To tackle this  summer boredom, my son and I  put together this fun and project!

Summer Boredom “Fun To Do” Jars

Materials:

• Mason jars
• Large Popsicle sticks
• Sharpies
• Stickers/ decorations

We started by gathering a few mason jars from around the house to make our “fun-to-do” jars. For our family we decided to make 3 jars: one for activities for my son and I to do together (while my little girl is napping), one for activities for the 3 of us to do together, and one for some summer school work to keep our brain working!

Then I sat down with my son and we wrote down some of the things he would like us to do together onto the Popsicle sticks. Since we had different jars we used different colored sharpies to color code it and keep things organized.

Some of the activities my son came up with were:

• Legos
• computer games
• baking cookies
• building a fort
• balloon ping pong (using a balloon and two paper plates as paddles)
• writing stories
• art projects
• making inventions

I also searched through some of the things I had pinned on Pinterest, and found some activities of my own to add to the jars. I came up with:

• making and sailing paper boats
• obstacle courses
• photo scavenger hunt
• making a couch cushion trampoline
• painting with ice cubes
• making a used water bottle marble track

Then I let my son decorate the jars with the stickers, put the sticks in, and we were done!

The great thing about this project Is that you can totally personalize it for each of your kids and make it into something that they are truly excited about! Now when I see my son starting to get at a loose end, I tell him to go and pick a stick and he is so excited to do it! It’s a great way to keep him busy and out of mischief and really makes me feel like we are having a fun time together and making lots of summer memories!

Leanne Cox is a guest writer for CleverHousewife.com. She is a stay-at-home mom to two kids, and a credentialed preschool teacher. Leanne teaches “mommy-and-me” and “preschool style” music & movement classes through her business “Little Stars Music & Movement Classes” . She is passionate about encouraging early childhood education through hands on learning and exploration.

The post Sticking It To Summer Boredom with “Fun To Do” Jars appeared first on Clever Housewife.

Join “The Talk” On Clean Care #CottonelleRoutine Twitter Party

Some might say that I can be a little OCD when it comes to cleanliness. I personally feel that I can concentrate better, and be more productive when I am clean and feel that I am surrounded by cleanliness. We are going to get down to the nitty gritty with “The Talk” on clean care, as part of the #CottonelleRoutine Twitter party. Keeping oneself fresh and clean, along with our family members can sometimes be a feat to accomplish. This can especially ring true with these long summer days when there is so much going on with kids home from school, and everyone going every which way. During the upcoming #CottonelleRoutine Twitter Party we will also be discussing a segment that will be featured on ”The talk,” Hosted by Sharon Osborne and July Chen, which airs On Friday 6/28 at 1pm CT on CBS.

Not only will you go away feeling freshs, but $500 in Walmart Gift Cards will also be up for grabs! What a great way to get your clean on!

There will be (5) $100 Gift Cards to be given away!

Get the details and RSVP below.

#CottonelleRoutine Twitter Party

Date: Monday, June 24, 2013
Time: 12-1 pm EST
Prizes: $500 in Walmart Gift Cards
Join in the #CottonelleRoutine party for fun conversation and chance to win great prizes!
Hosts: @CleverHousewife and @paulabendfeldt
How: To participate, follow @CleverHousewife, @paulabendfeldt, and tweet with us using the party hashtag #CottonelleRoutine.

Follow along and jump into the conversation by following #CottonelleRoutine on your Twitter feed or dive right in by following along on TweetDeck!

New to TweetDeck?  Create a column each to follow your party Host@CleverHousewife, co-host @paulabendfeldt, and @cbTweetChat and everyone in the party on #CottonelleRoutine in a matter of minutes with a free account!   Find help and tips via this link:: http://cbi.as/5oac-

Join us in discussing ideas for gift giving this Father’s Day during the #Cottonelle Twitter Party for a great time and fabulous prizes!

RSVP by entering your Twitter Handle below! Then Click to Tweet, to let your followers know you’re joining the party.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE TAXED, PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Subject to Official Rules. Open only to residents of the United States.

