You Me & Remy

Eco Lips Review & Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:13:00 +0000

About Eco Lips

The Story: It all started with Andrea Danielson, who would make natural lip balms in her kitchen. She passed one along to Steve Shriver (who would later become her hubby, cute) and they ended up developing Eco Lips.

The Products: Eco Lips contains organic products such as: organic beeswax, organic plant oils and organic essential oils. It is handcrafted at low temperatures to keep nutrients from deteriorating. They pledge 1% of profits to environmentally focused organizations.

The Packaging: The Eco Lips lip containers are 40% recycled. The Eco Clips to hold the Eco Lips are also recycled aluminum. They also use 100% post-consumer recycled displays and biodegradable packaging peanuts.

My Eco Lips Review

[I received 4 Eco Lips balms for review and I'm going to share my thoughts about each of them individually]

Eco Lips Gold

Order it here!

Look & Feel: The texture is a little creamier and thicker so it would be nice to use if you have chapped or damaged lips since it will give them more protection from the elements. It'd be perfect for those that live in climates that get below-zero weather like here in Minnesota!

Scent: It is unscented and unflavored which was a little disappointing to me but would be good for someone that was sensitive to smells. It'd also be good for men that shy away from lip balms because of a 'girly' scent.

Benefits: It is USDA certified organic and is made with organic jojoba oil. If you're trying to be more 'green' then this is a good product for you. For the review, I also received mine with an Eco Clip which you can clip to your purse to easily find it.

Eco Tints Sugar Plum

Order it here!

Look & Feel: This one feels nice but has a little grit to it because of the shimmer in it. Its not rough though, and it feels like a mix between lipsticks and lip balm. Its a tint so it adds color to your lips in a nice subtle look.

Scent: I picked sugar plum which pertains to the color, not the scent. It smells just like a tube of lipstick.

Benefits: If you like the color you get from lipstick but it dries out your lips, this is perfect for you. Its also nice to have in your purse in case you're running and need to dress it up a bit. It'd be good for younger girls that aren't quite ready for lipstick yet too.

Eco Lips Medicinal Lip Balm

Order it here!

Look & Feel: It looks yellow in the tube but goes on clear. Its a little thicker than your normal lip balm because it is medicinal and meant for use with cold sores. It feels nice on your lips which is great if you get cold sores like I do!

Scent: The scent is nice and soothing and relaxes you a bit. Its not overpowering at all.

Benefits: This lip balm contains organic tea tree oil, camphor, lemon balm, calendula and L-Lysine are known to aid in the healing of cold sores. Cold sores are such a pain to being with so having something that will help heal and soothe your lips is great.

Dagoba Roseberry

Order it here!

Look & Feel: I love this one! It feels nice and smooth and gives your lips a slight chocolate colored tint.

Scent: The smell of this one is so great! You put it on and get a nice scent of a chocolate covered berry. I found myself pursing my lips just to smell it from time to time, lol

Benefits: Its USDA certified organic lip balm with cocoa powder, raspberry flavor and rosehip oil. If you like chocolate, then you'll be putting this on all the time.

The lovely people at Eco Lips are giving away their Eco Lips Gold lip balm with an Eco Clip!

Enter the giveaway below- good luck! :)

[I received Eco Lips balms for review purposes. All opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Attention: Adult Content {18+} Finally get some foreplay w/ EdenFantasys!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:39:00 +0000

[This is my 1st EdenFantasys post and I'm going to be completely honest and upfront with you because I don't think there's anything to be ashamed about when it comes to sex. Sex is meant to be enjoyed!]

I headed to EdenFantasys and my boyfriend and I both looked around at all the fun stuff they have. By the way, unless its a surprise gift, have your man join you on EdenFantasys, he'll love that you're even thinking about ordering. You can pick out stuff together since you'll be enjoying it together ;)

One thing I desire more in my relationship is foreplay. Its the exciting prelude! And I know I'm not alone in this! It helps to be 'warmed up', it makes everything much more intense. Touch is such a strong sense and can give you the shivers and tingles that make getting to the sex so much more fun. For me, I enjoy the time spent enjoying each others bodies and getting a momentum built up- it adds to the excitement.

There is more than one 'g-spot' on your body- and foreplay can help you discover all the spots on your body that work for you. You and your lover can both find out new things about each others bodies and that's the way to have a great sex life.

