Purex Triple Action Review

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I started buying a Purex products a couple of years ago.  I was first attracted to the brand when I noticed how much money I could save by purchasing it instead of other leading brands.  So last year when I learned about the Purex Insider program, I just had to become a member!

Purex is rolling out a new Triple Action  formula across the entire liquid detergent line. This new and improved Triple Action formula delivers even better on Purex’s promise to leave your clothes bright, white, and clean, and as always, for half the price of the leading brand!
The detergent is for all types of washing machines including high efficiency.  And it comes in different scents including Moutain Breeze, Lavender Fress, and After the Rain.  And they also have a Free & Clear version if you prefer something without the usual dyes and scents.
I really like this new product. The Moutain Breeze variety has a nice scent, and I love the innovations that are allowing us to use less and less detergent and still have fresh, clean results!
If you love Purex, or if you’ve never tried it and would like to, please come back next week to check a giveaway I’ll be hosting featuring another Purex product and something from Jockey!
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Disclosure: I’m a Purex Insider and received free products to review. I was in no other way compensated, and the opinions are my own.

Greased Lightning Review and Giveaway

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At the start of the new year, I always find myself making new year’s resolutions and goals  that have to do with organization and house cleaning (perhaps because the house always seems to be a mess after the holidays).  If you’re still cleaning up after the holiday chaos, or you’ve got some housework resolutions for 2012, consider adding a little Greased Lightning to your list of cleaning supplies!

Greased Lightning has a variety of products to help with all your everday cleaning tasks.  Their products include Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner, Orange Blast, Bleach Powered, and Multipurpose Cleaner.
I recently received a sample of the Multipurpose Cleaner & Degreaser. The original Greased Lightning formula is time-tested for superior cleaning and stain-fighting power. Greased Lightning conquers the toughest stains and can be used throughout the home.

Suggested uses include:

  • Cut through grime on stove vents, ovens and microwaves. 
  • Remove red wine, pet stains and dirt from everyday traffic on carpets. 
  • Use as a laundry pretreat for tough stains including grease, grass and ink. 
  • Tackle soap scum and mildew stains in the shower. 
  • Revitalize patio furniture by removing dirt and outdoor debris.
With so many ways to use this product, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have it on hand in your home.  Because it has so many uses, this is also a perfect product for someone who’s looking to save money, save space, and simplify in their home this year.
And the product works very well. I remember when I lived at home with my dad, he always used Greased Lightning when he had a tough cleaning job to do.  As for me, I found it to be a great product for cleaning our microwave and stove, and it has a very strong, clean smell.
Giveaway! One Simply Sweet Home reader will receive a bottle Greased Lightning.
To win, please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.

Stain Solver Review and Giveaway

For the past week or so, I’ve been catching up on some spring cleaning, and I happy to have the opportunity to try a new product called Stain Solver.
Stain Solver, which just launched this spring, cleans anything from tile floors, counters, decks and roofs, to your most precious garments and favorite pair of jeans. Stain Solver is an environmentally safe oxygen bleach that is non-toxic, all natural and completely kid and pet safe. The materials used in the active ingredient are so pure they are registered by the FDA as food-grade quality! You can’t get any purer than that!
I was immediately attracted to this product for two reasons: I can use it around my cats without worry.  And the product can be used on so many different items.
For my test run of the product, I decided to try it on our living room rug.  We’ve had this rug for almost 4 years now, and as you can imagine, over time it becomes stained from just general everyday use.  I moved our coffee table to vacuum the other day, and was particularly horrified by the area that’s immediately in front of the couch, where feet and shoes have been.
So I used the Stain Solver on this area.  I kind of thought, since the stain is set in, that it might not work on this type of job, but I was wrong!  I used it on a small area just to test it out, and I was completely amazed at the results.  
For one thing, the towel that I placed over the cleaned area (while I waited for it to dry) came up dirty from all the stain that came out of the rug.  And the area of the rug that I cleaned was actually clean and bright again! Amazing!  I can’t wait to use it on some other stuff! 
Stain Solver just launched its Spring Clean Sweepstakes, where you can win a grand prize of $1,000 to Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as a year’s supply of Stain Solver. To enter, just visit the site and fill out the contest form. You have until May 26 to enter!
Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a sample of Stain Solver.  To win, visit Stain Solver and leave me a comment telling me something you learned OR leave a comment telling me how you’d use this product. Deadline to enter: May 26
-1 if you follow @StainSolver on twitter.
-1 if you like Stain Solver on Facebook.
-1 if you follow @SimplySweetHome on Twitter.
-1 if  you subscribe to Simply Sweet Home via email.
 -1 if you like Simply Sweet Home on facebook.
-1 for subscribing to my RSS feeds through Feedburner.
 -1 for sharing this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. (Sample Tweet: I want to win Stain Solver!  http://bit.ly/janc5R @SimplySweetHome @StainSolver) (Limit one tweet entry per day.)

