Spring Cleaning: Bathroom

Yes, it's me in my ALL pink bathroom.
This was when I was 6 months preggers! 

Fully equipped with pink tub, pink sink, pink toilet, pink floor tiles going up to mid-height on walls, and a big wide wall mirror. There used to be a glass shelf above the toilet but it fell down. The medicine cabinet does have the same glass shelves inside of it. If you've got a house in St. Louis made in the 1940s, 1950s, or 1960s, then most likely you have an original all pink, brown, blue, sea foam green, or yellow bathroom! The "Mamie pink" phenomenon did not escape the old school buildings either. All throughout middle school and high school I saw the exact same pink tiles in the restroom. The sink in middle school wasn't a regular sink though, it was more like a huge round group fountain with foot peddles to pump the water out.

Any ways, now that I've went down memory lane...
Here's a green bathroom cleaner:

Lemon Juice and Vinegar: Got stains, mildew or streaks? Douse porcelain and tiles with lemon juice and vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. As always, you can use kosher salt with added elbow grease on toughies!

For Natural Disinfectant

Good Morning Beautiful!

Dodge.

'39.

Manly Monday

Check out this awesome post from Momof8! Where have all the men gone? I suppose these are the very things that made me start "Manly Monday" on my blog. I'm not saying none of these acts of manliness happen in my life ever. It is just great to know that such manly man do still exist. Nothing wrong with a woman having real expectations for the men in (and outside of) her life.

Graceful Sundays

Manners on how not to offend servers while dining out:

1. Simply explain the problem with the food and ask for a solution.
2. Don't assume you're not at fault. If the mistake was your fault (not reading the menu or misreading the menu), apologize and ask for a new dish.
3. If it's the cooking staff fault, maintain your composure. It helps to say to the server something like, "I know this isn't your fault, but this is undercooked."

Etiquette on tipping the server, if you're a satisfied customer:

1. 15 to 20% is customary.
2. If he/she does an exceptional job, pay more.
3. If you come in with a large group make sure to ask if gratuity is added into your check so you don’t unintentionally double tip them.
4. To the guys, this goes a long way on a date. Women love to see real gentlemen.

Retro Tattoo Cakes and Cupcakes

Remember when tattoos just meant you were a sailor or jailbird? Now days so many people have tattoos. They want their celebrations to reflect more of themselves, even down to the details of the cake. I'm probably the only person on the planet that doesn't have any! That's okay though. I'd rather just put the design on a shirt or cake (LOL) instead of permanently on my skin. I wouldn't want something I would later regret. Or what if I did get a tattoo I really liked and just couldn't stop getting more? See, no thanks for me!

Nicola is pretty much the cake maker extraordinaire though! She specializes in tattoo cakes and cupcakes. If you're in the UK, then you are in luck! Fairycakes and Faces are based in the UK, just outside of London. Too bad her cakes can't ship to the US. The good news is that she has custom cake toppers that can be shipped worldwide! They start at £25 per figure and are clay based and non-toxic which are light and suitable for cakes. More Retro Tattoo Cakes and Funky Cupcakes at Poptastic Bride!

Spring Cleaning: Kitchen

Photo: Steven Randazzo

I don't know about you, but I've definitely done my share of Spring cleaning over the past two weeks! Now I'm sharing some green DIY kitchen cleaners with you!

1. Baking Soda and Water: Reclaim counters by sprinkling with baking soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge. If you have stains, knead the baking soda and water into a paste and let set for a while before you remove. This method also works great for stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, containers, refrigerators, oven tops and more.
2. Kosher Salt and Water: If you need a tougher abrasive sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
3. Natural Disinfectant: To knock out germs without strong products, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Spray or rub on countertops and other kitchen surfaces.

Arts & Crafts: Words On A String

photo: King Au

Here's a fun and simple St. Patrick's Day craft that can prevent you from getting pinched!

