I thought that I would share one of my favorite stories/quotes from Mr. H:
We were in college, getting ready to go out one night when I asked him to get my coach wristlet out for me. His response was, "Who's Coach?" (and he was being dead serious)....really?! I am the girl that calls her purse by its proper name, Kate (it's a Kate Spade for those of you who are still in the dark), loves to shop, and is completely addicted to shows like The Girls Next Door and What Not to Wear. I could not believe that a guy with 2 sisters would not know 'who coach is.' I immediately called my sister to tell her (since I tell her everything)....needless to say he was introduced to a store the next time we went to Pittsburgh.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
#56: Try 3 new, green cleaning methods
I've been working on my 85 in 850, but this is the first I've posted about completing something from that list. One of my personal goals is to become more 'green.' Not only will I be helping the planet, I will also be helping my bank account. You see, I've researched ways to use ordinary household items to clean. I won't have to waste, I mean spend money on the over priced products at the store.
One thing that can be found in (almost) any house is baking soda. It not only deodorizes the refrigerator, it can be used with some water to clean the oven, and in my case the kitchen counter. You see, we still live in an apartment that has laminate counter tops. It is always getting stains, always. This picture doesn't do the situation justice. You can barely see the spot here. Believe me, it is obvious in person.
I sprinkled a little baking soda on the spot and used a wet dishcloth to clean. Viola! No more stain. (Sorry I didn't post an after picture, but it would have just been white)
I've also found the power of vinegar. I know, I know, the smell isn't the most pleasant, but it isn't too bad. You can add essential oils to help with the smell (recommended especially if you're cleaning before company comes over). I use a mixture of 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water in a spray bottle. It's a great surface cleaner for hard surfaces (mostly the counter top). My dad said that it should kill germs, too, because the vinegar is acidic (I'll do more research on this). It also worked to clean the hard water spots on a shower curtain in our guest bathroom.
I also use white vinegar to clean our towels. That musty smell that you never can seem to get rid of vanishes when vinegar is used. I use a cup of vinegar (sometimes 1.5 cups) and hot water. That's it. It doesn't work if you use detergent, etc. It's better for the environment, and colored towels than bleach. The combo of hot water and the acidity of the vinegar is sufficient enough to fully clean, and oust the smell. The best part is, the rinse cycle rids the towels of the vinegar smell. No additional washing necessary. I use fabric sheets when drying, but that's it. One of our friends does this and doesn't use the fabric sheet in the dryer and her towels do not smell.
I was told that this washing only needs to be done once a month or so (whenever you think your towels are starting to smell), the rest of washes can be done normally. We've gotten into the habit of using hot water and vinegar every time.
The best part of these methods is that they don't take extra effort/time. I love being able to help the environment and save money (which is always a plus in this economy). Just because I've checked this off of my list does not mean that I'm finished being 'green.' I plan on continuing to find better, more efficient ways to clean the house.
One thing that can be found in (almost) any house is baking soda. It not only deodorizes the refrigerator, it can be used with some water to clean the oven, and in my case the kitchen counter. You see, we still live in an apartment that has laminate counter tops. It is always getting stains, always. This picture doesn't do the situation justice. You can barely see the spot here. Believe me, it is obvious in person.
I sprinkled a little baking soda on the spot and used a wet dishcloth to clean. Viola! No more stain. (Sorry I didn't post an after picture, but it would have just been white)
I've also found the power of vinegar. I know, I know, the smell isn't the most pleasant, but it isn't too bad. You can add essential oils to help with the smell (recommended especially if you're cleaning before company comes over). I use a mixture of 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water in a spray bottle. It's a great surface cleaner for hard surfaces (mostly the counter top). My dad said that it should kill germs, too, because the vinegar is acidic (I'll do more research on this). It also worked to clean the hard water spots on a shower curtain in our guest bathroom.
