My Recent Haul

I should explain that I normally feel really guilty spending money on myself.  So, spending a ton on getting my hair cut and colored (and realizing I will need to continue spending that money for upkeep) is a little hyperventilation inducing.  However, it's kind of the flow lately.  I've noticed that for the last month or so I don't blink at ordering anything I want off of a menu, I don't debate (with myself) much on prices of things I really want... basically I've gone from being super indecisive to super duper decisive.  

First, I finally had to buy a new pot of La Mer cream.  That means I used it usually once a day (sometimes more, sometimes less) from early November to Late May... about 7 months.  I still love it, it still keeps my face super soft and now I'm trying to decide if I want to splurge on their eye cream or go with a drugstore brand.

To help the moisturizer go farther I scrub my face with Philosophy's The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.  I can use this every day, it's not a harsh scrub, and it sets my skin up to really take in the moisturizer.

The downside to being pregnant has been that unfortunately, forcing myself to sleep on my left side I've started breaking out where I'm lying on my arm.  For someone who normally has that skin you hate it's so blemish free I kind of freaked out.  I instantly knew I needed a drying mask, so I splurged on Fresh's Umbrian Clay mask bar.  It's phenomenal, it lasts forever, and is easy to use (just wet face, wet bar, rub bar on and let dry).  It seems to have been helping, though I need to use it more often (it's in the guest bath and I forget).

I splurged at both Smashbox and Sephora, and I picked up those from the post yesterday.  I ordered a brow brush from Smashbox to use with their brow color I already have... but now with the dyed eyebrows it might be going back.  I also ordered the contour kit to maybe help as my face gets rounder with baby weight.  I have great dimples, now I'd love some cheekbones.

From Sephora I simply re-ordered my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and then also ordered some eyeshadow primer since my eyes are the area I tend to focus on.  I'll do an update after I've tried the primer and the contour kit.  I love both stores because they have super easy return policies in case a product simply doesn't work for you.

I have a couple other beauty store purchases to make, such as an eye make-up remover and a heated eyelash curler.  It's been good pampering myself.

Heed My Lesson

G decided to get me a bouquet of flowers for our anniversary.  So he looked on 1-800-flowers.com and found a set of various red flowers in a little vase that he thought I would like.  (I love flowers, but I am not big into a bunch of red roses.)  He ordered the medium size, going off the photo of the large ones online.  What came was small, really small.  Where the photo's one side had 5 roses, this had 3 total, 3 carnations, 2 tulips that weren't even supposed to be there and the other flowers whose names I can't ever remember.  G saw it on webcam and thought it didn't look right, and after I looked up the bouquet online I realized it wasn't right.  If the medium had only 3 roses, did the small have 1?  It didn't make sense.  And to top that off, two of the roses and one of the carnations had blackened spots that the florists had faced outward.  It was pretty, but G was upset because it wasn't what he ordered. 

So he e-mailed them and a replacement was ordered.  It was supposed to arrive on Friday.  I waited at home so I could be here for the delivery, which they said would be no later than 5.  At 5:15 G called 1-800-flowers, but they couldn't get ahold of the florist (because they had closed at 5).  And while I understand so close to Mother's Day they are a little swamped, they seemed to not want to deal with him, asking him to call back when he asked to speak to a manager, refusing to put him on hold.  When he did call back he was told he would be handed to a manager....and then put on hold.  Nearly 30 minutes later, and several times of a normal customer service person answering and him having to repeat that he wanted to speak to a manager, he was finally handed to one.  Please keep in mind he had let them know that he was in Iraq and it was after midnight there.  The manager looked up the problem and G informed him that he would like a refund.  The manager started to say something about cancelling the order and G said, "No, I don't think you understand.  Your company has now jerked us around for 2 days.  I want those flowers still ordered and I want a refund for this mess."  The manager didn't hesitate at all, agreed to that, and said that the flowers would be there today, that they would call the florist tomorrow and then call my cell to tell me what time. 

The flowers did arrive today.  They did not call the florist, nor me, in fact G had to call them because it was once again getting late and they hadn't arrived (they didn't come until after 5:30).  However, I will say that the flowers that arrived look much nicer.  Six roses, 4 carnations, no tulips, and lots more greenery mixed in with the other flowers.  One of the other flowers was completely dead, and shriveled up dry, and whether that was purposely done by the florist or not, I don't know.  I wish we knew the name of the florist because we would never be using them, but 1-800-flowers says that is a matter of privacy and wouldn't give us the information and the delivery guy was just driving an SUV. 

My warning is to not use 1-800-flowers.  Speaking to another friend, her husband ordered her flowers while she was away one time....that arrived 2 days late.  And they had a friend who ordered his mother a teacup of flowers.....but when it arrived it was like a thrift store mug and the flowers weren't the right ones, they were cheaper.  I will say the orchids my best friend had delivered straight from the company for a Mother's Day surprise for me are beautiful and exactly what she ordered.  I think their problem lies with their communication and contracts with their florists.  I think they wanted to grow bigger, and as G said, "apparently any florist is good enough for a contract" after we heard other horror stories.  For example, if you're curious, check their twitter.  All of their posts are in response to complaints and trying to get them dealt with.  We were only one of many.  Save your money and call a florist direct.  With reviews online these days it's easy to find one that will do a great job.

Rise

 My great grandmother's buttermilk biscuit recipe is one of my husband's favorite acquisitions from marrying me.  He loves them, whether for biscuits and gravy, or with butter and jam/honey.  Hot from the oven, two days old.....he basically eats them until they're inedible.  But two changes I made recently have yielded the best biscuits I have ever tasted, ones that were light and melted in your mouth.

