Awkward Girl's Journal
Thursday, December 4, 2025
How to Change a Tire on a Car
Got a flat tire? Me too! In this video, I walk you through exactly how I removed my damaged tire, brought it in for repair without needing a tow, without driving on the rim, and without injuring myself. I share practical tips for changing a tire efficiently and staying safe throughout the process.
These are the tools I used:
Full size tire iron
Link: https://amzn.to/3Ky6uq3
Low profile jack
Link: https://amzn.to/4iE3Wn8
Jack stands
Link: https://amzn.to/4iMzuXV
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases. My videos are for educational and informational purposes only. Always check with a professional, do thorough research before beginning any DIY project, and don't attempt anything you do not feel comfortable with.
Labels:
car girl,
car tire,
cars,
changing a flat,
diy,
fixing a flat,
flat tire,
how to change a tire,
mechanic,
working on cars
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Changing the Filter on a Levoit Air Purifier Core 300
Need a new filter for your air purifier? In this video, I'll show you how to replace the old filter to keep your Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier running at its best. It's really simple and only takes a couple minutes.
Here's the filter I bought (make sure to check your model before ordering):
https://amzn.to/40DT9Sf
This is the Levoit air purifier I have:
https://amzn.to/4nNgV85
Changing your the filter in your air purifier regularly (every 3-6 months) helps trap dust, pet dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particles so you can breathe cleaner, fresher air every day.
It can also help your air purifier last longer by letting it run efficiently and not having to work so hard to do its job.
This little air purifier has been amazing so far. I have four cats, and it definitely helps control the litter box odor.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases. My video is about a product I have purchased and liked. I have filmed it for educational and informational purposes only. Always check with a professional if necessary, do thorough research before beginning any DIY project, and don't attempt anything you do not feel comfortable with.
#levoit #airpurifier #filter #changing #replacing #core300 #home #cats
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
2018 Ford Focus Wiper Blade Change - Rain-X Latitude Wipers Install HD...
How to Change Wiper Blades on a 2018 Ford Focus | Step-by-Step Tutorial Video
Link to the Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blades I used:
In this quick and easy tutorial, we’ll show you exactly how to change the wiper blades on your 2018 Ford Focus. Whether your wipers are streaking, squeaking, or just worn out, replacing them yourself can save time and money—and it only takes a few minutes!
What You’ll Learn
- What size wiper blades you need for the 2018 Ford Focus
- How to safely remove your old wiper blades
- Step-by-step instructions to install the new ones
Tools Needed:
- None! This is a tool-free job.
Wiper Blade Sizes for 2018 Ford Focus:
- Driver Side: 28 inches
- Passenger Side: 28 inches
Confirm with your owner's manual or blade packaging just to be sure
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases. My videos are for educational and informational purposes only. Always check with a professional, do thorough research before beginning any DIY project, and don't attempt anything you do not feel comfortable with.
#FordFocus #WiperBladeReplacement #DIYCarMaintenance #2018FordFocus #AutoRepair
Thursday, April 3, 2025
How to Assemble Chain Link Fence Panels for a 10 ft x 10 ft Storage Area...
How to Assemble Chain Link Fence Panels for a 10 ft x 10 ft Storage Area, Dog Kennel, Garden Fence, and More. It’s really easy - all you need is a friend and a deep well socket.
Need a deep well socket set? Check out this one on Amazon:
Need a friend? Let me know, maybe I can help!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases. My videos are for educational and informational purposes only. Always check with a professional, do thorough research before beginning any DIY project, and don't attempt anything you do not feel comfortable with.
#fence #chain #link #chainlink #panels #howto #install #build #kennel #outdoor #enclosure #assemble #hardware
Labels:
assemble,
build,
chain link fence,
dog kennel,
fence panels,
how to,
install
Location:
Arkansas, USA
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Trail Running and Hiking Silly Mountain in Apache Junction, Arizona
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are present in this post. If you choose to buy something that I recommend, I may receive compensation.
Trail Running at Silly Mountain, Arizona:
A Short but Productive Workout and Scenic Adventure
Arizona is full of stunning hikes that can double as trail runs, but sometimes, you just want a quick escape into nature without committing to a full-day trek, or a drive across the city. That’s exactly what Silly Mountain offers—a short, rewarding hike or slightly challenging workout with beautiful views, conveniently located near my backyard in Apache Junction.
Getting There
Silly Mountain Park sits right off U.S. 60, making it an easy drive from Phoenix and surrounding areas. When you pull into the parking lot, you immediately see the rugged, rocky terrain that defines much of the Superstition Wilderness. Compared to the towering peaks nearby, like the legendary Flatiron, Silly Mountain looks... well, a bit "silly" in size. But don’t let its name or stature fool you—it still packs a punch.
The Trails
Silly Mountain has a network of short trails, ranging from easy strolls to moderate climbs. The most popular route is the High Point Trail a roughly 150 foot (yes) climb to the top. From the parking lot, take the Brittlebush Trail to the Old Mine Trail to the High Point Trail. That whole excursion is about a half mile. It starts off gently but quickly turns into a steep, rocky ascent. I found myself stopping frequently —not entirely from exhaustion, but to soak in the increasingly panoramic views of the desert below and take pictures, and obliterate any hope of making record time on my Garmin watch.
