Nostalgia.

A couple weeks ago, I was sitting at my computer checking my e-mail, like I do at least 10 times a day (possible obsessive e-mail checking intervention is definintely needed), when a freecycle offer appeared in my inbox. 25+ little golden books. I thought to myself, as I do whenever a freecycle offer tempts me, is it worth the drive? Then I thought of all Taylee's books and how I was tired of reading the same ones over and over again. 25 free books? 15 minutes away? Why not? I knew I probably had some Little Golden Books when I was little, and my mother-in-law collects them (some first editions are worth up to $15), but the name wasn't all that important to me. But 25 free books was definitely a good find.

So I loaded up the rag-a-muffins and we went our way. Upon inspecting our loot, I counted 52 Little Golden Books. Taylee was ecstatic, as was I. They meant at least a month of reading NEW bed time stories! Not to mention they are thin and the same shape and size. Makes my heart happy to see them perfectly aligned on the book shelf (OCD? possibly). Definitely a great bonus of the Little Golden Books. Especially if you've seen our hazardous kids book cupboard. Impossible to keep organized and aligned. Impossible I say.

After reading about half of them through, I have discovered that they are simply magical. Several books have brought back childhood memories. Warm, nostalgic memories. As I opened "We Like Kindergarten," I was taken aback by the familiar pictures and words. I distinctly remember this being one of my favorite books when I was younger. I'm guessing around 4 yrs old. The memories were that vague....yet they gave me warm tinglies up my back. I've never had this experience before with a book. The experience was priceless. Prior to these books, the earliest recollection I have of owning and reading my own books was probably around age 10. Thank you freecycle. This was a gold mine. I have since decided that I will follow in the footsteps of my mother-in-law. Scouring used book stores and garage sales for these priceless items: the Little Golden Books. To share with my kids, and to reconnect with those lost memories.

Oh ye of little faith....

I received a couple comments asking to see my Swiff in action. I can sense there are other doubters out there as well. So here you go.

The Swiffer Vac. Cordless. Light. as. a. broom.

For your viewing pleasure:

Facts:

• my whole apartment is hardwood
• Porter is beginning to eat finger foods = total mess.
• I did the baby heimlick on Porter at least 3 times and the finger sweep at least 15 times before I finally bought this thing.
• sweeping should be easy
• for some reason it involves to many steps and I avoid it (now you don't have to wonder why my child kept choking)
• I bought it. I. luf. it.

Swiffer Facts:

• It's cordless and has a 14v battery. Not meant for a large house with lots of hardwood/tile. More like small areas - kitchen and dining area.
• It has a small dirt - in my case, baby cereal - catcher and filter. I need to empty it about every 3-4 times I vacuum. (it's easy - a button releases it, poor in garbage, snaps back on)
• It has a spot for the swiffer dry clothes and mop cloth, but I just keep the same dry cloth on it. With the vacuum, I don't feel the need to change the dry cloth all the time, so recurring costs are kept down.
• I read a couple reviews on-line about the motor burning out and the product was removed from some stores. In my opinion, possibly due to people not cleaning/changing the filter frequently. (hey, if this baby works for 6 months, it will be well worth the $35 I paid for it)
• I got mine at drugstore.com

And there you have it. Please stay tuned for a word from our other sponsors.....

I admit it. Falling in love with oven cleaner was a stretch (I love to have it on hand, but it's stinky). But magic erasers + my Swiff = magic.

Love Affair

Ever fallen in love with a cleaning product? I have. Thrice over. From magic erasers, to oven cleaner, it has finally come to this. The Swiffer Sweeper Vac. Oh man. Oh yes. It's that good. I first saw Swiff at a friend's house. When she demonstrated it, it was love at first site. I coveted....until I finally got my own. If you have hardwood floor or tile, toddlers, and don't particularly enjoy sweeping daily, then get this. Seriously. It's worth it. You're worth it. You won't be disappointed.