Use the Whole Bottle with Clorox SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY!

April 9, 2013 By 49 Comments

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.

409-smart-tube-cleaner

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.”

 

Filed Under: Giveaways, Home & Garden, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Healthing our House with the Help of Lysol

April 6, 2013 By 1 Comment

We are excited to share tips as part of the Lysol Healthing Initiative!

What is Healthing?

Healthing is the extension of LYSOL and its Mission for Health, the motivation behind the creation of their products that are centered on killing 99.9 percent of germs and providing solutions for the home that help promote good hygiene and disinfection. The idea of Healthing goes beyond cleaning – and looks more holistically at how a healthy home helps to keep families thriving.

WashingHands

 Maybe you saw that Spring Cleaning started here already but we are going slow about our Spring Cleaning this year. These tips really apply to our family.

  1. Don’t let spring cleaning overwhelm you – take it one room at a time and stock up on products that will help you to get the job done effectively, including LYSOL® products, paper towels, sponges, and trash bags.
    Beth’s Tip: I have a little cleaning caddy that I carry around when I clean I room. I have my Lysol wipes, Lysol toilet cleaner, surface cleaners, paper towels all in this caddy. This caddy lives on top of my washer I re-stock it when I finish cleaning so it is alway ready to go!
  2. Use a disinfectant product, like LYSOL® Disinfecting Wipes, to help ensure you’re killing germs as you clean, and think beyond the usual places. Be sure to clean even the smallest surfaces, such as light switches.
    Beth’s Tip: I wipe down any and all hard surfaces in the bathroom with Lysol wipes. It is amazing where three sets of little hands touch! I still wonder how the toothpaste gets where it gets but I know the Lysol wipes get off the toothpaste plus whatever is lurking on that surface!
  3.  Make it a family activity and tailor tasks to specific age groups.  Give younger children simpler, one-step tasks like dusting or picking toys up off the floor, and save the more complex jobs, such as vacuuming, scrubbing, and disinfecting for older members of the family.
    Beth’s Tip: Give the kids a spray bottle and paper towels, a Lysol wipe, or even the little hand vacuum and ask them to clean next to you. The kids now see the caddy come out of the laundry room and start jockeying for tasks. This mamma has learned to never turn down cleaning help!

To help spread the word of this campaign Lysol is getting out in local communities!

To help spread the word about Healthing, LYSOL and television personality Giuliana Rancic have partnered together to visit YMCAs in select markets across the country to demonstrate Healthing in action. At each YMCA location, LYSOL will provide attendees with hands-on education about the products and steps required to practice improved hygiene habits in their own home, while making the idea fun and relatable to kids. LYSOLwill also provide educational information and disinfecting products to the local YMCAs, along with the donation of a one-year membership to a deserving family.

Want to find out more about the LYSOL’s Healthing Initiative? Check out their Website, Facebook page, and Guidebook!

What tips work best for your house? Do your kids help with Spring Cleaning at your house? Leave me a comment and let me know!

NOTE: “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for LYSOL®. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

Filed Under: Health & Beauty, Promotional, Simply Life Tagged With: , , ,

Spring Cleaning the Desk

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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!

 

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , ,

BISSELL CleanView Vacuum

March 7, 2013 By 2 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Find an All Natural Laundry Booster in Borax!

January 17, 2013 By 10 Comments

 

 Details …

20 Mule Team Borax is 100% natural mineral from the earth. Once removed from the ground it is washed, dried, and boxed for consumers.

Absolutely nothing is added! No phosphates, chlorine, or other additive chemicals.

20 Mule Team Borax naturally softens hard water, which protects your detergent — so it can maximize cleaning power!

Simply add 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax to every load along with your regular detergent!

Our Thoughts …

Borax isn’t a new product to me. I have had it … well since college when I had to have my own laundry supplies. My mom has always had a box in the laundry room. I remember her using it all of the time on my brother’s soccer clothes (ewww!!) I know I use it on load that need a laundry boost for sure. It is a great product and a box goes a long way!!

PLUS you can enter to win the $1,500 Grand Prize, or one of 171 coupons for FREE BORAX! Why 171 coupons you ask? The TOTAL prize value is $2013!, which is very appropriate for the new year! Go enter HERE!

We are excited to giveaway THREE (3) Free product coupons to our readers to try Borax yourself!! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Disclaimer

 

Filed Under: Giveaways, Home & Garden, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sparkling Clean in 2013 with Cascade!

January 9, 2013 By 3 Comments

We recently had the opportunity to try Cascade Complete Pacs! You might have caught on that Brian does a lot of cooking around here. That means that I do a lot of dishes. (Brian does do dishes too so don’t think he is a bum!) Since we eat at home … well all of the time, we have a lot of dishes. On the weekends, you will sometimes find us running the dishwasher twice a day. It isn’t that we have a small dishwasher but we have a lot of dishes when you think about meal preparations plus serving and then five people eating! We are best friends with our dishwasher to say the least! On leftover nights and trash nights the dishwasher is definitely packed to the brim! I like to see how much I can fit in the puzzle of limited space and Brian likes to complain that I don’t scrub every particle of food off the dishes in the dishwasher.

