark primer. In this case the black paint worked in my favor. 

As always there are many steps involved in painting a lamp but I have always found the two key steps should never be missed. 1 is prep do it right and 2 is let it dry completely. And if you can let the piece bake in the sun. Refer to my previous blogs for details. 

All they need now is lampshades. 

And now on sale in My Etsy Shop

There was a lot of work and time - but well worth it.