I Dare You To Top This

Or not.

I once made a candle in day camp.  That makes me an expert in all things candle, right?

Wrong. 

Yesterday, I melted down a jar candle to insert a new wick.  I’m not even sure if that’s possible.  Or if you have to use a special kind of string.  Usually, I Google things like this.  But, I reasoned, who needs instructions to melt wax and hang a string in it?   

Um.  Apparently me.

As I was removing the jar from the hot water bath, I lost my grip. 

An understatement, wouldn’t you say?  Lol!

It was the kind of thing where you freeze--openmouthed,  and stare wide-eyed at the carnage thinking “NO I DID NOT JUST DO THAT!” 

It looked like a scene from C.S.I.

All of my utensils, which were hanging on that wall, received a thick coat of wax.  So did several prescription bottles, my son’s cough syrup, two plastic cups, a potholder, a pretty little basket with a fabric heart, and my grandmother's hand-painted trivet. Not to mention my hands.

The boys immediately loved it.  They wanted to keep it for a Halloween decoration. 

I, however, in the horrified panic that ensued, began wiping at the mess. First my grandmother’s trivet.

Then the medicine containers, cups and the pretty little basket.  Ugh!

The utensils were awful.  The more I wiped, the more I worked the now hardening wax into every little crevice.  No doubt, we’ll be tasting “Cinnamon Apple” forever.  (It’s not toxic, right?)

The wall was depressing.  I took a spatula to the now taffy-like wax, scraping off what I could.  Then I scrubbed at the rest with a steaming hot sponge. 

Unfortunately, after an hour and a half of unplanned cleaning, a thin layer of “pink” still clings to the surface in the shape of the splatters.  It will probably never take paint again. We’ll have to live here forever.  Cause who wants a kitchen that’s been murdered? 

You can laugh.  I give you permission.  I had a few giggles myself.

But how incredibly frustrating!  In need of some sympathy, I posted a picture on facebook.  Several friends shared tips that would have been handy to have two hours before.  I’m trying not to feel as dumb as a rock.

When Hot Wax Spills (Or Covers Your Kitchen):

1. Put anything that fits in the freezer for five minutes.  The wax will pop right off.  (SERIOUSLY?? Duh. Why didn’t I think of that?)
2. Take a blow dryer to the wall and wipe with a hot towel. 

That first one could have saved a ton of work!  And I”m hoping the second one helps me complete the cleanup.

However, the biggest thing I learned through all of this, which I will now pass on to you in the form of a Universal Tip, is this:

If there is no (real) blood involved in your crisis, take a moment to post it on face book. 

The comments could save you a boatload of work!  LOL!