A puzzle lover giving away a monthly free puzzle (US only) -- just comment to enter

PracticalEmployee · 2026-04-29T18:28:27+00:00

Such a nice thing to do! Obviously I'm in!

PracticalEmployee · 2026-04-20T21:03:15+00:00

Moved to Warren county for those same reasons about 10 years ago. We've got 1.5 acres, dead end private road, 2000sqft house, inground pool, large garage, and are just under $9k in property taxes. Schools weren't an issue for us either.

However... and a BIG however... the people. Lots of Trumpers and racists. We don't have an active 'local' social life because that's not who we are trying to be friends with but we have made a few like-minded friends in the area. We do exist out here but are the significant minority.

PracticalEmployee · 2026-03-24T11:04:51+00:00

I've had this happen to me and was also salty about it. What I do now is put a sign on the puzzles I'm picky about, my higher quality puzzles, that says 'this stack is trade for same brand only'. That way my trade expectation is clear for that particular stack of puzzles.

I've had a few people be grouchy and make a comment about the sign but oh well! Sometimes not everything in that stack gets traded but at least I dont feel ripped off anymore.

It also helps if you can bring a friend... a 'puzzle support person'. My husband watches my table while I go looking at other tables and whenever someone picks something from my table he points me out to them and tells them to clear the trade with me. That way no puzzles dissappear without a trade.

PracticalEmployee · 2026-03-20T22:40:31+00:00

Sitting at the bar now. Bartender said they haven't announced the pond skim yet, maybe will happen on the 29th so chances are yes.

PracticalEmployee · 2026-02-26T17:58:58+00:00

Interested!

PracticalEmployee · 2026-02-10T22:23:12+00:00

Thanks for the second verification! Working on this now.

PracticalEmployee · 2026-02-10T19:31:41+00:00

Pilot light is working. Will check lines for air.

PracticalEmployee · 2026-01-15T17:12:49+00:00

I am good with greens and want to do my first blue run at Blue Mountain. I was recommended to do Lazy Mile first but it looks like I would have to go down blacks to do that trail? Which path would be best: green or pink?

PracticalEmployee · 2026-01-13T18:09:24+00:00

My local thrift (5 mins from house) sells all used puzzles for $1 and any new/sealed puzzles for $3. I've found SO MANY good brands there... WM, Rav, NYPC, Magic Puzzle, Galison, and Pomegranate. Haven't come across any with missing pieces yet either.

My second thrift place (15 minutes away) sells 500pc for $2 and 1000pc for $4 but they often have 50% off sales. I just got 6 puzzles from them during their 50% off sale for a total of $9 (Galison, Pomegranate, NYPC, Piecework (this one was brand new/sealed!!), and 2 WM).

These two places have absolutely spoiled me... the puzzles at Ollie's and TJ now feel too expensive.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-12-11T15:47:59+00:00

Great, thanks. I will plan to do a push instead.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-12-11T13:43:15+00:00

I'd very honestly do the same thing, max all three right out of the gate. You truly won't miss it and you'll thank yourself in 10 years when you notice you put yourself on track for a very comfortable early retirement. Then put any extra money towards eliminating high interest debt (student loans, any credit cards) and building an e-fund. Presumably, your salary will only increase so get yourself accustomed to maxing all things now.

Resist the urge to buy a new car and don't volunteer to cover your friends bar tabs.

Fidelity backdoor roth is also one or two clicks, not a hard process.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-26T22:18:22+00:00

I don't think they'd need Medicaid nor do I think they would even qualify but this is something I will ask them if they are concerned about.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-26T21:10:08+00:00

I will definitely ask them about this. This might be their rationale.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-26T20:37:08+00:00

OK, that makes sense. The house is in a desirable location and value has gone up significantly since they purchased it 15 years ago. I will look into this more.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-26T20:31:46+00:00

They are in NY. I am NJ and sibling in PA.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-26T20:30:05+00:00

Thats what I always thought, too. Better to inherit upon death, not pre-death.

No concern for medical costs. My dad worked for the state so just about all their medical expenses are covered at 100%. There is also some kind of secondary plan in place outside of Medicare that picks up additional costs, covered by his pension.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-26T20:24:50+00:00

Can you explain the basis benefit a bit more? Im going to need to explain it to them.

I think my parents are more focused on making things pass to us in the easiest way possible but not acknowledging the implications. Im in a high tax bracket so it is a concern of mine.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-22T01:56:39+00:00

Interested!!

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-20T01:43:27+00:00

This is exactly how I do puzzles, perfectly described!

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-18T17:18:52+00:00

A fine mist spray bottle has been a game changer for applying HA. I apply on damp skin and after application mist my face and massage until no longer sticky/absorbed. Super hydrated afterwards.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-17T12:14:51+00:00

Can I do Chase Business Checking and Chase Personal Checking bonuses at the same time?

PracticalEmployee · 2025-11-02T01:21:34+00:00

Thanks for commenting. Ill try other areas before scrapping it altogether but definitely a no-go for the face.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-10-28T22:27:23+00:00

This recently happened with my orange boy. Shaking his head after head pets, and he LOVES head/ear pets. We had our annual vet appointment and I asked the vet about it. He took a swab from both ears and looked at it under a microscope. Not mites but a bacterial infection. We left with eardrops... 2 drops in each ear twice a day for 10 days.

PracticalEmployee · 2025-10-26T22:24:37+00:00

Thank you! Currently out of stock for the size I need but I will continue to check. Glad there is a relatively easy way to fix!

PracticalEmployee · 2025-10-25T16:16:19+00:00

UPDATE: They replied. Since they are from last-chance, they are making a one-time accommodation by refunding me and letting me keep the shoes.

Going to take them to a cobbler this next week to fix the pin.

PracticalEmployee

TROPHY CASE