Spring Cleaning Challenge Day 21: Last Minute Reminders

 Today is the last day of my April

Spring Cleaning Challenge. 
Are you sad or jumping for joy? :)

I hope you enjoyed this series and found it to be helpful,

informative and (maybe) even inspiring. :)

I know spring cleaning isn't a favorite for most of us,

but hopefully I made at least one task--if not more, a little easier 

with my methods, tips and tricks.

For the last day of the series, 

I wanted to share with you a few cleaning tasks

 that may get overlooked from time to time.

They are not big cleaning tasks, so don't worry.

Just consider it a friendly reminder...

The walls and doors can always use a wipe down, 

especially in the bathrooms. 

A dampened cloth can pretty much do the trick.

BONUS TIP: I love using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. 

Light plates and doorknobs need to be wiped

down with sanitizing wipes at least once a month if not weekly. 

(Lots of germs pass on those fixtures.)

Trash cans can benefit from a good cleaning. 

Don't forget your large curbside garbage. 

Take the outdoor hose, add some soap and get crazy on that bad boy! :)

Well, that's it!

You made it and now you can sit back

and enjoy your clean home!

Do you have a topic you would love 
for me to do a series on?


Let me know in the comments. :)

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M.A.D. Menu Plan Monday

Good morning and I welcome you to another Monday!


I didn't accomplish as much as I wanted to this weekend, 
but I did get to play with electricity. That was fun and a little shocking! :)
I would like to tell you that me efforts were rewarding,
but I can't. So lets just say I chalk it up to a learning experience.
Don't you just love those 'learning experiences'? I don't.

A new week has arrived and that means it's time for menu planning.

To see last weeks menu, go here. Our new weekly menu is as follows:

Monday: Mini-Turkey Meatloaves with Garlic Mashers and Broccoli

Tuesday: Breakfast Burritos 

Wednesday: Bowtie Pasta with Zucchini and Roasted Pine Nuts

Thursday: Stuffed Cheddar Burgers with California Mango Salad

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Take Out

Sunday: Slow Cooker Sunday: Soy and Ginger Chicken


Dessert For The Week: Fruit Salad with Coconut

Linking up at:

Orgjunkie.com

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Refining and Improving Your Own Life

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Six On Saturday: New Uses For All Things Paint

Almost everyone experiences with painting at least 

once in their lifetime, if not countless times.

We can all use some tips from time to time to get the job done easier...

1) Plastic bag as a paintbrush preserver. When you are called away from a painting project, keep brushes and rollers from drying out by placing them in a plastic bag. Tie them or wrap them with a rubber band to keep out the air. Then place in your refrigerator. You will be able to grab your brush and resume painting when ever your heart desires.

2) Baby food jar as paint bucket. Simplify paint touch ups by pouring a few ounces of new paint in baby food jars. You are now ready to repair nail holes and scuff marks.

3) Vanilla as paint odor masker. Disguise fumes with help from sweet-smelling vanilla extract. Simply stir in a few drops for each gallon of paint. (non-white paint!)

4) Baby oil as a paint remover. Dab some baby oil on paint splatters to remove latex paint from skin.

5) Store your paint like a pro. Place plastic wrap over the open can of paint and hammer lid close. Then store can upside down to create a tight seal around the lid.

 

6) Coffee can lid as a paint splatter lid. Cut a slit in the center of the lid and pull paint brush through. No more splatter drips on your hand or floor!

Do you have any great painting tips?

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Sunday Coupon Preview

 I hope you are enjoying your Saturday. This is a good weekend for coupons!

Sunday Coupon Preview has the new list of this Sunday's coupon inserts. There will be four inserts this weekend; one Smartsourse insert, one Red Plum insert, one P&G insert and PepsiCo Moments To Save insert.

Here's a list of the coupons that I liked from this insert:

Smartsource:
Egglands Best Cage Free or Organic Dozen Eggs Save $.50/1

To see the complete list of Smartsource coupons, go HERE.

Red Plum:
Nivea Save $3/1 Q10 Skin Firming product 2.5-13.5 oz
Snuggle Save $.50/1 liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets

To see the complete list of Red Plum coupons, go HERE.

P&G:

Crest Save $.25/1 toothpaste 4oz

To see the complete list of P&G coupons, go HERE.

