Sometimes it isn't just about looks...

at least in the world of home appliances and ease of cleaning. Seriously!

Now if you have been paying any attention at all you realize I have children. Three children. Three children who don't know the meaning of "please don't make a mess" - it's true. I know, so hard to believe there are children in this world who have total disregard for the sacred shrine known as a clean house. BUT that would be my children. ANYWAY, one day I decided new appliances - we need new appliances and I got them. Stainless Steel. I loved them. I adored the way they sparkled in the sunshine, and looked so clean and nice and lovely and new. And then they moved to my house and met the children and soon my appliances didn't look so bright and shiny. They had finger prints and drips. But no big deal, I mean, I got the Windex and sprayed and wiped and and and YUCK they looked worse than ever. Enter the HotY who was quick to inform me that the appliances needed special cleaners (I mean really are you surprised he knew? Remember this is a man who seriously has the oil changed every 3000 miles) - cleaners that would restore their former beauty - but at a cost. First there is not a"one cleaner does all" in the world of flat top stoves and stainless steel appliances. Nope the top takes one cleaner and the body takes another. Sure the other appliances can use the body cleaner but still how many cleaners does a person need to clean four appliances? So the cleaners were purchased. But again, it wasn't so easy. First you have to wax the flat top like a car, wax on - wax off, and really I don't mind that part so much. But the stainless steel cleaner part - well if you are a straight and narrow person this cleaner may be right up your alley, but if you are an all over the place, circle around, jump right in and then figure out how to swim girl like me than it is a bit of a challenge since when cleaning the appliance you must remember to always wipe in the same direction. Really it shouldn't be that hard but it ticks me off every time because there is always something just taunting me to give it a good back and forth, round and round scrub, but it just can't be done - not if you want the beauty of a shiny reflective surface gleaming in your kitchen.

So what is this all about - well I just got done cleaning the appliances and realized that I learned a great lesson - Do not be lured by the outer beauty of bright and shiny because just beneath the surface lurks high maintenance. Trust me, I know - not only do I have stainless steel appliances but I own a black vehicle. That dang "pretty face" gets me every time...