4 Ways To Save on Home Maintenance

The following is a sponsored guest post that may or may not represent the views of Mommy Ramblings.

As a homeowner, it’s easy to shell out a nice chunk of money keeping your home in good condition. However, that doesn’t mean all your hard earned cash needs to go into home maintenance. Instead, you need to think about ways to save on home maintenance, and then actively work towards doing so. While everyone’s situation is slightly different, the following are a few simple ways you can save on home maintenance and put your money away for something you’ll enjoy.

Opt for DIY

When you want to save money, consider doing some maintenance on your own instead of hiring someone else to do it. There are plenty of small jobs around your house that you can easily do yourself, such as install a sink, replace a light fixture, or even update your front door. Before you get quotes on different jobs, be sure to look at the task at hand and see if it’s something you can spend a few hours tackling. By investing a little bit of time, you can end up saving a fortune.

Know when to hire a professional.

Although you can save money by doing things yourself, it’s also important you realize when you need to hire a professional. After all, putting certain jobs in the hands of trusted professionals can ensure the job gets done right the first time and can save you from spending more money trying to do it again. For instance, if you have an intricate plumbing problem, it’s smarter for you to hire a trusted plumber than to do the job yourself and do it wrong. If not, you’ll end up spending almost twice as much having someone come in to fix your mistakes.

Don’t put it off.

One of the biggest reasons home improvements are so expensive is because homeowners put them off until they’ve become too big to tackle. When this happens, the cost inevitably goes up. Make it a point to inspect your home thoroughly at least once a year, if not more. This way, you can make note of areas that need your attention before they get out of control. If you’re ever unsure, have a professional come in and do a home inspection every now and then. This can make you aware of underlying issues you may not have known existed, and it could save you a ton of money in the end.

Make smart decisions.

Unfortunately, there’s not a product out there that will look good and last forever, but there are products out there that are better than others. For instance, if you are building a home, opting for materials like brick or stone is a good choice. They will hold up better and stay looking newer longer, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. By making the investment in stone or brick, you are helping your house stay in better condition with a product that doesn’t need as much maintenance. If you make smart decisions like this throughout your home, you can save money on home maintenance in the future.

Maintaining your home may not be the most enjoyable thing you have to do as a homeowner, but it is a necessity. If you make smart decisions and follow these tips, you can end up saving money on your home maintenance, which will make you happier in the long run as well.


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Filed under Guest Post, Home & Garden, Home Improvement

Save on Diapers & Have More Money For Summer Fun #ShareTheLuv

Experienced parents know that you don’t have to spend more on diapers to get a great diaper for your baby. That is why Luvs is the official diaper of experienced parents.

Luvs is making the deal even sweeter this summer, helping parents save even more. Their $2 Print At Home Coupon means you can put even more savings toward fun family activities this summer. So save the money and use it to do things and make amazing memories because summer is short.

Go HERE to print your coupon. Use it right away, it expires 30 days from the date printed. Take $2 off any one Luvs diaper pack. Coupon is accepted at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold. All Luvs Diapers are included in this particular offer, except trial/travel sized diaper packs.

Best of all  Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™ are softer and more absorbent than before*, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection and a money-back guarantee.  Luvs provides features babies and parents need for less cost than premium brands.

For more information on Luvs diapers, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Let’s face it parenting and kids are expensive so when you can save, do it! Print the coupon, save the money, enjoy your summer and make memories. 


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Bring Home The Tale As Old As Time Today! #BeautyandtheBeast

Unless you have been under a rock for the last few months, you have undoubtedly heard about Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic. You may have even seen it in the theater and if you didn’t get a chance, you can pick it up on Blu-ray combo pack at major retailers now.

Check out the trailer below:

 

Wow, it still makes me excited. It was such a wonderful movie! I thought everyone was cast perfectly and Gaston stole the show. Emma Watson was perfect for the role of Belle and we finally learn what happened to her mom. Anyone that grew up watching this movie will absolutely adore the live-action movie. The songs were fabulous especially the new song Evermove.

The Blu-ray release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.
Bring home the timeless tale beloved by generations on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD, and On-Demand Today!