The View from the Top
After a short but steady climb, the summit reveals a breathtaking 360-degree view. To the north and east, the rugged Superstition Mountains dominate the horizon, their jagged peaks beckoning for the next adventure. To the west, the city of Apache Junction stretches toward the Phoenix metro area, with the distant skyline barely visible through the desert haze.
I hiked up just before sunset, and it was absolutely worth it. The sky transformed into a gradient of pinks and oranges, casting long shadows over the saguaros and rocky outcrops. For such a quick hike, the reward at the top felt incredible.
For those looking for a more gradual hike, continue on the Brittlebush Trail to the Superstition View Trail, which wind through the lower part of the mountain, offering a closer look at desert plants like cholla, prickly pear, and ocotillo. It’s a great spot for wildflower viewing in the spring, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a jackrabbit or a roadrunner darting across the path. You can also add on the 0.3 mile Botanical Walk Trail, where there are signs that tell you what the local plants are. Run this a couple times to add on a bit of distance.
Recommended Run
I usually run a loop around the perimeter trails, like this:
-Take Brittlebush Trail from the parking lot
-Take Old Mine Trail to Crest Trail
-Take Crest Trail to Coyote Loop Trail
-Take Coyote Loop Trail to Jackrabbit Trail
-Take Jackrabbit Trail to Superstition View Trail
-Take Superstition View Trail to Palo Verde Trail
-Run the Botanical Walk once, or a couple times.
The whole thing usually gets me somewhere between 2.5 and 3 miles, with 600 or so feet in elevation.
Why Hike Silly Mountain?
Silly Mountain is a fun place to visit for anyone in the Apache Junction or Gold Canyon areas.
Short & Sweet: Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone short on time.
Great Views: Despite its modest height, the summit delivers fantastic scenery.
Accessible Location: Right off the highway, making it an easy detour.
Desert Beauty: A great introduction to Arizona’s unique landscapes.
If you’re looking for a quick nature escape without a long drive or a strenuous trek, Silly Mountain is a fantastic choice. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest hikes and trail runs can be the most enjoyable.
Think I might need some new running shoes, lol? I love Brooks Cascadia shoes for running on the rugged and rocky terrain in Arizona, and would recommend them to anyone else who needs either their first pair or their hundredth pair of trail running shoes. This pair has many hundreds of miles on them.
Labels:
apache junction,
gold canyon,
hike,
hiking,
silly mountain,
trail,
trail running
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Moen Faucet Cartridge Replacement - Single Handle Bathtub Plumbing Repai...
Step by step replacement of a Moen single handle faucet cartridge in my bathtub. I'll show you how to fix a leaking bathtub faucet with a few tools in this simple DIY video. I saved a lot of money by doing it myself instead of calling a plumber.
Moen Faucet Cartridge Replacement While the Moen cartridge can be pulled out with a pliers, I struggled (and found it impossible) to do it that way, and the specialty puller tool saved me a lot of time, effort, and frustration.
Moen Faucet Cartridge Replacement While the Moen cartridge can be pulled out with a pliers, I struggled (and found it impossible) to do it that way, and the specialty puller tool saved me a lot of time, effort, and frustration.
#moen #faucet #repair #cartridge #mixingvalve #bathroom #plumbing #bathtub #leaking #leaky #dripping #diy #howto #tools #homeimprovement #replacement
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Jeep JK Wrangler P0456 Code - Fixed!
Chasing the dreaded P0456 check engine light code seems to be a recreational hobby for some Jeep owners.
I'd had a P0456 code, and sometimes a P055 code on my 2013 Jeep JK
Wrangler for an embarrassingly long time... like several months, on and off. For a while, I just ignored it.
I had inspected all the evap hoses, smoke tested it, replaced
the gas cap, and more. It ran ok.
Then I realized I needed to pass emissions, like uhh, now.
Here's what I did. I replaced the vapor leak detection pump.
It is a small part located on the rear underneath the vehicle. It's really
easy to change. It took me about 15 minutes total, and all I needed was a
flathead screwdriver.
For a few days after clearing the code, I
drove my Jeep about 100 miles on the freeway and surface streets to make sure
the check engine light didn't come back on, like it did every other time I
thought I'd fixed something.
It stayed off (yay!), so I went to the emissions testing
facility, and passed!
While every vehicle is different, this is what worked for
me. It may not fix your P0456 code, but the part was pretty cheap and very
simple to change. It's worth a try if you're not sure exactually what's causing
your Jeep to tell you that you have an evap leak.
Check out my video that shows
you how to swap it out!
Here's a link to the part I used:
Check your vehicle specifics
first, but the same part should fit these years: Jeep JK Wrangler 2007 2008 2009
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
tags: #howto #fix #repair #change
#replace #auto #automotive #jeep #jk #wrangler #checkenginelight #smogcheck
#inspection #rubicon #unlimited #4x4 #garage #diy #dorman #evap #p0456 #code
#p0455 #emissions #pass #evap #leak #small #large #system #pump #part #2013
#2007 #2008 #2009 #2019 #2011 #2012 #2014 #2015 #2016 #2016 #2018
This post
contains an affiliate link, where I make a few cents if you choose to buy the
same product I did, but don't worry, it doesn't affect the price you pay, and I
only recommend things that I actually purchased and liked.
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