clean sweeps

A bit o' news here, a bit o' news there! It's a bit o' method news, everywhichwhere!

+ Some sad news. It looks like method is discontinuing their bathroom le scrub. I'm kinda shocked by this one, since there looks to be no update, or replacement on the horizon. Per method's Facebook page: "sorry to break the bad news, but yes, le scrub will be discontinued by the end of the year." Stock up now, before it's too late! Target has already put them on clearance.

+ I've seen a lot of complaints concerning two method products, and would like to hear your thoughts! Many users of the lemon verbena (or any of the anti-bac line of spray cleaners) find the updated formula scents to be way off, in fact, most say the lemon verbena smells like pee! Ouch! What have your experiences with these products been like? Do you like the new formula?

+ Complaint #2 happens to be over method's replacement for their lil bowl blu (in eucalyptus mint scent) to their new anti-bac toilet bowl cleaner (in spearmint scent.) I think most just don't like the new scent. It's another "what were you thinkin', method?" moment, since the rest of their bathroom line is in eucalyptus mint.

+ And a bit of great news, method has (pretty much) confirmed frosted fir is coming back, and will be one of their scent selections in hand wash for their holiday 2012 line! Pertaining to someone saying how much they lusted the scent, and wondering if it was still available, method replied: "it's great to hear you love frosted fir. it's a holiday scent, which means you might see it back on shelves in november. stay tuned."

+ Finally, I'm noticing most of the latest sneak peek announcements hitting Target shelves, from the Orla Kiely hand wash/dish soap/spray cleaner line (vanilla chai and pear ginger smell divine! Oddly enough, the bay leaf reminds me a lot of the spring sea salt + lime. Am I nuts?! Let me know!), to the spray fabric softener (which replaces their dryer sheets), as well as new smarty dish plus packets with rinse aids and extra cleaning power (for hard water, etc.) Have you picked any of these products up? What are your thoughts? Share in the comments!

be my baby!

Got a Babies R Us near you? Well, grab that purse/wallet and run on over! method lust reader Katie informed me over the weekend that she stopped into her nearest Babies R Us and found method Le Scrub for drum roll... 98 cents! It wasn't even listed as such on the shelf, and she didn't even realize what a deal she'd snatched up until she went to check out!

So needless to say, I had to do a quick run, and let me just tell you, it was like walking into a foreign country. I was actually uncomfortable in Babies R Us. Ha ha! I was like the odd man out! But anyway, ignoring all that, I found a slew of deals! I'm talking 98 cents Lil' Bowl Blu (my two stores were all out of the Le Scrub, in fact there was only one bottle of Lil' Bowl Blu, and it was just in some random area that didn't even have a tag!), $1.98 sweet water wet dryer sheets (the old school ones!), fuzzy peach kids line for $1.98, $4.98 free + clear squeaky green laundry detergent, and $1.98 smarty dish cubes! Ka-ching!

And (can we talk competitors for a moment, shh...) they also carry lots of Seventh Generation products, and a ton of them were on clearance. Dish soap, dish cubes, fabric softener (in free + clear! Hello, method, I bought TWO of these! Word to the wise, when your new fabric softener comes out, I pray there is some free + clear in there. Cause that was always my previous problem with the other version you had. I guess I'm the crazy one, cause I lust scents in everything, EXCEPT my laundry items. I must have detergent and fabric softener in free + clear. I hate my clothes to smell like anything! Yes, I'm weird. So I don't really ever use fabric softener, but when I found this I had to pick it up cause it was yes, once more, free + clear!) as well as spray cleaner, rinse aid for your dish washer, and more! AND it was $1.98 each, WITH a buy one Seventh Generation product (even clearance!) get one at 50% off price! Hello, did you hear that?! Hello!

Now like I said, double check the prices (they have price scanners in Babies R Us, and Toys R Us, which will usually have a small Babies R Us section) cause they aren't always priced as cheaply as they ring up! Good luck hunting, and thanks Katie!

I ended up with one package of method dish cubes, one Lil' Bowl Blu, and two jugs of Seventh Generation fabric softener (80 loads!) all for a grand total of $6.36! Deal-e-oh!

method quickies

UPDATED

Thought I'd answer a couple various comments section questions/concerns real quick here! I think I'll start doing that from time to time, in case some of you might not always read the comments section, etc. So, here we go!