Recently I wanted to try baking powder that was aluminum free.  Of course you might realize by now I have to actually research everything.  So after spying Rumford baking powder at Trader Joes I went home to check out reviews.  They seemed positive, with "food tastes better" being the biggest praise.  Next time I was into the store, into the cart it went.  Reading David Lebovitz's article on Why You Should Use Aluminum Free Baking Powder  I noticed that Rumford is made by Clabber Girl (my previous brand of choice).  And honestly, the packaging swayed me, because I have a thing for silhouettes. 

Since reading Real Food: What To Eat And Why, I've been trying to figure out ways to get away from hydrogenated vegetable oil products (such as crisco) completely.  The only thing I ever used crisco in was my great-grandmother's buttermilk biscuits, because it's what was called for.  But Wednesday night I decided to try something different and use softened butter.  I used a fork to mix it well until it all was crumb like.  

The first thing I noticed was that the dough tasted better overall.  But then into the oven they went and we watched, fascinated.  My previous attempts at using butter when we were first married didn't work out so well.  I guess I didn't get the butter mixed as well (I was using the rubbing method with my fingers), because they just seemed to not rise very well.  This time the biscuits rose and rose.  They got larger than they ever had before, and when taken out of the oven and cut into they were light, fluffy, and melted as you ate them.  The taste was outstanding, and we both heartily agreed they were by far the best biscuits we had ever eaten in our whole entire lives.  

I'm a Rumford convert.  These biscuits rose beautifully (and so have other things we've baked with this brand, much more so than usual) and tasted delicious, not just because of the butter but because there was absolutely no metallic taste whatsoever.  If you're looking to switch, it's very close to the same cost as Clabber Girl, but with far superior results.  

How To Stock A Kitchen Part 2

Please bear with me, as I know for most of you this is not needed.  However, I wanted to make sure everyone knows that you don't need every gadget or doohickey out there to be able to cook well.  I think I can safely say that I cook a lot, and I generally use only a few items:  including a pot/pan, a spatula, and maybe a bowl or two.  Which leads me to...

Mixing Bowls.  I bought a set of 3 ceramic mixing bowls when I got married.  They're awesome because I have 3 different sizes.  Mixing up some pizza sauce....I use the littlest.  Mixing up my French chocolate cake.....I use both the medium and the large.  I've since acquired quite the large collection of mixing bowls, from stainless steel, to vintage glass and pyrex ones.  Sometimes I think that having 10+ mixing bowls is ridiculous, but I can easily go through a handful for some meals.  However, for the average cook, a set of 3 that nest in each other is perfect and doesn't take up too much space. 

Glass Prep Bowls.  I have had a set of clear glass bowls that all nested together since I was in college.  They're invaluable for storing food, both cooked and prepped (such as chopped onion, celery, and carrots for soup).  They are great to use to measure out ingredients ahead of time.  And recently they were perfectly to make the spiced butter for hot buttered rum ahead of time. Available everywhere, you can even buy some in individual sizes for your own preference at places like Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Measuring Cups and Spoons.  I bought these at Bed, Bath, and Beyond when we first got married and they've lasted quite well this whole time.  While any measuring cups and spoons will work, I've found plastic ones frustrating as the measurements wear off far too often. You also will need a measuring cup for liquids (Do not use one of the metal ones for liquids).  I have a set of 3 I got, but a simple 2 cup volume one will work and the is most usable.  

Miscellaneous Kitchen Utensils.   Let me make a product endorsement (a non-paid for endorsement) and say that Oxo brand utensils are my absolute favorite.  They're long lasting, easy to clean, and easy to hold.  I have a wide array of them but the most important ones in our house that I think everyone should have are:  a ladle, a can opener, a potato masher, tongs, and a metal spatula (used often for turning pancakes or fish).

*Kitchen Aid products tend to be my worst enemies and I've regretted every purchase of them with the exception of my peeler and my non-stick rolling pin.  I've yet to purchase something like the stand mixer (because I mix everything by hand....it's therapeutic to me), but I have bought their non-stick roaster and it pretty much died within 3 years.  We still use it because I'm saving for an all stainless steel one, but to quote G, "That roaster is the devil." The non-stick dark parts have flaked off in places, the handles trap water, and the non-stick rack is a devil to get clean.  We've had several break on us or simply quit working.  In fact we went through 2 of their pizza cutters in 3 years, both rusted and broke.  And their tools are hollow handled and retain water.  I do not recommend their products at all.

Glass Pie Dish.  "But I don't make homemade pies." you might say.  And to that I tsk tsk, but nod knowing how intimidating they can be.  However you still need one.  Great for pies, quiches, and savory dishes (like shepherd's pie, or even baking a meatloaf in).   I recommend pyrex, they've been around forever for a reason.

Part 3 coming tomorrow in which I share things I love but aren't entirely necessary (though handy!).

How To Stock A Kitchen Part 1

Or...why you don't really need so much crap.

It is easy to get caught up in fancy gadgets for your kitchen.  And if you have the space and money then hey, don't let me stop you.  Shop to your heart's content.  However if you're more like me, i.e. smaller income and less storage space and you're just wanting the basics here's my list of the actual items I have in my kitchen and why I love them. 

