Book Review: Tape It & Make It- 101 Duct Tape Activities by Richela Fabian Morgan; Barron’s Publishing

Always a useful item in every household toolbox, duct tape has now taken on a second life as a medium for hobbyists of all ages. This fun-filled book presents dozens of creative ideas and easy-to-follow instructions for using versatile duct tape to make everything from coin purses to neckties, from elegant artificial flowers and highly original Halloween costumes to a duct tape yoga mat!

 

Discover how to fashion more than 100 different items from duct tape, including;

• Wallets and purses
• artificial flowers
• accessories
• aprons, superhero capes, and more.

 

History of Duct Tape: From the INTRO of Tape it & Make it- 101 Duct Tape Activities

Duct tape has been around since the 1940s, when it was originally developed as an adhesive for ammunition cases in World War II. Because of it’s water resistant qualities, the military also used it for quick fixes on jeeps and firearms. It eventually found it’s way into hardware stores, where plumbers and builders gave it it’s current name.

Nowadays, duct tape is ubiquitous. Besides a hardware store, you can find a roll of the good stuff in the office supply shop, an arts’ and crafts store, a grocery store, even a pharmacy- all places that one would certainly not associate with malfunctioning ducts. So why are these places stocking up on duct tape?

The answer is that duct tape is the new black- and not just in the fashion sense. You can make just about anything with it, from accessories to home decoration.

My Review

I had seen the duct tape wallets and certain accessories on random blogs. I thought they looked pretty cool, but I wasn’t for certain that playing with duct tape was my thing. For one, it’s messy—it’s very sticky and very unforgiving.

For instance, if I miss a stitch in crochet- all I have to do is untangle the other stitches and make sure I include it this time. I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend the money on duct tape so I could get it twisted and tangled up everywhere.

BUT- this book shows exactly how to work with duct tape to prevent it from sticking everywhere, all over everything. It shows (with pictures) how to square the duct tape up so that you create a “fabric” with it—so it’s easier to maintain.

After reading through the book, I wasn’t so hesitant that I could screw this up BIG TIME, I now know how to prevent the bubbles and make the different “fabrics”

There’s the one sided, double-sided, and woven. It’s pretty simple after the first couple of times. Just make sure your working on a flat wood surface so there isn’t any room for the duct tape to slide.

The reason I was drawn into “crafting” anyway was all the different colors, and I love creating something out of nothing. When I had a chance to flip though the book, I was amazed at how MANY things could be made with just duct tape.

I thought maybe wallets and some other little things, but Richela (the author) is a duct tape GENIUS if I must say so myself. There are headbands with duct tape feathers, bracelets, fingerless gloves, aprons, hats, and vests. That’s just in the first chapter.

The second chapter is Housewares which includes coin holders, decorative wall hanging letters, picture frames, table runners, a plastic bag dispenser, vase, placemat and more.

I love that in the second chapter she devotes two entire pages to just showing us how to “paint” with duct tape. Which is like silhouettes.. you cut out the “design” such as a tree or a bird (or whatever you choose) and place it on whatever your making.

This spices things up a bit. You can create whatever you want with just this design tip. Out of the hundreds of items that can be made from duct tape JUST in this book, you can add your own flair and design to it with choosing a different color tape and adding the “paint” method which is what I thought was the most AWESOME!

Chapter 3 is nothing but pillows, pads, cushions, and mats. Making a seat cushion, pillow, or a mat out of duct tape never occurred to me. When I got into this book, thoughts started swirling my mind about all the different things I could make with the tape (that wasn’t in the book).  All of a sudden, everything in life becomes a canvas for duct taping!

Chapter 4 shows how to further your knowledge of making stuff out of duct tape by making “STICKERS”. These are stickers that you can put on your different “projects” to also help make them stand out to be YOURS.

They show you how to make a butterfly, crow, apple. sports car, peace sign, surfing wave, pirate, earth, a bridge, and more..

