Cutthroat Couponing

I am not usually one to complain, but I came across a few things that made my blood boil.

I am a beginning couponer. I don't do it for all the freebies, and I don't buy 87 bottles of mustard because it was free. I do however, coupon to save some money and to benefit my family. I have a very, very small stock pile, but it's still nice to run out of dish soap and know I have three in the laundry room.

Now, for my complaints.

1. When I purchase my paper, I expect there to be coupons in there. I bought a Sunday paper for the inserts, and to my surprise... someone had taken the coupons. If you are going to pay for one paper and take a stack of coupons, at least turn the insert-less papers the opposite way, to the bottom, SOMETHING. Now, I know a paper is only $0.75, but it is slightly annoying.

2. Reselling free items for profit.

We have a place called "Vendors Mall" in my local area. It's like an inside yard sale with multiple booths. There is one booth located close to the front (left hand side) who has household products for phenomenal prices. I had bought some toothpaste and cleaner a few times not knowing how or where she got her products. One Sunday, the booth owner was stocking her shelves... She had 3 shopping carts FULL of products. Holy smokes! I couldn't believe the amount someone would spend in store on the products. Again, at phenomenal prices.

Let's fast forward to this past weekend... I had this killer Swiffer coupon and knew the Dollar General had Swiffer for the lowest price in the area. I gathered my coupons and headed to the store. I knew exactly where the items were located and went to grab my two-three products. Then, in the distance, I seen the lady with the Vendors Mall booth with TWO CARTS. She takes her arms and sweeps the ENTIRE SHELF into her cart, and then precedes to unlatch the hanging Swiffer Dusters and empties the ENTIRE RACK into her cart. Turns, smiles, and scurries off to the register. Needless to say, I didn't get my Swiffers.

I was curious and had an inkling of what was happening. I credit my ability to solve this crime to my obsession with the ID channel. I wandered around while she was checking out. At the end of her transaction, the total was some insane price. Then... she grabs her envelopes, and I see them. The sharply cut edges of a yellow and green shiny piece of paper with $2.00 OFF printed boldly across the top. Sigh. She walked out of the store paying only 1/4 of the original cost.

Mostly out of curiosity, I waited around as she loads her items into her car. She fiddles around for a minute, and then she drives out of the parking lot. I HAD TO FOLLOW. She takes a left, heads straight through the light, and flips a right turn signal on. SHE WAS GOING TO THE VENDORS MALL. I park a few rows back. It's difficult to be a private eye in a pink car. Pops open the trunk, unloads her product, and goes inside. I venture into the store, and I find will scar me for some time.

The owner of the booth is pricing her items and stocking her booth.

First and foremost, I am almost positive there has to be something illegal about this. It was disappointing more than anything. Who knew couponing was so dirty and cutthroat??

I kinda want to hang signs in her booth that lets shoppers know how she's acquired the items. I understand it's hard work, but REALLY? I just don't think it's right.

To add salt to the wound. I am scrolling through my buy, sell, trade pages on facebook, and see a post where a woman is set up in a parking lot, selling products she's acquired through couponing. Shame on these people. I just wanted to dust my house.

Enough of complaining, I will write another post about my coupon beginnings. I've convinced my mom and one of her friends to join too. It should be interesting.

Once upon a midnight dreary...

I'm sad to say my vacation is quickly coming to a close. I had a brief 4 days off work. No, I didn't visit a fancy beach, a famous monument, or theme park. I had a staycation, but my parents (dad and stepmom) came down for a visit from Michigan. They visit twice a year, once in the spring and fall.

Last visit came to an abrupt end and a tad bit of an argument. Remember my bible verse I always go to when troubled? If not,  Click here for the post :) This visit was remarkably better, and last visit has became a family joke. I learned oh so much from it, and things are slowly transitioning.

For the first time in my life, my father is not drinking liquor. This is an amazing accomplishment for him. I am so incredibly proud of him. He's battled with alcoholism the majority of my life, and it played a tremendous role in where he is at today. He's a different man when he isn't drinking liquor. This weekend was the first time I felt in a long time that true father-daughter connection. We cooked together. We completed projects together. We played card games together. We went shopping together. To top it off, he willingly went to church with Joe and me this morning. I am grateful and blessed.

