Lemon vs. Awesome

"Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it." –Mahatma Gandhi

Over the weekend, I had the undeniable pleasure of trying out my first natural cleaning regimen: toilet bowl cleaner.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner #1:

Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of your favorite scent (I used lemon juice). Throw this concoction into your toilet and scrub away!

The smell of lemon juice was MUCH better than the smell of bleach and ammonia. I recommend trying this one. My toilet was sparkling afterward.

Just for kicks, I tried another recipe on the second toilet in my house to see which I liked better.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner #2:

Pour 1 cup of vinegar (white, distilled) into the toilet. Then throw in a handful of baking soda. Let sit for about 10 minutes and then scrub-a-dub-dub.

Guys. This. Was. Awesome. When I threw in the baking soda, it foamed and fizzed. It was like doing a science project in my toilet. I thought it was going to overflow for a half-second and then it simmered down. So definitely use that ratio or face the consequences.

There were pros and cons to both recipes, but I think I liked the first one better... probably because of the lemon zesty smell. Naturally, lemon smells much better than vinegar. But maybe I will alternate between the two, because I think the second recipe probably cleaned the toilet better (and it was just really, really cool).

I know there are some cynics out there. These are the people that want their toilet to be the cleanest and most germ-free place ever, so they use the strongest, deadliest cleaning products that man can legally sell. But I, honestly, think this cleaned just as well. And it was inexpensive. And it was cool. So there.

The Goods

“Buddy, I think you been spending too much time inhaling them cleaning products.” –The Terminal

Armed with a list and a jubilant spirit, I walked through the aisles of Target on a mission. I knew to head toward the cleaning supply area. But once I got there, it took me a while to spot what I was searching for. Word to the wise, the ingredients I was looking for will either be on the bottom shelf or the top shelf. Next time, I will be bringing a tall friend or step ladder. There are only so many times that I can strategically scale the side of a shelf without it collapsing to the ground. The odds are not in my favor. Have you seen how unstable those things are? I mean, really... do they think all eco-friendly people are tall? But I digress.

My shopping list:

Borax

Baking soda

Washing soda

Vinegar (white, distilled)

A spray bottle

Sponges (because my old ones are contaminated by toxic chemicals J)

Lemon Juice

Liquid soap/detergent (I sprung for the natural variety)

Olive oil

Most of these things are not foreign to me... but are products that I would not typically use for cleaning purposes. But it is kind of comforting to know that I will be cleaning mostly with products that I use to cook. Thus, surely if it’s safe to ingest them, it’s safe to breathe while in their company.

I’m proud to say that I made it home safely with all of the above products in tow... and I only had to shop at one store. So far, not so complicated. And even better, I got the large sizes of everything and spent under $30! I think I just got a little bit more excited about this, if that’s even possible!

Cleeeean

“You don’t get anything clean without getting something else dirty.” --Cecil Baxter

It’s important that you know that I’m one of those weird people who enjoys cleaning. I get a strange satisfaction out of making something sparkle and shine.

Doing dishes relaxes me. Organizing my closet is what I do for fun on the weekends. Dust is my enemy. If I take notes at work/school and they are messy, I rewrite them. And I never lose things, because everything has a place. Hi, my name is Stephanie and I’m a neat freak. I admit it.

But if I’m going to have a problem, I think this is a good one to have.

So my next endeavor is crazy exciting to me. This month, I will be making my own cleaning supplies! Get hyped.

It all started when I was cleaning my bathroom and had to leave the room for a few minutes because the fumes were making me light-headed. I understand that the chemicals need to be strong in order to kill germs, etc. …but does that mean it’s killing my brain cells in the process? Is it safe for me to be frequently in a confined space (i.e. my bathroom) with such harsh products? I was skeptical, so I put on my nerd gear and did a little research.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a study that found “indoor air to be twice as polluted as outdoor air.” Say what?! I thought my indoor air was supposed to be pure and clean and uncontaminated. Turns out, I was dead wrong. The harsh chemicals that we use indoors (not only in cleaning products, but also in perfumes, air fresheners, paint, etc.), there is nowhere for all of it to go. So we end up with these toxic cocktails and they are trapped inside. Yikes.

To me, it’s bonkers to think that all of the time and effort I put into making things safe and clean is actually making things polluted. So this month will be about trying to find a way to keep my environment clean without killing my brain cells. I sincerely hope this is not too much to ask.

