Say What? Pink Tax, Less Pay It’s All in a Day

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert Buford Weekly Illustrated 11/23/16

American’s are yelling foul.  The man who insulted and threatened their way of life is the most powerful man in the nation, with that comes fear. Has learned from mistakes? We can only hope. This isn’t a political article. It’s about women.  All women, who mother, want to mother, are in  the workforce and those who stay at home.   

Women who stand up for themselves and are insulted, disrespected or called nasty names.  Women who are meek and criticized for being  naive and trusting.  Women who are abused by men larger than them and you ponder, how can she stay, is she weak? Women who are raped and accused of asking for it or lying.  

This is about manipulation and the ignorance that shapes what we believe in this world. We need to see through the games, be confident, believe that we are worthy. We need self esteem we must help others to have self esteem as well.  This is a difficult road ahead of us since this election. Our task is no more difficult than the road our fore-mothers paved for the right to vote .

What was said about women during the campaign, women now have to explain to our daughters and sons. Who you voted for doesn’t matter now. What women believe about themselves does. 

Facts to consider; Women make 25% less than men for the similar jobs (usgovinfo.org.)  Women in heterosexual relationships still prepare most of the meals.  How often do we hear “Dad what’s for dinner?” Women complete  80% of the household and parental duties. Women spend more on the products and services, due to a pricing trend known as the pink or gender tax. On average women pay 7% more for similar products; shampoo, razors, blue jeans and deodorant that differ only in color, including pink toys.  Dry cleaning the same shirt costs more because of all the absurdities, the shirts do not fit on the press. Large retailers at (Forbes.com) show women’s pay more for senior care, baby care, health and hygiene. How do we be the change? Awareness is a start. 

Refuse to purchase gender specific items when possible.  If it seems the same it probably is.  Be the example. Work for gender equal companies.   Men your sons need to believe that you believe that women are worthy of respect. Your daughters need to believe they are worthwhile.  And ladies, if a man holds a door open for you don’t ignore the gesture. Accept the sign of respect and say thank you. Because you are worth it.

Ten for Ten for a Cleaner Clean

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert  November 2016 Gwinnett Citizen 

Dear Sister Knowitall,

Can you share some natural replacements for some cleaners in our home. I have small children. I would really like to protect them from toxins in the chemicals in cleaners not to mention the environment.  
Sincerely, Non-Toxomom

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Dear Non-Toxomom,

Natural cleaning companies can be  expensive. Here are some tried and true replacements.  With 10 ingredients I can replace 10 store bought products in your home that clean great.   

Image Source : northphoenixfamily.com

1) Baking Soda,  2) Coconut Oil, 3) Lemon,  4) Orange Peel,  5)Hydrogen Peroxide, 6)Essential Oil Staples: Peppermint, Orange, Lemon , Tea Tree and, Lavender, 7)Cinnamon,  8)Salt, ,  9)White Vinegar 10) Aluminum Foil

1) Goo Gone - Mix Baking Soda and Coconut Oil together, add a few drops of  orange essential  oil - removes sticky glue and labels from jars.

2) Microwave A cup of Vinegar can smell pretty strong. I prefer half a lemon. Run the microwave for 1 minute, then wipe out with a paper towel. 

3) GoJo- Grease Remover - Coconut Oil and Orange Essential Oil.  Mix in a container with a wide mouth and keep near the sink for that greasy man in your life.

4) Jewelry Cleaner-  Lay  aluminum foil in the bottom of the sink. Fill the sink 25% of very hot water.  Add Baking Soda and Salt and stir until dissolved.  Place your silver or gold jewelry into the water making sure that it touches the aluminum foil. Let soak 10-15 minutes.  Use a slightly abrasive cloth to polish the piece and enjoy the sparkle.  Remedy is not safe for items with pearls or costume jewelry made of  plastic, cheap metals or glue).

5) Comet/Ajax-  Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide- Spray Hydrogen Peroxide in sink or tub, sprinkle on baking soda, let set for 2-4min. Use scrubby .  

6) Bleach/Tilex - Tea Tree Oil, Baking Soda and Water,  Bleach does not kill mold it is a myth. It just bleaches the color. Have you ever noticed that it comes back exactly in the same patterns?  Mix tea tree oil, baking soda and filtered water in a spray bottle. Spray on mold and let it sit.  Spray daily to  prevent new mold.   Scrub away with a brush.   Sprinkle baking soda/tea tree  on heavier moldy area and make a paste with water. Wait 15  minutes, then brush away.  Porous embedded areas such as caulk, drywall, wood and cloth will be difficult if not impossible to remove.  Did you know that a a Peace Lily in your bathroom absorbs mold?  

7) CLR - for Rust Remover -  Make a paste out of water and baking soda.  Use a tooth brush, or just wet the item with rust and scrub away with a bristle brush.  Once rust has eaten away the metal it will leave a hole or groove in your item, so catch it early before it causes permanent damage. 

8) Brasso - for Copper Cleaner-  Ketchup.  Rub ketchup onto your copper item and let sit for 10 minutes min, longer for high patina areas. Use a little elbow grease for a sparkling new penny shine.

9) Windex - White Vinegar Lemon/Lavender Oil and Purified Water

10) Blood Remover - Hydrogen Peroxide, rinse with cold water only. Note that old stains won’t remove completely.