Making the switch...

So, as we have talked about before, I am trying to get 219 to a place where it houses (mostly) all natural and cruelty free products. This is no easy feat my friends. I have a few reviews to share with you and will add more as I continue to test these products.

Toothpaste.

We are currently trying Tom’s of Maine (peppermint flavour). Tom’s offers fluoride free, baking soda based paste that is all natural and cruelty free (perfect right?!). It does leave my teeth feeling clean but I think it could use a little more mint in there. I have used baking soda in the past and it really does taste awful. It’s kind of salty but not as bad as pure baking soda.

Here are a few links to information on toothpaste to get you started. It amazed me how much crap is in regular toothpaste.

Brush your way to a greener (and whiter) smile.
Natural toothpaste vs Regular toothpaste

Deodorant

This is a tough one. Poor Jeff.

First I tried J/A/S/O/N brand unscented, all natural, cruelty free deodorant. It did not work. I repeat, did not work. Actually, I think it made my pits smell worse then when I wear no deodorant. Is that possible?

Next I tried Dr Mist. This was after many conversations and lots of internet research. Dr Mist comes highly recommended by staff at the natural food store I visit. In the end of this visit, a small group of women had gathered in front of the deodorant section and were sharing war stories about which brands have not worked.

Anywho, I tried Dr Mist and it works so far! It’s made of highly concentrated minerals that kill bacteria on the skin surface (hence why no B.O. – those nasty bacteria are DEAD!). So, it’s a little spray bottle (kind of like body spray) and you spray your pit (or feet) spread it with your hand and Voila! When it dries it leaves a residue that continues to work for up to 3 days (unless you shower in between – please shower in between).

I got the lavender scent and quite enjoy it. Not overpowering at all. If you have sensitive skin, they recommend the unscented version.

Did I mention that Dr Mist spray also has all sorts of other healing properties? Check it out

That’s all I have time to review for now. It took way longer then I thought it would. More to come on Sunscreen, lip balm, lotions, soap, shampoo and conditioner.

Please keep in mind that this is an expensive endeavour and so I can’t do it all at once. Jeff would have my head. We have already had to talk about the finances of my new adventures; however, it’s important to me and I feel like my health as well as that of my environment is worth it. If more people used these natural products they wouldn’t be so dang expensive. Come on people, help a girl out!

Oh and most of these products can be ordered online via their websites or, purchased at your local health food/ natural food store. If you need help, let me know!

That was the best May 24th I ever remember, what a great weekend! My cousin and her family visited and we had a blast. Did all sorts of things but nothing too crazy and tiring. As expected, their children were perfectly behaved and a joy to be around. I think that they were worried about how we would react to spending a weekend with 3 kids but, it isn't that out of the ordinary for us. I wish I had some pictures to post, but I was too caught up in having fun to think to get the camera out.

The fireworks in our town were crazy this weekend. We live in a fireworks kinda town. Everyone lets them off, all the time. Since it is legal to sell them for limited weekends, we sell out fast around here because people buy a full summer supply. This was the worst weekend I have heard since living here for 5 years. I think we had a small glimpse of what living in a warzone sounds like. Seriously. While we only experienced the sound, Buff Buff and Me Too also experienced the fear. How does one explain to a dog that the world is, in fact, not ending? I am very open to your ideas on how to keep these dogs calm. We have our annual vet appointment coming up next week so I think I will be asking for a sedative prescription. Maybe some for me too!!!! It's going to get worse before it gets better.

My bestie and her kidlets are coming for a quick visit on Thursday night and I am really looking forward to it. They won't get here until late probably as they are leaving Ottawa after school so I imagine it's going to be a late night. Then we get to spend Friday together before she heads on up to Orillia to visit her family. Haven't seen them since January so I am really looking forward to it.

In other news, we made it on the blog of Rowell Photography. Check it out Rowell Photography . I removed the other link so this will have to do.

Ok, later my lovely readers, off to make $ now.

xoxo

It's only Thursday???

Hello again friends!

Long weekend coming up here and we are looking forward to it to say the least. My cousin and her family are coming up for a night or two and they have never had the pleasure of visiting 219. I know, they’re in for a treat right?!

Of course, as of right now, they (whomever they refers to when people talk weather) are calling for rain on Saturday. Why does it always rain on Saturdays? I personally believe it has something to do with the end of the world but I shall not bore you with my ridiculous theories (which have no base in science or anything at all for that matter). Anywho, I am thinking we might take a trip to the beach, haven’t stuck a toe in the water this year yet but, I am going to go out on a limb and say it might be a bit chilly yet to swim. The kids will enjoy the sand time though I am sure.