Pots and pans.  I bought this Emerilware set from Macy's when I first got married, but it wasn't until tonight that I realized they're made by All Clad.  I have the large set, it came with a square cast iron grill pan (which honestly, I've only used 2-3 times....but it has worked very well) and I also bought the steamer insert for the smaller pot and a saucier (it has an easy pour side) that I use all the time when making hot cocoa.  I'm very happy with this set and have told G that I'll use it till it dies.  In fact I just realized that they have an 8 qt. stockpot that would make cooking soups so much easier (I use the 5 qt. pot for that usually, and it's generally as full as can be).  I would say you don't need such a large set, but for $200 if you're looking to find good pots and pans I have to recommend these.  The soup pot, the little pot (which is great when you're making a smaller amount of something), the saute pan (which I use all the time), the short but wide casserole dish (I make everything from my tarte tatin to tuna noodle helper in this baby), and the fry pans which I use to saute everything since I no longer use a teflon pan---- they're all great, easy to clean (in fact it's where we discovered the miracle of baking soda when G burnt something on).  And after 3.5 years of use they still look new.  

Knives.  Here's where I got lucky:  my lovely Aunt Karol bought G and I a Chicago Cutlery landmark knife block set for our wedding.  They've been excellent.  In fact, I've used pretty much every knife except the weird curved peeler because I had no idea what it was until just now.  I liked them so much that when I saw Wal-Mart had the santoku knife to match I snatched it right up and it's my current go-to everytime knife.  But basically what it comes down to is you really need: a chopping knife (I recommend the santoku), a paring knife (shorter, gets out things like bruises in potatoes), a bread knife (because I'm hoping to encourage homemade bread making...and if not if can be used on artisan bread you buy), and some all purpose steak knives.  The row of silver knives on the bottom are steak knives and they are constantly empty slots.

Spatulas.  I cannot say this enough:  get some silicone covered spatulas and you will never again use the kind that separate.  I bought some on clearance at Macy's before the wedding and I have hunted them down because I'm currently looking to restock.  These are Orka brand and I rave about them.  The steel inside keeps them in tip top shape and the silicone makes them easy to clean.  I'm planning on getting them in all black because I've found that my white ones have stained over time with tomato based sauces.  I have their all-purpose spatula as well as a spoon spatula and am planning on buying two more of each as well as a thinner spatula.  These are the only spatulas I use, I use them more often than all the other cooking utensils in my kitchen combined.  I use them to whip up cakes, to stir soups and sauces, and to saute veggies.  

Wooden Spoons.  I think wooden spoons are all purpose.  I've used the cheap kind you can buy in big packs from Wal-mart and they season well.  I've used the pampered chef bamboo spoons (and I'm getting ready to pass those on to my Maman because she loves them and they just haven't worked for me).  I now have a small collection of Berard olive wood spoons that I originally bought because hey, they're pretty and French.  They are pricey, but I got all of mine at Tuesday morning for quite cheap (our Tuesday Morning seems to have quite a few nice Williams-Sonoma products if you're willing to dig through the mess).  The above pictured spoon with rest comes in at $36 at WS, but I got mine for maybe $15 at most, and it was a splurge when we first moved here.  I use them more and more often, and love the feel of them.  They are more difficult to take care of (handwashing and then beeswax polishing to keep them from drying out).  But with proper care they should last me a lifetime, and that's what I'm all about.  However any wooden spoons will do, the difference is simply how often you'll have to replace them. 

An Apron.  I think an apron is one of the most handy items in a kitchen.  I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to put one on (or they were all in the wash) and I ended up with flour handprints on my jeans right before the doorbell rang.  I have a ton of vintage ones from family, and a few larger butcher style aprons for G.  Best thing ever is the above butcher style aprons from IKEA......it's only $4.99!  Thick cotton and it covers most of you so it's my go to lately to keep flour at bay.  

There will be a Part 2 and Part 3 coming this weekend.  I'm breaking it up because with the photos it makes the posts really long.  

Audrey Moment

First, let me get this out of the way..... though I will never have the figure of Audrey Hepburn (I mean, she's not what I think of when I think of curvy role models), her grace and beauty are undeniable and something I aspire to.  She was the original chic woman in my mind, and I adore her, her films, what she had to say.  My dachshund is named Audrey Anne, after Audrey Hepburn and her character in Roman Holiday, Princess Anne.  So of course, knowing her relationship with Mr. Givenchy (who did the dresses for Sabrina....amazing) I have loved his fashion and now beauty products for a long while.  Givenchy Very Irresistible used to be my scent.

So when I was on Sephora and it popped up that for my green eyes the Givenchy eye quad was recommended I hopped over to look at it.  Of course it was a beautiful palette but sold out.  So while out and about I tried it out and both G and I loved it on me.  Not only are the colors divine, and can be layered from soft to intense, but the texture is silky smooth and easy to use.  I am a self-admitted feminine woman who is learning the ropes with hair and make-up slowly and yet even for me it was easy to put on.  It also comes with diagrams for ways to use the colors in groups of 2, 3, and 4 colors. 

I think a chic woman is one who looks great without looking like she tried really hard.  If you look like you're wearing a lot of make-up in the daytime I think it's a fail.  Keep your face more natural (not caked on), and either smoky/colored eyes or bold lips, but never both.  And of course a completely neutral/natural look for day is great!  I've found that for most women (myself included) some mascara swiped on and a little bit of color or clear gloss on the lips is enough for day to day.  If you want a bit more, think of soft colors on your eyes, whether that be a soft smoky look, or some slight coloration.  The purple and greys of this palette really do seem to make my eyes pop a little more, and make me feel oh so sexy. 

Hewlett-Packard

Dear HP,

Your machine (our printer) constantly chooses to not grab ahold of the paper to print (we've only had it since November).  Which results in us trying desperately to get it to.  Usually that works.  This time we had to call customer service.  We got it working, and then in the end you suggested buying HP paper for the printer next time.  HP paper which is substantially more expensive than the normal, find anywhere brand.  We don't buy the cheap stuff, but we don't use yours either.  And let me tell you, it's your machine that sucks, not the paper, since we've never (nor has anyone else we know) had a problem with this paper.  Perhaps you should work on making a better working machine before your brand becomes another one that is unreliable and doesn't sell.

