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January is Organization Month: Natalie’s Cleaning Routine

Posted by html404 on January 5, 2013
in Cleaning, Home, Organization

January is Organization Month. I have so many areas of our home to organize that it is shameful! Storage room, master bedroom, office, boys room and sewing closet – it’s a cedar closet that the owner made for his wife who loved to sew – are all areas out of control here at our house. Thankfully the girls, at least my oldest, is at the age where she regularly cleans and organizes the two rooms they occupy – their bedroom and their “nook” where they do their school work and go on the computer.

Natalie is a Professional Organizer at OrganizedHabits.com and a few months ago I came across her cleaning routine chart that I thought would be very helpful in light of Organization Month.

Natalie suggests spending 15-20 minutes a day cleaning an area of your home. I like that idea!

This chart was a part of Natalie’s Holiday Blog Series. She gave her permission to share it here but when I copied and pasted it the coding would not transfer correctly. So be sure to check it out at the link I provided.

We plan to implement the 15-20 minute “rule”. With nine of us capable of cleaning that much time each day means a total of 2-1/4 hours of cleaning will be accomplished. Surely that will help us keep the house basically clean, right?

So how about you? Do you have any organization goals for the new year? How do you plan on tackling them?

Here’s the link again to Natalie’s Cleaning Routine: http://www.organizedhabits.com/holiday-blog-series-cleaning-the-house

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Novica Black Giraffe Wood Ornaments

Posted by Brande on December 23, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Handmade Items, Holidays, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Need a last minute Christmas idea? But, it has to be unique! Head over to Novica.com. Novica is associated with National Geographic and has beautiful items for any occasion. Need help with a special gift? No problem! Novica has a “Gift Finder” section!

When I received my Novica package, I opened the shipping box and this is the box inside! Wrapped with beautiful paper adorned with a crafted bow.

In my package I received 4 individually wrapped Giraffe Wood Ornaments.

These giraffes are hand crafted and hand painted by Made Sarna. Each giraffe is unique in it’s own way. They have a small hanger on the back and ready for the Christmas Tree.

Head to Novia.com for your last minute gifts!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review/feature. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Mailpix Review Update AND Twitter Party

Posted by Professor on December 19, 2012
in Family Stuff, Holidays, Home, Photography, Reviews

A few weeks ago I posted a review of a new online photo company called Mailpix. I wrote about the ease of ordering and the wonderful system they have to upload and order photos and photo memory gifts. Well, I am back to share with you the items I actually ordered and received.

We ordered a number of items from Mailpix. And although I do not have a photo of everything I will share what I have.

I must say that the orders came faster than I expected. I did expect them to come slowly because of the Christmas holiday but they were right on track with what they noted as their standard shipping times. I was very pleased! The packaging for the photo gifts was very nice as well. They came packaged in Styrofoam containers to ensure safety of the porcelain items. The only item packaging I had an issue with was the 8×10’s … they came in your standard cardboard mailer… and we received them on a rainy day so the edges o the photos were a “Tiny” bit warped because of moisture…but we just put the photos under a big book and they flattened out and were just fine! I cannot blame Mailpix for the weather… but I do wish they were double wrapped or something to hinder the weather issue.

The Above picture is how the mug and ornaments came packaged.

The first thing we ordered was our annual Christmas Card. Yes I did say Christmas card, not Holiday card… my husband was very adamant in finding a layout that said Christmas instead of Holiday…and Mailpix had a great assortment of both layout…of course we opted for the Merry Christmas layout. The cards turned out AWESOME. Although I forgot to remove the red eye on my son in the picture, I must say that the quality was as good as any photo card I have ever gotten. Had I remembered to remove the red eye and press the “enhance” button they would have been the best cards ever… but that is user error!

The second thing we ordered were a few 8×10’s of some pictures we took of sprint cars we took over the summer. My husband usually gets his 8×10’s printed at Walgreens and let me tell you … these were BETTER! With the cropping and enhancing I was able to do with the picture they look like professional photos! We are very pleased!

The third thing we ordered was the photo mug. This turned out very nice as well. Not as awesome as the printed photos but VERY nice. The quality of the picture seemed a bit off. Now, I am not sure if this is because the item is on a porcelain mug and I should not be expecting the same quality as a printed photos…or if because these were scanned photos as opposed to digital images. I really do not know. But overall I am pleased with the outcome.

