Showing posts with label home

Did you ever watch the Jetson’s cartoon and wish you had a smart home like theirs, or at the very least your own Rosey the robot to help you clean up life’s little messes? I sure did! Don’t get me wrong, I actually like some chores, but vacuuming everyday isn’t one of them. This year, I’m putting a smart robot vacuum on my gift list. I think it’s a perfect gift idea to help keep our homes neat and tidy now and in the future. I do hope to see one under our tree! Read on to learn about two new Neato Robotics vacuums.


Perfect Gift Idea for Neat and Tidy Homes:


The perfect gift idea

Happy Friday dear readers! Have you missed me as much as I've missed you? I took some  much needed time off to recharge my batteries so I could come back refreshed and ready to share all kinds of fun and creative ideas with you. I'm not "officially" back until Monday, so today I'm sharing a guest post from organization expert with Modular Closets, Marty Basher. I hope you enjoy her insightful ideas and tips on how to get all the storage spaces in your home organized during National Homeowners Month. Even if you aren't a home owner yet, this will help you get your space organized. 


Let's Get Organized!



Get storage spaces in your home organized

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year my friends. The holidays are finally here, and for some of us, that means gift crunch time! I’ll admit to being one of those people that actually enjoys being out in the crowd, bustling from store to store, gift list in hand. There is one store that I must shop at year after year - Macy’s! And the time to shop Macy’s for all your gifting needs is upon us. Folks, this Friday, December 11, is the Macy’s One Day sale where you can save up to 60 percent on gifts galore! Read on for some of my giftable ideas on my shopping list this year.


Ready, Set, Shop!


Macy's One Day Sale Friday 12/11


The Hundred Story Home book review and giveaway

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, July 18, 2018
How does one go about finding faith in ourselves or something bigger than ourselves? How do we step out in faith and believe in the whisper that some of us hear that says… do this instead of that? These questions and potentially finding the answers to my own nagging whisper had me happily agreeing to review a complimentary copy of The Hundred Story Home by Kathy Izard and to hosting a giveaway for 3 copies for you! 



The Hundred Story Home book #review and #giveaway #ad


We all strive to make our homes a welcoming place for ourselves and our friends and family because no matter how far we travel, there truly is no place like home. Scents play a bigger role in that welcoming feeling than you may imagine. 

Scents like fresh baked cookies, or lemon zest or fresh Eucalyptus, for example, are scents that I associate with pleasant memories from places we’ve traveled too, or places I’ve lived.  I’ve been reading up on Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils which led me to partner with Oojra, a woman-owned company that makes travel-inspired Essential Oil Reed diffusers and soy candles. This is Aromatherapy at its best, bringing exotic fragrances of the world into homes around the world.

Oojra essential oil reed diffusers and soy candles #ad #aromatherapy


Win Avon decor for your next Summer Soiree

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, July 17, 2017
Did you know that Avon, the iconic beauty brand has a line of gorgeous home decor? If you answered no, you are not alone! Most people categorize the Avon name with beauty, skincare and maybe fragrances, but the New Avon LLC offers savvy shoppers so much more. That’s why I’m excited to share their current sweepstakes for gorgeous dinnerware and decorative accents with you. 


Avon summer soiree sweeps #AvonRep
source
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at your home the way a stranger might view it for the first time? What do you see? Do you see a warm, clean and organized home- you know, the type of home we all strive for? Or, do you see a home that needs a bit of help with clutter control? 


Got clutter? Organizers can help! #springcleaning


I almost missed the first color of the month for 2017 because I was trying to talk myself out of my first color choice, because it would mean for the third year in a row, I've picked a shade of blue for January's color of the month. But, the more I let this post sit, the more I knew this was my pick, so without further delay I give you my January color of the month: Blue Gray. 



My inspiration came from a photo of this amazing door. 

Blue-Gray door Diamond Vogel 2017 Color of the Year
source




Once I clicked over to learn more and saw that this door represented Diamond Vogel's 2017 Color of the Year, I was hooked!




Here is my Pinterest board collaboration. I hope it inspires you to embrace the blue-gray days of winter and look forward to springs thaw!




Happy Nesting!



Please share in comments: Would you paint a room in your home this color> If yes, what room?


Get home décor inspiration from Santa's house this holiday

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, December 23, 2016
This guest post from the folks at Zillow is such a happy, festive one. I hope you enjoy checking out Santa’s home décor and the Zillow listing.



