Fabulous Finds Friday - Shark Portable Steam Pocket

Have you ever cleaned your bathroom with a black light that is rated to see germs and bodily fluids?  If not, I actually do not recommend it.  You will find that what you think is a clean bathroom actually - - -well, is not.  It's icky.  Okay, well at least mine was.  Of course we are talking about the bathroom that my five children share - one of which is a 6 year old boy, but I digress.

I took these pictures for your shock and enjoyment.  (and much to my mother's utter disbelief and embarrassment - sorry mom.)

 

Yea, gross, right?

The thing is, this is AFTER I used a certain name brand spray cleaner to clean it up.

That's right, I said AFTER.  Apparently all it did was streak the icky mess downward.

So, I decided to heat things up a bit, and pulled out my Shark Steam Pocket.  I bought this thing not too long after my first steam cleaner machine pooped out on me.  Probably because I rarely used it, and it sat dormant for a while - I know - bad me.  Anyway - I filled it up and with some bursts of steam and a clean wash cloth (dry to wipe down with afterward...) this is the result...

Pretty stinkin' amazing right?  And all of this with just WATER.  My bathroom smells fresh and clean, my  toilet passes the black light test, and I did it all without harsh chemicals or fumes.  Anyway, I love my Shark Portable Steam Pocket.  It also does this to my kitchen, my carpet, and my walls and baseboards.  Clean and fresh like a daisy...the whole house.

Japanese Flu Masks

Remember a few years back with the Avian flu hit and then the Swine flu?  Face masks were all the rage – you saw them everywhere. They were almost a fashion trend.  Almost.

Of course if they had started out with these…the trend might have stuck.

Yes, that really is a chimpanzee formed mask.

If I had one of those I don’t think I’d wait for the flu.  I’d wear it every day. Really.   EVERY DAY.

found at Japan Trend Shop … where they are always on the front lines of fashion.  http://www.japantrendshop.com/to-be-someone-fashion-face-masks-p-824.html

Drinks

Today I’m not feeling well.  Honestly – not sure why.  My husband will tell you it is because I do too much and don’t rest enough.  I will tell you it’s because I have five children and three of them recently started school – along with a whole bunch of other children…a friend of mine will tell you that schools are just germ factories, which is why so many of them produce doctors.

Anyway.  Because my throat hurts I was looking for something to soothe it.

There are a lot of beverages out there to cure your medical conditions such as:

I’m pretty sure that one is for urinary tract infections.

And this one:

For those inflicted with hypohidrosis (people that can’t sweat on their own, or don’t produce enough of it…)

I’ve also located this seemingly helpful beverage…I think it is a substitute for Bean-o.

The following I’m a little confused on…not sure if it gives you SARS or is supposed to be an antidote for it:

The next one is genius.  I mean pure genius.  Whoever thought of selling water to those with aquaphobia (fear of water…not to be confused with hydrophobia which is an aversion to swallowing liquids and is commonly associated with rabies in humans) …well they were just pure – genius.

Waterproof water…amazing.

Sadly I never did find anything to cure my sore throat.  I guess I just stick to the old standby of hot water with honey and lemon.  However, I do feel comforted to know that beverage makers of the world are out to cure common ills, don’t you?

I feel I have to add a disclaimer, because you know there are one or two folks out there that will read this and then make a run to their nearest grocer or druggist to buy a case of fart juice for their loving spouse.  Of course none of these beverages do the things I say they do, they are just very oddly named…I think.  I’ve never purchased one so I guess I could be wrong…maybe they are amazing cures for whatever ails you…maybe not.

Duct Tape – bandaids

Okay, for a minute here we just have to acknowledge just how very cool duct tape really is.

Let us bask in it’s awesomeness. 

Every single repair known to man can be achieved with a little bit of duct tape.

So, why not fix manly boo-boos with it too?  (yes I realize using the words “manly” and “boo boos” in the same sentence is a bit oxy-moron-ish…but that all depends on the man.)

Introducing Nexcare Duct Tape Bandaids – for all your manly boo boo needs.



Just don’t try to repair your car fender with them.  I’m pretty sure they won’t hold.  Just guessin’

(sadly – these are not available anymore…but I couldn’t resist including them anyway.  As a consolation prize please enjoy this picture of some duct tape roses we made for a friend of ours who is a definite mans man…he decided to jump off (and by jump off I mean he was working on the roof on a ladder which wasn't rated for a man of his stature and fell) off of a roof and broke his leg.)



Again I repeat – let us all bask in the awesomeness that is duct tape…

Just In Case You Need To Pass Your Civil Service Requirements…

If you are an Andy Griffith fan – that makes sense to you.

If not, well – I feel sad for you.  Really, really sad.

You see, I’ve only seen this item once before:

And this is where I saw it:

One full inch taller huh?  Hmmmm…perhaps I should rethink this and make it a Friday Post? 

I am going to go lock myself in a closet now.  I’ll promise to come out when I’m at least one full inch taller – that’ll make me at least 5 feet tall.