The fourth item ordered was out yearly photo calendars. These turned out PERFECT! The quality was s much nicer than the company we have used before. The pictures are crisp and clear and our layout looks great! Sorry I do not have a picture…I forgot and wrapped them

Lastly, we ordered a few of their snowflake ornaments. Overall the ornaments were fine. The one I have pictures below was the best of the bunch. It is not very “photoastic” because the white does not photograph well but it turned out okay! However, with that said we did order two more and one I had a problem with the photo being off centered on the snowflake. I would have liked a perfectly centered picture but it looks okay. The picture itself is centered in the circle but the “stamp” of the picture on the porcelain is off centered. There was one ornament we ordered as a gift for my mother-in law that will not be sent… because the picture is NOT centered in the frame of the ornament… it is not that it is not stamped correctly it is that the photo is actually skewed to the side of the photo layout. I KNOW it was not like this when I designed the ornament so I ma not sure what happened between my ordering the ornament and the processing and shipping …but the end product did not look as I expected from my layout in the Mailpix software. This was disappointing. The good thing is that Mailpix offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so I have emailed the company about the issue. The bad? I will probably NOT get a replacement in time to give as a Christmas gift ***Update talked to customer service this AM and they are sending me one Next Day so hopefully I will get it in time to mail it out to my mother-in-law…keep your fingers crossed! ***

Overall we were VERY pleased with the company and have since placed another order for some more items! So even though one of the items we were not pleased with the overall quality of the other items as a whole have made us loyal customers.

DO NOT FORGET:

We are co-hosting a twitter party TODAY with Sasha from Mailpix…the information is below:

When: Wednesday, December 19

Time: Noon-1pm CST, 1pm-2pm EST, 10am-11pm Pacific
Where: Your Twitter account, TweetGrid, Hootsuite
Topic: Photo Memories
Prizes: 5 photo memory related prizes from Mailpix!
Hashtag: #photomemories

RSVP here.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Happy Havens Dyson DC35 Vacuum Giveaway

Posted by html404 on November 29, 2012
in Appliances, Contests, Giveaways, Home, Uncategorized

Happy Havens is a site that provides consumers with information on home products, trends and promotes wellness and a clean lifestyle. The latter is something our family is very interested and involved in with our little non-certified organic farm. Happy Havens also covers DIY projects, organic living, style and giveaways. Their website is very uncluttered with a fresh look and easy to navigate.

Happy Havens is currently hosting a Dyson DC35 Vacuum Giveaway. Who couldn’t use a second vacuum? I know we could use another one. The Dyson DC35 looks very lightweight and compact. I am use to heavy bulky vacuums but our last vacuum wasn’t and we really like it. That’s why the Dyson caught my eye. It would be perfect for doing our basement stairs. We are hard on vacuums though so I hope it is sturdier than it appears to be!

Happy Havens Dyson DC35 Vacuum Giveaway

To enter the giveaway fill out as much as the Rafflecopter below….

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post.

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Sleep Number Review #sleepnumberm9

Posted by html404 on November 14, 2012
in Bedding, Furniture, Home, Reviews, SALES, Shopping

I had never heard of Sleep Number before until I received an opportunity from Smiley360. We have been slowly trying to replace older mattresses in our house, especially now that the children are getting older too. I was excited to check out Sleep Number beds.

Last night Peanut and I went out to the closest Sleep Number store to check it out.

Sleep Number Review

Our local Sleep Number store had a rather small show room, but very bright, clean and neat. The gentleman working the store was very courteous and helpful. He greeted us and asked how he could help us upon entering. Then after I told him why we were there he gave us a demonstration of the C3 mattress, which was very cool. Peanut and I loved the remote and the fact that two people on the same bed could adjust their mattress to their own comfort level. There was a complimenting video that went with the demonstration, however, his computer was not working. He didn’t want us to hold that against him so we didn’t. Oh and before the demonstration the sales rep even put a sheet of tissue over the pillows our heads would touch while we laid on the mattress.

I’d definitely consider purchasing from Sleep Number under the right circumstances money-wise. If money were no object, then I would have purchased tonight and had items delivered!

The great thing about Sleep Number they have several different series of mattresses to choose from and with those choices are another variety of choices to help individuals get a good night’s sleep. From air to memory foam and elevation their beds are sure to appeal to a broad range of people.

They also carry custom comforters, pillows, bedding and mattress covers.

