Saturday, September 16, 2017

Norwex. Does it work?

Hi all--remember when my sisters and I had this lil' ole blog?  Well, I am putting something to the test and thought The Test Nest was the place to do it!

I have a friend who is a Norwex consultant.  Every time she made a post about said Norwex products, it piqued my interest.  Yes, I had heard of Norwex, yes I knew they make microfiber cloths and a rockin' mop, but I really didn't know anything else.

I was intrigued by these posts because Norwex claims to be able to clean your whole house without harsh chemicals and muuuuch less waste.  We have been working for a long time to make our house greener--I don't use many harsh cleansers (I have a spray bottle of Fantastik that has been in my cleaning basket for approximately 10 years. . . ), but I still use some.  I also end up going through a TON of rags--one for each surface usually; and that makes for a lot of laundry.  I will tell you that my go-to products are Soft Scrub with bleach,  Seventh Generation toilet bowl cleaner, vinegar, and Mrs. Meyer's all-purpose cleaner.  Generally pretty green to begin with, but I seem to make a big hullabaloo about cleaning, and I want to keep my surfaces cleaner day-to-day.  I especially don't want residues from these cleansers around my newborn baby (I'm looking at you, Soft Scrub!)

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, my friend invited me to an informational Norwex party.  I decided to go ahead and try some things out.  Below are a few things I tackled with the products.  Please, let it be known that I had a little too much fun with this!

Above are some pictures of the dry mop (part of the mopping system)--my daughter loved it so much she asked if she could sleep with it.  I usually use a Swiffer for dry mopping. I have ALL wood floors, so I need something good.  This is much more static-y than the swiffer and holds a lot more dust! The wet mop part is great, as well.  So far it hasn't blown me away, but it is AS good as my Libman microfiber mop for sure.  Plus, this is much easier to get on and off the mop base (Velcro!)



 Here are a couple before and after shots of my fridge.  Note: I just cleaned the one shelf in this picture.  The photo doesn't do justice to how dirty it was.  There is some condensation here, so you can't really see the amount of caked on dry milk (why?  why?  I don't spill the milk, how does it get there!?!).  The after is pretty clear, though.  I used a wet Envirocloth (a microfiber cloth) and the window cloth to follow for a nice gleaming polish.  Looks nice, eh?



Above is a video of my cleaning the gross stuff off my kitchen door.  "Nuff said.  Please excuse my weird voice on all videos!


Another video, this time cleaning crayon off of a pantry cabinet I refinished.  I didn't get it all yet, but with two hands, I know I will!




Ahem, the above are a before and after set of the door of my dishwasher.  I am really ashamed of that top photo.  I just used a wet Envirocloth on this.  It was pretty much one swipe and done.  No scrubbing involved!  The microfiber is woven so tightly it is able to grab more gunk--it doesn't just mush it around like my old standby, a rag would.


 This one is my favorite.  The left hand before picture is of some VERY stubborn spots on my stove.  These have been here for more than a year and I have tried EVERYTHING.  Everything.  The cleaner they recommend for your stove, the cleaner they don't recommend, a razor blade, vinegar, hot soapy rags, etc.  None of that made it budge.  I thought it was permanent.  This is after one good scrub with an Envirocloth and Norwex Cleaning Paste.  There are still a couple tiny spots left, but it is miles better than it was.

IN CONCLUSION:

I really like these products.  I went in thinking I would like them, but they wouldn't replace my old cleaning habits.  I have to say, these products are here to stay in my house and I just wish I had more cloths so I could keep a fresh one in every room of the house!

If you are interested in any Norwex products, you can contact me directly, or check out the link to my shop.  You can order directly from there.



Saturday, April 12, 2014

What I'm watching these days.

by Leslie

It really is the Golden Age of television right now, isn't it?  I mean, there is hardly a person out there who can't find a show to obsess over and look forward to each week.

My current (and when I say current I mean continuous, of course) obsession is British Dramas.  I know we've all jumped on the Downton Abbey train (although I have to inwardly brag that I was there from the beginning, thanks to my PBS-loving grandma)--but what else is going on out there?


