If You Say You Like Cleaning, You're Lying.

Okay everyone, listen up!  Who likes to clean?

Ummmm... for those of you who answered 'yes,' close out of this right now, walk to the bathroom, and rinse your own mouth out with soap.  For lying.  In my 31 3/4 years of life (with a birthday coming up next month, I'm hanging on to 31 as long as possible), I've never met anyone who has said they like to clean.

The only part of 'cleaning' I actually enjoy doing is laundry.  Yes, call me crazy, I like doing laundry (but no ironing.... Thank God my husband was in the military).  But as for the dusting, mopping, sink/shower/toilet scrubbing, baseboard wiping, window cleaning, I despise it.  ALL of it.  But, since I don't have a magic little fairy that lives in my closet, I am the one who waves the wand is responsible for keeping our household a dust-free, non-germ infested palace.

Let me preface this blog by saying VERY rarely will you ever read of me boasting about products.  Sure, I may share some of my personal favorites, but to actually use a whole blog to talk about a product is very unlike me.  So as you read, I don't want you to think my blog is becoming some advertisement piece to sell various products.  But, as I am sure we all agree, anytime we can make the cleaning process go faster without spending a ton of money, we'd be interested.  And in fact, when you find out you can actually save money, make a better living environment for your family, and still have just as clean of a house, then you're even more interested right?

I recently was invited to a home party for a company called Norwex.  My friend 'E' invited me to her party telling me the party was about learning to clean with these 'magic cloths' or so she said.  So, out of friendship, I went to her home party to be supportive.  I thought for sure there would be something fairly cheap that I could purchase and probably never use, but I'd go to be supportive and that would be the end.  Wrong.

As the party opened up, we went around telling what our biggest cleaning challenges were.  As each person spoke about glass shower doors, dog drooled floors, and smeared up windows, each issue was addressed with a product from Norwex.  And not only were most of the products cloths, you were to use these clothes with just water to get the illuminating results.  That's right, cleaning with just cloths and water.  Simply put, the idea behind the company is to radically reduce the amount of toxic cleaning chemicals used within our housholds.  So the consultant went on to describe most of their cloths as being antibacterial and having silver in them.  That's when the light bulb went on.  Because, you see, the company I work for just recently picked up a new wound/incision dressing that is silver plated.  And as you look in medicine and the history of silver, it is known that there has been silver used over many, many years to help heal some of the hardest to heal wounds.  For all of you science gu-ru's out there, the dressing that I sell has multiple level-1 peer reviewed studies showing that the use of this silver plated dressing decreases infection rates. So, Norwex consultant, you're telling me there's silver in your cloths and I'm suppose to clean my house with nothing but this cloth and some water?.... I think you may be onto something, but tell me more.

So, as the home party progressed, she then held up a cloth and said "whoever is willing to take off their make-up here with this cloth and this cloth only, can have it for free."  Of course, guess who volunteered?  Yours truely.  'Yes, I'll take off my make-up for this free cloth, but I'm sure this cloth won't get all my make-up off and will leave me with racoon eyes...but I'll give it a whirl'.  Wrong again.  All it took was a little water and wiping and wha-la, make-up off and my face felt just as clean as if I had washed with soap and water.  And keep in mind, I wear a gel eye-liner from Bobbi Brown... not the easiest stuff to just wipe off.  So, at this point in the party I'm becoming a believer... but maybe only by 70%.  I mean, yes I was sold on the face cloth.  But you're still telling me I should clean my house with only a cloth and water?  Did you know that I have a 5 month old and that I'm a little OCD about the clean environment in which she lives in?  Did you also know that I have two little muts barking fur-friends too?  And did you know too that I have a husband that likes to bring tools in from the garage and lay them on my kitchen counter... the very same place I prepare our meals?  All of these things which require me to get the clorox wipes out and wipe down anything and everything that may have came into contact with any of the above said situations.  So, said Norwex consultant then took a piece of raw, yes RAW chicken and wiped it in an area on the countertop.  She then took a pharmaceutical protein swab and showed the area had been contaminated.  Next, she wiped the area just ONCE with the enviro cloth and re-swabbed.  CLEAN, the area was CLEAN, I kid you not.  She then took that same 'contaminated cloth' and wiped down another area of the counter and re-swabbed.  Clean again... showing that the nasty chicken bacteria had not been transferred.  Okay... now I'm sold.

