Every time my family and I come back home after a trip, we notice the smell of our house as soon as we walk in the door. Is that weird or do you notice the smell of your home too?

The last house we lived in was new when we bought it, so it was pretty nice to notice that “new” smell even after living there for two years!

Our current home is much older and previously lived in. When we walked in the door after our most recent vacation, we definitely noticed the smell. It wasn’t a “new home” smell for sure. It had the smell of the former owners. Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It just wasn’t our smell if you know what I mean.

Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter

Since I’m a brand ambassador for Filtrete this year and it’s time to replace my current filter, I”m going to try their Odor Reduction Filter for the next three months and see if it makes a difference. We’ve tried candles but that pretty much just masks the odor.

We’ll see if this does the trick!

According to Filtrete, the Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter:

• Has a unique two-­‐sided design, with one side that captures large airborne particles and the second side that removes household odors.
• Is the most effective 1” odor-­‐reduction filter at removing odors in the home—such as those from cooking, tobacco smoke, pets, mildew and cleaning chemicals—and is 65 times more effective* than other carbon filters {*Based on comparison of organic vapor capacity vs. other national retail furnace filter brands}
• Starts to remove even the strongest odors in minutes after the furnace fan is turned on
• Also helps improve indoor air quality and captures airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, smoke, pet dander and smog from the air passing through the filter
• Last up to three months for odor removal and particle capture for air passing through the filter
• MSR Price: $15.99

I’ll keep you updated on how it works for me! In the meantime…

Filtrete Healthy Home Remodel Contest

To help homeowners address indoor air concerns, Filtrete Brand has partnered with Mike Holmes, renowned HGTV contractor on the Healthy Home Remodel Contest. One grand-prize winner, selected by Mike Holmes, will receive $30,000 worth of home inspections, repairs and renovations!! Four first-prize winners will be awarded $5000 cash to put towards home repairs!

If you’re interested (and who wouldn’t be!) you have until June 30, 2013 to enter:

• Visit Facebook.com/Filtrete (you will be prompted to “like” Filtrete Brand to enter the contest),
• Explain in 1,000 words or less why your home is deserving of a healthier home remodel,
• Submit up to two photos supporting your essay,
• Visit the official rules for more details.

Can you tell there are all kinds of great things happening with Filtrete? Make sure you stay in the know by following them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also register to receive seasonal e-newsletters, filter change reminders, and special offers by visiting Filtrete.com.

Questions for you:

Do you notice the smell of your home after being away for a few days?

Have you ever tried Filtrete Odor Reduction Filters and could you tell a difference?

Have you or will you enter the Home Remodel Contest?

The post Reduce Odor in Your Home with Air Filters appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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Getting out the door every morning feels like a marathon race. At least that’s how it’s been since kids entered the picture.

They want to go somewhere…until it’s time to leave the house.

They aren’t hungry…until it’s time to leave the house.

They like what they’re wearing…until it’s time to leave the house.

Back in the day I had a co-worker that often said, “we’re fluid and flexible” during times of change. I loved her willing spirit to lead but also adjust when necessary. I’ve tried to take her advice and adjust my process at home to account for the flexibility needed with kids. I do my very best to be flexible with the boys, but I fail often. When I’m prepared and the house isn’t a disaster, I’m much more successful. That’s why I’ve worked diligently to get organized in my approach to cleaning the house and getting organized to leave every morning. Thus, my nightly cleaning routine was born.

After getting several questions about this very subject, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into my life and share how I get ready each night for the next day.

My Nightly Cleaning Routine

1. Clean the kitchen.

If you’ve been around for while, you may know that I clean my kitchen in 5 minutes or less. Every night. But, there’s a reason that I’m able to do that! I have a morning routine that’s sets me up for success (and I’ll share more about that tomorrow).

2. Pack lunches and/or snacks.

The boys are incredibly active in the mornings so distractions are aplenty! When I procrastinate and pack lunches or snacks (depending on where we’re going) in the morning, I usually scramble to find something healthy for them. More than once I’ve found out we were out of a necessary item just a few minutes too late.

I also try to pack lunches for my husband and me. However, this does NOT happen unless it’s done the night before. We eat healthier and save money by packing lunches so this absolutely has to be done the night before…or not at all. 

3. Get the boys’ bags ready.

As the boys get older, we don’t have to take as much every time we leave the house. For that I am extremely thankful! But we still have to bring diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and an epi-pen with us every time we leave the house.  It usually only takes a minute, but every night I replenish the diaper stock and see if there are any teacher notes in the bags.

4. Fold a load of laundry.

I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but I’m a fan of washing one load of laundry each day. Of course, there are days I miss as well as days where more than one load needs washing. But overall, one load of day works for me. When I have to wash a week’s worth of clothing on the weekends, I dread folding all of those clothes…so more often than not they’ll sit (overflowing) in the baskets all week. Small chunks work better for me!

5. Five minute pick-up.

Taking 5 minutes before bed to clean and straighten around the house makes a world of difference in my sanity. We actually do this a few times throughout the day but by bedtime, our house often looks like a tornado went though it. Just taking a few minutes to throw away trash, take items back to their “home” and wipe down messy areas makes a big difference in how we function the next morning.

6. Review my calendar and to-do list.

I try to spend a few minutes each night reviewing my calendar and to-do list. I think through my work and home responsibilities, errands I need to run, people I need to call, deadlines, etc. Then I try to figure out when I’ll have time to complete these tasks and schedule it on my calendar.

After my nightly routine is complete and the boys are in bed, I usually just want to crash! Or hang with my hubby! Sometimes I do. But most of the time I push through and work.

I’ll be sharing my morning routine next, but before I do, I would LOVE to learn from you! What does your nightly cleaning routine look like?

The post My Nightly Cleaning Routine appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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My family and I just got back from a wonderful, relaxing vacation to the beach.

It.

Was.

Incredible!

Seriously. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a vacation as much…especially since the boys were born.

Taking a vacation early in the season has made it officially feel like summer break. I’m relaxed, recovered from an incredibly taxing Spring, and ready to spend more quality time with my boys this summer.