Chapter 5 is where it gets very interesting with the bags, holders, and wallets. I don’t know why but I am a collector of all things bags, totes, wallets, and laptop cases. I have 1 laptop and 10 cases—don’t ask me why.. lol.

They have some awesome clutches, totes, and even full sized beach bags in this book. Lunch totes, id holders, and cell phone case. You can of course, change up the colors so that you have every type of bag in every color,, YAY

This is a cheap, easy, and convienient way to make everybody Christmas presents on your lists. It doesn’t take long, the instructions are very simple, and the duct tape will NEVER wear down. If something spills inside their “beach bag” all they have to do is wipe it out with a washcloth.

It will never stain, tear, or break. The only way to dissemble the duct tape is to of course- CUT IT! This would be a perfect present for even young kids (as long as you cut the tape for them). They can then make birthday presents, Christmas presents, and even mother and fathers’ day presents by hand.

Chapter 6 devotes itself to making different flowers. Wouldn’t mom just love flowers that never died in her vase for the front room table? Of course she would. There are some beauties in here; Calla Lily, Red Rose, Sunflower, Cherry Blossom Branch (my favorites), Hot pink Hibiscus, and more!  By this point, you could make MOM and GRANDMA an entire garden for their house! LOL

Chapter 7 is toys; so it’s about checker/chess boards, dolls, and masks. Oh what fun the kids could have making their OWN toys! AND it wouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg!

Chapter 8 is more fun and play for the kids with Costumes, Disguises, and Props. What kid doesn’t like a little imaginative play every now and then? With this you can create beards, superhero capes, pirate hats. knight sword and shield, and more.

Chapter 9 is seasonal; ornaments, wreaths, bows, banners, and baskets. Nothing says “KIDS live here” like handmade ornaments and baskets. This would be something fun to do together and keep as keepsakes..

This whole book is nothing but fun! Go to walmart, get the duct tape, buy this book, and have some family time making stuff. Not only will they remember the time you spent with them, when you bring out the stuff they made when they’re older—they will have a blast remembering making it!

About the Author

 

When she's not picking through her neighbor's trash for crafty treasures, Richela Fabian Morgan teaches eco crafting at the Sheldrake Environmental Center.
Ms. Morgan lives with her husband and two children in Larchmont, New York. You can learn more about her crafts, her cooking, and her domestic follies on her website: http://www.richelafabianmorgan.com

 

Buy It: $8.64 & Free Shipping with orders over $25

Tape It & Make It: 101 Duct Tape Activities

 

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Ooh La La at the Mansion Indoor Tanning Lotion by Playboy <Performance Brands>

Level 3 Advanced Indoor Tanning Lotion-Extreme Hot Tingle Bronzer with Hi Def Color!

Your sultry hot, seductive bronze is an expression of surprise to all those in your presence. Sizzling hot, yet refined persona allows you to saunter through the crowd with ease. Everyone stares in awe while you mingle with the crowd as only you know the power of your presence. You’re hot in more ways than one.

Your fiery attraction is unstoppable- The Mansion awaits you!

AccelaBronze* Tanning and Skincare Breakthrough!

• Purified Advanced Tanning Accelerators for your darkest tan.
• 25x Black Bronze for Instant bronzing gratification
• DHA clear bronzers adds an extra level of bronze for a deeper tan.
• Extra Hot Tingle Action Improves and stimulates a darker bronze color.
• Advanced Silicone Emulsion provides silky smoothness while prolonging the life of your tan.
• Exotic Neem & Evening Primrose oil provides luscious moisture.
• Vitamins A, C, & E aids in the protection of your skin.
• Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Grape Seed extracts helps restore skins youthfulness.

For Experienced Tanners Only: High Heat and Redding will Occur.

My Review:

I was super excited to get Ooh La La at the Mansion in the mail. When it came, I couldn’t get over how pretty the packaging was. It comes in a dark pink bottle, with a picture of lace twisted around the top of the bottle. EVEN the top of the bottle is designed- It looks like a Diamond encased in gold—how pretty!

