Wow. If you have yet to see the new “Hello from Vaginaland” commercials from Summer’s Eve, click on the video below. It’s a like a train wreck. Horrifying yet impossible to look away from. A sideways hand is supposed to represent our talking vaginas. Classy. The vagina-hands even come in multiple ‘colors’ and talk in stereotypical accents. Summer’s Eve humiliates equally. I need to know your thoughts on this one…
*At press time, the Latin version has been taken down.
I LOVE scented candles. I have them in my kitchen, my bedroom, three bathrooms and of course all over my mantle. I always change the scent with the season. Glade Hawaiian Breeze for the summer, Apple Cinnamon for the fall, Cinnamon Chiffon for winter and a combination of Fresh Berries for early spring and Moonlit Walk & Wandering Stream for late spring. I told you I liked scented candles. But as they say, all good things must come to an end and I have had to stop buying my Glade candles. Here’s why…
Scented candles are made from scented oils mixed with wax. Most of these scented candles use paraffin wax because it is a relatively cheap ingredient. Unfortunately, paraffin wax is derived from a petroleum by-product.
Burning petroleum in your home releases toxins such as benzene, styrene, and formaldehyde. These scented candles also cause accumulations of black soot in your home. Black soot accumulates any time there is an incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. The EPA has even released a report citing petroleum based scented candles as an indoor pollutant and has advised caution when utilizing these candles. As if that wasn’t bad enough, many of these candles also use metallic wicks containing lead levels much higher than is approved by the EPA. When all is said and done, burning a traditional petroleum based scented candle is a health hazard emitting dangerous levels of toxic fumes and chemicals, even lead.
Thankfully, there are alternatives available. Both soy wax and beeswax scented candles are beautiful and non-toxic. Unfortunately, as I researched buying them over the internet, I found that beeswax candles are a budget buster. Soy wax candles, on the other hand, are clean burning, non toxic, and relatively inexpensive. Soy candles burn over 50% longer than paraffin candles and produce 90% less soot. Beware though that some candle company’s consider their candles to be “soy candles” even though they are “blended” with paraffin wax. Soy wax candles can be called soy candles even if they are as little as 25% soy or vegetable wax. Make sure to read the candle label. Look, now I have you reading candle labels too! While soy candles are a little more expensive then paraffin, they really do burn much longer and still come with fancy names. I think Cedar & Saffron will do just fine replacing Cinnamon Chiffon.
1. What advice do you have for moms to help them stay motivated with their fitness goals?
BE PATIENT! Reaching your goals is a continuous process. It takes time and commitment to being the best “you” you can be.
2. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?
Eggs, Milk, and chicken
3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?
Going to the Spa! It gives me a reason to close my eyes and stop the world for a moment or two. I have been known to fall asleep while getting waxed!
4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?
Icebreakers mints…but the yummy flavors. They are sugar free so I can gobble them up! This week’s flavor choice is Orangeade!
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
HGTV’s House Hunter’s International. My husband Caleb and I try to guess which property the buyer will choose.
6. What is your go-to ‘Cheat Day’ treat?
Hands down, a brownie!
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
While playing in the backyard on a hot summer day my 5 year old wipes his brow and says, “Mommy it’s hot, we need a pool.” I shake my head in agreement and gingerly say, “We sure do Preston.” He instantly drops his toy, points at my 3 year old and says, “Lincoln grab your floaties!” Points at me and says, “Mom, you grab the water!” He then runs over and pulls out his shovel from the sandbox and starts jabbing at the lawn. He looks up at me and says, “Don’t worry Mom we will have a pool in no time!”
8. What is your favorite quotation?
“Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least” –Van Goethe
9. What songs are top on your iPod playlist right now?
Party Rock, Gonna Fly Now (Rocky theme song), and anything with Pitbull!
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
Gwen Stefani. She is super fashionable, she makes her children a priority, and her abs are ROCK SOLID!
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love music and play 5 instruments: clarinet, bass clarinet, oboe, tuba, and piano.
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
I strive to be the best person I can be every day. Living a healthy lifestyle and being a positive role model for my children is number one. Instilling healthy habits early and leading by example are a part of my daily life. I also try to look my best, whether I am on date night or at the grocery store. When I look good, I feel good and I feel that attitude carries through to others around me. I hope I make them feel good too!
I am officially on my way to being a crazy cat woman. I just can’t stop taking pictures of our newest addition. We picked up this adorable guy over the weekend and the entire family is completely smitten. Losing Maddie four months ago really left a hole in our house and our hearts. While we are not quite ready for a new dog we figured a kitten was the perfect fit. Initially, the kitten’s name was Sunny Buttercup which I thought was the sweetest name…uh, ever. But then PetSmart called and said they had given us the wrong adoption paperwork. Sunny Buttercup quickly became Sonny Butterbean. Not much of a difference but Scott insisted we didn’t give the cat a gender complex (try telling that to Tennison who is already dressing him up in doll clothes). Okay, now for the pictures…
The dramatic shot.
Luckily for Sonny he was born in Florida. He can play in the fireplace 10 months out of the year.
Sonny snuggling with Grayson’s pink boo. I think there will be lots of pink in this guy’s future.
Scott & Sonny.
For someone who claims he has allergies to cats he sure lets the cat get pretty close, huh?
I went on a mission yesterday to find the little guy a bowtie. I ended up with a baby hair bow and a swarovski studded collar. Only the best.
Someone fell asleep during our very intense 2 minute photo shoot. Lazy cat.
Welcome to our home, Sonny. We promise you lots of love and even more dress-up.