This may seem crazy. But for the first time ever, I took a disinfectant to clean our vacation spot upon arrival. I promise this isn’t my normal practice. But I’ve heard some HORROR stories of dirty hotels and rental houses recently, so I thought I would be extra cautious on this trip. Plus, I’ve been working with the Bounty DuraTowel folks and I thought this would be a good test. :)

As soon as we arrived at our vacation spot, we ran in the store for a quick shopping trip. I grabbed a roll of Bounty DuraTowel and unpacked it first thing when we arrived at the house.

I sprayed the “germy” areas with disinfectant and scrubbed away with Bounty Dura Towel. I focused on places like door handles, countertops, and other places that were likely to harbor germs.

Then I tackled the kitchen since were were planning to cook the majority of our meals in there. It’s one thing to think your cooking prep items are clean, but it’s a completely other thing to KNOW they’re clean!

Finally I disinfected the bathrooms. Faucets, sinks, toilets…anything that may not have been disinfected since the last occupants had left.

Once again, Bounty DuraTowel lived up to it’s name and held together. Since I barely made a dent in the roll,  we had plenty left over for the other paper towel loving family members to use all week long! And that made them very happy…

The post Taking Bounty DuraTowel on Vacation appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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My family and I are planning a vacation to one of our favorite summer spots…the beach!

As I think through things we need to pack, I was reminded of a quick tip I posted last year.

When we’re at the beach, we like to spend a couple of hours in the sand and then another few hours at the pool. Our kids a huge fans of digging in the sand and building sand castles, but they aren’t exactly fans of having sand stuck to their hands; especially when they have to wipe their eyes or eat a snack!

Fortunately, there is an incredibly easy way to remove sand and keep it from sticking to your skin: Baby Powder.

[pinit]

How to use baby powder to remove sand from skin:

• Pour ample amount of baby powder into hands.
• Rub hands together and “wash” them like you would soap and water.

This tip is incredibly helpful if you like to pack snacks to eat at the beach but don’t care for the taste of sand! Of course, it can also be used on feet, legs, arms, or basically anywhere you don’t want sand sticking. Baby powder truly is a beach bag essential!

What’s a must-have in your beach bag?

The post Easy Way to Remove Sand from Hands and Feet at the Beach appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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During a recent Hometalk chat, I mentioned that I time myself when I clean. I didn’t think anything about it until I started getting all kinds of feedback from you guys. I’ve talked about it briefly in posts like Clean Your Kitchen in 5 Minutes or Less, 4 Things You Can Clean in 4 Minutes or Less, and 3 Things You Can Clean in 3 Minutes or Less, but I’ve never thought to talk specifically about the art of competing against the clock.

You see, we tend to underestimate things we enjoy:

Have you noticed that when you’re chatting it up with friends, time flies! You might tell your family you’ll be back in 5 minutes, but it doesn’t happen because you get so engrossed in the conversation. Before you know it,  30 minutes has gone by in a flash!

If we get the chance to go shopping (grocery, clothes or otherwise) by OURSELVES – you know, without kids pulling at our legs and asking for everything they see – a few hours can seem like a blink of an eye!

Contrast that with the things that don’t excite us…

We usually overestimate the time it takes to complete the things we don’t enjoy:

Very few people admit they find enjoyment in cleaning. In fact, most people say they don’t like it at all! But the fact that cleaning isn’t fun, doesn’t mean it should take all day.

Let’s take laundry for example. The thought of washing clothes for an entire family can seem overwhelming. But, when you break down the time it takes to complete the task, it’s really not all that time consuming. Separating the clothes may take a couple of minutes and then another couple of minutes to load them in the washing machine. Then…you just wait. A little while later you take 30 seconds to transfer the clothes to the dryer. And then…wait again. Folding takes the longest of course, but if you time yourself, it probably only takes about 5 minutes. So, a total of 10 active minutes and one load of laundry is finished!

I’m sure there are a few of you thinking to yourself, “Yeah right. Laundry takes a lot longer than 10 minutes!” And maybe it does. Maybe it takes you 12 minutes. Maybe it takes you 8 minute total. But how will you ever know if you don’t time yourself?

There’s a few reasons to time yourself when you clean (or actually when you do anything you don’t like):

• It gives you an end time. If you only have 5 minutes to clean, set your timer and work as fast as you can until your time is up. Then quit!
• You work faster! Knowing that you can quit at the end of your time often gives you motivation to work harder and faster than you would if you had all day to complete the task.
• It’s exact. When you time yourself, you find out exactly how long it takes you to complete a certain task. Once you know that a chore can be finished in 3 minutes, you will dread it less. You’ll also quit procrastinating so it will get clean more often.

It may seem a little silly at first, but try timing yourself when you clean. It works!

Question: How long does it take you to clean the bathrooms, vacuum the house, clean the kitchen, (you fill in the blank)?

The post Clean Faster by Timing Yourself appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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I’ve been in the “physically exhausting” stages of parenting for the past four years. At least that’s what the more experienced moms around me call it! I’ve rarely had a full night sleep since having two boys. I’m constantly preparing food, feeding two mouths, cleaning up what seems like plates-full of food that drops to the floor, pulling kiddos away from danger, carrying a (heavy) baby while holding the hand of busy toddler along with the bags…you get the idea.

You may be in that stage yourself. Or maybe you remember it.

I’m certainly not telling you this to complain. I’m telling you this because I see the light at the end of the tunnel! 

My youngest is getting to the point where I don’t have to carry him every time we go somewhere. Both boys need less stuff when we leave the house so I don’t have to carry armloads of bags every time we go out. I can put the dishes away while the boys play together. Without me. Without fear that the oldest will tackle the baby. They youngest loves finger food which means I don’t have to be around for every single bite. Little by little, they are gaining independence.

Don’t get me wrong, I know this parenting gig isn’t getting easier. There are struggles ahead that I’m sure I’ll only get through by spending a lot of time in prayer. But, I do know this. A full nights sleep coupled with a few minutes of silence to think while the boys play together makes a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in my attitude, alertness, and energy. It’s making me be a better mom because I have the energy to play with them instead of just getting by with the day-to-day.

