Keeping Your Family Safe: 3 Things to Consider

Home security: something we all long for and will do what we can to achieve. Having reliable home security is so important to make sure your loved ones are safe and cared for. For the benefit of our home, our possessions and our family, safety and security are constant focuses. To ensure a high-level of safety is attained, invest in a home security system as one of your first steps. There are a number of things to consider about purchasing and installing a security system, here are 4 of them:

A Home Security System Monitors Your Home

It sounds pretty basic, but a home security system does just what we think it does, but on a much more innovative and wider scale than you might have originally thought. Yes, security systems are also monitors for the activity going on in and around your home, but the advent of wireless technology has made this feature so much more convenient for users.

With wireless technology, users are able to control with their alarm system more than ever before. Now you can use your mobile device to connect to your home system and perform operations remotely. With wireless technology, users can set an alarm, provide individualized key codes to expected visitors and even view what is happening at their home (with camera systems), all with the touch of a couple of buttons.

A Home Security System Detects Danger

More than just for intruders, a monitor is a home security system that detects other dangers such as smoke, fire, water levels in the home and a number of additional hazards. For example, carbon monoxide, an odorless and potentially fatal gas, would normally go undetected in a home. With a device to assist you to the presence of this gas, you will know of the dangers and potency before it becomes too alarming. A number of home security companies also offer an identity protection service, pet protection and medical alert systems and panic buttons.

A Home Security System Deters Criminals

security-b&wImage via Flickr by *saxon*

If your home looks like an easy mark, there is a higher chance that you’ll experience a home invasion. If your home looks secure to the outside, it’ll work to actually be more secure. After all, intruders are not likely to hatch out a plan and spend a lot of time formulating what their steps will be. When installing a home security system, opt to get a sign placed in the front yard or a sticker for the windows around your home. Why would someone break into a home with an alarm warning sign when they could just go to the home next door without one?

Home security systems contribute to your safety in big ways. Given the benefits and lower cost of having such a system, there isn’t a reason to avoid installing one of these devices. Directly contribute to the safety of your family and consider purchasing a security system for your home as soon as possible.

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Spring: Lilac Blooms

I just can’t go Wordless. One of our favorite Spring features in our yard is the lilac blooms.

Lilac Bushes in Bloom

Brian pulled out 13 bushes in front of our house when we moved here. His one request lilac bushes. They sit in front of our dining room bay window and are amazing six years later.

Do you love lilac blooms? What is your favorite Spring Bloom? Leave us a comment and let us know!

We Became THOSE Neighbors

toilet-in-garden

It only sat in the front flower bed for two days. Really. I promise. There is a good reason that this isn’t our house any more … toilet replacement post to come soon.

What is the worst thing you have left out in your yard … for a day … or two or even three? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Use the Whole Bottle with Clorox SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY!

We are excited to provide a sponsored review of Clorox SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY!

Do you try to get the cleaner out of the whole bottle because you are budget smart like that? Yeah, it is OK … admit it. I do the same thing. I hate seeing extra cleaner at the bottom of the bottle knowing I can’t get it out. I have been know to be so crazy as to dump the half an ounce that is left in a bottle into the new bottle when I get it out. It has another chance to be used I might as well try!

Well goodbye to those days! How?

Clorox have brought new packaging innovation to their spray bottles with the introduction of SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY, a built-in tube that reaches all the way to the bottom of a bottle, giving consumers freedom from frustrating workarounds and the satisfaction of spraying every last drop.

Wait, you have seen this yet? Don’t fret. Start looking the next time you shop for the bottles that say “SMART TUBE” on them!

Brian joined in on the cleaning chores before he left for Chile … he was a good sport about it laughing that is the last thing he did before he left.

clorox-smart-tube-cleaner

He took over and cleaned  the kids’ bathroom with the new Clorox  with SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY while I worked with girls on cleaning off their dressers! The kids honestly don’t use this bathroom much but it gets so groody! How does that happen?!  When Brian finished, you could see the sparkle in that bathroom … plus it didn’t smell! lol

We ran out of time to clean the kitchen before he left so I was on my own with that task.

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I hate cleaning the kitchen. I have a tip though … start at the top and work down. There is nothing worse than cleaning your kitchen floor and then get crumbs from the counter on that clean floor! The kitchen counter always has something sticky on it (thanks, kids!) The409 got it all up with one wipe which I really love.

These bottles are still full but I honestly am so excited to use it all so I can get to the bottom and empty the whole bottle. I know that is crazy but the budget part of me loves the waste free part of this new technology! Are you ready for that excitement too? We have exciting news! We are giveaway five coupons for free products! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: This post is brought to you by Clorox and The Motherhood, and I’ve been compensated for my time. However, all opinions are my own.”