More than harried shopping and hanging stockings, Christmas is about spending quality time with family and friends. Invite relatives to feel merry and bright in your home by taking inspiration from Santa's house



Zillow Santa's house listing
Source 


Create a cozy mantle filled with lush greenery, spruce up your table with gold embellishments or incorporate treats into your decor with fresh-baked cookies.


Expanding your trimmings beyond the Christmas tree is one of the many ways to make your home festive this holiday season. 



Festive centerpiece at Santa's house
Source


If you’re looking for projects to work on with your family, consider mixing up some cookie dough or crafting holiday ornaments



Holiday decor and cookies at Santa's house
Source

Curious to see the inside of Santa's house? Take a look to discover how Santa and Mrs. Claus indulge all year long. Hint: Their gourmet kitchen features an oven with 12 different cookie settings!


Here's a handy infographic to save so you can easily capture Santa's look for yourself!



Zillow Get Santa's loo infographic


I'm loving all the pops of red and the greenery through out Santa's house! I will be incorporating several items to my holiday decor now.


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us and all the folks at Zillow!



Please share in comments: Which home decor look will you borrow from Santa's house?

Did you know that September is International Women’s friendship Month? It’s true! Women’s Friendship Day, started in 1999 by Kappa Delta sorority, was changed to a full month celebration of women’s friendships in 2009 because the day of celebration became so popular. I was thrilled to learn that I’d been selected to review and give away the new Fabulous Friends collection as part of the Love, Hallmark blogger group.  While I  did receive complimentary products for my post today, all opinions, love of beautiful products and friendships are 100% my own.



#LoveHallmark Fabulous Friends prize pack, journal, home decor, soap and cards



Not to toot my own horn, but over the years friends and relations have told me I’m a witty lady, so it's only natural that my eye was drawn to the lovely pillow in the Fabulous Friends collection first.  



Let's get happy up in here pillow #Witty #happy #homedecor


Isn’t it the cutest? 


Here’s more information about each piece in the Fabulous Friends Collection and my ideas on which of your friends would love to receive them.


Pretty Witty Happy Large Pillow: “Bring happiness into your life with this oversized, embroidered pillow. The pom-pom attachments are sure to put a smile on your face!”

This pillow really does make us smile each and every time we see it. In fact, my girls and I have decided that this shall be our traveling pillow, moving from room to room because it is just that witty and stylish


This pillow would be perfect for your women friends who love:
  • Home décor shopping - (Hello, Pottery Barn!)
  • Decorating - (Do you move her pillows when you visit? She needs this one, too!)
  • Being crafty - (The attention to detail will have them admiring this pillow.)




Never Quit. Unless you hate it.  journal #Witty #gifts




Pretty Witty Never Quit Journal: Perfect for jotting quick notes or logging the day's events, this softcover journal has metallic accents and a satin ribbon bookmark.” The aspirational yet optimistic quote on the cover reads “Never quit. Unless you hate it.” 



This journal is so cool and stylish, it is almost too perfect to mar by using it. But, writing in it is what your women friends will want to do if they are:

  • Journal keepers - (Look at witty me, pointing out the obvious!)
  • Students or teachers - (They are processing tons of information all day; help them get it down in style.)
  • Organizers or list makers - (Raises and waggles hand fervently!) I do so LOVE a good list and a game plan! Oh, and the doodling I would do while talking on the phone? Yes!




Orange and Amber scented hand soap #friendship #gifts




Crafters & Co. Liquid Soap: “Give your skin a treat! Made with essential oils, these soaps are available in eight soothing scents and feel as fresh and comforting as they smell.” 


We received the Orange Amber scented hand soap and it smells like fall weather feels!  It smells and works fabulously!! Give this gift to your women friends who love:

  • Gardening - (Got a deadheading friend? A digger of dirt? Then her hands deserve this soothing and fragrant hand soap!)
  • Cooking - (Hello garlic and herbs, I’m looking at you and your tasty, yet odorific selves!)
  • New mom - (She is going to be washing her hands a lot, like, all day and night! She’ll appreciate the little hug for her hands.)



Keep your friends close picture frame #witty #homedecor #gifts




Pretty Witty Keep Friends Close Framed Art: “Express your style and spunk at home or the office. This painted frame showcases the quote “Keep your friends close and your wine closer.” 


I’m not much of a wine drinker, unless a friend makes sangria, but I am a lover of a good quote and this lil’ frame has got a killer quote. Your women friends will love this if they:

  • Wear green - (Fashionistas tend to decorate their homes and offices in colors they wear and this shade of green is on trend this fall.)
  • Shares quotes and memes - (I see you, Instagram friends, smiling because I notice your efforts!)
  • Drinks wine - (Again, I must point out the obvious gift recipient, for continuity in my witty post!)