I’ve just seen glimpses of this…but they are glorious!!

What I’m most excited about is watching my kids play and explore together.

They automatically do this when we go outside. My oldest digs in the dirt trying to find worms. The youngest looks for animals and is elated when he sees a bird or rabbit. They love to play with sidewalk chalk.

But most of the time, that’s pretty much all we do. I don’t really know how to guide them explore. I don’t know what hints or suggestions to give so they can create an adventure of their own.

When one of my friends (who has 4 quadruplet boys by the way) told me about a resource she put together that does this exact thing, I was ecstatic to review a copy. I devoured the ebook and became an affiliate immediately.

It’s called KidVENTURES: 50 Outdoor Experiences of Wonder, Discover, & Childhood Memories.

FIFTY ideas and instructions to keep those kids active and outdoors. FIFTY ideas to create childhood memories. FIFTY ideas to play creatively with your kids.

Don’t you just love that? 

KidVENTURES is put together brilliantly. I mean, just look at the first page of the table of contents.

Do you see how the table of contents is broken down into easy to find categories?

• Is is hot outside and the kids need something fun to do? How about play water balloon dodge ball?
• Do you want to have a late night of family fun? How about a game of flashlight tag?
• Are your kids in the explore mood? How about search for fossils or go bird watching?

Each activity is put together in a simple, easy to read (easy to figure out) format.

I would never in a million years think build a homemade sprinkler! But how exciting would that be for the kids!!

I want the boys to look back on their childhood knowing we had fun, so I’m extremely grateful for all the helpful ideas included in KidVENTURES. I can’t wait to get started!

What about you? Are you making the most of the time you have with your kids or could you use a little help like me? Check out all the KidVENTURES details here and get started making memories today. 

It’s the perfect time of year to get started!

The post Easy Way to Make Memories with Your Kids this Summer appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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A few weeks ago we had our first day of warm weather since moving into our new (to us) home. It was glorious! The entire family played outside and we were all cheerful.

The sunshine even got the animals up and out of their winter homes. Squirrels were bouncing from limb to limb, bunnies were hopping around our yard and we even saw a few bees around the flowering trees.

Unfortunately for us, the ants also came alive and started marching one by one across our kitchen counter. This was my first experience with bugs in the kitchen and it made my skin crawl! I seriously couldn’t stop itching. Mental or not, I had to get those ants OUT of the house as fast as I could.

Fortunately, Toni from A Bowl Full of Lemons had just given me a couple of essential oils to try out. We looked up an ant repellant recipe and I got to work!

Natural Green Ant Repellant

Ingredients/Supplies:

• 1/2 teaspoon natural soap 
• 12 drops of peppermint oil
• 8 ounces water
• Spray bottle

Directions:

Mix natural soap, peppermint oil, and water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray around windows, door seals, or any other place ants are entering.

That’s it! We’ve had a mixture of cold and warm days since then, but I haven’t seen an ant since. But, rest assured, I’ll use every last drop of this ant repellant (along with these other ten ant repellant options) if I see another one crawling in my kitchen. Makes me itch just thinking about it!

So, tell me…have you ever seen ants in your house?

The post Natural Green Ant Repellant appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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It’s been almost four years since I left the corporate world. Sadly, my wardrobe has fallen to the bottom of the priority list since then. Now that I’m a full-time mom and full-time blogger (can I be full-time for both?), my wardrobe isn’t as complex as it once was. I have casual clothes, workout clothes, and a few dresses that I mostly wear to church. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be stylish!

The problem is, my closet has been full of outdated, ill-fitting clothes due to the swing in sizes due to pregnancy.

One of my goals this year has been to get rid of all clothes that doesn’t fit or look good. And then, slowly build a new, limited wardrobe that fits my present lifestyle.

It’s definitely a process to get rid of “perfectly good clothes” that I “paid good money for,” so I’ve had to streamline in spurts. I’m happy to report that the mission is almost complete!

In case you’re curious, this is how I got rid of 90% of my clothes:

First, I hung up all my clothes on hangers facing backwards. You know about this trick, right? If you find that there are still hangers facing backwards at the end of the season, then you know you didn’t wear those particular clothing items that season.

Then I put a box in my closet. As I got ready for the day, if I found an item that didn’t fit properly, I immediately put it in the box. If I wore something but if it didn’t hang right or I felt uncomfortable all day, then I put it in the box after I got home. Basically, I I got rid of items that just didn’t look good on me. If it was too low cut, too big, or too tight, it was gone.

As I wore clothes that fit and looked good, I would wash them and hang them back up on hangers facing the correct way.

After a while it was easy to tell which items I loved and which didn’t fit my lifestyle anymore.

Yesterday, I packed up my winter clothes and only kept the very few pieces that were in good shape, fit well, and I liked. Now every winter piece of clothing I own, including coats and shoes, fit into ONE storage container. I will certainly have some shopping to do when it gets cold later in the year!

Since I’ve been at this process a while, my Spring/Summer wardrobe is just as slim, if not more so. I have some workout clothes, 2 pair of shorts, a few tanks, couple of shirts and a couple of dresses.  I definitely need to go shopping! But I’m not going without a plan since that will get me right back where I was. I’m going to read through The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley (affiliate) that was part of the Homemaking eBook Bundle. My hope is that I will have a minimal wardrobe that I can mix and match for different looks.

I also hope that it will keep my closet clean and organized!

In a few days I’m going to show you my closet as part of the Organizing My Entire Home series. My preference would be to actually get a few more clothes before then…but we’ll see. What I do know so far is that it’s a million times easier to keep my closet organized AND find something to wear in the mornings!

What about you? Do you love your wardrobe or does it need an overhaul like mine?

The post The Path to a Minimalist Wardrobe appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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This post is part of a sponsored campaign as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.  

Since I’m talking about today, I thought I’d share a Mother’s Day deal that Sears has going on. Maybe my husband will read this and help me add to my minimalist wardrobe wardrobe! And maybe you can pass it on to YOUR family too!!