 

Spring Cleaning the Desk

Spring Cleaning has started at our house! Brian has started to tackle the clutter that appeared at our house while he was sick and I was buried in homework. One of the many areas that Brian tackled was the desk. I was on full homework mode and Brian had piled all of the papers on the bed. I was amazed at the amount of papers. Some mail, some tax items that didn’t get filed yet, some kid drawings … who knew what else.

Spring Cleaning the Desk Paperwork

How did all of this fit on the desk? Oh it didn’t. In late March, I took the piles off the desk and put them under the desk. So all of that wasn’t really on the desk. Now the desk is clean … SEE!

Finally a Clean Blogging Desk!

It is nice to see the actual desk for once! A few last papers to file but the planners are there … as is the remote of course! lol Oh and that Which-Which cup that had a milkshake in it (that I didn’t even have to share) was really enjoyed!

Now what to Spring Clean next? The bookcase next to the desk? The master bedroom closet? The garage? oh the garage … I don’t even want to go there. Maybe the bookcase will be the next mission. I can handle that with the kids running around and needing a new drink every thirty minutes. Then again that will have to wait. I am counting down homework assignments until I am done … four to go then I can fully tackle the house!! This Spring I really can’t wait to take on Spring Cleaning.

How about you? Do you tackle Spring Cleaning at your house? Leave me a comment and let us know that we aren’t alone!

 

A Week Ago We Lived in a Winter Wonderland

Last Wednesday we had over 10″ of snow on the ground. The ice that came first snapped trees though. There are still so many down trees as a result of the winder wonderland we had. We had two losses in our yard.

The last pear tree will need to be cut down. We had five when we moved here and there will be none now. They are weak trees and are the end of their life expectancy since they are so week. :(

 

The willow out back lost some branches too. (This picture was two days later and you can already see grass!)

The  kids thought the snow was too deep to play in but Buddy had fun …

Matthew is a bad little brother and just wanted throw snowballs at his sisters. He has good aim for a three year old!

Hopefully before Brian takes off to Chile we can get the trees cleaned up in the yard. Thankfully our neighbors understand why the limb is still hanging from the pear tree and no one can see the willow! Anyone want to come create a burn pile with us?! ugh.

Do you often have storm damage at your house? How do you deal with it? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Bringing Out the Snow Boots Again

The Land’s End snow boots were out by the fire again this week! Remember the Friday Favorite a few weeks ago? Sophie decided the snow boots needed a new order and declared they made a pretty pattern. I laughed and had to take this picture …

On Wednesday, we had 10 inches of snow … in just one day. The power was out for 13 hours at our house. We are lucky. Some of the other homes where we live aren’t expected to get power back until Monday! You will see two cast iron pots in that picture. One was melting snow for toilet flushing (we have a well) and the other was warming bottled water hoping for some hot tea! We lost one tree and part of our willow. I will get those pictures up soon. The snow yesterday was too deep for the kids to play much. Today they went out at least four times to play and run in the snow though … we probably had about 4 inches of snow left!

I do have to say that a major snow storm is not the best time for your husband’s bronchitis to flare up. I did manage to keep the fire going and even went out and feed the birds. Lunch was crackers and turkey I snagged from the fridge in a speed drill on how fast I could close the fridge door. I eventually shoveled the walk which was nice today because it dried out today with the sunshine we had! Oh and I managed to feed everyone leftovers for dinner since the power was back on by then and I could just heat it up.

The good news is that Brian went to the doctor today and came home with three prescriptions. Hopefully you see his posts here and over on This Cookin’ Dad soon. He needs to show up my attempt at Irish Soda Bread today. (It tasted great but looked a little rough!)

Hopefully this is the last time the snow boots line up in front of the fireplace this year. Now that we had a nice good snow, I am ready to see my daffodils!

Did you end up with snow this week? Are you ready for Spring? Leave us a comment and let us know!

 

BISSELL CleanView Vacuum

We are excited to share a review of the BISSELL CleanView vacuum!

Sophie asked why the delivery man brought us another vacuum when this came. We have a cheap vacuum the preschool space used and I have a monster vacuum that weighs a small ton. They work so we still have them even though I really dislike them both. I have to say they might be finding new homes soon because the BISSELL CleanView is a wonderful vacuum for our house! 

Want the technical details? Here they are …

-       OnePass Technology allows for fast and easy cleaning with powerful suction so you can spend less time vacuuming and more time enjoying family, friends and pets.

-       Innovative brush design cleans on initial pass* for excellent carpet cleaning.

-       Includes Bottom Easy Empty™ Dirt Cup for added convenience.

-       Lightweight design is modern, uncomplicated and easy to maneuver.