I’ve been using this tanning lotion for more than two weeks now, and I am in LOVE with everything about this lotion. I already had a base tan before using this, so I do consider myself an advanced tanner.

The first time I opened this bottle, I fell in love immediately. Usually tanning lotions smell good BEFORE you use them, but after they seem to smell like burnt cinnamon or burnt skin. This doesn’t! This stays fresh and smelling amazing even after tanning.

I love that it stays smelling fresh and fruity, because usually I have to cover the smell of the tanning lotion (after tanning) with my after-tan moisturizer. This one I can just put the moisturizer on my feet, throw my clothes and shoes on, and go!

I don’t even need to put after-tan moisturizer ON when I use this tanning lotion. It is infused with Exotic Neem and Evening Primrose Oil to give the most luscious moisturized skin EVER after tanning.

Usually my skin starts to dry out before I even get out of the tanning bed. SO I put lotion on then. Then later in the day, my skin will become dry (and look ashy) again, so I’ll put the lotion on again. And then after I take my shower for the night, I’ll put it on again. I was going through after-tan lotion pretty quickly at that rate.

This lotion is infused with Vitamins A, C, and E which are natural skin moisturizers, healers, and smoothers. It is also infused with pomegranate, Cranberry, and Grape Seed to help your skin keep it’s youthful glow!

If you see in the picture above that the color of the lotion is brown, this is because it has INSTANT bronzers in it. I could tell from the very first tanning session that this is an amazing bronzer. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law were at the house visiting Adam one day when I left for the tanning bed. After I got back he said “You’ve already darkened a shade.”

He wasn’t lying either. I HAD darkened a shade. Each time I go and use this lotion I get a shade darker. The best part is the tan looks absolutely NATURAL. This lotion has absolutely NO orangey color to it, and it doesn’t streak. I do wipe my fingers and palms on a towel before tanning because they WILL be brown when you get out if you don’t wipe.

Even my shins and feet are all the way bronzed without the streaking. Usually my shins don’t tan as well as the rest of my body—but because there are instant bronzers PLUS clear bronzers, it immediately bronzes and then continues to bronze overtime. The way my skin feels so nourished, moisturized, and absolutely beautifully bronzed after tanning- I FELL in LOVE and still love using this on a daily basis.

I have the type of skin that doesn’t peel or burn at all, so I CRAVE the tingle lotions. I love the heat off of it. My skin craves the burn. This doesn’t mean that my skin BURNS per say, but a tingle lotion helps the tanning process by bringing the blood closer to the skin for a deeper, darker tan.

I really love tingles mixed with bronzers because you get EXTRA dark very quickly. This is top of the line bronzer because it has a Purified Advanced Tanning Accelerator, 25X Black Bronzers (which bronze instantly), but it also has DHA Clear Bronzers which also help to further develop your tan (for the longer run)!

You can see all about Ooh La La at the Mansion and watch a video about it!

Buy IT: You can buy the Ooh La La at the Mansion by Playboy at your local salon.

See about more Playboy products from Performance Brands

 

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Facial Toner (Rose + Red Tea)

 

Kiss surface shine and excess oil goodbye, all without drying your skin out with Acure Organics Balancing Facial Toner Rose & Red Tea. My skin has gotten extremely oily since beginning the tanning routine in January. My skin was already oily, but now it’s even worse. I can FEEL the oil just seeping out. I try to wash my face more than twice a day and use this toner to keep the oil at bay.

I love the fact that this comes in a spritz, so I don’t have to use cotton balls or pads to apply it. It’s quick, easy, and convenient. I love how refreshing and invigorating it smells and FEELS on my skin. I have been using this on a nightly basis (as well as in the mornings and after visiting the tanning salon).

It smells amazing (like rose water) which surprised me because it has witch hazel in it, and usually witch hazel takes over any other fragrance that’s in a product. With this one though, it doesn’t. All I can smell is roses.. Ahh..how nice.

