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DIY Oil Change Date Night + Printable Notecards!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DIYOilChange #CollectiveBias

Looking for a really fun date night that will have your man smiling the whole time? What would any guy like more on date night than to do something they enjoy? Last week that’s exactly what we did! I’ve decided it’s high time I learn some more handy skills around the house – like how to change my cars oil.

I told Mark I wanted to learn how to change the oil, I could tell he was pretty stoked with the idea. When I came out wearing his shirt and my holey jeans, he was definitely a happy man.

First was a stop at Walmart to pick up everything we needed – namely Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil! Along with the new oil we also grabbed an oil catcher, oil filter, and air filter. According to Mark the air filter should be changed with every other oil filter.
Be sure to check what weight and grade oil your car needs. I would have had no idea to even check that if it weren’t for Mark! You can check your cars manual, or possibly on the oil cap like mine was. Thankfully Walmart has this cool device to find exactly what oil filter you need for your car too.

So let’s get started! Now that I know how to change my cars oil, I’m ready to teach you.

*Please use standard safety procedures when changing your oil. You should always refer to your own car’s manual before changing your oil.*

DIY Oil Change

You will need:

Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil – it’s high quality oil is designed to fully protect my car’s engine!

Oil catcher

Car Jack

Car Jack Stand

Oil filter

Allen Wrench

Oil Filter Wrench

First things first is to get the car lifted. I learned that my awesome car has built in reinforced areas on the frame specifically for jacking up the car. How cool is that?! OK maybe that’s standard on most vehicles these days, I thought it was nifty. Don’t forget to block the back tires for an added safety measure!

Once you have both sides lifted on their jacks, it’s time to move to the oil changing part. Before you head under the car, you want to get some air flow going in the oil pan. This I knew, because it’s like emptying any other can of liquid – good airflow means a steady stream, bad airflow and the liquid galumps out this way and that – similar to your laundry detergent bottles.

Unscrew the oil cap, and pull the dipstick out to allow extra air flow. Now it’s time to head under the car! When I first scooted myself underneath I looked at Mark and said

“this makes me really anxious being under the car”

To which he responded

“Good. It should!”

So I felt completely capable at this point knowing I was normal to be anxious. At this point you need to locate the oil pan, and the screw bolt holding the oil in. For this part you need the Allen Wrench fitted with the right size bolt, and the oil catcher. A great reason to do this for date night, is your date can hand you the tools as you need them, so you’re not sliding in and out a bunch.

Here’s a little more inside look to this picture
- Anxiety
- I totally got this!
- Ahh! The wind picked up! note to self and everyone else – don’t do it on a windy day!
- There goes the oil! My hand’s dripping, probably should hold that over the pan until I get a rag.
Totally fun right! Mark was having a blast watching my facial expressions and snapping these photos for me. At this point I knew I was totally glad I put on HIS tee-shirt and my holey jeans. He loves when I wear his clothes, and I didn’t care that I was getting dirty.

Once the oil is all out, replace the bolt! You don’t want to put your new oil in, and have it all spill out the bottom!

For the oil filter you’ll use that REALLY BIG WRENCH, and unscrew the whole filter. It’s pretty close to the oil pan, and just hanging down, so you shouldn’t have too hard a time finding it. There will be oil in it, so keep that oil catcher nearby, and then go ahead and put the filter inside the catcher as well. Rub some oil on the new filter, and screw it on. Here’s some key points for the oil filter change:
- Make sure you get the old rubber washer off with the old filter. You don’t want it doubled up!
- Rub oil on the new filter’s washer before replacing.
- Screw new filter on just hand tight.
- Make sure you’re screwing it on straight and not crossing threads.
A second pair of hands and eyes was great to have. Mark enjoyed checking my work, and felt impressed with how tight I was able to get that filter back on.

Once you’ve finished up under the car, go ahead and take the car off the jacks. Please remember safety first! Lift the car up with the jack, remove the car stands, and lower the car down.

Now we’re ready to add our new oil! Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil keeps my cars pistons cleaner than 40% of the toughest industry standard. It’s also great for fuel economy, allowing us to drive an extra 550 miles a year vs driving with a dirty engine. Plus with Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil we get a 10 year/300,000 mile Lubrication Limited Warranty!

To replace oil, put a funnel in the oil intake hole – so not the technical term here guys! – and pour in your oil. Check your cars owner manual to see how much oil your car needs. Ours took a full 5 qts.

Replace the oil cap, push the dipstick back in, and feel accomplished. WAIT! We’re not quite done. To make sure you’ve got enough oil in, and you did it properly, run the motor for a minute or two to push the oil through the engine. Turn off the car and check the dipstick. To do this you pull it out, clean it off, and dip it back in. You’re now good to go if the oil is in the right area on your dipstick.

WELL DONE! You’ve now changed your oil. To make it even simpler, I’ve created these printable note cards for you! Print, cut, attach a ring, and you can change your oil anytime all on your own.

PRINT PAGE 1

PRINT PAGE 2

Check out these 5 great tips from Eric The Car Guy!