What was the sermon about today?? Temptation. Temptation??? I like to think we have a humorous God. He knew my dad would be in church this morning. Although my dad has progressed, I know he has a long and weary road ahead of him. I think today's' words punched him right square in the gut. When are we most vulnerable to succumb to temptation?
Hurting
Angry
Lonely
Tired
(You see that?  I have a crafty pastor.)

Halt, stop, quit. You get the point. Not only did my dad receive a great message, but I, myself, was punched in the gut. So many times I push and push myself until I am defeated. I learned it's okay to stop, take a break, and step back. Rest and start again. I needed that.

I hope my dad walks away this weekend with the same experiences I had. He will remember that sermon from today and RUN from temptation. I also hope he remembers the good memories we made this weekend, so the next time he is hurting, angry, lonely, or tired he knows how to beat temptation.

Remember him in your prayers. Remember all those who walk this same road in your prayers.

No friend as loyal as a book.

This weekend was well deserved. I've been in a hurricane of craziness for the past few weeks. For the time being, the hurricane has turned into a thunderstorm. This weekend though, I took some time for myself and for my house. Take two weeks without air conditioning, and see how considerably messy your house becomes.

I sit here Sunday afternoon in my super, duper clean house. I even donated two boxes and a garbage bag of items to a church yard sale! I can't take all the credit; my mother in law came to help. *Clarification- she willingly helps and doesn't fuss.* Most importantly, my craft room is slowly getting in order. While we put the rest of the house in order, the extra room became the catch-all. There was a small, small path that leads to the closet of the extra room. The path has became more of a room, and you can enjoy the space. Especially since I added a DIY, hidden storage reading nook! (Of course, a blog to come!)

 My sewing table temporarily holds Joe's new desktop. I can't really complete anything else in the craft room until my sewing table is free. Joe is in his office now trying to put a desk together... without instructions.

I did finally get to unpack all my favorite books and line them on my small bookshelf. Endless rows of classics varying from children's literature to anthologies. Harry Potter, Jane Austen, Harper Lee, Shel Silverstein, CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll.... I could go on.

The best thing of unpacking my books? As I held each book in my hands, I could remember exactly when I read the book, where I was, the time in my life, and how those small words impacted my life. Each book had its own story and story in my life. It was a great walk down memory lane. I could pick up any of those cooks at any time, and relive the story they tell.

The title you ask? A quote from one of my favorite authors- Hemingway. When I grown up, I want to be a writer. Your thoughts, your words could change the lives of millions.

I encourage you to revisit some of your favorite books. Relive the stories you loved growing up.

Why Not Wednesday? Garnier Clean + Skin Care

Okay, okay, so I talk about my skin a lot. I also talk about my journey to find makeup and skin care products I truly like. As you know, I was a loyal one brand user. At some time my trusty brand was no longer making the cut as the prices climbed higher and higher. Makeup I've had tremendous success replacing once loved products with a new brand. Skin care?? That's an entirely different story. Cross between being a skin care product snob and extremely sensitive, I had troubles. I had to be cautious and read every label.

My skin is combo/oily. The oily spots mostly on my chin and TZone. I have facial redness and larger pores around the nose area.

I had seen the commercials for the Garnier Clean + line, and somehow received a sample of the blackhead eliminating scrub. I do not have a lot of blackheads, but I do have deep pores which I felt with other cleaners, did not become totally clean. I read several reviews and did my research on the product. This product does contain salicylic acid, but only at 2% (lower than most). The surprise ingredient that has never been on my face or in a facial product I've used before- Charcoal. Because of charcoals detoxifying properties, it is a great cleanser! The salicylic acid and charcoal draws out and absorbs dirt and grime from your pores. Intriguing.

 I thought Why not? and ripped open the little sample packet.

 It's a gel formula with exfoliating granules which washes and rinses easily. Standard washing procedure: wet hands, lather, scrub face, and rinse.  I read some reviews where consumers used an exfoliating brush as well and had not so great experiences. I am guessing the exfoliating granules combined with the brush was too harsh on the skin. In those cases, it did cause ski irritation and redness.

I patted my face dry, and it felt incredibly cleaner.No irritation, no redness.I was impressed! The next morning my face still felt incredibly clean. I headed to my local WalMart and purchased the full size bottle. It was only $5.97 nearly a quarter of the price of my previous cleanser.