As Long as We Are Discussing Beauty-“enhancing” Products…

Can we please address the issue of Butt Pads?

I’m not talking about the charcoal Subtle Butt that we’ve featured before.

No, I’m talking about adding some extra fluff in your bottom, junk in your trunk, round to your ---well, okay you get the point.

The folks over at Feel Foxy want you to know that you can have a “cute round bottom as seen on Tyra Banks” with these silicone bottom enhancing pads.  (I think that these were featured on Tyra Banks’ show, not that they are saying you’ll get Tyra Banks’ bottom…then again, one never knows…)

*blink*

*blink*

Or you could use the second most preferred method by women everywhere (and most likely more enjoyable)

Chocolate.  Consumed in large quantities.

Of course, if you are kind of less graceful – these silicone pads might protect you from a painful fall…

The Derma Roller

My birthday is coming up.  I only say this not because I want you all to remember and send me happy birthday wishes (and presents) *wink* but because it signifies the loss of another year.

That’s right, I’m getting older…and my skin is starting to show it.

So of course, I’m going to look for ways to maintain my youthful appearance as long as I can.  That’s why when my friend Kim G. told be about the Derma Roller – I had to check it out.

This is what I saw when I opened the email.

Apparently the idea behind this mini-meat tenderizer looking device is to roll the sharp pointy end over your face (but not on your eyelids or lips – they are very clear about that) in four different directions once a week.  Of course if you use less pressure you can use this thing more often than that, like daily.

It’s supposed to increase blood flow to your face and help you look younger.

Yep.  I’m thinking thousands of tiny holes in my face will help me look younger alright – but I gotta say, never in my adult years did I ever think about duplicating the look of puberty in order to look younger.  

In their defense, they do say not to use too much pressure – or to draw blood – and they also recommend a good slathering of Lidocaine (you know, the stuff the dentist uses on your gums before he gives you the BIG shot…) on the skin to numb the area before use.  (The very next line after it says to use Lidocaine is of course “This method is painless” – ya think???)

Sorry, but I think I’ll continue to look for ways to maintain my youthful appearance…like, um – well – ANYTHING else.

(It should absolutely be noted here that Kim sent me the ad for the Derma Roller for the express purpose of me writing about it – she does not use this thing herself as she has a great deal of common sense and a very low pain threshold.)

Get Better Bears

Okay, sorry ya’ll for going “radio silent” these last few days.  Seems that whatever this ickyness is that is going around has hit my house – and as a mother of five, that means a whole lot of Motrin, cough syrup and tissues.

Of course, it means more snuggles for mommy too – which I admit, I don’t hate.

Anyway – in one of my many outings to the local pharmacy to get provisions – I saw these:

Here’s the deal – I’m all about trying to find new and innovative ways to get my kids to take their medicine.  I grew up in an era where my mother used to dissolve my medication into a bowl of applesauce (to this day, I still do NOT like applesauce, but at the time, it worked!)  I struggle with the Motrin in a cup or syringe sometimes – especially with my three year old…

But to me – making medicine look, taste and feel like candy?  That registers all sorts of bad thoughts and images in my mind…in our house, we keep the medicine up as high as possible – out of the reach of the kids, not in the candy cabinet. 

Please Wash Your Hands…

So for those that don’t know, I have five children.

Five children that were, at one time, babies.  Little teeny tiny, defenseless babies.

They’ve since grown out of that…

Anywho…

One thing about babies in public places is this – everyone wants to touch the baby.  Including people that don’t KNOW the baby.  True story – in a grocery store I had a lady actually lift up the protective germ barrier fortress surrounding my baby (IE the blanket over the car seat) and stick her head UNDERNEATH to get a closer look.  Can we say invasion of personal space?

Too bad I didn’t have one of these:

Yea, because that’d keep Nosy Nillies away from your kids.   Sure it will…

Fabulous Finds Friday – Save the TaTa’s

Cancer sucks.

I think we can all agree on that one.

I am always supportive of companies and products that give back to Cancer research, regardless of the form.  I love that many, many companies and fine upstanding citizens of the world – such as yourself – are banding together to beat this monster.

However – I especially love it when someone can donate to the cause to cure cancer – and do it with a sense of humor.

This is why today’s Fabulous Find is Save The TaTa’s.  (www.savethetatas.com)

First of all, because calling boobs  “Ta Ta’s” is funny.  I don’t care who you are.  It reminds me of being four years old and having my parents change “adult” words into cutesy things so that I can (or in most cases cannot) understand.  Calling boobs TaTa’s is funny – and it gives me warm fuzzy feelings from childhood – it’s a win-win.

Secondly – they do have some awesome products.  The one I’m absolutely in love with is the lip balm.  (Stop – do not EVEN let your minds go there…)  I’m allergic to Menthol, and most chap stick products have it in them…or they are fruity flavored and really do  nothing for your lips but make you smell like an orchard.  The Save the TaTa’s brand is All Natural, smells of honey, and is only $3.50 a stick.  I got mine at the local Harley Davidson Store (I was there buying a Guardian Bell – which is another post entirely…)  They also have shirts, onesies, key chains, water bottle belt clips, an entire line of soaps….the list goes on and on.  There is something TaTa’s for every budget.