It’s alcohol free and certified organic. It contains organic witch hazel and rooibos to minimize surface shine, because it stimulates and balances the oil production on the face. It’s also great for soothing redness and irritation.

 

Buy It: The Acure Organics Balancing Facial Toner Rose & Red Tea for $15.99

Connect with Acure Organics on Twitter and Facebook

 

About Acure Organics:

Designer Kristy Guerra founded Acure Organics as a way to honor her grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. Kristy wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. The result of her extensive ingredient research is this safe, beautiful, pure, potent line of nutrient-rich organic beauty products that are affordable and accessible to all! Best of all, Acure Organics proudly donates $1.00 for each product sold to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation™

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Radical Resurfacing Face Lotion

I have said this over and over, but there is NOTHING better than Acure Organics on the market today. They are hands down the absolute BEST thing since sliced bread! They sell absolutely everything you need to look and feel your best.

Whether it’s shampoo or conditioner (they even sell dry shampoo and leave in conditioner), lotions, night and day creams, serums, wrinkle protection, body wash.. and more!

Their packaging is SO beautiful, each product has a different color/design on it—and they even write funny little statements on the back of the products!

The Radical Resurfacing Face Lotion comes in a clear glass bottle with dark and light blue swirls on the side. It also comes with a twist/turn pump top. You can turn it right to lock it, left to unlock it.

This makes it so much easier on me. Not only can I take it with me if I stay the night somewhere other than my home—but my daughter likes to try and sneak into stuff that she isn’t allowed to. I can lock the top and she can’t squirt it everywhere!

This is a thin white lotion that smells absolutely delicious! It reminds me of Lemon Tart or something! YUM! It sinks RIGHT in my skin, without leaving my face oily or greasy!

This should definitely be called a serum rather than a lotion. Serums are more lightweight and more effective than lotions because of their structure build. They are built to easily sink into the skin and work at a quicker pace. This definitely does both! AND serums work well under another moisturizer and makeup, and this does that as well.

You can use this day or night OR both. I have been using this in both my morning and night time cleaning and moisturizing routine on a daily basis. It is very lightweight and feels amazing on my skin even during the day.

It isn’t heavy like a regular moisturizer would be.. it even goes on under makeup really well. The Radical Resurfacing Face Lotion is made to even and smooth the skin tone.

When I was 15, I fell against a dresser and hit my right eye- which left a scar. Since I’ve been using this, I’ve noticed the scar has slightly faded over time.  It also helps with red spots, dark spots, and old acne scars.

I have noticed a HUGE difference in the size of my pores. Usually they are GIANT, especially on my nose (WHICH I hate).. but using this twice a day on a daily basis as really helped them to diminish in size and stay clear from blackheads!

It helps to fight blotchiness, spots, and hyperpigmentation. I’ve been tanning a lot since January and the tanning bed is supposed to clear up your skin. (It did clear up my Keratosis Pilarsis) but it was giving me sweat bumps on my jawline all the way up to my earlobes.

Since I’ve been using this, it has kept the sweat bumps at bay. I don’t have to scrub with a glycolic cleanser every night (because it WASN’T acne) but I thought maybe it’d help.

This has definitely worked well on clearing up my skin tone, toning up my skin, and making it SO soft! You can use this as a spot treatment, but I’ve been using 1- 1 1/2 pumps each morning and night after exfoliating, cleaning, and using a spray toner.. and it has worked wonders!

During the day, I don’t have to use another moisturizer (now that’s it’s spring) I did in the winter because my skin was drier. It’s just enough moisture for the day for me though, because I have naturally oily skin.

Those that don’t however could get away with adding another day moisturizer and then putting on your makeup. At night it’s the same routine except I use this under a night cream as well. I LOVE the smell of the lemons.. so fresh and invigorating!!

This is an amazing facial lotion, and if YOU have any issues with your skin tone or texture this is FOR YOU! It’s cheap, lightweight, and smells incredible! One bottle lasts quite awhile too.

