DO YOU USE EBATES?

I just recently signed up for Ebates!

I shop online for everything but my groceries and gas!

I live a bit farther away from my best gal pals and family, so I usually do my holiday and birthday shopping online. Using Ebates allows me to do what I already do, plus I get some of my $$ back! They also have current coupon codes to use too! More savings!

Here is what I've already done!

I have a lot of friends right now that are having babies. Did you know that right now, Ebates is giving 6% cash back on products from Babies R Us? I've bought some fun things for my girlfriends and I buy my diapers from them too. Ka-CHING!!!

I buy my husbands shirts, pants and ties from Kohls! They are there too! 6% cash back on them too! Ka-CHING!!!

After you spend your first $25, you get a  $10 gift card to a one of your favorite stores!

Once you've made your purchases, they mail you a check with your savings! With over 1,000 stores it won't be hard to rack in some cold, hard cash!

A PINTEREST GADGET FOR BLOGGER!!!

Thanks to Code It Pretty,  I now have a rockin' Pinterest Gadget!

You can log directly into Pinterest to get a simple code, but it only gives you 4 pictures and it is not very pretty. If you have the time, I totally recommend using Code It Pretty's tutorial.

Here is the initial steps...

Ready to get this going on your blog? Here we go!

Get the Code

I've posted the code for this gadget as a Gist on GitHub. Here's the link:
https://gist.github.com/1983220

You can either download the code or simply copy and paste it directly from the website.

Edit the Code

Edit the Pinterest URL

Find and replace the text YOUR-USER-NAME with your Pinterest username. For example, I changed:

http://www.pinterest.com/YOUR-USER-NAME/feed.rss
to
http://www.pinterest.com/tammylu/feed.rss

This tells the gadget to get the photos from my Pinterest boards. If you want to narrow down to one specific board, use this structure for the RSS url:

http://www.pinterest.com/YOUR-USER-NAME/YOUR-BOARD-NAME/rss

Once you've done that, save the file and then let's move forward!

Installing the Gadget

Now, open up your Blogger account if you haven't already.

1. Go to "Layout"
2. Click "Add a Gadget" wherever you'd like the gadget to appear.
3. Select "HTML/Javascript" from the gadget menu.
4. Copy and paste your code into the gadget.
5. Save your gadget and check out your page! If it's not perfect, we'll go over how to make it perfect in the next section. If it's perfect, yay! Get back to Pinning!

Note that the gadget doesn't update instantaneously when you pin something new. New pins usually show up within an hour after they're posted. There's no way to speed that up.

If you want to change the size of images, hover direction, disabling the hover and more, please look at Code It Pretty's site.

MOVIE ORGANIZING!!!

One thing that attracted me to my husband was his organization... with his movies. 

And that's about where his organization skills end.

When I first went to his place, he had all of his movies on a shelf, alphabetized!

He had so many movies, he actually even had them listed in a spreadsheet! 

Yeah, I fell in love! :)

But to be honest, it's a simple thing to do that doesn't cost any money!

Look how nice it looks!

I have mine separated into categories {think Blockbuster}: 

Animated

Christmas

Church

Television Shows

and everything else...

And each section is alphabetized.

It makes it super easy to find the movie you want and no money is required, just a little time!
Or if you are like us with over 250 blu-rays and DVDs it takes a few more minutes...

HOUSEKEEPING!!!

I recently came upon a blog that has some amazing tips for cleaning and organizing! 

You know I'm a sucker for that kind of thing!

As I was soaking up the valuable information here,  I knew that I just HAD to share this with you!

This site had put together 25 Blogs with Advice for Homemakers!

I was super excited to find new sites for Time Management, Organizing, Cleaning, Menu Planning and even a few that will help keep the flame burning in your marriage.

They have some other amazing posts with some great tips!

One of my favorites is 10 Lessons Children Can Learn From Doing Household Chores, found here. 