BONUS: If you’re ready to change the air filter, it’s so simple! There are 4 screws holding the air filter in. Unscrew those, remove the old filter, and put in your new one. Now you’re really rocking it!

Do you know how to change your car’s oil? Make it a Date Night and tell me all about it! Check out more tips and tricks for a #DIYOilChange
October 6, 2015
Hot Artichoke Dip

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MustHaveMayo & #CollectiveBias

Are you looking for a last little something to serve this week? I found this 4 ingredient Hot Artichoke Dip using KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise this week, and was so excited! I love artichoke dip, and was quite disappointed when my favorite restaurant took it off their menu. Boo! Recipes I’ve tried in the past are pretty good, but tend to be really complicated.

I did NOT need complicated this week. Sure we’re not going anywhere, and we don’t have company visiting, but since I go to school online, and then add in all the holiday hustle and bustle, and the kids being home from school – I don’t have the time for complicated dishes. Thankfully I didn’t have to compromise on taste, because this Hot Artichoke Dip is divine.

Hot Artichoke Dip

Recipe from KRAFT

Ingredients:

1 can (14oz) Artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise

1 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F.

Mix ingredients until well blended.

Spread into the bottom of a pie dish.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

So simple right?! I thought it would be nice to have individual servings as well, so I put some of the mix into my flan dishes and cooked for approximately the same time – just keep an eye on them so you don’t overcook.

While I was editing these photos, and asking Mark his opinion on some, he turns to me and goes – Is that Mayonnaise? He had already been impressed with the flavors of this dish, but even more so when he realized just how easy and simple the ingredients were.

If you’re entertaining a small group, the individual servings add just that extra touch to make your guests feel special. Really, who wouldn’t want a serving pre-made just for them? If your gathering is a bit larger, or even just your family and you want to save on dishes, keep the dip in the pie pan. Either way, it’s going to be a crowd pleaser. My 4-year-old absolutely loved this, and she’s normally wary of trying new foods.

Don’t forget things to serve with this dip! We love it in crusty bread, or with pita chips. You could also try it with veggies and crackers! Make it an appetizer, side dish, or even snack. My family hosts an hors d’oeuvres contest every year, and although I didn’t get to join in this year, next time I’m pretty sure I’ll be entering this recipe.

I found all my ingredients for this recipe at Walmart in the Mayonnaise aisle – nestled in with the other salad dressings and dips. I turned around, and there were the artichoke hearts. A quick step over and I found our grated parmesan. All that was left was garlic over in the produce (or my cupboard, because hello, garlic is a staple!)

If you need more inspiration, check out the Cooking Up Good website. It has recipes, sweepstakes, loyalty programs, coupons and more! What will you whip up for the holidays? Let me know in the comments!

Love this recipe? Try our Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip as well!

December 21, 2014
Lessons learned from a roll of old film

Do you know the beauty of taking pictures with a film camera? The surprise. You never know if the shot turned out like you hoped, or not.

I found some film that I’d forgotten to develop a few years ago, and have wrapped myself up in remembering this time with my kids. 4 years ago, fall by the look of the trees, when we only had the 3 girls.

I’m trying to take the essence out of these pictures and put them back into my daily life.

Simplicity. Joy. Family. Childhood. Fresh Air.

Blankets on the grass, so simple to do. You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy this bonding time with your kids. I’ve forgotten to do this the more crazy and busy our life became. It’s time to return.

It starts with a smile, and joy grows in your heart. Let it consume you, and push the trials away. There is no better feeling in the world then one of Joy.

There is nothing more important than family. Spend time with them. Connect with them. Love them. You can check out our family blog at The Greene Grass Grows.

Could there be anything more childlike than going down a slide? Let yourself live in the moment, take the slide, ride the swing, and get dizzy on a spinner.

Don’t forget to breathe, and take it all in. Get out of the house. Enjoy the air. Breathe. One thing I often tell my kids when they run into a problem, is to breathe. Take a deep breath. It just makes you feel better.

July 14, 2014
Party Party Party

We had 3…count them…3 themed parties last week! That’s about 3 more than I normally have in a year. I think I need Mother of the Year Award now.

It all started with Valentines Day. I put together a fun Alice In Wonderland Fondue party for the family.

On Saturday, our second child, Princess C turned 5. Although we don’t go all out on parties for our kids every year, we do let them pick a theme for the cake. She chose Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so I made an Izzy cake. It was a hit, and I’d dare say my best decorating yet.

Finally on Sunday night we decided to have a family Movie Night and watch the new DVD Samplers from Dream Works and Big G cereal (giveaway later this week!)

It was all so much fun, but I’m feeling a little partied out now. On top of all that, we also started our bathroom remodel. Sometimes I think we must be crazy.
Now don’t despair, I plan on posting about each of these themed parties in the coming days, so you can have as much fun as we did! I’ve got printables, tutorials, and a giveaway!!

To calm things down however, I’m planning a very simple menu this week.