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Simple Solution Stain + Odor Remover Review and Giveaway

As a cat mommy, I’m always interested to learn about cleaning products that are safe to use around my kitty babies. Simple Solution is a complete line of pet products from Training Pads and Diapers to Household cleaners.
For more than 30 years, trusted pet lovers have relied on the extensive Simple Solution product line to take care of their furriest family members.  In 2010 they introduced their Paw Safe™ Household Cleaners, a line of safe cleaners made without harmful chemicals.

Our family had the chance to try the Simple Solution Stain + Odor Remover.  This product is the only formula with both Pro-Bacteria & enzymes to totally eliminiate stains and odors, and like the other Simple Solution products, it is safe for use around pets and children.

This product is made to be used on carpets, upholstery, bedding, clothing, and any water-safe surface.  And it is so easy and convenient to use.  You just add a little cleaner to the soiled spot; wait 10 minutes for it to work in, then blot the excess moisture, and let dry.  Very easy!
You can also add this to your Carpet Cleaning Machines, or you can use it to pretreat your stained clothing before washing.
Our kitty cats were well trained as kittens by their cat-mom Molly, so we don’t ever have a problem with urine and feces.  The one problem that we do have occasionally is throw-up, usually due to hair balls.  And you never know when this may occur, so it’s good for me to have a product like this around for a quick and easy cleaning job.  IApart from the ease of use, I was very pleased with the pleasant and clean smell of the product.  And most of all, I love that it’s chemical free and safe to use around Rebel and Dixie.
And I think you’ll also be excited to learn more about the other products in this line, including their toy cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, carpet shampoo, and so much more!

Win it!  Two of my readers will win a bottle of the Simple Solution Stain + Odor Remover. 

Mandatory Entry:  You must be a follower of my blog. Then just visit the Simple Solution site. Then come back here and tell me a product that you’d like to try.

Deadline: Feb 25

Extra Entries: Leave a comment for each.
-2 if you follow @SimplySweetHome on Twitter.
-1 for subscribing to Simply Sweet Home via email.
-1 for “liking” Simply Sweet Home on facebook.
-1 for subscribing to my RSS feeds through Feedburner.
-1 for sharing this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. 
(Sample Tweet:  I want to win Simple Solution Stain  + Odor Remover! Safe for pets and chemical free! http://bit.ly/h1CUAq @SimplySweetHome @Simple_Solution )  (Limit one tweet entry per day.)

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Disclosure: For hosting this giveaway, I recieved a bottle of Simple Solution Stain + Odor Remover.  I was not otherwise compensated for this post.  If you have a product and would like for me to write a review or host a giveaway, please contact me via email.

