The Tender Loving Care of Stone Flooring & Countertops

by Mary Pereira

Delicate

Delicate...that's all I can say about Marble and Granite without hurting it. They are all natural stones that actually breathe and change due to it's surrounding circumstances. As precious as a flower, Marble and Granite should be cared for with diligence and LOVE. Pay attention Beloved...this is not hard but must be remembered or the consequences are grave and detrimental to the  life of your Marble, Granite, Travertine, Limestone, Soapstone and Onyx. Let's learn about what they are.



What is granite?

Granite Countertop

Granite is an igneous rock formed from liquid magma, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond. Its hardness and density comes from the fact that it has been solidified within the earth under extreme pressure. It consists of feldspar, quartz, mica and other minerals that all contribute to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. Granite is considered an ideal choice for kitchen countertops because it can withstand high heat (up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit). Granite countertops are virtually scratch-proof and will not scratch even when directly cut on. 

Marble Cave

Marble Tub

Marble Sink

 What is marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from the recrystallization of limestone under intense pressure and high temperatures within the earth. During this process, other minerals are introduced into the structure, which produce beautiful colors and veining which characterize marble. Marble colors vary from white to black, being sometimes yellow, red and green, and frequently beautifully veined or clouded. Marble is scratch and stain-prone, as it is not as hard as a granite surface. It is not preferred in the kitchen, but works well in bathrooms, on hearths, and in some furniture applications.

Limestone Cave

What is limestone?

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite, most commonly coming from marine organisms. Limestone often contain various amounts of silica, as well as silt, clay and sand. Domestic limestones are grey to buff in color, while imported limestones contain colors from beige to dark brown, yellow, red and black.

Limestone Bathroom

Limestone Tile

What is soapstone?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock made up of mineral deposits created by nature and quarried from the earth. The main mineral components in soapstone are talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesite, which gives it the soft touch. Soapstone has a unique color with light flowing veins. It is very resistant to heat, which makes it suitable for kitchen countertops and woodstoves. Soapstone maintenance includes periodic application of mineral oil.

Soapstone Countertop

Soapstone Carved Box

What is travertine?

Travertine is a sedimentary rock, mostly made of calcite that was generated by the deposit of such minerals from hot water springs and streams pouring from them. It is a very porous material, and holes are generated either by gasses trapped by the sediments or by water plants that were trapped inside the formation and then decomposed. It is highly susceptible to heat, scratching, staining, and acidity, and is not recommended for kitchen projects. 

Travertine Bathroom

What is onyx?

Onyx is the result of water dissolving existing limestone and re-depositing it as a new kind of stone. In limestone caves, onyx is formed by drip water, like stalagmites and stalactites. Onyx is best for furniture pieces, bathrooms and fireplace surrounds.

Translucent Onyx

Onyx Bathtub

Remember!

 It is important to dust the surface everyday if possible and to clean spills and messes as soon as they occur! Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they break down the sealer and  your stone will be more prone to staining and you will be left with a dull surface. Daily cleaning includes the use of Castile soap and water.

It's that simple, my Precious Ones. Do not over complicate the nature of things. These natural Stones don't need a lot of fuss but they do need your Tender Loving Care! Until next time my Friends...Remember, Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

Cleaning With Salt??

by Mary Pereira

EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH A LITTLE SALT

Cleaning With Salt??

The answer is a resounding YES!!!  If your Momma didn't tell you...give her a break. Maybe she didn't know. I will admit it, I am as surprised as you are. I have just always sprinkled Salt on my food and kept it handy to extinguish kitchen fires. My mother did not pass along this information either. There is so much about Salt that is intriguing and even beautiful too. So let's find out all about it shall we, Beloved?

Supernatural Salt

  The Great Salt Lake  

 The Great Salt Lake has very beautiful sunsets, ranging in hues of lavender as you can see, pinks, golds, crimson and blues you never thought existed. Basically the Great Salt Lake is a small Sea surrounded by land. The Salt in the Great Salt Lake allows you to float very easily.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is made up of 30% Salt. Obvisously you can float in the Dead Sea, plus it has Health Benefits. Many travel to Israel just to receive those miraculous healings. One of the most interesting sights to see is people covered in Dead Sea Salt Mud.

