Tag Archives: home

Finally An Orchid That I Can’t Kill!

I would consider myself to have a green thumb, two in fact, but when it comes to orchids, something changes them both to brown. I love the look when I see them in the store but take them home, and soon all I have to show is a planter. Recently, I found a beautiful orchid that will stay that way.

At Silk Flowers Direct, I can shop online from a vast selection of silk flowers, plants, topiaries, palms, trees, containers, custom items and even commercial products. I love you can choose from various  filters that let me find items by the type of flower or plant, color, shape, quantity, material and more. Silk Plants Direct offers the largest selection of lifelike faux plants and trees for your home or office decor. They not only offer a collection of stocked products, but they also manufacture plants and trees to each customers exact specifications for turn-key solution.

Here is the beautiful Orchid I received and it is so pretty.  I put it next to my tub and it is a gorgeous, tranquil piece that is perfect for gazing at when relaxing in the tub.

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Exclusive Discount Code-Save 10%

So take a look at the huge assortment of beautiful flowers, trees and plants at Silk Plants Direct  and if you decide to purchase use the exclusive discount code, BLOGGER10  created for Mommy Ramblings’ Readers to save 10% on your order!  Follow Silk Plants Direct on Facebook and  Twitter to stay in the loop on the newest products and promotions. 

 

 

 

 

I was sent the orchid silk plant to facilitate my review by Silk Plants Direct.  As usual my words and views are 100% my own!


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Filed under Coupon, Exclusive, Home, Home & Garden, Life, Main Page Post, Save 10%

Epson LabelWorks LW-600P Label Printer Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Epson Logo

Are you trying to get more organized?  Do you ever pack things up in boxes and totes and forget what’s inside?  Do you ever want to do something crafty like create professional looking monogrammed or personalized ribbons  for cards, wedding favors, hair bows and more?  If you answered yes to any or all of these things, I want to introduce you to the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P Label Printer.  

Epson-LW-600P-Label-Printer

This compact desktop label printer will let you create original labels that you can customize with clip art, your own photos and even your own handwriting or drawings.  You can also take a picture of what is in the boxes you are packing and create a bar code label to stick on the outside of the box.  If you scan the bar code label you will see a picture of what is inside the box!

 

 

 

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Labels are not the only thing it prints.  How about printing on beautiful ribbons.  What a great way to make wedding and party favors, your own cards, custom ornament hanging ribbon, hair bows, and so much more.

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It’s so simple to start printing with the bluetooth capability.  I was able to create and print from my laptop, iPad and iPhone in a flash.  Just download the app and I was ready to roll.  I cannot wait to use this to organize our home which is in the middle of at least 4 major home improvement projects at the same time.  I am so excited to start taking back some order and taming the chaos around here.  I will update with more of my own projects and organization examples very soon.  You can find the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P on Mommy Ramblings’ 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

More about LabelWorks LW-600P:

Print labels smarter

Now, it’s easier than ever to print customized labels — virtually anywhere — with the LW-600P portable label printer. Print labels from your smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac. Print date labels for food items, QR code labels, or labels to organize cables. Create ribbons for gifts, or even labels with symbols or hand-written messages. Preview labels before printing. Or, use smartphones with voice recognition2 to create labels fast. Download the Epson iLabel app for iOS or Android devices or choose from other compatible apps3 available. With multiple tapes to choose from (up to one-inch wide) and an automatic cutter, you’ve got all you need for customized labels on the go.

Connect smarter

The battery-operated1 LW-600P can print wirelessly from iOS and Android devices, via Bluetooth. Simply download the Epson iLabel app or other compatible apps.3 Use your mobile device to create handwritten labels, iron-on labels, ribbons and more. This compact printer can also print from Windows® and Mac systems via a USB cable.

Enter The Giveaway:

Epson is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win an Epson LW-600P Label Printer. Than you Epson for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Epson LabelWorks  LW-600P Label Printer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Christmas, DIY, Giveaway, Holiday, Kitchen, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Tech

Make Choosing Tile Easier With The Interior Design Tile Style Guide From Drury Design!!!