A week later I am using this product, and still in love! No dryness or itchy patches from the extended use of salicylic acid. My pores do seem to be reducing in size or not as prominent before. Definitely recommended if you are looking for an affordable, non-abrasive exfoliant.

This is readily available at any local store where health and beauty products are sold! Check it out!
What?! Get your free sample here!!
Orrrrrrrr, a FREE sample here!

This link will take you directly to the Granier page. :)

Speaking of charcoal. I came across this picture sometime ago. I absolutely love this picture, and love Ms. Audrey. Enjoy :)

Why Not Wednesday? The Great Swiffer Debate

It is definitely an almost Thursday, Why not Wednesday?. After a long day of work, I was able to get my hair colored- which is desperately needed. I come home to no electric and down trees in the back yard...
I didn't think I was going to make my Wednesday commitment.

We are a Swiffer family. I use my Swiffer mop almost on the daily. It's especially handy if you have critters (or children) in the home. The Swiffer mop is my go to should I need to clean up any quick messes. Light weight, inexpensive, and easy to use. However, I always struggle choosing which "swiffer" pads to buy. Name brand, off brand, no brand? Well, I've bought four different kinds, with four different results. Why not? My conclusion is at the end.

Subject #1: Swiffer Wet Mop Refills w/ Febreeze 24 count: $7.97 ($.0.33 a piece)
Pros: Smells wonderfully, streak free, cleans messes easily.
Cons: Dries out quickly causing you to use more cloths for larger areas

Subject #2: Grime Boss Wet Mop Refills: 32 count: $6.97 ($0.21 a piece)
Pros: Fresh scent, streak free, scrubbing strip for hard to get up messes
Cons: Difficult to find in store, usually sold out

Subject# 3: DG Home Deep Cleaning Pads: 12 count: $4.65 ($0.38 a piece)
Pros: N/A
Cons: Dries out quickly, falls apart easily, streaky, left sticky film over entire surface!!!
MOST expensive per cloth

Subject #4: Family Dollar Wet Mop Refills: 12 count: $4.50 ($0.37 a piece)
Pros: Remains moist longer than competitors, cleans messes easily
Cons: Not the best bang for your buck

My choice? Definitely the Grime Boss. Bonus? It's the most cost effective choice. I guess it was a clear sign, when 9 times out of 10, my local store is sold out! I prefer the Febreeze sent, but will to sacrifice for higher quality. Click here to view online!

And... my blog wouldn't be complete with out some laughter.

What the what?

Have you met those people who when you ask what is your favorite band, song, book, movie, food, etc. it is always changing?Yeah... that's me. I blame it on my desire and need to always learn or explore something new.

Our HR team recently sent out a questionnaire for an activity on an upcoming call. Most of the questions were about you: siblings, hobbies, the basics. I had NO problem writing lengthy answers for each, but when I came to the 'favorites' questions...I struggled. This sparked my mind, and I thought Hmmmm.... I would like to track what I am listening or reading right now. What better place to keep this, than my blog. 

What's your book of choice?

Right now you can find "Orange is the New Black" on my nightstand or in my car. Joe and I were browsing the local bookstore, and he brought this to me and insisted I buy. Myself, like many others, watched both seasons on Netflix in two weeks. I have always been intrigued by criminals and the prison system; however; this gives you the other side of the story. The series follows the book, minus all the theatrics for TV. Some names are different, and the names have been changed from the real life people. I will update once I am farther into the book. So far, I would recommend. 

What's playing in your car?

I've always had a dilemma with music. I could never choose just one band or song, and I listen to quite a broad assortment of music. My current obsession?? The Bollywood Workout Station on Pandora. Definitely picked this love up from being in Zumba. I turn this station on, crank up the music, and usually dance all over the place. Great for cleaning house! Check it out. 

What's on your DVR?

Besides my longtime favorite TV shows. You can find a lot of crime documentaries on my DVR right now. Joe laughs (and is concerned) because at any given moment you can find my watching the ID channel. A few shows I regularly watch on the channel: Fatal Attraction, Devil in the Details, and Deadly Devotion. Don't judge me!! 

What's in your fridge or cabinets?

Ooooh. I have on word for you: NUTELLA. I am currently obsessed. Need I say anymore?