+ The method pro chef line has just been announced, and it's already got some people up in arms over the pricing of the products. I stepped into one of my local Bed, Bath & Beyonds tonight, and indeed found both the granite and the stainless steel cleaner. Apparently they had yet to get in any shipments of the multi-surface spray cleaner.

The multi-surface cleaner comes in citrus cilantro; while the stainless steel and the granite appear to (as I gave them both a sniff test!) come in their orchard blossom scent (the same scent the small bottles sold at Target come in.)

Apparently these are specialty exclusives made for method lusters who are also foodies supposedly professional versions of method's three cleaning sprays; At first glance it appears they have a higher price point! Each bottle (28 oz.) comes at a cost of $8.99!

But then I started doing some breakdowns. Math isn't my strong suit, but I figured this one out. (Clap for me, clap for me!) The target bottles of stainless steel and granite cleaner both come in 12 oz. at $3.99. So two bottles at 24 oz. would be $8.00. Break down the 12 oz. price per ounce, and you get 3 oz. for $1.00. 12 oz + 12 oz. + 3 oz. = 27 oz. at a cost of $9.00 Target price. So you're actually getting a deal with the Bed, Bath and Beyond bottles; receiving an extra ounce for free! Cool!

Now the down side is, (according to reader Josh (getting mixed reports at the moment. Ha ha! Wow, this sounds like live coverage!) the multi-surface cleaner is $5.99; which would match the pricing of the Whole Foods exclusive ginger yuzu cleaning spray (but is still $3.00 more than any of the method cleaning sprays available at Target.) Apparently BB&B decided to just hit that price point line wide; giving the multi-surface spray cleaner the $8.99 price point, as well (according to method luster Jamison.)

+ Reader Karin mentioned having no idea what method was thinking when they went and recolored their lil' bowl blu bottle, turning it into a somewhat garish blue! And I sorta have to agree! They've kept the original color with their le scrub; perhaps they're testing both versions to see which sells better. But I have to say, I really liked the nice, spa like, clean blue they originally had. So YES, to answer your question Karin, you CAN pour the contents of the new bottles, into the old ones. I did a test just today! The squeeze top twists off (don't be afraid if it feels like it won't give) and then there's this little piece inside you just pop out, pour the contents of the new (not pretty) blue bottle into the old blue bottle; pop the piece back in, twist the cap back on (the cap is exactly like the dish soap, if you've ever taken that off. It also has the little piece in the center) and tada, you're ready to go! So, yes, perhaps we're a BIT insane to do this just so we can keep a bottle color/design we like. But I say, be insane! Design (and color taste) matter!

All for now!

moment of lust - lil' bowl blu + le scrub roundup

Hey, remember this? method lust's moment of lust where I post a moment of lust every other week. At the end of the second week, I'll repost the previous moment, and have everyone give their results after using the product! (Ok, I'm a few days behind here, sorry! I apologize! Just the norm here on method lust, now ain't it?)

So the first product selection(s) was lil' bowl blu and le scrub! Those great method bathroom items! You only had to purchase one, unless you were feeling crazy that day, and test it out! Did you do it? Did you pick up the product and give it a two week try? What were your thoughts! Did you take this challenge?

spa fresh!

you may now kiss the method

How about a wedding gift that the couple will actually use? Wow, what a great idea! And if you're on a thrifty budget, well, method lust reader Kristin has a great idea! Check it out:

"...I'm writing because I have an idea that I'm so proud of that I'd like to share it! I figure you would probably appreciate it more than anyone else (my family thinks I'm crazy and who can blame them. Who goes crazy over cleaning products?!?)

I'm going to a double wedding tomorrow afternoon so I needed to buy 2 gifts. I'm strapped for money, so I had to get creative. Method! Of course, who won't use cleaning products, right? Since I've taken on a personal mission of converting the world over to Method (at least my world), it seemed appropriate. So I bought each couple Le Scrub, Lil' Bowl Blu and a couple of sponges (since my Target is out of the LE Le Scrub w/microfiber. WAAA!). Now for the wrapping. Hmm. Gift bags are upward of $3 and usually get tossed after the first use. I went on a quest through Target to find an alternative, more useful form of gift wrap. I ended up buying a plastic bin in a color that complimented the Method bottles. Filler... hm. I could buy recycled-looking shredded paper... hm. Nope! I ended up cutting up old Trader Joe's paper bags (I've since converted to reusable totes) and used that for a filler. Tied with raffia twine and voila! An eco-friendly, attractive (I think) and PRACTICAL gift for just over $10. I wish that I had received a gift like this when I got married. Just doing my part!

