April 5, 2007

I feel compelled to update you on the Mystery Smell. I’m sure it’s indicative of some kind of blogging-related dementia when you start thinking the internet really needs to know why your kitchen smelled like Elvis died in the fridge, but, well, I don’t exactly have content standards or anything. Frankly, based on the typos I spot whenever I browse my own archives, there is a distinct lack of quality control around here in general. Shameful.

So! On top of our kitchen sink next to the spray nozzle and the faucet, there is this Thing, a protruding whatsit which seems to have one purpose: to funnel out a stream of water when the dishwasher is running. It only happens for a few seconds, about halfway through the wash cycle, and the water just runs down into the sink. JB happened to lift the cap off the whatsit yesterday, and we discovered that it was very foul indeed—coated black by layers of icky dirty dish runoff. Gross, right? I gingerly swabbed at it with a scrubby brush then doused it with vinegar for good measure, and lo, the Mystery Smell is no more.

Okay, now back to telling me what you’re doing this weekend if you haven’t already. Also, if you have any suggestions for non-irritating teeth whiteners (Crest Whitestrips, which have worked wonders in the past, now make my gums feel like they are being doused with battery acid), won’t you help a sister out? My coffee habit is wearing on my not-so-pearly whites and to my unending sorrow the dodge tool only works in Photoshop, not real life.

Oh, and I would also like to know if the following things are worth their hype, because they are all tempting my wallet right now:

Amy Winehouse
Lululemon pants
Superhero necklaces

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jonniker
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse, definitely. I get a big old kick out of her, because really, she does channel old-school ’60s girl-groups with her sha la la stuff with all kinds of roughouse talk. And I am STAUNCHLY anti-hype, and was almost annoyed by it, until I listened to “Rehab” and now I CANNOT STOP. The bouffant hair! The beat! The snappiness! HOO BOY! I love it.

Although have you seen her lately, all corpse-like and skinny? CREE PEE.

Also, Regina Spektor was on GMA today and I’d ignored her hypiness until you posted “Fidelity” and now I’m unstoppable.

Haley
Haley
17 years ago

YES – Amy Winehouse
YES – Lulu Lemon
No idea – the pretty necklaces

Good job on your sleuthing skills and eliminating your foul kitchen stench!
I am bringing my fiance and future stepkids to my parents home for Easter weekend. There’s going to be chocolate, I’ve been promised. Anyone else’s family have “sticky buns” for Easter? A tasty treat, – not porn related –

Amy
Amy
17 years ago

I love my Superhero bracelet dearly. It makes me feel good whenever I wear it!

Glad you banished the smell.

Jessamyn
17 years ago

LOVE my Superhero necklaces! Yes, plural. I own three, and after I read Andrea’s post today, hinting that she may not be making any more at some point soon, I ordered another one, by God. So that will make four. I wear them a lot, and I love them all! (And they give you superhero powers, so that’s good, too.) Also, Andrea is awesome, so it’s for good cause.

justmouse
justmouse
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse – never heard of her.
Lulu Lemon – couldn’t say…i’m quite certain they don’t make things in my size.
Superhero necklaces – definately. oooohhh…shiny! must buy! although…i have no idea why they are ‘superhero-ish’.

i hate mystery kitchen smells. the worst EVER for me was when a stray potatoe ended up rotting in the back of the cupboard. smells quite a lot like um…EVIL. glad you figured it out and fixed it. :D

also, crest whitestrips…tried em…lasted about 3 days before the PAIN took over any desire i had for white teeth. it says it may cause “some sensitivity” ?!? by which it obviously means that demons of pain will take residence in my mouth making my very existence unbearable. my big brother told me to brush with that Sensodine toothpaste for a couple of weeks before using the white strips. i haven’t tried it yet though. don’t know if that would do anything for your gums though.

Brooke
17 years ago

No idea about Amy. I don’t do yoga, and pants are almost always too short on me anyway. Necklaces are pretty. Maybe I’ll hit the bead store this weekend.

My daughter is at her Dad’s for Easter, boo-hoo. I’ll be wringing my hands about who’s going to watch my dogs while we snowboard next weekend.

Kristen
Kristen
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse is definitely worth it. Most original sound on the pop scene since Christina Aguilera. Not that I’m some expert, but she’s got a great voice.

John
John
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse = definitely!

Hype or no, the retro 60s soul/girl group sound is fantastic. Just fantastic.

Go to youtube and find some of her live performances. I especially recommend her appearance recently on Letterman.

Caitlin
Caitlin
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse is WONDERFUL! I did my very first burlesque act to “Rehab” and am so excited the CD is finally out in the U.S., though, admittedly, some of the cool factor is gone now that she’s sort of all over the place. Thank you Perez Hilton for the one bit of non brain-melting bit of information you’ve given me!

