The most amazing cloths in the world!
Earlier this week, I promised a giveaway because Five in Tow has reached over 600 Facebook fans! Plus, I’ve welcomed many new e-mail subscribers since the last giveaway. Welcome!
I love doing giveaways because it gives me a chance to say thank you, at least in a small way, to all of you who support my blog. You allow me to do what I love, to be very real and very me, and (so far) you keep coming back. Thank you! Because you’re so great, I have a great giveaway for you.
A few months ago, my friend Andrea sent me a box full of Norwex cleaning products. She said she thought of me when she started using them, and I thought, “How does she know my house is a mess?” But she said, “No, I thought of you because you’re into natural stuff.” Oh. “Use everything in the box,” she said. “I know you’re going to love it!”
Her optimism was encouraging, but what Andrea didn’t know is that I haven’t had much luck with natural cleaning products. First off, they’re almost always more expensive than their toxic counterparts. Second, they don’t always work. Not really. But I use them because I can’t stand the thought of polluting my home with harmful chemicals. So I scrub away with my ineffective green cleaners and console myself with the fact that most people are never going to see the inside of my shower anyway.
But Andrea is a friend so I had to open the box. One of the things inside was a set of two cloths, an Enviro cloth and a polishing cloth. Andrea said I could clean my entire house with these two cloths and nothing but water, and when I was done, I could hang them up and they’d self-purify. Uh-huh.
I set to work using her voodoo products. I cleaned my mirrors. I cleaned my windows, counter tops, stove, sinks, shower and stainless steel fridge. I even cleaned the fingerprints and other kid-griminess off the white trim around our doors. UNBELIEVABLE. These cloths did exactly what Andrea said they’d do, only better because now my house was clean.
I was on a little bit of a kick now so I cleaned my sliding glass door, the one that no matter how hard I clean, it always looks dirty as soon as the sun shines through it. I wiped it with the wet Enviro cloth, then polished it with a dry polishing cloth. There were absolutely no streaks. None. Not only that, but it took a fraction of the time, I didn’t use any chemicals or paper towels, and the result was better than anything I had ever tried before. I had my daughter do another window, just to see if technique mattered. As it turned out, my nine-year-old could clean the windows just as well as I could using these products. You couldn’t even tell a kid washed the window. Guess who has a new chore? Bwahahaha!
After I finished my cleaning spree, I did a little research. I found out Norwex cloths use two types of technology. They’re made of high-quality microfiber that picks up all the microscopic bits of dirt and bacteria in your home and traps it inside. But what is really amazing to me is that the cloths are woven with silver, so once the dirt is inside, the silver kills the germs and keeps new bacteria from growing. Silver is naturally antimicrobial. Bacteria can’t grow on it. In fact, hospitals use silver bandages on burn patients because burn victims are so susceptible to infection.
When you are done cleaning, you simply rinse out the cloths, hang them up, and the silver kills the bacteria and purifies the cloths so they’re ready to use again. You can use them multiple times before washing them in the washing machine (be sure not to use fabric softener—it coats the silver and the microfiber and makes it less effective) and they won’t smell or spread bacteria around your home. Plus, unlike my other green cleaners, they are actually more effective than anything I’ve ever used before and are completely non-toxic (it’s just water!). Amazing.
By now, you’ve probably guessed what the giveaway is: Norwex cloths!!! One lucky winner will get a set of two Norwex cloths. You are going to love them!
To enter, please share your favorite Five in Tow story with your friends. Many of you have already shared and shared and shared my stories, but I’d love it if you would do it one more time because it’s amazing how this one act has helped to bring new readers to my site. For example, How to Get your Toddler to Eat Anything has been shared over 8,000 times on Facebook, and over 18,000 people read it in one day. Counting the Hours has been shared over 5,000 times and is my all-time most popular post. That’s the power you have, wonderful readers!
So, pick a favorite post and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by carrier pigeon. It doesn’t really matter. Then, come back and leave a comment about the story you shared (this is my covert way of learning what kinds of posts you like best, so choose wisely). I’ll also give extra entries to anyone who knows a good literary agent or publisher. I may even kiss your feet.
One reader will be drawn at random on Wednesday, August 29th. Please allow 2 weeks to receive your prize. Thanks for participating!
I LOVED the blog on “miscarriage”…It was so real. Having had an ectopic pregnancy (baby grows in tube, and my tube burst, and I almost died from bleeding); 11 months and 52 in hospital days, I had a hysterctomy at 26. Heartbroken, married 5 years, it was 1973…the first year of Roe v Wade in effect. I wrote 13 adoption agencies, got 12 nos, and one maybe. in 1976, we adopted a 4 mo. baby girl, in 1978 a 2mo baby boy; (now 37 and 35) then in 1993 we adopted 3 half-siblings, 5,6,7.5. Crazy days, messed up drug/alcohol mom (thiers not me). Now I’m 67 and have 5 grandkids…nice! Lots of stories of horrid and wonderful things in between, plus now I have Chronic pain, Fibro, Osteoarthritis, and bond a lot with my lazy-boy recliner. Did I say i am a pastor’s wife (supposedly retired)??
