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Helpful Tips To Rid Your Home of Nasty Allergens

If you wake up with a running or stuffy nose, have a dry cough, sneeze often, suffer from itchy or watery eyes, the culprit causing your allergies may be your home. Dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and more can be found in most homes. Here are some tips for a cleaner, healthier home.

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Get rid of wall to wall carpeting and padding and replace with hardwood, tile or other impervious flooring. Carpeting is a magnet for just about every allergen, walking across them sends releases those allergens back into the air. If it is not possible to get rid of all your carpeting or if you have to do it little by little, start with the bedrooms.

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Double up on the door mats, have one outside and right inside the door to minimize the chance of introducing irritants into your home. It is also a good idea to remove your street shoes at the door and encourage your guests to do the same.

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Curtail the curtains and drapes. Opt for blinds or shades instead because they trap fewer allergens than window treatments made from fabric. If you must have curtains or drapes, make sure to get ones that are machine washable and wash them often. Vacuum blinds and shades once a week with a brush attachment, wash them regularly with warm water and soap especially if you keep the windows open often.

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Many are allergic to mold and with over 100,000 different species of mold in the world it is hard to get away from. Mold loves damp places that is why it is so prevalent in bathrooms. Make sure you dry surfaces of standing water and make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation. Replace caulk around sinks, tubs and showers to prevent water seeping in and encouraging mold growth behind the walls.

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Check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, make sure there are no leaks or drips that will be a breeding ground for mold. Also check for rodent droppings another allergen.

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Use a vacuum with a Hepa Filter to vacuum floor surfaces, mattresses and upholstered furniture. After that, vacuum with a UV-C Light Vacuum like the Verilux CleanWave Sanitizing Portable Vacuum.

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Vacuuming with this can leave your home surfaces 99.9% germ and allergen free! The ultraviolet light technology is built into the vacuum and can eliminate dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria, mold, allergens, flea eggs and more that are lurking in your home.

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This portable vacuum comes with a brush and crevice tool attachment. This is a great way to clean your home and destroy germs and viruses like MRSA, H1N1 and more without the use of harsh, harmful chemicals.

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Vacuum bedding, mattresses, furniture. floors, rugs and more. Eliminate odors by killing odor producing bacteria. If you are looking to buy a new mattress like the Leesa Mattress make sure you keep it clean from the start with these methods.

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The 400 watt motor and cyclonic action ensure maximum power and suction, and easy empty, bagless design and 2-stage micro-allergy filtration prevent recirculation of pollutants.

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Using the same UV sanitizing technology  that’s been used for over 30 years in hospitals, food processing facilities and water treatment plants, CleanWave’s germ reducing  light can penetrate a micro-organism’s cell membrane damaging the DNA, preventing growth and killing the organism.

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Check out my video here of how easy it is to use.

I love that I can take this anywhere, it is easy to operate and has a safety feature that automatically turns the light off if it is not on a flat surface. It is easy to empty and gives me peace of mind. We have allergies in our house and using this vacuum is making a difference.

 

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Verilux is sponsoring a giveaway (giveaway is over) on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Verilux, CleanWave Portable UV Vacuum. Thank you to Verilux for the review CleanWave UV Vacuum and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Verilux CleanWave Sanitizing Portable Vacuum Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Home & Garden

Read Christmas Love Letters From God with Your Children #Giveaway #FlyBy

Tis’ the season for books about the true meaning of the season. I have been sharing several books with you that do this and I have another I want to share today. Christmas Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist combines both prose and poetry perfectly as it tells the story of Jesus’ birth. It is written for children ages 4-8 years old but I think children of any age will appreciate this book.

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There is a pop up letter that goes along with each story. There is a space on the letter that you can write the name of a child on. The book has seven stories starting with Isaiah’s prophecy and ending with the visit of the wise men.

It is a lovely book that we like reading together in the weeks leading to Christmas. My kids like to unfold the letter from the page at the end of each story. This would make a nice gift to give to a special child or grandchild to remind them of the real reason for this splendid season.