Enter by RSVPing for the Twitter party on the link above, be actively participating in the party and are using the hashtag #CottonelleRoutine. To be eligible, entries must be received by 12:55 p.m. EST (5 minutes before end of party) except that mail in entries must be mailed separately and postmarked by June 20, 2013 (4 days before party). To enter without purchase, hand write your name, completed address, age and telephone number on a 3”x5” card and mail it to Collective Bias, 205 S. Main Street, Ste. 1, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Prizes will be limited to $500 in Walmart Gift Cards with a $100 gift card given away at 15 mins, 25 mins, 35 mins and 45 mins during the 1 hour duration of the party on June 24, 2013. One final prize of a $100 gift card will be given away at the close of the party. All winners will be chosen using random.org from the RSVP link and winners must be present and participating in the party using the hashtag #CottonelleRoutine at the time that they are drawn as a winner. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Winner will be notified via Twitter @ message by @paulabendfeldt (COHOST)  during the party on June 24, 2013 and must respond to @paulabendfeldt (COHOST) within 5 minutes of being selected to claim their prize. All entries will be eligible for any unclaimed prizes after the close of the Twitter party via random drawing held on July 8, 2013.

To obtain a copy of the Official Rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Collective Bias, 205 S. Main Street, Ste. 1, Bentonville, AR 72712.

SPONSORS: Collective Bias, 205 S. Main Street, Ste. 1, Bentonville, AR 72712

All winners will be chosen using random.org from the RSVP link and winners must be present and participating in the party at the time that they are drawn as a winner.  There is a limit of 1 (one) prize per household during the party.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for prize fulfillment.

The post Join “The Talk” On Clean Care #CottonelleRoutine Twitter Party RSVP appeared first on Clever Housewife.

Summer’s here, and all that warm weather probably has you pulling out your mile-long To-Do List. I think my husband might stick a pillow over my face when I’m sleeping if I add anymore home projects to our list. Okay, not really, but he won’t be thrilled about it. This Spring/Summer has brought on a lot of projects for us. After all, iIt’s time for you to conquer all the projects that have built up since last year! And, chances are, one of these projects is drywall repair. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your furniture, cabinetry and flooring are– cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged drywall can make any home’s interior appear less than its best. As a result, repairing drywall damage will give any room in your home a cleaner, crisper look. Unfortunately, I recently spotted a hole in our wall, right at the top of the stairs. The children likely jabbed something into the wall but nobody is fessing up. Completing projects such as these will probably make noticeable improvements to the interior appearance of your home. However, if you’re planning to attempt these repairs yourself, you should take care to make sure you have the right tools and technique in mind before attempting any repairs. And check out these do-it-yourself drywall repair tips from Handyman Connection which will help make your repair experience as successful as possible.

My dad and I recently replaced my lower kitchen cabinets together, and did a little wall demolition, which led us to some more drywall repair. I think we did a rather nice job if I do say so myself!

5 Secrets to Successful DIY Drywall Repair

When preparing to make drywall repairs you should:

1. Spackle Wisely—Spackle is a lightweight compound that is the go-to drywall repair substance thanks to its quick application time and easy-to-sand surface. However Spackle, and similar products, should only be used on very small holes, like nail holes, and shallow dents in your walls. Spackle products are too weak to effectively repair damage larger than about an inch in diameter.

2. Tape Correctly—In drywall repair, duct tape and masking tape are never viable options. You should either use paper or mesh drywall tapes, however each should be used for different kinds of projects.

   1. Paper Tape is best used for joint and corner repairs as it folds easily. However paper tape does not stick as well and can bubble and bulge if not applied correctly. This can lead to future repairs

   2. Fiberglass Mesh Tape is easier to use, but does not work well for corners, though it does work well for joints and hole repair. Mesh tape also requires more compound to cover its crisscross texture.

3. Nail down Nail Pops—Feisty nails have a habit of breaking through drywall, especially in new homes. And repairing the damage requires more than just painting over the holes. The nail must be driven back into the wall and a drywall screw inserted into the wall over and under the original nail pop. Then joint compound should be applied over the holes. During this process, other nail pops can occur. This doesn’t mean that you are repairing it badly; it just signals a shift in the wall’s environment. Repair all nail pops with the same process. Nail pops that are not properly repaired may reappear later, creating another project for your To-Do list!

4. Texture Tactfully—Repairing drywall effectively requires more than just fixing holes and cracks. To complete the repair seamlessly, you should also retexture and/or paint the area over and around the repair. Retexturing the repaired area so that it matches the surrounding surface can be tricky but you will earn the best results with these two tips:

   1. Use the original texturing tool if possible—roller, brush, sponge, etc—as it will give the repaired area a texture closest to the original.

   2. Match the consistency of the joint compound to that used on the surrounding textured surface. Thicken or thin the compound with water or extra powder and test the consistency on cardboard before applying it on the wall. If it doesn’t work, the compound can be scraped off fairly easily, and you can start over.

