By Pat Johnson

It’s a dreary March day here in Michigan, and the forecast calls for even more clouds and rain. So what are my plans for the weekend?

Spring cleaning, naturally!

For me, that means a more earth-friendly approach – starting with Amway’s Legacy of Clean products. They’re made with naturally derived ingredients, and won’t irritate your skin or the planet when used as directed.

And many of them are concentrated, meaning you’re not paying for us to mix ‘em up with water. You do it yourself at home.

With the new Legacy of Clean Spray Bottle, it’s so easy-peasy, anyone could do it. The recommended product-to-water ratio is printed right on the bottle.

Two spray options – stream and foaming spray – help power off grime and dirt, for whichever room you’re in. And those geniuses over in Research & Development made this baby the perfect size (half as big as Amway Bathroom, Glass and Kitchen All-Purpose Cleaner spray bottles) so it’s lighter ‘n easier to tote as you clean.

For spring cleaning, I’ve mixed one spray bottle with Legacy of Clean L.O.C. Multi-Purpose Cleaner, and another with PURSUE Disinfectant Cleaner. Between these two products, I’ll zip through the kitchen and bathrooms in no time.

Wet weather? Bring it! I’ve got cleaning to do. And after that, a really tough job awaits: Organizing my closet!

By Pat Johnson

I love to save a few dollars here and there: Clipping coupons (but not to extremes!), filling up wherever gas is cheapest, or waiting for a sale to buy that super-cute workout outfit are some of my favorites.

But my philosophy when choosing long-life products we use every day is to buy the best we can afford. That goes for major appliances, winter coats, and especially a great set of cookware.

It’s been years since we invested in Amway’s iCook® 27-piece Cookware Set – and admittedly, it is an investment.

But I’m still using the set we bought three decades ago, which speaks volumes for the premium materials and precision manufacturing that go into iCook Cookware.

Admittedly, I’ve had a little help keeping these treasured pots ‘n pans gleaming like new, in the form of Amway’s Legacy of Clean™ Metal Cleaner.

This stuff works like magic to restore the shine to iCook stainless cookware, and the bottoms of nonstick pans! It literally erases heat burns and tarnish, yet it’s really mild on my hands.

And get this: Legacy of Clean Metal Cleaner costs $2.69 less per ounce than MAAS® Metal Polisher, not including delivery charges.*

So you can bet I’m all over the Legacy of Clean product, because it’s terrific and the price is right.

But for a lifetime of cooking, I think it’s actually less expensive to buy the best cookware you can afford – as opposed to buying a bunch of cheap pots ‘n pans, and replacing them every other year (or month).

Bottom line: our iCook Cookware is the last set of cookware we’ll ever have to buy.

Except, of course, for when our kids get homes of their own. They’ve grown up with iCook Cookware, our housewarming gift is sure to be iCook Cookware. And a bottle of Legacy of Clean Metal Cleaner.

Nothing but the best, for the best kids in the world!

*Trademark: MAAS (MAAS, Inc., Willowbrook, IL). Prices taken from maasinc.com on February 6, 2012.

By Pat Johnson

One of my fave cleaning tools have always been microfiber cloths. No tossing out one-use paper towels for this gal – nope, I’d rather clean with something I can toss in the wash and reuse a million times.

So I couldn’t have been happier to try out Amway’s new Legacy of Clean™ Microfiber Cloths. After all, if these babies live up to that famous Legacy of Clean tradition of quality, I’ll be a fan for life.

The minute I received these Microfiber Cloths, I put ‘em to the test. Right away, I noticed the Legacy of Clean difference: One side is soft ‘n plush, and the other has gentle channels.

The plush side easily trapped every bit of dust and dirt from my countertops and all my furniture surfaces. One quick swipe and the coffee table, dresser, armoire, and kitchen table were spotless and dust-free!

The other side has this cool channel feature especially made to remove fingerprints, grime and grunge from windows and mirrors. I sprayed this side with a little Legacy of Clean Glass Cleaner, wiped as usual, and my mirrors seriously sparkled.