All of that dish washing means that we go through a lot dishwasher soap. The current bottle (of Cascade) is from Sam’s Club so it is HUGE! I have already asked Brian to not buy it again because I can’t get the child proof lid off while holding the huge bottle. I have to set it on the counter to use both hands to open the bottle! When I was trying the Cascade Complete Pacs, I was so happy I could just grab and put it in the little spot in our dishwasher, close the soap area, and start the dishwasher. I saved myself several steps which to me is a few extra minutes where many I can do something for me. Not that I would have any idea what to do at this point but I am sure I could grab my Kindle and read a few pages of that book I downloaded but haven’t even started yet! What would you do with a few extra minutes?

Head over and Like Cascade on Facebook to work towards making your dishes sparking clean in 2013!

What will help you have a sparking clean 2013? What would you do extra time if you used Cascade Complete Pacs? Leave us a comment and let us know!

NOTE:  This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Cascade blogging program, and I received free product from P&G for participating. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Simply Life Tagged With: , , ,

Armor All Tire Shine #CBias

December 30, 2012 By 2 Comments

In case you haven’t heard, it’s wintertime.  With all of the salt and sand going on the roads here soon, it’s a good idea to start thinking about cleaning and protecting your vehicles.  The problem is that, with three kids, we hardly ever have the time to get out and clean the cars!  Even if we had the money for an occasional auto detailing, who wants to get those disapproving head shakes from the car guys because you have stuff on your floors that has been there for 6 months or more.  Please!  You can’t tell me that those guys have never had a french fry on their floor!

Thankfully, you have help!  Advance Auto Parts has all of the stuff that you need at very reasonable prices.  You will be hard pressed to find a better selection of car care products.  We have even gone there to get batteries for our mower when Lowe’s didn’t have them!

This sign just screams out.  It’s like a beacon for car stuff.  I regularly see guys with classic or beat up cars in the parking lot trying to get them running right.  They are always driving out better than they drove in!

For a “new car” shine to your tires, $6 is not very much to pay!  Not only does it have a nice pretty shine, but it actually protects your tires from all of the stuff on the road in the winter.  Think of it like using furniture polish or oiling your cast iron pans.  You can get by without doing it, but it lasts longer and performs better if you do.

Well, shining dirt just gives you shiny dirt.  Better to clean the tires first!  While we’re at it, we’ll shine and protect the interior.  The air filter is there because I found out that I needed one from an oil change earlier.  The price to install it at the dealership covered the cost of all of this stuff!  Good to learn to do things yourself!Ok, this little collage shows the process of cleaning the tires.  You can see all of the gunk and grime coming off.  Gross!!

Here’s the shining process.  (1) Start with a dirty tire.  Found one! (2) Clean tire (see above). (3) Dry tire. (4) Spray tire and allow to dry.  Enjoy a nice shiny tire on a dirty van!!

Now I guess we need to wash the van to match the tires.  Who’s going to help?

Do you have a story about cleaning your vehicle?  Have you gotten disapproving looks from car buffs?  Share your comments with us!

 

NOTE:  I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ #CBias #SocialFabric

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Fighting Flu with Seventh Generation

October 25, 2012 By 112 Comments

We had a massive cold go around our house a few weeks ago. It kept Matthew out of school two days. Grace caught it over a long weekend thankfully so she didn’t miss school. I even missed a day of work because I was worried I would get the rest of the office sick. We went through A LOT of tissues that weekend. I am thrilled that we were introduced to Seventh Generation tissues just in time for cold and flu season so we can keep our house a healthy house (with kids going to school!!)

The Seventh Generation line also has hand washing and disinfecting products to help keep the cold and flu season at bay!

Details on the Seventh Generation Disinfectant Wipes …

  • Kills 99.99% of household germs botanically
  • Effective against Cold & Flu Viruses*
  • Clean & disinfect in one easy step
  • Deodorizes and effectively controls odors
  • EPA registered
  • No rinsing or wiping is required, even on food contact surfaces
The Seventh Generation Hand Wash comes in two varieties: Mandarin and Lavender

Check out this cute germ monster craft using a Seventh Generation tissue box! It might be a perfect Halloween craft for your family!

We are excited to offer our readers a gift pack that includes Seventh Generation tissues, hand washing and disinfecting products.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Disclaimer

Filed Under: Giveaways, Health & Beauty, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Seventh Generation Cleanhouse Challenge

October 16, 2012 By 90 Comments

Have you heard about the Seventh Generation Cleanhouse Challenge?