Smelly Towel Cleaner Review & Giveaway

 Looking for a way to remove mold and mildew odor and naturally refesh your towels without using fabric softener? Here’s a solution for you!
I recently had the opportunity to try out some Smelly Towel Cleaner.  At our house we have the really big, thick towels, and if they set wet for any length of time before or after washing, they are left a with a musty smell, so I was really happy to discover this product!
I was very impressed by the amount of cleaner that is needed for each load of towels.  For a large load, you only need a cap full or one tablespoon of cleaner. That’s all!  In fact, when I received the cleaner, I had at first thought that this was something to put in place of fabric softener, along with regular detergent, and I was very surprised when the bottle instructed me to use the Smelly Towel Cleaner alone. 
And it worked!  So far I’ve used the Smelly Towel Cleaner for 3 loads, and each and every towel has come out smelling clean and fresh. 
My true way to really test this product was to use it without telling my husband. (He’s the one that always seems to find the smelly towels!)  As I said, I’ve used the Smelly Towel Cleaner on three loads, and finally today I nonchalantly said, “Well, the Smelly Towel Cleaner seems to work well.”  His response: “Yeah. I haven’t found any smelly towels in a while.  If I had, you know I would have complained about it.  So it must work!” (That’s a ringing endorsement for sure!)
Each 12 oz. bottle holds enough cleaner for 24 treatments, and it sells for $16.99.  This is a little pricey compared to other detergents, but when you consider that you’re only going to use the product for towels, it’s not such a bad price.   It’s also not that bad of a deal when I consider that I wash towels about once a week, so for us one bottle is a 6 month supply of the cleaner. 
All in all, I’d say this is a great product.  I love the idea of only using a tablespoon of cleaner for a load of laundry.  And I think it’s natural formula is perfect for those of you with allergies.  And most of all, it worked very well, leaving the towels smelling fresh.

Connect: 
Like Smelly Washer on Facebook.
Follow Smelly Washer on Twitter.

Win it!  One of my readers will win a bottle of Smelly Towel Cleaner. 

Giveaway closed. Congrats to Erin at Making Memories with Your Kids

-Jerri

Disclosure: This Product Was a Free Giveaway Sponsored by Tomoson.com. The opinions expressed here are my own.  If you would like to advertise or have a product reviewed on my site, please see my PR page.

ecoStore USA Review/Giveaway

I actually haven’t tried a lot of organic products, but the organic lines that appeal to me most are the cleaning and healthcare product lines, so I was very excited when I got the chance to try some products from ecoStore USA.  Ecostore NZ was founded more than 15 years ago in New Zealand.  Their products are plant based and contain “No Nasty Chemicals” (that is, no synthetic petrochemicals, dyes, perfumes, etc.).
Their health & beauty aid product line includes soaps, shampoos, and conditioners for babies, adults, and even pets.  And their Household line includes laundry detergents, dish cleaners, toilet cleaners, and other household cleaning products.
The folks at ecoStore USA let me pick out 2 products for this review.  I chose their Natural Antibacterial Spray Cleaner and their Plant Based Auto Dishwash Powder, and I was pleased with the performance of both products.
I always like to use natural spray cleaners because I have 2 curious cats that I have to look out for.  What I loved most about the antibacterial spray cleaner is that it’s citrus based.  I use my spray cleaners a few times a week to clean the kitchen and the bathrooms, and the thing I don’t like about traditional cleaners is that it is very irritating to the senses.  I simply cannot tolerate breathing in the smell of those chemicals for a more than a few minutes at a time, and if you’ve ever known anyone with allergies, asthma, or lung disease, you know that the use of certain chemicals can cause complications and make cleaning unbearable for some people.  So I was very happy that this company offered a natural citrus spray cleaner that is unharmful and leaves your home smelling fresh and clean. 
I also tried the Auto Dishwash Powder.  I wasn’t sure how I’d like this product because I usually use gel or liquid detergent in my dishwasher, and I’ve tried powders in the past that didn’t do a good job.  But I decided to give this powder a shot and I was impressed with the results I got.  Upon opening the detergent bottle, the first thing I noticed was the scent.  It was a very clean and pleasant scent.  And I also liked that this was a super concentrated product, which meant that you didn’t have to use a lot of the product at a time.  In fact, the instructions tell you to use only a tablespoon of the powder at a time. Wow!  I don’t know about you, but I use more than a tablespoon of the liquid cleaners, and I certainly have used a lot more than a tablespoon of the traditional dish powers.  And I was excited when I opened the dishwasher and found everything shiny and clean! 
I would definitely recommend the antibacterial spray cleaner and the auto dish powder to you.  Not only are they safe and free of harmful chemicals, but they are very effective cleaners.  And if the other products at Ecostore USA are as good as these, you are sure to love this company.
Connect with ecoStore USA:
-Follow ecoStoreUSA at their blog and subscribe to their newsletter for future updates, coupons, deals, and more.
-Follow ecoStoreUSA on twitter.
-Follow ecoStoreUSA on facebook and take their facebook quiz.

Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a $25 gift card to ecoStore USA.  To win visit ecoStore USA, then come back and tell us a product you’d like to try.
Giveaway Closed.

-Jerri

Full Disclosure: I was not monetarily compensated for this post.  ecoStore USA provided the products for review.  The opinions are my own.

BassWoodStitchery

I’m excited to share my newest sponsor with you!  BassWoodStitchery is owned and operated by Susie who produces home sewn and hand knit clothing, housewares and quilts from the woods of northern Minnesota. 
Here’s what Susie had to say about herself and her shop, “I love to make things. I have a variety of items in my shop and hope to be adding more, especially my quilts.  If someone was to ask me what my favorite color is, I’d have to say most all of them!  There is such a satisfaction in creating something and seeing the results when it’s done,or the smile on someone’s face when they first see it. I would call it the best therapy there is!”
It’s clear that Susie has a real love for her sewing and quilting. Her use of rich colors and the intricate details in her work are a sign of true craftsmanship, fine design, and high quality. I was very impressed with all the items available at BassWoodStitchery.  Her items are just fabulous!  And the colors are so unique!  I’m especially in love with her all her baby booties, ponchos, and snuggle buddies!
Susie’s also done an excellent job of making houseware products beautiful.  Take a look at the dish cloth set above.  Aren’t these adorable?  I would love a set of these for my kitchen!  How about you?
She even has a line of EcoFriendly Cotton Swiffer Covers.  I love my swiffer, but the disposable covers are ridiculously expensive! So I was very pleased to see these reuseable crocheted Swiffer covers. What an excellent product idea! And here again, she has some lovely colors available!
Please stop by BassWoodStitchery and take a look at all of Susie’s handmade items!
-Jerri

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Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Finer Things Friday is hosted by Amy’s Finer Things
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse

Does Your Kitchen Look Like a Post-It Commercial? Declutter Your Fridge and Bulletin Boards Today!

Do you guys post stuff on your fridge? Or do you have bulletin board in your kitchen for posting important items? I’ve always tried to keep our refrigerator neat and clutter-free, just posting something on it here and there. On the side of our fridge, I posted a few “important coupons” and some diabetes-related stuff for my husband who was just diagnosed back in November. Then all of a sudden…Boom! The refrigerator starts looking like a cluttered desk! A couple of weeks ago I was doing a general decluttering in the house, and I decided that this just wasn’t working:
I removed all the papers, coupons, and some of the magnets, leaving my little Menu Planner Board, a couple of magnetic notepads, and just a couple of cute magnets behind on the fridge. Much better!
So where did all the papers go?? They were moved to a secret location known only to a select few. I’m pleased to present the inside of the cabinet doors.
I remember when I was little my mom had a list of important phone numbers posted inside of our cabinets and a calendar. It’s a great place to post things where you can see them, yet still keep them hidden from the rest of the world. (And now every time hubby opens the cabinet to get out his meds, his blood sugar testing chart is right there in his face.)
And here’s my favorite part! I have a coupon binder for most of my coupons, but I like to keep a few really good ones out so that I will not forget to use them. I took all the coupons off the refrigerator and placed them in this “handy dandy coupon pocket.”

To make the pocket, I simply took a business envelope and folded back the flap. Then I just placed tape on the edges of the envelope (bottom & sides) and hung it up inside the cabinet. Because the envelope is extra wide you can place a bunch of coupons side by side and overlap them one behind the the other so that you can see several at one time. Here there’s only 6-7 coupons, but I’ve since added a bunch of others to the pack. This is also a great way to keep up with appointment cards.
So there you have it! A solution for decluttering that pesky fridge or bulletin board while taking advantage of all that empty (& hidden) space within your cabinets!

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Tackle it Tuesday is hosted by: 5 Minutes for Mom

Work at Home Wednesday: Sock Sachets

This week I’m letting my resolutions and goals for the year begin, which includes coming up with a new schedule for my blogging and working to make this site a little more organized and structured.

On Wednesdays my plan is to do posts dealing with work at home topics. This could be anything from housekeeping tips and household projects to organizing or craft projects and even business ideas, tips, etc.for work-at-home-moms. And if I’m able to stay consistent with it and people like the future, I may turn it in to a linky event. What do you think?