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The letters are written as if they were written by God especially for your child. God’s Perfect Promise Bible verse accompanies each story. This book will help children remember the love, promises and hope God offers to all of us. You can find this book on Amazon.

Enter our giveaway below for a chance to win your own hardcover copy of this special book!

Giveaway:

Christmas Love Letters From God Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to US residents.

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

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Filed under Books, Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday

How To Make Your Own Spreadable Butter

In our house we use real butter. I used to use spreads that I thought were healthier but surprise, butter is not bad for us! So ever since, it has been real butter. The only bad part was that it was not spreadable. I started buying spreadable butter but that costs a lot more for very little and with our big family, we were flying through those small tubs. Looking for a solution, I learned that butter does not need to be kept in the refrigerator to stay fresh. That’s right, when you use a butter pot, you can have nice spreadable butter anytime you want without paying extra for those tubs in the supermarket.

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If you are wondering what a butter pot is, it is a pot that has a lid that you pack the butter into and then you add cold water to the base. You leave it out on the counter at room temperature and all you have to do is change the water every 3-4 days and replace the butter as needed.

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The French have been storing their butter like this for years. The water creates an airtight seal that will keep butter fresh for up to 30 days but you know what, it never lasts that long without refilling in our house!

Watch my video of the process below:

Would you like a chance to win an Emile & Henry Butter Pot like mine? I thought you would, just enter below! We think this makes a great gift and have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide.

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Giveaway:

Emile & Henry is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an Emile & Henry Butter Pot in their choice of color (subject to availability). Thank you to Emile & Henry for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Emile & Henry Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Baking, Cooking, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide

Discover New Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus #WhatULuv #Giveaway For $25 GC & Luvs Diapers

“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”

luvs-night-lock-plusWhen we are first time parents we tend to go overboard with our parenting. With the second baby, we are more relaxed and we understand that life is not scripted. We don’t have to buy the most expensive diapers, in fact, we learn that more expensive does not mean better. Luvs recently introduced the new and improved Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™.  These diapers are softer and more absorbent than ever before, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection and a money-back guarantee, Luvs provide high-quality features for less cost than premium brands.

 

Join the Luvs and iConnect team on November 29, 2016  at 9:00-10:00 PM EST for a Twitter Party to learn about the new and improved Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™ and win lots of great prizes, too! RSVP HERE!

You may or may not be surprised by the results of a form poll of moms across the country that Luvs conducted. The purpose was to take a look at what parenting is really like and uncover what moms value the most. The survey found that:

  • Nearly 2 in 3 moms have never taken a day completely for themselves
  • 81% of moms would prefer an entire day off from housework than dinner with their celebrity crush.
  • 87% of moms agree that the first time their child slept through the night was one of their best parenting times yet.
  • Even a short spurt of “me” time goes a long way! A quarter of moms surveyed stated that they felt an uninterrupted shower was more relaxing than a day at the spa
  • Other major moments moms value more now than before they became parents include sleeping past sunrise, watching television and movies that aren’t cartoons and having an uninterrupted phone conversation.

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To make the Luvs value even sweeter, Luvs is offering a money-saving $1 print-at-home coupon! Click HERE to access a Luvs coupon for $1 off any one diaper pack except travel or trial packs. Coupon can be used at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold.

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Would you like to enter a giveaway to win a $25 Amex Gift Card and a pack of the new Luvs NightLock Diapers? I thought you would! Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and good luck!!! Open to US residents.
Giveaway:  Feel free to host a giveaway for a $25 AmEx gift card and a pack of the new Luvs NightLock Diapers

 

$25 Amex Gift Card and Pack of Luvs NightLock Diapers Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Coupon, Giveaway

My Secret For Baking Perfect Bread Loaves Every Time!