PepsiCo:

$1/1 any Lays Potato Chips

To see the complete list of PepsiCo coupons, go HERE.

Please remember that coupons do vary by region. So you may not receive all the coupons listed here in your local newspaper.

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Friday's Fantastic Finds

I don't know how you feel, but I feel like this week

has been the longest week EVER. I have longed for Friday!

I am so happy it is finally here!

Friday's are the one day of the week that both my son and I 

can sleep in. No school or appointments. 

Just wonderful, wonderful sleep.

So how late did I "sleep in" this morning, you ask?

6:00! (That's just wrong people!)

When we have places to go, I can't get my son to wake at 8:30.

You see the irony here, right? Yea....

Well, let's move. This week's fantastic finds is a going to be fun...

Fantastic Snack Recipe: Rosemary Sea Salt Pretzels. I guess yesterday was National Pretzel Day. Even though I am a little late to the party, I am still all over this recipe!

Fantastic Boxing Buddies: 

Fantastic Wedding Funny: I wish I would have thought of this at my wedding. If you are planning a wedding, don't forget this idea! Too funny!

Fantastic Places Around The World: Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik--Iceland. Never really though about visiting Iceland before, but this picture makes want to go.

Fantastic Tutorial Series: 31 Days To A Better Photo. I could definitely use these tips, how about you? 

Fantastic 'Must Try' Dessert: Towering Coconut Layer Cake. One lady made it four times in two months. Yea, it's that good! :)

Fantastic Inspirational Thought: 

Fantastic One For The Kids: Snake Bubbles. I have a feeling your kids are gonna love this!

Fantastic Laugh Out Loud: 

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

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Spring Cleaning Challenge Day 20: Tips On Cleaning The Garage

Cleaning the garage, really? Do I have too? 

I saved this cleaning task for last because this is 

an area in my own home that is need of a major cleaning.

I don't know what it is about the garage but it seems

to be a magnet for stuff. 

Stuff that never disappears and only seems to attract more stuff. :)

 

The garage was obviously designed to store our vehicles. 
But many other items like 
shovels, sports gear, tools-you name it-
end up there too.

Which is why a clean and organized garage is essential.

I thought the best way to tackle this cleaning challenge was 
to break it down into 4 (kinda) easy steps:
sort, clean, zone and maintain.

The best tips for sorting the garage are:

• use your driveway to sort everything into 3 piles: what you want to keep, what you can donate or sell, and what can be thrown out
• I believe it is best to clear out the entire garage so you can begin with a clean slate
• remember, if something hasn't been used in two years it is unlikely that it will be used again

The best tips for cleaning the garage are:

• before you put one item back in the garage, sweep the floors and clean the walls
• BONUS TIP: a fast way to clean out the garage is to forget the broom and use a leaf blower (just an idea!)
• if you have the time, painting the garage walls a light color can really transformer the garage into a clean and orderly space (be sure to prime first)

The best tips for zoning the garage are:

• decide what you want your garage to be used for; parking, storage, gardening, woodworking (that would be me!), mud room, etc.
• then make every area it's own zone, based on use, and keep only the things that fit in each

The best tips the maintaining a clean garage are:

• keep items off the garage floor--this allows for easy sweeping and prevents the slow creep of stuff across the space
• keep vertical stuff organized by priority, the less often it is used the higher up it goes
• items stored in cardboard need to be transferred into plastic because rodents love to make nests out of cardboard

 

If you follow these cleaning tips, 
you will have brought order and cleanliness to your garage,
hopefully for a very long time! :)


 Have you recently cleaned your garage?
Have any great tips to share?

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Giveaway: Sneakpeeq.com Gift Card! Two Winners!

Have you heard of sneakpeeq?

It's a relatively new daily deal site that features everything from gourmet foods
to apparel to products for your home. 

The thing I really like about sneakpeeq is that their products are priced
significantly below retail, allowing you to score some great deals on the things you love.

And I haven't even told you about the really fun part yet... 
the more you buy, share, love and peeq,
 the more incentives and surprises you will receive!

 I have partnered with sneakpeek to bring you this awesome giveaway where
TWO of you will win a gift card to sneakpeeq, 
PLUS everyone who enters will automatically receive 20% off their first purchase.

One grand prize winner will receive a $20 sneakpeeq gift card

and one second place winner will receive a $10 sneakpeeq gift card--

which goes a long way in sneekpeeq's amazingly low-priced boutiques!

