I Ate The Whole Thing

The first time I have ever eaten an ENTIRE steak. It was incredible.

Thank you Blossom Cafe!

Happy Friday!

So, I'm off to Charleston, South Carolina today, with my sweet friend Julie.

It's sort of a birthday trip but really, we just want to go.

I get the same high out of Charleston that I get from Paris. They have the same sort of beautiful, romantic vibe - at least to me.

And since Charleston is a short drive and Paris is a long, long flight, Charleston is going to win out this time.

Y'all have a fun weekend!

Method Cleaning Products

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to try to go a little "greener". In pursuit of this goal, I decided to give Method Cleaning Products a try. They are all natural, environmentally safe cleaning products. I have not tried all of them, but I have been happy with the ones I have tried.

Truthfully, I was skeptical. My definition of "clean" is a little different than that of others - at least that's what I think. My best friend says I'm - I can't remember the word she uses - something that's more tactful than "freakish" - and I can't really disagree.

I can't impose order on the world, but I can clean the crap out of my house - so deal with it.

Anywhoooo...

I am happy to report that Method Cleaning products really work and work well.

Also? They smell really good. Clean but not flowery or medicinal and I really like that. The house smells clean but not lysol-ly.

These are the ones that I can recommend to the class:

First up, we have the Method Multi-Purpose cleaner.

I bought this specifically for use in the bathroom, and it does a really good job. I use it for the counter tops, the fixtures, the mirrors and - here's the kicker - the shower stall. My mirrors were streak free and it cut the crap off the counter tops. The shower stall is where it really sold me because it did an excellent job - better than anything else I've tried - environmentally friendly or otherwise - in getting rid of water stains and dried soap. And it didn't leave a film, which has been a problem with other products in the past. It's also nice to have one product that does a multitude of tasks. It saves money and it's easier to store. Overall, an excellent product.



Next, we have two other bathroom products, Le Scrub and Lil' Bowl Blu. They have similar "clean" smells but, again, not flowery or perfumey.

I use Le Scrub to scrub le bathtub and le sinks.

It contains ground granite particles so it is finely gritty and safe for my non-scrubbable tub. It cuts the soap film from the tub and the toothpaste and the hairspray buildup from the sink without having to expend too much energy. And it rinses very easily. Again, a very nice, good smelling product that does the job. You don't even miss the chemicals and the stuff that's bad for our environment.

I use the Lil' Bowl Blu - obviously - to keep the toilets clean. I have to say that this is not the most impressive product that I've ever used for this task and that I have a continuing mildew problem. I will also say that I live in the South and it has been my past experience that mildew happens in the South, I don't care if you're putting napalm in there. I think it is a little more manageable when you use a cleaning product that contains bleach. However, it's not that much better so I've decided to do a little extra work and be kind to the environment. Also, again, and I know I keep bringing this up, it smells really good and if you're going to take on a less than pleasant task, you may as well have a product that leaves you with a clean smelling bowl.

And this is neither here nor there, but both Le Scrub and Lil' Bowl Blu have cutesy little bottles.

Next, we have the Smarty Dish dishwasher detergent - and I love it. My friend Sarah told me about it and it took me a while to actually find it in captivity. The only noticeable difference between this and the stuff I used to use is that I think my flatware has more water spots than it used to but overall the dishes are super clean and I have no real complaints.


Last, we have the Daily Granite cleaner, which I use for the granite counter tops in my kitchen. I had been cautioned against using non-granite specific cleaners and prior to Method I had tried another eco-friendly granite cleaner that left a film all over everything. Daily Granite has a clean, citrusy smell and it gets the granite clean and leaves it shiny and taken care of. And that's really all I can ask for.

So there you have it. If you've been thinking about changing I think you can use these products without fear. And your house will smell good.

Wallpaper

I want to put this wallpaper somewhere in my house.

Just where do you think I should put it? I think maybe it it came in another color, I could incorporate it into the "dream" bathroom.

I think I'll have to start having a look around.

Does anyone know if there are after Christmas wallpaper sales?

My New Love

When I walk into the handbag department and my face gets hot, you just know that nothing good is going to come from that.

If Nordstrom puts this on sale after Christmas, believe me, I will have a Marc Jacobs on my arm.

And I just love the pink. The pink is so ..... delicious.

Dream Bathroom

If money were no object, this is what my bathroom would look like.

Happy Monday

And just how was every one's Thanksgiving?

My family came and we had a nice time. The dinner was good, my brother actually liked my gravy and my dogs didn't kill my nephew.

Believe it or not, this is progress for us.

We took the baby down to Discovery Place to see an Imax movie on Friday afternoon and then we hung out while he explored the museum. A couple of their main exhibits are closed for renovation, but I think he had a good time. Then my sister and I hit the mall during the dinner lull and she dropped some serious coin at Kate Spade and Coach.

Ah, it does a heart good to see cute bags going to good homes during the yuletide season.

I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe holiday!

Thanksgiving Preparation

My family is coming to my house for Thanksgiving this year.

I got up early Sunday morning to hit the Teeter before the crowd hit it.

I think I got everything except I need some bread to make stuffing and I'll have to buy that today, along with some truffle butter and some extra diet coke.

The holidays are not a time to be without your crutch, y'all.

Stay tuned for pictures of the carnage.

Image: Thanksgiving Preparations by WoodandPixels

Because Kate Spade Makes The Nook

Oh, I so TOTALLY want this!

A Kate Spade leather Nook cover!!!

What could be better? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing.

I've had my nose in a book since the day I was born. Now my Nook cover will proclaim it to the world.

And its PINK!

Lupie's Cafe

I cruised over to Lupie's Cafe and had chili and beer for dinner on Saturday night.

If you've never been there, what are you waiting for?

I have to say that I don't know why I don't go over there more often.