Dead Sea Salt Mud is a Treatment 



The Dead Sea beholds a Beauty with Salt like no other place in the world. I believe it is because of God's Supernatural hand primarily in the midst of  the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

And then there is the Dead Sea Scrolls and the most recent findings 70 metal books found near a Jordan Cave is absolutely amazing even though it was not in the Dead Sea. There is just always something Supernatural about God and what He creates. And don't forget, God says Christians are the Salt of the Earth!!

The Salt Gallery

Watch this being created

Salt for Fun

 

I know, Right?

 

 

Nail Art with Salt

Balance Salt Shaker with Salt

Time Lapsed Salt Crystal Garden

Make Playdoh with Koolaid

 

Now that we have had our fun, it is time to get to the Nitty-Gritty of Salt......CLEANING!

Salt the Cleanser

• Salt absorbs spills, especially helpful with greasy ones
• Salt neutralizes smells, wonderful additive to garbage cans
• Polishes Silver; Line your sink with foil, add a half a cup of Salt & half a cup of Baking Soda with two cups of very hot water, soak for thirty minutes or more then polish

• One part Vinegar or Lemon Juice plus one part Salt for cleaning Copper
• Remove smells from your hands after prepping food; rub Salt with just a few drops of water, then rinse away the odor
• Degrease your oven, pans, pots and dishes with one part Baking Soda & one part Salt
• Remove grease stains from carpet; one part Salt and four parts Rubbing Alcohol, rub in hard and rinse with water or steam vacuum
• clean white wicker furniture; make a salty water solution, use a bristle brush, scrub and let dry in the sun
• Check Out the fastest most simplest way to clean your Cast Iron Skillet below
  

• Degrease and deodorize sink drains by using Salt and very hot water
• Remove water rings from wooden furniture; one part Salt and one part Olive oil
• Remove stubborn coffee and Tea stains with a mixture of Salt and Liquid Dish Soap
• Clean refrigerators with Salt and Soda Water
• Remove Rust with a mixture of Salt, Cream of Tartar and Lemon Juice; create a paste, set it sit for awhile and scrub off Rust Stains
• For a sparkling Coffee Pot; Salt, Rice and Ice Cubes; swish around and then rinse
• Wine Stains; Blot wine up, pour a pile of Salt, vigorously rub in, use cold water to rinse and then use a shop vac to vacuum up the area.

• Over suds in laundry; add one cup of Salt to calm down the bubbles
• Keep clothes from freezing on the clothes line this Winter; add one cup of Salt to your final rinse.
• Brighten Colors and prevent colors from bleeding; add one cup of Salt to your wash
• Remove Rust, Mildew and Perspiration Stains from your clothes; make a paste with Salt and Lemon Juice, rub it in, let it completely dry in the sun and then wash

• Wash your Fruits and Vegetables with a Salt water solution
• Clean dirt off your freshly picked garden vegetables, such as Mushrooms, Onions, Shallots and Potatoes; pour a whole lot of Salt into a container, bury your Vegetables, rub Salt all over them and then shake off the excess
• Clean the ring around your tub, whether it's soap scum or hard water stains; use one part Salt and one part Lemon Juice, make a great scrubbing paste and then rinse
• Clean Lipstick stains off cups; rub Salt and then rinse
• Clean and deodorize Cutting Boards; rub plenty of Salt into your board, let sit for two minutes and then rinse
• Kill weeds; one part Salt and three parts very hot water, fill a spray bottle and directly spray on the weeds that you want to dispose

• Clean Piano Keys; make a paste with Salt and Lemon Juice, rub and then wipe off
• Clean Artificial Flowers; pour Salt into a paper bag, place flowers in the bag, close and then shake 
• Clean Antique Linens; Boil in a pot, water, half a cup of Borax and half a cup of Salt. Steep until stains are lifted
• Clean loose Diamonds; pour Salt into hands and rub together with Diamonds. Use white toothpaste, a toothbrush and Salt to scrub Diamond jewelry
• Clean Motor oil off hands by rubbing them with Salt
• Wipe away Smoke Film off your walls; mix Salt with Rubbing Alcohol and wipe away
• Clean Belly Button Piercing....view video below
  

Pass the Salt, Please

We all need Salt, in more ways than one. A small amount of Salt is needed in our diet. There are a few things, Sweetheart, that I would like you to remember until the next time we discuss Salt.......oh Yes, there is so much more to talk about!

