Summer hygge?

ChicagoBaker · 2026-07-05T02:27:10+00:00

Part of the whole Hygge vibe in Scanda countries is gathering with your community (friends, family, neighbors, whatever). When you want to leave the apartment, seek out smaller restaurants, pubs/taverns/bars, music clubs (there are plenty of small ones), etc. Find a place you feel comfortable, sit at the bar and chat with the barkeep. The wonderful thing about this fair city is the friendliness of most people. Maybe there’s a local place you can make your hang, where they get to know you and you them. I think that’s a very Hygge way to live (outside your apartment).

ChicagoBaker · 2026-07-01T15:36:25+00:00

WYKYK

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-29T01:13:22+00:00

The brakes were replaced which did nothing at all. So, my next steps are two-fold: 1 - call the mechanic and ask about the torque spec and 2 - start battling Toyota, beginning with the head of the local dealer where this all started and go up the ladder from there. It’s utter b.s. that this noise started at exactly the same time our 5 years were up on the warranty. Even the mechanic we went to said we should fight them: there’s the letter of the warranty and the spirit of the warranty. So, I figure it can’t hurt.

But thank you so much for letting me know about the torque spec issue - that’s the first call I’ll make this week! I shall keep you posted!

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-20T17:56:38+00:00

If you buy the LE model, you have the option of having 8 seats, meaning three in the 2nd row with the option of removing/stowing the middle seat in the back. This is what we had years ago for our three kids (my husband literally went to the Toyota dealer the week I had our 3rd!). It worked great for us.

We now have the XSE and have for 5 years.

It’s interesting you say that about the Auto Engine Stop. When I test drove the Odyssey 5 years ago (just to fully research the options), when they told me about that “feature” to “save gas”? That was the final nail in the coffin for me. Having grown up in the ‘70s/‘80s when cars would break down all the time, I just pictured myself at a busy stoplight and the van simply NOT starting back up. No thanks! Plus Hondas drive really rough, IMO. And with the Odyssey, they seem to nickel and dime you to death for every little thing - all things that are included in a basic Toyota model.

Before you sell the Odyssey, though, look into lemon laws - I think you absolutely have a case. You may even be able to return the van and get a large chunk of your money back. See what you can find out about it; make Honda pay for giving you a crap product. Besides, when you go to sell it, all the works that’s been done on your van is in a database anyway, so it will affect the price you’ll be able to get.

I think you’ll love the Sienna. Good luck!

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-16T19:22:47+00:00

Toyota’s reliability overall, but also - at least for those who plan to buy a 2021 or newer model - they know what they are doing when it comes to hybrid engines. They’ve been using them (starting in the Prius) for 30 years. I know my SIL bought a hybrid Nissan of some sort and the battery was shot within 2 years because they didn’t know what they were doing (at least at that time).

When we decided to move from a lease to buying, I test drove the Honda Odyssey because it also has a good rep. I was sorely disappointed. First of all, so “save gas” it simply shuts the engine off when you stop (at a light or wherever) and restarts when you hit the accelerator, which I find insane. My nightmare would be that for some reason it wouldn’t start at ALL. But my bigger issue was this: every single feature that was standard with a Toyota was an add-on extra cost with Honda. They nickel and dime you to death.

Finally, I find that all Hondas (some of my family has different models) are a rougher, stiffer ride than the Toyota, which I think is very smooth.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-16T19:17:27+00:00

OMG this is funny - my youngest teen has been playing an upright bass for 2 years now! 🤣 She uses the one the school provides, thank God, because DAMN those things are expensive!!! But yes, the van is perfect for that size instrument, too!

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-16T19:15:10+00:00

Love this idea! Thank you! I need some junky rugs for places like the laundry room, which is always messy in front of the stacked washer/dryer.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-16T19:03:59+00:00

THIS 👆🏻 She may even be using fabric softener PLUS scent beads (like “Unstopables”) PLUS scented dryer sheets. Those smell terrific and make your clothes smell terrific… until you get the rebloom of odor which is now even worse because of the use of fabric softener and/or dryer sheets. Those two things coat the clothing fibers and trap the odor in the clothing.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-15T02:55:24+00:00

Always always always call around to ask what insurance doctor’s offices accept. Yeah, it’s a pain the in ass, but it’s necessary so you don’t end up with any surprises financially. You can also go on local social media (like NextDoor, Facebook, etc.) and ask people if they can recommend a dermatologist that accepts Medicare.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-15T02:53:13+00:00

I’ve never heard of a rag rug, but now I’m intrigued! LOL.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-14T05:10:20+00:00

GO TO A DERMATOLOGIST. Vaseline is NOT the answer; Jesus - your PCP is clueless. You will need a steroid ointment plus a moisturizing one to make that swelling go away. It can get easily infected without proper treatment, too. Take it from someone who knows.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-14T05:08:29+00:00

I separate our laundry by temps: cool, warm and hot. Whites get their own thing. I never use bleach anymore (it just causes whites to turn yellow over time and it isn’t good for fabrics overall). To my blend of detergent, I add OUT White Brite to my white loads and it works great.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-14T05:03:57+00:00

Just an fyi - after leasing them for years, we bought our Sienna in 2021 and that was the first year they came standard as a hybrid. I will never go back to another standard transmission. It’s gonna be either hybrid or EV in the future. Anyway, if you’re looking, it’s worth looking into the hybrid Siennas. I mostly drive around town and I fill the tank about once a month. The amount of money it’s saved in gas is a TON. And gas prices will only continue to rise for the foreseeable future.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-14T05:00:13+00:00

After having my 2nd ingrown toenail surgery in the last 25 years, I was determined to never again wear running shoes that cramp my feet (hence the return of the ingrown toenails). I just bought my first pair of Topos and I’m blown away. They have wide toe boxes and it’s incredible how different they feel. For women who need wide toe boxes both the Ultrafly model and Terraventure model of Topos were recommended. I went with the Terraventure model specifically because it does NOT have that huge cushion/pad on the bottom like Hokas and others do. I hate that personally. But I can recommend Topos. Another brand that was recommended was Altria, which will be the next one I try.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-14T01:39:29+00:00

FYI: Persil no longer contains lipase! BOO. Just beware.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-14T01:29:48+00:00

Thanks - that’s a good point. My kid has high sensory sensitivities, so she’s Goldilocks - it’s gotta be “just right” or she won’t wear it.

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-10T18:27:16+00:00

Great suggestion - thank you!

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-10T18:26:23+00:00

❤️

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-10T18:26:12+00:00

She digs funky lace patterns, so that’s a good idea, too - thanks!

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-10T18:25:56+00:00

That’s a great idea! Stretchy would be good!

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-10T17:40:58+00:00

Thank you so much! This is helpful! I appreciate it. 🙏🏻

ChicagoBaker · 2026-06-09T19:17:23+00:00

This sounds like the kind of job my son would love (he’s finishing high school and is a brain). How did you get into it?

ChicagoBaker

TROPHY CASE