Of course, one Microfiber Cloth from the pack of three lives in my car, to keep the windshield streak-free. It’s also super-handy for “erasing” those doggie prints on the backseat windows from when Makena goes for a ride.

Legacy of Clean Microfiber Cloths really are the PLANET POSITIVE alternative to paper towels, because they’re machine washable and last for years.

The verdict is in, and I’m now official Head Fan Girl of the Legacy of Clean Microfiber Cloths Fan Club.

Want to join me? Share your experiences using these miracle cleaning cloths!

By Pat Johnson

Did you know there’s an actual day set aside to love your pet? Seriously, according to Wikipedia, the official Love Your Pet Day for 2012 is today, February 20!

Of course, if your family’s like mine, every day is Love Your Pet Day.

Makena, our golden retriever, is one of the most spoiled animals in doggie history. My husband and I are already worrying about how we’ll transport her to her namesake beach on Maui when we retire and spend winters there. (We figure with a name like Makena, she deserves to see the ocean from that beach at least once in her furry little life!)

Like some of us (ahem), Makena’s put on a few pounds lately. That means fewer treats and longer walks these days – for all of us!

The upcoming spring thaw + walks = muddy paws, right? No worries; I’ve got the best cleaning crew in the world from Amway: Legacy of Clean™ L.O.C.® Multi-Purpose Cleaner for her baths, and super-handy, always-convenient L.O.C. Multi-Purpose Towelettes in the cars.

That way, we can give the seats (and windows!) a quick ‘n easy wipe-down after Makena takes a ride – say, to the nearby state park where she loves chasing squirrels and seagulls leash-free.

Who knows? Maybe tomorrow morning she’ll be so tired, her cold nose won’t wake us up two hours before the alarm, nudging us to let her out.

OK, time for all of us to step away from our computers and go love our pets!

By Pat Johnson

I really hit the jackpot in the husband department, especially when it comes to romantic gestures.

The man brings home roses at least twice a month! Yes, he gets them at our favorite warehouse store, but still … it shows he’s thinking of me even among the big-screen TVs and gigantic jars of organic peanut butter.

With Valentine’s Day here, it’s time for all of us to come up with new ways – large and small – to show our loved ones we care.

When was the last time you actually made a card by hand? Remember the reaction you got when you handed your mom one of those construction-paper-and-glue creations when you were in grade school? Now you can bring out that same kind of “Awwwww” from your BFF or even your co-workers.

One trip to a crafts store and you’ll be swimming in card stock, cupids, stick-on hearts and ready-made letters. Depending on the time invested, your masterpiece could put Hallmark to shame.

If your budget is tight, cook your sweetie’s favorite meal on Valentine’s evening. Light a few candles for atmosphere, and even spaghetti will seem decadent!

Don’t limit your expressions of love to February 14, either. When my husband brings me flowers for no reason on a dreary Tuesday in April or a sunny September Sunday, he’s spreading that Valentine spirit throughout the year.

Speaking of spirit spreading, you can look even more loveable to your partner when you show you care about other people as well.

Case in point? Those huge bouquets my husband buys at the warehouse store.

He always splits ‘em up and shares a few flowers with his mom. He’s done this ever since his dad passed away.

Making sure his mom and his wife have flowers. Yep, I’m the luckiest person in the world.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

By: Pat Johnson

It’s finally happened. We knew we couldn’t go the entire month of January without a major snowstorm here in Michigan. So, after a few weeks of record high temperatures, we’re getting a real “snow event” – at least, that’s what the weather forecasters call it.

I call it “hibernation time.” Time to hunker down and make a big batch of “Pat’s Lazy Chili.” Aside from the ground beef, everything’s probably already in your pantry. The recipe couldn’t be easier – made even more so when you cook with Amway’s iCook® Cookware.

I have a lot of reasons to love iCook Cookware, but when I’m making “Pat’s Lazy Chili,” my number-one reason is it cleans up so easily.