I also use white vinegar to clean our towels. That musty smell that you never can seem to get rid of vanishes when vinegar is used. I use a cup of vinegar (sometimes 1.5 cups) and hot water. That's it. It doesn't work if you use detergent, etc. It's better for the environment, and colored towels than bleach. The combo of hot water and the acidity of the vinegar is sufficient enough to fully clean, and oust the smell. The best part is, the rinse cycle rids the towels of the vinegar smell. No additional washing necessary. I use fabric sheets when drying, but that's it. One of our friends does this and doesn't use the fabric sheet in the dryer and her towels do not smell.
I was told that this washing only needs to be done once a month or so (whenever you think your towels are starting to smell), the rest of washes can be done normally. We've gotten into the habit of using hot water and vinegar every time.
The best part of these methods is that they don't take extra effort/time. I love being able to help the environment and save money (which is always a plus in this economy). Just because I've checked this off of my list does not mean that I'm finished being 'green.' I plan on continuing to find better, more efficient ways to clean the house.
My Husband Rocks!
After a small hiatus from MHR Fridays (not because he doesn't rock...more like I don't rock for not posting), it's back. My husband rocks because he constantly challenges me to try new things that normally I would not even consider. Socially, he’s a definite extrovert. He’s always talking to someone and is ‘Mr. Advice’ to so many people; he’s always been like this. In college he would stay up all night sometimes helping someone who was feeling down. Me? While I love people and am generally considered to be outgoing, I much prefer to be a home body. I am so happy on our date nights when we get a movie from redbox, sit on the living room floor, and hang out. Mr. Happily-ever-after is always encouraging me to go and hang out with people. I end up having a blast most of the time, and am glad that I went. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably be a hermit by now.
Mr. Happily-ever-after is also a huge thrill-seeker. I like to play it safe; the less risk, the better. He has gotten me to try all sorts of things since we have been together. I now love snowboarding; whereas before I was terrified by the thought of going down a mountain at high speeds in which other people would only be there to break my fall. We also tried scuba diving on our cruise last summer. I was a swimmer in high school, but hate the idea of being trapped underwater and of getting bitten by fish/sharks/octopus, etc (I think I’ve seen Jaws a few too many times). But, he wanted to do this excursion, so I compromised and went. It was so much fun.
Mr. Happily-ever-after is always encouraging me to try new foods, ideas, ways of living, and I love it!
Mr. Happily-ever-after is also a huge thrill-seeker. I like to play it safe; the less risk, the better. He has gotten me to try all sorts of things since we have been together. I now love snowboarding; whereas before I was terrified by the thought of going down a mountain at high speeds in which other people would only be there to break my fall. We also tried scuba diving on our cruise last summer. I was a swimmer in high school, but hate the idea of being trapped underwater and of getting bitten by fish/sharks/octopus, etc (I think I’ve seen Jaws a few too many times). But, he wanted to do this excursion, so I compromised and went. It was so much fun.
Mr. Happily-ever-after is always encouraging me to try new foods, ideas, ways of living, and I love it!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Okay, don't judge me for this, I'm an old woman on the inside. I wear reading glasses, have hip pains, take lots of naps, and absolutely love quilting/sewing (which is what I've been doing a lot of lately). So my life is extremely boring at the moment. I've resorted to doing all of the sit-down patient things that I have put off/not been patient enough to finish.
Here are some pictures of a quilt that I made for a friend in my program that had a baby. It's not perfect, but the 1st one that I've made completely on my own (my mom usually helps at least a little).
I have a few more projects that I'm working on at the moment, to be posted later.
Here are some pictures of a quilt that I made for a friend in my program that had a baby. It's not perfect, but the 1st one that I've made completely on my own (my mom usually helps at least a little).
I have a few more projects that I'm working on at the moment, to be posted later.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Other Love of My Life
So I discovered a new love (okay, so I've seen it for awhile, just didn't act on it): Polyvore. It's amazing. You can create art, outfits, looks, etc. Some of the items are unattainable for me (i.e. the $1,500 clutch purse...), but many are affordable. Mr. Happily-ever-after said, "Goodness, you don't need a find like this," in regards to the site/my picks (it has taken me years to finally get him to part with jorts. I'm not kidding)
Here's my first set...kinda bland, but I couldn't find a color that looked right. In the end I decided that silver is the perfect color to play it safe with this color of pink. Sorry it's so small...