Take Life with a Grain of Salt, Pass the Salt, Please.......

 &

 

Don't forget Beloved, Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Top Ten Tips For Organizing & Cleaning Your Dorm

OMG! I'm A Freshmen...now what do I do ?

by Mary Pereira
Going to College for the first time can be a daunting task. We all have preconceived notions of how something will be, and most of the time we are surprised at how they turn out. Unless...we consult those whom have walked before us and have enough compassion to share in their experiences. Fortunately nowadays we have access to Vlogs and Blogs that focus on passing on the torch to those who seek the knowledge at hand.

Considering the fact school is right around the corner, and you may not have the time to research what advice is good or bad...I looked into it for you, resulting in the TOP TEN TIPS For Organizing & Cleaning Your Dorm. Some of them are funny and hopefully most of them will be helpful to you. This is a very precious time for you and for your future. May all of you be covered with a Blessing of Wisdom, Knowledge, Protection and an Abundance of Love this year.

Top 10 Tips: Organizing & Cleaning Your Dorm

#10. This video is great because it gets you in touch with what is important to you, which is what you need to remember when making decisions

#9. Dorm rooms are small and you will probably have a roommate. Here is a well done video showcasing an organized room

#8. Some of You will have a Room to Yourself...Here is another video with good tips. Ironically she likes the Beatles too, like the previous video Lol

#7. Dorm Room Bathrooms are Notorious for Fungus and Bacteria....here are some great cleaning tips

#6. Hygiene is Very Important...Especially Since You will Be Sharing A Room...This Video is Direct 

#5. Before Even Moving in, Clean Your Dorm and don't forget the up keep throughout the year

#4. You may feel video #5 was extreme but if you don't keep up with cleaning you may end up having to clean up like these guys did...Lol

#3. Things You May Not think to Have For Your Dorm...She has good suggestions

#2. Here are some Ideas for Decorating Your Dorm

#1. Organize, Organize, Organize....remember you are trying to learn so it's hard to study in a mess

Life Is a Learning Process

I hope that these videos were helpful to you. I know that these up and coming days will be both exciting and new to you all. Don't take it all so seriously either...enjoy life, Beloved! I have included as a bonus, one last video that I found funny. Don't forget to follow me on twitter for #cleaningtips and #specials. Remember...Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

#BONUS TIP

Ooooh La La...The Allure of French Maids

by Mary Pereira

C'est La Vie

The Allure of French Maids

Ahh...the 19th Century gave birth to the French Maid. Just like all fads, most fade away and some just become classics. My Cleaning Service, Maids In Madison has a French Maid with a feather duster Silhouette for the Logo. I choose it because it is attractive and compelling due to the undeniable allure of the French Maid.

French Maids were imported to England during the 19th Century as personal assistants to wealthy women of higher stature. If by chance, they could not obtain an authentic little Frenchie, then an English Lass, who spoke some French passed off as the "real thing". That is how much the fad was in style, faking it a little was okay as long as you were not left out of  the loop. No one needed to know if your maid wasn't actually born in France.

Up Close and Personal

These personal French maids were seen by the public and in the midst of friends and colleagues of the English Ladies of the House. Appearances set a precedence, as with certain employed positions of today, such as retail associates and hostesses. These women were beautiful and were the frontrunners of the female employed society. 

The term, personal French maid, is not deemed loosely here at all. The maid's level of intimacy included helping English women by entering the sleeping chambers, assisting with undergarments such as corsets and she became the ultimate confidant for sharing secrets and private conversations. Therefore the Allure began. 

C'est Si Bon
French Maids were laced with different cultural styles, held exotic flair, started from the bottom of the social ladder and therefore had uninhibited mannerisms. They were not expected to hold up the prim and proper etiquette that was an everyday pressure in the life of an English woman in the 19th Century. Then add a sexy French accent to the mix and....VIOLA! They exuded an inexplicable attraction that was charming, seductive and beckoning with beauty.

 

The French are Sexy

Oooh La La...

French Maids eventually became iconic characters in fictional stories and especially in Burlesque Theater. From then on the costumes became racier and racier.  These saucy characters were usually dressed in formal black and white attire. The dresses were black silk or perhaps satin with white lace, always holding a feather duster. The neckline became lower and the hem line shorter and shorter over the years. Last but not least, there was a white petticoat underneath. Come to think of it these costumes remind me  so much of the Can Can shows and their costumes, which was also around the 19th Century, Mon Ami 

 Pin Me Up

Sexy French maid postcards started being all the rage around the 1910's to 1950's. Pin Up Girls were everywhere around the world but of course France's attraction was the French Maid.