Anyway, keep writing, and the old folks like me, can laugh, cry, remember and enjoy watching you, with Your FIVE….love..Bev
Oh my goodness, what a life you have had! Thank you for being so willing to love those kids and be willing to pursue what God had for you. Thank you also for reading and encouraging me by taking the time to write!
I shared The Extra Mile just cuz.. How do I buy these great cloths from your links??? I have a husband insane for clean so I need to get some!
WAIT…How did you get a husband who likes to clean?!?! You can click through any of the links in the story and it will bring you to the Norwex page to order. Or, if it’s easier, you can just send me a check and I’ll get them in the mail to you, since I know you. You are back in the States, right? I am having trouble getting my fiveintow e-mail to work correctly, so if you’d rather have me send them to you, leave a follow-up comment and I’ll message you with the amount and my address. Chris will love them–I promise!
These are amazing! I was just introduced last week, and I can’t say enough about how wonderful it is to clean without chemicals.
I know! I am in love with them. I’m glad someone told you about them!
just shared counting the hours as it really gives those rough times a bit of perspective. thank you so much for reminding me. 🙂
Counting the Hours – with my daughters. Reading was bittersweet.
I shared Counting the Hours– Love that post and love your blog!! I love spreading your stories around!
I love so many of you post, my English is poor but I learn everything from your post.. Thank you very much to know your post.
I shared “How to Make Your Toddler Eat Anything”, because it totally cracks me up, having 2 toddlers myself at the moment!
I love so many of your posts. “Counting the Hours” and “The Rules” have both encouraged me and convicted me a lot, as have most of your other posts about parenting. But the link I shared was “The Fire Truck Cart of Evil”. 🙂 Not too deep, but I ALWAYS think of it when I go to the store and my little guy wants to ride in a “car cart”…makes me smile. 🙂
I had been threatening to send a link to my mom, but I hadn’t followed through until now. The link I sent was to “The Extra Mile.” I told my mom that the style was “sort of Dave Barryesqe, with more evocative language.” Hopefully, that comparison doesn’t offend you. I have enjoyed many stories since then, but that was the one that first hooked me.
I shared “Surrounded by Savages” on Facebook a couple weeks ago. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now (the first post I read was the “The Fire Truck Cart of Evil”…I laughed so hard, I cried! And then I shared it on Facebook for all my friends to enjoy!) and I thoroughly enjoy it. Your stories make me laugh and cry…You have such a gift with words!
I shared the apple and the ark. It is one of my favourite posts from you. So many of my Christian friends said “I have never thought about Noah’s story quite like that”. Please keep posting…. You are a blessing to so many! (and thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Newest Norwex story: Company is coming. Wife sends husband to wipe down bathrooms armed with above mentioned cloths. Husband returns in disbelief. Husband demands wife get him cloths for his tractor. 🙂
So I love everything you write and I posted Beauty in Brokenness on my facebook page for my 700 plus friends. I also like your cleaning supply offer but don’t care if I win. However, I work with several publishers and an amazing literary agent that I can connect you with if you would like to email me at traciesearles@maninthemirror.org. I think they would be fools not to publish you.
Oh, I don’t think I can pick an absolute favorite, but I love to come here for a great laugh. Last week I laughed until I hyperventilated over “Surrounded by Savages”. I read it out-loud to my husband and he didn’t so much get it, but my other mother-friends found it hilarious as well.
i shared “counting the hours” because i need all the help i can get when it comes to a balanced mindset regarding how i spend my time in these early years. thank you.
I shared Surrounded by Savages again…I think a bunch of my friends were on vacation this week b/c FB seemed kinda dull.Hopefully you can pick up some new readers and fans. I’m a little surprised my husband hasn’t liked you yet, but he’s got this thing about “girl blogs” and stuff like that…
I shared your quote wall, yet again. Your stories are all so fun to read. Thanks for opening your heart and providing some comic relief 🙂
I really liked “Surrounded by Savages” the other day, but I went back and read “Counting the Hours” and cried once again. I shared that story. It was through that post (on a friend’s FB page) that I first joined your blog.
I have shared many of your posts but today I shared “How to get your toddler to eat anything” because it’s such a fun post and I have many friends at that stage of parenting.
I shared “Counting the Hours”. We were actually discussing your posts at our get-together after church. Another of my friends reads them after I post them, so it was fun relating the stories to the other women. And this was the one that I needed to think on that night. No litte babies in this house, but dogs keeping me up made me think of the story about counting those hours. 🙂 He gives grace even with dogs.
