Category: Living

Affordable, Awards, Banquets, Basketball Players, Building It Yourself, Easy To Build, Football Players, Home DIY, Living, Storage Ideas, Things-to-Do, Trophies, Tutorials, Woodworking

DIY Trophy Shelf: How to Build and Hang a Trophy Shelf in One Afternoon

sharondashariee

DIY Trophy Shelf: How to Build and Hang a Trophy Shelf in One Afternoon

I’ll admit it, I know my way around tools and woodworking a bit. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert to tackle this project. This DIY trophy shelf is simple, affordable, and quick to execute with just a few tools and materials.

For years, my family’s trophies sat forgotten in a tub, then later on a cabinet, gathering dust. Honestly, I should have built these shelves ages ago. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Grab your materials today. Finally give those hard-earned awards, or any items you have been wanting to display, the showcase they deserve. Let’s get building!

Materials You Will Need:

  • Common Board

You can find one here for about $20:

 1 in. x 12 in. x 6 ft. Common Board 458511 – The Home Depot

  • Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets
  • Purchase them here for about $18:

Amazon.com: 4 Pcs Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets 8 Inch Industrial Metal Floating Bracket Shelving Supports Wall Mounted with Lip (Not Included Planks) : Tools & Home Improvement

Tools:

  • Saw (or have your local hardware store make the cuts for you if you don’t have a miter saw)
  • Sandpaper
  • Measuring tape
  • Drill
  • Stud finder
  • Leveler
  • Spray paint or stain (your choice of color/finish)

Let’s Get Started:

1. Cut Your Board

If you are making your own cuts, measure and cut your board to the desired length. In this example, I am making two 3-foot-long shelves from one 6 foot length board cut in half.  If you do not have a saw at home, do not worry. Most local hardware stores can make cuts for you.

2. Sand Your Boards

Move to a workspace or table and lay your boards flat.  Begin sanding each side until the surface is smooth to the touch.  This will likely be the most time-consuming step.  If you have a power sander, I highly recommend using it to cut your sanding time in half.  I sanded by hand this time because I did not feel like dragging my sander out.

Once you have sanded down both sides and eliminated any rough edges, dust off the boards to remove debris.  Be sure to also dust your workspace so it is clean and ready for the next step.

3. Paint or Stain

I chose spray paint because it is fast and easy. Staining the wood is another excellent option. It provides a beautiful finish. I have done both in other parts of my home, and they both look awesome.  Paint or stain one side of the boards and let them dry while you prepare your wall for the shelves.

4. Measure and Mark the Wall

While your boards are drying, go to the space where you plan to hang the shelves.  Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall.  Mark the stud locations with a pencil to ensure the shelves will be properly supported.

Next, measure and mark where the brackets will be placed.  Drill the first bracket into the wall. Use a leveler to ensure the second bracket is even before drilling it into place.  Repeat this process for the second shelf. Use a trophy or another item to gauge the appropriate spacing between the shelves.

5. Finish Painting the Boards

Once the brackets are installed, return to your workspace. Flip the boards over to paint or stain the other side.  Once finished, allow them to dry completely. (Pro tip: use this drying time to take a break or, in my case, make dinner!)

6. Assemble the Shelf

Once both sides of the boards are dry, bring them inside and place them on the brackets.  Arrange your trophies or other items on the shelves how you see fit.

7. Show Off Your Work

Finally, call everyone in to admire your craftsmanship.  Enjoy the compliments from your family. They will tell you what an amazing job you did building and hanging a trophy shelf. You accomplished this all in just one afternoon!

Final Thoughts: This project is not only quick and rewarding but also customizable.  You can build a display for trophies, books, or decor. This method can be easily adapted to suit your needs.  Happy building!