BTW - does anyone know how to really upload these on here? I've seen it done on multiple blogs, but cannot figure it out.
Here's my first set...kinda bland, but I couldn't find a color that looked right. In the end I decided that silver is the perfect color to play it safe with this color of pink. Sorry it's so small...
BTW - does anyone know how to really upload these on here? I've seen it done on multiple blogs, but cannot figure it out.
Monday, June 1, 2009
30 Day Shred
My friend from another life, Ashlee, has an amazing fitness blog (and, no, I do not believe that I have actually been reincarnated...I just know her from a place where I have previously lived). She gives awesome advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, like shop the perimeter of the grocery store because that is where the fresh, healthier food is located. One thing that she uses/used to workout is Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout DVD (pictured below).
Jillian is one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser, which I absolutely love. She is so tough and keeps me motivated, plus it's only a 20 min workout (and usually I hate video workouts and quit after about a minute). After warming up, the workout is broken into 3, six minute circuits. Each circuit contains 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs.
Mr. Happily-ever-after made fun of me for doing girl push-ups and needing to take a break during 1. His exact words were, "Why do you need a break? You're doing the easy ones." So, I challenged him to 'Shred' with me one day. Jillian totally kicked his butt and then some. He was covered with sweat and complaining during the 1st 3 minutes of strength. He now admits that I'm not a total wuss, and is reluctant to participate...ha!
My goal is to make it through the entire video, which means working out for 30 days straight. This seems like an easy feat, although I have yet to make it out of the 1st level (there are 3 levels, 10 days in each). In fact, I have yet to do more than 3 consecutive days (I'm a slacker). But, I think that Shred and a C25K program (I'll talk about that in a later post) will be a great combination for getting back into shape.
There, my goal is on the internet now. It's official...kind of like putting something on facebook official.
Jillian is one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser, which I absolutely love. She is so tough and keeps me motivated, plus it's only a 20 min workout (and usually I hate video workouts and quit after about a minute). After warming up, the workout is broken into 3, six minute circuits. Each circuit contains 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs.
Mr. Happily-ever-after made fun of me for doing girl push-ups and needing to take a break during 1. His exact words were, "Why do you need a break? You're doing the easy ones." So, I challenged him to 'Shred' with me one day. Jillian totally kicked his butt and then some. He was covered with sweat and complaining during the 1st 3 minutes of strength. He now admits that I'm not a total wuss, and is reluctant to participate...ha!
My goal is to make it through the entire video, which means working out for 30 days straight. This seems like an easy feat, although I have yet to make it out of the 1st level (there are 3 levels, 10 days in each). In fact, I have yet to do more than 3 consecutive days (I'm a slacker). But, I think that Shred and a C25K program (I'll talk about that in a later post) will be a great combination for getting back into shape.
There, my goal is on the internet now. It's official...kind of like putting something on facebook official.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
What a Weekend!
Mr. Happily-ever-after's birthday was earlier in the month, so we celebrated with a party last night. We had our friends that live locally over, plus some friends from undergrad came. We had so much fun! It was great to have one last night to hang out with friends before they/we move. Here's a recap of the night:
We made 5 dozen cookies and some of these
(We also had chips, spinach dip, etc...so not healthy!)
And drank beer and this
These are the cups for a game we played (before we began playing)
And here's us playing the game (takes me back to undergrad, but oh so fun)
Great party, awful for the diet/workout plan. We'll get back on track after we recover and get the house cleaned, tomorrow.
I hope you had a great weekend, too!
We made 5 dozen cookies and some of these
(We also had chips, spinach dip, etc...so not healthy!)
And drank beer and this
These are the cups for a game we played (before we began playing)
And here's us playing the game (takes me back to undergrad, but oh so fun)
Great party, awful for the diet/workout plan. We'll get back on track after we recover and get the house cleaned, tomorrow.
I hope you had a great weekend, too!
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