Monday – Pasta
Tuesday – Potato Casserole
Wednesday – Chili
Thursday – Spinach Quiche
Friday – homemade pizza
Saturday – leftovers
Sunday – Taco night

This post is linked up at Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday

February 18, 2013
Trapping Fruit Flies An Accidental Discovery

Fruit Flies – noun small annoying bugs, that infiltrate your kitchen when fresh fruit abounds.

source

About a month ago we had a pretty severe fruit fly problem. It was most likely because I was in the throes of canning. Peaches, peach honey, tomatoes, applesauce and most recently apple pie filling. I came across a tip for trapping fruit flies on facebook. Just in time, I thought! So I put it to work.

Vinegar

jar

saran wrap

You are supposed to pour some vinegar into the jar, and then cover it with plastic wrap. Poke a small hole in the saran wrap and then place near the fruit flies. The flies will find their way in, but not out…supposedly. And eventually die in the vinegar.

I tried it. It worked, but it also seemed to bring even more fruit flies. It wasn’t until I dumped the concotion of vinegar and dead flies, that the swarm calmed down.

This brings us to yesterday. Thanks to a mouse problem, I had to dump all our cereal. I hadn’t made it grocery shopping yet (still haven’t), so we opened a jar of peaches for breakfast. Between the 3 girls and myself, we can polish off one jar. Normally I will either drink the peach juice left in the jar, or dump it down the sink. I don’t know why, but yesterday, I left the jar of sugary peach juice sitting on the counter. When I later saw it, guess what I found?

yep! The fruit flies were obviously atracted to the peach juice/syrup. I went ahead and left it out the rest of the day and overnight.
The result? No live fruit flies in my kitchen this morning.
And that is how you accidentally discover something SIMPLE.

October 30, 2012
Simple Wedding

Mark’s sister got married last night, and I had the wonderful privilege to help her get it all ready, and take some of the stress off her. They wanted to keep it very simple, with just close family and friends. We still had close to 100 people come to celebrate the joining of two wonderful families.

Aren’t they cute? My kids absolutely love their new Uncle J.

Once they had a date set, Marie (the bride) asked me to organize the cake, and decorating. I was thrilled! Honestly if I could, I would be a wedding planner. Definitely one of those dream jobs.

The first order of business was the cake. I knew once we had the cake taken care of, the rest would fall into place. We knew we wanted their cousins wife, blogger at Elle’s Belle’s, to make the cake. We messaged back and forth over facebook to plan the whole thing. It turned out absolutely beautiful and yummy!

Once that was taken care of, I was able to think about decorations. The church was providing cream table cloths, and Marie’s favorite color is pink, so they decided their colors would be Pink, Cream and Black.

We cut black and pink fabric into squares to lay on top of the tables, and then added some pink and black picture frames. I spent the morning of the wedding, creating tissue paper pom poms.

Aren’t these girls cute?

They really liked the paper pom poms. Two of my princesses and their princess cousin.

June 2, 2012
Home Repairs Anyone Can Do

I realized the other day that there are a lot of simple repairs I can do . I usually wait for Mark to do them, but I don’t have to. I can actually be quite handy myself! When we first moved in, we had a picture continuously fall off the wall in the Princess’ bedroom. We eventually took it down, but not before it killed the outlet cover. Well, we’ve lived here for almost 9 months now, and it has been this way for the most part. Mark finally went out and bought a new cover. And then it just sat there. Boy are we lazy or what? I actually got mad at myself for being so lazy the other day. No more! I will no longer just leave these things for a later date! Really this fix took all of 5 minutes.

And ta-da! Outlet is fixed, no longer dangerous, and I did it! And of course we can’t forget the child safety covers.

March 11, 2011
Simplify in the Kitchen with a Bread Maker

What tools make cooking simpler for you? Do you have a favorite kitchen gadget you can’t live without? How about the most useless tool in your kitchen? Maybe something you like to use, but takes up way too much space?

I love the kitchen, it’s probably my favorite room in any given house. I do not like the kitchen I am in now. It is small, cramped and makes it hard to get the whole family in there cooking up a good time.

2010 brought with it my new favorite kitchen gadget – the Breadmaker. For Christmas 2009 my mom got me the Breadman Breadmaker. I thought it was cool, but at the time I still really enjoyed getting my hands in the dough and letting the kids help me make the bread. So I didn’t use it a whole lot. Then we moved here…

I still love cooking, and being in the kitchen, it’s just become a lot harder to do the big fun stuff.

Enter stage left…..

My Breadman Bread Maker (affiliate link). Yes, it takes up one of the few counter spaces I have, but it opened up the time to play with kids, and do more cleaning. Gosh, I love this thing. (we loved it so much, we bought mom a bread maker this last Christmas!)

This thing does everything from beginning to end. Kneading, rising and baking. But it doesn’t end there. You can have it just knead the bread, then you make it into rolls, pitas, cinnamon buns and cook in the oven. Or make some homemade jelly in it!!!

Here’s the latest and greatest from our beloved Bread Maker

mmmm clover leaf white rolls. Dinner’s going to be good tonight!!

Don’t tell but two rolls have already gone missing…..

What Kitchen Tool simplifies your life?

January 21, 2011