Pineapple freindship cards #witty #oldschoolcool




Signature Greetings Pineapple Card: “This adorable embellished card is blank on the inside, leaving plenty of space to write a personalized note to a special friend! “ 



I have never met a woman who doesn’t love receiving a special card, especially if it’s got a heartfelt note written inside. I love the pineapple on the front because it’s the universal symbol for welcome or hospitality, making these cards a perfect gift for your women friends who are:

  • The hostess with the mostest - (Her face popped in your mind when you read hostess, because she is the best at tailgates, parties and last minute anythings. Send her this card and watch her shine!)
  • Realtors - (I can’t think of a better card for a realtor to leave on the kitchen counter with thanks for working with her, can you?)
  • Techies - (Make that one friend who does EVERYTHING via her phone put it down and ponder the beauty of old school cool when you send her this card in the mail with a stamp!)




Now that I’ve got you thinking of all your different Fabulous Friends, why not take a chance and enter to win your very own #LoveHallmark Fabulous Friends collection? Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.



If you are all set to make a purchase, which is fantastic of you and your take-action self -- head on over to Hallmark.com and shop away.  Be sure to get social on Facebook and Twitter, too to stay in the loop on sales and the latest collection of cards and gifts.



Win It!

#LoveHallmark 5 piece Fabulous Friends gift collection prize



One lucky reader will receive a five-piece Fabulous Friends collection set from Love, Hallmark -- containing one of each product mentioned in the post (your products may vary slightly from mine).

Terms: 


No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. 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!


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Please share in comments: Which Hallmark Fabulous Friend product is your favorite and why. 
Happy New Year dear readers!  I know that some of you are taking time off work to fully enjoy this special time of year so I’ll keep this post short and sweet.  In an effort to make sure I give you more of what you like in 2016, I am doing my first ever year in review post to share with you what posts and topics you liked best in 2015. To really get a feel for what’s working here (besides giveaways!) I removed those from my list. What makes me really happy is that my top 10 blog posts that resonated with you, my readers, is non-sponsored content! 



Working from home allows me to work with my daughters, ages 16 and almost 13. I’m so happy that both of their contributions made the top 10 according to my blog stats. 


In Fashion/beauty this post on Mom fashion by Melissa (12) was a hit!

Back to school outfits for Moms


Book Reviews are a favorite here on the blog, especially my daughter Tera's reviews like this one


You enjoyed my creativity and work flow tips found here almost as much as you like my Organizing/life hacks like this post


Entertaining/ DIY and recipes were well received as well.  Top posts like hosting an epic tween party and sipping Mediterranean Orchard Iced tea on the front porch were viewed thousands of times. 

Mediterranean orchard iced tea on the front porch


What really surprised me was how well all my Wordless Wednesday posts ranked! If they were about flowers, gardening, being outside, our land or my cats, you loved them!

Wordless Wednesday our land, outside, fresh air

You also really liked my weekly chore prompt series and my Color of the Month series. 


White Rose bloom, gardening


What an amazing year 2015 has been! I can't wait to share more of the content you love with you in 2016! If there is a topic you would like to see me cover more on my blog, please feel free to share it in comments. 


Happy New Year to you and yours!
Once I’ve served Thanksgiving leftovers at least twice, I feel comfortable turning my attention to all things Christmas and that means decorating and baking cookies! I love baking from scratch whenever I can, but sometimes this busy work at home Mom needs to streamline the baking process and that’s when I turn to Betty Crocker Cookie mixes. This week, I’m spreading holiday cheer with my Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies that started with a Betty Crocker mix. These cookies are so quick and delicious; nobody will believe they aren’t from scratch!


baking, holidays, cookie, season, peanut butter, toffee, cookies


I bake cookies often throughout the year, but at Christmas time, I’m baking like a boss all season long. I bake for family and friends, I bake for cookie swaps and teacher   appreciation days at my daughters’ schools and I bake cookies to give to my neighbors.

 It really is a simple and easy way to spread kindness and cheer at this special time of year. All you need is a Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, about an hour and a few Ziploc containers to put your cookies in.  I chose peanut butter because I knew it was a favorite ; but Betty Crocker has plenty of options like Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip and Double Chocolate chip just to name a few.  Both the mixes and the Ziploc containers are on sale right now at Publix, so be sure to visit readysetsave.com to download your digital coupons. Be sure to check out all the fun holiday recipes there too! 



Here’s my quick and easy recipe for Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies. 