Pete
Pete
17 years ago

That thing by your sink it the dishwasher air gap vent. It is there so water won’t flow back into your dishwasher if the sink plugs and fills up. It is usually connected to the garbage disposal. If the vent is pissing out water it usually means the hose between the vent and garbage disposal is restricted (filled with the icky stuff). The best way to clean the hose is to take it off and flush it out (major pain in the ass). Another way is some vent caps can be disassembled which allows you to pour really hot water down the vent into the hose. You could add bleach to the hot water but since some of it might run back into the dishwasher it would be good to run the dishwasher to flush the backwash. I know, to much information. Sorry, I’m a geek.

Christina
Christina
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse = very, very worth it. Of course, I fell in love with her about 3 months ago, which was BEFORE her album was released in the US, so I even spent the money to order the damn CDs off of amazon.co.uk. And I can now buy that same album for $7.99 on iTunes. Awesome!

Coleen
17 years ago

I will be sneaking lots and lots of chocolate all day Saturday and most of the morning on Sunday, and then I shall spend the rest of Sunday in a food coma, with added groaning.

I only heard the one Amy Winehouse single that was offered free on iTunes, but I really liked what I heard. Wasn’t she the one the tabloids were screaming was anorexic a few months back because she went from delightfully Callie-curvy to alarming Ally McBealish?

Mare
17 years ago

Karen, the girl who works for me, swears up, down, and centre about lululemon. “They make my ass look good,” she says. What more does one need?

angela
angela
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse bugs. I don’t want to hear about how she’s a self-admitted drunk and refuses to go to rehab. Also, her sound sounds like I’ve heard it before and like she’s trying too hard. And, hello, HAIR. Get a brush.

IMHO.

christen
17 years ago

Lululemon–seems VERY overpriced for a pair of workout pants…they have a store here, I browse, but never buy.

Swistle
17 years ago

I don’t think Sherlock Holmes felt as satisfied when he solved a case as I feel when I solve a bad smell mystery.

Mary O
Mary O
17 years ago

The same thing happened to me with the whitestrips. I used to use them fairly regularly and they were fine. Then I didn’t use them when I was pregnant with or nursing my son. I tried the whitestrips again a few months ago, and MAN the pain! Shooting pains through my teeth and gums! I would be totally interested if there is a better way to get white teeth that doesn’t involve spending a gazillion dollars at the dentist.

serror
serror
17 years ago

Love the Amy Winehouse, but love the Lily Allen more.

Lululemon=overpriced no matter how good they make you butt look. 60 bucks for yoga pants? Good god. Maybe I am just cheap…

Love the necklaces, and I should buy one!

Christina
17 years ago

I dont know if anyone mentioned the alternate to the crest strips but I had okay results with the crest paint on stuff. You leave it on overnight, you can feel it but its not bad at all.
Crest also has a sensitive line of strips now too but jeezus they expensive, like $45 I think? Id rather put that toward one of those superhero pieces.

CP

Erin
17 years ago

Lululemon will make anyones ass look hot. I promise. I bought a few pairs at a warehouse sale they had in SoDo awhile back and I will say they are so worth it. They are super comfortable, don’t shrink when you wash them and like I mentioned before, will make anyone’s ass look hot. Even mine. :P

Amy M.
Amy M.
17 years ago

No big weekend plans, just Easter with the fam.

Not a big Amy Winehouse fan – her stuff’s alright, but I don’t like her voice very much. Music is so subjective!

I’d never heard of Lululemon, so I looked at their website & apparently there isn’t one, nor any stores that carry their products, in Wisconsin. The clothes look nice, though! As a runner, I’d love the running shorts!

Love, love, love the superhero necklaces! I’m sending my hubby the link – just in time for mother’s day!

Violet
17 years ago

Lulu doesn’t make anything in sizes larger than 12 and my ass is a 16, so.. I have no idea. The stuff LOOKS good.

Amy Winehouse – I, um, may have just downloaded two albums. I’d have to get back to you on that one. (No, seriously, could you just wait here, holding your breath? No? Fine, take someone ELSE’S opinion and run with it..)

Superhero – I wanted a necklace REALLY BAD until I saw the cost and, um, yeah. I totally cannot justify $70+ USD. But my friend Kelly dragged me to the local beading store where they have all the tools for you to use and so many cool beads to choose from. For under $10 I made my own super cool funky bracelet – and I’m going back to make a necklace now that I know how easy it is.

In other words, if you can afford and justify the $70, go forth! If not, you can make something funky in under an hour and it’ll be ALL YOURS and maybe even MORE cool.

And, if you can spare $140, I’ll send you my mailing address. I love the “Joy” necklaces. And I’ll be your truest bestest friend EVER. Honest.

Nona
Nona
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse is a hell yes.

