Monster 600XL 3-in-1 Hand Vacuum

Kids and messes seem to go hand in hand, right? My kids seem to be little tornadoes at times. I can pick up their playroom and within mere seconds it’s back to the way it was. With so many toys to keep them entertained, keeping them organized can be quite a hassle.

These days toys come with tons of pieces- some large and some very tiny. Some that easily come off and get mashed into the carpet. Knowing that I’ll be picking up that room more than a couple times a day, I needed something other than my huge floor model vacuum. I was tired of lugging it around, it’s super heavy!

    

That’s where the Monster 600XL comes in. It adequately cleans all types of surfaces. Picks up dirt and embedded materials from even the thickest carpets. It is a 3-in-1 vacuum and it comes with 7 easy to maneuver attachments.


Don’t mistake the smallness for less, this can clean anything from floors to upholstery. It has definitely won me over because I don’t have to pull out my giant vacuum just to get the inside of the couch and loveseat clean. It even makes it easy to vacuum the inside of my food cabinets when the kids spilled cheerios everywhere.

It’s easy to put together, dump out when full, and store. It even comes with it’s own handy little storage bag. I am loving the amazing attachments that come with it. It can clean just about anything. It has tools for different surfaces and three extension tubes to make the vacuum as tall or as short as you need to get the job done right.

I even use this to clean out my truck. The cord is long enough that I can hook it up to an extension cord and go to work. No more stopping at the car wash and spending .75 each time. I can just whip this out, vacuum it up, and be done. The smaller attachments even let me clean the seat cracks! Super Amazing.

I love that this has a washable, reusable filter. No more bags or buying filters that don’t last very long. When the filter gets filled, just soak in hot water and replace it back in the vacuum. It’s small enough that even my kids WANT to vacuum up their own mess, now THAT is incredible. :D

The only problem I had was when something would get lodged inside the rubber piece inside the clear part of the vacuum, it would stop up the entire tubing. It backed up and spit it back out. Other than that, this is a great vacuum!

From Monster.

• Includes 600XL 3-in-1 handheld vacuum, two-piece upholstery/pet tool, three 11-3/4" extension tubes, crevice tool, blowing accessory, adapter tool, and storage/carry bag
• 600W motor
• Vacuum and blower functions
• Pressure-fit attachments to avoid slipping
• Washable, bagless filter system
• Ergonomic handle
• Expandable dust cup with 19.2-oz closed capacity
• Approximate measurements: Vacuum 14"L x 4"Diam with a 8-1/4" cleaning path, weighs 3 lbs; Cord 16'L; Flex hose 2'L; Extension tubes 11-3/4"L; Tote bag 13-1/2"W x 13"H; Dust cup bin 28.7-oz maximum capacity
• ETL listed; 1-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
• Imported

Jessica

Perks of Renting TextBooks with CampusBookRentals

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of CampusBookRentals, all opinions are my own.

If you’re a college student, than you already know that money is tight. Why spend more than you have to? Especially if your diet consists of ramen, ramen, and more ramen. Why spend $200 on one textbook if you have other options? Especially if you only get about $30-$40 of your money back when you try and resell it.

The textbooks I bought when I was in college only cost a pretty penny and I only got about a quarter of what I actually paid for them back. These textbook buy-back places would try and get me to take their offer of something ridiculously low. I just ended up keeping most of them because I’d rather keep the book then sell it back for less than 25% of what I paid for it.

Now you don’t have to worry about buying, reselling, and accepting extremely low prices. Campus Book Rentals now allows you to RENT your textbook and then return it when your class is over. How easy is that? Plus, it saved me a ton of time. I didn’t have to spend gas driving to those buy-back places.

Plus, they don’t charge you for shipping. It’s free to ship the book to your house, and free to ship it back. They also have the largest selection of textbooks available that you can find from a rental service.  If you order a book and then drop a class, they will give a refund. If you need the book longer than you thought you did, they have an extra 15 days grace period without them charging you extra!

