Vermont Soap Organics Deep Cleans Without Toxic Chemicals

I am trying to rid our house of chemicals and go all natural wherever possible.

One of the first places I hit was underneath the skin where I store my house cleaners. A clean house is very important to me, but now that we have the option of cleaners that use natural ingredients instead of toxic chemicals, I want to replace everything under there.

The problem is, some natural cleaners just don't do the job well enough.

So I'm always on the lookout for something that doesn't just smell good or makes my appliances look good, but really gets in there and cleans.

Vermont Soap Organics produces "USDA Approved, Certified Organic alternatives to the chemical and detergent based personal care products now in general use," and their Farm & Ranch Multi-Surface Cleaner stands up to my vigourous testing.

I like that it works on everything in the bathroom and kitchen, it brings out a shine on the taps as well as the porcelain and countertops. I feel good knowing that its free of artificial preservatives, colours, fragrances alcohol and detergents too.

Not only that, it smells good. Using saponified  organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic orange oil, tea tree and other natural essential oils, organic aloe and rosemary extract, you get that fresh, clean aroma without inhaling anything harmful.

But don't feel you can only use it on your room's surfaces - it works on all washable materials including wood, plastics, leather, cloth, people, pets, car interiors and much more (just be sure to test a small area prior to use).

So instead of having 5 bottles under the sink, have just the one. The good one.

Buy Farm & Ranch Multi-Surface Cleaner now.

Keep Your Cat Happy With FUNKitty Toys From Premier

Our cat Cosmo is very picky about the toys he plays with.

Really, he doesn't like anything. He does like empty cardboard boxes and bags and the occasional olive or grape that rolls off the table excites him for a few minutes, but it's like living with a moody actor - he just doesn't want to do anything.

So when I saw the FUNKitty series of toys by Premier, I thought, ooh, if we had a different cat, I bet they'd love this!

But despite his occasional grumpiness (it's not his fault - he was mistreated before my fella got him), he is a wonderful guy whom I want to bring much happiness to. So I thought I'd give it a try.

We started with the Twist 'n Treat (pictured above). This awesome little invention is like a spinning top. You unscrew the top part and fill the bottom with treats and/or food. You screw it on, leaving a little opening. The cat then is to bat it around and with enough force, a treat or two will come flying out.

I have to say, Cosmopolitan took to it right away! He's been bunging the thing around for a couple of weeks now and he's still interested in it. This is a first, ladies and gentlemen. Usually he is so over something in a few minutes like a bored teenager rolling their eyes at something you think is cool, but is clearly already lame.

Not only does he like it, but we love it because he's getting exercise while he's playing with it. He runs around the house with it, batting it against the bookshelves and sometimes even under the couch ("I'm coming, Cosmo!").

You can get Twist 'n Treat Teaser that comes with a feather as well.

The Egg-cersizer is similar in design, but different enough that should Cosmo tire of the Twist 'n Treat, we have a backup to keep him from getting cabin fever and from driving us crazy.

And we've got the FUNKitty Doorway Dangler on standby for a little change of pace when Cosmo is looking for attention.

Look, if Cosmo is enticed, this means it's a helluva line, through and through.

Shop Premier's FUNKitty and give your cat a joyous holiday!

The Pleat Sheet Rocks My World - And Keeps Me Covered!

Lately, I've been at war with my fella and our cat.

At least when it comes to our sheets.

Both Scott and  Cosmo have this crazy habit of somehow hogging the sheets, so that I wake up in the middle of the night f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g!

That's all in the past now, thanks to The Pleat Sheet!

We've been testing it - a sheet made with expanding pleats to create "extra wings of cover and warmth" - all week and I'm happy to report that every morning, I awoke with the sheet still wrapped around my shoulder, with plenty of sheet left to further ensconce myself in.

It's sheer bliss - and a miracle!

So whether you've got pets, kids or a partner that likes to take hold of the sheets, there is finally a solution.

I love that when you purchase The Pleat Sheet, you get not only the expandable top sheet, but 1 fitted sheet (will even fit deep matresses) and 2 pillowcases, so you don't have to hunt around for sheets to match your Pleat Sheet.

Each set comes in Full, Queen and King, and you can choose White or Ivory (we rockin' the White Queen). 

And in case you're wondering, yes, the 300 thread count, 100% cotton sateen striped fabric not only looks amazing, but is incredibly soft and comfortable (Is that part of the reason I've been going to bed early to read this week? Perhaps...).

Order yours now and have a warm cozy winter FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Cards and Postcards from Chronicle Books Make Me Happy

As I have grown older, friends have moved afar.

Sigh.

I understand, but I still miss them. And though we are so lucky in the digital age with email and skype, I still love to send a hand-written (messy, but heartfelt) note.

And I have fallen for the cards and postcards from Chronicle Books! Come have a look:

XOXO Hugs and Kisses Postcard Book by James Jean

This is a fantastic, colourful and memorable collection from this artist.

Thirty sturdy, lusciously illustrated postcards offer "half-forgotten dreamscapes and haunting childhood fantasias."

I like these for sending artist friends and those who appreciate something a little out of the ordinary.

Plus, it's clear to them that it's from me and not their Aunt Pearl, know what I mean?

But I'm not sending them all out. I'll be sure to save a few for myself to frame and have in my office. Nothing like a little art to inspire you throughout the day.

The Cutest Sneeze in the World by Jeffrey Brown

Many of my friends have cats, so this collection is purrfect (sorry - couldn't resist) for sending a quick note of thanks, or "thinking of you."

Also, we have Cosmo, so even if they don't have a cat, no doubt they've come to know our fella.

Jeff Brown of the comic, Cat Getting Out of Bag, has created a collection of 30 different postcards (colour and black-and-white) that are not only bang on for all the cute - and annoying - things that cats do, but they are so damn funny.

The recipient will no doubt appreciate the laughs while finding bills awaiting them as well.

p.s. Oh yeah, I'm keeping a couple of these cuties for myself.

Polaroid Notes: 20 Different Notecards & Envelopes Curated by Jennifer Altman

There has been this real resurgence in photography in the past 10 years and there is a real movement for dreamy, light-filled photos that evoke a simpler, uncluttered time.

Polaroid Notes have that same look to them - gorgeous ethereal glossy photos that look like real Polaroids.

And since Polaroid film is no more, what a wonderful way to continue to love of this lost art form!

Closeups of balloons, flowers, breakfast, trees, shoes, an airplane wing, and other wonders of our world are not only wonderful ways to express your thoughts, but frame-worthy too.

(Sigh. Yes, I'll be holding onto a couple to frame to put up in the apartment. You just want to share them with the world. You'll see).

Oh, you'll want to keep the box too.

These collections make me happy. And I try to pass that along to others by sending these out into the world.

I hope it works.