5. Resist Overdoing by Oversanding—A common mistake of zealous home repairers is trying too hard to smooth a drywall joint. Oversanding the joint will remove part of the paper face, leaving an uneven surface that needs another layer of joint compound and even more sanding. You can avoid these extra steps by using a hand sander and 150-grit sand paper. Choosing a coarser grain will lead to sanding marks and oversanding. You can get into corners more easily by using a sanding sponge.

Hopefully these tips will help you with your home drywall repair. However if your repair is taking longer than you expected (there are quite a few steps in the process) or if you’ve bumped into a few obstacles along the way (like a few more nail pops than expected) call Handyman Connection! Their expert drywall handymen will ensure that your project is completed quickly and efficiently. And Handyman Connection can help with all the other projects on your home To-Do list too, so you have more time to relax and enjoy your home this summer!

The post 5 Secrets To Successful DIY Drywall Repair appeared first on Clever Housewife.

Have you ever had a smell take you back to a certain place and time? For me every time there is a summer rain (which isn’t too often here in Northern California) it takes me back to when we went on a family trip to Florida to see my Great Grandpa. Even though I was very young at the time, and don’t remember much about the trip, something about that smell has stayed with me. I think this is the feeling that Air Wick has tried to capture with their new limited edition National Park Edition scents. This series of scented oils, scented candles, reed diffusers, and  freshmatic spray come in scents uniquely designed to represent different National Parks. Some of Air Wick’s top fragrance experts have spent countless hours creating unique blends of what they call “fragrance notes” to represent natural elements found in each of the National Parks in the series.

These parks include:

Denali
Hawaii
American Samoa
The Grand Canyon
The Virgin Island and
The Gulf Islands

I started off my scent-ual summer vacation by popping the Denali scented oil into my Air Wick warmer. I started with Denali partially,  because I thought the  description of  it being “soft cotton grass and spring air” sounded nice, and partially because I have been curious about visiting Denali ever since it was mentioned in a book series I have read (who can guess which one)! After popping it into the warmer I took the kids out for about an hour to play. When I came back inside I actually went to check on my laundry because my house had such a fresh,  clean, “laundry straight out the dryer” kind of smell. I am not a fan of strong scents in my home, but this was the perfect subtle smell to really make my home smell great! If this is what Denali smells like, count me in!

I am now excited to try some of the other scents, especially the “exotic Papaya and hibiscus flower” fragrance representing Hawaii. I might just make myself a fun smoothie, put on some Hawaiian music, pop in my Hawaii scent and go on my own personal Hawaiian scent-ual summer vacation!

The Air Wick National Park series is now available in stores now, retailing from 2.99-5.99

The post Take a Scent-ual Summer Vacation with Air Wick appeared first on Clever Housewife.

As part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias®, I decided to head to Walmart and pick up Energizer Headlights, to see if I could find useful ways to use them, aside from camping! My husband most certainly fell in love and found plenty of ways to put this bad boy to use. In fact, I think Santa may have some inspiration for next year’s stocking!

When I headed into the store, I was unsure of where to look for these headlights, but decided to check out the camping aisle. Sure enough, there was an entire back wall that was dedicated to flashlights and of course, headlights! I didn’t know this wall existed! Something fun that I discovered is that many of the headlights come in a variety of colors. I’d like to get each of my boys their own LED headlight because I know they could have a blast with them. Every year around Christmas break, my family (and sometimes friends) enjoys a good game of sardines, outside. When I was in college we would play outside in the dark. These headlights would come in handy during a mad game of sardines!

The Energizer Headlights are comfy around the head and take 3 AAA batteries, which came in the package. I’m thinking the batteries should last a while too. Battery installation is a breeze and this is small enough to tuck away just about anywhere, so you can pull it out when the need arises. As I got to thinking about the uses for a headlight, I was amazed at some of the ideas my family and I came up with.

I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I head out to the garage to find something at night, and there isn’t nearly enough light. We have a light in the garage, but it is very dim and not very useful for finding what we need. Well, hubby put his new work headlight on and was able to spot the tools he needed, out in the dark garage. He said out loud, “I can’t believe I never bought one of these earlier!”

Then I pointed out to him that he could wear it when working under the sink. I think that is more of a benefit to me than him, because now I don’t have to stand over him holding a flashlight!!

Best if all, my daughter was thrilled that the headlight has an adjustable strap. She was tickled pink when she discovered she could wear it too! Oh the games my kids will be coming up with now!

You can see my Google+ Album which has more photos of my shopping trip and Energizer Headlight uses. You can also stay up to date on the latest happenings with Energizer, on their facebook page.

The post Finding Household Uses for Energizer Headlights #LightMyWay appeared first on Clever Housewife.