NEW Sleep Number Mattresses

Sleep Number has two new mattresses M7 and M9. Unfortunately our little store only had the M7. Loved it’s soft texture better than the polyester. Here are a few tidbits about the M9:

• It’s a memory foam mattress

• 13-inch bed offers the highest memory foam profile

• Exclusive SLEEP NUMBER® DualAir technology

• 5-inches of LuxFit™ foam softly cushions pressure points and features a breathable air-flow design

• Temperature balancing sleep surface is designed to absorb excess heat that can disrupt sleep

• Luxuriously soft fabric made from natural fibers

• 2 wireless, digital remotes, plus Full-Fill and Memory features

Sounds comfy, eh? I can attest to the comfort of a memory foam mattress as that is the kind of mattress we have now and we love it!

Semi-Annual Sleep Number SALE!

Save $500, 0% financing for 18 months (restrictions apply). See www.SleepNumber.com for complete details.

I received a gift item in return for this post as a member of the Smiley360 blogger program. All opinions are my own.

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Carpet One Review and Giveaway

Posted by html404 on October 29, 2012
in Giveaways, Home, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff

When we went to Brandcation Blog Cabin we received swag (products from companies sponsoring the event or bloggers). Amy from Grinning Cheek to Cheek was sponsored by Carpet One. We all received a mat. There was a choice of pet paws and a fall mat, since I don’t have a fall mat I chose that one, though my kids would have loved the pet paws! Mommy rules! I think there were even two 5×7 mats given away – they were nice too!

Carpet One Review and Giveaway

Carpet One mats are water and stain-resistant, machine-washable and made in the USA. We have already washed our mat once – didn’t want to take a photo of a dirty mat even though the browns hide the dirt really well. Another reason I chose this mat. The pet paws had a light color for the paws which I figured would show the dirt more. With ten people in our home we track a lot of dirt in even though I have mats at every entrance and the children are required to take off their shoes and wash their feet if they go barefoot. The mat washed up nicely and did not fall apart. I’ve had that happen before, probably on mats that weren’t machine washable though as they frayed and the back disintegrated.

I actually put our mat in front of our kitchen sink. It’s soft under the feet and give extra support while standing doing dishes. It looks nice too. We really like it there.

Overall we are very pleased with our first experience with a Carpet One product.

About Carpet One:

Carpet One Floor & Home has more than 1,000 independently owned and operated stores in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Carpet One Floor & Home carries carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs, including exclusive brands like Bigelow and Lees.

Carpet One Giveaway

Now for the giveaway!

Please make your entries via the Rafflecopter below to win one of these Autumn mats supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month, which was this past month.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Fall Table Top Ideas

Posted by html404 on September 18, 2012
in Home, Houseware, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff

Fall is pretty much here and lately in our state we have been experiencing cooler weather and all the stores have begun to stock fall goodies. A great way to celebrate the coming of the new season is to use some great fall table top items from Bormioli Rocco – an Italian glassware company that offers modern designs with classic twists.

The first item on our list are the Bormioli Rocco, Sorgente Fuchsia Glassware that come in a set of six. I really like the two glasses sent to me. They are cool looking and a great addition to our glassware collection. I have been using them almost every day and the frosted color is very cute.

With the fall season you are sure to have guests over for a football party or just a fall dinner and these glasses are a great way to showcase some color and fall style without going overboard. You can find the Fuchsia Highball Glasses for $46.00 per set at Macys.com

The other item that is perfect for fall are the Bormioli Rocco Quattro Stagioni 8 1/2 Ounce Canning Jar, Set of 12 $32.55 at Amazon.com

This jar set is really cute and even though I haven’t used the one I received it’s pretty safe to say that I will probably put jam in it. If you don’t do fall canning you can also use these jars to organize meals for the back to school season. You could also use these jars for table top decorations or candle holders.

You can find these products at Macys.com and Amazon.com

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Canning and Freezing Veggies – The Labor of Love

Posted by Brande on September 13, 2012
in All Natural Products, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Food and Treats, Fun Stuff, Gardening, Health and Nutrition, Home, Organic, Seasonal Stuff

Well, I did it! I accomplished canning and freezing veggies! My first canning season in the new place with most of my own veggies! The other veggies that we didn’t grow I bought from a local stand. The kitchen heats up awful fast in the middle of August, but it will be so nice in those cold months to make my family meals with vegetables from our own garden! Here’s what I canned: pickles, crushed tomatoes, 3 pickled beans, pickled grape tomatoes, salsa, BBQ sauce, pickled hot peppers, white peaches, and bruschetta! In all that makes exactly 50 jars of wonderfulness!

I also blanched and froze bags of corn, cut peppers, whole red peppers, peas, beans, cucumbers, and zucchini!

