Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you heard about The Gro Project? It's a place to find inspiration and to tell your own growing tale, brought to you by Miracle Gro, the garden pros! The Gro Project is a place to make gardening easy for new gardeners and old gardeners, too! Check out this great video explaining the The Gro Project.

I've been gardening for awhile now and am still looking for inspiration. I love Pinterest for ideas, and love that Miracle Gro has its own fun garden projects Pinterest page. You can also find help and descriptions of products on Miracle-Gro's website.

I was inspired last summer to create a container garden in an old bird bath. It was here when we moved into this house and has never properly held water. I tried using a bath plug, but the kids used it as a ball. No plug=no water for the birds. So it sat collecting leaves and debris every season until I was inspired to create a container garden.

This is what it looked like last year:

And here it is this spring. I love the idea of fairy gardens and wanted to use an old bird house that was lying around. I'm still looking for the perfect stones for a little path. It also needs a few more small flowers–don't fairies love color?! But the plants are looking spectacular! This is my first time planting succulents–wish me luck!

Using Moisture Control Potting Mix is a great way to keep your plants healthy and alive during the hot days of summer. Using plant foods like LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit and Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food also help!

I'd love to hear about your container gardening projects. And your fairy gardens! There's so much inspiration!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ZzzQuil for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Sometimes I have trouble sleeping. Whether it's caused by perimenopause, stress, excitement…whatever…it can be annoying. Because the next day I'm dragging! That's why I was excited to be given some ZzzQuil to try!

One of the great side effects of Vicks NyQuil is that it helps you sleep. But what about the times you don't have cold symptoms or pain but still want the help sleeping? That's where ZzzQuil comes in handy!

Just like the cold medicine that inspired it, ZzzQuil is a warming liquid that's easy to take. It has a nice flavor (Warming Berry!), but without the extra stuff you don't need if you only need help sleeping. It doesn't knock you out and make you sleep instantly. For me, it was a gradual sleepiness. It was more relaxing than anything else.

It was so nice to slowly fall asleep and wake the next day feeling rested and refreshed. There was no grogginess or "hung-over" feeling that I've had with other sleep remedies. It was perfect–I didn't need any recovery time!

The active ingredient in ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine HCL, which lulls you to sleep. ZzzQuil comes in a Warming Berry-flavored Liquid and LiquiCaps. Two convenient ways to get the relief you need!

ZzzQuil is meant for adults and children ages 12 and up. Please follow all instructions and read all the accompanying literature before using! ZzzQuil is safe and effective when all instructions are followed. And it's non-habit forming.

Follow ZzzQuil on Facebook! Tweet about your experience with ZzzQuil using the #ZzzQuilNight hastag.

Go ahead, give it a try! And let me know how it works for you!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's that time of year again! I am so excited that the weather has finally turned spring-like here in Illinois! It's garden time! 

Most of my gardens are established, so there's mostly maintenance to do. The best way to make things look finished before the plants get a firm hold for the summer is to use Scotts Mulch. If you're in Florida, try the Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch. If you're somewhere else, try theScotts Nature Scapes mulch. My favorite is always the Sierra Red, but it also comes in Classic Black and Deep Forest.

There are so many great things about the Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch! It's sustainable–because eucalyptus re-grows four times faster than Cypress. It's 100% plantation grown and is guaranteed to be free of debris from construction, demolition, pallets, or other waste materials. It's a natural way to keep weeds at bay–with a three inch layer of mulch that doesn't let the sunshine through! Plus it's grown locally in Florida, so it helps local economies.

You don't need elaborate gardening supplies to do your own sustainable gardening. You need a plot of land or a container. Soil, a shovel, a trowel, a hoe…whatever you have handy will work. When I lived in an apartment, I used a big spoon to plant my containers. You'll need plants. Let your imagination fly! Local garden centers can help you find plants that will work in your area. This is important if you're thinking of using perennials. If you're using annuals, these will be abundance at many stores this time of year. And, of course, finish your beds with Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch.