What you'll need:

• metal edged vellum gift tag (available at craft stores)
• green paint
• thin wire
• letter beads
• safety pin

Directions:

1. Paint the vellum gift tag green.
2. Punch a small hole on both ends of the tag.
3. String the letter beads onto the thin wire. Spelling out "Irish Today".
4. Carefully thread the stringed beads through the holes in the tag.
5. Attach the wire ends to a safety pin on the back of the tag, creating a brooch.

Easy, right?

Easy Listening

I've had Duets II for a while now. It was released in 2011. The whole CD is great. Easy listening and big band is to be expected with crooner Tony Bennett. Easy breezy Sunday music for a Thursday. Once I think I have a favorite picked, then the next track is even better than the last! You know, not everyone wants to hear and see the craziness that is so called, "music" or "art" out in the media all of the time. If I've just described your sentiments in that last sentence, then this is the CD for you. I wonder if it's available on vinyl?

"When Do The Bells Ring For Me" (Lyrics)

Tony Bennett (feat. Mariah Carey)

I wonder when do the bells ring for me?
When someone tugs a heartstring for me?
When does it come my time?
When does the poem rhyme?
When do the songs they sing, sing for me?


To those who say, “Hey wake up and feel love”
I say, “I’m ready, show me the way”
Show me those arms that say, "Welcome to real life"
And we’ll stay, we’ll stay


How many parties more can I run to?
How many little loves can there be
Before it’s all a bore?
Forget it, I want more
I want someone who wants more of me


Like making promises good in the daylight
The thing is, here am I – where is she?
When is it my chance?
When is it my dance?
When do the bells ring for me?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Can you believe Mariah Carey belted out those tunes while still carrying twins?!?

Weird Movie Wednesday

Lars and the Real Girl is listed as an comedy for some reason, but it was very sad to me. Maybe the humor was lost on me. The first time I saw this movie in 2007 I was left thinking, "How bizarre???" Upon further review I now think, "Now that's what I call real acting!" Brilliant acting from Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, and Paul Schneider. Such an unbelievable story actually felt awkwardly real.

Manly Monday

When a guy does random acts of kindness, just because (wink wink).

Source: cookingwiths.blogspot.com via Kristi on Pinterest

Graceful Sundays

To appear graceful while walking in heels, you will want to keep your feet pointed as straight ahead as possible, and each step should be placed in front of you like you are continually stepping on a single line painted on the floor ahead of you. Remember: walk with confidence. When turning while walking in high heels, you will find that it is easy to pivot your foot on the point of your heel. You don't want to trip on a carpet or over smooth sleek surfaces while turning around! This will all become second nature to you after a while.

Monkees See, Monkees Do

1960's heartthrob Davy Jones.
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Image

For those Monkees fans out there:

I used to watch the Brady Bunch re-runs. I was watching them at like nine years old on Nickelodeon. LOL and I also used to be infatuated with NSYNC as a teen, so I totally understand the boy band craze! 



I think a modern day version of The Monkees would be The Jonas Brothers. 

By the way, the Jonas Brothers
 are always so well-dressed.



Today's Events

Hailstorms.

This hailstorm occurred at 6:10AM. These are pictures from around 6:40AM. It ranged from dime size to a little bit bigger than a quarter. Some areas had ping-pong ball size hail. Hailstorms actually happen a good percentage of the time here whenever the Ill-side has tornadoes. So this would mean that the people in the previously damaged locations have a chance of getting hit again today. Another hail storm just happened at 8:50AM here in St. Louis.

Little Device, Big Payoff

http://www.weatherradiostore.com/

A weather radio comes in handy for night storms. It is loud enough to wake you up in the middle of the night or early in the morning. You can program your location into the radio and get tornado alerts. People will have a chance to get their family to safety without being taken by surprise. The Midland WR300 Public Alert Weather Radio with SAME and AM/FM usually costs around $45, but are available for around $35 at the local Schnucks stores. The discount goes towards The Salvation Army, who were one of the first organizations on the scene in Branson, MO and Harrisburg, IL. The Salvation Army gives the money directly towards the tornado victims.