Foreplay for is a way of saying, 'I'm so excited to be with you and I want to take the time to appreciate alllll of you' - what better way to indulge in pleasure than taking your time to pay attention to every inch?

I wanted to share with you the great sex toys that I found that could help with making the foreplay go on and on..

On To The Fun!!

Body Dust Powder

If you're looking for some romantic foreplay that makes you feel gorgeous, try the Honey Dust Powder! This soft and delicate powder is made from pure honey. Bring in the romance with the included feather applicator. The applicator can also bring in the tickling aspect if you're into that. Its completely edible and comes in 4 yummy flavors to try.

Body Paint

You can also be playful and creative and try their Chocolate Body Paint! You can turn your lover into your own (delicious) work of art. You can try all 3 flavors (I'd love to try chocolate/raspberry) of chocolate variations. I think it would make it so much fun to do some finger painting!

Body Souffle

The name alone intrigued me because it sounds so sensual and decadent. If you want an product that does double duty as a moisturizer and an edible cream then try the Body Souffle! It comes in 4 different flavors and if you're looking for a more rich and creamy texture, this is it!

Tattoos

I already have some tattoos, but this is a fun offbeat way to get some foreplay going. If you've ever played around with the idea of getting a tattoo, then try the Tastee Tattoos! These edible tattoo shapes stick to your body for your lover to nibble off. You get 40 of them per box in a bunch of fun flavors. These could be a lot of fun!

Try a Kit!

They also have a bunch of sex kits! Perfect if you want to have a sexy weekend or getaway as they include a couple of items to try. A couple of kits are also really romantic and would be perfect for an anniversary or wedding night!

I love EdenFantasys- its a great sex shop to make foreplay the exciting playtime before you get to your fireworks. And if you're not getting fireworks, EdenFantasys can help you with that too! Happy shopping ;)

[*I was compensated for this post; however, the opinions and thoughts are completely my own based on my experience.]

Prefense Hand Sanitizer Review & Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:13:00 +0000

I've never been a 'germ-a-phob' until I worked as a CNA. I constantly worked hands-on with people which meant that you had to have good hygiene. I was constantly washing my hands, putting on sanitizer and then hand lotion because it would dry my hands out so badly. I disliked using the hand sanitizer because it smelled so bad, made my hands so wet that I had to stand there and fan them and left a film that made them feel not so clean.

I no longer work as a CNA but that experience turned me off of hand sanitizer. When I had a chance to review the Prefense hand sanitizer I was more than a little skeptical that it would impress me. Working as a CNA, I used all different brands and kinds of hand sanitizer and none of them were different than the next.

My Prefense Hand Sanitizer Review

Texture: The first thing I noticed is that it was dispensed from a pump, liquid turning into a foam; not like the normal gel that you squirt out. I love that the foam sticks in your hand instead of running everywhere. The dispenser gives you just the right amount. It did not leave a sticky feeling on my hands, it felt as if nothing was on my hands and I didn't have to wait for it to dry.

Scent: The scent on the bottle says, 'fresh citrus' but its not at all overpowering. Its a very subtle orange scent. You basically need to touch your nose to your hand to smell it. That's a nice feature because it won't overpower your perfume.

Safety: The other thing I love is that it is water based and non-toxic which is great because Remy, my dog, is a hand licker. I didn't have to worry about him getting it in his mouth.

Convenience: I loved that it does not wash off and moisturizes your hands. Just one application lasts through 10 hand washings! That means it will last longer and will save you money by not having to re-apply as often as other hand sanitizer.

About Prefense

Prefense is a new hand sanitizer that protects you from just one application a day. Prefense dries into an invisible, protective film that guards against pathogens in your everyday life. If you encounter germs, Prefense actively slices the cell wall of pathogens while keeping your hands soft and hydrated with the silica complex it contains.

Prefense vs. Traditional Hand Sanitizers

Traditional hand sanitizers contain alcohol which work by dehydrating the cell walls of certain germs on contact. Once the alcohol based product has evaporated and dried, its anti-bacterial abilities are useless.

Want to order?

Head over to the Prefense Website to look at all their products and get some info. You can also visit them on Amazon which is a good deal if you use the 'free super saver shipping'!

Want to win? Prefense Giveaway!