In other news, we have a roofer in line! Now to get the money on the same line.

Julie’s bachelorette is coming up soon ( 2 weeks) and I am really looking forward to it! Also a line I hope some money finds. Is it rude to accept donations?? What if I promise to spend it on food instead of shooters? No eh? Figured as much.

I suppose that’s all for now but, here is another teaser of our “Trash the Dress” photoshoot. Pretty awesome and we should be getting all the proofs(this still isn’t all of them) soon!

Post Wedded Bliss

Tonight we are going swimming at a local community pool for open swim. Jeff got it in his head that he wants to go and obviously that means I have to as well. I am actually looking forward to it. I love swimming, it's just that my bathing suit hates me. Wish me luck!

Showers, Ringworm and Life Changes

First off, Happy Monday.

Second, I hosted a Bridal Shower for Julie this weekend and it went really well! Everyone seemed to have a great time and Jeff and I survived the preparations. Buff Buff and Me Too were fairly well behaved other than doing thier share of begging for tasty morsels. I baked some red velvet cupcakes and made cream cheese icing (both for the first time) and they were delish! I also found a very interesting punch recipe that got some great reviews. We are now getting down to the nitty gritty pre wedding stuff, I can't wait! The Bachelorette Party is coming very soon and is sure to be a great time.

Third, I am sure you have all heard about the ringworm outbreak at the York Region OSPCA. Awful. I will spare you my polotical speech/rant at this time; however, the OSPCA seems to be doing some serious backward motion since they caused a huge public outcry after their announcement of mass euthanizations in their shelter. Animals have been lost, many have been saved and reputations have been destroyed. I feel I have done my part to show my support to the animals. I refuse to be one of those people that sits around and is saddened by such events yet, does nothing about it. Seriously, if you are so upset you can't even talk about, why not try and do something. Don't just be sad, be motivated. Save the drama for your mama!

Fourth, on account of my previous paragraph, I have decided to make more eco friendly changes here at 219. We have made the switch to eco friendly cleaners (vinegar mostly) with the exception of stain remover (I am trying natural stain removers but they just don't cut it - I have serious stains people) and now we are going to make the move to hygeine products that are not tested on animals. What an adventure this is. There is a lot of research that needs to be done to figure what companies these may be. Some test some of their products on animals but not a specific line they offer. Not good enough. I want to support companies that don't do it at all. No, I am not turning into a dreaded hippie, I am just giving it my best to do what I can to support my causes. I am trying to walk my talk and no more just talking it.

The computer is back. We had an issue with Vista (our first one so I guess that's good). Seems she got some updates that she didn't like. We now have Windows 7 and Jeff is far less cranky. Good thing we just bought a laptop too eh?!

Looking forward to this weekend! My cousin, her partner and their kids are coming to 219!!! They have never been here before so I can't wait to spend time with them and share our home. In the spirit of their upcoming visit, the spare room underwent major cleaning. I will nto share the details of this.

Ok, off to get ready for work. On the van 3 days this week. This means I am working 3 evenings again, bitersweet.

Have a great week lovely readers!!!

Weekend Getaway Recap

Have I ever mentioned on here how I rue Mondays? Well if I haven’t, consider it done. If I have, too bad, you get to “hear” it again.

Today may be a Monday, but it isn’t so bad. I feel relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for the week (did I mention I am off tomorrow? Lol). This being a short week for me may have something to do with my new found Monday attitude I suppose but, let’s be honest, who cares why? I like it!

This weekend, I surprised Julie with a weekend getaway to Blue Mountain (Collingwood) including a day trip to Le Scandinave Spa. Wow! It was awesome. I am sure the excellent company made it that much better. We hung out, watched a chick flick (Everybody’s Fine starring Robert De Niro), spent a day at the spa, ate some good food, some bad food and had quite a few delicious drinks.

Julie was surprised (Thank you to all the people involved) and she said she had a great time. That’s what matters the most right?!

We had a massage at the spa, it was great. I was a little nervous, it was my first time. At 10:30, a woman by the name of Kathleen called my name and away we went. I gingerly crawled up onto the table and told her she was my first. She laughed (of course she did, let’s not forget, I am a funny one!) and promised she would be gentle. 10 minutes later I asked her to move to Keswick and marry me. She declined (a blessing in surprise I suppose). Alas, I will never see my new love again unless I pay her. Hmmmmmm.