Many of you have probably heard of the show Call the Midwife.  This show follows three young midwives whilst they go about their (stressful!) business in 1950's London.  They serve a mostly poor and uneducated population and each episode contains a story line about one or two different moms ready to have a baby.  The main character, Jenny Lee, and the show's story line are based upon a real person and real events.  The "real" Jenny Lee, Jennifer Worth, wrote about her experiences in a series of memoirs which I highly recommend!  I have only read the first, but really liked it.

This show couldn't portray women in a more realistic light--the characters are unique, smart, and each have their own talents and flaws.  Even if you're not into "birthin' no babies", you may still found yourself drawn into this touching, intelligent drama.  I have not failed to shed a tear in the two seasons I have watched.  Also, this show introduced my to one of my new favorite actresses of all time, Miranda Hart.  She is a British comedian and plays the hilarious and oft sensitive Chummy on the show.  If you're already a fan, Season 3 is airing Sunday nights on PBS!





The other show I am currently obsessed with is The Bletchley Circle.  There have only been 3 episodes so far, but they are on Netflix and I dare you to watch only one!  The good news is, you can watch Season 1 today and then catch second season TOMORROW NIGHT (April 13)!  I don't even know how I can describe this show to you to make it sound as interesting as it actually is.

The show starts with four young women working in an intelligence office during World War II.  It is there job to crack codes and decipher correspondence of the German army.  It is obvious that they are incredibly smart ladies and make a difference in the war.  Fast forward nine years and we find Susan (the main character) living a rather dull life without a sense of purpose.  A series of murders have occurred and Susan is sure that there is a pattern within the murders that will lead to the killer.  She gets the old girls back together to help her and what follows is magical!!  The four use their code cracking tactics and connections from the war to try and find the murderer.  You just . . . have to watch it.  Mind you, it's kind of scary, so don't watch it late at night when you're home alone, okay?

This list could go on, but I'm getting a bit verbose here, so BBC is the only one getting any love today.  What have you been watching?


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Leslie's Summer Recap

Wow.  This summer has been so fast, fun, and full of adventure that I've hardly written about it.  I took a lot of snapshots that never got shared on the blog, so I thought I would gather a few here to remember the summer.

 We had our first crop of strawberries.  It was small, but they were delicious!


 I got visits from some very cute babies (that really aren't babies anymore!)


Who could resist reading one more story to this cutie?


We had some crazy pretty rains (and a lot of dry spells).


 More summer guests!


We are always sure to put our guests to work!  Jaime's mom helped dig potatoes.


Many summer road trips.  House on the Rock, anyone?



Seriously delicious summer taco salad.

Sometimes it's so fun to look back at pictures and realize that you really did savor the season after all.  Happy fall, everyone!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

A little bit o' London!

by Leslie

A couple of weeks ago, we went on the trip I've wanted to go on for, well, most of my life.  I've always loved the literature, television, and vibe of Britain, an finally, this summer, we got to go!  Here are some highlights.



This is the first piece of advice we got in London.  You know what?  It really didn't hurt me to mind the gap.  It really didn't.


We stayed at a great little B & B run by a great lady called Deepa.  The breakfast was great and she was so accommodating of our schedule.


First night in, we had to stay awake, so we walked up to Primrose Hill for a drink and some snacks.  I have to say, Jaime stayed looking fresh!


Our bed and breakfast was near Camden Town so we walked down to the lock on the first night.  I would love to say we went there on purpose . . .  but we didn't.


Don't forget to take a selfie by the water!


Our first "real" day in London we went to the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.  It was an action-packed day, and it was great.


Even Colombia was represented on Trafalgar Square!


Oh, look!  Another happy accident!  Twinings Tea shop in the heart of "The City."


Look how long and skinny it is!  I came out with a Royal Jubilee tea blend.



Kensington Palace--lovely, but not as great as I was expecting.  It was set up more like a museum than a palace.


Kensington Palace gardens.  Lovely!


This is me in front of the Prince Albert Memorial.  It was so grand!