The lovely people at Prefense are offering their Prefense Hand Sanitizer for a giveaway to a lucky winner! Enter below- good luck! :)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thank You Thursday!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:11:00 +0000

It's time for Thank You Thursday again- I wanted to also say thank you for everyone that let me be the guest host for blog hops this week! And thanks to all my readers, new and old.

Blog Stats

Twitter Followers 108 [up 8]

Facebook Likes 45 [up 13]

GFC Followers 87 [up 29]

Total Visits 1,148 [up 244]

The Get Wired Blog Hop {I'm the Guest Host!}

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Time for another blog hop! Come join the Get Wired Blog Hop to find new blogs to read, make bloggy friends and get some new followers!

[I'm the guest host! Make sure to leave me a comment including your link so I can show some love back! It sucks having to jump through hoops just to find you!]

Have fun hopping! :)

Managing Monday Social Hop! {I'm Featured!!}

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:46:00 +0000

I'm the featured blog this week!

A big -Welcome- to all of my new You Me & Remy visitors! :)

{Make sure to leave me a comment so I can follow you back!}

If you haven't already, come join the Managing Monday Social Hop! Head over to Debbie Does Coupons to link up your blog.

I love blog hops- you get to read new blogs, make bloggy friends and get some new readers/followers!

I also want to say -Thank You- to Debbie Does Coupons for letting me be the feature blog this week. While you're there be sure to check out the great giveaways and deals.

Happy Hopping!!

Get your FREE 1 Year Subscription to Melt Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:48:00 +0000

Being from Wisconsin, I love cheese! And now I get a free subscription to Melt Magazine, full of yummy recipes featuring melted cheese. Want in on that? Click here!

Yay! $25 Restaurant Certificate for $3

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:35:00 +0000

I'm so excited this deal is back. You can get your $25 certificate for only $3 by using the code DINE at checkout. They're great for yourself or for an easy and cheap gift. Go grab yours here!

Sweet Home Sunday! {DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap}

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:04:00 +0000

Ahh, it's Sunday again! Since my last DIY homemade recipe came out so well, I thought I'd try another: homemade liquid hand soap. I can usually get hand soap at Walgreens or CVS but since I already had the ingredients I thought I might as well try it.

I guess liquid hand soap making isn't exciting for dogs

Here's the recipe:

Homemade Liquid Hand Soap

1 bar of soap

water

Directions: Grate the bar of soap. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the soap; stir to melt. Continue stirring until fully combined. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes then stir again. Allow to cool for another several hours. Stir to check the consistency. If it seems too runny, reheat and add more soap. If it seems too thick, reheat and add more water. Then you can add essential oil and coloring, if desired. Pour into dispensers.

I got the 3 pk. of Dial Basics Hypo Allergenic soaps. They cost around $1.25. I'm a fan of Dial anyways and the bars were small so it was less grating for me, which I like. My soap was scented but if you want to personalize your soap with your own essential oils then make sure you buy fragrance free soaps.

Besides getting to watch how to properly pour your soap flakes (lol) you also get a glimpse of one of my tattoos. It probably depends on which soap you use but the 4 cups they recommend was not enough for mine. If you use the same soap that I did, use more around 6 cups of water.

The soap all mixed up and melted in the water. Also, use a whisk instead of a spoon like I did. It breaks up the soap much better.

My soap! I ended up with a lot more than I planned on so I poured my extra into old spaghetti sauce jars. Before pouring into your own dispensers, use your whisk to break up any little bits of soap that might be there otherwise it'll clog your pump.

The Cost

The one soap bar I used cost me about 42 cents. I got that pitcher out of it which will fill about 7 of my old soap dispensers.

Why I Love This

First of all, because its cheaper than buying it. You can make the soap smell and look exactly how you want with adding essential oils and food coloring. If you go crazy experimenting and you don't like it, you didn't lose a lot of money.

Gift Ideas

And for those of us that are already thinking about Christmas coming up, its a sweet gift idea. Make a batch of this soap, add their favorite scents or colors, pour into a Mason jar and add a ribbon. If you want a sleeker look you can buy soap dispensers. I like giving people gifts that are homemade and that they can actually use.

Happy Sunday! xx Brittany

Grandparents Day! [September 11th]

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 06:11:00 +0000

Grandparents Day is on September 11th this year. Remember to send a card or plan a visit to show them how much they mean to you. Don't forget great grandparents too!