The Scandinavian baths are an interesting experience. First, you start by relaxing in a hot bath (102°), eucalyptus steam room or dry sauna for 15 minutes and then you move to a cold plunge (71°) and complete the circuit with at least 15 minutes of relaxation in a quiet room, lounging in a lawn chair around an open fire, or in the summer, laying in a hammock. This circuit is to be repeated at least 4 times for optimal relaxation. It was AWESOME!!!!!! Even the cold plunge was great. I didn’t try the sauna, I have a great dislike for them but, Julie did and she had mixed reviews. The steam room was great and the hot baths were great too.

They encourage silence in all the areas but especially in the quiet rooms. You may be surprised to read this but, we had no issues with compliance. Others sure did though and it was annoying.

Saturday night we went to Coppers Blues in the Village at Blue Mountain and it was great! We had our meals (which were very prompt) but the best part was their extensive martini menu. We indulged in $10 maritini’s and they were worth every single cent. I am now armed with some delicious new recipe’s!!!!!

Try this one…

Chunky Monkey
-1 oz banana liquer
-1 oz bailey’s
-1 oz butterscotch liquer



Shake over ice, strain and serve.

I returned home to a hungover husband (he can’t handle himself when I am away) that made me a lovely supper of stuffed chicken (stuffed with spinach, bacon and havarti) and aspargus. It was delicious!!! Thanks Jeff!

Oh and did I mention that there was a young couple at the table beside us that was coveting my prized possession? When we got up to leave, her boyfriend asked me where I got it. I was stunned, where do you think I got it from? It ain’t no knock off thankyouverymuch. His girlfriend was equally embarrassed at his ridiculous question.

Random Ramblings

Been a crazy week around 219! Jeff was out of town last week and I was working mostly evenings. Now, for those of you that know us, you can probably see the issues this may cause. Our house thrives on routine. Yes, it has even trickled down to the dogs. So, when Jeff is OOT and I am not home in the evenings either, chaos ensues; however, we all survived. Well, almost all of us...

Hershey found a squirrel and, I am sorry to report friends, the cute little grey squirrel didn't make it.

Let's start at the beginning (I am going to try and give you the Cliff's notes version). I get home from work around 9:30pm, let the dogs outside, hear crazy amounts of barking. It's dark out but I can see Buff Buff's whiteness scurrying back and forth across the yard. At that same moment, I hear noises. Noises that I never want to hear again. Noises I would not dare imitate because it's better you not hear them my precious reader.

Being the animal lover I am, I start screaming. Screaming obscenities, screaming dogs names, just screaming lol. Buff Buff then decides that her Mama is in trouble and she had better save me by trying to leap into my arms. Unfortunately, her short little Beagle legs can't get that much bounce behind them. Anywho, Me Too drops the little body and takes off cause he knows he is in SERIOUS trouble.

My brain has now gone into "Oh No! What am I going to do with this thing?" mode. Luckily, we are blessed with great neighbours! Neighbours so great that when I went over knocking on their door at 9:45 pm with blood up my arm, they don't hesitate to come and help. Help me to do the dirty work that I cannot bring myself to do.

RIP squirrel. I would like to say you will be missed but, unfortunately, I am sure that you are the exact squirrel that was digging up my bulbs. I am sad it had to end this way and I am still mad at Me Too but, perhaps there is a small silver lining?

The blood on my arm was Me Too's. HA! Squirrel got one last zing in at least.

It was horrible. Same thing happened 2 days later but luckily, Jeff was home. I will not share the details of that one. Same ending.

RIP Squirrel #2. Me Too now has a muzzle for when he is outside. We cannot handle the carnage around here. Bad Chi I am sure.

On a happy note, we went for our photoshoot. I don't think I mentioned it on here before. We did a Trash the Dress shoot. Nope, my dress isn't trashed. The weather was great and the sky turned out exactly as I had hoped. Lots of grey layers (read: stormy looking and interesting). We went to Wasaga Beach and commissioned the most amazing photographers: Rowell Photography. Erika and Ryan were fantastic. We had a blast and I am positive we will get some very unique and amazing shots.

Here is the sneak peek...



Wow eh?! Nope, it's not photo shopped, we were there in the flesh!

More to come in a few weeks.

That's all for now but, I want to leave you with a promise:

"I promise to be a better and more consistent blogger from here forward."