home for the holidays

That's my dad, extremely intrigued by that method pink grapefruit all-surface spray cleaner bottle! Ha ha! So this holiday, I tried (uhm, 50%. Ok? So I've got to work myself up, slowly. I think I did well!) to give family and friends consumables. Something they could use, and use up! Instead of sitting around and gathering dust. (Wait, if it gathered dust, then method products could clean it! Hmm, perhaps consumables weren't the way to go, more to clean means more method! No, no. I'm sure consumables were a good idea...)

Well, I decided this year I'd get my mom a great big basket of method products for the holidays! Hold on, hold on. You're giving your mom cleaning products?! I know. But a) the closest Target (and hence, method) from us at home is an hour and a half away (can you believe that. I could never move home. Not never.) and b) she's liked the few method products she's purchased in the past, when she'd been down visiting me in NC; and c) she needs to get rid of all those nasty cleaners she's using! In fact, during this trip up, she had her method spiced pear hand wash bottle out in the bathroom. And it was filled with, I shudder, dial hand wash. Gah! When I first used it, I was like AH! LOL I totally called her out on it, too...

Now, I know what you're thinking. NATHAN! Is that tissue paper?! I know, three steps forward, one step back. But again, with some things, it's a slow progression. But I think I did well, actually. I wanted to give her the whole surprise of opening something, so yes, I did wrap the items in tissue paper. BUT, I figured that was better than wrapping each thing in actual wrapping paper. Well, it made sense in my head, at least. Doesn't it make sense to you? Just shake your head yes, ok? Thank you.

And that overflowing white "paper" that's coming out of the basket and making you scream? Hold up! It's actually this soft gauzy stuff that I received ages ago when someone sent me a package, to keep the item safe; and I always save all the peanuts, bubble wrap, etc. I get to reuse, so as not to waste it. And I thought this would be perfect to wrap up the whole "package" with, inside the basket. So actually, I'm recycling packing material, and using it for gift wrap. AND, I picked it back up when she was done unwrapping, and am all set to use it again! She didn't tear it or anything, so it worked great!

AND, AND, the basket is a great (used) find from a thrift store I frequent. See, I'm trying here. She really liked the package, and immediately went and replaced faux spiced pear with her waterflower hand wash I got her. She lusts the waterflower body wash, so I knew she'd like the hand wash as well.

As she opened each item, I told her what it was for, and some I specifically had her smell (cause I'm all about the smells, baby! Wait, did that come out right?) So, in order of the pictures above (which I had to shoot twice to get it all in! Lucky her! We had a budget going for gifts this year, and she swore I went over it with these products. But no, I didn't! See, method can be thrifty, too!)

First photo: Ginger yuzu hand wash, almond flower hand wash, waterflower hand wash, and go naked wipes. Next photo: eucalyptus + mint lil' bowl blu toilet cleaner, mint glass cleaner, almond wood for good, spiced pear dish soap, pink grapefruit all-surface cleaner, and hiding back there, pomegranate tea aroma spray. WHICH, by the way method, she LOVED the bottle! Like, loved. She replied multiple times about her love for the little ring at the top (which reminded her of some fireman thing, don't ask me!) So congrats, you got my mom to comment on packaging. Not an easy feat! In fact, she giggled as she opened that aroma spray! Oh, and my dad exclaimed "These are made out of bamboo!?" when he read the package for the go naked wipes. I think he was surprised!

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So there you have it! My methody holiday! How was yours? Did you give, or get any method goodies this year? Tell us what you gave/got?

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PS - Oh, and Happy New Year!

holiday leftovers

...and I'm not talking turkey, folks! Whew! Alright... well that was a (great) but whirlwind holiday week. Where did it go? I'm still looking for it, so if you see my holiday week, give me a call, ok? It's about this tall, wears jingle bells, and goes by the name of ho ho ho!

While we're looking for my holiday week (how was yours? Did you get any method goodies for the holidays?) give me a bit of time to get reacquainted with technology (given that my parents have a 28.8 modem connection. Yeah, you read right. What is that about? I could chisel the internet pages out of rock faster than they would load. No, seriously...) and I'll get back into the lustful swing of things! Until then, let's keep up with all the latest discount (ah, so THAT'S what he means by holiday leftovers!) deals! If you spot any method holiday discounts, please post them here, as I know I'll miss some!