Thanks,
Kalee

*EDIT*  We did find tonight that the HP paper at Target was cheaper than the stuff we were buying on base, but the HP on base is several dollars more than the everyday brand we've always used.  We've always had HP printers, but this one has caused trouble every time we turn it on.  We apparently don't use it enough!

My Mecca

I have always loved make-up.  My grandmama was indulgent when I was little and I could play with her nail polish or lipstick to my heart's content, and my love only grew from there.  At 12 I was buying blue glitter lip gloss from Claire's (oh the horror! But it was in style at the time) and painting my nails similar shades.  It has taken me a while to figure out who I am with make-up, and I am not very good at applying it sometimes, but I have fun with it.  I think it's such a personal thing.  Some people can rock the heavy eye-makeup look, but for me it just ends up making me look like a hooker on her walk home.  Not good.  When I posted this photo on my home blog as part of my cleaning up our bathroom I got a question about my make-up and realized I have never really talked about it.  So let's get all girly (sorry to my readers of the male persuasion) and discuss.  First off the title references the fact that G and I jokingly call Sephora my "mecca" since I can get lost in there and it always cheers me up to visit (still haven't looked for one here in Maryland though).  

Most days I wear nothing, because I figure if I am just staying in or just going to the grocery store it's not worth my time to put make-up on.  It's taken me a long time to feel comfortable in my own skin, I have slightly red cheeks (thanks to Irish heritage and my parents allowing my skin to burn when I was little).  I can already see some signs of how sun damage in my youth (often times my own stupid teenage decision) is showing a bit, but I have spent the last 6 years working on that.  I use sunscreen, I moisturize and I drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.  My skin is normally pretty clear, and I don't look too dead when I go bare.  

But when I do wear make-up I keep it simple, with a tinted moisturizer and some mascara.  I fell in love with Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer this summer.  I was a little late to the game, but being overseas Sephora wouldn't ship to me.  (which was ridiculous since they have stores around the world)  Yes, it's a bit expensive at $42, but I can tell you I bought mine in August, and even wearing it nearly every day for a bit, I still have it.  I am planning on buying a new bottle this week, but 6 months seems fair enough.  Because it's a tinted moisturizer you don't use as much.  At first it will seem like it's not enough coverage, but I was amazed at how quickly my skin took to it and now I look natural and glowing.  I love this product!  I use a concealer by LORAC that I've had for ages, but am planning on buying the Laura Mercier concealer (I have under eye circles) soon.  

NARS is a big brand for me, mainly because I love their colors and their names!  Yes, I have their orgasm blush and it looks amazing on so many skin tones!  It's a good go to when I decide to wear blush.  I also love their cream eyeshadows more than I can say.  I have the corfu color and I love it when I want to add just a little more to my look.  And I also have their lipglosses, in Orgasm and Scandal  with plans to get Bloodwork (which is a red vinyl color).  Orgasm is my every day go to lately, since it adds a neutral gleam to my lips.  I also have the multiple in Riviera that is a nice pink when I want to look all girly and blushing (although they have this in Orgasm as well, and it's on my list).  I do love the company and the names they give their products.  Some of them are a bit risque, but who doesn't love a little danger to their day?

I have the Dior Detective Palette that I bought years ago, but I keep it clean and I love the contour and shimmer it gives my face when I want to look a bit more "done".  I'm also a huge fan of Diorshow mascara and have the regular black (I don't do waterproof, it tends to look clumpy) and the Blackout travel size.  I have tried several mascaras, and while they all work okay, this is my favorite.  I also have the MAC eyeshadow palette that I bought after my make-up was done for my bachelorette party.  I normally stick with natural looking make-up, but if I want a smoky eye, the black and purples in this palette make my green eyes really pop!  And I use a MAC eyeliner (although it ran out last week).  I've used a liquid eyeliner before and love that look as well.

For my nails I tend to leave them bare, but I do like to paint them dark when I'm feeling a bit more sexy. I also love the Ballerina color that I was sent by Stephanie of Bonjour Madame!  One coat and it gives my nails a very polished look.  

I think for me, less is more.  I love a nice vintage black eyeliner look with just mascara.  Or sometimes I add a bit of my MAC Russian Red lipstick to it.  But generally I swipe on some mascara and maybe the tinted moisturizer and I am out the door.  It works for me.  I love so many make-up styles, but it's sorta like clothes.....you can like it and it still not look good on you.  A lot of my make-up is a bit pricier, but I tend to use it past the recommended dates, cleaning it with alcohol so it stays clean and fresh.  My NARS eyeshadow for instance, I have had since right after I got married, nearly 3 years ago.  I need a new one soon, but it's still got plenty around the edge.  And that's with using it pretty much every day for a couple years.  I always say to use a little and add more if need be, rather than applying too much, and wasting it because you have to take it off.

Do you have any make-up products you cannot live without?  Any suggestions for a eyeliner (I am always looking for something easy to use)?

Etsy Finds And a Giveaway!

Earlier last month I began going through my etsy favorites to clear some of them out.  I noticed that there were a lot of natural products that I hadn't tried simply because I told myself it was something silly to spend money on, not knowing how it would do with my skin.  It got me thinking and I e-mailed several of these sellers.  I asked them if they would be willing to send me samples to review.  I told them about this blog, and that I had readers who had e-mailed me and left comments at different times I had talked about skin or hair issues.  And it was amazing.  Several of these sellers were so receptive, even talking about their own journey into natural products.  And so I gathered up the samples and have been trying them out and having G try them out.  There were some that worked so well, and others that didn't work for me and my needs, but I could see how they would work for others.  