Simple ingredients to make Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies


Ingredients:


  • 1) 17.5 ounce Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix
  • 1) 8 ounce bag English toffee bits (found in baking aisle of most grocery stores)
  • 3) Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2) Tablespoons water
  • 1) Large egg


Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In large bowl mix oil, water and egg in Peanut Butter cookie batter until no longer grainy.
  • Gently fold in toffee bits.
  • Shape dough into 36 small balls or make drop cookies like I did by gently sliding off tablespoon size dough balls on to parchment paper.
  • Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes for regular size cookies or 9-11 minutes for large cookies.
  • Allow to cool.


If you are giving cookies as gifts like I am, while the cookies cool, it’s time to get your cookie container ready. I prefer using Ziploc containers because they are sturdy and reusable, which truly comes in handy this time of year! Sometimes,  I even receive my container back with a goody inside as thanks. 


Put baked cookies in a Ziploc container for sharing


I’ve found that a dozen cookies fit perfectly in the 1.25 quart size Ziploc containers. Sometimes you can get lucky and find the holiday containers, but if not, you can decorate your container as festively as you want. 


Label your cookies for gifting with a simple festive tag

Win it!


Thanks to my sponsor, Betty Crocker, one lucky reader will receive a $10.00 PayPal cash transfer so you can purchase some cookie mixes too! 


Terms: 

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is  responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 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. You must have a PayPal email account to enter. 

Good luck!



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Wordless Wednesday: Inviting nature in our home

in , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Acorns, leaves, berries found on our nature walks are displayed on a depression glass pie plate and small vase- making inviting nature into our home a breeze. 


Acorns, leaves, berries, displayed for Autumn decoration on MWP




This just because bouquet made my day! I adore Sunflowers, Daisy's and Mums!


Sunflowesr, Daisys, Mums make a beautiful "just because" fall bouquet MWP




Adding copper and Autumn toned leaves to this iron wall art makes a happy statement.


Copper leaves on Iron wall art makes a fall statement MWP




If I could wear this perfect fall flower palette- either in my makeup or clothing, I would. 


Fall bloom perfection MWP


I hope that you have been able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful season! 



Please share in comments: How do you invite nature into your home this time of year? 

Welcome to September readers! I know for most us in the United States it still feels like the dog days of summer; but I’m ready to jump back into my regular blog schedule now that the kids are back in school. With September comes a lot of prepping for fall fun and holidays, so it’s the perfect time for me to welcome back my weekly chore prompt.


This week’s chore is a pretty easy one in both time and effort, but be warned- you may get grossed out by what I’m about to show you. 

Are Your Spatulas really Clean?



You may think your spatulas are clean once you run them through the dishwasher, or hand- wash them, I know I did until recently when I was washing a spatula by hand and noticed I was able to pull the top from the handle.



Clean spatulas: My WAHM Plan




When I got it off, this is what I saw.





Dirty Spatulas: My WAHM Plan

Gross right?




Can you imagine cooking with that? No, of course you can’t and neither could I! I grabbed up all the spatulas I’d been using and started pulling the tops off. Some weren’t as bad as others, but none of them were spotless. Time to clean them!



How to deep Clean Spatulas:




Soaking spatulas in vinegar water to clean My WAHM Plan


  • Gather Spatulas
  • In large bowl or dishpan, mix one cup water and a half cup white vinegar
  • Pull tops off spatulas and place both dirty sections in water/vinegar solution
  • Soak for 30 minutes

  • Once they're done soaking, make sure the hole in the spatula top is clean as well. If running under warm water doesn’t dislodge remaining grime, take a bamboo skewer or butter knife, wrap a paper towel around the end and gently wipe around the hole until clean. Be careful not to stretch the hole or the handle may not stay secure.
  • Rinse both parts of spatulas again
  • Allow to air dry



Deep Clean Spatulas ready to use My WAHM Plan


Once your spatula parts are completely dry, reassemble and store as usual. Now you have deep clean spatulas just in time for fall baking and cooking. 



To keep your spatulas clean in the future, be sure to hand wash them after each use and take the top off to clean. If you don’t hand wash your spatulas, simply use my soaking method at least once a week and you’ll never have gross spatulas again.



Please share in comments: Is there an organizing/homemaking topic you’d like to see me cover here on the blog? Please let me know!
You know I love sharing giveaways on Fridays, and this week I've got a great Back to school Mom on the go Prize pack courtesy of Orkin, today's post and giveaway sponsor. I will receive the same cool prize pack as listed in the giveaway below, however all opinions are my own.


Class is back in session!