• Restores balance and surface tone to skin
• Feeds and restores cells
• Protects against free radical damage
• Improves skin texture and tone without photosensitivity
• Great for all skin types
• Paraben free, Vegan, Gluten free, Synthetic fragrance free, Silicone free, Phthalate free
• Fair trade certified ingredients

Buy IT: You can buy the Acure Organics Radical Resurfacing Cream for $19.99

Connect with Acure Organics on Twitter and Facebook

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Ultra-Hydrating Body Wash (Coconut and Pumpkin)

A deep hydrating, skin moisturizing body wash that smells like the beach? Yes, please! I was really excited to get this in the mail. I have never seen ANYTHING with a mixture of pumpkin and coconut before and was jumping out of my seat to see how well it would work (AND how great it would smell!)

I was thinking to myself—how could ANYTHING with pumpkin in it smell like the beach? I was truly underestimating this body washes ability to take me there! I was truly VERY wrong.

I popped the top of the Acure Ultra-hydrating Body wash and by gosh it DID smell just like a day at the beach. It smelled like I was washing myself in tanning lotion..yum.. it smelled incredible!

It’s made with omega rich Organic Argan Oil, Organic Pumpkin, and cell boosting Argan Stem Cells, I wanted to stay in the land of sand, sun, and waves. Relaxing and just kicked back—but reality kicked in, and the water started turning cold.

I really loved how thick and creamy it was. At first I didn’t think it was going to sud up because it felt like a lotion. In the second picture, you can SEE how well it suds!

I want to show you that not only is Acure naturally incredible, but they have a sense of humor too! This is what is on the back of the body wash “At some point, though, please do get out of the shower. Expect to be smelling your arm all day after using this. It just smells that good. People may look at you funny.”

This definitely feeds and restores the skin cells to leave nothing but amazingly soft skin that smells amazing.

“We started with a simple concept: provide healthy skin care products using the purest organic and fair trade certified ingredients in order to help raise money in the fight against breast cancer and to support environmental causes. We donate 5% of our after-tax profits to our charity partners.” From the Acure Website

Buy it: You can buy the Acure Ultra-hydrating Body wash for $9.99

Connect with Acure Organics on Twitter and Facebook

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub

I have been addicted to the Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub since the first time I used it. It’s a natural face scrub that has ingredients from the “sea”. It works like a charm every time.

Yes, it looks like baby poop, or sea slime—but it feels SO amazing on my skin. I’ve been dealing with extra oily skin since beginning tanning as much as I could in January. I can “FEEL” the oil just seeping from my face.

When I talk on my touch screen phone, there is oily residue on it afterward. It’s from all the sweating at the tanning bed, it’s kicking my already oily pores into overtime work.

I’m glad that I found something that actually helps though. I’d been noticing REALLY large, severe blackheads on my nose. I tried every type of scrub imaginable, with NO effects. Until this one that is.

Within one use, I can tell that there isn’t any oil left over, my skin is nothing but soft and feels amazing. The pores were getting smaller within the first week, and I could tell that the blackheads were being kept at bay just within the first 2 uses.

I KNOW that this is something that I can’t live without! I had tried blackhead strips, acne medicine, and everything in between to try and get rid of the blackheads. I don’t usually wear a lot of makeup, but I was seriously wearing concealer on my NOSE to hide the blackheads before I found this scrub.

This isn’t a mask- You wet your face, apply this, scrub with fingertips or washcloth, and rinse off. The kids call me the “hulk mommy” when they see me with this on my face. Aidan my son said “She’s the hulk mommy, uh-huh she’s green”.  Made me laugh..

You can use this up to 3 times a week for an effective, safe organic scrub. It’s great for all skin types (even sensitive skin). It stimulates new cell growth, to exfoliate the old skin off, and help build new cells.

My skin has really made a drastic change since using this! It’s amazing and I love it!