Here are some tips for using mulch:

• lay it down in a three-inch thick layer, making sure to stay several inches from house foundations and tree trunks.
• Use everywhere in your garden: around trees and shrubs, and on plants after seeds have germinated.
• Do not use on seeds before they have germinated or young plants before they have taken hold.
• Make sure to buy enough mulch: a two cubic foot bag will cover a 12-foot square area at two inches deep, an eight-foot square area at 3 inches thick, and a six-foot square area at four inches deep.

I hope you've really got the gardening urge now! Go get your supplies, some Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch or Scotts Nature Scapes mulch, some gorgeous plants and start planting! I'd love to see pictures of your creations!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In reality, my sense of style is pretty blah. I'm a yoga pants/t-shirt kind of gal. But in the life I know I should be leading, I am pulled together all the time. Perfectly accessorized and perfectly coiffed. I know No nonsense tights and leggings can help make my fantasy style a reality with their colorful selection–they're like lipstick for the legs!

I went to Polyvore to create some outfits. I did a safe one and a wild (for me!) one. But check out that little black dress–you could wear any of the colors of the tights and leggings for a fun night out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, my fantasy style is still pretty tame. I think the red tights peeking out between the sweater dress and the boots would be fun. What do you think? And I could be persuaded to pair some purple tights with the little black dress on those days I'm feeling fun. I wonder how these would wear at Target or lunch with the girls?!

No nonsense makes it super easy because they are so easy to find. They are available at food and drug stores, as well as bigger retail stores. Plus they are affordable, so you can afford to get them in every color!

Having Jill Martin as the style ambassador for Non nonsense just makes sense! How can the author of "Fashion for Dummies" steer us wrong?! Watch for Jill in commercials featuring the latest trends with color! Also, follow No nonsense on Facebook and @benononsense for Jill's fashion tips and contests!

Check out No nonsense and consider adding some extra oomph to your style this winter! Nothing beats the winter blues like color!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In reality, my sense of style is pretty blah. I'm a yoga pants/t-shirt kind of gal. But in the life I know I should be leading, I am pulled together all the time. Perfectly accessorized and perfectly coiffed. I know No nonsense tights and leggings can help make my fantasy style a reality with their colorful selection–they're like lipstick for the legs!

I went to Polyvore to create some outfits. I did a safe one and a wild (for me!) one. But check out that little black dress–you could wear any of the colors of the tights and leggings for a fun night out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, my fantasy style is still pretty tame. I think the red tights peeking out between the sweater dress and the boots would be fun. What do you think? And I could be persuaded to pair some purple tights with the little black dress on those days I'm feeling fun. I wonder how these would wear at Target or lunch with the girls?!

No nonsense makes it super easy because they are so easy to find. They are available at food and drug stores, as well as bigger retail stores. Plus they are affordable, so you can afford to get them in every color!

Having Jill Martin as the style ambassador for Non nonsense just makes sense! How can the author of "Fashion for Dummies" steer us wrong?! Watch for Jill in commercials featuring the latest trends with color! Also, follow No nonsense on Facebook and @benononsense for Jill's fashion tips and contests!

Check out No nonsense and consider adding some extra oomph to your style this winter! Nothing beats the winter blues like color!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In reality, my sense of style is pretty blah. I'm a yoga pants/t-shirt kind of gal. But in the life I know I should be leading, I am pulled together all the time. Perfectly accessorized and perfectly coiffed. I know No nonsense tights and leggings can help make my fantasy style a reality with their colorful selection–they're like lipstick for the legs!

I went to Polyvore to create some outfits. I did a safe one and a wild (for me!) one. But check out that little black dress–you could wear any of the colors of the tights and leggings for a fun night out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, my fantasy style is still pretty tame. I think the red tights peeking out between the sweater dress and the boots would be fun. What do you think? And I could be persuaded to pair some purple tights with the little black dress on those days I'm feeling fun. I wonder how these would wear at Target or lunch with the girls?!