+ Target is still holding tight to their 15% method holiday clearance prices at the moment. You know what's funny, you're gone for a week, and when you return, you think you've been gone for months! It's like "15% still?! But it's been a week!" where as if you'd been doing your normal schedule that week, you'd be saying "15% still, of course, it's only been five days. boo." But they have added the gingerbread + spice to their clearance list. Also at the current 15% off.

+ Office Max has placed their method holiday line (from last year, hollyberry, cinnamon bark, and peppermint vanilla) on 50% off. I've hit up two of them, and they seem to only have the aroma sticks still around, but perhaps you'll have better luck!

+ Drugstore.com has also placed their method holiday items (also from last year, some peppermint vanilla and cinnamon bark plug-in refills; and hollyberry and cinnamon bark hand wash) on clearance. Prices range from $2.89 to $7.47. ALSO, they currently have the method Plastic Bag Rehab totes for sale at only $4.99 (they usually go for $15!) So pick one up if you haven't yet, that's an amazing deal!

happy holidays from method lust

Alright, I'm outta here like Santa heading to Hawaii on December 26th! I mean, come on, after all the work he does Christmas Eve, he deserves a vacation! I'll be heading home for one week (please snow, please snow! Though I know some of you are already saying "enough snow!") and then I'll be back! Well, that's how these things sorta work, now isn't it?

I'm excited for method, and method lust in 2009! New challenges, new products (and I'm hearing whispers of possible scent choices like tangerine + ginger, seacress, and more! I'm all giddy!) and, I'm hoping, a fresh coat of paint here for method lust!

Happy Holidays to everyone! Thanks for rocking method lust! Without you, well, I'd pretty much be writing to myself. Ho ho ho! (And all that jazz!)

Paper towels. Check! Plastic bags. Check! - Here's my question for you! I'm taking suggestions as to what you think my next environmental goal should be? Give me your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas for Eco Challenge 2009! Don't be shy! (Remember that time during last years New Years party? Yeah, you're not shy. Don't even try to pretend...)

let the holiday sale begin (early!)

Looks like Target has started the method holiday sale, early! (Oh, wait, did I already say early in the title? Well, it's worth repeating!) This is a change of pace, as last year they actually waited 'til mid January! I just stopped by on my way home from work tonight, and while hand wash, dish soap, and spray cleaner are still regular price; all other holiday method items have hit sale! As in after-holiday sale! Right now they're only 15% off (which is the first markdown discount Target usually does.)

So if you're looking for some frosted fir, spiced pear, winter berry, or toasted hazelnut candles, aroma rings, aroma sticks (hmm, just realized they were gone!), candle trios, or potpourri ornaments, now's the time! Run on out, and pick some up!

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Looks like lust readers Jamison and Josh found them as well! You readers sure do post comments in the strangest places! Ha ha! Thanks for the info., guys!

our third (late!) poll finale!

It's (finally!) here! If you've noticed lately, method lust's third set of polls have recently closed! And I've (finally!) gotten around to compiling them for you, my dear readers (finally!) Uh, yeah, so I'm a little behind on this one, I realize. But hey, here they are (finally!) Ok, ok. I know, finally, alright? Geesh! Move on already! Don't you have holiday shopping to do or something? Ok, so take a look at the big results (finally!) Gah!

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What 2008 holiday scents have you purchased?
FROSTED FIR - 39%
GINGERBREAD + SPICE - 9%
SPICED PEAR - 48%
TOASTED HAZELNUT - 27%
WINTER BERRY - 24%

Yeah, uhm, whoa! spiced pear and frosted fir blew everything else out of the water! (Secret applause from me! As these are my favorite two holiday 2008 scents! And I swear I didn't sway these results! Ha ha!) I'm always curious to know what scents will be making their holiday returns, and what ones won't. The only two holiday scents (to my knowledge) that have never made a comeback are snowy days, and mistletoe. So there's a pretty good chance that if you don't see your favorite scent during a specific year, it'll be back sooner or later. You think peppermint vanilla and hollyberry are gone for good? I'd definitely bet not! I'm just really happy spiced pear has done so well! I'm stocking up on that scent this year, just in case I have to wait a few years in-between, like last time!