Sparkling Dishes with Cascade Platinum Pacs

Just this past weekend I was talking with some friends about the old days when people didn’t have dishwashers,  and they had to wash everything by hand. I have become kind of spoiled because I have always had a dishwasher.  It is interesting to see how the times have changed with dishwashing challenges and concerns shifting from scrubbing by hand to determining the best product to make your dishes really sparkle in the dishwasher.

I have been using Cascade Action Pacs for a while now and quite like them. We live a life of convenience, and what’s easier than popping a pre-measured packet into the dishwasher and letting it do all the work?  I was recently sent the newer Cascade Platinum Pacs and they are even better than the last ones! The Platinum Pacs give your dishes the most powerful clean while maintaining a sparkling clean look of your dishwasher interior.

Cascade boasts that the new Platinum Pacs can do the following, and I have to agree:

• Powers away tough, 24 hour stuck-on food
• Eliminates the need to pre-wash dishes
• Helps maintain the look of new machines and helps prevent additional hard-water film build-up
• Delivers exceptional dishware shine
• Contains the grease fighting power of Dawn

If you like to have picture-worthy food (you know I do), then sparkling dishes is a must. I have no complaints about how the Cascade Platinum Pacs work. Top Chef judge Gail Simmons has even partnered with Cascade to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation. Gotta have those clean dishes! I love the Cascade comparison chart that gives you a side-by-side comparison of their different pacs. Test them out for yourself! Then I’d like to encourage you to submit your own photos of how Cascade makes your dishes sparkly, in the #MyPlatinum Instagram contest, for chances to win Cascade prizes! There will be a different theme each week so follow along!

The post Sparkling Dishes with Cascade Platinum Pacs appeared first on Clever Housewife.

As an at home working mom, I know first hand how challenging it is to keep all the balls in the air. I’ll admit – I need HELP! As a parent it’s a daunting task to effectively coordinate my family’s daily schedule between blogging, home, school, childcare, sports, recreation, community projects, church responsibilities,  friends, family and everything else in my busy life. Blecherman offers a step-by-step guide to organize your family’s schedule, taking a practical approach to coordinate priorities and activities inside and outside your home.  On her website I learned that with a “Parent Plan,” you’ll no longer say to yourself, “I could have done THAT… if I had just been more prepared.” My Parent Plan will give you confidence to respond in a way that’s best for you and your family, resulting in happier parents, happier children and a calmer household!

Beth has a background in consulting, technology and family management and uses her skills to help other families use project management and priority setting to create their own “Parent Plans.”

Please enjoy my interview with Beth, as I asked her a few candid questions about some of my concerns regarding technology and family management. Thank you Beth for your time and interest.

This is a sponsored post to help get the word out about Beth’s new book, as well as Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium.

The post An Interview with Beth Blecherman: Creator of TechMamas.com appeared first on Clever Housewife.

While on a recent all-expense paid Disney press trip for Monsters University, I was able to preview the new Pixar Short: The Blue Umbrella. One of the things I look forward to the most when viewing a Pixar movie are the adorable Pixar shorts that come before the feature film. This Friday is the release of Monsters University, which I know you will all love, but what you may not be aware of is that the Pixar Short: The Blue Umbrella, will play before the movie. Directed by Saschka Unseld, The Blue Umbrella is a fully animated short, which is simply amazing. Once you see the short, you will have a difficult time believing that the entire thing is animated, because everything looks so real!

The Blue Umbrella is a love story between a blue umbrella and a red umbrella. Divided by rain and wind, the blue umbrella is determined to find and meet his new love, the red umbrella. Filled with charm and some of the most adorable music, you will be sitting at the edge of your seat to see what happens next in this love tale.

While on a this recent Disney press trip , I had the privilege of interviewing The Blue Umbrella director, Saschka Unseld. Saschka has a fascination with photo series and the complexity and beauty that can be found in the city, which gave him his inspiration for The Blue Umbrella.

Saschka Unseld talks about his many trips into the city and adapting the reality to the animated short:

“A lot of it was me and the team going on trips into the city and looking at all these details, like, on the side of a newspaper box there’s streaks of probably someone tying their shoelace, and then you have the streak of the black rubber from the shoe there.

Everything kind of tells a story.  And a big, big struggle in the beginning was getting people to change how they work.  Like, it was amazing how much people are used to doing things in a more stylized, cartoony way.  The first version of the mailbox, which you see in the beginning.  We gave photo references to the modeler to build it.