Bonus features include*:

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:

  • Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
  • A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
  • The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
  • Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
  • From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
    • “Belle” — Filmmakers and cast reveal how it felt to shoot this memorable scene.
    • “Be Our Guest” — Discover all that went into creating this epic, primarily virtual performance.
    • “Gaston” — Join the cast for rehearsals and filming of this rousing, high-energy number.
    • “Beauty and the Beast” — You’re invited on set for the filming of this beloved, classic scene.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Introduction by Director Bill Condon — Director Bill Condon presents a collection of scenes that, for one reason or another, ended up on the cutting-room floor.
    • Gaston Courts Belle — Pleased with himself after settling a disturbance with the townspeople, a triumphant Gaston attempts to woo Belle.
    • Bread and Jam for Agathe — On her morning market rounds, Belle stops by to see Agathe, the village beggar woman.
    • Storming the Ice Gates — The angry mob of villagers, led by Gaston, overwhelms the castle’s defenses.
    • Lumière Torches LeFou — As the fight rages around them, LeFou scuffles with Plumette … until he experiences a sudden, extremely heated interruption.
    • Monsieur Toilette — LeFou escapes from the brawl into a small room, where he’s startled by a castle resident.
    • Cogsworth Rescues Lumière — When Clothilde the fishmonger threatens Lumière, Cogsworth leaps into the fray.
    • Treacle the Lasses — Three village lasses chase Chip and Froufrou – Madame Garderobe’s dog-turned-footstool – into the kitchen, where a surprise awaits.
    • LeFou and Monsieur Toilette Reunite — After the spell is broken and the castle residents are returned to human form, LeFou and his new acquaintance meet again.
  • Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon.
  • “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
  • Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
  • Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.
    • “Belle”
    • “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Music Box)
    • “Belle” (Reprise)
    • “Gaston”
    • “Be Our Guest”
    • “Days in the Sun”
    • “Something There”
    • “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Montmartre)
    • “Beauty and the Beast”
    • “Evermore”
    • “The Mob Sing”
    • “Beauty and the Beast” (Finale)

DVD:

  • “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video

We are going to load up our projector and show this movie outdoors and have an under the stars movie party at our house next month! So what did you think? Did you see it? I would love to know what you thought, leave them in the comments.

 

 


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Filed under Disney, Family, Home & Garden, Movies

Discover Americano on DVD-Family Movie #Giveaway

Did you hear? Yesterday, Americano arrived on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand from Lionsgate. This family friendly DVD was awarded the Dove Family Seal of Approval.

Americano tells the charming tale of a colorful Mexican parrot named Cuco who would rather imitate the crazy stunts of his TV parrot superhero, El Americano, than help with his chores at the family bird circus.

Yet when a gang of bully birds threatens his ringmaster father and takes over the circus, Cuco sets off on a hilarious and perilous journey to Hollywood to enlist his hero in his fight, only to discover the true hero within himself.

Available in both English and Spanish, the film features the voices of Rico Rodriguez, Kate Del Castillo, Cheech Marin, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Golden Globe® nominee Lisa Kudrow (Best Supporting Actress, Television, “Friends”), and Academy Award® nominee Edward James Olmos (Best Supporting Actor, Stand and Deliver, 1988), in addition to radio personalities Don Cheto, El Mandril, and Argelia Atilano.

Check out the clip below:

Hurry, enter now to win your own Americano DVD-This is a Flash Giveaway that ends in a few days so enter now below!

Flash Giveaway: Ends June 19th!!!

Lionsgate is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Americano DVD! Thank you to Lionsgate for the review DVD and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Americano DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

 

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Welcome To Wonderland 2: Beach Party Surf Monkey-Blog Book Tour & Giveaway

Just in time for summer reading, Welcome To Wonderland 2:Beach Party Surf Monkey  the second book in this new illustrated series by Chris Grabenstein, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics.

P.T. and Gloria are back with a diverse cast of characters in this entertaining middle grade paper over board series filled with madcap escapades that kids will not want to put down. 

There’s always something wacky happening when you live at a motel, and P. T. Wilkie has grown up at the world’s wackiest one yet! When word gets out that the hottest teen idols in Hollywood will be filming their next movie-BEACH PARTY SURF MONKEY-right in St. Pete’s Beach, P.T. and Gloria know that Wonderland would be the PERFECT location.

Now they just have to convince the producers! But when things start to go wrong (Crazed fans? Missing stars?!) it will take all of Gloria’s business genius and P.T.’s wild stories to save the movie before the movie AND the Wonderland are both all washed up!

Read an excerpt HERE!

We love this book and it is not one you will be begging your kids to pick up, more than likely, you will need to beg them to put it down when it is time for dinner or bed. Keep them reading and engaged over the summer with this exciting adventure.

We want to add some excitement to your summer with a great giveaway. You can enter for a chance to win your own paper over board copy of this book below.

Giveaway:

Random House Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Welcome To Wonderland 2: Beach Party Surf Monkey! Thank you to Random House Kids for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Welcome To Wonderland 2: Beach Party Surf Monkey Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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How I Keep My Little Athletes Hydrated #Switch2BODYARMOR #BringIt

This post is sponsored by BODYARMOR. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

As a parent of active kids, I know how important it is for them to stay hydrated. My kids play sports year round,so I don’t want them guzzling down sugary sports drinks. I want something healthier for them and I found that with BODYARMOR. BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink that is packed with potassium, electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins. BODYARMOR has everything I want to replenish their bodies and none of the artificial flavors and sweeteners I don’t want.

