There are few things in life that I dread more than bathroom cleaning. Honestly, it’s hard to find the motivation most days. When the wonderful folks at Seventh Generation sent me some samples, it provided a much needed boost!

I have tried and enjoyed their dish soap, but not their other cleaners, so I was very excited with my samples! I got to try All Purpose Natural Cleaner, Glass & Surface Cleaner, and a Tub & Tile Natural Cleaner. The coolest thing is that they are all available in concentrated refills. You mix them with 3.5 cups of water in a 32-oz. spray bottle. A little goes a very long way, so these are definitely economical.

Seventh Generation is known for making environmentally-friendly, natural products. I love that I’m doing something good for the planet and my own home. I hate most commercial cleaners, because they aggravate my allergies with horrible, harsh fumes. None of these products bothered me at all! Everything was mild. 2 of the products are Free & Clear, while the Tub & Tile cleaner has a light Emerald Cypress and Fur scent.

I started by cleaning my mirrored medicine cabinets. The Glass & Surface cleaner worked just as well as Windex, without leaving me sneezing and coughing. This is an excellent product I’d willingly buy.

After that, I moved on to the showers. I sprayed the walls and tub with the Tub & Tile cleaner and let it sit for about 10 minutes to dissolve any soap scum/residue.

While the showers were resting, I gave the toilets a thorough scrub with some cleanser and a brush. Then, I moved on to the vanities.

With very little effort on my part, everything came out sparkling clean, shiny, and didn’t smell like chemicals! I didn’t have to keep re-spraying and wiping. It was very quick and efficient.

Since the showers were now ready, I gave that a go, too. I was curious to see if the Tub & Tile cleaner would live up to its promise. I’m happy to report it truly does! There wasn’t a trace of soap scum anywhere.

Last but certainly not least, I sprayed the tile floors. A quick mopping was all it took to get them gleaming.

While I still don’t love cleaning my bathrooms, I enjoyed it a lot more with Seventh Generation products. I will be stocking up on these whenever I can find a good sale and hopefully, some coupons. Everyone of these cleaners gets 5 out of 5 stars from me!

If you’re looking to watch something truly entertaining, check out HBO’s new documentary All About Ann, that focuses on the life of former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

While I don’t agree with a lot of her politics, I’m 100% in agreement with her stance on women’s rights. Long before the Spice Girls were singing about “Girl Power,” Ann Richards was actually living it. Her success in the notoriously tough Texas political arena was remarkable. She was the first woman ever to be elected as Texas State Treasurer and Governor. Ann did things on her terms, unfazed by very vocal critics.

She fought for causes she believed in, worked tirelessly to eliminate special interest groups, and ensured that government would be open to all members of society, not just the few and powerful.

As part of the ’80’s Generation, I witnessed Ann Richards and many other remarkable women break barriers. Ladies like Sandra Day O’Connor, Margaret Thatcher and Geraldine Ferraro are shining examples. All of them inspired me, and other ladies of my age, that we truly could be anyone and do anything we wanted. Being “just a girl” was no longer an impediment to success.

They proved we don’t have to obey a man to be loved by one, nor do we have to compromise our femininity to be taken seriously. We can work in government, the military, even in manual labor and still look pretty while we do it.

As an American woman, I am so thankful—thankful for equal rights, thankful for equal protection under the Law, thankful to have a voice, thankful for the ability to live my life, my way. Because that’s what “Girl Power” is all about—choice.

I can get married…or not.

I can be a mother…or not.

I can work…outside my home.

I can work…inside my home.

I can choose.

My choices may be different from yours and that’s ok. There’s no right or wrong way to be a woman. There’s nothing we’re “supposed” to be doing, other than finding our own God-given path.

I choose to be empowered and informed. I choose to be the best person I can be. I choose to make this world a better place, however I’m able.

I choose to be me, and that, according to Ann Richards, is just fine!

What does “Girl Power” mean to you?

The wonderful folks at Castor & Pollux were kind enough to send some Organix cat treats for Pumpkin to sample. Castor & Pollux has been making all-natural pet products for 20 years. They are committed to producing only the finest food and treats and they strive to help animals in need—something I fully support.

I hadn’t heard of Organix prior to this, but I sure am glad I know now! These treats are simply amazing. They are 95% organic and made with free-range meat. No corn, soy, or wheat is included. It makes me feel so good to give high quality ingredients to Pumpkin, instead of the usual junk food treats on the market.

When you take the treats out of the pack, you’ll notice that each one is shaped like a little drumstick. The crunch factor is extremely high. Usually, I give Pumpkin moist treats, but he really enjoyed snacking on these. He ate so quickly, a bunch fell off the plate.

Because Pumpkin is an extremely active indoor/outdoor cat, he gets very hungry. After a long day of running, jumping, hunting, and playing, he is always looking for a nibble.

I feel confident that Organix is the healthiest, safest choice. I have already bought more of the treats, and I plan to buy some of the cat food, too, in the near future. Because of their exceptional quality and delicious taste, Pumpkin awards these treats “2 Paws Up.”