The best thing about these book are that you can TREAT them like your own. You can highlight them and write little side notes in corners, which I love. I mean, you can’t mark up or highlight entire pages, but who does that anyway? You need to make it so that the next renter can see what has been written. 

              

You can track your order as it is being shipped, so that you always know where it is and what day it will arrive. You can even refer friends to make a little money to spend on rentals. This is a winner for all.



Not only do you save money, but you are actually helping others when you rent from Campus Book Rentals. They donate a portion of their sales to Operation Smile. Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that performs safe, effective cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, and delivers postoperative and ongoing medical therapies to children in low and middle income countries.



Now they have RentBack that offers you even more money. Instead of just selling your textbook, you can rent it to other students. Every time your book is rented you make money.
Instead of spending $200 for 1 book- just spend $50-60! They even buy textbooks, so if you have any extras laying around that aren’t in use, make you some cash!

They’ve also set aside $90,000 in textbook scholarships to be distributed to students in communities just like yours. That’s a lot of books, and we hope to touch a lot of students who could use a hand.

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
-free shipping both ways
-can highlight in the textbooks
-flexible renting periods
-we donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented



Jessica

Kohls: Candies Girl Cowboy Boot #FallFashion

My daughter enjoys looking like a true star country girl in these Candies Girls Cowboy Boots. I knew she wanted a pair, but didn’t exactly know which pair, so I let her choose. She loved these because of the detailed designs sewn on the outside, which is pretty cool if I say so myself. The design is one I’d wear myself. I really like the winged design stitches before, but these are great compared to other girl boots.

A great quality cowboy boot can make anything look good, and that is what these do. Adisyn can wear these with a pair of jeans and a plaid shirt as well as skirts and dresses. There’s no denying she absolutely loves them.



Do you know how hard it is to separate a girl from her boots? Pretty dang hard. She wears them everywhere. She’s been wearing them to school, errands, playing, and even to sleep a couple times. She adores them. They are nice enough to wear out to dinner, yet comfortable enough for her to stomp and run outside.



I  also love the boots more practical features like quality and comfort. This boot was made with comfort and safety in mind. A lightly padded lining helps keep feet comfortable, while a low-heeled sole lets her wear them without it hurting after long periods of walking.

 

I got them one size big so that she can wear them longer than a couple months, she grows too fast. They still aren’t the type of boot to fall off even if they are a little big. They have a zippered side, that make it easier for her to get them off and on.


The only issue we’ve had is the outside of the boot peeling a bit after she scraped her foot on gravel following to help me feed our dogs. I can easily add some shoe polish to cover it up, though—so no big deal. Other than that, no problems here!

9 Spook-tastic DIY Halloween Decorations For Kids

Halloween is here, which means tons of ideas on making your home into a haunted wonderland. We don’t go out and do terrifyingly scary, but there is just something about Halloween that makes my kids go giddy crazy. They love dressing up, trick-or-treating, and of course the candy!

My kids love crafting no matter what it is, so I’ve compiled some amazing homemade decorations that you can make with your kids. These projects aren’t going to take a ton of time (we all want something quick and easy right?) More than anything it should be FUN and not cost too much.
Halloween Duct Tape Wreath

      
    CraftsnCoffee

I am really loving this Halloween wreath, the purple spider decorated duct tape is absolutely perfect. It isn’t to scary (for the kids) and it is simple to make, and doesn’t very much. I also love the fact that the duct tape makes the wreath weatherproof, meaning we can use it for many Halloweens to come! Get the Halloween Spider Duct Tape Wreath instructions!

Spook Eyes
   
                                    Rust & Sunshine

Assorted glow sticks and toilet paper rolls is all you need to add a little scare to your trick-or-treaters. These glowing eyes can be placed randomly in bushes and trees throughout your yard. Get the Glowing Eyes instructions.

Glitter Pumpkins
  
     CouponsAreGreat
These Glitter Pumpkins are great for so many different places. They would look amazing sitting on your front porch, in your yard, or even on your kitchen table. There’s no shortage of pumpkin crafts around, might as well make one that isn’t going to rot. (You could totally use a real pumpkin though). Get the Glitter Pumpkin instructions.

