Spring Cleaning

Today was one of those days. I've been exploring the whole potty training thing with Samuel. That means I've been doing a lot of mopping and cleaning. YUCK. He's gone in the potty a few times but, I think those times were a bit of a fluke. The rest has been on the rug or on the floor. I usually am a "natural" cleaner. It didn't start so much as me wanting to be conscious for the environment. For me, baking soda and vinegar were just more economical.

Being overseas has its perks. Most international food has made its way across the ocean, but something that has not made it is international cleaning products. For example, I have this fabulous little broom that I got at the 100 yen store in Japan. It's one of the greatest brooms I've ever had and I haven't been able to find something like it anywhere else. I really relish that thing.

Here in Germany (and it looks like throughout Europe) they have great mops. I know that sounds weird but I went to the store and picked up a Vileda mop system. I've got f-ood (fake wood) laminate floors and I had no clue how to clean them. My understanding is that it's bad to get them sopping wet. These mops are made with a highly absorbent material that also can be rung out (using the bucket that comes with the system) to nearly dry status. Despite my appreciation for the system, I wasn't sure if I would be able to clean the mop head in the wash or if I would have to replace it over and over again after just a few washes. Turns out it can be washed. Thank goodness. With all the cat hair and crud that I mop up every week, I need to wash it. The company recommends that they heads be replaced every 3-6 months. I love this system but after looking at the site a little bit, I figured out that I might actually need the flat mop (kinda like Swiffer). I love that I don't have to bend down to ring out the mop. Good stuff.

Yesterday I went with a neighbor to "her" bakery. This has beat all since I've been here... Cheese covered pretzel rolls... So yummy. I also split a strawberry cake with her (to take home) and some strudel (Cinnamon sugar flavor). I'm so thankful that I've been able to meet good neighbors. It really does determine how I enjoy my time here. It's so important to have friends and a great support network. They can let you in on all kinds of information that otherwise would go "unknown".

April fools today. I pulled some good ones on Joshua. I will have to fill you in when he gets home!