For ONE DAY only, on May 5, Sears is having its Family & Friends sale where you have a choice between receiving 15% off your purchase, or 25% in SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS ℠ Points added to your account.  With Mother’s Day just a few days way, it’s a perfect opportunity to make sure you get what will make you smile…AND your mom smile!

If you’re one who likes suggestions, ere are some great options:

• Cannon® Egyptian cotton towels are $7.99 (reg. $15.99)
• Canon ELPH camera is $129.99 (reg. $169.99)
• Nordic Track T5.7 treadmill is $599.99 (reg. $899.99)
• Up to 20% off All Original Pink Box tools and storage
• 1-cttw stud diamond earrings are $329.99 (reg. $989.99)
• TIMEX, Armitron, Relic, BULOVA and other branded watches are 25% off
• Sterling silver “family tree” pave pendant is 70% off
• Diamond mom ring (SS 1/20 cttw) - $99.99 (reg. $349.99)
• Carter’s® for newborns, infants and toddlers clothing is 50%

Can’t make it to the store tomorrow? Shop these deals online at Sears.com May 4, from 8 p.m. CT – May 7, at 7 a.m. CT.

SHOP YOUR WAY is a free, Members-only program and shopping community that offers rewards, personalized deals, product reviews and services like e-coupons and e-receipts for faster returns and exchanges – you can join at ShopYourWay.com.

The post Family & Friends Sale on May 5 at Sears appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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This post is sponsored by Clorox and I received information about Concentrated Clorox^® Bleach from the company.

My husband and I received six beautiful, fluffy white bath towels for a wedding shower….twelve years ago. We haven’t upgraded those towels since then and it is more than obvious. About once a month, I try to bring a little life back to those towels by washing them all together with a splash full of bleach.

This was super easy to do when we had a top-loading washing machine. Start the water, add in a little bleach, add the towels and let the machine to the rest.

When we were given a front-load washing machine, the job became more difficult. If you have a front-loader you probably know that the bleach dispenser is teeny-tiny...about an inch wide and a inch and a half long. To pour bleach with that kind of precision isn’t the easiest thing to do. 

In our old house, the washing machine was in a room with a tile floor. But this house has a laundry closet off the upstairs hallway. And guess what kind of floor is in the hallway? Yep, carpet! We’ve been here 3 months and I haven’t used bleach yet. Well, that is until today…

Clorox has a new Concentrated Bleach that they asked me to try, and even though I was slightly concerned I would have to replace the carpet in the upstairs hallway, I agreed.

Here are the 4 reasons that convinced me:

• it’s in a smaller bottle (which means it’s easier to pour),
• it’s concentrated (which means I have to pour less),
• it’s easier to use in HE machines (which mine is),
• and….drumroll…the bottle I have is splash-less! The Concentrated Clorox® Bleach comes in Regular, Splash-less and Scented but I was extremely excited about using the splash-less version…you know, just in case…

Concentrated Clorox® Bleach details:

Concentrated Clorox^® Bleach has hit shelves nationwide bringing new benefits to the Clorox bleach product used for generations. It is the same Clorox bleach product you’ve come to know through generations of use, just with less water! Concentrated Clorox^® Regular-Bleach:

• Is in a smaller bottle that is easier to handle and easier to use in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
• Improves whitening of clothes!
• Still has the same number of uses per bottle as the product you’re used to, but its smaller size significantly reduces the amount of water and packaging used in each bottle. This change will help reduce the product and The Clorox Company’s environmental footprint.
• Comes in Regular, Splash-less and Scented.

Instructions for using Concentrated Clorox^® Bleach

Because Concentrated Clorox^® Bleach is more concentrated the instructions for use are slightly different:

To use Concentrated Clorox^® Bleach to whiten and sanitize laundry:

• Add ½ cup of Concentrated Clorox^® Regular-Bleach to a standard or HE washer following the laundry use directions.
• For heavily soiled or extra-large loads, use 1 cup of Concentrated Clorox® Bleach.
• As with any cleaning or laundry product, it is important to read the product label before use.

To use Concentrated Clorox Bleach to disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces:

• Wash, wipe of rinse surface with water.
• Add ½ cup of Concentrated Clorox Bleach to one gallon of water.
• Apply disinfecting bleach solution to the surface and let stand 5 minutes before rinsing.
• Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

You can find this same information on their website here.

All in all, I found that the concentrated version to be incredibly easier to use since the bottle was lighter and smaller. My carpet is still bleach-free and my towels are good to go for another month!

The post Introducing the New Concentrated Clorox® Bleach appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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When we had our first child, I thought it was kind of funny that I had to keep track of pees and poops in the hospital. I mean, I totally understood that the nurses needed to make sure everything was working properly. But every time they asked how many times our son had gone to the bathroom, I just guessed. I’d always say, “oh, 5 or 6 times.”

The same thing happend with our second son. The nurses would ask and I would guess.

It was only after our second-born was six month old that I found out the diapers available at the hospital had a strip on the front that changed colors when wet. It took me almost THREE YEARS to find out that little trick.

If only someone had told me….

Secrets of The Mommyhood

In a perfect world, an experienced mom would have sat me down and told this first-time mom everything I needed to know. But the reality is, most moms are just too busy.

When I found out my hilarious friend Heather from The Mommyhood was writing a book with all kinds of tips and tricks about motherhood, I had to read it! When it arrived in the mail, I knew from the title alone that I would love it…Secrets of the Mommyhood: Everything I wish someone had told me about pregnancy, childbirth and having a baby.

There are sooo many things I needed to know…and still need to know!

She mixes practical advice about all things related to baby with a twist of her Heather humor.

• What should you expect at your first ultrasound appointment?
• What actually happens during childbirth?
• How much of that baby gear will I actually use?
• How can I save money on all that baby equipment?
• Will I really be a supermom like that girl?
• Why do they cry all the time?
• What goes in the diaper bag?
• What do I feed my baby?
• Should I stay or should I go (back to work)?
• How will I make new mom friends?
• How do I track all those pictures I’m going to take?