SerenitySoapWorks was the first store I contacted.  I received a quick response and within a couple of days had a sample of her unscented Solid Lotion Bar.  The lotion bars were products I was interested in first because of the beeswax component.  And I was not disappointed.  This smelled great, and worked like a charm to soften my skin.  The small sample didn't last long since both G and I used it often!

Photo from YourTimeBodyTreats

YourTimeBodyTreats was one I had saved for forever.  I had been interested in sugar scrubs that weren't chemically laden, and I contacted her about the Honey Almond Sugar Polish.  She sent me a sample that lasted me through a few showers, and I can honestly say it was one of my absolute favorites!  It scrubbed into my skin, but wasn't rough, and the oils in it helped to quench my skin's thirst.  She also sent me a sample in a tiny tin of the Shea Body Butter that she makes, and I loved the smell of it.  Warm, simple, something I could throw in my purse and rub in while I was out.  And last, but definitely not least she sent me a sample of her Chocolate Swirls Vegan Soap.  Absolutely the best smelling thing ever.  I kept muttering to myself "Must not eat the soap, must not eat the soap."  It really does smell so chocolate-y!  For me, soap is soap, but I wanted to try one without any chemicals, and this one fit the bill and smelled out of this world.  My only advice for those who get this is that it can get kind of slimy (as soaps made from oils are want to do) so I recommend a good dish, maybe with some drainage to keep it from sitting in water.  ( I apologize for no photo, it wasn't until after I had already used the products that I realized the photo I had taken was really blurry, all of the products looked just as they do in her shop!)

MystiqueProducts I had contacted about their lotion bar.  By the time we got it all discussed I had already received a couple other lotion bar samples from different shops, so I asked about her shampoo bars as well.  For the lotion bar I received a sample of the Calendula Scented Lotion Bar.  The smell was definitely different, in fact I started giggling because I told G that I thought it made me smell like herbed focaccia bread!  He agreed, and we decided that that bar would be the type you would want to keep in your kitchen.  The shampoo bars I received samples of were the Japanese Camellia and the Bouncing Beer.  These were the two products that just didn't really work for me.  They both smelled good, but I found it difficult to use them.  I know I received small samples, but as G pointed out, you would eventually get down to a small amount even if you had the big bar.  I would lather it up in my hands to use, as well as trying to follow the instructions to rub all over my head, but it just was tough.  I gave each 3 days to see how I liked them.  I normally don't wash my hair that often, but I had to with these, I thought my hair felt dirty (I have read somewhere that this can happen with more natural products as your hair tries to balance itself out).  They also made my hair squeaky clean when I was rinsing them out, I mean, noticeably squeaky, and with my dry hair issues, I just felt like it wasn't working right.  I still have some of each left and plan on giving them another go once we've installed the water softening system, but right now they didn't work for me.  

DeesBeeBoutique was my absolute favorite of the bunch!  I got to try 3 different lotion bar samples, so it allowed me to kind of see how strong her scented ones are.  (for complete disclosure when requesting samples I always asked for unscented, Dee was kind enough to send me 3 different ones to try)  Dee has started raising honeybees, and she even has a blog: http://busybeeswax.blogspot.com/  I received the Unscented which I keep in my bedside table (actually just ran out of this morning!), the Lavender Vanilla which I still have so much left (these things last for forever it seems!) and the White Tea Ginger.  I was a little wary of the white tea ginger, since that isn't a scent I would normally bother with at all, but I loved it!  Her fragrances are very light, and through it all you can smell the sweet smell of beeswax.  

FinnsAndFlowers was a shop I had saved for several reasons.  Mainly because I love the wooden and felted toys they have to offer, and I had saved them during the time I was looking into gifts for my niece. But one big thing caused me to e-mail them:  their beeswax polish.  I have talked previously about wanting to do more research into beeswax products, and this was one of them.  They sent me one of the 2 oz. jars and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love with this!  It smells amazing!  Beeswax makes me think of summer with a gentle breeze blowing through wildflowers, so it was a nice vision to pop into my head.  It also worked beautifully.  Easy to rub in, I actually used it on some antique furniture.  The desk photos from the light review showcase it perfectly.  It made my desk look beautiful, and didn't leave any gross residue.  I plan on ordering from them again anytime my jar gets even close to empty.  

This photo that I had posted on my home blog of the china cabinet?  Oh, yeah, it was taken after treating the front of it with the beeswax polish!  Gorgeous, right?

Overall I was pretty pleased with everything!  I had wanted to try a goat's milk soap, but the shop I contacted never got back to me, and now their shop is empty.  So if you know of anyone who makes soaps with goat's milk, please let me know!  YourTimeBodyTreats has offered my readers a 20% discount on her sugar scrub for a limited time, just mention the discount when checking out and it will be refunded through PayPal! 


Now on to my first giveaway!  


*EDIT*  Giveaway bar is actually going to be from SerenitySoapWorks, as she generously has offered a lotion bar for this giveaway.  There will be a few surprises from me in there, and I am super excited for the possibilities!  

Four Chances To Win:  

1. Leave a comment.  You must do this one, and please leave an e-mail address (or have a blog link) so I can get a hold of you if you win!
2. Become a follower, simple enough.
3. Blog about this and let me know you did!  I want to get the word out about natural products, so this is a big one.
4. Twitter about this and let me know so I can check it out!

