Purple Clematis buds and blooms #gardening #grow #spring




Purple Clematis flower #gardening #flowers #spring


Please share in comments: Do you grow Clematis? If yes, what color is yours?


This month's color choice was inspired by a cute DIY project I did for my cat's litter box area. I fell in love with the rug I found that helps capture tracked litter. Fiona my youngest cat, loves this rug too!

Teal rug #homedecor #TealGreen



Here's this month's Pinterest collaboration board. I love all the home decor pieces I found- and the hair color was a find! 





Please share in comments: Which of my pins were you drawn to first and why?




This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #yougottabekittenme #CollectiveBias

It’s important to me as a homemaker to make my home pleasant to be in.  I’m usually on top on my daily and weekly chores, but there was one area of my home that was, how shall I put this delicately, a total cat-tastrophe! Yes people, I’m talking about the often messy and smelly litter box area in my home! Thanks to today’s sponsors, Sam’s Club and Fresh Step Total Control litter with the power of Febreze  for helping me with this easy litter box area DIY!


Kitty approved litter box area DIY #yougottabekittenme #Cbias #ad



I’m happy to say this kitty-approved DIY project took me less than an hour once I got all my supplies in place. I love how clean and fresh this area is now, but that wasn’t always the case. This next photo is hard to share and is not kitty-approved.



Messy litter box area #yougottabekittenme #CBias #ad


I love my cats, but Dottie and Fiona make their litter box area a smelly, litter ridden mess zone! I try to stay on top of it, but honestly, I was ashamed of this out-of-the-way bathroom. We have three full baths in our home, so if company came over, I would quickly clean the cats’ box, spray air freshener and leave the door ajar only wide enough to allow the cats entry. 


The first step to my DIY was to stop the odor and litter tracking, so I switched back to Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze litter and even upgraded by purchasing the 42 pound bag of Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze litter, which is currently available only at Sam’s Club. If you are a Sam’s Club member, this litter is really easy to find in the store. In my Sam’s Club, it’s in the back of the store nearing the bakery.  


Fresh Step at Sam's Club #yougottabekittenme #Cbias #ad


Sam’s Club members receive a discount of $3.50 off their purchase on this item in May. This savings is offered in the Instant Savings book and is already loaded to your member’s card. Savings and convenience? Thank you, Sam’s Club! And a huge thanks to Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze for upgrading their litter!

Did you know that Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze includes Borate Technology for superior ammonia control? Plus, it acts as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit odor-causing bacteria and clumps to ease litter tracking! Seems this company knew just what we cat parents needed to help stop those awful #yougottabekittenme moments!  You can learn more about Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze by visiting their site here


The second step to this litter box area update was to pick up new items. I wanted the kitty bathroom to look clean and fresh like my other baths, so got bought a new shower curtain, shower floor liner, scented trash bags, a new litter scoop and a cute caddy for all the supplies to fit into.


#yougottabekittenme litter box area supplies #CBias #ad



The third step was to clean the litter box area. Ugh. That was a chore, but so well worth the effort!

Clean litter box area #yougottabekittenme #CBias #ad


The fourth step was fun because I got to pretty up the space! I cut my liner to fit the floor and added a piece on the shelf for an extra splash of color and to keep the kitty supply caddy from slipping. I hung the light and airy shower curtain (that I can partially close when company comes), and then put the litter box back in its proper location.


The fifth step was organizing the kitty supply caddy with all the supplies needed to keep the litter box clean and smelling fresh. I placed the area air freshener up out of the cats reach, added a scented trash bag to one of the caddy’s holders for the litter scooper, put in the scented bags and added a gallon size bag of Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze litter to the supply caddy so anybody in the family helping with the cats can add a scoop or two of litter as needed without having to heft up a 42 pound bag of litter.