I'm also noticing the method holiday scents are starting to dwindle, without restock. So if you have a favorite scent, I'd be buying some up, before they're all gone. (Though I know we're all secretly waiting for the after holidays sale! But there really isn't a Target near me when I head home for the holidays (we so live in the boonies!) So I have to think ahead!)

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Which method product could you not live without?
ALL-SURFACE SPRAY - 38%
AROMA PILL PLUG-IN - 21%
AROMA SPRAY - 14%
BABY + KIDS LINE - 7%
BODY WASH - 9%
DISH SOAP - 19%
HAND WASH - 34%
LAUNDRY DETERGENT - 16%
SOY CANDLES - 17%
OTHER - 12%

Yeah, so don't touch people's method surface spray, or you'll be in trouble, mister! It gets the most lust! With hand wash coming in a very close second. Both products are part of method's founding line, so it doesn't come as too much surprise they get the bulk of the votes. The other item's votes seem to be matching how long the product has been on store shelves. Looks like there are some method items out there people still haven't tried out! (Go on, you know you want to try the squeaky green kids line! No, you don't have to be a kid, just one at heart!)

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Are you part of the Plastic Bag + Paper Towel Challenge?
I'M WINNING! - 12%
NO PLASTIC BAGS - 56%
NO PAPER TOWELS - 9%
I'VE GOTTA HAVE PLASTIC BAGS - 4%
I GOTTA HAVE PAPER TOWELS - 27%
THIS IS HARD TO DO - 8%
EH, I'M JUST LAZY - 10%

Yay to no plastic bags (56%!) Boo to all you "I gotta have paper towels" people - 27%! Come on, you can do it. How many more speeches do I have to give. I know, I know. None, since you don't even read them anymore (proof of the fact, since I asked a question at the end of my last paper towel/plastic bag rant, and no one responded. Uhm-hmm, I know you didn't read it. For shame!) But hey, at least 10% are more than willing to straight up admit you're just plain lazy. I guess that's what makes anonymous polls so great! Ha ha! If you haven't started yet, go for it! 2009, and a greener you, awaits!

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Which is your favorite scent type?
CITRUS - 20%
FLORAL - 10%
FRAGRANCE FREE - 5%
FRUITY - 10%
GOURMET - 14%
GREEN + EARTHY - 30%
HERBACEOUS - 18%
HOLIDAY - 29%
MINT - 26%
WATERY - 15%

Green + earthy makes the win! Holiday comes in an extremely close second! And uh, yeah, hello, I'd like to make a collect call to method? Yes, method? I'd like to let you know mint hit 26% with the third highest score in favorite scent type! Mint, people! Seriously, I'm shocked at that one! So yeah, method, more mint! What do we have? Eucalyptus + mint doesn't even count (doesn't smell like mint.) So we have refresh mint, and mint glass cleaner. Time for mo' mint, method! Yes, I'm so excited! Like my little poll where 26% of method lusters loving mint will result in more method mint products! But, I'm gonna dream anyway! Cause that's what I'm all about, dreaming big! Happy thoughts! Spreading lust and cheers! Wait, none of that is me... who is that? Word. More mint!

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Aircare! Which is your lust?
AROMA RING (PLASTIC) - 4%
AROMA RING (BAMBOO) - 14%
AROMA SPRAY (W/CAP) - 7%
AROMA SPRAY (W/RING) - 20%
SOY CANDLE (CERAMIC JAR) - 20%
SOY CANDLE (GLASS JAR) - 31%
AROMA PILL (PLAIN) - 29%
AROMA PILL (NIGHTLIGHT) - 31%

Bamboo aroma ring would like to say something. "Ahem... (clearing throat)... you like me, you really like me! Thank you so much, I'd like to thank my agent, and my mom, and..." Anyone think the bamboo ring might replace the plastic one down the line? I mean, this poll preferred it big time! Many of the items, again, seemed to be chosen on newness of product. But most are close, while the aroma ring ran well, rings around it's former self! (The aroma spray did as well, but the original version was missing for an entire year (almost) so I chalk that up to many simply not being able to give the original capped version a try. What do you think?)