For today’s post we have a simple and frugal project, and if you’re a packrat like me, you’ll definitely appreciate this. If you have old socks or baby booties around your house, why not turn them into sachets?
Sachets are so great to place around your home and in drawers for a fresh and pleasant scent, and by using socks or booties, you can save money and even create a personal keepsake.
Just take a really cute baby booty or sock that your child has outgrown and fill it with a little potpourri. (Find this at Wal-mart or the Dollar Store.) You could also use other scented items, including spices from your pantry. Cinnamon or nutmeg would be nice, and I read about an example where they used oregano & basil…interesting!
Or you could use anything else around your house with a pleasant scent. We had some lavender scented bath crystals, so I used some of these to make a sachet. Also, if you’re allergic or don’t like scented potpouri, you can put baking soda inside your sachets. There’s no fragrance to irritate you, and it will help deodarize your drawers and home.
After you’ve filled your sock or booty, tie it up with a cute ribbon. It makes a great keepsake for your home, or you could use them as gifts. Grandmothers would love to get one of these, and you could always add a couple of these to baby shower gift basket.
If you don’t have any kids, or you’re not too concerned with making anything cute, this is also a great project to use with just plain old socks. (You know the ones that should have been thrown away months ago!) Just take some scissors and cut off the toes off the sock (basically halfway between the toes and the heel. Then fill the sock with desired fragrance, and use a ribbon to tie it up, or tie the sock in a simple knot.

Does anyone else know some of some frugal craft or household projects made with things found around the house? I’d love some new ideas!

-Jerri


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I am pleased to link up this post at the following:
Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family
Hooked on Fridays at
Hooked on Houses
DIY Monday at
A Soft Place to Land

It’s So Very Creative hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch

Organizing & Cleaning Tips for Surfaces & Shelves

The key to keeping shelves and surfaces clean is to simplify, that is, keep only a very few important items out on your surfaces. Then clean your surfaces thoroughly and place your items in a location that is logical but also makes the space more aesthetically pleasing and inviting. And if possible keep loose items in jars, baskets, or other containers so that they are accessible but hidden. Here are a few other tips that might be helpful to you.

Kitchen & Bathroom Surfaces:
-Keep counters as clear as possible, keeping out only items that you use every day, such as a coffee maker or can opener.
-Do daily maintenance on counters and surfaces, removing “stray” items that don’t belong and wiping down surfaces.
-If you’re low on cabinet space, a bread box is great place to store snacks or even extra appliances that you’d like to have handy but keep hidden.
-Use baskets or containers to store items more neatly on surfaces. Jars and decorative glass bowls are also great for storing items on top of surfaces, while still maintaining a neat looking surface.
-For quick bathroom organization, mini plastic drawers are great for make-up, jewelry, and hair accessories, as well as creams and ointments. And they fit nicely on counters and on over-the-toilet organizer shelves.
-To maintain a neat bathroom, do daily maintenance, wiping down the counter and sink each morning after getting ready or before going to bed. And keep very few items out on the sink or vanity.

Kids Stuff, Crafts, & Office
-A bookshelf is a great place not only to organize books but also arts & craft supplies. Place small pieces in small plastic containers or drawers. Then place these on your shelf. The same concept can be used with a simple wall shelf. Place containers on the shelf and hang the shelf over your desk or crafting area for easy access to supplies.
-The above idea is also great for kids stuff. Legos, blocks, doll accessories, and other small pieces can easily be stored away in small containers and then placed on a shelf.
-To keep your desk or crafting area clean, do daily maintenance. Clean up after each daily session. And place all items from a current craft project you’re still working on in a container or on a tray for easy removal/clean up.
-To maintain a clean office and desk, it’s best to keep only a few important items and supplies out. Anything that you do not use on a daily basis should be stored away in a drawer or container.
-Organizers are very helpful in maintaining a clean desk. I have a pen and pencil holder that has 4 extra compartments for paper clips, rubberbands and small items. I also have a desk lamp that has compartments in its base for pens, post-it notes, and other supplies. And I have an office organizer that holds note pads/papers/envelopes/supplies.
-It’s also helpful to have paper trays or an organizer to hold file folders and other documents you’re working on. Having a place to store these is crucial to keeping a paper-clutter-free desk.

-Jerri