As someone in the middle of several home improvement projects with extensive tile work involved in 2 of them, I am excited to share a new guide to make choosing tile easier.  One of the most daunting parts of picking out tile is trying to find what you like, staying in your  budget and choosing tile that is right for the application you are using it for.  Walking in a tile showroom can be positively overwhelming!  There are so many patterns, colors, materials and finishes that it may cause your eyes to glaze over or make you have a panic attack.

Tile ModernBath

Last year at this time, I was picking out the tile for our master bath and I remember being so overwhelmed.   I just wanted to be in a room with 3 choices and make a simple decision.  Tile is something you don’t just change on a whim, you know it’s going to be with you for a long time and that’s why picking something that is going to go the long haul for you on style and  durability is paramount.

Tile Backsplash

If you wished an expert could be with you, holding your hand and guiding you, I may have the next best thing.  The Interior Design Tile Style Guide from Drury Design will help you understand everything you need to know when making a tile purchase. From the basics of whether  to choose glass, ceramic, porcelain, natural stone or exotic tile based on where it will be installed, durability, maintenance and your budget to lots of interior design ideas simple and ornate. Armed with the proper knowledge beforehand makes picking out tile a much easier and pleasurable task.

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Tile Steamer_in_kitchen_drury

You can browse great design ideas for bathrooms, kitchens, backsplash trends and more for inspiration.  Check it out today and see what you think.  Let us know your thoughts.


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Filed under Curb Appeal, DIY, Home Improvement, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Shopping

Chicken Soup For The Soul, “The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide” Review & Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

csfts new logo

Do you ever feel like you have so much on your plate you can never catch up?  I feel like that most days.  I always look around and feel that I just have so much going on.  With a house in chaos because no less than 5 major home improvement projects are happening, a very busy career as a marketing director, busy blogger and writer, brand ambassador, and handling a few businesses that my husband and I have, added to the fact that we have 5 kids and a big house (ever see the movie The Money Pit?), where there is always something to be done, I can feel like things are swirling out of control.  I am blessed to be able to work from home but I still work and work a lot!  I make time to play but probably not as much as I should.

When I was picking out books to review from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, I chose The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide.  Do you wonder how I made that decision?  I didn’t think so.  I love this book because it’s filled with stories with moms like me, some who juggle and wonder how to keep all those balls in the air just like I do.  I have found that it’s okay to give yourself permission to say, “I am done for the day” and leave whatever for tomorrow and if it doesn’t get done then so be it.

 

I know that I need to prioritize what really needs to be done, my family needs, my needs, jobs that have deadlines are all first.  Then the things we want to get done can come next, but if I don’t get something done, I’m going to stop beating myself up for it.  The opposite is true to that too.  I read in one story in the book, we are told over and over the importance of playing with our kids, that messy houses are signs of great moms, but our kids need to see that we do have to work. Whether it’s for a job or doing the laundry, we teach them important things by showing them we have responsibilities that need attention too.  That really allows moms to release some of that mommy guilt  we all carry in one or two large suitcases with us.  Let’s unpack some of that today!

Stories that show the importance of a mom taking me time strike a very strong chord with me.  Often times I want to put my needs last but really, when I do the things for me I need to do or just spend some down time doing something I enjoy, it really helps my mood, spirit and productivity.  It’s just recognizing that if we don’t take care of our needs we can’t do a good job taking care of anything else and risk becoming resentful.

Stories about slowing down, learning from our kids, juggling a career and laughing after the fact among others will show you how other moms are surviving their multitasking years.  Read some great tips, funny disaster stories, and fill your mind with great ideas for your own life.  Best of all, you will know you are in good company and not alone.  You can purchase the book on Amazon.com.