Hint: The Aldis version of Nutella is a few dollars cheaper, and I prefer it leaps and bounds to the other. 

I can almost guarantee these will change next month. Stay tuned...

Why Not Wednesday? LA Colors Dual Eye Pencil

If you've read my past posts, then you are well aware of my struggle breaking from a long time loyal brand. If you are also live close to me, you know we recently had a few new stores added to our vast shopping choices. We now have the stores of all stores- a DOLLAR TREE! I told you we were high class.

There's a few products I regularly buy at our dollar stores, but never have I ever ventured toward the makeup aisle. While browsing the store on an end cap, I noticed these dual eye pencils with a pencil sharpener included. So why not?

 I bought one thinking if I'm not crazy about it, its only $1.00, and I would pass it along to my sister who would surely enjoy it. Too bad for her though, I actually liked it. I would even recommend it to other beauty lovers!!

Look for these at your local store!

These little treasures offer one end eyeliner (matte black) and the other an eye shadow ( metallic various colors). However, I used the shadow end as liner and had no issues. They are a chubby pencil, so if you are looking for skinny this wouldn't be ideal. I found 6 color choices at my local store, but only bought 5. I chose not to buy Aquatic, which appeared to be a metallic blue/teal.

Swatch: 1. Black Liner 2. Coffee 3. Tantalize 4. Smokey 5. Bejeweled 6. Black Liner (again)

Questions I ask about eyeliner...

1. Length of wear? I wore it for 9 hours straight at work. At the end of the day, no smears, smudges, or color transfer. When washing my face, I had soak cotton rounds in eye makeup remover and swipe my eyelids multiple times, followed by a full face wash.

2. Application? It is a very, very smooth application. I was surprised  how easy it was to apply! My experience with pencil liners is it takes a little more force for the look I want to achieve.

3. Pigment? These are very pigmented and true to color. Beware: smokey, tantalizing, and bejeweled are very metallic, so go easy if you are not a sparkly person.

5. Price? Extremely affordable at $1.00 a piece, especially since they are dual ended. You're paying for $0.50 for each color?!

6. Recommend? I would recommend for someone who is a lover of eye liner. Plus at a low price, you can pick up the whole collection for less than $7.00!

This Why not Wednesday was successful! Wednesdays to come? Skin care, aroma bead candles, and whatever else sparks my interests. Until next time. :)

9 Hour work day, and eyeliner is still in place!

Home Remedy Relief- Ear Pain Salt Sock

Two rounds of antibiotics, two packs of steroids, 4 steroid shots, and in six weeks my double ear infection has transformed into only a right ear infection. The right ear though, ohhhhh, it causes the most obnoxious pain. I've always had ENT issues, but my doctor is surprised that as a mid-twenties, I need to get tubes in my ears. That, however, is a different story.

I've tried several home remedies for relief at least from the pain and pressure in my ear. A dear friend knew how miserable I was and shared The Magic Salt Rock link. I was hesitant and not too fond of placing a sock full of salt on my ear. I was at my wits end when we had company over, and I could only hear them from one ear. I nonchalantly moved the single sock party in the laundry room and selected a lucky sock. (Warning- it needs to be a completely white sock. The color WILL transfer.) Back to the kitchen to fill with salt and heated to the appropriate temperature.

Now for the moment of truth... I placed the sock on my ear with our company looking at my like I was a crazy person. The warmth of the sock definitely provided some relief. After some time with the sock on my ear, I could feel a difference, and I also think it did draw some of the moisture out. It was a quick fix for the obnoxious pain. Although temporary, it is a nice temporary fix.


I've now added this trick to my home remedy arsenal. When my ear troubles me, I reach for the magic salt sock. Plus, it's a great use for all those single socks. Create your own Magic Salt Sock.

1. Select a sock. All you need is a solid white, cotton sock. I suggest using a thicker sock. Salt particles slip through the stitches of a thin sock. Again, make sure it is all white- no red line, no wording, not stripes. When heating, the color will transfer to any surface. Believe me! I used a clean, single sock. The chart below references single sock to found socks ratio.


2. Fill the sock with COARSE SEA SALT. Sea salt has several natural healing properties, and table salt will not have the same effect. Coarse sea salt will limit grains from slipping through the sock. It is suggested to sue 1-1.5 cups. I just eyeballed it.

