Filtrete

I use Filtrete air filters in my home.
They work...
We have a wood stove that we use in the winter and that Filtrete catches more dust and soot and Lord knows what else...  How do I know they work? It's simple - I tried the others... They don't work as well and I end up with all that dust and soot all over my house.

Speaking of all that dust and soot... Spring Cleaning is upon us.  Okay, so I know it's almost summer and I've not started my spring cleaning yet. Hey, I'm busy! It might not get done until mid June, but I'll get there!

So since I'm going to start my spring cleaning (one of these days), I thought I'd share what Filtrete sent to me. It's called Cleaning from Top to bottom - tips and secrets for a cleaner, healthier home by Laura Dellutri.  Basically, you start at the top and work your way down. Start with ceiling fans and mantles, the tops of doorframs, and all those really dusty places we don't usually see.  (Heck, I never see any of those places because I'd have to get a stool and if I did get a stool, I'd see the dust up there...)
From there we should wipe down the windows and walls. Since I have those new windows, cleaning them is a breeze. (It's almost fun, but don't tell anyone.)
Then we go to the horizontal surfaces - mattresses and pillows need a good clean. From there we hit the floor and we're good to go.
But, you can't forget to clean the air - use Filtrete.  I try to change the filter every other month during the winter because of the wood stove. I usually change the filter a little less frequently in the summer because it just doesn't need it.

My regular cleaning - that seems to be something that's never ending - and it ranks right up there with laundry. I'm constantly wiping down my counters - I like them shiny and spotless. It's just the way it is around here. The refrigerator gets wiped down weekly - this actually helps with "out dates". I don't have any of those issues.  My sink is the bane of my existence, though... I'm constantly wiping it down or scrubbing it... But I did learn this:  "To keep the sink shiny, use a buffing wheel to restore luster. Then use a cloth to generously apply mineral oil.  Water will bead up and roll off, keeping it shiny and helping prevent spots." Who knew?? I'm off to try that now!

Oh and since you're going to be starting your spring cleaning, you might want to visit the Filtrete website. There are coupons for big savings.  Also, check out the Clean Air Club and register to receive e-newsletter and better home living tips!



“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Don't Fret the Sweat!

When my kids reached the tween stage, they started to umm... how can I say this nicely... stink.  I promptly went out and purchased deodorant. I would not have them be "the stinky kid" in school - ever.  I didn't want them to be embarrassed or nervous at school or camp...

That said, I am sure didn't tell my kids that they needed deodorant in a way that would protect their psyche -- I probably said something like, "Honey, you stink. Use this." 
Well, now there is a better way.

Unilever has come up with a new website for parents and kids.  It's called Don't Fret the Sweat.  There are answers to all kinds of questions you and your tween/teen might have.  There are articles written by experts, and there's so much more!!!  Heck, there's even a product matchmaker that will point you in the right direction!!

There's a great FAQ!  Want to tell your tween he's stinky but not scar him for life? The answer is there. Want to know the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant? The answer is there. Want to know which deodorant/antiperspirant is best for your kid? The answer is there. Check it out!

There are also coupons - read this makes your purchase virtually free.  This way, you can try them all if you have to!!

We received the new Dove Ultimate Go Fresh deodorant/antiperspirant in the pomegranate and lemon verbena scent. It is wonderful! LLB and I both tried and we both love it. It keeps us dry and the scent isn't overpowering or powdery.  They also sent us body spray in the same scent. It's light and fresh and it complements the deodorant very nicely.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Unilever and received the items necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Be Nice!

This is a rant.
If you don't like it - click the red button.

I was driving home on the highway this afternoon.  It was a busy time on the roads, but not quite rush hour. This particular exit usually has two lanes exiting, but one was closed due to construction.  This meant a change in traffic pattern.  It was confusing.  Actually, it was hairy as far as traffic goes...

An SUV was trying to move into the exit lane and another large pickup truck refused to let the person in.  The person in the SUV was not being rude or anything.
He had his turn signal on.  
He slowed down to try to get to the ramp. He actually looked pretty desperate...
He signaled to please let him in...