Relatively straight forward, you would think, and then we looked at it, and it was, like, somehow this doesn’t look real.  Something is wrong.  And we had to really look into the details, and it was… The size of the screws were slightly too big.  Um, it was the way since a mailbox is made out of this kind of folded metal, the sharpness of a bend has certain physical restrictions.

And that was just wrong.  It was like all these details that are based on a manufacturing process of these things, or how thick something is, or all these things were slightly off, and all that gave the overall picture of this doesn’t look real.  So a lot of it was figuring out why are certain things in a certain way. So much of what you do is kind of, this is how I used to do it the last 10 years, and you’re not even aware of it.”

The city that gave The Blue Umbrella most of it’s inspiration and style is New York City, with some of San Francisco and some others sprinkled in.

Once you see The Blue Umbrella, I think you will agree with Saschka Unseld that the first rain drops that fall down on the ground is one of the best moments from the short. Here is why the director loves that moment:

“It’s something you wouldn’t normally even stop for.  And for me, it’s a beautiful moment, just kind of a rain drop hitting the asphalt, hitting the mailbox, making a different sound.  And somehow, for me it feels very personally important to me, just this, this detail thing of a beauty of just a rain drop hitting the floor. This is really more magical than anything that happens later on.  To a certain extent, it’s water falling from the sky.”

A

I love how passionate the director is about his creation, and I can’t wait for you all to enjoy the full short before Monsters University. They hit theatres on Friday, June 21st!

The post Pixar Short: The Blue Umbrella with Director Saschka Unseld #MonstersUEvent appeared first on Clever Housewife.

Newest Arrivals and Marketplace Offers from Sears.com

With the kids home for the Summer, I have a feeling that I won’t be doing a lot of shopping in town. I dread taking the kids clothing shopping especially, because I just know that I will spend most of my time trying to figure out where they ran off to. Then there is the whining and boredom! Luckily there are stores such as Sears, where I can shop online for the newest arrivals, and never have to leave the house!

It doesn’t hurt that Sears’ online store has grown by leaps and bounds. Aside from way more color and size options than you would find in store, I absolutely love that you can order online and have your purchases ready in 5 minutes or less, or you get a $5 in-store coupon! Hurray for that! I love store guarantees that always play to your benefit – one way or another!

I can’t believe some of the deals I’ve been spotting either. This cutesy lace front top is only $12.99!

After you’ve picked out some new clothes, perhaps you’ll want to look over the shiny things! Sears.com has you covered because they carry more brands and styles than they do in their stores. I am dying to get this Samsung front loader washing machine! I know some of you aren’t a fan of the front loaders, but I feel like I’ve at least got to give them a try!

While you are shopping online, you’ve got to check out Sears’ featured marketplace offers for extra savings and options! You know how much I love a good deal! If you haven’t already, stop on over to check out the new lineup of products at the new and improved Sears.com, and tweet it out to your friends and family! Your friends & family will thank you for sharing the deals and new way of shopping!

The post Newest Arrivals and Marketplace Offers from Sears.com appeared first on Clever Housewife.

Summer Boating Fun

I grew up in a fairly land locked & dry area of the country; Southeastern Idaho, which is located in the Snake River Desert Plain.  Some of my earliest memories include riding on our family boat.  There were 4 reservoirs in a 90 mile radius from our home.  There were two places on the Snake River that were less than 15 miles from our home, that we would sneak down to for those hot summer afternoons.  My dad was a water skier and our family also participated in fishing; mostly trolling  from our boat.  Second to snowmobiling, boating was my favorite activity to do with my dad.

I learned to waterski probably from the age of 11 or 12 years old.  By my freshman year of high school I could waterski quite well on one ski.  Later on in life, my dad took me and my wife and kids on a boat ride in Idaho. The boys had such a fun time tubing and watching me ski.

Even after leaving Idaho I have spent time on the water in Northern California.  While dating my wife and as newlyweds, we would go to the local reservoir and spend time on a family member’s houseboat and ski boat.  Three or four years later I went fishing off the Coast of California with my employer as an all-expense paid trip. That was the first time I got to do some deep sea fishing. That was quite the experience.

I am eager to get back out on the lake to see if I can still do some slalom skiing! It make take a bit for me to get my skills back. As my kids get older, I can’t wait to teach them a few things and see them enjoy boating as I have. Get your kids excited about boating with this boating education for kids, provided by Discover Boating. My parents are coming out to California later this year, and I’m hoping they will bring their boat. Boating is a great way to spend some quality time with the family. Did anyone spend Father’s Day out on a boat?

Find a variety of boating resources from the non-profit organization, Discover Boating.

The post Summer Boating Fun appeared first on Clever Housewife.