3. Secure the open end of the sock. Tie a knot. Don't forget. You WILL have a mess. (Believe me!)

4. Heat the sock. You can heat the sock in a clean skillet or by microwave. I've tried both and prefer the skillet.

Skillet heating: Keep temperature on low. Heat the sock 4-6 minutes, and then flip to heat the other side for 4-6 minutes. This has provided the best results and even heating throughout the sock.

Microwave heating: The sock will heat quickly. I suggest heating in 10 second increments and checking the sock regularly. It heats very unevenly and if not careful you will 'burn' the sock (which leaves a horrid smell).WARNING- be very, very careful when using this heating method.

5. Cover the ear and jaw area with heated sock and relax. Hopefully, this will provide some relief.

This is not a cure for ear infections. This is just to alleviate some pain temporarily. Take is from me, if you are a little one suffers from ear infections, get it checked out!! It could be something worse.

I, unfortunately, have an appointment with an ENT in the next couple of weeks. My Dr. thinks it is beyond a simple ear infection for me. I will definitely keep you posted! Now... go make your Magic Salt Socks!

Would you like more posts like this? I am all for home remedies and willing to try most. Please let me know if you would like to see what other home remedies I have.  :)

July 2014 Beauty Wishlist

As many of you know, for the  past few years I have been very brand biased. Over the past year though. I have ventured into using various brands. Life is too short to not enjoy all the different choices. Plus, if for some reason you want to buy me a present... this is a great place to start. 

This is my current July 2014 Beauty Wishlist.

1. Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush- Too Faced in Candy Glow: I think I am more in love with the little heart shaped box rather than the product itself. This blush trio offers a foolproof blush application. Wear 1, 2, or mix all 3 colors. Rose pink shimmer, soft coral, and a peach shimmer. This girl needs this! You can find it here Sweethearts Blush

2. Better Than Sex Mascara- Too Faced: I am always on the search for a volumizing mascara. I suffer from a lack of eyelashes. The reviews I've seen for this mascara have all been positive. Definitely for girls looking for volume.The brush was designed to reflect a woman's body- hourglass shaped. Paraben free. Find it here Better Than Sex Mascara

3. They're Real! Push-Up Liner- benefit Cosmetics: I watched endless youtube beauty reviews for this bad boy. I am challenged when it comes to winged liner. My success rate is relatively low. This gel eyeliner offers a soft angled tip for a foolproof, smudge-proof, budge-proof line. Maybe I could finally perfect my winged liner. Every girl needs this! Find it here Push-Up Eyeliner

4. HD Pressed Powder- Make Up For Ever: I received a sample of this with a previous Sephora purchase. I am always searching for a finishing powder to reduce midday shininess and a quick touch-up. It is lightweight, works well to minimize shine, and softens your skins appearance. You can find it here HD Pressed Powder

5. Amazonian Clay Volumizing Clay Brow Powder- Tarte: Brows are the frame of the face, and I believe every girl needs to spend some time on them when apply their makeup. This powder is lightweight  and volumizing to define brows. I have sparse and wild eyebrows at times, so I ALWAYS need to fill mine in. This leaves you with a natural finish and the color does not move during the day. Get it here Brow Powder

6. LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint- Tarte: When it comes to lip products, I am extremely picky. No stickiness, shininess, heavy lip products. I tried the matte lip tint in store, and let me say... Just go ahead and buy me EVERY color. High pigment concentration, hint of peppermint, vitamin A & E, and extra moisturizing benefits. Need I say more?! Buy all the COLORS!!!! Matte Lip Tint

7. Naked Basics Palette- Urban Decay: I bought the Naked 3 palette after it first came out. It was my first Naked purchase, and at first, I was unimpressed. Then... one day I found this great tutorial and I fell in love! Now I decided I need the basics palette as well. The 6 colors are multipurpose and MATTE for those days you don't want to be extra shimmery. You can find it here Naked Basics Palette

Now, go buy me a gift :) 

What's your current beauty wishlist? Let me know of any products you are wanting to try, and I might be interested in. 

A Small Breath of Hope

This is a short post, but something near and dear to my heart. I needed some time to spill some words onto paper. Errr- keyboard.

Do you have a go to quote, saying, or bible verse? A few words that completely bring you back to earth. To calm your nerves. To dry your tears. To make you whole. You get the point... 

