Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Updated Linen Closet Using ACP Vinyl Tiles

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Do you happen to remember when I transformed my linen closet?  It was one of my favorite projects.  With the addition of paint and wallpaper it became a nice space to store my toiletries.

Over the years the wallpaper began to peel and was peppered with bulges.  It was embarrassing!  

So imagine my delight when I was contacted by The Home Depot and asked to partner with them using their Acoustic Ceiling Products.  It was just the motivation I needed to get my hot mess of a linen closet cleaned up!   

The vinyl tiles
were so easy to work with.  No special tools required!  I break down the process over at The Apron Blog.  Please click over here to view the full tutorial.



Sunday, September 11, 2016

Cleaning With Mean Green Outside

As much as I love the warm weather that summer season brings, mosquitoes halt all my outdoor housekeeping plans. Oftentimes, I cannot tend to my yard because the mosquitoes seem to attack me. As a result, things have been a bit neglected. Fortunately, the air has gotten cooler and the mosquitoes have tapered off so I can finally get back to doing what I love most.

 My patio was in dire need of TLC. Leaves and dirt scattered the table, my flower pots looked weathered down from the elements and the entire area just seemed dirty.

 Usually, I use soap and warm water to clean everything off, but I needed something stronger this time around.

Using Mean Green Super Strength, I wiped everything down. The patio table and my flower pots looked good as new with very little effort.



 With a few flower changes and the addition of classic miniature pumpkins, I welcomed the autumn season with open arms.

In no time, my patio table was streak-free and ready for an evening outside with family and friends.

I am extremely happy with the results I received from using Mean Green products and they are a brand I consistently use and love.

Whenever you are in a cleaning situation like my own or merely want to put a pep in your cleaning routine, I strongly recommend Mean Green products for the clean you need!


*To learn more about Mean Green and their products, visit meangreendegreaser.com.  You can also follow along with the Mean Green Social Hub.  Check them out on Facebook-facebook.com/meangreendegreaser and Twitter- twitter.com/meangreen_clean.

**This post was made possible through a partnership with Mean Green.  All opinions expressed and experiences are my own words.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Think TaZa: Drama-Free Drinkware

I have broken many glasses while unloading the dishwasher.  Just recently, I tipped a wine glass over and the stem broke.  I'll admit I can be a little clumsy, but I barely tapped it!  Glass is delicate and easy to break.

So you can imagine my excitement when I was contacted by TaZa Design and asked to review their unbreakable drinkware and bottle opener.

http://www.taza.co/

 When I opened the box they felt sturdy and looked like glass.  They wash great in the dishwasher; no chips or chance of breaking.
  
 The Pop the Top Automatic Bottle Opener is simple and actually fun to use!

 As you push down the grip pulls the bottle cap off the bottle.  You'll hear it "pop" while using little pressure.

 The glasses can be used daily or look elegant enough for wine and dinner with friends.


 They're great for drinks.  I used them this week while we sipped on a late summer sangria.

 The recipe was delicious!  A nice glass makes the wine taste better.


*This post was made possible through a partnership with TaZa Design.  All opinions expressed and experiences are my own words.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Looking Back at August


August is an exciting time of the year for my family; birthdays, anniversary and back to school.

 My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary last week.  Hard to believe it's been that long.  We've grown so much as a couple.  Marriage is indeed a lot of hard work, but we're a team!  He loves me through the good times and the bad times.  I'm lucky to have him by my side.

I wanted the day to start off special.  So I decorated our bedroom before he woke up.  Later that morning we enjoyed cake for breakfast with the kids.


On my husband's birthday we had a nice dinner at home.  It was simple, but I made it special by making one of his favorite meals.

I tried fried green tomatoes for the first time.  I found a recipe online and they were seriously so good.  I topped them with pimento cheese and basil from my herb garden.

Crape myrtles are blooming all over Georgia.  They're such beautiful trees.  I love seeing them line the street.

Pretty flowers always brighten my day!

We gave our deck an update on a budget.  It's a small area, but painting the deck a new color made a big difference.  This decorative pouffe is great for extra seating.  I love the design!  The crisp black and white colors are perfect for the space.  The cover is removable for easy maintenance.  

I really love the shape of this mirror.  I wasn't sure if it would work outside.  It's now a great addition to our space.

It's been finished for weeks.  I hoped to share the reveal, but it's just been too hot.  Hopefully in a few weeks when the mornings are cooler and the mosquitoes disappear I can share with you.

