Ironically Sleek Walls

After a child trade (I had two for the morning and now a friend has two for the afternoon) in order to aid us both in actually getting something checked off our massive ‘to do’ lists, I set to work at putting a second coat on the nearly completed bathroom (yes, yes, that one that has been under construction for 2 years now).

I veer towards the mistints (much cheaper, and yes, I have yet to be converted to environmentally friendly paint, shame on me). The first one, upon opening its lid was more mauve than the greyish tan splotch it advertised. We exchanged it. Second can: slick first coat was an exact match to new greyish grout. Perfect. So this afternoon I intended on coat 2 and possibly 3 paint completion…except that as I stirred and poured the paint, previously grouty grey, was now tawny with bits of PEI soil shade. Rolled a bit on the wall. PEI polka dots. Made me think of potatoes (that was an easy supper menu decision.) Hmmm.

Wonderful Paint Lady Tracey (wonderful for more than just her paint expertise of course)at Home Hardware had never heard of such a thing happening. "Changing colours overnight? REALLY?!?" And of course couldn't match exactly without us examining all of the paint chips lined up so sequentially (and so terrifyingly: what if it ISN'T the right shade? as though that truly matters in the grand scheme of life). And it was then that my eccentric little habit of choosing paint hues based on their name blaringly (almost) got in the way of perfect colour match. I was sure, above all else sure, that "Irony" would be the one (especially being as this would be the third can of paint involved)...who knew that "irony" was pale steel coloured? I would have thought more of a reddish cast....? But, alas, it was "sleek" that won the race. And "sleek" that dons the walls (or atleast the two I could do as the tormentingly now auburnish wall still dries before being ready for its new coat).

Does anyone else do that or am I the only one??? (I am sure SOMEONE out there has to have this habit too?) And who names the colour chips anyways? Do they meet regularly with Crayola Dudes to compare? What colour do you think Persian Essence would be? (Ha ha...go seek the answer!)

During my bout of spring cleaning (lasting approximately one hour) I came across a small container called "Salamander Scrub" for bathroom and kitchen uses. I have no idea where it came from; the label, with only a "LEPS" logo on it, promised simplicity and an all-natural alternative to the nasty ingredients of "typical" household cleaners. I put the contents to the test...and was amazed at the shine I hadn't seen on the bathtub since we had moved in to this home, previously owned by a meticulous housekeeper, who didn't have "rugrats" undoing every maneuver towards cleanliness. (Yes, our children will remain my "excuse" for complete dishevelment -my mom always affirmed "messy housekeepers make better lovers" so I must be up for some sort of award!)

I googled LEPS (Langley Environmental Partners Society) and voila, they emailed back to my response with the recipe. Simple: except that I had no clue as to what "D-limonene" is (see below recipe for more info) - probably not something common to small town grocers but once in awhile we manage to make it to "the city"...

Enjoy your sparkling tub & be sure with this cleanly gleam to wear sunglasses when visiting the loo!

Sockeye Scrub (formerly known as "Salamander Scrub" similar to the "Star Formerly Known As Prince")
For use in the kitchen and bath, on tiles, countertops, etc. The scrub is great for scouring, so it is not recommended for certain cooktops.
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup borax
2 Tbsp liquid soap
1 Tbsp d-limonene
Instructions:
Using a metal or glass bowel, mix together baking soda, borax, and liquid soap. Add d-limonene with a metal spoon, mix well.
Note: D-limonene is a concentrated citrus extract that can be purchased locally from Voyager Soap and Candle.