Tis’ the season for hearty soups and stews and home-baked bread. I used to have issues baking bread, it just never came out right. Last year, I discovered that when I used a bread cloche I could make the most delicious artisan bread consistently. Baguettes were not a problem any more either and I was turning them out 3 at a time. They disappeared before they were even cool! So I was left with mastering baking the perfect bread loaf. I am happy to report I mastered that and no matter how many I make, they are perfect and delicious every time!

If you are looking for pointers, I can help. I will tell you that I do use bread flour, I add a little more sugar than my recipe calls for and make sure to use fresh, active dry yeast. The recipe I use is easy, it is actually the same recipe I use when I make my round bread in the Emile & Henry Bread Cloche. I do not change a thing, the only thing I do differently, is use the Emile & Henry Bread Loaf Baker.

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This is the recipe I use:

3 cups of bread flour

1 cup of warm water (95 degrees F)

2 tsp of salt

2 tsp of granulated sugar

2 tsp of dried baker’s yeast

2 tbsp of milk

In a large bowl mix the bread flour, salt, sugar and dried yeast.

Pour in the warm water and knead for about 2-3 minutes.

Put the covered bowl in a warm place away from drafts to rise for 20 minutes.  Uncover the dough and knead to remove the carbon dioxide, form the dough into a loaf.  Grease the bread loaf pan with butter and flour and place the loaf of dough into the loaf dish. Cover with the top and let rise for another 45 minutes at room temperature.

Brush a little milk over the top at the end of the rise time and sprinkle with flour.

Bake in a preheated oven of 460 degrees F for 35 minutes and I remove it after a few minutes to a board.

Click on my video below to see me bake a loaf from start to finish.

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We have a giveaway for this bread loaf baker and you can enter below. We will also be posting a giveaway for a Emile & Henry Butter Pot and Stewpot so make sure you follow us if you don’t want to miss it. We think Emile & Henry products make great gifts and we will be putting them on our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide.

Emile & Henry is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Emile & Henry Bread Loaf Baker . Thank you to Emile & Henry for my bread loaf baker and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Emile & Henry Bread Loaf Baker Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Baking, Cooking, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Meet Your Teething Baby’s New Best Friend-Sammy The Squid #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Babies who are teething have a new best friend! Meet Sammy The Squid, his squeaks will have baby squealing with delight. The variety of textures and chewable parts will make Sammy a friend your baby will want around all the time.

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This teething toy is part of the Brain Builders Collection from The People Toy Co. Sammy may seem a little pale but it is a good thing! There are no added colors for  safety. The unique shape holds your baby’s attention, soothes sore gums and helps develop multiple senses.

Check out our video review of this teething toy below:

You can purchase this teether on Amazon. We like it so much we are adding it to Mommy Ramblings 2016 Holiday Gift Guide!

The People Toy Co. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Sammy The Squid Teethng Toy! Thank you to The People Toy Co.  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Sammy The Squid Teether From The People Toy Co. Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Christmas, Gift, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Perfect Rattle For The New Baby! #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Do you have a new baby or a new baby on your holiday list this year? If so, we are going to be featuring several toys from the People Toy Co. We will feature several toys from their Brain Builders Collection.

Check out the Feather Light Teething Rattle. It is very light, one end has soft surfaces for baby with a very soft rattle sound. It is not a sound that will startle baby at all.

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The handle of the rattle is very narrow so that baby can hold it easily. It is a cute little butterfly on one end and the other end is a teether that is great as baby starts cutting teeth. The ridges and bumps on the teether help to soothe baby’s sore gums. You can purchase this rattle on Amazon.com.

Check out our video to see all the details.

Mommy Ramblings thinks this Feather Light Teether makes a great present for baby this holiday season so we are adding it to our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide.

Giveaway

People Toy Co. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Feather Light Teething Rattle. Thank you  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

People Toy Co. Feather Light Teething Rattle Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide

Blessings of Unity For a Happier Marriage #Giveaway #AllForJesus #FlyBy

Did you know that 50-60% of all Christian marriages end in divorce? In his book, The Blessings of Unity, Richard Case who with his wife Linda has been doing marriage retreats for over 14 years, found only a few of those marriages that have not moved to divorce are truly reflecting the wonder and glory of God. The remainder are living in mediocrity, ongoing conflict and certainly not enjoying the beauty of marriage.