Rules:  Only one entry per person for each of the categories.  Giveaway ends Wednesday February 10th, Midnight e.s.t.  Winner will be chosen by random (I am still trying to figure out the little widgets), and announced on Thursday February 11th. 

Since it's a giveaway of my own volition I am choosing to have this open to everyone, international readers as well!  

*And I wanted to state that this review was my idea, the sellers did not pay me for the reviews, and I was free to give negative ones if the products warranted it. Thanks!*

Keep On Hand

So, yesterday I went to gym and did 14 miles in 2 hours.  (4 on the treadmill, 10 split between 2 different bikes).  I was exhausted last night and never got the post up that I had planned.  I apologize, I had been looking forward to this Natural Week for so long, and it seems life sometimes gets in the way.

But here we are today, and we will be discussing some common items to keep on hand in your home for cleaning and beauty purposes.  Some I've talked about before, but since I seem to have some new readers (you all rock!), I'll go back over everything, including some new ones!

Baking Soda:  This is my number one keep on hand thing.  It scours pots and pans, even removing burnt on things.  Some didn't believe me, but I've gotten e-mails from shocked readers who tried it and were amazed.  Put baking soda on a pot/pan, add just a tiny bit of water, just enough to make a thick paste.  Leave.  Depending on the severity of the mess, hours, or days.  G burnt something on a pan once that I was afraid was ruined, but we googled it, used the baking soda, let it sit for 2 days and voila!  Looks brand new.  I don't bother with fancy schmancy stainless steel cleaners for my pots and pans, just baking soda and water.  We get starch left after potatoes and pasta and it cleans that right up!

But it's not just good for pots and pans, you can pretty much use it to clean anything.  I've scrubbed a bathtub with it, it's removed paint spray (from being dumb and spray painting in my new living room) from hardwood floors, and can clean a carpet like no other!

Also teeth and hair.  If you've done something nice with your hair, and there is a lot of product in it, simply add baking soda to your normal shampoo and scrub away.  It removes build-up like no other!  Lately we've been using just baking soda for brushing our teeth (as we look into reviews for different natural toothpastes).  It gets your teeth clean, and is easy to keep in a shaker in your bathroom.

Vinegar:  Added to baking soda and you have a powerful cleaner, but it also works alone. Works in bathtubs with hard water stains, simply spray on some vinegar water (I use about 3:1 ration, 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar but this is just estimated), and scrub away.  Vinegar left in a dish in a smoky house will make the smell go away (but warning, it seems to draw the crap our, so the vinegar will look disgusting).  Lightly sprayed on carpets will keep them smelling fresh.  And a tiny bit of vinegar in your wash can keep the detergent from building up (but be careful, too much can damage the stainless steel drum).

Hydrogen Peroxide:  Not entirely safe (keep out of reach of children) but something most of us have on hand.  Gets blood stains out miraculously.  But it's also an amazing thing to help keep your teeth white.  Just take a capful and force it to stay in the front of your mouth (over your front teeth) while you hold it there for 30-60 seconds.  Also good to kill bacteria in your mouth.  But fair warning, do NOT do this after you brush with baking soda.  Baking soda is mildly abrasive and it will burn a bit on your gums.

Honey:  Good on your face as a moisturizer.  Also good over a wound (seals it from bacteria).

Coconut Oil:  I tried this last week and was so pleased I did a little dance.  I took coconut oil, warmed it up so it was liquid, coated my hair and scalp with it, wrapped my head in plastic wrap (my husband was laughing by this point) and then wrapped it in a warm towel and watched a couple hours of t.v. while he slept.  Oils do tend to stick with you, so I had to wash my hair twice, but it made it soft and gave it more shine.  I also used it (what was left on my hands) as a moisturizer and that was good too.

Olive Oil:  Use pretty much as you would coconut oil.  It is a little messier, since with coconut oil you can get it soft, but not completely liquid.

Seltzer Water and Salt:  These two items are what have kept my cream couch from being splotched with red wine.  I have spilled more times than I care to admit, and yet my couch has no stains on it.  Rub salt into stain, let sit, and rinse with seltzer water.  Beautiful!

Do you have any things you keep around your home that you use for yourself or for cleaning?  Share!

Big Brand Natural Part 2

So yesterday I went over some cleaning supplies that we use here in our house.  I loved the feedback, please keep it coming.  I have never used Mrs. Meyer's (being overseas the last couple years limited what I could get my hands on!) but will have to try some of their products out.  Also, thanks for the recommendations of Shaklee.  I hadn't really heard of them, and now want to try them!  Perhaps in a couple months I will have to do an update from this week after all your fantastic suggestions have been tried out?


Today I wanted to touch briefly on the natural body care products that are mainstream.  I will start off with saying that we use a lot of Alba, and supplement with Burt's Bees and J.A.S.O.N.  I say we, because here's a little secret......we share nearly everything!  When I search for body care products I try and make sure they are neutrally scented (fruits and herbs for shampoo rather than floral scents).  I know some people do the same and others think it's odd.  And we don't share everything, we each have our own moisturizers, but hell, I quit using my own razor years ago.  The men's razors are made to get a very close shave, so his works best for me.  Some men would mind this, G could care less.  So here are the main things we use in this household:


Alba Shampoo and Conditioner:  The shampoo is their honeydew scent, and I love smelling G after he uses this.  Light scent, clean, and it doesn't stick with you all day causing you to smell like a fruit basket! Our conditioner is the mango scent, mainly for me, and I love it.