Weather Radio Features:

• Allows you to disable the siren and voice alert modes and hear only those emergency broadcasts you have selected.
• Monitors all seven NOAA emergency alert weather channels.
• Adjustable siren volume and flashing LED alert.
• Attractive and affordable weather radio perfect for use at either the home or office.
• Built-in clock and alarm with snooze function.
• LED displays 48 different watches or warnings.
• Instruction manual included.
• Receives NOAA warnings of severe weather and environmental dangers.
• Receives public alert warnings for civil emergencies, terrorist attacks, problems at nuclear plants, industrial fires, chemical spills, biological hazards and Amber alerts.
• SAME technology filters out non-local emergency alerts.
• Monitors National Weather Radio broadcasts of local forecasts and regional conditions.
• Telescoping antenna reception range is from 25 to 50 miles depending on conditions.
• User-selectable 90-decibel siren, flashing visual alert or voice message.
• Backlight allows easy viewing in low- light conditions.
• Backlight can be set to light for 5 seconds or set to always on.
• External jack accepts various accessories.
• Audio output jack works for headphones or external audio amplifier.
• Powered by AC adapter (included).
• Portable use requires 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included).
• Battery system works for approximately 30 hours if normal power fails.

Ways to help the current tornado victims:

American Red Cross

Anyone wishing to donate to relief efforts can call the American Red Cross at 618-529-1525, or donate online at www.redcrossstl.org, or text RedCross to 90999 for an immediate $10 donation.

For in-kind donations, please connect with their partner organization the United Way of Southern Illinois http://www.uwsihelps.org/. The Red Cross does not have the resources to accept and distribute in-kind donations.

Salvation Army
Immediate help can be given by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by going to www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a donation by credit card. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, PO Box 21787, St. Louis, MO 63109. Please designate the gift "Storm Relief." Cell phone users may also text the word ARCH to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

At this time, in-kind donations are not being accepted as financial donations are better to allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of survivors.

Harrisburg volunteer hotline
Harrisburg Police Chief Bob Smith has established a volunteer hotline. Anyone wishing to volunteer with relief efforts should call 618-252-3732. They will be added to a list and called as needed once they are able to assess how volunteers can best be of assistance.

Branson volunteers
Anyone interested in volunteering or providing recovery assistance in the Branson area should visit www.volunteerbranson.org.

Weird Movie Wednesday

It's Kind of a Funny Story has an Girl, Interrupted vibe. So yeah, you know weirdness and dry humor are to be expected! Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Keir Gilchrist, and Emma Roberts. Viola Davis, Jeremy Davies, Jim Gaffigan, Lauren Graham, Zoe Kravitz are also part of the cast. Lauren Graham and Zoe Kravitz are also in Birds of America.

Misidentified: The Jungle Girl

Hollywood Jungle Girl - the Actress Acquanetta - Jet Magazine Feb 14, 1952

Born Burnu Acquanetta in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to an Arapaho mother and a French-English-Cherokee father, she was given up for adoption and raised as Mildred Davenport by adoptive parents in Norristown, Pa. Accounts of her "real" story vary widely because early agents thought it best to conceal her Black heritage. Which really wasn't too unheard of back then because there was favoritism towards light skinned women within the race. And as for outside of the Black race, the lighter you were back then, the better you could pass for White. Therefore, you have two conflicting stories one being she was born on a reservation... The other story is she was born to light skinned working class Black parents.

After graduating high school, her exotic good looks brought her to New York to become a model. As her career took off, she took back part of her original name and, with the aid of helpful New York columnists, fabricated a South-of-the-Border background. In 1942 she landed a contract at Universal Pictures, where she played a succession of jungle girls and exotic beauties.

She is perhaps best remembered for her role in "Tarzan and the Leopard Woman" (1946). Other films included "Arabian Nights" (1942), "Captive Wild Woman" (1943) and "The Sword of Monte Cristo" (1951).

In the late 1950s, she married Los Angeles businessman Jack Ross and the two moved to the Phoenix area, where he became a successful automobile dealer. She starred in radio and TV commercials for her husband's Lincoln-Mercury dealership and became a socialite and philanthropist.