C'est Magnifique

 Pinups are still popular today. I see dozens of make-up and hair tutorials on Youtube for Pinups, so you can recreate the look for yourself. Burlesque shows have also increased throughout the Country. The French maid costumes are here to stay and some of them certainly should stay in the bedroom only. The Allure of the French maid keeps us engaged and paying attention. There is something about a woman who is beautiful and submissive yet strong enough to correct you when you have crossed the line.

A Servant's Heart  

With that being said, Maid For You Cleaning Service holds a level of integrity. We are in this line of work because we have a heart for service. We always keep in mind that God sees all that we do. It does not matter whether anyone is looking or not, or giving us credit where credit is due. We perform our lives as if there is a video camera filming us at all times. Our Boss is ultimately God...no one else.





Bondservants and Masters

Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of Heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the Heart, with good will during service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality in Him.         Ephesians 6: 5-9 

Au Revoir
All good things must come to and end, Mon Ami...so I must say good-bye and Au Revoir, until next time, we will meet here again for another Rendezvous, Oui? Oui! & que Dieu vous benisse. Remember Bien Aime, Cleanliness is next to Godliness
  

 

 

 

 

Relax...it's Lavender take two

by Mary Pereira

Lavande Relaxante by Brazilian Composer Corciolli

lavender - haiku

cheerful mountain sun
the lavender you enthralled
knows love and not hate

Ena N. Mori

Precious Lavender

I hope you are as relaxed as I am after writing part one of Relax...It's Lavender, my Love. I had previously discussed with you my own personal discovery with Lavender, it's history and mentions in the Bible, but primarily Lavender's power to clean and disinfect. Lavender should never be underestimated by any means. Now let's delve in a little deeper because there are more avenues to explore. The gift of Lavender keeps on giving. After all, God designed this precious herb that way just for you and me to enjoy. 
Lavender is a flowering plant from the mint family. The smell of Lavender has been documented at the University of Miami School of Medicine, who has studied the effects of Lavender on relaxation and sleep. Lavender slows heart rates, lowers blood pressure and puts you in a parasypathetic state. which affects the parasypathetic nervous system .

This is the part of the autonomic nervous system originating in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord that, in general, inhibits or opposes the physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system, as in tending to stimulate digestive secretions, slow the heart, constrict the pupils and dilate the blood vessels.

This explains the effects that Lavender has on us. Why we become so intoxicated that we want to relax and sometimes sleep, Beloved. 

Grow Lavender Grow

Necessities in a Lavender's Life

Lavender plants are pretty tolerant, but the optimum condition for the best results for growing Lavender, my Love, are warm climate, soil loose enough to drain water well, and a lot of sunshine. At least 6 hours a day of sunshine, but make sure that you water them enough to where the soil stays moist.  Now if you live in a place where the temperature gets into the 100's, placing your Lavender plants in full sun may not be such a good idea, Sweetie. In that case, partial sun will be just terrific. Partial sun means 3 to 6 hours of sun a day. Still you must pay attention to the moisture level so your Lavender will not dry out. 

Lavender needs an alkaline soil level, and they love a chalky calcium additive such as oyster shells. I can't wait to plant them back in my hometown of New Orleans, when I move back. There are plenty of oyster shells down in N'Awlins the Sportsman's Paradise and lots of seafood  Now after you have survived the first growing season of Lavender by protecting the soil's moisture level like a hawk, you can relax, because Lavender can tolerate drought and snow too. It is a hearty plant and will serve you well once you get your Lavender established.

Tender Loving Care

Lavender's enemy is too much dampness, not snow. If you live in an area of a lot of humidity, before planting, separate the Lavender far enough from each other to get plenty of air flow and sunshine. Wet roots is a killer to your luscious Lavender, so keep an eye on those babies. Another way to be a good mother to your Lavender is to only put down mulch after the first freeze, in order to keep it dry. Planting your precious Lavender near a wall  keeps it protected from Old Man Winter's harsh blows. This will also make a happy Lavender plant to harvest plenty of essential oils. 