Right now, they are playing baseball and they love it. They practice all the time at home between their team practices and games. I like to keep my refrigerator stocked with BODYARMOR because they come in sweaty, hot and thirsty. I also pack a cooler full of it when we go to practices and games. It comes in great flavors that my kids like. My one son’s favorite flavor is lemonade. I like drinking BODYARMOR too, it is perfect after my workouts, walks or gardening. It provides us all with superior hydration and great taste.

We live on a lake and with summer coming, swimming is what we do all day, every day! When we go down to our dock,, my kids don’t want to go back up to the house for anything, so I have to pack snacks and drinks to keep us going all day. That is where BODYARMOR comes into play, swimming in the sun, we need to stay hydrated. A cooler full of BODYARMOR is our best friend. Beyond that some wholesome granola bars are a great pairing and keep the kids full of energy until dinner.

BODYARMOR launched two new products this year, BODYARMOR LYTE and BODYARMOR Water. BODYARMOR LYTE is naturally sweetened and has only 20 calories per serving. BODYARMOR Water is a sports water designed by athletes for athletes.

Do you have little athletes like mine? If so, check out how your child could become the next BODYARMOR Athlete.  Here in New York, you can find BODYARMOR at Stop & Shop, Shop Rite, BJ’s, Wegmans and Price Chopper. You can follow BODYARMOR on Facebook and Twitter  to stay in the loop with them. You can get a coupon to save on your next purchase of BODYARMOR by clicking HERE.

 

 


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Filed under Fitness, Health, kids, Outdoor Fun

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Nearby Allentown, PA

We have been having a lot of rain lately, so we really lucked out when we picked Saturday, June 3rd for our day trip to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. We planned this family trip to celebrate my birthday on the 4th. Originally, I had wanted to go on the fourth and my daughter suggested the third. It was a very good idea, because it was raining buckets on the fourth.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. During the month of June, Dorney Park is  joining Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in their Lemonade Days to help make an impact in the fight against childhood cancer. During their Lemonade Days a portion of the proceeds from online ticket sales will go to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To learn more about this great cause click HERE.

Check out the additional Summer Events & Attractions below:

• Coca-Cola Share a Coke – June 9-10
• Father’s Day Beef & Beer – June 18
• Independence Day Fireworks – July 4
• Christmas in July Breakfast with Santa – July 25
• Food Truck Rally – August 26-27

My kids love Dorney Park, my older kids love the roller coasters and thrill rides. My younger ones love Planet Snoopy and so do I! There are rides we all love to go on together as a family like that Road Rally where you get to drive gasoline powered “race cars” on a track. That is a must-do attraction for all of us every time we visit. My son Ethan was so excited to drive all by himself this year!

 

We have such a blast at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom and make lifetime memories. Check out our video compilation of our day there below.

If you live within driving distance or will be visiting the area, you should seriously consider a visit to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. We can’t wait to go again. If you have been to Dorney Park, let me know what you love most in the comments.

 

This post is sponsored by Blog Meets Brand and Cedar Fair. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

 


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Filed under Attractions, cause, Family Fun, Travel

The Easy Way To Create Stunning Graphics For Your Blog or Event #Giveaway

Are you looking for an easy way to create stunning graphics that will help make your blog posts pop? If so, let me tell you about some great graphic design software I discovered that makes it amazingly easy to edit photos, create graphics, logs, event invitations, collages, banners for your social media channels, hero images and more.

It is called FotoJet and it is free to use. To make things really easy, their site puts a massive amount of templates and resources at your fingertips. Tired of trying to navigate graphic design software that is so complicated all you get is frustrated? Then you will love FotoJet, because with just a few clicks you can get professional results even if you have no experience. That is because everything is user-friendly and effortless. You can try it for free for yourself right now. There is no registration or downloading required.

I was checking out the site recently and was playing around with some of their templates. I made these Save The Date examples to show you how easy it is to start with one of their designs and change it up to fit your style or the style of a client.

Both of those designs above were made using one of FotoJet’s templates. I just switched out backgrounds, fonts, colors, graphics etc. It was a lot of fun and I could easily undo anything I did not like.

Here are some graphics I made recently made to go with some of my blog articles.

Both of the above images started with a free stock image and I added overlays, frames, texts and other effects to dress them up.

Best of all, the free version gives you many options to create the graphics, flyers, collages, headers and more you need. You will be amazed at just how quickly you can create beautiful Hero Images that will make your posts pop and get shared and pinned all over social media. That means your blog traffic will increase and isn’t that what we are all looking for?