Toilet Paper Pumpkin
                  
              FamilyFrugalFun

There are so many decoration ideas for Halloween floating through the internet, but have you thought about your bathroom? How to add a little Halloween spirit in there as well? These toilet paper tissue wrapped pumpkins will certainly do the trick! Get the Toilet Paper Pumpkin instructions.

Halloween Garland

SecondChancetoDream

If your mantel is crying for some Halloween spunk, this Halloween Garland will definitely do the trick. I am loving the spider/bat combo, but you can print off whatever pictures and cut and decoupage them. Mix it up and make your own, Get the Halloween Garland instructions.

Yarn Pumpkins
              
EnchantedHomeschoolingMom

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins… did I mention pumpkins? Pumpkins are the go-to decoration for fall and Halloween because they are so easy. Just grow (or buy) it, decorate (or not), and there you go. Instant front porch material. Take pumpkins to another level with these awesome Yarn Pumpkins, which I love!

Patchwork Pumpkins

TheNerdsWife

Instead of spending hours cutting, digging out the inside, and deciding on a face for your pumpkin- let them glue patches to the pumpkins. This is an amazing way to get your pumpkins to last longer and even the littlest of hands can help! Get the Pumpkin Patchwork tutorial.

Halloween Eyeball Bouquet

CraftsnCoffee

This amazing Halloween Eyeball bouquet is so simple, yet so intriguing. It is simple enough that the kids can help, and is sure to be used for many years. The Halloween colored vase and pot give this an even more Halloween look! Mix it up, let your kids color their own Styrofoam balls and add their own choice of eye color! Get the Halloween Eyeball Bouquet instructions.

Bat Window Silhouette
                 
The Jenny Evolution

This is a cute Halloween window decoration. It’s easy to switch this up and make your own. You can make pumpkins or bats, whichever you choose. The kids should get a blast of seeing their handywork hanging in the window! Get the Bat Window Silhouette instructions

Which is your favorite? I’d have to say the Eyeball Bouquet, it’s pretty awesome!

-Jessica

5 Creepy Cocktails For Any Halloween Party

Do you love Halloween parties, dressing up, and just random fun? Did you decide you want to host your own Halloween Spookfest this year? Your Halloween party is sure to be rocking with these spooky spirits and cocktail recipes. Doesn’t matter what your guests’ favorite poison is, we’ve got you covered.  

Chocolate Spider Web Martini

Oh-My Creative

Add a spooky twist to any chocolate martini with Black & White candy melts, some piping, and a black m&m. I love how the spider sits on the web, and your guests get a guilt-free snack! Get the Chocolate Spider Web Martini recipe.

Mr Hyde Potion

Sam Henderson-HGTV

Bubbling Cauldron of deliciousness, anyone? I love how this has a smoky look inside the glass, perfect for any Halloween Party. The blackberry liqueur and added blackberries make this almost sinful to share because it’s so good. The Mr. Hyde Potion is fearfully refreshing- made with blackberry liqueur, Vodka, & herbs.

Get the Mr Hyde Potion recipe

Candy Corn Flavored Vodka

HorseShoesNHandGrenades.com

Who wouldn’t want a little candy corn vodka? Candy corn is definitely one of my favorite things about Halloween. (Oh and those cool little pumpkin ones too). It’s one of the first things that pop in my mind when I think about Halloween. Drink as is, on the rocks, or mix up some crazy new cocktail with it. Get the Candy Corn Vodka Recipe.

Morgue-a-Rita

Sam Henderson- HGTV

Add some blood red syrup & ghoulish slime to your margarita mix. The syrup and goo turns any normal margarita recipe into a devilish good time. Get the Morgue-a-rita recipe.