Here are the first 3:     

1. Self-Sufficiency and Independence – When kids learn to complete their chores on their own, without having to be cajoled into doing so by a parent or caregiver or directed in the proper way to do so, they’re also learning their first lessons in self-sufficiency and independence.
2. A Sense of Responsibility – Children who know that there are certain tasks that must be completed, and that it falls to them to ensure that they’re done well, are learning about personal responsibility. Gaining this understanding during childhood years helps kids grow into more well-rounded, capable and successful adults.
3. The Knowledge That a Feeling of Accomplishment Accompanies a Job Well-Done – One of the greatest rewards of a job well done is the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with it. Mastering a task boosts a child’s self-esteem and confidence level, helping her to excel in other areas.

10 Tricks to Make Your House Easier to Keep Clean, found here.

Here are the first 3:

1. Keep shower doors cleaner with Rain-X.  Start by thoroughly cleaning your shower doors with a glass cleaner.  If the glass is textured, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get into the glass grooves.  Using a razor blade, scrape off any soap that has caked onto your doors.  Dry the glass completely with a soft towel.  Spray on Rain-X or a product called Aquapel, then wipe the glass clean with a microfiber cloth.  The product leaves a thin coating on the glass which will repel soap and water. The end result is that your shower doors will stay cleaner for much longer. While these products, which can be found in the automotive department at discount stores, are typically used for windshields, they also work great on shower doors.
2. Squeegee off the walls after each shower.  By squeegeeing off the water and soap after each shower you will limit the amount of water and soap that dries onto your shower walls and doors.  Make sure to dry any water off of your faucet and the metal around the glass on the shower doors to avoid water spots.  This will keep your shower looking sparkling clean.
3. Brighten cabinets with heat. Over time kitchen cabinets get coated with grease. This happens so gradually that it’s usually not even noticeable.  Microwave a sponge for 30 seconds and then put on some rubber gloves before grabbing the sponge.  Spray the cabinets with a cleaner that contains orange oil.  Use the hot sponge to wipe away layers of grease and grime that have accumulated on your cabinets.  Not only will the kitchen smell like fresh oranges, but the oil will give the cabinets that just like new shine.  The oil will also help to prevent food from sticking in the future.

And lastly, 10 Uses for Bleach for House Cleaning, found here.

Here are the first 3:

1. Mold and mildew – Bleach is great for killing mold and mildew while whitening at the same time. You can use it on grout, in the shower (including shower curtains and mats) plus to remove mold from cement and exterior paint on your house. Mix with water and let stand for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
2. Kitchen – Every household should have a spray bottle of bleach mixed with water to use in the kitchen. You can use it to kill germs on cutting boards and counter tops plus use to clean your kitchen appliances.
3. Sanitizer – Since bleach is an effective way to kill bacteria, it can be used to sanitize just about anything around the home. Use it to sanitize kids toys, second hand items bought at a garage sale or anything else you touch with your hands to keep from spreading germs.

So, go on over to Housekeeping.org and check out their amazing tips.

VALENTINE TREATS!!!

I love Valentine's Day!   It's a fun time to show the one you love  how much you love them. While I do think this should be something done more just once a year, it is nice to have a day that is so special. I collected some yummy Valentine Day treats, I hope that you like them! Rice Krispie Treats My Sweet and Saucy

Pink Rainbow Cake Call Me Cupcake

Sugar Cookie Squares Cooking Classy

Heart Cinnamon Rolls  Poppies at Play     Red Velvet Cheesecake Milkshake The Novice Chef 

    Pink Mini Donuts Diary of Dave's Wife
    Mini Heart Cakes Claire and Justine
   

Chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles

Love From the Oven

 

Valentines Day Parfait

Bee in Our Bonnet

 

Check out TONS of great ideas at

Busy Bee Lifestyle

 

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiche

The Idea Room

 

and pretzels topped with chocolate carmels... YUM!!