Add text and overlays to your photos or stock images, make graphics for your YouTube videos, create channel art and so much more for free with FotoJet. Check out their tutorials and resources to get your creativity flowing.  If you want to do even more, they do have a membership that is less than $3 a month when paid annually. Or pay just $4.99 a month.

We have great news because FotoJet is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a One Year Premium FotoJet Membership! Thank you FotoJet for my complimentary premium membership and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

FotoJet Premium One Year Membership Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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10 Amazing Ideas to Make Your Home Awesome

This is a sponsored guest post that may or may not reflect the views of Mommy Ramblings.

Most of us have a vision of what we would imagine to be the perfect home. Whether you want it to be modern, have amazing landscaping, or have a spectacular pool, customizing your home is one of the many rewards of home ownership.

If you need help in sparking your creative side, here are 10 amazing ideas to help make your home awesome.

  1. Moat Pool

At first glance, these pools may seem like some kind of home protection strategy, but the fact is they provide a great look and can be quite popular in the right situation. If the idea of a moat pool surrounding your home conjures up images of Medieval castles and drop-down bridges, take a look at modern moat pools and see how far they have come.

  1. Hanging Bed

Here is a trend that has been popping up lately. Suspend your bed from the ceiling and swing yourself to sleep. The bed can be made from wood, concrete, or plastic, but you’ll definitely want strong beams and a professional installation.

  1. Automatic Window Shades

There are few things more convenient than being able to hit a button and have all of your window shades go up or down. Motorized blinds and shades allow you to manage the ambience, privacy, and sun level of each room quickly without the fuss of cords and pulleys.

  1. Interior Cat Transit System

If you are a fan of cats, then you already know that they like to live in a world of their own. The cat transit system allows them to travel the house in the privacy of their own little tunnels.

  1. Glass Floors

How about a glass floor in one of your rooms? It can make some people a bit nervous standing on one, but having a glass floor adds a coolness factor to most homes. Instead of glass you can also have smooth concrete floors with tile or glass features combining the best of both worlds.

  1. Retractable Pool Table

Imagine having a few guests over for dinner and all of a sudden, a full-sized pool table appears from out of the wall. That is high-speed to say the least.

  1. Concrete Crib

There is a company called “Concrete Crib” that can make custom concrete furniture like tables, benches, pools, and counters. Any of their unique creations would be certain to add that special wow factor to any home. Concrete products are popular because not only are they unique, they are easy to clean and durable as well.

Minimalist dining room with table; chair and two closed doors – rendering

  1. Outdoor Movie Screen

Everyone loves going to the drive-in and enjoying a giant movie screen outdoors, but they really don’t compare to having one in your backyard. You can invite friends and family over to see the latest and greatest movies without having to drive anywhere.

  1. Skateboard Room

This might appeal more to the younger generation but how about a room with built-in skateboard ramps? How many times have you seen something like that? If you want to impress your friends, add one of these to your contemporary house.

  1. Spiral Wine Cellar

You don’t have to be a huge fan of wine to appreciate the beauty of a spiral wine cellar. Your guests will be impressed at this amazing feature in your home.

Regardless of which route you take in personalizing your home, it’s always exciting to seek out fun and new things that you can add. Whether it’s a small bowling alley, or a rooftop tennis court, the options are practically limitless.

 


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Filed under Decorating, Home & Garden, sponsored guest post

It is Christmas in June at the Home Depot

I am the last person that wants to rush the summer but if you need a new Christmas tree, you must check out the overstock sale at the Home Depot. Right now they have plenty of stock on these trees and you can order online. Check out these deals:

6.5 ft. Pre-lit Jackson Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree with Clear Lights and Pinecones only $29.75

If you have high ceilings and want something larger, this gorgeous 9 ft. Pre-Lit Natural Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree with Super-Tech Warm White Lights might be just the tree for your home. The price is more than right at only $162.25 because this tree is normally $649!

They have more trees and other decor on sale for up to 75% off right now. You can get holiday accents like this  22.75 in. LED Lighted Red Jumbo Gift Box for only $12.50! It is hand painted and would look great near an entrance or by a staircase.

The Martha Stewart Living Winter Tidings Glass Ornament Set (50-Count) is only $24.75. That is a huge savings off the regular price of $99. These glass ornaments can be used on your tree or as decorations and even in crafts.

 There are so many more great buys on holiday LED statues, outdoor lighting, interior decorations, trees, inflatables and more. Check it all out HERE. Your wallet will thank you. Hurry, at these prices, things are sure


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Filed under Christmas, Faith, Family, Home, Home & Garden