As I spoke more with the consultant and looked more into the company, I began to realized how much we, as consumers, do flood our lives with toxic products.  We associate certain smells with being clean.  But, have you ever thought about what all those smells are doing to us?  Certainly something is creating that 'smell' so what it it?  Is it healthy?  Are these the reasons why today's population have more prevalant health issues to include allergies, GI issues, cancers, etc.  And are these products we're using really doing what they say they are doing?  I urge each and every one of you to go to this website which many of our household cleaning products are given a grade.  I think you'd be surprised at how many 'f's are given to very popular products which I myself have used.  And not only are we flooding our body with toxic chemicals, but how much money do we spend on cleaning supplies per year.  I saw one estimate that the average household spends about $600 on cleaning supplies per year to include:  mops, sprays, laundry detergent, dryer sheets and the list goes on and on.  So let me ask you again:  if you could reduce the amount of toxic chemicals used around your family, and save money, would you be interested?

Let me introduce you to Norwex.  The more I learned about this company, the more excited I got.  And the more ways I realized how I can do better things for my family both from a health and a financial standpoint.  And I became SO interested and motivated to make these changes within my own household, I decided to become a consultant myself.  I truly feel the products do sell themselves, and for being a person that sells stuff to make a living, I'm not the easiest person to convince.  I'd love to teach / tell anyone who is willing to listen more about Norwex and the wonderful products they offer.  I believe much of ones success in sales comes from honesty, so I'd be lying if I told you that I use everything of theirs exclusively.  But I am finding more ways than I could have ever imagined to better our living quarters, have a wonderfully clean home, and stay BELOW my budget.  If you'd like to know more, please feel free to contact me.  I'd love to help you create a clean and healthy environment for your own loved ones!

xoxo
JS

Everyone needs a CF... Or two!

How do you describe a cousin, who is your friend?  And not just any friend, but one of your best friends.  And not just a best friend because you're around the same age and your parents made you hang out together, but your best friend because over the years, you have continued to choose to hang out and grow the friendship.  This, my friends, is called a CF, or Cousin-Friend, and I happen to have two of them.  And yes, we refer to each other as CF's quite frequently.

One of my CF's grew up about a mile from me.  For all you city folks, she literally lived clear on the other side of town.  And yes, that just happened to be One. Whole. Mile.  We're about 4 years apart in age, me being the elder, which made her a Freshman when I was a Senior.  I 'babysat' her when we were younger (although looking back I think it was more 'we occupied each other's time') and drove her to school once I got my license.  She is now married and a 5th grade school teacher.  Unfortunately, we are separated by a little over 500 miles and 3 states.

CF number two grew up in Florida.  Although by all 'technical terms', she'd be considered my step-cousin, she's Nothing less than my blood cousin, just as my other CF.  In fact, she's been around so long I can't even remember when she joined the family.  I want to say when she was about 6 or 7... but regardless, she's been around for as long as I can remember.  We're two years apart in age and 850 miles in distance.  She earned her PhD and is a college professor at a state university.

From the time I can remember, we've been inseparable when we were together.  Make sense?  Probably not.  I mean, anytime CF2 came up from Florida, the three of us spent the majority of her visit together.

 This is us - Circa 1988??

Out of 10 cousins in our generation, we are by far the closest.  But what was once cousins growing up and playing together because we were all at the same place etc., has become so much more.  You see, over time, as we've become adults, it's been our choice to remain close.  It's been our choice to stay friends.  Yes, we're cousins, but we're friends.  We share in each other's joys & triumphs, frustrations & sorrows just as friends do.  We're the type of friends who will never let each other forget our most embarrassing moments.  We can tell each other anything and know that it's not going to be repeated... ever.  We're real... many times never sugar coating anything, but being honest about our thoughts and ideas whether we agree or disagree with one another.  There's a mutual respect that we can all voice our own opinions and no one gets their 'panties in a wad' etc.  

WTH... that's all I can say.  1995

1998?

Once we were old enough to make our own decisions, we continued to choose to see each other.  And as we progressed through our twenties, what was once playing beauty shop then became a raging party.  No matter what state we decided to meet in, we left that place like something just slapped it with a wet wooden spoon.... it didn't know what hit.  We had a tendency to get over-served on several occasions, and although you'd think we'd learn what caused this from visit to visit, it never stopped us.  On these same trips, we would spend many quality mornings, sitting in whatever kitchen nook or deck just sipping on coffee and chatting, well into the afternoon.  These weekends would be full of laughter & fun, and as we would part ways, we'd always discuss when the next possible meeting would be.

2001?

As we continue to 'grow-up', we still make it a point to get together.  And although it may be only a couple times a year, it always seems that we're able to pick up right where we left off.  During the week, we're professionals, put us together on a weekend and that's a whole other story.  The professionalism needs a break... We may be fairly crude, say cuss words, and still have a tendency to get over-served. But that's us.  

         Ph.D. Graduation Party - 2011

So, this past week, our house was graced with the presence of my two CF's.  It was the first time we've all seen each other since Amlin was born.  There was no doubt that we would have just as good of a time this time, as the hundreds of other times we've gotten together over the years.   I knew things would be a bit different and a little more slower-paced, but I couldn't wait to see them and share with them my new joy of motherhood.  Although neither of then have their own children by choice, they have been so overjoyed and supportive of JB and I's new role as parents.