 Afternoon tea?  Why yes, of course.  This tea was taken at The Parlor in Fortnum and Mason's department store.  Best. Scones. Ever.


The next day included a trip to Westminster Abbey.  Amazing, awe inspiring, and damn old.


 "Look kids!  Big Ben!  Parliament!"


 We met some friends at Canary Wharf for a lovely dinner.  Thanks Wilson and Marianna!


Here is my token telephone booth photo.  You can tell I am not excited, and that's because it smelled like urine.


 This is Somerset House where we went to the Cortauld Gallery.  This was Jaime's one "must-do" activity.  I am so glad it was, because this art museum is amazing and small enough to see everything.  Go there.


The next day, we went to Waterloo Station to pick up some train tickets, and came upon an amazing market where we had numerous amazing eats.  Here Jaime is eating a lamb curry inside fresh naan.  Delectable.
 Next, we popped over to a sign labeled "Malaysian Street Food" where we had what the vendor called pancakes.  Making these was an art in itself.  Ours included sugar, coconut, butter, and beans.  The verdict?

 Delectable!!!


 Second dessert, anyone?  Fresh churros and chocolate will have to do, I guess.


Instead of second dessert, Jaime opted for a chorizo kebab.  It gave him strength for our next journey--to Salisbury!


Once we got to Salisbury, we immediately hopped on the bus to Stonehenge.  It was amazing and creepy, but there were waaay too many people there.


We also stopped at Old Sarum, which is where Salisbury used to be.  Here's Jaime in front of the old castle.


Life is hard hiking through the heath (or taking a bus through it).


 Anyone fancy a Medieval song or two?


Salisbury Cathedral was one of the highlights of the trip.  It was short-lived, though.  The next day we headed off to Bath!

 Bath was so gorgeous and relaxing.  Here is "the crescent", one of Bath's archaeological feats.


The Pump Room!!!!!  I'm a big Jane Austen fan . . .


Tea at the Pump Room was like a dream, complete with string quartet.



The next day we were back to London, and then to the states.  It was a trip I will never forget.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Norwex. Does it work?

Hi all--remember when my sisters and I had this lil' ole blog?  Well, I am putting something to the test and thought The Test Nest was the place to do it!

I have a friend who is a Norwex consultant.  Every time she made a post about said Norwex products, it piqued my interest.  Yes, I had heard of Norwex, yes I knew they make microfiber cloths and a rockin' mop, but I really didn't know anything else.

I was intrigued by these posts because Norwex claims to be able to clean your whole house without harsh chemicals and muuuuch less waste.  We have been working for a long time to make our house greener--I don't use many harsh cleansers (I have a spray bottle of Fantastik that has been in my cleaning basket for approximately 10 years. . . ), but I still use some.  I also end up going through a TON of rags--one for each surface usually; and that makes for a lot of laundry.  I will tell you that my go-to products are Soft Scrub with bleach,  Seventh Generation toilet bowl cleaner, vinegar, and Mrs. Meyer's all-purpose cleaner.  Generally pretty green to begin with, but I seem to make a big hullabaloo about cleaning, and I want to keep my surfaces cleaner day-to-day.  I especially don't want residues from these cleansers around my newborn baby (I'm looking at you, Soft Scrub!)

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, my friend invited me to an informational Norwex party.  I decided to go ahead and try some things out.  Below are a few things I tackled with the products.  Please, let it be known that I had a little too much fun with this!

Above are some pictures of the dry mop (part of the mopping system)--my daughter loved it so much she asked if she could sleep with it.  I usually use a Swiffer for dry mopping. I have ALL wood floors, so I need something good.  This is much more static-y than the swiffer and holds a lot more dust! The wet mop part is great, as well.  So far it hasn't blown me away, but it is AS good as my Libman microfiber mop for sure.  Plus, this is much easier to get on and off the mop base (Velcro!)