Lori
17 years ago

Absolutely to Amy Winehouse.

Melle
17 years ago

If you’re really into 60s music and/or the hard-livin’-voiced femme fatale chanteuse type, Amy Winehouse may well be for you. Back to Black is fun and boppy, certainly, but I wouldn’t want to listen to a whole album. And from what I’ve seen of live performances on YouTube, she could probably use some rehab… or elocution lessons. Slurring and unintelligible lyrics… not so sexy. (I also haven’t been all that turned on by Lily Allen, the other British brunette IT girl these days, so YMMV.)

‘Round these parts, Lululemon is must-have gear for yuppie mommies and the high maintenance gym girls (who already tend to have hot asses). I’ve managed to complete many a workout (not to mention around-the-house lounging) without any of their stuff (wouldn’t fit my decidedly-not-hot ass anyway), but I have friends who speak highly of it, if you want to spend the cash.

Superhero jewellery… pretty, fun, great colours, but, like Lululemon, a big trend, I think, and not that hard to make (if you’re at all inclined). Plus, once you slap on the exchange rate (for us north of the border), not an expense I’d justify.

alina
17 years ago

My dentist said that because I have highly sensitive teeth, I should avoid even whitening toothpastes. The sensitivity of my teeth actually indicates that my enamel is thin (I don’t know if that’s the case for all sensitivity), and the whitening stuff is too stringent.

He recommended shelling out the money for the professional grade stuff you get from the dentist, because they can control the level of bleach and you’re not paying in pain and anguish plus the cost of fixing whatever damage the harsh stuff causes.

Hope that helps :)

nonsoccermom
17 years ago

Try some of that whitening pre-rinse mouthwash. I’m using the Target brand, and I can really tell a difference. It hasn’t caused any sensitivity issues (which is excellent because I have extremely sensitive teeth anyway) but it tastes BAD. Basically it is hydrogen peroxide you are swishing in your mouth for a recommended 60 seconds, which is longer than you’d think. You get used to the taste, though, and it is much cheaper than the Whitestrip things.

Sadie
Sadie
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse – I’ve resisted because I hate bandwagons and she seems to have a big one

Lululemon – no personal experience with their stuff but I can attest to the joy and motivation that new, cute workout clothes bring. That said, I bought a new sports bra and cute yoga pants at Marshall’s last night for a total of $24.

Superhero necklaces – Love!

This weekend I am hosting Easter brunch, so Sunday is my “fuck you, diet!” day. The menu? Oh, so glad you asked:
Jamaican french toast (there are mashed bananas in the egg batter, and there’s butter rum maple syrup; hence, Jamaican!)
Spinach & onion frittata
Homemade blueberry muffins
Sliced baked ham
Shrimp cocktail
Vanilla cupcakes filled with lemon pudding

Sheila
17 years ago

Good to know about the pain with the crest whitestrips. I’ve been wanting to give them a try, but I think I’ll pass. I’ve used the arm&hammer whitening toothpaste, and have noticed a change, so I think I’ll just stick with that. Maybe I’ll try the pre-rinse mouthwash too.

Also, Amy Winehouse doesn’t really do it for me, but the pants I want. I’m not sure there is a price too high for a hot looking ass. And the jewelry is pretty, if expensive.

Karla
17 years ago

I am wearing my lululemon pants right now and they are just dreamy. They will absolutely not disappoint.

Anne Glamore
17 years ago

Cleaning out that thing on the sink would make me feel like I’d really accomplished something, sort of like when I run some vinegar through the coffee maker, or force the boys to clean out the refrigerator, or clorox their fetid socks.

Susan
Susan
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse! Amy Winehouse! Amy Winehouse!

deanna
17 years ago

[1] i have yet to make my decision about amy winehouse. i keep listening on itunes and trying to decide. please do let us know what you think if you end up liking her…

[2] HANDS DOWN WITHOUT A DOUBT YES TO THE LULULEMON. their clothes are ridiculously comfortable, incredibly well made, well-designed with lots of great details and flattering fits not to mention that theyre SUPER CUTE. i was just in there yesterday and bought some fabulous stuff. i LIVE in this clothing [wearing 3 pieces now]! TOTALLY worth the money because they wear SO MUCH BETTER than any other brands ive tried. i should also point out that i work out 5-6 days a week, on top of doing some teaching at the gym, so ive tried a LOT and put them through a LOT. i also love that i can not feel like a TOTAL SHLUB if i decide to stop at the grocery store or something on my way home from the gym. they also have great company beliefs and practices which i totally agree with and like to support. read their manifesto…

[3] ive always thought the superhero necklaces were SUPER cute and TOTALLY my style, just not in the end worth the money for me at this point in time. i dont wear jewelry, except maybe once every few months, so i coudlnt rationalise spending that kind of money. however, i always enjoy good hand-made crafty-like products that are coming from a small company and not some giant conglomorate corportation who has questionable factory and payment practices. maybe if i had a job where i wore jewelry to work [and not scrubs or gym clothes!] id purchase…

as for this weekend…im working ALL WEEKEND. as a nurse i hafta work some holidays and i always pick easter because i never mind working it and other people, especially those with families, like to have off. and its TIME AND A HALF HOLIDAY PAY. wootwoot.