 

Valentine Bark 

 My Computer is my Canvas
 

Vanilla Cupcakes Filled with HEARTS!

Alison's Wonder Scraporium 

 Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies 

 Feeding My Temple

  

Valentine's Day Marshmallow Pops

Mommy Gaga

Need some more ideas? Check out my Pinterest board, here!

10 WAYS TO BEAT DRY SKIN!!!

Winter is no fun when it comes to keeping your skin nice and soft.

A mixture of cold weather and central heat can really do a number on you!

Here are some tips to keeping your skin nice and soft throughout the winter...

1.Use a rich face cream. Your favorite summer lotion is not going to cut it! Look for a heavier cream that contains oils, butters and waxes.

Try: Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream Dry/ Very Dry, $14

2. Skip the toners and harsh cleansers. These items tend to strip your skin of its natural oils. An oil based or creamy cleanser is better for your skin in the winter months.

Try: Mineral Fusion Ultimate Moisture Facial Cleanser, $12

3. Stop exfoliating so much. If you are really aggressive when you exfoliate, it can totally bite you in the bum! Use a washcloth daily or a mild scrub just once a week.

Try: Yes to Blueberries Softening Facial Exfoliator, $10

4. Slow down on the wrinkle treatments. You need to ease up on the anti-aging treatments or your skin will become a red, peely mess! If you can use a prescription retinoid once a week or find a milder OTC treatment.

Try: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Intensive Antiaging Corrective Treatment, $39

5. Give your lips some lovin! Your lips have extremely thin skin and produce very little oil.  {1} Stop licking them. {2} Use a thick, non-mentholated balm.

Try: Aquaphor Lip Repair & Protect with SPF 30, $5

6. Take shorter showers. {This is my least favorite, I love long, hot showers!}Hot water reduces your natural oils and leaves your skin quenching for thirst!Limit yourself to 10 minutes and keep the water warm, not hot!

7. Lotion when your skin is still damp. It keeps your already moisturized skin hydrated longer. Also wait a couple of minutes after you have lotioned to  get dressed.

Try: Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer, $7

8. Use  a serious lotion for your extra-sensitive skin. Use the fragrance free, therapeutic lotion rather than the sweet smelly kinds you love.

Try: Curel Intensive Healing Cream, $10

9. It's time to overdose on the hand cream. Once or twice a day will not cut it during the winter months. Keep some lotion in your handbag and at your desk, ALL OF THE TIME!

Try: Burt's Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream, $16

10. Don't forget your feet! Please do not ignore them! Your skin on your feet are thick and can withstand all of the pressure you put on them. Use a pumice stone in the shower and then apply a nice, thick layer of foot bream before bed.

Try: CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream, $13

CLEANING YOUR PILLOWS!!!

Next up in the Let's Clean series... PILLOWS!

Our pillows collect dust, mold, bacteria, allergens and dead skin cells. Ew. Gross.

"Experts" say you should replace your pillows every 3-6 months!

I'm sorry, but I don't have money to buy new pillows every 3-6 months.

Source

Here are some tips to clean your pillows!

1. Test your pillow. Does it need to be cleaned? Fold the pillow in half. Open it. Does it fluff right back up? No? It's time to wash.

2. You can wash polyester and feather filled pillows the same way. Press out as much of the  air as possible before stuffing the pillow into the washer. Do 2 pillows at a time. Use a mild detergent, if the pillow smells add 1/2 a cup of baking soda, if the pillow is moldy add 1/4 cup of vinegar. Run an extra spin cycle to ensure that all of the fluids are out of the pillows.

Do you have a microfiber or memory foam pillow? Follow the instructions on the pillow.

3. Dry your pillow. Use two tennis balls, preferably in 2 separate socks. The tennis balls get out the remaining fluids. The socks help prevent the yellow from rubbing off on your pillows. Run it on a low cycle. This may need to run through a couple of times. Once completed, take a deep smell of the pillow. Did you smell any moisture? Yes? Run it through again.