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Richard says that while we may be initially attracted to our spouse because of how different their personality is to ours, it is those differences that cause conflict. The husband tries to get his wife to be more like him while the wife does the same with her husband. These attempts to change the other person lead to significant conflict.

Richard and his wife Linda learned from their own marriage troubles that something was not right. They then learned the 2 keys to a successful marriage were :

  1. Be abiding in the Vine and walking in the Spirit. (John 15: 1-15)
  2. Learning the concept of unity–we are to live and only live through the principle of unity. This means working toward reaching agreement on all decisions, all issues and all things of our lives 100 percent of the time, all the time. (Psalm 133)

Next, there is a written exercise for husbands and wives to evaluate their marriage.

Chapter 2 is all about the opposite of unity-division and discord. This is a great chapter filled with concepts, scripture and personal examples from the author’s marriage.

Now you may be thinking, this is crazy, my spouse and I cannot agree on everything. I admit, I had the same thought. The author does not think that is possible either and says it is okay to disagree. In fact it is important for each of us to hold integrity with our true thoughts, beliefs and insights. The important thing is they don’t let it ruin their night or weekend, instead they get to unity by seeking God’s will.

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There is also a chapter dedicated to handling disagreements and differences in opinion.

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I think this is important and I think the whole concept can help us give up the fight to be right and seek peace and pray for God’s will instead. Who does not want more peace in their life?

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Giveaway:

Enter our giveaway below for a chance to win your own copy of The Blessings of Unity. In the meantime check out this free eBook, Unshakeable, from the All for Jesus Ministry.

The Blessings of Unity Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Open to US and Canadian residents. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Life, Relationships, Review, Weddings

Share “Where Jesus Slept” With Your Child #Giveaway #FlyBy #WhereJesusSlept

If you are looking for a great read aloud book that teaches children the true meaning of Christmas, Where Jesus Slept is a new favorite of ours.

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This book is written in a rhyming, repetitive way that is similar to the style of  This is the House that Jack Built. The story starts with the hay and continues on until the baby Jesus who slept on it appears.

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The illustrations are beautiful and the story about the first Christmas is one that fills our hearts with what Christmas is all about. I love sharing this book at bedtime at least one night a week with my children in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

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It provides a springboard for discussion you can taper to the age of the children you are reading to. It seems every time we read it, there are new questions they have. With all the commercialism of the holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ, this book keep us centered on what really matters!

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About the author:
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.
Illustrated by Katy Hudson.

Would you like a chance to win your own Where Jesus Slept Book? If so, enter the giveaway below!

Giveaway:

Where Jesus Slept Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to US residents.

 

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Holiday, Spiritual

Celebrate The True Meaning of Christmas With Your Family #Giveaway

As a parent, I feel the true meaning of Christmas is lost among all the commercialism that surrounds us. Teaching children the true meaning of Christmas is very important but not always an easy thing to do. That is why I really like the new pop-up book celebrating the Nativity by Robert Sabuda. The Christmas Story is a visual feast, a holiday treasure to be shared with the whole family.

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As you open each page, the age-old inspiring story of the birth of Jesus is lovingly brought to life by master pop-up artist, Robert Sabuda in six gorgeously imagined scenes.

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The culmination of the story ends with a 3-D manger sheltering humans and beasts, guarded by an angel above. Glittering touches of gold and pearlescent foil add detail to the intricate cut out images that pop to life on each page. Start a new tradition with your family with this inspirational book that tells the story of what Christmas is all about!

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Check out the video to see the book in action:

 

Would you like a chance to win one of these great books for yourself? If so, enter out giveaway below.

Giveaway:

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda. Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

The Christmas Story Pop-Up Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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