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And that's that! Our third poll finale! Thanks to everyone for taking the time and voting! You're the best! I'm gonna take a short holiday break before rolling out brand new poll questions for the new year! So check back real soon!

more tissues, please...

Woe is me! After barely beginning to pick up the pieces upon The Great Sarah leaving method last month; now we have to start stocking up on more tissue boxes, as our wonderful Felicia Benefield is moving to Belgium next week (thereby also leaving method!) It seems like only yesterday she was filling out her method profiles! And now, she'd bidding us farewell!

Great luck Felicia! I'm jealous (Belgium!) I know there will be many advocates here that will miss you! Send ole' method lust a postcard!

Everyone, take a moment to wish her your best!

buying in

A very interesting article over on The Dieline, a blog focusing on product and package design. And method is included in the discussion:

"Journalist, Rob Walker writes the weekly “Consumed” column for the NY Times Magazine. Equally adept at addressing both the business and cultural aspects of his subject, Walker’s well-reasoned column has emerged as an unusually clear window on the murky world of branding.

His book, “Buying In, The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are” came out this past Summer.

box vox: One of the companies you write about in your book is Method. You make the case that buying one of their cleaning products is not a strictly rational decision, since so much of their product appeal is based on how cool the packaging looks, rather than how well the product works. Because of their packaging, Method seems to have inspired one of those impromptu brand communities that you discuss elsewhere in your book. Their products are regularly celebrated in package design blogs like The Dieline and I know of at least one designer’s blog (Nathan Aaron’s “Method Lust” site) that is devoted to nothing else. Of course, package designers may have their own self-serving reasons for loving Method, but they don’t seem to be the only ones who are buying Method because of its decorator packaging. Is it possible that Method has built a business entirely on a demographic of aesthetes who want every detail of their lives to reflect their own overarching good taste?

Rob Walker: It was actually one of the founders of Method who told me that their customer feedback indicated that people who bought Method products were often surprised that they worked — that is, they were attracted to the packaging for whatever reason, but had some kind of suspicion that there would be some kind of tradeoff of function for form. I thought that was pretty interesting, that people would buy a household cleaner, of all things, on that basis. It’s not like dish liquid is a good candidate for the “conspicuous consumption” theory of consumer behavior.

So I think it’s pretty clear that design was a major part of what has built Method’s business. BUT ... I’m not sure that I’d go quite so far as to say they’d built their business totally on the aesthete demo. That that demo was not crucial.

Here’s what I mean. One of the things that most interests me about Method is that they have an eco-friendly or “green” story to tell—their products are (they say) made without many of the toxic ingredients common to household cleaning products. But they chose not to make that their main selling point, their main way of differentiating themselves at the shelf level. They went with the “good design” strategy instead. They don’t hide the other, eco-ish story, they just skipped the traditional strategy of, you know, putting a tree on the bottle or whatever.

And I think this strategy worked well at a time when the broad idea of “good design” was much in the air. I think there were plenty of consumers who had been in essence conditioned by a variety of cultural forces (many of them commercial) to pay attention to the idea of “good design.” And Method offered both a kind of novelty at the shelf, and an easy way into that broad idea.

I’m generalizing wildly. But still. I think it was both a clever strategy and, on some level, an admirable one. I think it’s clever because the truth is the eco/green thing is really easy to knock off—especially in symbolic/design terms. (Just add a tree to your package and you’re ... green ... ish.) Many consumers don’t want to “do their homework” about such issues, so devious design/packaging strategies can work. And Method, as far as I can tell, had the right facts to back up their eco claims for anybody who did do their homework.

So I think that’s clever because really striking visual design is actually harder to knock off, if it’s done right. Copycats look like copycats, and it can actually strengthen the position of “the original.”

And I think it’s admirable in the sense that there was something going on behind the “good design.” (I am not particularly impressed by the argument that buying “good design” is its own reward, which is in effect what many observers seem to believe.) There was something ethical (for lack of a better term) about the product—but they aimed for an audience larger than the one that is overtly tuned in to such issues. And it would appear that they have attained such an audience. For now!"

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Oh! I didn't even realize I was in the article! Yo, too cool! Head on over to The Dieline and read the rest!

You can also read Rob Walker's original Consumed article, from 2004 (Whew! Did they have computers back then?!) which was previously posted here on method lust.