Happy Thanksgiving

 

Take time to count your blessings today.

Now that Halloween is over...

Okay, maybe I'm a tad early by your standards. But it's time for me to start my gift shopping and crafting and planning! I think I'll go sneak a listen to one of my Christmas CDs while I'm still home alone. :) Hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween!

Decorating with Gourds & Pumpkins

 

I love these ideas from BHG.com:  

My Favorite Things: Household Cleaners & Products

If you have ever met me, you know that I love to share tips and products that work for me.  Why keep a good thing all to yourself?  Over the next few months, I will be posting my favorite things so that you can try them out too!

Tide Stain Release In-Wash Booster Packs

 I will never buy another stain removing product again, as long as these little packs are around!  I practically rolled around in my garden this past spring, and the light pink sweats I thought would be ruined forever made it out alive with the help of Tide.  I absolutely hate having to spray and scrub a stain only to have it fade 50%.  Just throw one of these packs in the wash and you are good to go!

Windex Multi-Surface Antibacterial

 Love, love, love this!  Countertops, spills, remotes, phones, handles, glass surfaces, bathrooms, TVs...the list goes on.  I use this stuff almost daily.  If you live with pets, children, (or a man) you must try this!  If you don't have a lot of room to store 10 different cleaning products, you will love this too :)

 

Glade Plug Ins Scented Oil

 Again, if you live with any of the creatures listed above, you need this.  I get a 9 pack of these at Sam's Club and have 2 or 3 plugged in on our main level.  You can smell these as soon as you step onto our porch.  My sense of smell isn't the greatest, so I'm always worried that my house will smell like a dog to someone with a sensitive nose.  These make me feel better :)  My favorite scent is Fresh Linen.

Shark Steam Mop

  

Okay, so I don't own one of these (yet).  But boy, do I want to!  I borrow my mom's and use it on my hardwoods and tile to get a deep clean.  It's also a good arm exercise :)  Just be careful that you don't leave it in one spot as it cools down.  I have a nice rectangular "brand" on my hardwoods from this mistake!

 

Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mopping

I loathe mopping.  The sloshing bucket full of water, the wringing of the mop.  UGH!  I save this task for my husband.  (Thanks honey!)  One day, I will own a Shark steam mop of my own, but for now I like to use these for quick clean ups.  They are perfect for my bathroom floor, or a spill in the kitchen.  Little to no mess involved.

Let me know if you try any of these items, and go ahead and comment some of your faves!  

Dryer Sheet Flower Tutorial

Recycled Dryer Sheet Flower Tutorial

You will need (for each flower):

1 pipe cleaner

4 used dryer sheets

1. Stack the 4 dryer sheets on top of each other.

2. Fold the stack accordion style, making the folds about an inch.  You want to fold the width vs. the length.

3. Take the pipe cleaner and twist it around the middle of your folded sheets, just enough length to fasten it securely.

4. When the sheets are secured, start separating them to create the petals.

5. Put in vase, bottle, jar, etc. and enjoy!