The couple donated money to help build a hospital in Mesa, Ariz., founded a theater in Scottsdale, Ariz., raised money for the Phoenix Symphony and served as a member of the Arizona Press Club. They also founded Combined Charities Inc., a foundation that allowed smaller charities to use the interest from its consolidated donations. Ross later ran unsuccessfully for governor.

In 1974 she published a book of poetry called "The Audible Silence." The couple eventually divorced in the 1980s, and among the property she gained in the settlement was the Mesa Grande ruins that scientists suspected was an ancient Hohokam temple. She eventually sold the site to city of Mesa, after obtaining promises that it planned to preserve the site as a museum.

This Black and Indian actress died in 2004 at 83 after having lived an apparently very full life with four children and seven grandchildren.

Pictures via google.
 Some enlightenment
 from Barry L. Atkins
via vieilles_annonces.

Striking Ladies

I'm loving Adepero Oduye (on left)

and Paula Patton (at right) in the Hollywood issue of Vanity Fair!

I particularly love Adepero Oduye's vintage-inspired hair and Paula Patton's vintage-inspired dress! Even though there are only two women of color representing, it is still good to see the diversity in skin complexion there. To you it may seem trivial, but that doesn't take away the importance of the matter for others. Especially to certain girls who may have a skin complexion complex. I've certainly witnessed shadeism towards the dark chocolate skin girl who gets teased by the light caramel skin girl or vice versa. Shadeism even includes getting dissed by the guys within your own race. Which in my personal case a long time ago went like, "You're pretty, but I don't date the brown ladies". Ending with me saying something along the lines of, "Your loss jerk-off and thanks for not further wasting my time."

I enjoy seeing our many shades! How we came about to getting our many shades is a completely different subject. WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL. Do you realize how many people want to be us in the world girlies?!??

We have to consciously study how to be tender with each other until it becomes a habit because what was native has been stolen from us, the love of Black women for each other -Audre Lorde

Follow Up

Just in regards to this post, of course one of my first thoughts would be to go to the pediatrician! Yes, I do have common sense LOL. I just get worrisome and irate when it comes to issues with my daughter. Especially when she is very accident prone. That chil' is going to be the death of me! However, my child's pediatricians and I are not on the same page so I was already in the process of finding different doctors (who aren't mindless a*s) not associated with the last ones. Which just led me back around into a circle for the time being. I do feel much better just by having an appointment set. Even if it is on a waiting list set for weeks from now...

Manly Monday

Source: planetill.com via Retro on Pinterest

Common, originally Common Sense, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972). I love that he is a true lyricist. How can you not be with Dr. Maya Angelou as your mentor? It doesn't hurt that he is handsome, well dressed, down to earth, midwest native, and has some great female-friendly songs for the female fan base. He is the renaissance man transforming from underground, social conscious hip hop flows to on the big screen actor.

Discography:

• Can I Borrow A Dollar? (1992)
• Resurrection (1994)
• One Day It'll All Make Sense (1997)
• Like Water for Chocolate (2000) third studio album as Common, not Common Sense.
• Electric Circus (2002)
• Be (2006)
• Finding Forever (2007)
• Universal Mind Control (2008)
• The Dreamer/The Believer (2011)

Graceful Sundays

Dining etiquette brings us right to: sitting in a social setting.

Continue Giving

So guess what movie I got to see on ENCORE on one of my sick days at 4:30AM (being restless).. give in?

The answer is:

After the fact that I posted this. This movie made me want to be a storm chaser when I was younger. But there is nothing glamorous about people getting injured, losing their life, or their home. Many people in Joplin, Missouri could still use our help.

Here are some charities:

American Red Cross

Habitat For Humanity International

To find out what exactly is still needed and ways we can all help, there is a Facebook page.

Continue giving after the media goes away.

Words I Needed

Philippians 4:6-7

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
 
And
 
Isaiah 41:10
 
These are the meaningful words I came across yesterday at The Pless Play! Nothing is a coincidence for me.