CSFTS Mom's-Multitasking-Survival-Guide-Front-Book-Cover

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! 3 lucky blog readers will win their own copy of The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide!  Thank you to CSFTS Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chicken Soup for the Soul; The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Master Bath Renovation Update in our Curb Appeal Series!!! #CurbAppeal

Well, it is time for another curb appeal update.  The master bath is slowly coming along. Our tile contractor still has about a week to finish but things are finally shaping up. Tomorrow they are grouting the shower and finishing more walls.  After all the walls are done they will tile the floor, then put the new toilet in, install the tub and we can get the shower panel and frameless doors on, the vanity installed, countertop and sinks, all the trim and the paint.

Here is a look at some of the progress since last time:

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Want To Get Your Home In Order? Try Debbie Lillard’s “A Mom’s Guide to Home Organization.”

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Are you frazzled by your family’s hectic schedule and chaotic household? Then try Debbie Lillard’s “A Mom’s Guide to Home Organization.” This book walks you through simple processes and tips for organizing your time, your stuff and your space. The second half of the book addresses how to teach your children the life skill of being organized. Written by a busy mom for busy moms. Buy Today on Amazon in Kindle or Print editions!

Mom's  Guide To Home Organization

Create a Happy, Clutter-Free Home!

Do you dream of having a clutter-free kitchen, organized closet, tidy toy room and stress-free schedule? All of this and more is within your reach when you follow the practical and effective organizing advice in this book. In this ultimate home organization guide Debbie Lillard, professional organizer and mother of three, helps you gain and maintain order in three key areas of your family life:

  • Your Time: Learn how to get more done in less time by streamlining everyday duties, creating morning, after-school and bedtime routines, and effectively managing extracurricular activities.
  • Your Belongings: Use Debbie’s simple but effective C.P.R. method (Categorize, Purge, and Rearrange) to organize, toys, clothes, children’s artwork, paperwork, photos, collections and more.
  • Your Home: Follow the step-by-step instructions for organizing every room in your home, plus find help for keeping your child’s schoolbag, desk, locker, and home study area organized.

Follow the book from start to finish for a complete home makeover, or dip in here or there for help with one problem area at a time. The tried-and-true advice will help you simplify your life so you can spend less time struggling to keep up and more time savoring everyday moments with your family.

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“Denton the Dragon in Tales of Bubbleland” Teaches Children Important Character Building Values Through Stories and Songs!!!

Denton Dragon Logo

Do you worry about the poor values and morals our kids are exposed to?  TV shows, music, performers and celebrities do not always present the kind of values we want to instill in our children.  Jeff Hutchins a father of 2 girls as well as a retired inventor and businessman, is the author of Denton the Dragon in Tales of Bubbleland.  This newly released book was written by Jeff to help parents and teachers teach children universal values like honesty, gratitude and how to treat others who are different.  The book contains 19 character building  stories  aimed at children 4-8 years old.


Bubbleland Collection

The book is available in both home and school editions.  The school edition is made with the teacher in mind and comes in three over-sized, beautifully illustrated storybooks with an 18 week curriculum guide.  Designed to be read aloud to one child or an entire class,  they include the unique ability to show pictures to the children while the text remains visible to the reader.  The home edition is a beautiful hardback book with 19-tales featuring Denton the Dragon and his friends.  Both books were written to help parents and teachers teach character development in a fun and engaging way.

Denton

Children will be captivated by the stories and illustrations while parents and teachers will appreciate the large, easy to read book and the powerful discussions they act as a springboard for.  School editions are perfect for homeschooling moms and dads too!  Denton is a lovable and naive dragon that lives in Bubbleland.   Children are able to  easily relate to Denton and  understand and discuss life lessons based on his silly yet insightful experiences.
Denton dragon

I recently read one of the included stories, Hilwin, the Boy with Wheels.  This story was about differences and Hilwin is a little boy who uses a wheelchair. Denton was curious and through his curiosity we learn about some of the things Hilwin experiences, like people looking at him funny.  In the end it’s less about the ways they are different and more about how much they  have in common that resonates with kids.  The end of the book even includes a way to expand and get children engaged in conversation about the story.  You can download, Hilwin, the Boy with Wheels for free HERE!