Although I did not partake in the extra circular drinking festivities, we still enjoyed all the time we spent together.  At one point on the morning of the 4th, we were all sitting around the kitchen table.  I made the comment about how I loved no matter where we met, we always ended up around the table, picking/painting our nails, listening to CMT, drinking coffee, and talking.  This morning 'ritual' was once a 'pick-me-up' from the night before, reminiscing about the prior evening's events and now has become something we still continue, even with a new 4 month old attendee. 

My how times have changed over the years.  From being those little girls who played together when we were young, to the party animals that we were, to now sharing in the joys of career triumphs, and motherhood.   I was reminded of how blessed I am to have two wonderful women in my life who I am so lucky to call my friends.

Happy Birthday America!!

I absolutely LOVE the 4th of July! Yes, I may, okay I AM that mother who dressed her child in something red, white, and blue, every day this week.  

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

I love the cookouts and the time away from work.  I love the time with family and friends, the celebrations, and the fireworks.  Since red happens to be my favorite color, I love all the red displayed as people decorate for the holiday.  But you know what I love the most?  The patriotism.  I love that no matter what age, race, political views, or religion, that on this particular day, we as Americans are united in celebrating our freedom.

"If tomorrow all the things were gone, I'd worked for all my life."  Do these words ring a bell?  They should.  They are the beginning lyrics to the song God Bless the U.S.A. written by Lee Greenwood, a favorite by many Americas, and one of my personal favorites.  As we go through this weekend continuing to celebrate our nation's birthday, I hope that each and every one of you have taken the time to think about those who have/do/and will continue to fight for our nation to give us the luxury of freedom.  Yes, that's right, I said luxury.

Too often, we get carried away with our daily lives; tasks, finances, places to be, people to see.  We get so wrapped up in cramming as much as possible in each day that we overlook the simple, but SO valuable fact.  The fact that we have the ability to do all these things.  The fact that through the history of America, many lives have been lost and blood has been shed to allow us the luxury of Freedom.  The fact that in many other places in this world people are dictated and told, ruled and mandated.

As we celebrate this holiday, I can't help but notice all the American Flags that are up and flying proudly.  Flags in places which you don't normally see them; in courtyards, along streets etc.

(courtyard of a facility I frequent several times a week)

Since the time most of us were young, we have learned to love and respect our nation's flag.  What one foreigner could merely describe as 'strips of material sewn together with stars placed on solid blue in the upper left corner', to you and I it means so much more.  But, what does it mean?  Sure, we all know the story of Betsy Ross sewing the first flag in May of 1776.

But if someone came up to you today, could you explain what today's flag resembles?  Could you explain what the colors represent?  I don't think I'm unlike many in saying 'no' to answer these questions.  I may be able to fumble my way through the thirteen colonies and 50 states explanation, but shouldn't we, as Americans, be able to explain and describe without question?  I mean, the flag is our most notable and respected symbol of freedom.  Unfortunately, over the years, what we once learned in American History is no longer with us.  Of course this doesn't mean we respect the flag any less, but maybe it does mean that we need to take a bit of time to slow down, especially over such holiday as Independence Day.  We should allow ourselves to be reminded of why our flag looks the way it does.  

Instead of fumbling through old history books, and filtering through thousands of websites which Google so easily found for you on this 'history of the American Flag' quest, I've made it even easier for you:  

According to a USA Flag History Site:  

"Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white.  The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union.  The colors of the flag are symbolic as well:  Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice."

And why stars and stripes?  Why not hearts or diamonds, squares or circles?  According to yet another site:
"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal of which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

So, as you continue to go about celebrating over this holiday weekend, remember what we're really celebrating.  We're celebrating freedom.  And yet we're also remembering those who have sacrificed so much to allow us that freedom.  So thank a veteran, and thank a solider who is currently serving.  For without them, we would not have the one thing we often take for granted:  Freedom.  And as you see all those American Flags proudly displayed, remind yourself of what it truly represents, and all the blood, sweat, and tears that have been shed to defend those beautiful colors.

Celebrate Safe!
xoxo
JS

I'm a Cheapskate

Yes.  There, I said it.  I'm a cheapskate... although I don't even like that word.  But how else do you describe someone who whips out their calculator to calculate pennies saved, right in the middle of a store isle?

Now, don't get any crazy ideas in your head, my sense of being cheap could NEVER land me on one of those reality TV shows like Extreme Cheapskates (TLC).  I mean, I don't reuse my dental floss, I flush the toilet every time I use it, and I don't eat roadkill.  For those of you who haven't seen this show, the things I just mentioned have ALL been done in various episodes.  My cheapness doesn't even compare to their's.  There's something about good and healthy food, and personal hygiene that I'm a huge fan of.  