Just a quick swipe with Amway’s Legacy of Clean™ Dish Drops® Concentrated Dish Liquid and my iCook Cookware looks good as new. Considering my cookware is many years old, that says a lot.

Back to the chili recipe. After all, the snow’s starting to fall!

Pat’s lazy chili

Brown 1½ of ground beef in the 12-in. iCook Nonstick Frypan. Drain and use a paper towel to absorb some of the fat.

In the 2-quart iCook Sauce Pan, simmer together:

1 can tomato sauce

1 can of petite diced tomatoes

1 can of diced tomatoes w/green chilies (I slice smaller to petite size)

I can of water -(I use this to rinse out and completely empty the above cans)

1 can dark kidney beans (drained)

1 can lite kidney beans (drained)

Add the browned ground beef and season to taste. I use about a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and a little salt and pepper. My husband likes a dash or two of hot sauce as well.

How’s that for an easy-peasy recipe to warm your hearts (and stomachs!) on cold winter nights?

Like tonight, for instance. Mmmmm ….

By: Pat Johnson

Every year, like clockwork, it happens: The holidays end and – poof! – the coughing and hacking begin. Offices, schools, daycares, the mall, the supermarket – you name it, the germs are flying.

Why chance getting sick? Here are a few proven ways to be proactive on germ genocide:

Hands off! Don’t use other people’s computer, pens and pencils, stapler, or calculator – and don’t let others use yours, either. It’s time to be a little possessive with your stuff, and …

Keep it clean. Keep your phone, keyboard, mouse, copy machine etc., clean and sanitized. Use the cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer – then spray lightly with Amway’s Pursue Disinfectant Spray. In minutes, everything’s disinfected and deodorized. It even smells clean and fresh. While you’re at it …

What’s that smell? The office kitchen is a breeding ground for bacteria. And have you looked in the fridge lately? ‘Nuff said. Time to call out the big guns. At Amway, Pursue Disinfectant Cleaner gets everything clean and sanitized. Works great in the bathroom, too.

Looking for germ heaven? Look no further than your kid’s backpack or sports bag. Launder ‘em (the bags, not the kid) in hot water at least once a week. If not, just spot clean. And spray ‘em with Pursue Disinfectant Spray.

Two words: Hand sanitizer. I tuck Amway’s Body Series 2-in-1 Foaming Hand Sanitizer everywhere. It’s TSA-sized, so it goes in my carry-on – and my purse, my desk here at work, and all over the house. I like the Fresh Fragrance variety; my husband, the pilot, stashes the fragrance free version in his flight bag. And make sure your kids use hand sanitizer, too.

These are my tips. How about you? What do you do to fight the flu? Let me know – and in the meantime, Gesundheit!

By: Pat Johnson

As a New Year stretches ahead of us, what are your goals? Think spiritual, physical, emotional, even financial … what do you want to accomplish during the coming year?

My husband and I are big on goal-setting. Back in the day, we’d actually have the kids state their New Year’s resolutions to us in a formal presentation. Admittedly, they thought we were nuts, but all these years later, I’m happy to report both our son and our daughter have set and achieved many, many goals throughout their lives.

This is also the time of year when I love to give the house a good once-over. But with two college-age kids, it’s almost impossible to keep all their things organized, and their rooms are in a constant state of storage and staging. My clever plan is to just keep their doors shut and pretend it doesn’t bother me.

Then I turn my attention to the other rooms in the house, and focus on clearing out clutter wherever I find it – trading our still-useful cast-offs into a tax-deductible donation to local charities.

As for New Year’s Eve itself, you’ll usually find us playing cribbage with my husband’s 84-years-young mom who’s probably sharper than either of us, especially at cards. And a dip in the hot tub is a must – if we can squeeze in next to all our kids’ friends for whom the tub is reason enough for an instant party any night, but especially on New Year’s Eve.