Voila! My easy DIY litter box area is complete.

clean and fresh litter box area #yougottabekittenme #CBias #ad



Now I have a clean and fresh kitty bathroom that I won’t be ashamed of if company decides to peak down the hall. And thanks to Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze litter this area smells as great as it looks! 



I'd also like to give my sponsors Fresh Step Total Control with the power of Febreze and Sam's Club another big round of applause for providing me $100 to donate to a pet-related organization of my choice! I participated in a local charity event called the Big Pay Back where my $100 donation to The People for Animals was doubled! This will help many cats and dogs in my community have better lives. Thank you, thank you!



Please share in comments: Do you have cats? How do you keep their litter box area clean? 

Wordless Wednesday: Buds and Blooms

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, May 04, 2016



Pink Primrose, Gardening, May, Flowers, Bloom




Pink Peony Buds, flowers, gardening, blooms, May



White Lilacs, flowers, blooms, fragrant, gardening, May


Happy May!


Please share in comments: What's budding and blooming in your garden?
It’s Friday and you know I love being able to offer great giveaways on this special day, but this Friday feels more like a Throwback Thursday because I’m working with Dreft this week.  Smelling that heavenly “baby” scent brought back a flood of special memories for me! I remember taking great care with my girls clothing, blankets and Lovie’s back then, and now I’m honored to be working with Dreft again to pass this love of Dreft’s scent and gentle cleaning on to other Moms with little ones.  


This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Dreft. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.



Dreft, babies, gentle, hypoallergenic, laundry, blankets,




Did you know that Dreft is the number 1 baby laundry choice of pediatricians because it’s gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin? Dreft has been trusted for over 80 years! Now Moms can enjoy that beloved scent longer by switching to stage 2 Active baby Dreft and by adding the new Dreft Blissfuls in wash scent boosters to any load of laundry! I recently washed some of my girls’ stuffed animals before re-packing them for storage and I couldn’t get enough of that delightful scent



Dreft Blissfuls help extend that beloved Dreft scent!


Back when my now teen daughters were babies, I used Dreft newborn on all of their laundry. I didn’t want their clothes to be uncomfortable on their skin, especially during the warmer months. Here in the south, humidity plays a huge role in how we feel in our clothes.  Combine that with warmer temps and all the allergens floating around and you’ve got a recipe for skin irritations, especially with baby’s sensitive skin!  



Dreft baby laundry products


Dreft has teamed up with Mom and pediatrician Dr. Dyan Hes to talk more about spring allergy season and how we can help keep our baby’s protected and comfortable this time of year. 


Here are a few great tips from Dr. Dyan Hes to keep in mind this spring.


1.  Shade the sun: The long awaited spring season means increased outdoor time for parents and their babies. When heading outside, don’t forget to practice appropriate baby skin safety.
  • For babies 6 months or older. If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen. Also, avoid exposing your baby to the sun during peak hours — generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses. 
  • For babies younger than 6 months. If your baby is younger than 6 months, keep him or her out of direct sunlight. Protect your baby from sun exposure by dressing him or her in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses.



2. Protect Problem Skin: Heat is a common trigger for eczema and as the weather warms up, there are a few things you can do to help prevent flare ups of such skin irritations.

  • The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. so try to shield baby from direct sun exposure during those times. There are also apps available that can inform you of the hottest part of the day – which can be helpful for parents as they plan any outings with their little ones!


3. Load up on liquids: Staying hydrated during the spring months is important as baby gets more active outdoor time and sun exposure.
  • Start with the inside and ensure children get enough to drink throughout the day. Infants should nurse or take a bottle often; older kids should tote a sippy cup or reusable water bottle. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and smoothies in your child’s diet too.  


Want to learn more? Please join @Dreft on May 9th from 9-10pm EST as they host a Twitter party with Dr. Dyan Hes! She will be sharing her tips to ensure your baby is happy and healthy this spring allergy season! Please RSVP to let us know you'll be joining us! 




I've loved my walk down memory lane and I feel confident that when my girls pull their baby items out from storage, they will still be able to smell and feel the gentle care that Dreft provides.