BTW, if you have any influence, please tell Method that we want those microfiber sponges back! I don't care if they're sold separately, they're so fabulous!"

Thanks for the wonderful idea, Kristin! And HEY, method, are you listening? More microfiber sponges, please!

losin' it?

Ok, so have I lost it? I went roaming through Target last night, noticing a bunch of the new method packaging is hitting the shelves (and honestly feeling rather 'eh' over it. It just looks so dark and dull next to all the bright, photo inclusive method bottles that remain. I'm thinking maybe they should have gone the direction they took with the aircare line - all white, clean with beautiful/simplistic imagery. SO sorry to whomever did the design work over at method, nothing personal, k? Please don't hate the luster! But I digress as usual...) But I noticed the Tub + Tile cleaner is $4.29, while the spray cleaners are $3.29 (they've gone up recently about thirty cents.) Ok, so has the Tub + Tile cleaner always cost one dollar more than the other spray cleaners, cause though I've only bought it a couple times, I swore they all cost the same price. The T+T spray cleaner is now the same price as the lil' bowl blu and le scrub bathroom items.

Have I lost it? I probably have. I can't remember these things...

method insomnia

Take a look at these great videos featuring method on HSN! Come on, we all know watching some HSN at 3:00 a.m. can be a fun thing; full of wit and crazy ad lib; and these videos are no exception (and being really tired but unable to sleep makes things even more funny, right?) And we get to see a little more of Adam + Eric in action! - So enjoy! Also, these items are available on the HSN website, so I've added a link to those as well, in case these video bits make you wanna go shopping!

HSN video featuring the omop!
Order the HSN omop package here

HSN video featuring the squeaky green book!
Order the squeaky green book package here

HSN video featuring the method detox bathroom kit!
The HSN method bathroom kit is sold out! Wow!

HSN video featuring the method detox granite/stainless steel kit!
Order the method granite/stainless steel kit here

my mama

Don't you talk about my mama! I'll punch you out is what I'll do if you talk about my mama again! I mean it, I do I do! Oh oh, THAT mama! Over on Mama Speaks! Oh ok, sorry. Did you know she gave this really great review on method's new bathroom line? She sure did, check it out:

"Bowled Over
Of all the household chores, cleaning toilets is the worst. It's not that it's the hardest necessarily, just a squirt of cleaner and swipe of the scrubber and you done, it's more that I can't stop myself from imagining what goes in. While completely natural, it's just a little gross when your other end is peering in. What's even worse is all the junk that comes in a conventional cleaner. Prepared to do the dirty work they come chock full of phosphates and sulfuric acid, which will definitely do the duty but takes it's toll on our environment.

And just as we were all thinking, "Why don't the folks at Method come out with a toilet bowl cleaner already?!". They do. The latest to hit the lineup of fantabulous products from Method is Lil' Bowl Blu, a tiny little toilet cleaner that knows how to get the job done. Made with lactic acid (vegan sourced) and xanthum gum it can tame toilets and break up tough stains while taking it easy on our ecosystem.

Even better Lil' Bowl Blu has the scent of Eucalyptus Mint and as strange as it sounds there is suddenly a little bit of spa-ness to scrubbing the john. I'll be the first to admit that for the first time ever, I was excited to be on potty duty. You can find my new favorite helper on store shelves now and at Method's website. And if you're looking for something new to tackle the tub you might want to take Le Scrub for a spin."

start spending more time in the bathroom

method's just updated their site! Yay! Check out all the glorious-ness! Currently the le scrub and lil' bowl blu aren't available for online purchase (but I believe that will change. Right now they're listed as available at Target stores nationwide.)

new new new!

Wow, with all the new method out, we wanna know! What have you picked up, fondled (we promise not to tell anyone), and enjoyed? Have you purchased any of the following:

+ Beach Sage special edition aircare (candle and aroma ring)
+ Citrus Cilantro special edition aircare (candle and aroma ring)
+ le scrub bathroom cleaner
+ lil' bowl blu bathroom toilet cleaner
+ Squeaky Green book

If so, what are your thoughts?

