cat ranch
all bets are off
email me: amp.331@gmail.com
method plug
my beloved smarty dish method dishwashing detergent tablets were at the top of consumer reports best cleaners. this is not a very sexy post but environmentally friendly cleaning products have gotten a bad reputation that is not entirely undeserved (ahem, seventh generation your dish detergent sucks) but i am pleased with almost* every single method product i have ever used.
pink grapefruit dish soap, all purpose cleaner and dishwashing tablets all smell divine. minty bathroom and toilet cleaners, wood wipes and stainless steel wipes made from bamboo fibers. their phosphate-free super concentrated laundry detergent in a container the size of a shampoo bottle that does 50 loads. flavor=peony blossom. seriously, 4 pumps for a full load and it works. they have lots of other products and flavors including shower gels, baby bath products, laundry sheets and floor care systems.
*i will say that their glass/mirror cleaner is not the bomb-diggity. it streaks unless you really dry it vigorously.
and it’s all super affordable. starting at 2.99, the most expensive items are the laundry detergents at 11.99-14.99. and cruelty free without harsh chemicals.
so give it a shot, it’s lovely to be able to clean without your eyes burning. i can tell you now that you won’t find bleach or any other harsh cleaner in my house.
adding on
i’m still going to use this blog. mainly for house and personal stuff. but i’ve created another blog specifically for my photography.
betweenbird.tumblr.com
i’ve got some new spring stuff and will probably put up a lot of old stuff that’s been posted here.
why yes, i do still get an easter basket from my mommy. don’t you? no? then your mommy is mean.
finally got my square plates and can get rid of my gas station china. i really wanted the set target had, but to get service for 8 i would have had to buy 2 complete sets to the tune of $120.
now i am ashamed to say this, but i am also poor. i got these at walmart of all places. they are very nice and heavy. and walmart sells separates so i bought 4 large plates and 4 bowls. viola, service for 8. for $70.
spoiled rotten
my 2nd anniversary of my 29th birthday was the best birthday i’ve had in a long time. thank you so much to my friends and family who made it so special. you all mean the world to me and i love y’all so much!
ps i know this is self-centered (it IS a blog after all) but 34 fb notifications on your bday sure does make a girl feel special!
my bestest olivier bought me this corkscrew that you don’t have to turn! you push the lever down and pull it back up. he also bought me these candlesticks that i saw in the window of a shop that was closed. he remembered and went back and got them. that’s how you know someone is a true friend, when they do thoughtful things just for you.
he and ben took me to “clash titans clash” at dad’s garage in atlanta. it was the most amazing show i have seen in a long time. lots of talent there. and as i said on fb, i was impregnated by zeus, poked by perseus and caressed by the kraken. this is what happens when girls wear dresses.
then they treated me to fritti and we had authentic neopolitan pizza. it was delish along with goat’s cheese, arugula, pepper and olive salad and deep fried mushrooms. my pizza had gorgonzola, pineapple and balsamic. it was so good and i had a fabulous night.
my girl lindsey got me this really cool jonathan adler reusable bag, a hilarious and very true card. and she took me out to dinner at provino’s. and yes, i did wear my tiara.
my father bought me this beautiful peace lily. (fyi, the easiest houseplant to care for.) AND, he paid for two months of my power bill!
mom chipped in (majorly) and helped me buy a flat screen that fits on my entertainment center. no more tv on the floor! she also bought me these really cool santuko knives from the pampered chef in my avocado green that i love so much.
my beautiful guess watch from my lovely aunt jeri. (she also bought me pink diamonds, at least that is what we are calling them.)
first spring project…
was raised beds! we sell kits at work so i had the guys build some and they look great. these are 4’x6’ and are made out of pressure treated lumber. i was wary of using pt wood but the studies i’ve read are that the chemicals leeching into the soil is so minimal that it’s not an issue. i’m still thinking of going back in and lining with plastic or flashing.
i’m super excited, i’ve wanted raised beds for so long. they will be much better on my back. not to mention that most of my soil is crap. you can “control” the soil in raised beds. (drainage, fertilizer, weeds, moisture) i’m also planning on putting a rain barrel or some device to use the water from that corner gutter to water the beds.
i planted garlic, red onions, red sails and romaine lettuce and broccoli. now to keep the deer away…
major thanks to my dad and my awesome neighbor joseph. he and his wife laura are the BEST neighbors. plus he has a sweet tractor with a front bucket. it comes in handy.