Buy it for YOURSELF: Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub for $14.99

Connect with Acure Organics on Twitter and Facebook

 

Jessica Renee

PARNEVU Hair Products Review: Hair Mayonnaise, Shampoo, & Leave-in Conditioner

Parnevu is a premium brand of hair care products for your irritating hair problems. I tend to have REALLY oily roots but the ends of my hair dry out really badly because I dye my hair too much. My hair also tends to get frizzy if I don’t flat-iron it after blowdrying (which ALSO leads to MORE damage).

Although Parnevu is more of an African-American type of hair products, they can AND do work for any and all kinds of hair (TYPICALLY for dry hair). I wouldn’t recommend using these on a daily basis for white people since our hair naturally produces more oil, but these products are AMAZING for once or twice a week!

Parnevu sent me three products to try, and the first one I’ll tell you about is the Parnevu Hair Mayonnaise. This product treats weak, damaged hair. It contains olive oil, egg protein and herbs.

It comes in a 16 ounce tub with a twist on lid. I’ve already used it more than 6 times, and still have half a tub left (but my hair is long). You can use these a couple different ways.

You can shampoo your hair and then put this on—leave it for 10-15 minutes and cover hair with a cap or a hot wet towel (AND blow dry the towel) for a deeper penetration into the hair shaft.

I just wrapped my hair up in my shower curtain and left it for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. The hair mayonnaise is very thick and creamy and smells good too!

It rubs right in my hair (I do use 2 palm size drops). I loved how IMMEDIATE the results were. Within the first use my hair was more manageable, less dehydrated, shinier, and healthier looking. My hair was even THICKER with more volume!

The ends of my hair weren’t brittle anymore, and  couldn’t tell that there was any previous damage with just a few uses. Before this treatment I would lose a LOT of strands every time I got in the shower and then brushed it. I seriously felt like a dog shedding it’s winter coat. Since I’ve been using this, I’ve noticed less falling strands in the shower!

Parnevu Hair Mayonnaise is only $7.00 and can be purchased on the website.

Next is the shampoo--

PARNEVU T-Tree Shampoo is a unique blend of botanicals designed to cleanse the hair and scalp of impurities. It locks in the moisture that can escape when hair becomes damaged from perming, dying, straightening, or blow drying!

This is an ultra-rich, thick, and creamy shampoo but it lathers AMAZINGLY which surprised me because of the thickness, I thought it would feel more like an organic shampoo (which almost feels like rubbing a lotion in because they have almost no lather).

I love how well it washes and rinses out in just ONE wash. I had been having VERY itchy scalp AND dandruff before using this. It was a combination of tanning and product buildup. This caused the itching to go away because it washed the product residue away and moistened my scalp.

Even the first time I used this I could tell how silky my hair became as SOON as it was applied to my hair. I was like “WOW”. Instant silkiness which is HUGE for me! I love soft hair.. I felt like I didn’t even need to use a conditioner because the shampoo was so nourishing.

You can buy the Parnevu T-Tree Shampoo for $6

The last item is the Parnevu T-Tree Leave in Conditioner. It is uniquely formulated to penetrate, heal and moisturize dry, damaged hair and flaky, itchy scalp. Regular use promotes the natural healing process for total hair and scalp health.

This has also helped with my itchy and flaking scalp. I have to say it’s the lightest leave-in conditioner that I’ve use. Usually I can’t do leave-ins because they leave my hair oily and looking like I dumped a pit of grease on my head. This didn’t though!

I love that my hair has become so vibrant and healthy without the weight and heaviness of too much product. I can blow dry my hair without it looking or feeling oily or greasy. It stays free from fly-away hair and those awful frizz moments.

The overall health of my hair was significantly improved in less than 2 uses! I LOVE these products AND they are cheap! Stock up NOW ladies, summer is almost here!

Buy it: You can buy the Parnevu Leave in Conditioner for $6

Follow Parvuevu on Facebook and on Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

Household Review: Spring Cleaning with Simple Green Cleaner

I couldn’t have been happier with Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner. It REALLY is an all-purpose cleaner, but the best thing is that it doesn’t contain chemicals and it’s VERY high quality for the price! Win-WIn.