My grandpa and me {2011}

Get your FREE John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 06:51:00 +0000

Love getting your hair dyed at the salon but hate paying the cost? Now is your chance to try out a new at home color: John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour!

Click here to go take the short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a voucher for FREE John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour!

FREE Shout Wipes Sample

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

I got my FREE Shout Wipes sample- go get yours here!

From Remy Friday- Training w/ the Animal Humane Society! {Q&A}

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:46:00 +0000

It's FROM REMY FRIDAY again!

This week I did a Q&A with Kate Varns [CPDT-KA] from the Animal Humane Society. Ms. Varns does behavior and training at the Animal Humane Society's training school. I got to ask her all about training dogs so if you have a new puppy or wish that your dog listened to you a little better, this should help you!

This is Kate and her adopted dog, Blue :) {What a cute pup!}

Questions & Answers with Ms. Varn

Q1: What is the best age to start training your dog? If you have a puppy we recommend enrolling him or her in a Puppy Kindergarten program as soon as possible. At AHS, puppies can start as early as 7 weeks of age in our Off-Leash puppy program. For that reason, we focus not so much on obedience (though the puppies do work on sit, down, come and stay) as on socialization, handling exercises, crate training, house training, playtime with other puppies and other puppy-specific skills.

If you have an older dog, we recommend starting after the dog has been in your home at least two weeks. This allows you to get to know the dog better before coming to class, and also helps ensure they are healthy enough to participate.

Q2: Can older dogs learn as easily as young dogs? [Can old dogs really learn new tricks?] Yes! Positive reinforcement training, which AHS uses in all of our classes, rewards dogs for the right behavior while removing reinforcement for the wrong behaviors. Since dogs naturally repeat behavior that benefits them, this style of training is efficient and fun at the same time.

Q3: What are the first things you should train your dog to do? Toilet in the proper place! House training concerns account for a large percentage of calls to our Behavior Hotline, especially in the first month of adoption. Keep your new dog or puppy on leash with you (inside as well as outside) or confined to a properly-sized crate until he is fully house trained. Take him out regularly and give praise and treats for toileting in the right area. Call our Behavior Hotline at 763.489.2202 for more details.

Q4: How long does it take for a dog to learn a trick? Do some breeds learn faster than others? When working with dogs, its helpful to keep in mind what the particular breed was bred to do. While every dog is an individual, you may notice the following trends: herding and sporting breeds, traditionally bred to work closely with a single handler, tend to respond quickly to training tasks. Terriers and scent hounds, who were used for more independent tasks, can learn just as much but may require additional creativity along the way!

Q5: How should you reinforce the training? Treats or praise? Both treats and praise can and should be used when training dogs. Anything a dog enjoys can be a training reward, but food works well for many dogs since it is one of their primary needs. Since we feed dogs anyway, why not use it to reward the behaviors we like? This helps ensure that they will repeat those same desirable behaviors in the future.

Q6: Are training courses worth the money or could I do it myself? Enrolling in a training class is a great way to get started on the right foot, learn effective techniques, and receive constructive feedback from the instructor. Once you are comfortable using the training techniques, you can practice them in other environments to keep the process moving.

Q7: Can my local Animal Humane Society offer me advice on training? The Animal Humane Society has 5 locations [in the Twin Cities, MN area] including: Golden Valley, Coon Rapids, Woodbury, St. Paul and Buffalo. The AHS Training School offers classes at these locations: Golden Valley, Coon Rapids and Woodbury, as well as at Now Boarding, a boarding facility near the Mpls/St. Paul airport. To learn more about AHS' training programs, call 763.489.2217.

I want to thank the Animal Humane Society and Kate Varn for being so helpful and allowing me to do the interview!

If you would like more information about the Animal Humane Society please visit their website here!

Kate Varn can be reached at 763.489.2229 or kvarns@animalhumanesociety.org

Thank You Thursday!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

It's time again for THANK YOU THURSDAY!

Thanks goes out to my readers, followers, blog hop hosts and other bloggers. Nathan for putting up with my recent DIY homemade recipe adventures. And Remy, who happily sleeps while I blog away.

I also wanted to say THANK YOU to Madeline from Our Family World for letting me be the guest host for the Fun Tuesday Hop!