Plaza Mayor

It seemed that every place we visited in Spain had a large square called Plaza Mayor. I’m thinking that this is their version of a Main Street. This is the one in Madrid. It looked oddly familiar to me and then I learned that it has been in several movies. So maybe that’s why.

This is the one in Salamanca, where we were lucky enough to stumble upon several bachelorette parties and a “flash mob.” I use the term “flash mob” loosely, because they announced that they were going to perform a “flash mob” before any dancing had occurred. So it was more just like dancing in a public place, but sure. We’ll let them think what they like.

Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is often called the “living room of the city,” which I thought was a good way to put it. It’s a great place to hang out and people watch in the heart of the city.

If I could be an edifice, I would be a cathedral.

Salamanca is a fantastic, small university town about 2 hours west of Madrid. We spent about two days exploring Salamanca, which is often called the “golden city” of Spain. Oddly enough, the city did have a certain glow about it. However, the main thing that drew us to this town was the majestic cathedral for which it is famous.

 I straight-up love cathedrals. They are awe-inspiring, architectural wonders. We don’t have anything like them in the United States. In my opinion, skyscrapers look like mere child’s play in comparison.

Cathedrals always give me a sense of calm and peace unlike anything else. So naturally, this is where we spent the majority of our time in Salamanca.

I also taught Molly the term “flying buttress,” which can be seen below. A buttress is essentially a perpendicular wall that supports the main wall. But a flying buttress is one that is only connected at the top. Someone please tell me how people in the 17^th century figured out how to construct that. Freakin’ prodigies.

Magnificent, no?

Chocolate (Spanish style)

We went on a day trip to the charming town of Vila Joiosa, home of the Valor Chocolate Museum/Factory. Valor is the Hershey’s of Spain. So it’s kind of a big deal.

Fun Fact: Spaniards love dark chocolate. I have never seen so many different varieties of dark chocolate. And it was shut-the-front-door awesome. I’m starting to think that this is one of the many reasons why Europeans are typically thinner than Americans. You can eat one small piece of dark chocolate and be content, while it takes a lot more milk chocolate to satisfy your chocolate craving. But I totally just made that up from my own assumptions.

My friend and I were definitely the only people on the tour, so we had our fair share of free samples. Yum!

During my Spanish adventure, I also developed a love for churos. For those of you that don’t know, churos are a delightful food, akin to funnel cake dipped in delicious hot fudge sauce. In Spain, they eat this for breakfast and/or a snack. We tried it both times of day. I preferred it as a snack but adored the freshly squeezed orange juice that accompanied it at breakfast. So really, it was a bi-winning situation.

Benidorm!

After visiting the wonderful city of Madrid, we made our way to Benidorm, which is on the coast of Spain. Due to the unique skyline formed by its many tall hotels and apartment buildings it is sometimes called the “Manhattan of Spain.”

 I’m not sure I completely agree with that comparison. I would probably call it the “Myrtle Beach of Spain.” It was definitely a hopping place, with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs. Some parts were not the most classy, but other parts were quite lovely. Like this:

There was a large British population (mostly of retirement age). But it also appeared to be a popular destination for bachelor/bachelorette parties. So there was an interesting age dynamic. All around, I really enjoyed Benidorm... even its trashy tendencies.

Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there’ll be SUN

I bet you didn’t know that Madrid, Spain enjoys more cloudless days than almost any other city in Europe. During my time there, I definitely got to experience that wonderment. It was beautiful for 95% of my 12 days in Spain. I give you Exhibit A:

It does get hot midday (hence the wonderful invention of the siesta—I definitely took part in that as well. There’s nothing like having your largest meal at lunch with a glass of wine/sangria/beer and then taking a nap and staying out of the heat. Then you are refreshed and ready to go for the rest of the day.

Why don’t we have this in the U.S.? All those in favor of instating it, say I! I’ve been saying for months that there should be a nap room and sangria at my office. Why does no one listen…

SPAIN

Everyone should know by now that I love learning new things. Recently, I went on an adventure to Spain to visit a fabulous friend. And I learned tons. I will now take this opportunity to impart some of my Spanish wisdom through a series that I will call “FUN FACTS ABOUT SPAIN!”

I started out my trip in Madrid, the capital city of Spain. Upon first glance, it appears to be your average large city: hectic streets, busy-looking people, and constant noise. Like so:

But Madrid has a very rich history… leading me to my first FUN FACT ABOUT SPAIN!

The official symbol of Madrid is a bear on its hind legs, munching on berries from a tree. This is a metaphor for Madrid’s rapid growth and represents the possession and importance of wood, which is essential to build a strong country.