 Here are a couple before and after shots of my fridge.  Note: I just cleaned the one shelf in this picture.  The photo doesn't do justice to how dirty it was.  There is some condensation here, so you can't really see the amount of caked on dry milk (why?  why?  I don't spill the milk, how does it get there!?!).  The after is pretty clear, though.  I used a wet Envirocloth (a microfiber cloth) and the window cloth to follow for a nice gleaming polish.  Looks nice, eh?



Above is a video of my cleaning the gross stuff off my kitchen door.  "Nuff said.  Please excuse my weird voice on all videos!


Another video, this time cleaning crayon off of a pantry cabinet I refinished.  I didn't get it all yet, but with two hands, I know I will!




Ahem, the above are a before and after set of the door of my dishwasher.  I am really ashamed of that top photo.  I just used a wet Envirocloth on this.  It was pretty much one swipe and done.  No scrubbing involved!  The microfiber is woven so tightly it is able to grab more gunk--it doesn't just mush it around like my old standby, a rag would.


 This one is my favorite.  The left hand before picture is of some VERY stubborn spots on my stove.  These have been here for more than a year and I have tried EVERYTHING.  Everything.  The cleaner they recommend for your stove, the cleaner they don't recommend, a razor blade, vinegar, hot soapy rags, etc.  None of that made it budge.  I thought it was permanent.  This is after one good scrub with an Envirocloth and Norwex Cleaning Paste.  There are still a couple tiny spots left, but it is miles better than it was.

IN CONCLUSION:

I really like these products.  I went in thinking I would like them, but they wouldn't replace my old cleaning habits.  I have to say, these products are here to stay in my house and I just wish I had more cloths so I could keep a fresh one in every room of the house!

If you are interested in any Norwex products, you can contact me directly, or check out the link to my shop.  You can order directly from there.



Saturday, April 12, 2014

What I'm watching these days.

by Leslie

It really is the Golden Age of television right now, isn't it?  I mean, there is hardly a person out there who can't find a show to obsess over and look forward to each week.

My current (and when I say current I mean continuous, of course) obsession is British Dramas.  I know we've all jumped on the Downton Abbey train (although I have to inwardly brag that I was there from the beginning, thanks to my PBS-loving grandma)--but what else is going on out there?


Many of you have probably heard of the show Call the Midwife.  This show follows three young midwives whilst they go about their (stressful!) business in 1950's London.  They serve a mostly poor and uneducated population and each episode contains a story line about one or two different moms ready to have a baby.  The main character, Jenny Lee, and the show's story line are based upon a real person and real events.  The "real" Jenny Lee, Jennifer Worth, wrote about her experiences in a series of memoirs which I highly recommend!  I have only read the first, but really liked it.

This show couldn't portray women in a more realistic light--the characters are unique, smart, and each have their own talents and flaws.  Even if you're not into "birthin' no babies", you may still found yourself drawn into this touching, intelligent drama.  I have not failed to shed a tear in the two seasons I have watched.  Also, this show introduced my to one of my new favorite actresses of all time, Miranda Hart.  She is a British comedian and plays the hilarious and oft sensitive Chummy on the show.  If you're already a fan, Season 3 is airing Sunday nights on PBS!





The other show I am currently obsessed with is The Bletchley Circle.  There have only been 3 episodes so far, but they are on Netflix and I dare you to watch only one!  The good news is, you can watch Season 1 today and then catch second season TOMORROW NIGHT (April 13)!  I don't even know how I can describe this show to you to make it sound as interesting as it actually is.

The show starts with four young women working in an intelligence office during World War II.  It is there job to crack codes and decipher correspondence of the German army.  It is obvious that they are incredibly smart ladies and make a difference in the war.  Fast forward nine years and we find Susan (the main character) living a rather dull life without a sense of purpose.  A series of murders have occurred and Susan is sure that there is a pattern within the murders that will lead to the killer.  She gets the old girls back together to help her and what follows is magical!!  The four use their code cracking tactics and connections from the war to try and find the murderer.  You just . . . have to watch it.  Mind you, it's kind of scary, so don't watch it late at night when you're home alone, okay?

This list could go on, but I'm getting a bit verbose here, so BBC is the only one getting any love today.  What have you been watching?