No nonsense makes it super easy because they are so easy to find. They are available at food and drug stores, as well as bigger retail stores. Plus they are affordable, so you can afford to get them in every color!

Having Jill Martin as the style ambassador for Non nonsense just makes sense! How can the author of "Fashion for Dummies" steer us wrong?! Watch for Jill in commercials featuring the latest trends with color! Also, follow No nonsense on Facebook and @benononsense for Jill's fashion tips and contests!

Check out No nonsense and consider adding some extra oomph to your style this winter! Nothing beats the winter blues like color!

Yes, it’s true that a single man committed the atrocities at Sandy Hook Elementary school one week ago. But you would never guess that at the accusations being strewn about like unwanted confetti in a holiday card.

Apparently, it was committed by people who weren’t even in the town: gay people, non-religious people, women (simply because we have the option of having abortions)…the list is endless. Instead of showing support for the people affected by this tragedy, political pundits and wannabes instead fill the air waves and the interwebs with shrilly hurled accusations. Possibly just to get their names on the news and maybe get a contract with Fox News to be an analyst of some type.

But some of the scariest stories I’ve heard about are the ones from two women who have suggestions on how future tragedies could be handled. Let me start by saying that before this week, I had heard of neither of these women. I’m not intellectual enough to run in the same circles. I will never ever forget their insanity.

Megan McArdle suggests that we train the children to rush gunmen when they appear in schools. What the f***?! I’m guessing she has no children. Because any sane parent living in the United States knows that we don’t train our children to be little militant beings ready to tackle the insane. Human nature sends you scrambling away from danger. Kids are trained at an early age to not be aggressive. This plan is so full of holes.

I don’t care how old my children are, I don’t want them throwing themselves at anyone wielding a weapon of any kind. Not even for little Miss Megan McArdle. She can lunge at any attackers she wants. But she’s not taking my kids with her.

But wait! My kids are boys…at age 12 they were all “huskier” which fuels Charlotte Allen’s plans to have male teachers (preferably former football stars) and “husky 12 year olds” tackling gunmen. According to Allen there were no men at the school last week which is why the gunman managed to kill all those people. She forgot the male teachers and the janitors. She forgot the heroic women who did confront the gunman.

All in all, Allen managed to insult every woman in the world. What about women in the military? Are they filing their nails while the male soldiers defend them? What about women police officers? Are they plucking their eye brows in the squad car while their male partners defend our cities?

Who the hell are these women?! Again, I had never heard of them before. Now I’m sorry I have.

Here’s my prediction of what will come of the Sandy Hook tragedy: nothing. Since the only rational solution is gun control, it will not happen in our country. How can it when solutions are being suggested that all teachers be armed? Or when automatic rifles similar to the ones used last week are selling out of stores? Or when it’s easier to blame Godless people for the acts of a single man? Or when it’s easier to whisper Asperger’s?

What I’m not hearing is why did the gunman’s mother had guns in her home if she was frightened of her son? If he was truly mentally ill and exhibiting signs of it, the last thing you would want was something that made it even easier to be violent. If his own mother wasn’t frightened of him and worried, then how could the rest of the community have known something was wrong?

That’s the problem with these events. No one understands the why. When the perpetrators kill themselves there is no one left to ask why. We can only guess, point fingers, place blame, and hide our heads in the sand until it all happens again in another community.

These words sum up our society at this time, by John Oliver:

One failed attempt at a shoe bomb and we all take off our shoes at the airport. Thirty-one school shootings since Columbine and no change in our regulation of guns.

 

This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of Beautiful Beasties. All opinions are 100% mine.

Pets are wonderful companions, but are so very difficult to photograph well. Luckily, Jamie Pflughoeft has written Beautiful Beasties: A Creative Guide to Modern Pet Photography to help us out!

Not only is the book filled with great tips on capturing our furry friends’ personalities on film, there are also great photos illustrating the techniques. I could spend hours just checking out the images!