Parental/Hypochondriac Stress

So starting from mid-week I've been bugging out. I've noticed this black dot in the corner of my daughter eye, on the pink flesh part closer to the nose. At first I was just thinking it was a piece of sleep, but I knew I didn't want to pick at it with a wet rag. It would have been difficult to get to anyway because she has baby skin folds around her big round eyes. The next day I didn't notice it because after all it is deep in the corner of her eye, but later on that same day my mother noticed it and had mentioned it to me. I'm sure at that moment I had some sort of strange look on face, because I knew from that point on the situation was going to bother me. But I still thought it was just sleep. The next morning I checked my daughter eye and tried to use a wet clothe to get the sleep out around her eye and to my horror it is still there!

I guess as a way for me not to over react (as I have a tendency to do) I tried to look up (google) some info with the same eye issues. Here's something that came up:

From: Corner Of Eye...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello...a year or two ago, I noticed a small dark brown or black dot in the center of the skin in the corner of my eye. I'm not sure how long it has been there and I just havent noticed, but since then, i forgot about it for a while and a few months ago i looked at it again and it appears as though it may have gotten darker, or maybe I'm just imagining it becuase I hadnt looked at it for a while. It looks similar to a small, dark freckle or tiny mole. Does anybody know what it is???????? THANK YOU.

Re: Corner Of Eye...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a name for it, but I've forgotten what it is. I've had one for 45 years; showed up at age 6 after my tonsillectomy, of all things. I was rubbing my eyes like mad while waiting for my parents to pick me up the next day after surgery and someone looked at my eyes and said there was this "spot" in the corner of my left eye. One doctor said it was just a vein right beneath the skin and could be removed at any time either for purely cosmetic reasons OR if it got bigger and began to block the tear duct(s) at that inside corner.

Here I am, age 54 now, with the same "brown/black spot" in the same place, pretty much unchanged. It has never itched nor hurt. In all my years perhaps two people have actually said anything about it and I doubt many more have even noticed. It has never grown out of proportion to the rest of my features nor has it blocked the tear duct.

My opthalmologist recently said he'd be happy to remove it (yeah, sure he would!) but there is no need. It's entirely up to you unless you actually have a problem from the spot or just decide you don't want it there.

**[Insert Parental Sigh of Relief HERE]**
...

**[Now 3 Seconds Later Re-Insert Stress HERE]**

I know you can't believe everything on the internet. So now I have to search for the right opthalmologist, not just any ol' doctor. I do wonder if it did happen from her being a cry baby and rubbing her eyes often and too hard. I need to know what this dot thingy is called and if there's any special care for it. Plus, it seems like after the fact that I rubbed it with the wet clothe, or after my mother commented on it, it has gotten slightly bigger.

On top of that, since Wednesday both me and my daughter have been sick with sore throats and runny noses. Today it has turned mucousy with pressure in my head. Everytime I blow my nose or yawn my ears pop. Since the ears, throat, nose are all connected I just pray it doesn't turn into an ear infection for her.

Weird Movie Wednesday

To make up for missing this week WMW, here it is:

This is one of my absolute favorite movies. Birds of America has an A+ cast starring: Matthew Perry, Ben Foster, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Lauren Graham. The point of the storyline actually isn't so weird to me. It just has quirky characters. That is how I feel about some of the movies in my WMW category. They are only "weird" by other peoples standards. Who really has a "normal" life? What is "normal" to you anyway? Saw this back in 2009. As you can see 2008 and 2009 was really the pinnacle of when this indie escapade got deep. Eventhough, I've always been an alternative individual and by that I mean the open-minded nerdy black girl. I must've have really been going through some dramatic changes is the only conclusion I can come to. Any ways the indie thing has been a part of me ever since then so I know this isn't just a phase of some indie-affair trend.

Just as a reminder if you don't know what's going on with WMW: WMW's are just a showcase of movies I've crossed paths with and took an open-minded chance on. These posts aren't supposed to have a full description of the movie. I didn't read the back of the cases when checking out the movies. So in the same way, maybe you'll want to check out these movies without prejudgment and knowledge of the whole movie plot too.