I know Heather is my friend but I think Secrets of the Mommyhood is a pregnancy book every first-time mom should read to learn about pregnancy, childbirth and having a baby.

Where to Get the Book

Secrets of The Mommyhood is available in paperback from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and in ebook from Kindle and Nook. This is one of the funniest and most informative books you could give a new mom…add it to your baby shower gift list!

Giveaway!

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away, so why don’t you surprise one of your expecting friends with one Secrets of The Mommyhood? Pick it up at one of the retailers mentioned above OR try to win was here!

Just leave a comment letting me know the one thing you wished someone would have told you about pregnancy, childbirth, or having a baby. If you’re not yet a mom, what’s the one thing you would want to know? 

Comments will be closed at 11:59PM EST on Sunday May 5, 2013 and I will use Random.org to select a winner.

The post Secrets of The Mommyhood (plus Giveaway!) appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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Raise your hand if your life is hectic…

I bet that if you took a poll, 9 out of 10 people would say they are too busy. Um...I totally made up that statistic but I’m guessing it’s pretty accurate! 

With work, church, family, and friends you can be running and gunning all day. Add kids to the mix and their mere presence adds even more noise, needs, and activities to your day. When something unexpected happens like a move, a death, an accident, or even a celebratory occasion  it can often be enough to put you over the edge.

But you know what? Times like this are usually only for a season. There are ways to slow down and get your life under control again.

Sometimes you just need a little help.

1. Ask your family and friends for help.

I’ll admit this can be difficult to do. But just think about how you would react if your best friend was going through a rough patch. You’d do everything in your power to help her out!

When those closest to you find out that you’re going under, they’ll almost always jump at the chance to help. You just have to ask.

2. Splurge on a housekeeping service.

Cost is often an issue when hiring professionals. But if maintaining your home is keeping you from doing the things that matter, you could actually come out ahead. If you’ve never thought about getting someone to clean your home, check out these reasons for hiring a professional cleaning service.

3. Seek help from a professional organizer.

Sometimes you just need a little help getting your life in order. Professional organizers know how to organize your belongings so you can find what you need, when you need it. They know how to organize your stuff in such a way that it gains you time (because you can find it) and freedom (because it no longer feels overwhelming). Having another pair of eyes (and hands) around can often make the biggest difference when you’re overwhelmed.

4. Start with one thing.

Do something simple like make up your bed for the day or go through the mail. Sometimes it’s the little things that can bring some sanity back into your day.

5. Get some inspiration.

There are resources like One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler, 10 Steps to Organized Paper, and Organizing Life as Mom (affiliate links) that encourage you to make progress and get organized slowly. Of course there are a million other areas to simplify your life. Think kitchen/meal prep, exercise, motherhood, spiritual growth, etc. Sometimes you just need a bit of time for yourself to read and get re-energized for the craziness! (If you want a few of these resources at your fingertips, check out this special deal that’s going on for the next few days.) 

6. Just say no.

Did you know it’s okay to say no? Being overwhelmed and overworked doesn’t make you a better wife, mom, or friend. Maybe you need to stop teaching Sunday School or find someone else to lead the PTO. Pull back where needed and ask for help. That way you can recharge and spend your time where it matters most.

A mentor once told me that as women, we can do it all…we just can’t do it all at the same time. Keep that in mind the next time you start to feel overwhelmed. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!

What areas of life do you ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

The post 6 Helps for When You Are Overwhelmed appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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For 6 days only, more than 75 bloggers and authors in the homemaking sphere have joined together to offer 97 of their most popular eBooks and eCourses, valued at just over $600, for the incredibly low price of $29.97!

It’s hard to imagine that you could find a more comprehensive collection of homemaking resources anywhere on the web, and particularly not in this price range. For this low price, you gain access to every single one of these resources, so that you can customize your own collection to contain exactly the ones you want and know you’ll use.

This library of homemaking helps include topics such as mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools.

To sweeten the pot, we’ve also teamed up with 10 companies to bring you over $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free!

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Each The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)

Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99)

Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @ Clean Mama ($10.00)

Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)

One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)

28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)

Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00)

Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99)

10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00)

Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95)

Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Educational Children’s Resources

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)

The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)

My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)

Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97)

Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)

K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)

Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)

The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00)

Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99)

The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)

Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97)

Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)

Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99)

Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($3.99)

Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)

Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)

Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00)

Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)

Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)

The Curative Kitchen by Susan @ Handy Pantry ($20.00)

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99)

Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00)

Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99)

My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99)

My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)

The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($5.00)

Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

Holidays & Special Events

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)

Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)

Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)

Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)

iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)

The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)

God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)

Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99)

Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)

Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99)

31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)

Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99)

True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)

Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)

From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)

That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)

42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99)

The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)

Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)

Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)

How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)

How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)

Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)

Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)

You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28′s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

• Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
• For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
• All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
• All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

• It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
• Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

The post The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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I like bacon.

But not just any bacon.

Bacon from a farm here in town that sells free range pork in bulk. It’s nitrate-free and minimally processed. Some of it is uncured (which basically tastes like a pork chop) and some of it is sugar cured. All of is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

I could seriously eat this bacon every day of the week. And I pretty much do.

How do I cook the bacon? In the oven of course!

I cook it on a baking sheet in a 375 F degree oven for fifteen-ish minutes. Basically, until I smell it. Then I take it out of the oven eat it strait from the pan…bacon grease and all! I consider it healthy fat since it’s from a happy pig…

[pinit]

Getting rid of the bacon grease with Bounty DuraTowels.

My family members are a bit different. They love the bacon, but the aren’t exactly into the bacon grease. Their loss, I say!

Thankfully, I still have those Bounty DuraTowels hanging around. Remember last month when I told you about using Bounty DuraTowels to clean the bathroom? Well, they are sponsoring another post here on the ol’ blog, so this month I’m going to tell you how I use them to keep my family happy in the kitchen.