On the weekends I love to serve breakfast continental style. It's easy and we can relax while we gather around the table.  That's what I'll miss most about summer.  Not having to rush in the mornings to get everyone out the house.  No schedules!  No routines!  Taking it easy and enjoying breakfast in bed.

Fall is just around the corner and I'm excited for cooler weather.  I'll be back later with some fall decorating ideas.


*I received the Linear Leaf Pouffe through a partnership with Walls Need Love.  All opinions expressed and experiences are my own words.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Cleaning Up My Act: Meet the Robotic Vacuum That Changed My Life

Having two large dogs that shed enough fur to create wigs creates a slew of chores alone.

To put it into perspective, I could spend all day vacuuming the house, dusting every surface, and mopping every floor and within a few hours, my house will have just as much shedded fur as before.

The manual labor is a daunting and an extremely exhaustive task, which means I need all the help I can get.

Luckily, my wishes have finally come true! I was gifted with Bob, a helpful robotic vacuum that scoots across the floor with ease and sucks up debris. bObsweep tackles five chores in one: vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, UV sterilize and filters the air.

Reaching all nooks, crannies, and crevices that I cannot, he does an amazing job at keeping the stray furries at a minimum. He was especially useful during the weeks of incoming family from out of town, who were sensitive to extra dust and pet dander.



 Bob is as simple to use as your traditional vacuum. Charge him while not in use, then unplug and power him up when you need him! His sleek and modern design keeps his cleaning covert and even stylish as he maneuvers around your space with ease.

He even transitions from floor to carpet seamlessly!

However, one thing I must mention is that, like any other traditional vacuum, he does get a bit tangled on fringed rugs. If you're mindful of that, then it's smooth sailing.

My dogs even grew keen to him, officially making him a part of the family!

I no longer have to take hours upon hours out my week to rid the house of dog fur and debris, giving me more time to relax with family or even tend to my outdoor housekeeping.

If convenience and modern cleaning are important to you and your lifestyle, consider adding Bob into your home.

Interested in learning more? Visit www.bobsweep.com to be swept off your feet!

*This post was made possible through a partnership with #bObsweepPetHair.  All opinions expressed and experiences are my own words.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Beer Cocktail- My Way

All year long my husband loves to grill.  


In the summertime we enjoy an ice cold drink with our meal.  My first choice would be Pepsi, not beer.  We don't particularly like the flavor.  I prefer something fruity.
  
 Then a friend of mine raved on and on about beer margaritas and I was quite intrigued.  I've tried all different types of beers and it's the bitter taste that turns me off.  But she assured me the drink was simple, refreshing, crazy delicious and perfect to make at our next barbecue.

 I gathered the ingredients to make a large pitcher.  I'm not a fan of tequila, so I left it out.  A margarita without tequila isn't really a margarita, but it sure was good without it!  For color and the slightest flavor I mixed in blackberry-pear hard cider.  

Directions
In a large pitcher pour in: 1 pint ice cold beer(not slushy or frozen), 12 oz cider and 10oz club soda.  Mix in 12 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate and 16 oz container lemon sorbet until it dissolves.  Fill glasses and enjoy!

In this case the bitter taste was gone and surprisingly delicious.

Beer pairs nicely with burgers and grilled chicken.  I'll be making this drink again.  There's no denying that!!

Sunday, July 31, 2016

A Trip to The Farmers Market

Although I grew up in New Jersey and most of my family still lives there, I love living in Atlanta.  The cost of living is cheaper and there's always something to do!  It truly feels like home.

There's nothing I love more than shopping at the farmers market.  Friendly vendors and locally-sourced fruits and vegetables are just a few of my favorite reasons to support them.

The weather was beautiful Saturday morning, so my husband and I decided to go shopping.  The Atlanta Farmers Market is huge.

 It's just 5 miles from the airport.  I enjoyed watching the planes flying low as they zoomed by.

 Need to buy some dried herbs and spices?

 Where do you usually buy your fruits and vegetables?

The nursery had a great selection of outdoor plants...
 
and planters in all colors, shapes and sizes.

I was so happy to find a rubber tree for only $15.  My husband had a rubber tree growing up.  He has fond memories of his mom wiping the leaves down to keep them beautiful and shiny.  I hope I can keep it alive.

Kicking myself for not buying an anise tree(illicium parviflorum).  The leaves are so beautiful.

Last stop was the floral department to browse the beautiful arrangements.


Stop and smell the roses!!


Flowers were available in nearly every color of the rainbow.





Glad we made the decision to go.  I'm excited to go back in the fall when the potted mums are available!