Manly Monday

This story has stayed with me:

While an F5 tornado hit Joplin, MO, a man by the name of Don Lansaw, was busy laying down his life for his wife. He literally covered his wife's body with his own. He was hit in the back by flying debris and died while saving her. What a real man has... SELFLESSNESS.

To me this speaks exactly to the heart of Ephesians 5:25-33, and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Whitney Houston

I'm so glad the home going service for Whitney Houston yesterday truly was just about her. Thank you so much to her mother, Cissy, who still selflessly shared Whitney Houston with the fans. It is good closure for fans like me that were still in a state of shock. When I heard the news that Whitney Houston had passed away on that very Saturday I didn't really believe it. Then I started to see it on trustworthy news websites. Today was her burial. Until this point, I couldn't bring myself to do a post about her on the blog. Quite honestly, this is the first passing of an Icon that feels like losing a family member for me. On quite a few occasions her music has hit home through my rough patches. I'm so glad she is a firm believer in the Lord and that always came across no matter what crazy things people want to be a hypocrite about. My prayers are with her mother and daughter. Bobbi-Kristina is just a year older than my sister (we're seven years apart). Imagine losing your mom at that age.. and to us a superstar, but Whitney Houston was also human. Matthew 24:42

Everyone falls in love sometime

Sometimes it's wrong

And sometimes it's right

For every win

Someone must fail

But there comes a point when

When we exhale (yeah, yeah, say)

[Chorus:]

Shoop, Shoop, Shoop

Shoo Be Doop Shoop Shoop (yeah)

Shoo Be Doop Shoop Shoop

(All you got to say is shoo be doop)

Shoo Be Doop Shoop Shoop

Shoo Be Doop Shoop Shoop (Shoo be doop)

Shoo Be Doop Shoop Shoop

Shoo Be Doop Shoop Shoop

Shoo Be Doo

Sometimes you'll laugh

Sometimes you'll cry

Life never tells us

The when's or why's

When you've got friends to wish you well

You'll find a point when

You will exhale (yeah, yeah, say)

[Chorus]

Hearts are often broken

When there are words unspoken

In your soul there's

Answers to your prayers

If you're searching for

A place you know

A familiar face

Somewhere to go

You should look inside yourself

You're halfway there

[Repeat Verse 2]

[Chorus]

Graceful Sundays

Tupperware Showers

Confession time: I enjoy reusable containers! I even like buying the deli meat that comes in the containers from time to time. They are just so handy and durable.


Selling Tupperware was another way for women to
 make money after World War II.


I would so have a 50s theme for a fun, joyous occasion, like a bridal shower!

Some things I would do whenever that time comes:

1. Everyone would have to bring Tupperware, to go along with the theme.
2. Recipe cards as part of party favors.
3. Play bridal shower games, of course!

It would be so fun! Yes.. I know, I'm a nerd, but I embrace it. So take that you naysayers! Ever since I saw these next ideas in the following pictures, I've been harping on it!

Table settings

Handmade paper pom-poms dangle above tables.

Paper flowers in vases were used.
Guests drank homemade sweet tea and lemonade.

Napkins with 1950s housewives and funny captions
 are an easy way to further drive home the theme.

Champagne in retro style ice bucket

Cupcake tower with variety in flavor

A Pimp My Cupcake station label.

Guests had fun making their own cupcake creations.

Take home gifts for guests

Pop quiz, “Who Knows the Bride Best?” for guests
to take. The quizzes are on white paper
with a retro-style teal and red border.
the winner gets a prize!

Guests also went home with
heart-shaped measuring spoons as favors,
in keeping with the housewife theme.
I've also seen these on Etsy!

Now see, doesn't this look fun?! Gotta love theKnot.com! Though it just happens to be the two colors I really like throwing together, I would try to incorporate more original ideas so that my own function can be uniquely mine. 

Weird Movie Wednesday

Today's WMW pick is:

2 Days in Paris is written, produced, directed by, and starring Julie Delpy (as Marion). Also starring: Adam Goldberg (as Jack), Daniel Brühl, Marie Pillet, and Albert Delpy. I saw this movie on DVD from the library in 2008 or 2009.