Lastly – and most importantly – Save the Tata’s is a not for profit organization committed to a cure.  Every single sale creates a donation to the cause.  And every single penny counts.

So, that is today’s Fabulous Find.  For the record, no – I am not a breast cancer survivor or victim.  I do know someone very close to me who is.  My life has been touched by cancer in several ways – not just breast cancer…and I truly believe this monster has got to be stopped.  Every little bit helps.   And while cancer is a very serious thing, we can learn from TaTa’s…laughter heals.  Every moment counts.  And… an existence to bring joy and healing to the world is not a bad thing.

Got Monkey Butt Yet?

I’m not really certain why people refer to a highly irritated tuckous as “Monkey butt” – I’m fairly certain that those primates that do indeed have large red (and in most cases PINK) bottoms aren’t annoyed by them.

I mean, really – I’ve been to the monkey cages at the San Diego Zoo – and I’ve seen things (Monkey's really Have NO shame) but not a single one of them was standing itching it’s bottom like it’d never sit down again.

That being said – because you know you needed the full Monkey butt explanation – this product name makes no sense to me.

“Anti Monkey Butt Powder”

Thanks Janene – you are right.  It’s funny.  Funny Ha Ha funny.

Big Book of Home Remedies

Ok, I know – there’s probably a lot of really great information in here.  HOWEVER – I’m sitting here at home with ZERO voice, two small children, and with rising health care costs being what they are – I refuse to go to the doctor.

So I started looking into home remedies.  I have to admit there’s a lot of great info out there.  And again, I’m sure this book has lots more great and valuable information for those looking for simple home remedies.

But, when I looked up “Laryngitis” in  The Big Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Quick Fixes, Clever Techniques, and Uncommon Cures to Get You Feeling Better FastI couldn’t stop laughing (well, more of a wheezy, forced air type of sound – but you get the picture)  when I found out that the number one home remedy is….

are you ready?

Wait for it…

wait for it…

STOP TALKING.

Number two?

DON’T EVEN WHISPER.

Um….thanks for the info big helpful doctor book.  Now, do you know what might be a helpful side item to sell with this book?  How about “The Big Book of Morse Code” because with cures like this, I’m gonna need some way to communicate.

(yes, I know “stop talking” is something a doctor would tell me also – but I think that really goes into a book called “The Big Book Of Common Sense Answers” or something like that.  Now, please excuse me, I need to go frantically wave my arms at my kids who are fighting over a Barbie.  This ought to be entertaining.)

Sniffle Buddies

Since my son is currently sick – today’s post is all about childhood hygiene.

1) Do not wipe your nose on your shirt.  It’s gross.
2) Do not use the wall or any other flat surface for wiping your hands.
3) If your remote controlled tissue box is not functioning, resort to this:

That’s right, a sports-wristband type thingy that is meant for children to wipe their noses on.  (Sniffle Buddy, in case you were wondering what one might call this fabulous thingy…)

I don’t know about you but my mother always encouraged me NEVER to wipe my nose anywhere near my arm or my sleeve.

This product seems slightly counterproductive in that fight…

Then again, teachers are instructing children to sneeze into the crook of their arm – which also was considered gross back in the day…so who knows, maybe I’m just old?

They come in multiple colors…I’d probably buy mine in light green…for obvious reasons.

Thanks Gingah for finding this one…Love ya babe..mean it!

Poison Rings

 

I’ve seen lots of movies where someone (usually a bad person) has an overwhelming urge to poison another person in the movie.  Typically the poison is administered with a sneaky ring with a secret compartment…

Of course, some enterprising person has seen a need, and has decided to fill it.

Poison Rings – a thing of the past.

Stash Rings – for the here and now.

Hide your medicine (only one dose..) Hide your super secret spy codes…whatever…

My Beautiful Mommy

In these days of Doctor 90210 and outpatient plastic surgery clinics...it's  very common place for women these days to get a little nip here and a little tuck there...

But sadly, many forget that there is one group of people deeply affected by this phenomenon.  Behind all the glamour and the glitz who is there for the children?

That's right, what about the CHILDREN?

One day mommy goes in for new, um - girlfriends - and the next she comes back looking more like your cousin Jennifer.

Very traumatic.

Worry no more - you can buy your precious little ones "My Beautiful Mommy" before you go in for your beautification and prepare them for what's coming up next.

Donate to your local COPS (Children of Plastic Surgery) today.  Someone has got to look out for the children, the poor innocent victims in all of this.

Because I Love You…

Nothing quite says it better than giving your loved one the Ebola virus.

or Maggots.

or of course the ever popular Swine Flu…

At Giant Microbes you can get your loved one the gift that you can be sure shows them just how much you care this Valentines Day.

Or, you could just stick with Chocolate and flowers - or nothing …nothing at all. 

Trust me, as a woman – the “nothing” route is going to get you in a lot less trouble than if you were to give your wife or girlfriend say…..Herpes.