Pflughoeft does a nice job covering photography in general. She has chapters on equipment (did you know you can rent lenses before you invest the money in buying them?!) and photography basics. I found the photography basics extremely helpful. I can never read information about ISO and aperture enough! Her writing style is low key and direct, so taking in the information is quite easy.

There is a chapter on composition, which is something I also cannot read often enough. Why do I always forget the rule of thirds?!

Beautiful Beasties goes in to great detail about the perils and joys of working with animals. The end of the book offers advice about starting your own pet photography business. But it is so much more than that if you are the owner of an animal. This book offers a way to capture our fur babies in the best way possible.

About the author (taken from the back cover)

Jamie Pflughoeft became addicted to photographing pets while studying animal behavior in college and working as a dog-walker and pet-sitter. She started Cowbelly Pet Photography in 2003, and today she serves commercial, editorial, and private clients as well as teaching photographers around the world about the exciting field of pet photography. Jamie also runs the Beautiful Beasties Network, an online community for pet photographers.

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this book for your very own? Leave a comment below before 5pm Sunday, September 30, 2012, answering one (or both!) of these questions:

• What is your biggest challenge when photographing your pets?
• What would you most like to learn from this book?

The giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada only. A winner will be announced Monday, October 1, 2012, and will be drawn using random.org.

Good luck!

 

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 Fall is nearing in Illinois and I'm eyeing the mums at the garden centers. It's time to swap out my petunias and geraniums and replace them with the mums' colors of fall. I'm partial to to dark purple/burgundy mums in my garden. This year I might even add some of the orange colored ones to add a little contrast!

Are you ready to Find beauty in the Fall? Check out this link to Fall gardening tips and help. There's even more help and inspiration on Miracle-Gro Facebook page. Make sure you like it so you can join in on the conversations!

Back in the spring, I was inspired by this Pinterest pin. Here's my version. For the Fall, I plan on removing the geraniums and replacing them with mums. I'll need to use more Miracle Grow Potting Mix to make the soil perfect so I have mums for many months to come. If Chicagoland weather is like last year, it could stay relatively warm until December! So much color late in the year!

I'm also adding to my bulb collection. OK, I'll supervise and Jim will plant. I like to have the tulips in tight clusters of many bulbs throughout the gardens. That makes them look so lush in the spring!

Iris bulbs have been purchased and will be added to the garden this fall. I love the smell and the gorgeous blooms. Guess what color I got…yup, purple! Now I don't have to hover at my neighbor's, sniffing her garden! Of course, I'll need more Miracle Gro Flower/Vegetable Garden Soil to give the bulbs a little extra push as we get into winter!

I hope you are inspired to do some Fall gardening! I'd love to see what you come up with. Will it be containers? Bulbs? Let's inspire each other!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 Want to take home the gold in back to school shopping this year? Then head to Famous Footwear! Their great selection will make finding that special pair (or two or three!) of shoes super easy. And their store layout will help if you're shopping for speed! In and out in 20 minutes? No problem!

But why would you want to rush through Famous Footwear? You'll want to linger over shopping to savor the great variety of shoes. The perfect ones for every member of the family are right there!

Afraid back to school shopping is going to take a huge bite out of the family budget? Famous Footwear is ready to help by giving you BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon! Buy one pair, get one half off! That should soothe your wallet just a bit! The special runs from August 2 until August 18, 2012, so print yours out today.

Plus, if you're already a member of the Famous Footwear FREE Rewards Program, your coupon value is 20% off. Not a member? You can sign up right in the store! What do you get as a member?

• You'll earn a point per dollar spent!
• You can accumulate points up to $100 per year
• There's a discount offer just for signing up
• Plus there are other specials and perks throughout the year for members only!

What happens if the shoes someone in your family wants aren't in the store? The staff will get them for you through home delivery or on www.FamousFootwear.com. You can also purchase shoes at www.FamousFootwear.com and have them delivered to the store for no charge! It's a win win!

So bring home the gold this year and start your back to school shopping at Famous Footwear. Get your 15% off coupon and work that BOGO special!