You can definitely feel the vibrancy of this city… I don’t really know where the berries fit in though. Maybe that represents the awesome Sangria that they drink. Is that a stretch? I think not.

Adios

Later today, I’m leaving to go on an adventure in Spain. My bff is currently living there, so it’s obviously necessary that I go and visit her. I will be gone for 12 days!!!!!! I’m sure I will have lots of magical tales to tell upon my return.

But this is the end of the Little things, Big Differences experi-month. It’s been real, y'all. I've really enjoyed this one.

So I guess this coming month will be about broadening my horizons through international travel. It just worked out that way. But experiencing other cultures is a fabulous thing to do and is quite crucial to my happiness. Let journey begin!!

Hey you!

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” --Frederick Keonig

What did I do today? I called someone just to say hi.

Sometimes my life gets so busy that the only time I call other people is to ask them for something or to plan to get together. The second reason is not so bad... but I can do better than that.

Today I called several people that I’m close to... just to say hi and tell them that I appreciate their friendship. All of them were really surprised and probably a little weirded out. But they all said that it made their day.

We so often forget to appreciate the people that are most important in our lives. BUT we also forget how much we are appreciated. So tell those that you love that you love them... don’t just assume it goes without saying. It will probably be awkward if you never tell your friends that. As my friend Molly says, “Move some furniture so there is room for the awkwardness.” You’ve got to start somewhere.

If a snail can do it...

“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” --Mother Teresa

What did I do today? Sent some mail.

I don’t know about you, but getting a tangible note is always really exciting. There’s something about the extra little effort that someone went through to communicate with you. It’s also especially appealing to get a personal note amongst the other mail, consisting of advertisements and credit card applications (does everyone else get like 500 of those a day? Or am I just lucky like that?).

So if I like getting mail, I thought other people might like it too.

Today I sent a co-worker a card to his home address. He recently had surgery and I wanted him to know that I had been thinking/praying about him. I think my parents’ generation is really good about sending cards of support and congratulations, but I frequently forget. I usually just tell someone the next time I see them... but I’m trying to be better about actually sending them a card. I’m trying to take a few minutes out of my day and let someone else know that I thought of them.

I’ve also discovered that I really like hand making my own cards. This has become an added bonus. I get to be creative and crafty, while at the same time making someone else smile?!?! I love it when two positive worlds merge into a giant blob of awesomeness. It’s superb!

What's your problem?

“Live simply that others might simply live.” --Elizabeth Ann Seton

What did I do today? Listened to someone.

It sounds lame, I know. But it makes a really big impact and puts my own life into perspective.

Have you ever really wanted to vent, but had no one to vent to? Have you ever just wanted someone to talk to? It's a simple thing to want, but makes the biggest difference. I always feel so much better when I talk about something that is bothering me with someone who really cares. It's always great to know that you matter to someone and that you are not the first person in the world to have that problem. Others have walked your path and stood where you stand.

So really listen to someone today. Or find someone who will listen to you. We all need each other more than we like to think. But isn't that kind of strangely awesome? Yes. Yes, it is.

Give a little (not just a surprisingly great Hanson song)

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” --Martin Luther King, Jr.

What did I do today? Chilled with some cool kids.

Today I went to an after school program for underprivileged teens. I'm a part of a small group at church and we decided that it would be a great way to use our time. It was great fun. We played Taboo and basically just hung out with them. Eventually we will be tutoring them as well, but we wanted to get to know them first.

It's not a big time commitment... only about 2 hours a week. If you don't have a spare 2 hours a week, then you need to prioritize some things, because that's ridiculous. No offense. Prioritize, people. Watch one less episode of American Idol. The world will not end. Ok, thanks. Go change the world 2 hours at a time.

Free time. What's that?

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” --Mother Teresa

I know, I know. A true fact about life is that you either have time or money, but never both. If you have a job, then you have no time. If you don't have a job, then you have no money. Somehow I managed to have very little time and money. Gotta love that worthless college degree...

BUT in my very little spare time, occasionally I like to volunteer it to others. 

So that's what I did today.

It wasn't earth shattering. I didn't cure poverty or world hunger. I just helped my mom with an event at the YMCA. But I respect the YMCA's mission and thus, feel like it was worthwhile. Helping occasionally is a great thing! If everyone did it, it would make a huge impact. And it's a much better use of my time than watching The Social Network, which may or may not have been what I did yesterday. But that's beside the point. Just overlook that.  

Who needs comfort anyway?