Here are the details …

After touring each room, users are rewarded with coupons for discounts on Seventh Generation products and Facebook badges to show their expertise in keeping a green home. If users complete every room of the house, Seventh Generation will donate 10 dollars (up to $15,000) to
350.org, an environmental organization focused on solving the climate crisis.

The Cleanhouse Challenge will be hosted at RealSimple.com, Seventhgeneration.com and Seventh Generation Facebook page from September 13 until October 31.

To take the Cleanhouse Challenge, click here.

Products Featured in the Cleanhouse Challenge: 

Seventh Generation’’s three new specialty cleaners (Wood, Granite/Stone, and Stainless Steel) are all USDA Certified Biobased Products made from non-toxic, biodegradable formulas.

All three surface cleaners are made with a unique blend of plant-based ingredients and organic coconut oil to deliver strong performance without containing harsh fumes. The 18 oz. bottles are available online for $4.99 each.

The Hand Care Dish Liquid is a USDA Certified Biobased Product with fragrances from essential oils and botanical extracts. The formula is non-toxic, biodegradable and contains Advanced HerbaVera™ Moisturizing Technology, so it’s gentle on both your hands and the earth. Available online in 18 oz. bottles for $3.49 each.

The Natural Laundry Detergent Packs are a USDA Certified Biobased Product containing no dyes, synthetic fragrances, nor optical brighteners. They are effective in hot or cold water and are available for purchase online in two sizes: 30 Count – $9.99 and 50 Count – $14.99.

We were excited to receive a gift pack featuring these items to have our own Cleanhouse Challenge! Our kids help clean as part of their chores around the house. They all fight over who gets to “spray clean”. I don’t see why they love spraying stuff to clean but I am not telling them no to helping any time soon! Knowing that the kids are using products that healthier for our home and the environment is an added bonus! Two of the products sent to us get used by the kids in the spray cleaning chore often.
Grace’s nightly chore is to clean the dining room table with spray after we eat dinner. She was super excited to try out the new Seventh Generation new Wood specialty cleaner.
If Grace decides she doesn’t want help cleaning the table then I often get Sophie and Matthew to clean the fridge or dishwasher. I love the look of stainless appliances but hate the finger prints! Who ever started the stainless trend did not have little kids for sure!
We have also been trying the laundry Detergent out. Since we have a front loading washer, we have to throw the packet into the drum instead of the tray but it works just fine. I don’t buy detergent with fragrances since it makes me sneeze so I love that this product is allergy friendly for me!
We are excited to offer the same gift pack we received as a giveaway to one of our readers so that you can work towards a Cleanhouse Challenge of your own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Disclaimer
Filed Under: Giveaways, Home & Garden, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Clean Out and Organize Your Garage for Winter

October 12, 2012 By 111 Comments

Did you know that September 8th was “National Clean Out Your Garage Day”? Yeah, we missed it here too but don’t fret there’s still time to get down and dirty on cleaning your garage before winter hits! The “National Clean Out Your Garage Day” campaign focuses on teaching people how to perfect their parking zones by providing tips for organizing and preventing garage accidents.

Here are some interesting did you know facts from a recent home safety survey conducted by Lehigh …

  • nearly four in 10 (39 percent) of the survey responders have tripped over an item in their garage
  • more than a quarter (27 percent) of the survey responders have hit an object when opening a vehicle door
  • 22 percent of the survey responders have accidentally hit something when parking

I admit that we don’t park in garage and our garage has two phases … really nicely organized and a complete disaster. I just went through this week and got is closer to the nicely organized side of existence. It is nice to be able to walk out the freezer again and not step on something but I still face this in our garage …

We need to break out the Garage Organization Kit soon and get the garage in order before winter hits!

We were sent a Garage Organization Kit filled with the following items courtesy of Crawford, Ace Hardware and Quickie: (ARV $83.16)

  • Crawford 16” Adjustable Storage Organizer: Designed for use anywhere in your home, garage, workshop, tool shed or basement, this system is great for hanging brooms, rakes and other lawn supplies.
  • Crawford Sliding Spring Grip Organizer: Grips slide into position anywhere along the bar for maximum use. Guaranteed to never lose tension, the grips can hold hardware, garden tools, shovels and more.
  • Quickie 2-in-1 Squeegee Pushbroom: This 2-in-1 pushbroom is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Effortlessly sweep away dirt and debris or use the built-in professional-grade squeegee to push away excess water.
  • ACE Multi-surface Pushbroom: This durable pushbroom is perfect for sweeping heavy debris, including caked-on dirt, gravel and construction materials.
  • Lysol Sponges: Super absorbent and safe on most surfaces, these sponges can help tackle any tough mess.

Could you use you use a kit like this to clean out your garage? Well we are excited to offer the same Garage Organization Kit courtesy of Crawford, Ace Hardware and Quickie to one of our readers in a giveaway! Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Disclaimer

Filed Under: Giveaways, Home & Garden, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: , , , ,
«Older Posts