Since my family members aren’t fans of all that bacon grease, I’ve been using the Bounty DuraTowels to eliminate bacon grease from the slices my family eats. There are a few reasons the Bounty DuraTowel works great for the task:

1. They have the consistency of cloth. That means they can soak up a ton of liquid!
2. I only have to use ONE square. I put the Bounty DuraTowel on a plate and place the bacon on it. Then I roll up the sides and use them to blot the top of the bacon.
3. The square is super strong so when the bacon is gone, I roll up the paper towel in a wad and use it to wipe any remaining grease from the plate before washing.

It’s been interesting to use the Bounty DuraTowel because I have to use such a small amount of the roll for each task. At around $2 a roll, it’s going to last forever! Well, at least until I use up the surplus bacon in my freezer. Y.U.M!

I’ll be back next month with another project so if you have any cleaning chores you want me to try the Bounty DuraTowel on, let me know in the comments!!

As I mentioned earlier, this post is sponsored by Bounty DuraTowel as part of a compensated partnership.

The post Soak the Bacon Grease with Bounty DuraTowel appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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I’m not exactly the tidiest person when it comes to cooking. I work fast so I think that makes me a little clumsy. The constant bumps from kids playing cars around my legs probably doesn’t help either.

Anyway, because I frantically run around the kitchen 3+ times a day, it’s not uncommon for me to spill spices, crumbs, food or liquid. Most of the time the crumbs fall on the counter or floor. But sometimes food makes its way down that space between the stove and kitchen counter.

Do you know the space I’m talking about?

The one that’s about 2mm wide but can somehow hold an entire plate full of food?

Well, there’s actually an easy way to clean that space using supplies you already have in the kitchen!

How to Clean the Space Between Your Stove and Kitchen Countertop

Supplies Needed:

• Kitchen table knife or butter knife
• A very thin kitchen rag or paper towel
• All-purpose spray

Directions:

Slide the knife, blade facing away from your body, into the space between your stove and kitchen counter. Gently slide the knife towards the edge of the counter to slide the food out. Repeat if necessary. Then wrap the kitchen rag or paper towel one time around the knife and spray cleaner on the towel. Slide the towel-wrapped knife into the space and pull the knife towards the edge of the counter so that it cleans the edges of the counter. You may have to repeat a couple of times to remove sticky substances.

This is such a simple trick but one that’s often overlooked. Just add this trick to your kitchen clean-up routine and no one will ever know you’re a messy cook!

The post How to Clean the Space Between Your Stove and Kitchen Countertop appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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If you have kids, there’s a high probability you’ll need to clean a few toys during their childhood. Your son might get sick and cover a room full of toys with germs. Your daughter may accidentally drop a favorite stuffed animal in the mud. You and your kids may decide it’s time to pass on old toys to a new friend. Whatever the reason, when it’s time to spruce up the toy box, make the task as easy as possible with these toy cleaning tips.

How to clean non-porous, plastic toys:

Non-porous toys can easily be cleaned in bulk by washing them in the sink or bathtub. Of course, you’ll obviously want to avoid immersing toys into water if they are porous, have batteries, electronic parts, delicate pieces, or holes that would make it difficult to remove the water.  Non-porous, plastic toys can be cleaned using the following method:

• Fill a sink or bathtub with warm to hot water and add a small amount of detergent or dish soap.  
• Add the toys to the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes.
• Use a washcloth or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface.
• Drain the water.
• Rinse the toys with clean water.
• Lay toys on a towel to dry.

How to clean toys with batteries or electronic parts:

Toys that can’t be immersed in water can still be cleaned easily. Just gather all the toys you want to clean, put them in one location, and use the following method to clean them:

• Spray toy surfaces using a spray bottle filled with a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture.
• Scrub the toys gently with a small cleaning brush or a washcloth.
• Wipe dry with a towel.

How to clean large toys, bookshelves, or plastic containers:

Some toys are too big to be washed in the bathtub, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be wiped down periodically. The method is the same as cleaning electronic toys:

• Spray the surface of the item using a spray bottle filled with a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture.
• Gently scrub the large toys, bookshelves, or plastic containers with a small cleaning brush or a washcloth.
• Wipe dry with a towel.

How to clean stuffed animals:

Stuffed animals that contain delicate parts or glued on pieces should be hand-washed, but all others can be washed using the delicate cycle on the washing machine. Be aware that a stuffed animal will rarely look new again after washing. However, we’ve probably all had circumstances where cleaning a stuffed animal is needed!

To wash a stuffed animal in the washing machine:

• Put the stuffed animal in a mesh bag and place it in the washing machine. Front load washing machines work best when cleaning a stuffed animal because they don’t have an agitator that could damage the item.
• Use one-half the amount of detergent needed for a small load and wash using the gentle cycle.
• Leave the stuffed animal in the mesh bag and hang dry.

To hand-wash a stuffed animal:

• Fill a bowl with a small amount of laundry detergent and warm water.
• Dip a washcloth into the soapy water and wring out slightly so it’s not dripping but still wet.
• Spot clean the stuffed animal by rubbing in a circular motion.
• Wet another washcloth with clean water and rub the areas of the stuffed animal you spot cleaned.
• Repeat until the soap residue is removed.
• Put the stuffed animal in a mesh bag and hang dry.

Whether you’re cleaning toys that are plastic, electronic, or stuffed, I hope these tips make the task a bit easier.

What tips do you have for cleaning toys?

The post 4 Easy Ways to Clean Toys appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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Mornings at my house can be a little hectic.

By the time everyone is out of bed, fed, and dressed, there’s almost always a crisis that can put us behind schedule. That “crisis” could be a lost shoe, a toddler melt-down, or a rambunctious kid not quite ready to follow instructions.

Of course I like to blame our hectic mornings on the kids right now. But I remember the exact same thing happening pre-children as I tried to get to work on time. Sometimes I would oversleep. Other times I just couldn’t find anything to wear. There was always a reason to be rushing in the morning!

Thankfully, I’ve learned a few things over the years and implemented several habits that I firmly believe lead to a more productive morning.

4 Evening Routines for a More Productive Morning

1. Take time each night to prepare for the morning. 

Think through the following day by preparing your to do list. Think about your responsibilities at work and home, errands you need to run, people you need to call, etc. Then figure out WHEN you’ll have time to work on those tasks and schedule it on your calendar.