That pickup truck driver was simply nasty!
He refused to give an inch.
He even sped up so the SUV just couldn't get in.
What? Is this a race?
The next exit is 8 - yes, 8 miles up the road.
The SUV ended up going to the next exit to turn around - 16 extra miles all because someone wouldn't be nice.

This little incident happened right in front of me.
Yes, my knickers are in a twist...
I try to be a considerate driver.
I've been lost.
I've been confused in a new traffic pattern.
I've been there - and so has everybody else.
So -- if someone wants to get off the highway, please... be nice and let them off.

That Cat!

Wow! I've not posted  here in a while... I wonder what that's done to my readership.

I've been busy subbing, making posters, playing word games with my sister, being a band mom, and generally not keeping up with much around here.
That's life, I guess.

It's been kind of hard to think of things to write about - until this morning.

I was in dreamland - on the bleeding edge of sleep and awake...
I could hear Mini Kitty getting into trouble...
It's one of those distinct sounds that you just can't describe... kinda like silence and scratching all at the same time.  She is worse than a toddler - she just gets into mischief... She can't help it.
I opened my eyes to find her on top of Mr.'s dresser with her paw reaching into his sock drawer.
I watched as she reached in to his barely open sock drawer. She slowly pulled out one sock at a time (this took some doing as the drawer was barely open), inspected it, and dropped it on the floor.
She watched each sock float to the floor before she went for the next one...
Eventually, she caught me watching her.
She paused - sock in claw.
She looked at me as if to say, "Umm... Yeah... Um... This isn't a sock..." as she quickly let the last one go.
She abandoned her sock quest and hopped down. 
(There is now a pretty decent sized pile of Mr. socks in front of his dresser which I left there for him to find.)





That cat!

Playin' Word Games

I happen to love word games and Scrabble is right up there as one of my all time favorites.  Earlier last week I got a message from my sister about a new scrabble like game we can play via our iPhone/iTouch. It's called Words with Friends. We live many states apart and lead very different lives. (She's the city mouse. I'm the country mouse.) But... we LOVE to play games.  Whenever we get together, we play games, so this is right up our alley.

I promptly downloaded the game.  It is soo much fun! My sister is tough competition let me tell you... gone are the days of the easy win. (The last time that happened, I think she was 4.)   Yesterday I had to come up with a 50 point word just to stay in the game. 

I love turning on my iTouch and seeing that it's my turn.   There's a little hello, a little sisterly competition, and a whole lot of love tied up in that little message.
So - if you need me, I'm trying to think up a seven letter word that has 6 vowels and a V.

U by Kotex

We were asked to try the new line of "feminine protection" U by Kotex.  It is designed for teens. It comes in a black box and the items inside are brightly colored.
We received pantyliners. 
LLB tried them out and thinks they are terrific! They are thin, but absorbent. They work quite well.

Their new U line is simply wonderful! Everything is designed with the teen in mind.  The tampons are designed to be small until you need them so they can be hidden in a pocket or purse until then. They can even be held in your hand without the world knowing what you've got. 

The commercials? OMG! They are hysterical!! Check it out here!

Everyone is different and U is designed so you can pick out the products that meet your needs the best. Aunt Flo is a pain, but U makes Aunt Flo seem not so bad after all.

The website is terrific as well. Got questions? The answers are there. 
Need to plan - or figure out when Aunt Flo is coming for a visit? There's a planner there for you!
Want to know how to start talking to your tween about Aunt Flo? It's all there!!

Kotex - It's new and improved - it's certainly not like your mom's old style sanitary napkin!!

 “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Kotex and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Right Out Straight

Busy is my middle name.
I've been to a handbell festival, saw half of the school play, went to the ribbon outlet and the grocery store, had a birthday party for LLB, made 48 cupcakes, had a bell rehearsal, taught my class, and subbed for Civics - I've done all of this since last Thursday.
The car still has stuff in it, but I'll get that shrapnel out today -- maybe.
But there is no rest for the wicked - I've got to get my swim in, pick up LLB so she can get her new eyeglasses, and go to a band meeting.
So - I'll be "out of pocket" today...
That sounds so officially cool - except it's so incredibly geeky I can't stand myself!