Orkin is back with Household Pests 101 – featuring lots Orkin’s scientific knowledge of pests. Orkin is here to help you #LearnWithOrkin so you don’t get schooled by pest problems in your own home during this busy time of year. This fun, interactive quiz will help you learn how to keep pests out of your home. Just click on the Pest Prevention Pop Quiz below to get started. 




While I will admit I did pretty well on the quiz, there was preventative measures I'm going to work on in the late summer so my home will be as unwelcoming as possible when the cold weather gets here. It will be here before we know it, so Orkin says now is the time to take action to protect our homes! 


I love how Orkin knows that we moms are on the go more than ever and wants to make sure you’re all set when driving the kids to soccer practice, racing to make it to school on time and just maybe getting a minute for yourself! I invite you to learn more about Orkin by visiting their website or following them on Twitter and if you are still bugged by pesky mosquito's, you might want to check out Orkin's Bite Back at Mosquito's on their YouTube channel. 


Win It!

Back to school Mom on the go prize pack on My WAHM Plan

The Orkin Back-To-School Prize Pack includes:
One (1) Silver USB Portable Charger – We know you’re on the go from sun up to sun down and you can’t afford not to be accessible. This emergency charger is small, sleek and can help your phone keep up with your busy lifestyle!
One (1) Double Wall Stainless Steel Travel Mug w/ lid - Your car isn’t the only thing that needs fueling up in the morning … this stainless steel travel mug is a great way to ensure your morning coffee is always within arm’s reach.
One (1) Orkin “Protect Your Home” PDF Checklist - This handy checklist from the experts at Orkin will help you think like a pest in order to help protect your home from pests.

Terms:
No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter form.  My WAHM Plan is  not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 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!

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Cleaning is easy and eco-friendly with e-cloth

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, October 27, 2014

If you’ve been reading my posts this month, you know I’ve been busy cleaning. I’ve shared a few tips and tricks in my Fall Cleaning Checklists you can read here and here. Now that we have a cleaning guide, let’s discuss cleaning supplies.

I was so excited when I was approached by e-cloth to write a post and receive free products and share my thoughts with you. It’s a perfect way to help you with your fall cleaning efforts because I’ll be giving away an eight piece home cleaning set and a little something for your pet too today.


e-cloth #home #cleaning set


As the homemaker, head care officer for my home and family; I want to ensure both are kept clean and comfortable.  Some cleaning supplies can often leave harsh smells in your home that can aggravate your family and pets, but I didn’t have to worry about spraying any chemicals with e-cloths. You just use water and the millions of tiny fibers in each e-cloth go to work. 

Using water instead of cleaning products helps me save money, helps reduce the use of plastics and helps improve my home’s air quality.  Not only am I cleaning chemical free, e-cloths are proven to remove over 99% of all bacteria, including e-coli and listeria from hard surfaces with just water!

Eager to see these e-cloths in action, I set to work with the kitchen cloth first, wiping down my counters. Then I chased some dust bunnies with the dusting cloth and lastly I cleaned some of my collectible glass with the glass and polishing cloth. I was very pleased with the results and can’t wait to utilize all eight e-cloths I received.


I even got to clean my kitties with a super soft and absorbent cleaning mitt. The dual sided mitt is so soft and easy to use on your wet or dry pet.

e-cloth #pet #cleaning mitt


 I used the fronded side of the mitt on one cat to dry her after her bath and she was dry in no time. Then I used both sides of the mitt to clean my younger kitty. Fiona loved the feel of this mitt so much, that she asks for me to use it now. If she sees me open up the cabinet where I keep the kitty supplies, she’ll sniff out the cleaning mitt for me to rub her!


our kitty likes e-cloth #pet #cleaning mitt


I’m very pleased with the cleaning results with e-cloth and I will continue to use them. They are guaranteed for up to 300 machine washings, so they are well worth the initial investment. You can learn more about cost, materials used and more by visiting e-cloths website and following them on Facebook and Twitter.


The Giveaway:

Thanks to the folks at e-cloth, one lucky reader will win 1 dual sided pet cleaning mitt and 1 eight piece home cleaning set which includes:

  •  One 12.5"x12.5" Kitchen Cloth with Scrubbing Pocket
  •  Two (2) 16" x 20" Glass & Polishing Cloths
  •   One (1) Bathroom Cloth
  •   One (1) Window Cloth
  •   One (1) Dusting Cloth
  •    One (1) Stainless Steel Cloth
  •    One (1) Range and Stovetop Cloth
  •    One (1) dual sided pet cleaning mitt


Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.

Terms: Open to U.S. residents 18+. No purchase necessary to enter. My WAHM Plan not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way endorsed affiliated or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. 

Good luck!

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