I looked up most of the recipes on the internet with a few out of an old Ball Canning Book I found. I received and email from Grit Magazine awhile ago with the “Ultimate Guide to Food Preservation”, that would have been VERY handy a few weeks back! There is a wealth of information on their site, including sweepstakes! Go and check them out!

~ Brande

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My First Farmers Almanac

Posted by Brande on August 30, 2012
in Books, Cleaning, Community Issues, Education, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Food and Treats, Gardening, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Saving Money, Seasonal Stuff

I bought my first Farmers Almanac the other day and I can’t believe I didn’t buy it sooner!

I always thought the Farmers Almanac was all about the weather. Boy was I surprised when I found tons of fantastic information!

Yes, it does have weather information, BUT, on page 8 I found out how to get rid of weeds with out pulling or chemicals and it’s easy! You pour boiling water on them or use a mixture of dish washing liquid (5 tablespoons) and water (4 cups) in a spray bottle! I also learned how to make a “Homemade Jar Opener”, “No-Mess Baking”, ways to cut energy costs, how to save on gas, even a section on comfort foods (my favorite).

I plan on buying one every year! They are really a wealth of information!

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All-Over Comfort Pack Review

Posted by Professor on July 31, 2012
in All Natural Products, Eco Friendly Products, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Health, Home, Personal Care Products

Bed Buddy® Herbal Naturals™ Targets Pain with Moist Heat

New Plush & Lavender-Infused Line Includes Neck Pillow, Wrap & All-Over Comfort Pack

The line is comprised of three distinct products (highlighted below), each of which feature the company’s proprietary Moist Heat ThermaTherapy^® penetration system, which is shown to be better for treating muscle pain, chronic aches and pains, and arthritis than “dry heat” because it allows quicker, deeper heat penetration into the joints.

The Neck Pillow easily drapes over the neck and shoulders to provide deep moist heat to sooth aches, pains, tension or arthritis in the neck and shoulders.
The Neck and Hand Wrap, which features a unique design that includes warming hand pouches, minimizes aches and pains in such chronic problem areas as the neck, hands and shoulders.
All-Over Comfort Pack targets a wide array of chronic pain areas such as the back, hip flexor, shoulders and abdomen with a large, universal shape that easily molds to the body for indulgent comfort.

The Herbal Naturals™ products are soft, lined with luxurious real lavender and chamomile; contain only 100% all-natural ingredients; warm quickly in a microwave; are fully reusable with a machine washable cover; and remain heated for up to an hour.

A member of Carex’s global family of premium-quality brands, Bed Buddy® offers a versatile and premium-quality line of reusable hot and cold packs that support individuals suffering from aches, pains and arthritis and are designed to fit most body types and to help people of virtually all ages and health profiles.

All-Over Comfort Pack Review:

Let me say this is an AWESOME product. This is the first product of its kind that we have used. Prior to using this product we have used traditional heating pads, which offer heat, but not MOIST heat as this product does. My husband suffers from severe osteoarthritis in his knees (5 operations) and has chronic back problems (1 prior operation) …let me tell you this is SO, SO WONDERFUL for his “aches and pains”…we have iced and heated so many times over the past 17 years of marriage that it has become part of our lives. The moist heat provides soothing relief …and since it stays warm for over an hour it is just right for therapeutic relief!

One great thing (can I say great enough in this review?) about this product is that it is ready in minutes! Just pop it in the microwave and voila instant moist heat.

Another factor that is a wonderful additive is that the product comes with a velvety WASHABLE cover. I LOVE this feature! If the product gets sweaty or dirty…just pop the cover in the wash and it is clean, so convenient!

The scent is WONDERFUL! The product is lightly scented with lavender and chamomile…what an aromatic sensation! I feel like I am at the spa as I breathe in the luxurious scent and drift away in moist heat!

So far my husband has been monopolizing the product…but I do know that this product would be AWESOME for stomach cramps…especially menstrual cramps. When I was a young girl I used to get horrible cramps….how I would have LOVED to have this product…I cannot imagine the relief this would have given someone with those painful cramping episodes!

Overall, I can honestly say my family has fallen in love with this product. The All-Over Comfort Pack has so many uses I cannot wait to go out and shop for the rest of the line. I intend to buy more of this and the other products in the line for Christmas gifts…I know a few people in my family that will adore the products!

You can find this product and many more at carex.com. I would definitely consider perusing the site the company has so much to offer in moist heat and home healthcare products.

Bed Buddy Product link http://www.carex.com/products/Bed_Buddy/93