My Blogging Stats

Twitter Followers: 100 [up 53]

Facebook Likes: 32 [up 22]

GFC Followers: 58 [up 38]

Total Visits: 904 [up 475]

Thanks everyone for following and visiting!

xx Brittany

Bounce It Off Millions Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:18:00 +0000

Life is full of questions! It's when you need an answer that it becomes difficult.

'Should I buy a brand new car or a used car? Should I be a stay at home mom or hire a nanny? Should we take a vacation this year or save the money?'

Share your question in the Bounce It Off Millions Contest to win!

How to Enter: Head over to the Bounce Facebook Page and click on the 'Bounce It Off Millions' App. Ask your question! The one you've been trying to decide on but can't quite make the decision on your own. Your question will then be turned into a poll and your fellow Bounce fans will be able to vote to help you choose!

What You Could Win: Four (4) people will be chosen to win a Grand Prize: their question will be turned into a Facebook Ad so everyone on Facebook can help you choose what to do!

Also Enter Their Giveaway: While you're there enter for a chance to win two (2) Bounce Dryer Bars [one for you and one for a friend]. There will be 5,000 winners so head over to the Bounce Facebook Page now and get started!

Deadline: The Bounce It Off Millions Contest ends on September 17th.

{I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions are mine.}

Tastes Yummy Tuesday: Cream Cheese Brownies!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:52:00 +0000

The first post for Tastes Yummy Tuesday! I tried a cream cheese brownie recipe because you can use a boxed brownie mix. I have a bunch in my cupboard from when I snagged them on sale for 96 cents each. Its a simple recipe with not a lot of ingredients and makes a whole 13 x 9 inch pan so you can share. Or not, being an only child I never understood that 'caring is sharing' thing. Its something only jealous people say. :)

Cream Cheese Brownies

Boxed "family size" brownie mix (made for 13 x 9 inch pan)

Ingredients to make brownies according to box directions

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan. In one bowl, mix all ingredients for brownies according to box directions. In another bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix. Add vanilla and egg; mix well. Pour the brownie batter into the pan, evening with a spoon. Place the cream cheese mixture in dollops over the brownie batter. Using a knife, cut through the two making a 'marbled effect.' Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

How it worked for me: That was my attempt at marbling. I don't know if I'm a good marbler. The cream cheese still seemed to sit on top. Kind of like a cream cheese crust. I don't know what the trick is to getting the brownie mix and cream cheese mixture to come together as one because mine were apparently enemies. Maybe next time I'll try layering them. Even if they're not so pretty, they still taste very good!

[If you didn't notice, the box says 'low fat'.. I fixed that problem by adding cream cheese. Chef or genius?]

Update on 'Sweet Home Sunday' Homemade Laundry Recipe!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:29:00 +0000

Back to share my update on making the homemade liquid laundry detergent. If you didn't see my post with the laundry recipes, you can check it out here!

The Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

These are the only ingredients I needed, besides water. I've heard that other people had problems finding them but they were all at my local grocery store a block away :)

20 Mule Team Borax $3.74

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda $2.89

Fels-Naptha Soap Bar $1.09

The first step is to grate the bar of soap. I used a hand grater like you'd use for cheese. That was a freaking pain! I'd suggest using a coffee grinder or something else that doesn't kill your wrist in the process. I also used a washcloth to hold the soap while I grated because it was slippery. My first time using a cheese grater when I was young- I ended up scuffing all my knuckles. Lesson learned.

After mixing it all up and letting it sit it was time to bottle it up. The bad news was that I had recycled all but 1 of our old laundry jugs so I had to get creative. I ended up bottling it in old washer fluid bottles and my boyfriends tea jugs. I came up a little short so the rest is staying stored in the 5 gallon bucket.

We have a top load washer so I used 1/2 cup per load as the recipe says. I was a little nervous so I tested it out on some extra blankets we have. Beyond excited when they came out! They were clean! The weird thing about this is that it doesn't get sudsy. So don't freak out when you throw it in the washer and don't see bubbles everywhere. It also doesn't have much of a smell but that can be changed if you use scented fabric softener.

I'm even thinking about making extra batches just to give to my family. {What a lucky family I have!} It is so cheap and works! From this one recipe you get 10 gallons of detergent! Makes you wonder why they charge so much for it in a store. This is a great thing to try because you'll save money and reduce waste because you can re-use your containers.