Appetizer, Dining Out, Food Opinion, Home Cooked Food, Living, Things-to-Do

Bobo’s Restaurant: The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

sharondashariee

The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

Tucson, Arizona is not just a place we drive to for concerts or a quick getaway, it’s also home to one of the best breakfast spots we’ve ever experienced, Bobo’s Restaurant.  During one of our trips, I searched for “the best breakfast in Tucson,” and Yelp led us straight to this charming gem.  With nearly a five-star rating, we knew we had to check it out.  Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

The Drive to Tucson

Getting from Phoenix to Tucson is an easy 95-mile drive, taking about an hour and a half.  Whether you are headed there for a specific event or just passing through, you will definitely want to make time for a stop at Bobo’s.

First Impressions

We first visited Bobo’s on a Sunday morning around 11:30 AM. It is a very small, yellow brick building sitting off a main road, that otherwise I would have driven passed.  When we arrived, about 10–15 people were already waiting outside. Pro tip: if you are not a fan of waiting, plan your visit strategically.  The wait for a table can take about an hour during peak times, but we have also visited later in the day, about 40 minutes before closing, and got seated immediately.

What’s On the Menu

Let’s talk about the food, because it’s why you go to Bobo’s, and it’s what makes the wait 100% worth it.  Over a few visits, we have tried several dishes:

  • Apple Upside-Down Pancake:  My husband says this is a breakfast masterpiece that’s equal parts sweet and filling.
  • Buttermilk Pancake: Fluffy perfection every single time. Cutting your pancakes like this makes them taste even better.
  • Chicken Fried Steak with Eggs & Fried Potatoes: Comfort food at its finest, with rich gravy. I usually put it on the side, because you cannot trust everyone’s gravy. I eventually put it on my food, since it passed the taste test. The potatoes I can have live without.
  • French Toast with Eggs & Bacon: The French toast is done how we used to make cinnamon toast in the oven as kids.

The consistency of the food is outstanding.  It is clear why Bobo’s has earned its loyal following and stellar Yelp ratings.

Cost & Value

If you do not know by now, I am always about value, and for the quality and portion sizes, Bobo’s offers unbeatable value.  Whether you are craving something hearty or sweet, you will leave both satisfied and full without breaking the bank.

Better Than Mom’s Cooking?

Bobo’s tagline is “Just like mom’s cookin’,” but honestly, they might need to tweak it to “Better than your mom’s cookin,’ at least for breakfast.  Sorry, Mom!”  It is that good.

Plan Your Visit

Location:  Bobo’s Restaurant, 2938 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the wait, aim for non-peak hours (like just before closing or early morning).

Whether you are heading to Tucson for a concert, a day trip, or even just passing through, Bobo’s Restaurant is a must-visit for breakfast lovers.  Trust me, it is worth every mile and every minute of the wait.

Your Favorites & Recommendations

What is your go-to breakfast spot when you are on the road?  Share your favorites in the comments.  I am always looking for my next great meal!

Classes, Coffee, Date Night, Food Opinion, Living, Self-Care, Things-to-Do, Travel, Tutorials, Wine, Wine Tasting

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

sharondashariee

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

When I signed up for Press Coffee’s 101 class, I wasn’t entirely convinced that I’d walk out a coffee aficionado. But as it turns out, I left with some serious coffee knowledge.  Everything from where coffee originates, to how it’s processed, to what it takes to get it from the farm to your cup.

I stumbled upon this class thanks to Eventbrite’s “events you might like” feature (they know me so well), and seeing Press Coffee’s name didn’t hurt.  Press Coffee is always listed as one of the valley’s premier coffee roasters.  After all, they have 12 locations around Arizona and even supply coffee to multiple retail spots across the valley.

The Scene at Press Coffee

We arrived to find Press buzzing with coffee drinkers in the front, some sipping and socializing, others laser-focused on laptops.  In the back, there’s a spacious second level for more seating, but we stayed downstairs, where three enormous coffee bean roasters sat in all their luxuriousness, along with our cozy 12-person classroom setup.  It was perfect for both tasting and learning.

Our host welcomed us with a steamy cup of Gesha coffee.  This rare, high-end coffee ($50 per cup, just FYI!) has a unique profile that’s more tea-like than coffee-like, and he wasn’t kidding.  It was a delicate, almost floral flavor, unlike anything I’d tasted in coffee form.