Win It!



#DreftSpring giveaway prize pack




Thanks to our sponsors, one lucky reader will win a Dreft Hypoallergenic Package Dreft product prize package which includes 1 Dreft Newborn, Active Baby, & Blissfuls and a Gender neutral hypoallergenic blanket. 



Cuddly blanket in #DreftSpring giveaway package

This sweet snuggle blanket from Brooklyn Bamboo is so soft, lightweight and comfy, I’m tempted to use it now summer napping with my big girls!



Terms: 
No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. I will mail a coupon to each winner. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.


Please share in comments: Do you have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal that your baby loves(d) that you are saving for your them?


Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


White fluffy clouds blue skies





White clouds in dark blue sky road scene





White whispy clouds in blue sky


Comments welcome!

Happy Earth day! Temperatures are starting to rise, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and bugs are buzzing. Yep, it's that time of year to arm ourselves with tools and tips to keep mosquito's and other bugs at bay. Thanks to today's sponsor, Orkin, you and your family can learn ways to keep mosquito's away; plus win a cool Summer Scientist bug catching kit! I'll receive a kit as a thank you for hosting this giveaway, however all opinions and love of catching fireflies are my own.





Orkin Summer Scientist bug catching kit



Are you ready for mosquito season?  Not only are they a nuisance, they also pose potentially serious health risks.  Fortunately, the experts at Orkin study the science of mosquitoes and other pests closely in order to better tailor plans that help keep them out of your home this spring and summer.



Check out their Buzzer Beater app to learn how prepared you are for mosquito season and see if your city is on the biter list! Sadly, Nashville, TN. is #7. Click the sign below to download the city list. 





I'm learning more about these pests and how to avoid and protect my family. For instance, do you you think you think mosquito's prefer biting adults over children? Watch this video to find out.








Win it:




Orkin Summer Scientist bug catching kit



The Orkin Summer Scientist Bug Catching Kits are fun for the whole family! Each pack includes:
2 Bug Catcher Craft Kits: These awesome DIY bug catcher kits will let your family’s personality shine through while also learning about nature and the world around us. The kits include a variety of foam ladybugs, dragonflies and more!
2 Bug Nets: Explore the great outdoors with these fun mesh insect nets. They can be used to collect and study butterflies, ladybugs, caterpillars and many other backyard creatures.
2 See-Through Bug Jars: Reveal the wonders of your backyard with these clear bug jars. Each transparent plastic box has a magnifying lid for better insect viewing. Young explorers love discovering worms, butterflies, ants and insects. These containers allow them to make homes for their new discoveries.
2 Magic Color Scratch Little Garden Critters: Scratch faces, designs and more on these Magic Color Scratch Little Garden Critters! A perfect kids' activity for critter lovers, simply scratch away the black coating to reveal vibrant rainbow colors. Includes butterflies, frogs, turtles and more.
Glow-in-the-Dark Creepy Crawlers: Turn off the lights and let them glow! These vinyl glow-in-the-dark bugs are lots of fun for all ages.


This is a pretty cool kit, sure to add hours of fun for your family! Want to learn more cool bug facts? Be sure to follow Orkin on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!



Ready to win? Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. I will mail a coupon to each winner. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Happy Friday Eve dear readers! April is one of those months that can sneak right past in a blur of activities. From school programs to sporting events, we are all busy! Why not take a moment to enjoy April's color of the month- Sherbet Orange with me. This month's inspiration came from a recent sunrise that had a beautiful layer of sherbet orange in it.


Sherbet Orange Sunrise #Nashville



Isn't this pretty? As an early riser, I get to enjoy some amazingly colorful creations!


Here's my Pinterest board for the month.



Follow Linda A.'s board Color of the Month- April 2016 Sherbet Orange on Pinterest.


Please share in comments: Do you like Sherbet Orange? Do you wear it ?
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