Nature's Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Body Wash:  I love the pump, makes it easy to use.  Smells like a fruity soap, no different from anything at say, Bath and Body Works, just less chemically.  The first time G used this (a couple weeks ago) he came out saying how much he liked it.  \


Burt's Bees:  Lip Moisturizer....everyone knows this one, it's great.  Apricot Oil, I've talked about it before, it's the moisturizer I use on my face and it works phenomenally.  I also have the honey and shew body butter and my only complaint is that it is strongly scented so I only put it on before bed.  


Alba Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion:  I love how this is easy to rub in.  Oh, and you will smell like chocolate, fair warning.  The men in your life (and who knows, maybe the women too) will seriously discuss eating you, you will smell so much like chocolate.  Love it!


J.A.S.O.N.  Tea Tree Deodorant:  G and I both use this and love it.  No anti perspirant, but at most just reapply later in the day.  We've been shocked by how we don't smell.  Fantastic!


Okay, I might have more, but need to run G to class.  The post will be up this evening about things you already have in your home, so look out!

Forgetful

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am sitting at Panera having coffee and figuring out my day.  So exciting right?  I thought I can sit, drink some java and put up the first natural week post.  I even brought my camera.  Enter forgetful moment of not remembering the cord to connect it to the computer.  Go me!  So instead I am going to start off with a post about products I use that are found at places like your local grocery store and Wal-Mart/Target.  


I think we all know the big name brands:  Burt's Bees, Method, Seventh Generation.  We read about them on other blogs, we see them in stores, but it's not what we grew up with, so we question it.  Question whether it will work.  Question how "green" it really is.  For myself personally I hate things in plastic bottles, but know it's a necessary evil (they're recycable!).  When we bought our home I told G I was going to slowly switch to all natural products.  We are planning on starting a family at some point, and I didn't want bleach or harsh chemicals around.  We had switched to Seventh Generation all purpose cleaner about 2 years ago, and we love it.  I spray it on my stove, let it sit for a bit and wipe up messes from splatters easily.  But for the most part we still used everything else that was harsher (don't even get me started on when we had to clean our oven in the house before moving out, I thought I was going to die!).  So here are a few cleaning products we've switched to that I recommend because they work!


Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent:  Gets out stains (I let them soak with a bit of it on) and makes our clothes feel soft and smell clean, but not scented.  We generally get the free and clear, which is my favorite, but currently we have some Eucalyptus version because they were out and we needed it bad.  For the record we don't use any fabric softener or dryer sheets and our clothes are soft as ever.  We had to buy a washer and dryer when we bought the house, and after going over lots of reviews we chose energy effecient ones that if you want I can talk about as well.  


Method:  Everything I can get my hands on.  I use their granite counter top cleaner and it works like a charm.  Even if I have to use some of the Seventh Generation all purpose for a mess, I absolutely have to use the Method after because it makes them look nice and clean, not streaked at all.  I use their Tub and Tile Spray Cleaner in our bathroom, and so far so good.  I use their Hardwood Cleaner, and the only complaint I have is that you better like that "almond" smell because it lasts for a bit, but my floors gleam. And G was a little wary about switching to their dish soap, worried it wouldn't work as well as Dawn, but now he loves it and actually (yes, my husband is as into cleaning products as me and will lecture people on baking soda) was raving about it just last week.  We use the grapefruit scent and it's wonderful!


I do want to try the Method dishwasher soap, but G has been reluctant to give up his electrosol (I need to remind him how much he loves their regular dish soap), and we need to find a non-chemical toilet cleaner (we haven't tried the method tile and tub, it might work with a cloth....and G is military, so he's used to using things like that).  Is anyone else grossed out by the traditional toilet bowl brushes.  I always feel like they are there lurking, full of germs in my bathroom.  If you have any recommendations for other cleaning product you think I should try, just let me know!  A lot of what we use in our home is simple ingredients, and we will be talking about that tomorrow!

Let There Be Light!

When I was contacted to do a review for CSN, I was excited but wary.  I spent a week going over their sites, their products, trying to decide what I thought of the company before I responded to their offer.  I read over their return policies, their guarantees, and in the end I decided to go ahead and give it a shot.  Having seen a lamp from them on another site, I decided to do a review over the Sonneman Essex Arc Boom Table Lamp.  It shipped a week ago today, and arrived on Tuesday.  (which rocked, in my opinion)  It was packed well, not a dent on the box, I was able to track it the short time it was in transit, and the woman I was working with was super nice!


Now, if you read my other blog you know I faced some big disappointment with a rug from Overstock.com this week.  It was the wrong one, and their people handled it badly until I kept going up the chain.  So I was nervous to say the least to open the box.  Eventually I tore the tape off, peered inside and stared.  Making sure I was right I took it out and stood it on my coffee table and stared some more.  The thing was huge!  And so shiny!  I thought, "what have I gotten myself into?"  I loved it, but had no idea where to put it.  I had planned on using it at my "office" (a.k.a. desk nook where I am supposed to be writing), but was worried it was too big.  (So for most of this week it sat on our needs-to-be-painted dresser in our living room, since the size seemed more right there.)  I waited for G to get home, and the first thing out of his mouth was "That thing is huge!"  and then "Damn, it's heavy!"  (which for G is a plus, so he was pleased as all get out)  And it is, it's big, shiny, and heavy.  If I could lift it, I could defend myself against an intruder.  Biggest lesson learned, don't just look at the pictures, Kalee, look at the size too!