The Class Kicks Off

From there, we dove into the rich world of coffee.  We learned about origins, flavors, and roasting techniques.  A cool part of the tasting was letting each blend cool down a bit and then trying it again.  Who knew a little time could bring out so many different notes?

My Favorite Coffee Roast

My favorite roast was Brazil Mogiano for its boldness, but it was also subtle. I like a medium roast. Right up the middle. My husband? He was into them all!

Behind-the-Scenes of Coffee Bean Roasting

We wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes look at the roasters and even learned about the farm Press Coffee owns, which supplies their unique beans.  If you love coffee, want a fun outing with friends, or cool date idea, I can’t recommend this class enough. And yes, you even get a code for a free bag of coffee with a subscription (no pressure to keep it, but why wouldn’t you?!).

Press Coffee 101 Details, Sign-Up, and Cost

So, who’s ready to sip like a pro?

Home Improvement, Living, Self-Care, Uncategorized

Overwhelmed by Paper? Discover How Assured Document Destruction Can Save Your Space and Sanity!

sharondashariee

Assured Document Destruction

Look, Do Not Ask Me How We Got Here

We found ourselves facing an overwhelming paper crisis—an ever-growing mountain of confidential documents dating back seven to eight years.  As I stared at the bags and bags of papers, we always kept what we deemed “important,” but it seemed like we had miscalculated just how much “important” really added up to.

128 Gallons of Papers to Shred

In my quest to find a solution, I finally decided I could trust Assured Document Destruction.  If you, too, are staring at your own growing pile of paperwork and feeling like it is taking over your home, let me introduce you to the solution that saved us—and could save you too!

Why Assured Document Destruction?

Here is why Assured Document Destruction should be your go-to for paper shredding and document destruction:

1. Security First: When my document destruction specialist pulled up to my home in the destruction truck.  Yes, they pull-up in the destruction truck and shred on the premises. More about that in a few.  The specialist explained how our documents are shredded beyond recovery, using state-of-the-art equipment and processes that adhere to the highest security standards.

2. Convenience is Key: One of the best features of their service is how convenient it is. You do not have to drag your piles of paper to a facility.  Instead, they offer on-site shredding, so you can watch your documents be destroyed right at your location.  This eliminates any concerns about data breaches during transport and saves you time and hassle.

3. Eco-Friendly Practices: In today’s world, being environmentally conscious is as important as safeguarding information.  After shredding, the paper is recycled, ensuring that your old documents contribute to a greener planet rather than ending up in a landfill.  How cool is that?

4. Value for Money: They understand that value is about more than just cost. With Assured Document Destruction, you get a combination of secure service and excellent value. Their transparent pricing ensures that you know exactly what you are paying for—no hidden fees or surprises.  Quite honestly, this is what moved Assured Document Destruction to the top of my list very quickly.  The value for the money.

How it Works in 3 easy steps

Using Assured Document Destruction is simple and straightforward.

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Get an Instant Quote: Visit their website and get a quote in minutes. This is your first step to a clutter-free space. Visit here: (www.shreddingphx.com)

2. Schedule: Your Service: Once you have your quote, schedule a convenient time for your shredding service. They will collaborate with you to find a slot that fits your schedule.

3. Shredding Day: On the day of your service, their team arrives with high-powered shredding equipment.

Assured Document Destruction High-Powered Shredding Trucks

How much was the service?

Total Cost: The 1st and 2nd 64-gallon bin are $63 each (Minimum Charge: $126.00 + $3.00 Fuel Service Charge) = $129

Assured Document Destruction 64-Gallon Document Shred Bins

Assured Document Destruction also allows you to bring your important papers, and hard drives, to their facility for destruction.

If you choose to not use Assured Document Destruction, find a secured document service in your area for your document destruction needs.

Have you used a shredding service?  Is this a service you can see yourself utilizing for yourself?