 

denton and jeff

A safe entertainment section for kids is coming soon to the website.  The music section of the website features a collection of songs inspired by the Tales of Bubbleand produced by Jeff Hutchins and George Scott and performed and written by singer/songwriters like Billy Jonas, Jane Kramer, Timmy Abell and the Swayback Sisters.  You can check out the song section yourself HERE and even download a free song!!!  You can find Denton The Dragon on Facebook, and Twitter .  Check it out for yourself and leave a comment letting us know what you think!

 

 


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Bring Pound Puppies: “Holiday Hijinks” Home November 5th!!! DVD Giveaway For 2 Winners!!!

         SHOUTKIDS HASBRO

It’s Time For Holiday Hijinks!

             Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks

Pound Puppies Holiday Hijinx

      Bring Home the Holiday Fun November 5th

                      from Shout! Factory Kids

 

The holidays are almost here and no one is more excited than these lovable Pound Puppies! On November 5th, 2013, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks on DVD.

Can the Pound Puppies gang — Lucky, Niblet, Cookie, Strudel, Squirt and Mr. Nut-Nut — make sure that every pet has a family of their very own this holiday season? Find out in this merry-filled disc, packed with five of your all-time favorite holiday episodes!

Winner of the 2012 Humanitas Prize in Children’s Animation, the Pound Puppies series is currently airing on The Hub in the U.S. and YTV in Canada and stars the voices of Eric McCormack, Yvette Nicole Brown, Michael Rapaport, John DiMaggio, Alanna Ubach, René Auberjonois, and M. Emmet Walsh.

Episodes Include:

  • I Heard The Barks On Christmas Eve
  • I Never Barked For My Father
  • Barlow
  • Good Dog, McLeish
  • Prince And The Pupper

Shout Kids Factory is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Two lucky blog readers will win Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks DVD!!!  Thank you Shout Kids Factory for the review DVD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Look at These New Markdowns at Amazon.com for your Home and Garden!!!

There is still plenty of Summer left and you might want to check out some of these great deals on Amazon.com.  Free shipping with Amazon Prime makes it even sweeter!!

Pinnacle Strategies H83710/2-UPS Metal Chicken

Pinnacle Strategies H83710/2-UPS Metal Chicken

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Red Carpet Glass Studios Birdie In The Woods Birdhouse, Green Tractor

Red Carpet Glass Studios Birdie In The Woods Birdhouse, Green Tractor

List Price: $25.99
Price: $15.10 Eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime.
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Esschert Design Watering Can – Cow

Esschert Design Watering Can - Cow

List Price: $16.99
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Flexrake CF24A Spring Rake 24-Inch Metal Head with 48-Inch Aluminum Handle

Flexrake CF24A Spring Rake 24-Inch Metal Head with 48-Inch Aluminum Handle

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Black & Decker 5 Position Grass Shears BD1303

Black & Decker 5 Position Grass Shears BD1303

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Pinnacle Strategies B80776/4 Insect Metal Wall Plaque

Pinnacle Strategies B80776/4 Insect Metal Wall Plaque

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Esschert Design USA BR17 Bird Silhouette Single Hook

Esschert Design USA BR17 Bird Silhouette Single Hook

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Sunset Vista Designs Wilderness Wonders Bear Bell, 14-Inch Tall

Sunset Vista Designs Wilderness Wonders Bear Bell, 14-Inch Tall

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Achla Designs SWB-01 Bracket With Four Hooks

Achla Designs SWB-01 Bracket With Four Hooks

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Esschert Design DB55 Cast Iron Spade Doorknocker

Esschert Design DB55 Cast Iron Spade Doorknocker

List Price: $14.99
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For so many more great markdowns browse the selection HERE!!!


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The New Family Communications Center!!!

There is still more to do, labels to make, but the majority is up.  I am so happy to see the vision that was in my mind on the wall.  I am sorry for the quality of the pictures but since it is in my hallway off my kitchen, it is a bit of trick to photograph.  Across from it I have a regular paper calendar that I record milestones on to transfer into the kid’s baby books.  As Spring is finally approaching this should work out great to organize the sports games, work schedules,  and our appointments.  I will let you know how it works out.  Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday.

 

 


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