To enter this giveaway simply click HERE and join sneakpeeq for free.

By clicking on that specific link, you will be automatically entered into 

the giveaway for the $20 and $10 gift card and you will automatically

receive 20% off your first purchase.

For additional entries (you must complete the entry from the above link first to qualify) :

1) Subscribe to my email newsletter or RSS feed ,or let me know that you do!

2) " Like" me on Facebook ,or let me know that you do!

3) Become a friendly Follower of Inspiration For Moms, or let me know that you are!

4) Follow me on Twitter, or let me know that you do!

5) Blog/Tweet about the giveaway. Make sure you come back and leave a separate comment letting me know that you’ve done this.

 This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents 
and is only open to new members of sneakpeeq.

The giveaway will end on Saturday, May 12, at midnight. You are welcome to enter as long as the comments is open.  I will pick one winner randomly and post the winner on Monday!

Good luck! :)

Thank you sneakpeeq for donating this giveaway!

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Spring Cleaning Challenge Day 19: Cleaning Your Houseplants

  

  Today's challenge may be something that is over looked in your home,
it is in mine. I am good about watering the green guys, but cleaning them? 
Not as much.

We all know that houseplants not only add beauty to our homes
but also help keep the interior air nice and clean.

We should return the favor by keeping them clean as well.

Houseplants need regular cleaning to keep them not only beautiful, but healthy.

It's easier for plants to breath, soak up sun, make food through photosynthesis

when their leaves are free of dust and particles.

I will share with you tips on cleaning three different types of houseplants; 
shiny-leaved plants, succulents and cacti.

The best tips for cleaning shiny-leaved plants are:

• moisten a cotton ball with warm water (or milk) and wipe both sides of the leaf
• BONUS TIP: if you want to clean more than one plant at a time, you can simply place them in the shower and spray with a fine, tepid spray; wipe with a paper towel to blot excess moisture, let them dry before returning them to their places in the home

The best tips for cleaning succulents are:

• these plants are sensitive--washing the fuzzy hairs that protect the plant can hurt the plant
• to dust these little guys grab a soft paint brush and gently dust each leaf

The best tips for cleaning cacti are:

• cacti can be a little scary to clean--careful of those sharp spikes--be brave :)
• your best friend here is canned air, spray short bursts to blow away dirt and dust

If you follow these cleaning tips, 
you will have healthy, clean plants that will be thanking you! :)


 How often do you clean your houseplants?
Have any great tips to share?

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Spring Cleaning Challenge Day 18: Tips on Cleaning Your Curtains

Our curtains provide shade from the sun, help reduce our utility bills,
give us privacy and let's face it...are beautiful additions to our homes.

But cleaning them...not so easy. 
I really lack motivation in this area of cleaning.
So today's challenge is a BIG challenge for me! :)

I thought you might like to have some cleaning options.
 Today I will give you a shortcut method or a deep cleaning method.
Depending on how much time you have, 
you can choose which cleaning option you want to do.
Sound good?

Experts do recommend to vacuum your curtains at least once a month
using a soft brush attachment.
I know I don't clean mine that often, but that will be my new goal.


The shortcut method for cleaning your curtains is:

• first, close your windows and curtains
• spray one curtain panel at a time with a CleanFast fabric odor remover--safe to use on most materials
• grab your steamer and work from the bottom to the top (hold lightweight fabrics taunt with one hand, heavier fabrics should do all the work for you)
• be sure to keep your steamer about an inch away from the fabric, you should only need to steam one side
• then open the windows to help the curtains dry

    The deep cleaning method for your curtains is:   

• close your curtains and vacuum them from top to bottom with brush attachment
• grab a lint roller and swipe to remove any remaining dust or pet hairs
• if you see stains, you can spot clean on washable curtains (cotton, polyester) with a soapy solution (linen, satin and silk curtains would need to be dry cleaned)
• grab your steamer and work from the bottom to the top (hold lightweight fabrics taunt with one hand, heavier fabrics should do all the work for you)
• optional--if you have pets, apply some static-removal spray to the bottom of your curtains, this will make fur easier to wipe off next time you clean
• open windows to help curtains dry

BONUS TIP:
Give your drapes a gentle shaking each night when you draw them closed. 
This will prevent dust from settling into the fibers. 


 Do you have any tips for keeping your curtains clean? 