Address:

Assured Document Destruction

930 S. 67th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85043

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Dining Out, Family Travel, Living, Mexico Adventures, Mexico Excursions, Mexico Travel, Out the Country Travel, practical-hotels, Self-Care, Things-to-Do, Travel, Travel with Kids

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s-Rhythms of the Night by Vallarta Adventures

sharondashariee

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s Rhythms of the Night by Vallarta Adventures

When we went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I had one thing in mind, to RELAX. I did not want to do the usual excursion, city hopping, out all hours of the night, that we usually do. Sleeping, eating, and sitting by the pool were the only things on the agenda.

View from Oceanview AirBnB in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Click for Listing.

Until I stumbled upon a Puerto Vallarta post in one of the travel groups, suggesting that anyone going to Puerto Vallarta MUST do, “Rhythms of the Night” by Vallarta Adventures. Initially it was just my husband, me, my best friend, and her husband travelling, but my daughter talked us into letting her come along.  My friend then brought her daughter as well.

The girls enjoying the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta

We flew from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, non-stop.  It was important to me to leave the country, with a short flight time.  Our flight was two and half hours.

We booked this Airbnb with a gorgeous view. The view was mandatory considering that my agenda consisted of merely breathing, lounging, eating, and sitting by the pool.

Oceanview Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Click for listing.

We headed into the city one of the days, for about three hours, but the activity that had every one of us in amazement was the Rhythms of the Night sunset cruise, dinner, and show.

Dinner in the city Puerto Vallarta, Mexico La Madalena Restaurant

Puerto Vallarta’s Rhythms of the Night

I purchased tickets to the show in advance from Puerto Vallarta Tours, $116 for adults and $109 for kids, 6-17 years old.  We received 30% off for booking more than four days in advance.  Regular or same-day pricing was $165 for adults and $155 for kids.

TIP 1: Book more than four days in advance to take advantage of 30% off regular ticket pricing.

The day of the tour, I used my very beginner Spanish to hale us a taxi and to get us to the dock where we boarded the boat.  Honestly, you do not need to know Spanish to get a taxi and arrive at your destination safely. However, I find every opportunity to practice.

Once we arrived at the ferry station, we made our way to the line where we presented our tickets, then we went through a security check. Yes, a security check, like in the airport.  Check the Vallarta Adventures website for prohibited items.

We boarded the boat, where there was a bar and plenty seating. I suggest getting there well before departure, so your group can sit together.  The suggested arrival time is 45 minutes prior to departure.

We arrived on the island where the Rhythms of the Night show takes place in about 30-45 minutes.  There was onboard entertainment, where they sang American songs, most people would be familiar with.  People danced and sang along.

It is a whole experience as soon as you step foot on the boat, let alone once you make it to the tiki lit island. 

Review Puerto Vallarta’s-Rhythms of the Night by Vallarta Adventures
Tiki Island Arrival

TIP 2:  Book the sunset cruise time.  There is an earlier day show, but the sunset booking time is more exquisite.

We were seated in designated areas around the island and assigned a dinner station.  Dinner was buffet style.  We had a traditional Mexican dinner.

We had a waiter who served drinks and any additional items you may want from the buffet.

After about an hour and a half, the staff began to clear the tables, and we waited to be dismissed. 

TIP 3: Use the restroom before you head to the stadium for the show.

We travelled to the stadium up large, flat, rocked stairs.  We stood in line for about 15 minutes before we could enter the stadium.  This activity is not recommended if you have difficulties doing a slight hike.

I would like to describe the show, but it is indescribable.  It is something to be experienced.  Here is glimpse of the amazingness we witnessed.

Review Puerto Vallarta’s-Rhythms of the Night by Vallarta Adventures

The entire crew from start to finish conducted this experience flawlessly.  If you need any more convincing, check their reviews.  Perfection.

Review Puerto Vallarta’s-Rhythms of the Night by Vallarta Adventures

Cost & Booking

Total Cost: $341 (included ferry ride, dinner, and show for three people)

Booked Rhythm of the Nights by Vallarta Adventures here:  https://www.vallarta-adventures.com/en

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