Jen
Jen
17 years ago

Call me crazy but I’ve heard on more than one occasion that rubbing mashed strawberries, or mashed strawberries with baking soda (even better apparently), helps whiten teeth.

It’s probably worth noting that it’s also usually followed with a warning not to do it too often as the strawberries somehow hurt your natural enamel over time.

I haven’t tried it so I can’t back it up or anything, but I’ve definitely heard this. And the strips kill me too.

Amy Winehouse is pretty great if you ask me – how a voice like that comes from someone so young is beyond me. Love her.

rebecca
17 years ago

Re Lululemon: a resounding YES. In fact, I’m wearing mine right now! And this is petty, but the Lululemon shopping bag that they give you has all sorts of inspirational sayings on it, and I’m not proud to admit it, but a couple of them kind of choked me up. I know, I’m an idiot. But I do give a strong vote for the pants. Love ’em!

Amanda
17 years ago

Around here the Mommy Wear is from http://www.lucy.com and I have to admit that I’m wearing 2 things from there right now.

AP+1
17 years ago

Lululemon~Yes…I look forward to buying a pair after baby arrives and I can fit in a size 12 or less again. A girlfriend has a pair and even though they retail for $90, they look incredible and are well worth the moola from what I hear. Also, wearing workout clothes that make you feel hot, really is a motivator for the fitness cycle…a vicious positive so to speak ;-)

Vanessa
Vanessa
17 years ago

Lululemon – absolutely worth every penny. I don’t have any of their pants but do have a yoga tank. I love it. Have had it for over a year and a half, wear it at least once a week, wash it often and it still looks new. It’s really functional with great straps, shelf bra, long enough to be flattering.

I haven’t bought another tank since buying it so in the long run, I think it has saved me money (girl math I know, but I think it’s true).

Orange Peacock
Orange Peacock
17 years ago

Can’t help you on the whitestrips, because they ALWAYS hurt on my mouth. I’ve decided to hold out and eventually get a dentist to do it in-office.

Amy Winehouse is AMAZING. She’s so hot (voicewise and in her videos) that it just about makes me want to switch teams. She’s got this amazing potty-mouthed Sarah Vaughan thing going on, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard friends go “That’s a white girl? You’re kidding, that’s a WHITE BRITISH JEWISH GIRL?” The Amy’s got soul.

Sara
17 years ago

I have the Winehouse album — it’s awesome. Would you like me to send it to you?

Shannan
Shannan
17 years ago

Funny, but I was listening to Amy Winehouse as I read your post. Do it.

Laura H
17 years ago

I use Crest Whitening expressions line of paste and mouth rinse. Because I have “issues” that cause sensitive teeth, I alternate with Crest Sensitivity paste and a pure flouride paste that I brush with and leave on every night. I’m that much of a freak. The Lemon Burst Whitening expressions gel is almost good enough to eat, but they don’t recommend it.

Karla
17 years ago

just a thought…but if you do go for some lululemon clothing, find your size and then check ebay. Brand new with tags is almost half the cost a lot of the time! I’ll be doing that for my next pair.

lisa
17 years ago

I don’t know about the other stuff, but I love Amy Winehouse’s new album. I don’t even like that kind of music, but I love this!

velocibadgergirl
17 years ago

I’m clueless about the cool stuff, but this weekend I’m going to a cave. So that’s cool, right? :P

Ellie
17 years ago

I love My superhero necklace. It’s my 30th birthday present to myself!

Kristin
17 years ago

I don’t know who Amy Winehouse is. Am sure that makes me lame.

Lululemon – for the love of Pete, get yourself a pair in glory in your tiny, toned looking glutes. They should hire me, I have been marketing them for years in blogland.

Superhero necklace – My friend Karen of Chookooloonks fame has one. They really are pretty beautiful.

Also: my fridge stinks, although it is not a mystery, it is a cucumber from 1984 or so. Am probably a very bad person for not removing it.

Samantha
Samantha
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse is a MUST! I got the cd the day it came out, and love it. My husband loves it, too, which is saying A LOT.

Cate
Cate
17 years ago

Weekend plan: as a public service to those I work with, tan my ghostly ghastly white ankles. And eat some Easter chocolates.

andrea
17 years ago

Amy Winehouse=Great

Lululemon=The best looking ass in town. I wish I had known the secret of Lulu long ago.