Author: Staci

Staci blogs about travel at TheVoyageer.com.

Under the Sink

I like to think that I run a tight ship as far as cleaning products are concerned. I’ve found that a few products are enough to handle most jobs. Case in point: underneath my kitchen sink:

Under the Sink

Pictured:

  • Method hand soap refill packet,
  • paper towels (we swear by Bounty),
  • Arm & Hammer pet stain and odor remover,
  • Glad trash bags,
  • bleach pen,
  • germ-x,
  • IKEA mineral oil for cutting boards,
  • Febreeze (hiding behind the divider),
  • dog food,
  • Oxy-Clean, Windex,
  • Method grapefruit all-purpose cleaner,
  • dishwasher tablets (Finish brand),
  • Swiffer furniture polish spray
  • (Laundry detergent and dryer sheets are kept in the bedroom closet next to the hamper)

I know that for the majority of my life, that is, taking into account my parents’ house and my prior two living spaces, “under the sink” was something I avoided thinking about at all costs. Terrifying visions of avalanches, suspicious chemicals, and the possibility of bugs (which I always associate with dark enclosed spaces) made me avoid thinking about it–and subsequently avoid cleaning and organizing said space.

News flash: the only way to improve the quality of a space is to clean it! Get rid of all the products you hate or never use. When we moved last fall, I didn’t relish the idea of transporting cleaners and chemicals across the country. I had the notion that heat and elevation changes would result in a moving truck full of exploded cleaning agents. This probably wouldn’t have happened. We used up all we could and gave the rest of our cleaners to the new residents anyway.

When restocking the cleaning supplies, we relied on past experience and only got what we knew worked. I’ve been happy with all these products (with the exception of the pet stain remover, which is fine but not my favorite) and haven’t had to spend needless amounts of money on “the next amazing cleaning product.” I think it helps that I surf the internet with AdBlock engaged and we don’t watch TV (just Netflix and Hulu) so our exposure to commercials is pretty limited.

If I were to add two items to my arsenal, it would be white vinegar and a Mr. Clean magic eraser. They’re going on the grocery list right now.

Got any favorite products I need to know about? And hey, thanks for weighing in on my last two moving-related posts. Lots of great food for thought there. 

More Thoughts on Moving (Gripe List Edition)

As I mentioned the other day, as September approaches I’m getting antsy about the prospect of possibly moving to a new place. Spending an extended amount of time at a few of our friends’ really nice places this weekend has only compounded my desire to pack up for greener pastures! Taking into account the rager that kept me up until 4:00 Sunday morning, let’s just say that most of my thoughts this weekend have had to do with the possibility of a new place.

Time for the gripe list. If for no other reason, I’m doing this for me–so I can see it all written down in one spot. Maybe rereading it in a few weeks will tip the scales one way or another?

  • First and foremost, if nothing is done about the noisy parties, we are so out of here. It’s kinda a dealbreaker at this point. Repeated complaints from a lot of tenants have done nothing, but rumor has it “something” will be done today.
  • The paint. I don’t mind that everything is painted white, white, white. I have nothing against white paint–in fact I like the idea of a blank canvas. However, I don’t know what kind of paint they used but on frequently used or brushed-up-against places, it flakes off and leaves little white pieces all over the floor–especially the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This is so aggravating! It looks really shabby and we’ve only been here a little over eight months.
  • The neighborhood. Not only was Doug’s bike stolen, but his truck was vandalized and the object of an attempted break-in. It got to the point that selling it became an attractive option. I don’t know why it was targeted, and it still makes my blood boil since I know it was special to him. Thankfully my dad generously gifted us a 12 year old vehicle that does not draw attention to itself and has been unscathed so far (knock on wood).
  • Wonky layout. The long and lean apartment makes it so awkward to space plan. I’ve been challenging myself to be creative but I think I’m just the kind of person who likes walls, and doors, and real divisions between rooms. At least now I know I wouldn’t do well in an urban loft type of place!

Renters, what would you do? Is it worth the hassle? Getting a new place is tempting but the physical act of moving is the worst! Weigh in! 

If you didn’t read the whole gripe list, I am not offended! If you did, please know that despite my renter’s remorse about our current place, things overall are on the up and up and I’m not letting this drag down my mood or anything. Overall these are happy days! I’m happy to be living in America’s Finest City and enjoying life!

All-American Style

“All-American.” Now that’s a crazy phrase if you think about it. First came the Native Americans, then the Puritans, westward expansion, not to mention the Spanish influence down here in the SouthWest, and in more modern times the influx of immigrants from all over the world. It’s the wonderful and sometimes strife-ful diversity that makes our country the land of opportunity! That said… Who’s to say that the preppy look of chinos and cardigans is “All-American?” Yet, that’s the look I’m drawn to this time of year. I just want to wear crisp whites, and if I had a pair of Sperry Topsiders you know I’d be rocking them!

4th of July

 

Eat this: I’ve had a lot of hot dogs in my day, from the classic American (ketchup and mustard) to a Los Angeles street dog (wrapped in bacon and served with onions and bell peppers) but I think the Chicago-style dog is my favorite. The garlic-poppyseed dusted bun and whole pickle slice? Yes please!

Wear this: If there was ever a time to wear Tommy Hilfiger, I think that summertime, right around 4th of July, is the best time. Bonus points if you’re on a sailboat somewhere.

Just a few of these: The last two years in Kansas, we were able to purchase our own fireworks and set them off in the driveway, which was fun but somehow felt very redneck (having grown up in areas with really strict rules about such things).

I’m not one to be overly patriotic, but I can appreciate a toned-down Independence Day shindig every year when it rolls around.

This year, Doug and I will both be working! I shouldn’t be surprised because he worked on Christmas too (I won’t complain about holiday bonus pay), but I’m a little surprised that my store will be open on the 4th. I guess we’ll see how busy it is. We’re celebrating early– this afternoon we’re going to my parents’ house to enjoy some hot dogs, and perhaps a hamburger or two, under their brand new patio cover, which is also wired with lights and a ceiling fan. Fancy indeed!

You got plans for tomorrow?