PRODUCT REVIEW - HUGGIES SLIP ON DIAPERS!!!

Diapers are personal! 

Some people are Pampers people. Some are Luvs people. Some are just fine with generics.

It depends on what you need and how well it works.

One of my sisters-in-law will leave a diaper on until it's starting to fall off.

I have to admit, I've found myself there a couple of times.

But in all honesty, we are  Huggies people.

My oldest is using the Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers!

I love these!

My little guy could not keep still during a diaper change. He hated them! With a passion!

Their slogan is "catch, slip-on, and release!"

It caught my attention, so we tried them. We've been using them ever since (over a year)! 

Now, he is completely opposite. For the most part, poopy diapers excluded, I just pull these down and slide on another. It takes such a short time, that I don't even have to lay him down half the time.It's so much easier for me and him that now, he notifies me that he needs a change and willingly does it. (I think we are almost ready for potty training!)

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers Features:
Stretchy sides for a fuss free fit
Tabs for easy removal and disposal
HUGGIES LEAK LOCK ®   System- the protection and security you need between changes
Absorb-away layers and long-lasting core lock in wetness and keeps your baby dry
Stopping guards around the legs and waist helps keep wetness in

If you have a fussy one at a diaper time you should definitely give these a try.

They come in sizes 3-5!

Which diapers do you prefer and why?

VALENTINE PRINTABLES!!!

Printables are so fun! 

I love these ones I found for Valentine's day.

 J and A and Co

 J and A and Co

 Junk In Their Trunk

 Peonies and Poppyseeds

Oopsey Daisy

Homespun With Love

Lolly Jane

Mine For The Making

The Three Sweet Peas

Shaped By Grace

Moments with the Montano's

Bubbly Nature Creations

The Bonjour Family

Kara Noel

As with all of my printable posts, please pull the original copy from the link provided. These ladies work hard and deserve 100% of the credit!

Need some more ideas? Check out my Pinterest board, here!

HAIR BRUSHES!!!

Do you ever wonder what different hair brushes do?

Same brush. Different size. Different bristles.

Round. Paddle. Detangler.

Do you want to know?

Well, here we go!

ROUND BRUSHES

This brush was designed to create volume and shine and maximize control for lasting results.

This brush acts as a curling iron when it heats up. Most people use this when they want a little bend on their ends without using a curling iron. It has a hollow core which allows air to flow through. In other words, your hair is being dried from the inside as well as the outside, and that speeds up drying time. This brush is not my particular favorite because they often scratch the scalp and if you don’t move fast enough, there can be too much heat between your blow dryer and the metal of the brush.

Small Round Brush - short to medium hair

Large Round Brush -  medium to long hair

DETANGLING BRUSHES

This brush was designed to achieve maximal shine and control while avoiding breakage, preserving the hair's natural moisture, and keeping static at bay.

This brush is great for smoothing out your flyaways. I also use this brush when doing up-do's. 

Small Detangling  Brush - short to medium hair

 Large Detangling Brush - medium to long hair

BOAR BRUSHES

The bristles release negative ions on contact with hair. The ions penetrate the core of the hair shaft, canceling static and frizz and turning up the shine factor. These brushes are best suited for fragile hair.

 

 Boar Detangling Brush - short to medium hair

 They’re gentle enough to give in to a tangle, but strong enough to get tension for smoothing out waves. This brush is packed with the perfect amount of bristles. Your hair practically jumps around the brush and blows itself out.

Boar Round Brush

 PADDLE BRUSH

A great multipurpose brush that detangles and styles.This brush is ideal for smoothing and straightening longer hair. This brush makes your hair static free, tame, and shiny.

You can detangle with it, blow dry with it, massage your head with it, and tease hair with it. It doesn’t pull or scratch because of its perfectly rounded nylon pin-bristles, it doesn’t cause static, and is padded with an air cushion. 

Paddle Brush