What am I doing today? Stepping out of my comfort zone.

I'm planning to go to somewhere tonight that I've never been before with people I don't really know. I never do things like this. I tend to frequent the same places with people that I know well. I don't even really like showing up places without a close friend. But I'm going and I'm determined to be friendly and outgoing and to have fun. It will happen. It's been decided. This probably makes no sense... but in my head it's a really big deal.

I also have been talking to people all day that I don't really know at work. I introduced myself to 3 people and I wasn't even the awkward turtle that I normally am! This is a big accomplishment. I know you're probably wondering how I could possibly be awkward when my blog is so thoroughly lovely and entertaining. I'm much more witty and charming in writing than in person, trust me. I'm also really modest about my writing skills :)

How does this benefit others? I stopped obsessing over how I was being perceived and actually interacted with other people on a real level. Maybe if I (we) did that more often... people would feel like they really matter and aren't invisible. So today was me trying to accomplish that in a small way.

Oh hey, mister local business owner. You're cool.

What am I doing today? Eating locally.

Eating and shopping locally is a great way to help your community. I mean, really... would you rather your money go to your neighbor or to some wealthy Wal-Mart-like corporation that kills everything in it's path.

Many studies have indicated that a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. Also, the food and products tend to be fresher than that of chains. Another benefit is that local places tend to have less strict policies and will reward you if you're a frequent visitor. They want to make you as happy as possible, so that you will continue to support them with your fork.

Yes, your local Italian restaurant tends to be a little more pricey than Olive Garden, but it's good to think twice about where your money is going and who is on the receiving end. Spend wisely.

Why, yes, I do love shopping

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” --Anne Frank

What did I do today? Went shopping for a cause.

My sister’s birthday is coming up. I usually get her jewelry or clothes from a random store in the mall. I almost did the same thing this year. But I thought to myself, “Stephanie, how can you buy your fabulous older sister something awesome and help the world at the same time?” So I responded by shopping for a cause. I perused many websites, which profits go to something way better than the 6 figure salary of a CEO with a comb-over. Here are my favorites:

www.worldofgood.com

“World of Good’s mission is to provide a trusted platform where individuals can create positive change through commerce, as part of a global community.

We believe that a growing number of individuals want to understand how the choices they make impact people and the planet. There is an important need for trusted information, and a need for transparency into how and where products are made. Our goal is to provide you with the resources needed to make good choices and to connect with others who share the same passion.”

www.globalgoodspartners.com

“Global Goods Partners is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women, alleviating poverty and promoting social justice. We partner with community based organizations in marginalized regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, creating access to the U.S. market for our partners’ handcrafted products and providing technical assistance to build sustainable livelihoods.”

www.buildanest.com

“Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.”

http://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/index.do

100% of profits from sales at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital go to the children and cancer research. I have actually visited St. Jude and it is quite possibly the most magical and inspirational place that I have ever been. Everything and everyone is there to help the children.

I will not reveal which place I purchased something from (for fear of spoiling the surprise for my sister). But it is awesome. Next time you want to buy something, consider buying something from an organization that will make a difference. You can change someone’s life and get something cool at the same time. I see no problems with this.

Rice and vocabulary

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” --Edmund Burke

What did I do yesterday? I donated rice.

I played a vocabulary game on http://www.freerice.com/. It doesn’t sound like much of a contribution to society, I know. But every time you answer a vocabulary question correctly, the organization donates 10 grains of rice to hungry people. This website is run by the United Nations World Food Programme.

The organization has two main goals: (1) to educate people for free, using this vocabulary game and (2) to end world hunger by providing rice to people in need. What an excellent combination!

Please check out this website. Even if you only answer a few questions, you are doing something small to help end world hunger. It doesn’t get much more awesome than that!

I don't use that.

“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” --Author Unknown

What am I doing today? Cleaning out my closet.

I love to periodically go through my stuff. Organizing the chaos of my life helps me to de-stress. But not only is it great for me and my mental sanity, it’s great for other people too.

My neighbors have 5 kids (two of the girls are about my size), so I always give them clothes and purses, etc. that I don’t use anymore. My old t-shirts are not doing anyone any good by sitting in my closet collecting dust. I might as well give it to someone who might actually use it. The best part is when I see them wandering the neighborhood in my old clothes... they’re like my little mini-mes.

I’ve also heard that hospitals appreciate when people bring in their old magazines or newspapers. So I’m planning to do that soon.

What other things do we throw away or have lying around that someone else could benefit from?