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Moms Win On Wednesdays! Link Up Your Giveaways!

List your giveaway here!! I am hosting a giveaway link every Wednesday on Inspiration For Moms. So if you or someone you know has a giveaway you think my readers would love to know about, please link up!!

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Travelin' Around Town Tuesday

This week, I traveled to 4 different stores to snag some great deals.

Safeway has a great sale on ground turkey about once a month---and it's only on Friday. I almost forgot about it- which would have been super sad because I missed it last month!

Safeway total spent was $18.98. I purchased 3 pkgs of 3lb ground turkey and a bottle of organic orange juice. With the store sales, I saved a total of $20.97 or 52%!

I then went to Target to snag some very cheap cleaning products and some t-shirts.

Target total spent was $15.73. I purchased (2) bottles of bleach, dish soap, cleaning wipes, a ironing board cover, and (2) t-shirt tanks. With manufacturer coupons, store coupons and sales I saved a total of $16.82 or 51%!

If you are in need of cleaning products, Target is currently having an amazing sale on Green Works products. I purchased my above products for a total of $1.94. Regular price would have been $12.23. Now that's what I call a good deal! :) If you want the details of this scenario, hop on over here to Totally Target.

I needed some produce items, so I hopped on over to Sprouts.

 
Sprouts total spent was $29.41. I purchased dried apricots, rice, almonds, cumin, organic lemonade, cilantro, tomatoes, squash, limes, bag of organic apples and some grapes. I used one coupon to save me a total of $1.79.


My last stop of the day was Natural Grocer. I went back again because they were still running the same sales from last week and I can not resist a good stock up price! :)

Natural Grocer total spent was $24.87. I purchased (4) loaves of Rudy's organic bread, (2) pkgs of organic turkey, organic cheese, organic peanut butter and organic broccoli. With store sales and coupons I saved a total of $16.56.


My total spent of groceries this week was $88.99.

How did you do this week shopping? 

Find any great deals?

Share in the comments below!

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Spring Cleaning Challenge Day 17: Keeping Your Carpets Clean

Today's challenge is a tough one...keeping the carpets clean.

 I personally can't afford to get my carpets professionally cleaned 
more than about twice a year. 
We all know what happens in between those professional cleanings...it's called life. 
Spills, food, dirt, pets, kids and more.

So how do you fight those tough carpet stains that life dishes out? 

Well combined with some different methods, 
a few tips and a couple of tricks 
your carpets can be super clean by using products
 you will likely find in your own home.


But before you start, a couple of tips to remember:

1) The best way to remove a stain is to simply blot the stain and try working from the outside in, rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot again.

2) Never scrub the carpet, you risk damaging the fibers.

BONUS TRICK: To prevent stains in high traffic areas, have a family rule that everyone remove their shoes before entering the home.  It's a rule we follow in my own home and it definitely helps. :)

The best method for cleaning water-soluble stains 
(such as alcohol, milk, colas, berries, and mud) is:

• Dip a white cloth into a cleaning solution of 1/4 teaspoon non-bleach detergent or white vinegar mixed with 32 ounces of water, rinse well and blot dry

The best method for cleaning special water-soluble stains

(such as blood, wine, chocolate, mustard, tea and coffee) is:

• Dip a white cloth into a solution of one tablespoon ammonia mixed with one cup of water (but not on wool- instead use mild-detergent and water) rinse well, blot dry

          The best method for cleaning wax, oil and fat stains is:

• Fill an empty spray bottle with one part ammonia and one part HOT water, spray it liberally on the stain, lay a clean white towel on top, and iron on warm setting

• BONUS TRICK: I have heard this method works on almost every type of stain, from new to old. So if the other methods don't work, be sure and give this one a try!

BONUS TIP: A great store bought carpet cleaner product to try is
 Woolite Pet + Oxygen. 
I have heard it does a great job cleaning wine spills, pet accidents and more!

 Do you have any tips for keeping your carpets clean? 
Or what's your favorite carpet cleaner you can't live without?

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I Have A Winner! Is It You?

Thank you to all who entered my giveaway for a Ramsign House Sign. 

The winner selected by Random.org is comment #5 by Emily @ savingwithaplan!

She said, "I love the Lighthouse design!"

Don't we all Emily, it's gorgeous! 