And if December 31, 2011 is anything like past years, we can count on finding several stow-away college kids sprawled on any available couch or recliner in the morning. At least we know they’re safe, right?

Of course, they all love my Zuppa Tuscana soup and Banana Nut bread, so I plan to a double batch of each because they’re easy to make ‘n serve.

Which brings me back to my original topic: The importance of setting and achieving goals. I think it makes us better people, better parents, better friends.

Goals can be simple: “Use only environmentally responsible cleaning products” (think Amway’s Legacy of Clean products). They can be complex: “Develop a plan for retirement.” Relatively easy: “Walk two miles a day, five days a week.’ Or a real challenge: “Increase my income by 10%.”

Whatever your goal for 2012 is, I encourage you to write it down and refer to it often, noting the progress you’re making as well as any struggles you’re experiencing along the way.

Come 2013, you’ll undoubtedly have achieved that goal – and many more!

My immediate goal? Start chopping veggies for Zuppa Tuscana. The kids will be here any minute!

by: Pat Johnson

My Christmas wish for you

At this time of year, all of us strive to find the true meaning of the holidays – beyond gifts, beyond parties, beyond the usual craziness that began at Thanksgiving and ends in early January.

And whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any combination, at some point you might find yourself in a similar space with me: supremely happy to have my family together, very, very grateful for all of the wonderful gifts – large and small – which we are about to receive – yet just a tiny bit melancholy for holidays gone by.

You see, this year’s festivities are very different for us than in years past. For one thing, our kids are older now, and have lots of un-family obligations to squeeze in during their precious time back home with us.

This is also our first Christmas without my dear, sweet dad, who lost his battle with cancer a few months ago. So, within every “pa-rum-pa-pum-pum” of the Little Drummer Boy, and underneath every sprig of mistletoe, all of us Johnsons are experiencing just a note or two of sadness. Dad loved Christmas …

But even as we fondly remember our loved ones, even as our children become young adults, even as the holidays get busier and more frenetic than ever – we’re all trying to maintain a little perspective. I’ve discovered that:

Attending the religious service of your choice with your family is precious.

Letting your family and friends know you love them is important.

Sharing a simple cup of coffee with a friend can be the greatest gift of all.

I’m also remembering that built into each and every holiday celebration is a simple message for all of us:

Peace on earth, good will toward everyone.

So, my cyber-friends, from all the Johnsons, especially me, I wish you happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

By: Pat Johnson

What’s the connection between banana bread and organizing your home for the holidays?

I’ll explain.

During most of the year, I’m usually too busy to do a lot of baking. But over the extended holiday, and with the kids home – well, the flour’s usually flying in the kitchen! And one of my family faves is my banana bread.

This is where the home-org tip comes in: I hate running out of ingredients, especially during the holidays. So throughout the year, whenever I spot a sale, I stockpile whatever I know I’ll eventually use – flour, sugar, spices, canned goods, even TP, napkins, and gift wrap.

The paper products get stashed in a closet; the food goes to the back shelves of the pantry, so the old stuff gets used up first. And the spices are all arranged alphabetically. Yep, I’m that person. My husband says it’s an illness. I say it’s the only way I can find the cinnamon when I need it.

The proof is in the pudding – or the banana bread, as the case may be. Last weekend when I got ready to bake, sure enough, I had all the ingredients for banana bread right there when I needed ‘em – and I avoided yet another trip to the store!

If all this talk about banana bread is making you hungry, here’s the recipe:

Pat’s Banana Bread

1 cup sugar

½ cup margarine

3 ripe bananas, mashed

2 eggs

2 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

½ cup cold water

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream together the sugar and margarine. Add the bananas, and then the eggs. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients with the banana mixture, alternating with the water. Stir in the nuts, if using. Pour into a loaf pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350° for one hour.

NOTE: Instead of nuts, you can use 1 cup shredded carrots, or 1 cup raisins. For mini loaves, pour batter into four mini loaf pans sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. The little loaves make great gifts!