-       On-board attachments include a 4” TurboBrush® tool for cleaning stairs, upholstery and hard-to-reach places, a 10” crevice tool for nooks, crannies and corners and an upholstery tool and 11” extension wand for added convenience.

What does that mean for you? All the attachments are right there! You don’t have to track them down or lose them! The cord is nice and long and managed to get all the way across our family room which is really impressive! You really do just need to go over an area once. I used to go over an area two to three times just to get up all of the crayon wrappers and whatever crumbs were on the floor! I actually went over some areas more than once to see if I could hear it sucking up more dirt (you know what I am talking about … go ahead, admit it!) and I couldn’t!! I was so impressed. I will have to relearn how to vacuum and only go over an area once. The one major con to this vacuum is that the power switch is on the side. BISSELL needs to find a female engineer and add the power switch down near the floor so you can turn it on and off with your foot. The canister emptied out really easily and didn’t fall apart going back together … I loved that. So here is a before and after with an admission of how dirty the 8′ x 10′ area rug in the living room is. (Yes, that is a rug … we have hardwood out there and it was too much for the kids so we have a very loud print rug!)

What do you think? Would the BISSELL CleanView vacuum help your cleaning efforts? Leave us a comment and let us know!

NOTE: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for BISSELL. I received a product sample to help facilitate my review.

Heart of Haiti Trays

We are excited to work the Macy’s again! Do you remember our post about the Rwandan basket last year?

This year you can find the Heart of Haiti Trays, Set of  2 Tea Leaf Nesting Trays at Macy’s!

About …

Unique and beautiful, Tea Leaf nesting trays recall Haiti’s lush natural landscape in eco-friendly paper. A raised edge makes each well suited for holding jewelry, perfume bottles and other objects.

  • Recycled paper
  • Wipe clean with damp cloth
  • Handcrafted in Haiti
  • Dimensions: 10″ x 10″ x 1″
  • Because each item is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur
  • Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Signed by the artisan
  • Artisans receive half the wholesale price for each item sold

Our Thoughts …

When we first received this, I wasn’t sure what to do with them. They are paper so they aren’t for serving food so I was stumped. It doesn’t help that most clean surfaces around here don’t remain clean for long with school stuff, church stuff, and work stuff piling up them as soon as they de-cluttered. Then there was the color … a beautiful rich teal green color. We don’t have a lot of bright colors in our decorating so I was stumped.

Then I walked into the laundry/powder room. (I  still don’t know who thought of this combo and I would like to have a serious talk with them about how crazy it is but it is what it is.) I haven’t painted this room yet. I can’t figure out what color I want it … mostly because I want to replace the vanity in there and that is not on the home improvement list any time soon. So my solution has been to decorate with some colors that are not in our house in other places. Orange, Hot Pink, Bright Blue, and a Teal! Teal!! This room doesn’t get steamy since there isn’t a shower or bath in here so the paper trays should be safe in here … well as safe as they can be in a house with three kids ages 3-6! What do you think?

Have you check out the Heart to Haiti products at Macy’s lately? Leave us a comment and let us know!

 

Everywhere provided me with product from Macy’s Heart of Haiti. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

Living Accents Folding Adirondack Chair

When we agreed to review the Living Accents Folding Adirondack Chair found at ACE Hardware, we weren’t sure what we agreeing to be honest. Brian went to pick it up at Gary’s Ace Hardware in Culpeper, VA (find them on Facebook HERE)  in our little Honda Civic since the girls and I were manning a Girl Scout Cookie Booth that day. They came by the booth and I thought he didn’t get the chair. I didn’t expect it to be in a small  (yet heavy!) box! We had planned a movie night for the kids that night since it was cold and snowy outside. What did Brian decide to do? Build the Living Accents Folding Adirondack Chair of course. But it was cold, dark, and snowing outside and kids had taken over the living room! So where did he build this Folding Adirondack Chair? Our bedroom of course …

The chair went to together really fast and was done  built by the time the kids’ movie was done. I was impressed with how quick that pile of boards became a chair. Ta-da!

 

The best part of this chair for us is the folding aspect. Since we do get some crazy weather around here in Virginia, it will be nice to put this chair up in the winter to help keep it in great shape. We are still debating on the best location for this chair but I have a feeling it might end up under the willow tree out back facing the playground. I can already see coming home from work this summer to the kids on the playground and Brian in this chair with his glass of sweet tea and a book reading in the shade.

Now the real debate is how to finish the chair. I wanted to stain it at first to bring out the beautiful wood. Brian is voting for paint though. I said if we go for paint that we need to pick a bold color like red or orange … or maybe I can convince him to a VA Tech color scheme of orange and burgundy! What do you think? Stain or paint? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

(We will update later this year when it warm enough for paint to actually dry in a reasonable amount of time!)

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