Knowing your day is organized when you wake up will kick that “what am I forgetting?” feeling to the curb.

2. Tackle time-suckers at night.

Figure out what tasks put you behind each morning and tackle them the night before. Do you usually make lunches in the morning? Are your hands full as you carry kids, all their backpacks, and your own bags out to the car? Is it always a chore to pick out clothes in the morning?

Figure out what steps you can complete each night that will make your morning more relaxing. You can easily pack lunches and pick out clothes at night. You can even put bags in the car.

A few simple changes can drastically simplify your morning.

3. Spend 5 minutes tidying up every night.

Go though each room of the house each night and quickly straighten up. Fold blankets. Fluff pillows. Pick up dirty dishes and throw away trash. While your working, put anything that doesn’t belong in that room in an empty laundry basket to distribute as you move throughout the house. Set a timer and work quickly.

5 minutes of uninterrupted speed cleaning can do wonders for the tidiness of you home.

4. Make your kitchen spotless before going to bed. 

The kitchen is often in a central location of the home so when it’s dirty, the entire house feels messy. As one of the most used rooms in the house, keeping the kitchen clean can feel like a constant chore. Thankfully, there are a few tricks to make cleaning the kitchen a bit easier.

• Unload the dishwasher every morning. I know. I know. Just try it and see what you think. I bet it will take less time than you think.
• Put dishes in the dishwasher as soon as you’re finished using them. Train your children to do the same!
• Clean pots and pans while they are still hot. They’ll be clean in a fraction of the time it would take if you let food sit and harden on them.
• Start the dishwasher, wipe down and clean up the rest of the kitchen before bed.

By spending 5 minutes cleaning the kitchen at night, your mood the next morning will automatically be lifted as you walk into your spotless kitchen. A great mood can lead to a very productive morning!

When I straighten up and prepare the night before, it almost always leads to a more productive morning. And being productive in the morning seems to make the entire day better! Have you found the same to be true? What kind of nighttime routines do you tackle to make your mornings more productive?

The post 4 Evening Routines for a More Productive Morning appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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There are certainly times to call in professional house cleaners, but that’s not a feasible option for most. Sometimes it’s easier, not to mention cheaper, to just get the right products to deep clean your home on your own.

But what are the right products?

The answer to that question will be different for everyone, but have you ever wondered if those products can be found somewhere other than the traditional cleaning product isle in the supermarket? Perhaps a product found at a hardware store?

Now I have to tell you, I don’t always think of going to a hardware store to find cleaning products for my home. But I’ve been spending quite a bit of time in hardware stores thanks to our recent move so my perspective has changed. Hardware stores have solutions for very specific needs and we often have very specific needs when it comes to cleaning, right?

When Zep Commercial asked me to try a few of their products found on the shelves of Lowes and Home Depot, it opened up a whole new world of cleaning possibilites for me. They have solutions for all kinds of problems! And since Zep Commercial is the sponsor of this post, I thought I’d share a few of those solutions with you!

Zep Commercial Heavy-Duty Foaming Degreaser

The garage is one of the few areas of my home that isn’t quite put together yet. We focused on getting the inside unpacked first. But now that warm weather is here, I’m more than ready to have a yard sale, get the garage organized and our cars parked in it!

Since our home was previously owned, grease stains cover the floor. I’ve really wanted to clean them up, but I never thought to research exactly how to do that.

With Zep Commercial Heavy-Duty Foaming Degreaser, it was super easy. Spray. Scrub. Wipe.

Seriously, that was it.

They say it’s strong enough for bike and car grease, but safe enough for grills and ovens. What I think is so great about this product is that it’s a thick foam. That means if grease is coating something vertically,  you can spray and it will work it’s magic while staying put.

Zep Commercial Clear Shell Mold & Mildew Inhibitor

When I first saw the Clear Shell Mold & Mildew Inhibitor I immediately considered using it on the tile in my shower. But as I read more about how it creates an antimicrobial shield against mold & mildew growth and that it works great on patios, basements, awnings, boats, siding, etc. I immediately brainstormed ways I could use it outside.

If we had an awning, I would have used it there first because those things can get di-rty! But we don’t so I went to the next best thing…patio furniture! The instructions said it was safe on fabric so I’m all for protecting our furniture before the major humidity strikes.

The fact that they say it works on siding is fascinating to me so I’m tackling that project next. Cleaning siding is the pits so protection from mold and mildew there is key!

Zep Commercial Garbage Odor Eliminator

You know I’m all for cleaning the outdoor trash can, right? Responsibility for taking out the trash can be a struggle for some because you have to hold your breath while you do it. And if you keep your trash can under the carport or in the garage, the smell can permeate the entire room.

When you don’t have time, weather doesn’t permit, or you just flat out refuse to clean your outdoor trash can, know that there’s another solution. The Zep Garbage Odor Eliminator.

Just sprinkle it in and voila:

• Controls odors on contact. Thank you very much!
• Long-lasting fragrance controls odors from pets, food and diapers. Um, we have a LOT of diapers right now.
• Absorbs leaks and spills. We have those too. I guess I try to cram too much into a bag.
• Contains citronella. Bugs be gone!!

Zep Commercial Leather Cleaner and Conditioner

And finally, the product I was most excited about using! We found this leather couch on clearance. We were intrigued the moment we saw it because it was SUCH a good deal and there are two built in recliners. Ahhh!

Unfortunately there’s not a lot of downtime with our current life stage but we have high hopes for the future. That means this couch needs to last!

The Zep Commercial Leather cleaner and conditioner does two things in one step. Plus it softens the leather making it even more comfortable to relax. It also provides UV protection and since our couch is right in front of the window, it sunlight hits it for several hours of the day.

It was so easy to spray on and wipe off that I’m definitely adding this to my cleaning routine. And as soon as that finished, I’m going to schedule a time for the grandparents to keep the kids so I can grab a book and actually use that reclining feature!!