And are you planning on picking up the new squeaky green baby/kids line, or the new moisture lounge personal care line? Do tell!

sponge (the) bath

UPDATE You thought I was jokin', but I just noticed in Target the newest shipment of the le scrub bathroom cleaner is already sponge-free! There is room to place your favorite sponge, which is great; but if you want a wonderful (and free!) method microfiber sponge to go along with your new bathroom cleaning line, run out and pick up the le scrub today! Cause the cleaner/sponge combo may all be gone tomorrow!

previously
If you haven't had a chance to rush in and grab up a bottle of the new method le scrub, this might give you extra initiative to do so! Just in case you may not know, apparently (according to the wrap-around holding the sponge in place on the bottle) the method microfiber scrubber sponge is available with this product for a limited time! Meaning when they're gone, they're gone! After that, there will still be a great little "crevice" design in the bottle, allowing you to place your very own sponge of choice in there (or perhaps method will begin selling the microfiber scrubber sponge separately! I don't know, but that would be cool!) But if you're wanting to get the whole package deal, run out and pick one up today.

check out the praise

Here's a few quick articles from over at Apartment Therapy pertaining to the new method bathroom line, le scrub and lil' bowl blu!

Apartment Therapy Los Angeles

Apartment Therapy New York

as well as a repeat article from Ohdeedoh!, now also over on Re-Nest

Apartment Therapy: Re-Nest

sustainable is good review

Be sure to head on over to Sustainable Is Good and read their new review on the latest method bathroom products, le scrub and lil' bowl blu! The article begins:

"San Francisco-based Method's two latest products are arriving in stores across the country this month. Le Scrub and Lil' Bowl Blu mark the company's entrance into "deep cleaning" products and round out their line of bathroom products.

Featuring new distinctive packaging made from 25% recycled #2 HDPE plastic the products stand out on store shelves thanks to some clever and innovative design.

The packaging was designed in house by Method's own design team and features a soft blue color to match the products spa inspired eucalyptus mint scent Method's Katie Molinari said.

Le Scrub, a gentle abrasive cleaner gets its cleaning punch from finely milled marble contained in the product. Le Scrub's packaging was designed to be highly functional with the top of the bottle serving as a storage place for the included microfiber cleaning pad. Molinari said the bottle was designed to eliminate the all the too familiar problem of tossing a cleaning sponge under the sink after use and never finding it again..."

Read the rest at Sustainable Is Good, a great site focusing on developments in consumer products, services and packaging. Rider Thompson does a great job over there! Show'em some love!

the nose knows?

UPDATE I've gotten official word from method on the "unusual" scent of the new bathroom products (le scrub and lil' bowl blu.) According to the Fragrance Director at method: "...the new bathroom products are in fact the same Eucalyptus Mint fragrance from the Tub + Tile Cleaner; however, they have highlighted notes that are in the Beach Sage scent." Thanks Sarah, and Suzanne, for the information! I've got to personally say I feel the "highlighted notes" definitely take over the scent of the products, as my particular bottles definitely have the Beach Sage scent. I can barely smell any of the original Eucalyptus Mint fragrance. In fact, one advocate told me hers smelled like Sandalwood! Alas, now we know! And at any rate, like I've said before, the products work great!

Previously:

Had a chance to try out the amazing new bathroom cleaners from method, lil' bowl blu and le scrub? It's pretty great, isn't it! Especially the great Eucalyptus Mint scent... ? Wait, Eucalyptus Mint, did you say? Because it sure doesn't smell like...? Am I the only one wondering if what I'm smelling from these new products marked Eucalyptus Mint, is actually Beach Sage (the current scent running in the bloq body line, as well as their new special edition candles for this spring/summer.)

At first I thought I was just confused. But a couple other people have mentioned the same thing "the scent smells nothing like Eucalyptus Mint." so I knew we were on to something! I'll look into this, and get back with more information! Until then, give the new products a try; because Eucalyptus Mint/Beach Sage/whatever scent, these are some great new products for you bathroom, from method! Check'em out. I'll have a review on them in the upcoming week.

blu for you

Wondering if anyone has had a chance to give the new method bathroom products a try? The lil' bowl blu and le scrub JUST made it to my local Target this weekend, so I grabbed them up and will post a review here shortly! In the meantime, did you pick some up? What do you think? Like the new bottle designs? Does it (in method's terms) clean like a mother? Drop a comment below, and let us know!

And remember if you can't currently find them at your local store, they will be available for purchase on the method home site beginning in April 2008.