But let me give you some examples:

1.  I know we spend 22cents/diaper on Amazon.com.  Last time I had a coupon with purchase along with a store add going on at Target, I got diapers 1/2 off.  320 diapers for $35!

2.  I know that even when Hy-Vee has their 12 packs of Diet Coke on sale  for $11 (making them 23 cents each), I can get it cheaper still at Costco (14 cents each)

3.  I know that if I buy formula in the double pack vs. single, that over the course of feeding 1,000 ounces, I save $40.  Now fortunately, Amlin is still getting 1/2 breast milk, but even with that, 1,000 ounces is drank in no time considering she still consumes about 70 ounces of formula per week

4.  I use to use Lancome face moisturizer and loved that stuff!!  But it's SO pricey.  So, I started using Kiehl's.  I can get about THREE times the amount for the same price, and for a company that's been around since 1851, I'd say they're pretty reputable!  

5.  I also have been known to calculate the amount of money spent vs. saved when using a Keurig coffee pot vs. making a full pot of coffee.  Do that math and you may fall over.  Even if you dump 1/2 the pot that doesn't get drank, you're still saving.  But I do like the convenience of not having to make a full pot etc. so here's my solution:  buy the filter basket for $20 and grind the beans extra fine at the store.  You've only added about 1 minute to your morning routine to fill and then rinse out the basket, and saved yourself oodles of money.  If you want various flavors, buy them and a couple different storage canisters (mine came from Bed, Bath & Way Beyond my budget... be sure to use a coupon :)  

6.  For crying-out-loud, I drove a Mercury with 160,000 that squeaked worse than a mouse getting attacked by a snake, just so I wouldn't have to have a car payment

But, I get it honestly.  First from my Grandparents.  There was this big event in history called The Great Depression, and my grandparents were old enough to have lived through it as well as old enough to remember those times.  With the little amount of money their families had, they  learned very quickly how to conserve, re-use, and the difference between wants and needs.  If fact, some of these lessons learned, still make their ways into daily living.  For example, I have a grandma who re-uses aluminum foil.  Yes, that shiny stuff that you can buy from Costco in bulk, which comes on a roll in various sizes with which you cover food with and it gets all crinkly after one use.  I've seen that sweet, little lady literally straighten it out and WASH it to reuse it.  Kinda like you or I would do with our dirty dishes, except with foil.  It's one of those things that when the family gets together, we scurry around looking for 'the foil stash'.   When we do find the stash, we can't get it to the trashcan fast enough, and little Grandma just shakes her head and smiles.  She knows it's pointless to try and justify it... but it's what she's always done.

My second part of my 'cheapskate' genes comes from my mom.  She's been in banking for somewhere around 30 years and from the time I can remember, she always taught needs vs. wants.  

SO, I knew it was bad when I saw JB (Husband) wearing a pair of shoes the other day that I'd never seen before.  I made the comment about "are those new?" and his response:  "No babe, I've had these for like 6 months.  I just don't tell you I buy things like this because you always say it's not in the budget".  Oh great.  So now I've become 'that wife'.?  The one who limits her husband's spending when he works and provides for our family too?  Don't fool yourself, he does have a Lowe's budget.  If not, he'd buy more tools than our garage can hold and probably not even know how to use half of them.  But other than that, I never put him on a 'budget'... or so I thought.

There are two things I've always said I'll spend good money on.  Make-up and shoes.  I told JB:

 1.  You only have one shot at taking care of your skin.  I'm not trying to look 60 when I'm 40.  So, if I find something I like and it works, I buy it.  

2. I've had surgery on both my feet and bursitis in my hip.   I stand and walk a lot the majority of my days.  $10 or $110, if they feel good, I'm buying them.  And I justify it by the amount of 'wears' I'll get out of them.  A pair of heels that cost $100 bucks and I'm going to wear them maybe twice, NO WAY.  $50/wear is a no go.  But $130 for a pair of tennis shoes that I'll wear 5 days a week for a good 6 months... SOLD.  That's about $1/day.  And that is worth every bit of comfort and then some.  

So, was I bothered about JB not telling me about his new shoes?  Not at all!  I actually found it a little humorous.  But it did make me realize I probably need to loosen up a little on this budget thing.  Yes, I have been known to whip my calculator out and figure the amount per piece of whatever I was purchasing.  And yes, I do want to try and save for our family where I can but geesh, I don't want to be consider that old lady who makes makes gifts out of dead rodent pelts.  

I'm sure in one way or another, we're all looking to save money.  So how are ways you save?  Feel free to leave comment and share.

Have a great day!

xoxo

JS