I had so much fun looking around on the Zep Commercial website because it seems like they have a product for almost every household cleaning need. Since the products area available at Lowes and Home Depot, they’re making it easy on us home owners to find inexpensive products that work great!

If you ever have a specific house cleaning need, check out Zep to see if they have a solution for you. You’ll alsow want to make sure your follow them on Facebook or Twitter because you never know what kind of goodies you’ll find from them there!

The post Professional Strength Cleaning for Homeowners Who Want to Clean Like a Pro appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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When my husband and I were getting ready to sell our house, I cleaned like it was the Spring Cleaning season on steroids! That house was deep cleaned top-to-bottom and side-to-side. The best part about the entire thing was that I quit procrastinating on some of the projects I just never had time to get around to. One of those projects was cleaning the plastic strip at the bottom of our glass shower door.

Deep cleaning the shower was part of my regular cleaning routine, but I didn’t always focus on the details. Sometimes getting the bulk of the shower clean and a quick wipe down of the glass shower doors was all I could do. Can you relate?!

When it was time to start showing our house, I knew it was time to make the shower look brand new again. I deep cleaned the shower, made the shower doors sparkle and finally cleaned the gunk out of the plastic strip on the bottom of the door.

Here’s how…

How to Clean the Plastic Strip at the Bottom of a Glass Shower Door

Evaluate the issue.

It’s difficult to tell from the picture, but there is soap scum and buildup underneath and over the plastic strip.

Here’s a close up…

Remove the plastic strip.

Well, you may not know this, but that plastic strip can be removed. Quite easily actually. Start by grabbing one end and pull down. You may have to tug quite a bit. After all, it is meant to seal the door and keep water in the shower! Once you get it started, you can remove the rest of the plastic strip easily.

Clean the plastic strip.

The next part is where the real work comes in. But, if you have the right tools, it’s actually pretty easy.

I stuck the plastic strip in the tub, sprayed some cleaner on it and scrubbed like crazy with hard-bristled cleaning brush. Then I rinsed and repeated. Twice!

You could use any your regular shower cleaner, a cleaner made specifically for the gunk on your plastic strip (mold, mildew, soap scum), a homemade cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, anything really. And you could use any type of scrubbing tool to clean it like an old toothbrush or scouring pad. You also need a little (or a lot) of elbow grease depending on how dirty your plastic strip is.

Finish cleaning glass door and replace plastic strip.

While the plastic strip is off the door, you’re able to REALLY clean the glass door. There’s nothing in the way so it makes it so much easier to clean the door. When the door is clean, replace the plastic strip.

That’s it! Now you can enjoy your sparkling clean shower!

I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a glass shower door? Have you ever cleaned the plastic strip before? 

The post How to Clean the Plastic Strip at the Bottom of a Glass Shower Door appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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Thank-you so much to everyone that came out and participated in our Spring Cleaning Challenge! We hope you got a little inspiration and a lot of motivation to tackle those Spring Cleaning projects!

Before we announce the winners, we want to thank the amazing sponsors who helped to make this challenge possible…

EasyClosets

EasyClosets offers do-it-yourself storage solutions for the closet, garage, laundry room, pantry, and more. Use the intuitive online design tool or free design service to plan your dream space. Orders are custom cut and shipped free the next business day. Easy to design, install and love –that’s EasyClosets’ promise to you!

Connect with Easy Closets:  Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Kärcher

Kärcher is the global market leader in cleaning technology. Karcher prides itself in providing innovative and sustainable products developed entirely in line with the needs of Kärcher’s customers. One central aspect is the reduction of energy consumption while increasing cleaning performance. Over the past year Kärcher has brought over 100 new products onto the market, including the user-friendly scrubber- driers, hot-water high-pressure cleaners with energy saving eco efficiency settings, wet and dry vacs with efficient filter shakers and unique accessories for high-pressure cleaners. In 2011 the company was also involved in environmental conservation, and it supported numerous charitable, social and cultural institutions in a number of countries.

You can find out more about Karcher’s product line HERE.

HomeRight

HomeRight has a history of innovation, a passion for quality, and a desire to exceed customer expectations. HomeRight was the originator of the PaintStick in 1986 and today has a full line of power painting, automotive and home care products.  This steam cleaner uses pressurized, high power steam to loosen and dissolve dirt, grease, grime and kill bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals.  It can be used in practically every room of your home and is amazing at cleaning grout and getting into all of those hard-to-reach areas {like around the toilet!}.

 

Connect withHomeRight:  Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

PROXI

PROXI® products is a unique line of Oral Care, Personal Care and Home Care products using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) with environmentally-responsible ingredients. H₂O₂ cleans powerfully and breaks down to just water and oxygen, eliminating concerns over left-behind residuals. The company is committed to creating products that are both healthy and high in performance, and believes in full ingredient disclosure. The function of each ingredient can be found on PROXIproducts.com.

Connect with PROXI:  Facebook / Pinterest/ Twitter

*****************

And now for the WINNERS!!!! {drum roll please…}

The winner of the $1000 customized closet organization system from Easy Closets is
Jessica Lynn Pugh

The winner of the power washer and window vac from Karcher is
Kimberly Tate Stahlke

The two winners a of multi-purpose power steamer from HomeRight are
Amber Wiggins
Samantha Kuehlewind

The five winners of a cleaning product package from PROXI are
Karen Shulman Kaplan
Michelle
Laura Doll Kotwica
Lauren @ MomHomeGuide
Gretchen Didion Simpson

The challenge may officially be over but there is still lots of time left for Spring Cleaning!  If you are looking for a little cleaning inspiration, you can always find our posts here…

I Dream of Clean - Organizing the Office
A Real Life Housewife  - Spring Cleaning the Kitchen
Clean Mama - Organizing the Closets in 4 Easy Steps
Clean and Scentsible – Spring Cleaning the Bedrooms
Ask Anna – Spring Cleaning the Bathrooms

Or check out our Best Cleaning Tips Board over on Pinterest!

Happy Cleaning!

The post Spring Cleaning Challenge Winners! appeared first on iDreamOfClean.

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