It comes diluted and with an extra spray bottle. You can dilute it for light, medium, or heavy use. It can be used both indoors and out, and on just about EVERY single thing you can think of! I’ve DONE it!

*Bathroom: countertops, bathtub, toilet, sink, showers and fixtures.

*Kitchen: coffee maker, oven, countertop, dishwasher, drain, garbage disposal, garbage can, range hood, stove-top, vent, appliances, cabinets, and microwave.

*Indoors: carpet, toys, window blinds, ceiling fan, highchair, fireplaces, tile, floors, walls, and laundry (removes the toughest stains including dirt, grease, oil, coffee, juice, lipstick, and blood)

*Outdoors: engines, garage floors, driveways, tools, BBQ grills, grease filters, car exteriors, bikes, sports and exercise equipment, motorcycles and campers.

Since the end of March, I’ve been doing nothing but CLEANING, CLEANING, CLEANING, packing, unpacking, organizing, did I mention CLEANING? I had to clean the place we moved from as well as the place we were moving to.

I used this for basically every SINGLE washable thing in both places. Bathrooms, kitchen, floor, carpet, floors, walls, the laundry that was in storage, and just about everything else.

I have to say—most all purpose cleaners ARE crammed with chemicals and aren’t all that effective. I had my doubts about a cleaner that didn’t have ANY chemicals, but it really did the job.

Everything was sparkling.. absolutely beautiful! I didn’t have to scrub and scrub, so it made it 10x easier on me. It smells a little overpowering (but I think that’s the point).. the smell disappears very quickly though, so it isn’t too bad.

There isn’t much that it can’t conquer. All you have to do is let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing or washing. I love that it’s great for stained up laundry! My son has a class shirt that he had to wear every single Friday for 5 weeks. By the third week it had grass stains where he went outside and played (AND I forgot to make him change). This brought those grass stains right out!!

 

DIRECTIONS FOR DILUTING Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner Degreaser Deodorizer :

*LIGHT STRENGTH (for non-greasy, lightly soiled surfaces) - add 2 Tbsp. Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner Degreaser Deodorizer to a 32 oz. spray bottle and fill the rest with water

*MEDIUM STRENGTH (everyday strength) - add ½ cup of Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner Degreaser Deodorizer to a 32 oz. spray bottle and fill the rest with water.

*HEAVY STRENGTH (for stubborn soils, heavy grease) - add 2 cups of Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner Degreaser Deodorizer to a 32 oz. spray bottle and fill the rest with water.

Buy IT: You can buy the Simple Green Starter Kit for $12.99

 

Jessica Renee

Organizing Craft Supplies with Ebottles

I have been in LOVE with crafting for quite awhile now. It came to me when my son was born premature and I was looking for something to help make a little money at home so I didn’t have to work.

SO- I became engrossed in different crafts; sewing, crocheting, decoupage. I was going and buying all these different tools and notions for the different crafts that I was interested in, and it didn’t take very long at all for me to become unorganized.

I was trying to find something that would help me organize everything without being pricey or taking up too much space. When I ran across these beautiful glass jars, I fell in love!

Not only are there so many different varieties of glass jars to choose, but they look AWESOME sitting on the shelf! They let the notions and supplies decorate and enhance the room with their own individual colors!

I love that I can look and automatically see what’s inside the jar. No more digging, digging, and digging looking for something I knew I had seen a second ago.

I was spending more time actually looking for certain items; zippers, a certain sewing foot, or another bobbin then I was spending getting anything done. It was quite frustrating and half the time I’d end up giving up because I couldn’t find something that I needed to finish or start a project.

Now I don’t have to worry about it. Now these beautiful glass jars sit on their own shelf with everything I need inside. They have been a huge blessing NOT only to my crafting (time) but to my sanity as well.

I’ve had plenty people come over and tell me that it was an amazing way to organize everything without having to search for it. I couldn’t agree more.