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Leslie's Summer Recap

Wow.  This summer has been so fast, fun, and full of adventure that I've hardly written about it.  I took a lot of snapshots that never got shared on the blog, so I thought I would gather a few here to remember the summer.

 We had our first crop of strawberries.  It was small, but they were delicious!


 I got visits from some very cute babies (that really aren't babies anymore!)


Who could resist reading one more story to this cutie?


We had some crazy pretty rains (and a lot of dry spells).


 More summer guests!


We are always sure to put our guests to work!  Jaime's mom helped dig potatoes.


Many summer road trips.  House on the Rock, anyone?



Seriously delicious summer taco salad.

Sometimes it's so fun to look back at pictures and realize that you really did savor the season after all.  Happy fall, everyone!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

A little bit o' London!

by Leslie

A couple of weeks ago, we went on the trip I've wanted to go on for, well, most of my life.  I've always loved the literature, television, and vibe of Britain, an finally, this summer, we got to go!  Here are some highlights.



This is the first piece of advice we got in London.  You know what?  It really didn't hurt me to mind the gap.  It really didn't.


We stayed at a great little B & B run by a great lady called Deepa.  The breakfast was great and she was so accommodating of our schedule.


First night in, we had to stay awake, so we walked up to Primrose Hill for a drink and some snacks.  I have to say, Jaime stayed looking fresh!


Our bed and breakfast was near Camden Town so we walked down to the lock on the first night.  I would love to say we went there on purpose . . .  but we didn't.


Don't forget to take a selfie by the water!


Our first "real" day in London we went to the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.  It was an action-packed day, and it was great.


Even Colombia was represented on Trafalgar Square!


Oh, look!  Another happy accident!  Twinings Tea shop in the heart of "The City."


Look how long and skinny it is!  I came out with a Royal Jubilee tea blend.



Kensington Palace--lovely, but not as great as I was expecting.  It was set up more like a museum than a palace.


Kensington Palace gardens.  Lovely!


This is me in front of the Prince Albert Memorial.  It was so grand!


 Afternoon tea?  Why yes, of course.  This tea was taken at The Parlor in Fortnum and Mason's department store.  Best. Scones. Ever.


The next day included a trip to Westminster Abbey.  Amazing, awe inspiring, and damn old.


 "Look kids!  Big Ben!  Parliament!"


 We met some friends at Canary Wharf for a lovely dinner.  Thanks Wilson and Marianna!


Here is my token telephone booth photo.  You can tell I am not excited, and that's because it smelled like urine.


 This is Somerset House where we went to the Cortauld Gallery.  This was Jaime's one "must-do" activity.  I am so glad it was, because this art museum is amazing and small enough to see everything.  Go there.


The next day, we went to Waterloo Station to pick up some train tickets, and came upon an amazing market where we had numerous amazing eats.  Here Jaime is eating a lamb curry inside fresh naan.  Delectable.
 Next, we popped over to a sign labeled "Malaysian Street Food" where we had what the vendor called pancakes.  Making these was an art in itself.  Ours included sugar, coconut, butter, and beans.  The verdict?

 Delectable!!!


 Second dessert, anyone?  Fresh churros and chocolate will have to do, I guess.


Instead of second dessert, Jaime opted for a chorizo kebab.  It gave him strength for our next journey--to Salisbury!


Once we got to Salisbury, we immediately hopped on the bus to Stonehenge.  It was amazing and creepy, but there were waaay too many people there.


We also stopped at Old Sarum, which is where Salisbury used to be.  Here's Jaime in front of the old castle.


Life is hard hiking through the heath (or taking a bus through it).


 Anyone fancy a Medieval song or two?


Salisbury Cathedral was one of the highlights of the trip.  It was short-lived, though.  The next day we headed off to Bath!

 Bath was so gorgeous and relaxing.  Here is "the crescent", one of Bath's archaeological feats.


The Pump Room!!!!!  I'm a big Jane Austen fan . . .


Tea at the Pump Room was like a dream, complete with string quartet.



The next day we were back to London, and then to the states.  It was a trip I will never forget.