This lamp is stunning to say the least.  I was wondering how to mesh the chrome uber modern-ness with my more vintage modern feel, but I didn't have to do anything.  I finally moved it to the desk, and not only was the size fine, it was perfect in fact, it will light right where I need it to.  The style blends in seamlessly, and should look even better once we put curtains up.  My desk is where I type, paint and write correspondence, I'm a known insomniac, so light is good for these activities.  And it has a dimmer so it's not going to always be whoa bright if I just want a light on for the comfy feeling.  (you can only type on a computer screen for so long before it's glow drives you batty!)  And I don't have to worry about knocking it over.....it weighs 30 lbs!

So here it is in all it's shiny beauty, what do you think?  It's snowing outside which makes for weird light, I must admit, but I love the lamp all the same!  I only had my college style black lamp before, and this helps the area feel a little more grown-up for me.

*Disclaimer* I was given the lamp to do a review of their stores, I was not compensated monetarily for this review, nor did I make any promise of a favourable review if they sucked.  They just happened to rock through the entire process!

(this shows it's shiny-ness a bit better, and my two lovely plants!)

Upcoming

I was contacted a while back about possibly doing a review for CSN.  I took a look around their products and found something that would work perfectly to mesh our home's vintage/modern look, and that will be coming up next week.  While looking around at their stores I was very pleased to find pretty much anything I searched for.  First I searched for bar stool because we have the awkward island in our kitchen that has plenty of room for stools, but no granite overhang (and since I'm always in my kitchen it's one of the first rooms I am really focusing on fixing up how I want).  I found these and thought they might blend in easily, but still be a nice place for guests to sit and chat while drinking wine with me in the kitchen (because that is what the kitchen is for, right?).  


I'm not getting paid to brag about how many items this company has.  Yes, I will be reviewing something for them (and I will also review their service, packaging, etc, because that's how I roll) but I am an honest reviewer (as seen with the teflon debacle).  If the product or the company are less than great, I will be the first to tell you.  I'm hoping their service is great, and what interested me in doing the review in the first place was that this company's big site  allmodern.com had so many designers and items I had been looking at and at great prices.  I love Thomas Paul and DwellStudio and they have a ton of items from these companies (making ordering easy since I can do it all in one spot!).  I'm even looking at an Eames Rocker (I know, I've apparently gone to the dark side and like some "trendy" items) and they have quite a bit of Eames furniture.  And I have to say, G really fell in love with these beeswax lightbulb candles.  


Continuing to look around I found that CSN (the company) has (200+) stores like justwoolrugs.com where I found so many wool rugs I loved I considered changing the look of our home to a turkish theme and having rugs everywhere!  I found one that is black with red/peach/pink roses on it and I thought I had died and gone to girly heaven (still trying to figure out how to put a rosy rug in what will eventually be a very manly suite....hmmm).  CSN also has a store simplydogbeds.com that has this Harry Barker toile bed that I immediately imagined the 2 dogs crashing on, all lady like in their pouty-ness!  


CSN has so many stores, and I spent hours looking at them (hey G sleeps more than me, and it was a "quiet activity" so I wouldn't bother him).  They have a lot that ships for free, they ship to Canada, and they have competitive pricing.  If you've seen it elsewhere let them know, because they want your business!  When I saw that I was sold.  Because let's face it, one place is never going to always have the best price, but an online store that will price match?  That's unusual, and enough for me to give them a chance.  So please look for my review next week, I'm excited more than you can know!  (I'm actually planning on working my butt off this weekend to get a piece of furniture ready for photos.....yes, I am THAT excited!)

Black Friday

Garret and I needed a vacuum (the one we had in England was a German plug, and so we donated it before leaving) and on Black Friday we picked one up at Wal-mart for $24.  It's simple, not even a hose, but good enough for our suite (where the dogs spend the most time).  A review online stated that it was great, from a woman who uses her vacuum twice a day!


Dirt Devil Dynamite

It really is dynamite!  I took it for a spin around our (carpeted) room, and then onto the hardwood sitting/office area, and into the tiled bathroom.  It sucked like no other!  It also happens to be the perfect width for our stairs, making it easy to suck up dog hair.  Just a little area, and I am embarassed to admit it had balls of my hair (sorry, but figured it was best to be honest).  It was disgusting, but I was glad to have it up off my floor!

*This is not a paid endorsement, I just really like this vacuum.  It definitely has me interested in looking at other Dirt Devil products (such as little ones for the kitchen)!

Wee Art Cards

A blog that I have loved ever since I started mine is Chic Mummy.  Sarah is a stay at home mom to two wonderful toddlers in Australia.  She did a giveaway with Wee Art Cards and I won!  I cannot tell you how thrilled I was, they are wonderful black and white cards with a squirrel, butterfly, dragonfly, ladybug, bird and a worm.  Super cute, and I really think a baby will love looking at them.  They are made of heavy cardboard and have a matte lamination on them, making them durable for babies.  (I think if you have a particularly drool lovin' baby, you could probably take them and have them laminated more heavily). I really want their original collection, because it has an elephant, snail, and owl in that one, and those are all animals that will be special to our kids for various reasons (I love elephants, and one of my nicknames has something to do with escargot-----but not because I'm slow!).   

Also, while exploring their site I found they have some freebies to download.  They have a test print with a lamb (with both the black/white and white/black sides) to print out on cardstock and use as you will.  I think that would be great if you wanted to see if they even interested your child.  They also have iron on patches to print out in both the lamb and butterfly.  For those of you interested in decorating kids clothing yourself, this would be fun!  If you have 2 young children you could do matching shirts in opposite colors!

Their site is a UK one, but I know that Land of Nod has some of their cards (not all, but 4 different sets) and that they have a store on Amazon that has all of them.  

I think you can do so many things with their designs, and once we are beginning our family I will be doing some projects with them and sharing those with all of you!