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.