Let that soak in...

Is this not a beautiful promise? No matter how ugly, how hurtful, how painful, God can defeat all the bad and create something new and beautiful. I am thankful God has promised this to me. I will read this verse, say a little prayer, and breathe a little easier. 

Let me ask you this. Would you look at your current hardships differently now knowing God can use them to do something new? I know I will. 

Prayers and blessings to you. :)

Internet Yard Sale!

I enjoy a great yard sale. My husband, however, DESPISES yard sales. He is more than pleased that I found a great way to find awesome deals, all from the comfort of my home. The new thing? Internet (Facebook) Yard Sales.

I may have an obsession with accessories. Not jewelry per say, but shoes and purses. I know, I know typical girl statement. This past weekend, however, I added 7 new beauties to my purse collection. (One of which I'm not crazy about, but hey they were sold as a lot.)

It is a rare occasion I buy purses or handbags new. I search EBay endlessly and keep an eye out for other online deals. My current obsession: Buy, Sell, Trade groups on facebook. Within the past two months we've found furniture, household items, and other items for next to nothing. We even found our yard/landscaper who does magnificent work for a VERY reasonable price. I also posted some clothing and shoes and made some extra cash.  I encourage you to search in your area for similar groups.

With anything be smart and cautious when shopping via social media:
1. Negotiate the price. With all purchases, we've NEVER paid the price listed online. There's a reason people have these items for sale: to remove from their life or to gain cash.
2. Always pay with cash. Always.
3. Ask several questions about the item before meeting. Specs, dimensions, condition, known issues. This assists in negotiating should you find any additional issues with agrees upon item.
4. When meeting, examine the item thoroughly. Inside-out, underneath, every corner, and every seam.
5. ALWAYS take someone with you!!! This is just a safety concern. You never know who you are meeting. Safety first.

I had a VERY negative experience through a craigslist purchase. The gentleman selling patio furniture begged me to meet him, at his house, without my husband. Needless to say, I DID NOT go. Too creepy.

The items I purchased this weekend...
4 Vera Bradley bags, 2 Nine West, and 1 no brand, hipster bag (the one I'm not thrilled about). All for the outrageous price of $40....

Breathe. I know. I was shocked too.

Snap! I am missing the black microfiber bag!

Now I search endlessly on various facebook pages searching for my next deal.

Until next time. :)

World's Worst...

Holy smokes. Two days of updates and 2 hours of trying to remember my log ins, I have successfully made it back to my blog. I know, right? Clearly, I've failed in the consistency department. I felt it was only necessary to write my re-opening, re-introduction, re-whatever-term-you-choose post about 5 things I am absolutely terrible at. 

5. I am terrible at winged eye liner. You might think this is not a big deal, but for a girl who loves her makeup and loves eye products even more, it's a shame. Smudges. Smears. Crooked. Pitiful.

4. I am terrible at dusting. Let me clarify. I dust regularly, especially because we have an abundance on furballs in our family. But... when my house is professionally cleaned once a month, the dust is nonexistent and stays away for quite some time. I asked how she does it or what she uses, but apparently it is some ancient secret. Solutions for this problem, please let me know. 

3. I am terrible at baking cookies. I don't even know how to explain this one. Every batch I have EVER made is burnt. When I try to prevent the crispy, charcoal mess, I then produce pure goop. Back to the oven, and charcoal results. I cannot find a happy medium. 

2. I am terrible at remembering birthdays. Absolutely terrible. Just ask any of my friends. There are very few birthdays I can remember: my mother, husband, previous boss/current best friend, her daughter, and 2/5 siblings. I told you, terrible. What's even worse, FB tells me when it is a friend's birthday. What is the worst of the worse? My distant family has an email account that sends reminders for birthdays. I vowed to become better at this, but so far, I am not doing so great. The picture below is for all the victims who have fallen prey to my forgetful mind.

 

1. I am terrible at blogging. Clearly. I could tell you that a. I started a new job. b. We bought a house. c. My husband is going though a pastoral program. d. Life is crazy. But... I was taught there are no excuses. By chance if you did have an excuse, you better be paralyzed or 6ft underground. Tough love. 

Again, I vow to become better at this.

For fun, here's how much I have changed in a year:

Literally, no difference. My face is rounder, and I have my new snazzy glasses.