Try it out and let me know what you think! For the next Sweet Home Sunday I'll be trying another homemade recipe. Come back and check it out! xx Brittany

Come join the Fun Tuesday Blog Hop! {I'm Spotlight of the Week}

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:43:00 +0000

I'm so excited to be a part of the Fun Tuesday Blog Hop as Spotlight of the Week! Join us by linking up and meet new blogger friends and enjoy some lovely blogs!

Have a Pup? Check out this outlet sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:16:00 +0000

In the Company of Dogs offers all kinds of useful and fun items for dogs of every size. They have an outlet sale going on right now of up to 65% off! If you've never ordered from them before because it was a little expensive now is your chance to get it for much less! Go check out the sale here!

Birthday Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:56:00 +0000

I love having my birthday- a day all about me. But then again, I kind of make every other day about me. Just kidding. Anyways, my birthday is coming up next month so I signed up for my birthday freebies. I made a list so you can grab these too. [p.s. there are more birthday freebies out there than what I've included on the list. These are the ones that I like and had a location nearby me.]

Applebees- Head to your nearest location and let them know its your birthday! You'll get a free dessert and a song sung by the staff. {I could do without the song but I don't think they'll let you opt out}

Bakers Square- Sign up online and you'll get a free piece of pie on your birthday!

BD's Mongolian BBQ- Go to their website and join Club Mongo to get a free stir fry on your birthday!

Baskin Robbins- Join their birthday club to get a free ice cream and a discount on a birthday cake!

Benihana- On their website, join The Chef's Table and they'll send you a complimentary $30 birthday certificate!

Caribou Coffee- Sign up and receive a coupon for a free coffee drink on your birthday!

Cold Stone Creamery- Join the My Cold Stone Club to get a BOGO coupon!

Old Country Buffet- Sign up for the e-club and get a birthday coupon!

Dairy Queen- On their website join the Blizzard Fan Club to get a BOGO coupon!

Denny's- Stop in at your nearest location and get a free Grand Slam on your birthday!

Sweet Home Sunday: DIY Homemade Laundry Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:50:00 +0000

Do you enjoy cleaning, laundry and all those other domestic chores? Me too! For those of you that read that question in horror, this must be odd for you. :) I'm going to be doing something new on Sundays as you can tell from that lovely picture of my kitchen above. On Sundays I will be sharing with you tips and ideas to save money around your home. I've found that the older I get the cheaper I get which is good news for you and good news for the wallet. I can practically hear my bank account swelling as we speak. So join me as I try new ideas for around my house that maybe could work for your home too.

The moment I always hate: when the laundry detergent jug starts to get very light. About that time I start thinking I could just add some water to maybe stretch out a few more washes. But then it cleans less efficiently and I end up getting mad anyways. Laundry detergent isn't cheap and it practically evaporates around here since I'm such a clean freak. I've heard that making your own products is usually the cheapest alternative. Making? Hmm. If it were really that easy wouldn't everyone be doing it?

I started looking around and found a recipe. With only 4 ingredients. 4! The visions of me in a lab coat playing around in my basement and blowing something up started to disappear. And I also found a recipe for fabric softener. This is something that I might be able to handle.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

4 cups hot water

1 Fels-Naptha soap bar

1 cup Arm + Hammer Super Washing Soda

1/2 cup borax

Directions: Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot water. Add melted soap, washing soda and borax. Stir well. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken. Stir contents of bucket. Fill a clean used laundry jug half full with soap and fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use because it will gel.

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once cooled.

Yield: Recipes makes 10 gallons

Top load washer: 5/8 cup per load {approx. 180 loads}

Front Load Washer: 1/4 cup per load {approx. 640 loads}

Cheaper Fabric Softener

1 container liquid fabric softener

4 sponges, cut in half

Directions: Pour entire contents of softener into 5 gallon bucket. Fill empty container with water twice and add to bucket. [2 parts water to 1 part softener] Add sponges to bucket. When ready to use wring out sponge and add to dryer.

I knew there was a reason we kept all those buckets in our garage! Today I will be gathering up all my supplies and trying these out. I'll update after I'm all done and have pictures for you. I might even throw in a picture of my boyfriend standing there shaking his head at me while I do this {lol} Check back later today!