Now that I spend more time getting stuff done, I am more relaxed.. and I love IT! All because of some glass jars.. who would’ve thought?

Not me!

While you’re here, you should look into being more relaxed and healthier with- Better Sleep Tips.

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Ultra-Hydrating Body Lotion-Unscented (Cocoa Butter & CoQ10)

Acure Organics has such a wide range of products that are all very healthy for the skin as well as natural & organic. The Hydrating Body Lotion with Morrocan Oil is no different.

The lotion is very hydrating and moisturizing, but not heavy. It’s more hydrating then the other Acure lotions I’ve tried, but it isn’t my favorite because it’s unscented. This would be perfect for someone with sensitive skin or are sensitive to fragrances (which I know people who are).

This is great for after-tanning use. When I get out of the tanning bed, my feet are REALLY dry, so I bring this with me and add a drop to each foot before putting my shoes back on. I also love to use this for all over body hydration (hydrated skin tans and stays tan longer). Tanning lotion usually smells like burnt cinnamon or something—(depending on the lotion). So I use this to keep from adding to the smell.

I have been messing around with adding a few drops of essential oils to the lotion each time I apply it. It’s amazing to create your own unique “fragrance”. PLUS- since it IS unscented, it’s a PLUS for spring and summertime. Bugs are attracted to fragrance (mosquitos, ants, bees..), so this wouldn’t alert you to the bug radar.

I love that it just seems to “melt” right into my skin without a hitch though. There isn’t any “settling” time. It just sinks right in and we’re ready to go. I love that it doesn’t leave a “greasy” film like some moisturizing lotions do. I have to end up wiping my hands on a hand-towel after using THOSE. This is nothing like that. It works without being greasy!

I particularly love that Acure never puts alcohol in their body lotions. Alcohol can actually dry the skin out even more—so this is nothing but pure HYDRATION!  It’s amazing how creamy, thick, and buttery this is!

I feel like since I’ve been using this my skin has been more hydrated, nourished, and feels smoother. It’s a rather large bottle for $10, plus they donate $1 to each purchase to Bright Pink- for breast cancer research and education.

Buy It: You can buy the Acure Organics Ultra-Hydrating Body Lotion for $9.99

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Jessica Renee

March of Dimes® Launches 2013 imbornto® Campaign With Help From Partners Nationwide

The March of Dimes Supports the Idea That Every Baby Is Born to Do Something Great  and Encourages Consumers to Shop, Dine and Donate To The Cause

WHITE PLAINS, NY, APRIL 2013 -- Every baby is born to do something great, but first they have to be born strong and healthy. That’s the powerful truth that the March of Dimes 2013 imbornto campaign is designed to celebrate, continuing the organization’s 75 years of research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. As the “Official Partner of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day,” March of Dimes is encouraging consumers to shop, dine or donate where they see the imbornto seal to get involved and support the cause.

Every time a baby is born, so are a new mom and dad.  There's no better time to celebrate the work of the March of Dimes than on their special days.  From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day, the Foundation will partner with media, retailers and brands to remind everyone when they reflect on family that every baby is born to do something great, and that no matter what you were born to do, the March of Dimes helped you get there.

“The March of Dimes has been hard at work improving the lives of babies and families everywhere for 75 years,” says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of March of Dimes. “The imbornto campaign allows us to tap into the hopes, dreams and aspirations that all parents have for their babies and inspire people nationwide to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in a way that ensures more babies are born strong and healthy.”
2013 imbornto partners include Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., Farmers Insurance, Kmart, Mud Pie, Bliss Carpets, ProFlowers, First Response, Famous Footwear and Oral B. Visit www.imbornto.com for more information and additional participating partners this spring.

Since its founding in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to defeat polio, March of Dimes-funded research has led to medical advancements, such as the introduction of the polio vaccine, newborn screening for PKU and developments in newborn intensive care still used today.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premiere event, March for Babies®, March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.