Congratulations Emily!
Please send me an email at inspirationformoms@gmail.com and
I will get you in contact with Ramsign to create your personalized sign. :)

And I would also like to say a big THANK YOU to Ramsign 
for donating their wonderful signs. :)

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Spring Cleaning Challenge Day 16: Cleaning Our Vents and Bathroom Fans

One of the best ways to keep mold under control in your bathroom
is using your ventilation fan. 
This helps to move the air around and dry things out a bit.


With vents usually being located next to the ceiling, they often fall
into the category-- out of sight, out of mind. 
Well, not today. Look out vents, you are front and center!

I will share with you two different methods to clean your vents and
 the step-by-step process to safely clean your bathrooms ventilation fan.


The best methods for cleaning vents are:

• First, vacuum your vents to remove any outside dust on the grates. 

• Fill a sink with warm water, add dish washing soap. Remove grates and place in sink, wash with a soapy cloth. Rinse and dry.

          OR

• Rinse off, then place in dishwasher--saves you time and effort. (This, of course, would be my first choice!)

• BONUS TIP: after you have cleaned your vents and they are completely dry (may want to wait overnight to be safe), wax them with some car wax (both sides) and buff clean; the wax will help to repel dirt.

The steps for cleaning your bathrooms ventilation fan are:

• Turn off the circuit breaker to the fan. Be sure and test the switch before you start. Fill your sink with some warm water, a cloth and a few drops of dish washing soap.

• Using a ladder, unscrew the vent from the ceiling.

• Place the cover in the soapy water and let soak.

• Carefully wipe the fan blades with a dampened soapy cloth. Make sure to not wet any electrical wires. Pat the blades dry with a soft cloth.

• Clean the vent cover with soapy cloth, rinse and dry with soft cloth. Be sure and let fan completely air out for an hour before reattaching cover.

• Replace cover, turn circuit breaker back on and you are done. (This deep cleaning process is recommended twice a year.)

BONUS TIP: If your fan needs a quick dusting, grab a can of compressed air. Turn the fan ON and blow the dust from your grill with short bursts of canned air.

 Do you have any awesome tips for cleaning your vents? 
I would love to hear them!

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M.A.D. Menu Plan Monday

Good morning and a happy Monday to you!
I had a great weekend checking somethings off my to-do-list.

Installed new light fixture in bathroom- check!
Installed new light fixture in laundry room- check! 
Just now realized that Dora the Explorer is taking over my life- check!
(For all you moms who have kids that love Dora, you totally get that joke.)

A new week has arrived and that means it's time for menu planning.

To see last weeks menu, go here. Our new weekly menu is as follows:

Monday: B.L.A.T. Sandwich (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato) with Carrot Sticks

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken with Fiesta Lime Rice
 
Wednesday: Mushroom and Spinach Puff Pastry with Pear Walnut Salad

Thursday: Cheddar, Potato and Onion Skillet with Blueberry Muffins

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Take Out

Sunday: Slow Cooker Sunday: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches


Dessert For The Week: Pineapple Zucchini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Linking up at:

Orgjunkie.com

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Six On Saturday: New Uses For Vinegar

Mix vinegar with baking soda and you have a mean cleaning machine.

But vinegar alone can do amazing things...

1) Deodorize the garbage disposal. Make vinegar ice cubs and feed them to your disposal. Then run cold water through your drain.

2) Boost your bath. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with an essential oil to the water of your next bath. The vinegar will sooth dry skin and clean your tub at the same time!

3) Make your crystal sparkle. Using a newspaper and a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water, safely clean your best crystal.


4) Fluff your laundry. To fluff your sweaters and towels, add a few capfuls of vinegar to your rinse cycle.

5) Kill those stubborn weeds. Fill a spray bottle with pure vinegar and spray weeds in sidewalks multiple times. (Be careful not to spray grass, as it will kill that too!)

6) Liven droopy flowers. Flowers starting to wilt? Add two tablespoons of white vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water. Pour the solution into the vase and your flowers will perk up.

Do you have any new uses for vinegar?

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FREE Full-Size Origins Moisturizer

In honor of Earth Day tomorrow, April 22, you can trade-in your cosmetic empties and receive a FREE full-size Origins moisturizer!! 

Complete this form and bring your current skincare (full or empty) to your local Origins store. Only one promotional size moisturizer per customer while supplies last on 4/22 only!

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