[These recipes were found on www.duggarfamily.com. They have many other recipes you can check out. I received no compensation for this post or for adding the link. All opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Young Love by Mat Kearney Album Review

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:39:00 +0000

Mat Kearney's third album, 'Young Love' debuted on the #1 spot on iTunes Album and Rock Charts. Perhaps you've heard of him? I hadn't. So I was curious when I was offered the opportunity to review the album. I can be pretty picky when it comes to music. I love the music I like and I hate the music that I don't.

The Track List

1. Hey Mama

2. Ships in the Night

3. Count on Me

4. Sooner or Later

5. Chasing the Light

6. Learning to Love Again

7. Down

8. She Got the Honey

9. Young Dumb and In Love

10. Rochester

11. Seventeen

There were 2 songs on the album that I really liked. 'Ships in the Night' and 'Learning to Love Again' both have lyrics that have depth. They're both songs that almost put you in a mellow and thoughtful mood.

None of the songs on the rest of the album really stood out to me. There was nothing that made them memorable or had a sound to them I liked. I didn't listen to all of 'Rochester' because it was less of a song and more of a story that didn't keep my interest.

I will say that he does have a nice voice that I like better when its highlighted in the slower songs.

To Check Him Out

Visit his website to purchase his music and order fan t-shirts and jackets. You can also follow him on Twitter and check out his fan page on Facebook.

[I was not financially compensated for this post. I received this album for review purposes through One2One Network. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.]

Ask the Animal Humane Society

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:27:00 +0000

Have a pet question about getting a new pet that's right for your family, training tips or something else? I'm going to be doing a Q & A with the Animal Humane Society and I'd love to get your questions answered for you. Leave a comment with your question or email me at bnichole87@gmail.com

Be Safe! {Emergency Kits}

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:29:00 +0000

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on the East Coast dealing with the weather right now.

Having an emergency kit is essential in case the unexpected happens and you are without modern conveniences. Ideally, an emergency kit should be able to last you for 3 days. Keep your emergency kit in a secure waterproof container that you can move. I've made a list of essentials to have in your emergency kit. For more information, visit www.72hours.org for a complete list and how to make an emergency plan. Stay safe!

What to Have in your Emergency Kit

Water {at least 1 gallon per person, per day}
Food {Items that are shelf-stable. Keep in mind any food allergies or restricted diets. If canned goods, remember a can opener}
Eating Supplies {plates, eating utensils}
Complete First Aid Kit
Important Documents {and important phone numbers}
Extra Clothes {warm clothes, rain gear}
Working Supplies {work gloves, duct tape and utility knife}
Personal Hygiene Items {toilet paper, hand sanitizer, feminine products, soap}
Blankets & Sleeping Bags
Plastic Bucket & Heavy-Duty Trash Bags {waste and sanitation}
Items for Children, Elderly, and Pets {medications, formula, food, supplies}

When disasters happen, you rarely have time to run around remembering all the items that you need. Put your emergency kit together and have it there so you'll be prepared.

Sunday Coupon Preview!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:10:00 +0000

Love getting your Sunday paper to see what the coupons are? Now you can know ahead of time!

You Me & Remy

Eco Lips Review & Giveaway!

*Attention: Adult Content {18+}* Finally get some foreplay w/ EdenFantasys!

Prefense Hand Sanitizer Review & Giveaway!

Thank You Thursday!!

The Get Wired Blog Hop {I'm the Guest Host!}

Managing Monday Social Hop! {I'm Featured!!}

Get your FREE 1 Year Subscription to Melt Magazine

Yay! $25 Restaurant Certificate for $3

Sweet Home Sunday! {DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap}

Grandparents Day! [September 11th]

Get your FREE John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour!!

FREE Shout Wipes Sample

From Remy Friday- Training w/ the Animal Humane Society! {Q&A}

Thank You Thursday!!

Bounce It Off Millions Contest!

Tastes Yummy Tuesday: Cream Cheese Brownies!

Update on 'Sweet Home Sunday' Homemade Laundry Recipe!

Come join the Fun Tuesday Blog Hop! {I'm Spotlight of the Week}

Have a Pup? Check out this outlet sale!

Birthday Freebies!

Sweet Home Sunday: DIY Homemade Laundry Recipes

Young Love by Mat Kearney Album Review

Ask the Animal Humane Society

Be Safe! {Emergency Kits}

Sunday Coupon Preview!

Attention: Adult Content {18+} Finally get some foreplay w/ EdenFantasys!