I shared counting the hours. I hadn’t read that one before but it is very touching. As a struggling mum of only 1 baby I have often wondered when reading your posts not just how you cope but how you sound so full of grace when managing with five little ones. Thank you for your writings x
Shared ‘Surrounded by Savages’ because I laughed out loud and had to read it to my hubby. I could easily share all your posts tho-very enjoyable!
i shared Counting the Hours…because I think it’s sooo important for parents of little ones!!!
I shared how to get your toddler to eat anything because that post had me crackin up! I love reading your posts.
I shared “Save the Broken Books!” What a fabulous idea! I don’t like to throw away things, but I’m not sure I can cut up the books either! LOL! I LOVE your blog and have been touched by your stories. You are truly a talented writer!
I just shared the story about toddlers and food again. I really like the Norwex dust mitt that I have. I’d like to have the cleaning cloths. Sound fabulous! (Pick me, pick me!) How’d I do? Did I grovel enough? I can do tricks too. Can you hang a spoon off your nose? I can.
Kristen, you crack me up, I’m so glad we became friends all those months ago…your posts keep me laughing all the time. But I love your The Discovery post the most, that and your Poo Free post. I’ve shared that one at few time! I will keep sharing if you keep writing!! And if I don’t win the cloths, I may need to buy a set for myself for Christmas!! Love ya girl!
I shared Counting the Hours. It really spoke to me the first time I read it. I have a lot of friends that are in that spot and can use the encouragement.
I am so interested in Norwex. Is there a way I can host a party long distance?
I don’t think I’ve read anything you’ve written that hasn’t made me either smile, laugh out loud, tear-up, or consider something in a new light. I have shared both Counting the Hours and How to Get Your Toddler to Eat Anything, and I just shared Counting the Hours once again in the hopes someone new will be touched by it as I and countless others have been.
I forgot to add that the products sound amazing. They are new to me, so thanks for the info and the chance to win some. Also, although I did not share Surrounded By Savages on facebook, I did share it with both my son and daughter-in-law. Their (fortunately, detached) garage burned to the ground a few months ago. The new garage has just been completed, and my son took a small room for his “man cave.” With three little girls (2, 4, and 8) who have him wrapped around their little fingers, I don’t think he will ever actually spend much time alone there.
PS, I did read your “Surrounded by Savages” post and LOVED it. 🙂
My Mom reads your blog and my friends have been trying to convince me to sell Norwex, so she sent me the link to your post. Norwex has been coming up again and again. I am being seriously tempted, especially since I need a new source of income as a now stay-at-home Mom. How do you balance having five kids and selling Norwex? Do you also happen to homeschool?
I do homeschool, but I haven’t really sold Norwex in the traditional way, so I can’t really say how much time it would take. Andrea, my friend who sent me the box of stuff, encouraged me to put the link on my blog after I tried the products and fell in love with them. I thought it was a good idea because I need to do something to recoup some of the expenses of my blog, but I didn’t like any of my options. 🙂 I think it is a great business because everyone who tries the products wants them. Plus, they really do make life easier, so you’re offering something that brings value to people’s lives. I can’t believe how much faster I can clean my house now, and I don’t have to worry about toxins! It’s almost too good to be true. But,I have to guard my writing time because it’s my passion and my calling, so this is about the extent of my selling of Norwex. But, if you’d like to talk to Andrea, I’m sure she could answer some of your questions. She’s super, and she’s been doing very, very well at this. I think it’s been a tremendous source of income for her, and she LOVES it. Let me know and I can pass on her info to you.
I shared the “Fire Truck Cart of Evil”. I love this story. I love it, not only because it makes me laugh hysterically, nor just because my four kids ALWAYS argue about getting to ride in the “Race Car Cart”, but because it makes me laugh almost every time I run into something in the grocery store while driving the “Race Car Cart”. And that tends to be multiple occurrences in any single trip. …and I have also forgotten my wallet in similar circumstances..
I shared the “how to get toddlers to eat anything”. This was the first time I read it and I laughed so hard I cried!
I shared the ‘how to get toddlers to eat anything’ Why? Mostly because it’s funny and it’s so good to laugh! And, because, there’s probably some truth in it, though I never knew to try those tactics myself…you’re an excellent writer Kristen. I hope somebody knows somebody who can publish you!! You’re so worth it.
I just shared “Living with Savages” a few days ago because it was exactly like my life. 🙂 And just now I shared “How To Get a Toddler to Eat Anything” because I have a couple of those too. 🙂
I shared Counting the Hours. I discovered your blog when I came across that story & I still love it just as much! I was home on maternity leave with my first baby when I found it & it sure made me slow down and count my blessings instead of stressing!
I shared “Counting the Hours” on facebook the first time I read it and I just shared it again. It really helped me as a new mom. Thank you!
These sound amazing. 🙂 (I have and continue to share The Discovery- and your other childhood memory posts- because they make me laugh SO HARD.)