Snip, Snip, Prune

You will be cutting off flowers from time to time, after your Lavender has grown more than a six inch stalk, but severe pruning is what Lavender needs.  Springtime and Fall, after harvest time, is when you should prune them back down to about a third of their height. If you live in an area where winter dries your plants, then don't bother to prune, nature did it for you. Make sure that you don't prune to soon in the season because you WILL discourage growth and you wouldn't want that, Sweetheart. Here is a wonderful video for further visual tips on growing beautiful Lavender...enjoy

Now Let's Just All Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy the View for a Moment...Can You Smell the Lavender?

Lavender Has a Purpose

Hung Out to Dry

Once you have grown your Lavender, my Precious, into a hearty colorful bush, just prior to the flower buds opening, it will be time to HARVEST! Be sure that your lavender is dry and that there hasn't been rain for a few days before cutting. Your best tool will be a hand held sickle if you are harvesting a lot of Lavender, otherwise scissors or pruners will do just fine.

 Here is a short tutorial on drying Lavender

Squeezing Out Every Last Drop  

Here are three different ways to squeeze out Lavender's oil or extracts. I hope you try them all.

• Distillation
• Cold Pressed
• Extract 

Where There is Smoke, There is Fire 

There are many ways to enjoy Lavender but did you know that you can smoke it? Smoking Lavender is both anxiolytic and very relaxing. Adding Lavender to smoking blends has been practiced since Lavender and rolling your own cigarettes has existed. It's a shame I had not heard of this before, considering all the anxiety medications doctors have tried to perscribe to me. (none of them worked).  All this time, here was beautiful, pure and natural Lavender at my disposal.


Lavender is added to tabacco and other smoking herbs to improve the mixture's overall flavor and calm down nerves, especially just prior to sleep. Smoking Lavender by itself can be calming and has a pleasant taste. Although I do not recommend just using Lavender to smoke for two reasons; one, it is quite strong and two, it can be expensive....Besides a little goes a long way when blended with other herbs and tobacco. Everything in moderation is the best way to go, always. You will throughly enjoy using Lavender in your smoking blends, especially if you are having trouble sleeping and your mind races as you lay there. Lavender melts all your troubles away. If you are having double the trouble sleeping then do as some folks do and drink Lavender Tea while smoking to get a dose of anti-oxidants and twice the potency...you will feel the difference.

Since you are also able to volatilize Lavender, then using Lavender oil in a vaporizer makes for an amazing aromatherapy. For example, in a Baby's room, when they are teething and can't fall asleep, adding Lavender to the humidifier will lull your infant to sleep. Then of course placing a bouquet of freshly cut Lavender by your bedside and a Lavender sachet under your pillow, will make the Sandman come around more often.  Make a pillow filled with dried Lavender buds and Hops, for an excellent gift to enter LaLa Land, Beloved.  And best of all Lavender contains phytoestrogens, which mimics human Estrogen. So remember, boys under the age of 13 may be effected during their development and should not ingest Lavender very much, if any. But for us Ladies....this is great news!!! Lavender is an aide to menstrual cycles and you can also rub Lavender Oil on to reduce cramps because it is Antispasmodic. Lavender is excellent also for pre and post menopause, as well, because it boosts the Estrogen level. Another terrific use for Lavender is treating acne, rosacea, sunburn, scars, toothaches, infections and toe nail fungus. Here is a terrific website for more on Lavender's medicinal uses. This site has many articles and pages on these medicinal uses.
 

 Lavender Takes the Cake

Have you eaten Lavender yet? It's amazingly good. You can use it on just about anything and it's delicious. Try some of these recipes, Darlin'. You will thank me later. 

• Lavender Ice Cream
• Lavender Honey
• Lavender Lemonade
• Lavender Margaritas
• Lavender Tea Cookies
• Lavender Aioli
• Lavender Herbs de Provence
• Lavender Bread Pudding
• Lavender Sugar  ...use powdered too
• Lavender Tea
• Lavender Butter
• Lavender Creme Brulee
• Lavender Steak with Lavender Potatoes
• Lavender Glazed Pork Chops
• Lavender Cake

 The list goes on...especially the cake recipes. Have fun experimenting these suggestions and search for some more. Well, I must bid you Adieu and I look forward to us meeting again here. I Love you all. Remember as always that Cleanliness is next to Godliness.