Jack-o-Lantern

cocktails.about.com/

With all those Jack-o-Lanterns setting around as table toppers, why not add one to the drink collection? With this rounded type glass, this drink definitely does look cool. All you need is Cognac and Orange Juice but the topper is what makes this a hit. Get the Jack-o-Lantern recipe.


Have you ever tried any of these? Would you?

-Jessica

Invest Wisely: Home Improvements to Increase Property Value

Property values fluctuate based on the market, and if you’re looking to sell your home and get the top price for it, you may want to look into investing a little money into improvements that may be profitable in the event that your home sells. Small cosmetic changes do matter, and they are often quite easy and relatively inexpensive to make.

 They will create the first impressions that potential buyers have about your home, and they could make or break the buyer’s experience, even if they are as easy as simple as changing a paint color or updating plants in the yard. Here are a few great ideas for updating the look of your home without breaking the bank. These small changes will also likely pay for themselves with a little profit in the event that you sell your home.

Update Paint

Painting is easy to do yourself; therefore, it’s one of the least expensive but most powerful changes that you can make in your home. If you have any colors that are nontraditional, you may want to consider changing those to cleaner, more traditional colors that will appeal to a wide variety of people. Blues, greys, taupes, and classic whites all work well to appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

 If you do think color is appropriate (maybe you live in a community with plenty of artists), consider toning down bright colors or just leaving accent walls. As a rule, light colors tend to open up spaces, and you want individuals who step into your home to feel that it is open and has plenty of space. Fill in nail holes, and paint over dirty spots to make the entire place look and feel fresh and well-maintained.

Install New Siding

The first impression someone will have of your house will come from the curb. It’s important to make the outside look inviting and attractive to the average buyer. Siding is one important thing that can take an old, run-down house and make it look instantly cleaner and well-maintained. Vinyl siding is a great value and may just push a buyer over the edge from considering your house to putting in an offer. Consider replacing your exterior siding with vinyl before putting your house on the market. Many potential buyers are so burned out from selling their homes and moving, that they want a place that is move-in ready, where they can settle in right away. You can offer them that by updating the siding.

Stage Your Home

Many buyers just don’t have the vision to see their stuff in a home instead of yours. Unfortunately, not everyone has the gift of seeing potential in something. It may be worth your time and money to find an interior designer who can stage your home in a way that will appeal to the average buyer. Staging your home could also greatly increase your chances of getting a higher offer on your home.

-Jessica

Breast Cancer Breakdown- Everything You Need to Know & More #BreastCancerAwareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’ll be posting all month about not only the disease and what we ALL can do to raise awareness, but the amazing companies that do their part in raising awareness as well.


               
                           image source: nationalbreastcancer.org

What IS Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease where cancer cells grow in the tissues of the breast. The cancerous cells can attack neighboring tissues, turning them into cancer as well. With early breast cancer screening and treatment, most women do continue to live their normal lives as they once did.

The Facts
There are some pretty scary facts surrounding breast cancer and the impact it has on women’s lives. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and the second leading cause of death. 200,000 American Women are diagnosed yearly

That IS why getting yearly mammograms is super important. It might be scary to think about the procedure. Although nothing would compare to actually being diagnosed and knowing you could’ve, would’ve, should’ve gotten that appointment made when it was in the early stages.

Causes & Factors
The causes of breast cancer isn’t known. There are risk factors, but don’t let those risk factors scare you. Just because someone in your family has been diagnosed with it, doesn’t necessarily mean that YOU will get it. It is better to be safe than sorry though, women over 40 need to schedule an appointment every year to get a mammogram.

Signs, Symptoms & Self Breast Exams

                             Image Source: National Breast Cancer
You need to know how to do a self breast exam, so that you can detect any new formations or lumps in the tissues of your breasts. There is more than one way to do a self breast exam, but you DO need to do it regularly (at least once a month). Being able to feel new masses inside the tissues will help you know beforehand that you should definitely get into your doctor ASAP to have it checked out.
What you should be looking for are hard masses inside the tissue as you press firmly all the way around your breast. ANY new lump found should be checked because breast cancer can be lumps with or without pain.

Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Breast cancer can also spread to the lymph nodes underneath your arm or around your collar bone. It cause cause swelling and a lump in either place before any tissue even forms inside the breast tissue. So if you feel swollen lymph nodes while doing your self exam, they also need to be checked by a doctor as well.

Mammograms at 40 or 50?

                                  Image Source: American Cancer Society

It might be confusing to know how often to make an appointment and where to start. Should you get it once a year, every two years? Should you start when you’re 40 or wait until you hit 50? This is a very heated topic within the medical community, and women tend to get caught in the net of what they should do. I am here to help you figure this out and get the help that you need.

Most doctors will recommend to you that you start at the age of 40 and schedule them yearly, but there are those that said to wait to you are 50 and schedule them every other year. I read through continuous research about the debates on each side, and which side was better for women.

Really the age range of the 40-50 debate started over the actual process that was used to determine the range. It was ALWAYS to start at age 40 until recently, when new studies were done. Instead of using real-life clinical trials, a computer was used to calculate these studies on how many women 40-49 who were diagnosed and how successful they were at catching and treating it. All the research (done by different sources) were drastically different. So, that’s why you should start early.

The American Cancer Society DOES NOT endorse these claims at ALL. Their research clearly shows that the percentage of women 40+ years old who report having had a mammogram within the past 2 years has stabilized around 67% who were diagnosed. So YES please start making mammogram appointments at 40. It could mean a longer, meaningful life without chemo treatments, tons of doctor appointments, and stress.

When & Where: Walking You Through Your Mammogram Appointment
You need to see your regular doctor first who will then refer you to a clinic who specializes in Mammograms. Most doctors offices don’t have the equipment necessary to do a mammogram, so you’ll need to be referred. Your doctor will make your appointment or give you a referral card, so you don’t need to stress about making your own appointment or WHERE to make it.

Mammogram before & after tips:
If you haven’t hit menopause yet, you should schedule your appointment during the first week of your menstrual cycle so your breasts aren’t so tender and sore.

On the day of the appointment make sure not to wear anything such as lotion or deodorant anywhere near your underarms or breasts.

Wear something that has a top AND bottom to your appointment such as jeans and a t-shirt. Avoid dresses or one piece outfits because you will be asked to take off your top to get the mammogram done.

A mammogram is a low x-ray procedure taken while your breasts are compressed between two pieces of plastic. It can be a little painful because of the plastic pieces, but please remember it only takes about 10 minutes. Just breath, think good thoughts, and know that this IS vital to your health.

Your results will be mailed to you and your doctor within 5-7 days, so it’s a pretty quick turn around. Just think about that while you’re getting it done.

-Jess

PACT Organic Clothing- Fall 2014 Line #Organic #FallFashion

 


Fall is in full effect here, and that means changing up our wardrobes. Putting those shorts and bathing suits away, and slipping into something warmer. Bringing out the boots, jackets, and pants! Pact has a brand new fall line that is brilliant at giving us what we need while making us look good while being comfortable.



 PACT has released a line of Fair Trade certified basics and new patterns for Fall 2014. Their Fair Trade line boasts 78 different items across 19 product styles including leggings, camisoles, t-shirts, and their amazing signature undies.



Pact has definitely stolen my fashionista heart straight from the beginning! They combine simple yet beautifully executed, comfortable clothes that are also affordable. What makes it even cooler is that their socks are made from WIND POWER! They even make a line for babies, how cute is that?

    

The Organic Cotton Watermelon Camisole is my absolute favorite camisole in my closet. The watermelon color is just amazing with my coloring, I absolutely love it. I can pair it with anything, and just about any color bottoms. Just depends on what look I’m going for. I can pair it with jeans and boots, dress pants with heels, or even leggings. It’s perfect!

With a below-the-hip length, a flattering rusched neckline and vintage lace trim its perfect as a layering piece or all by itself. I love how this feels on my body. It doesn’t feel like any other camisole I’ve ever worn, it feels super soft and comfortable. It lets my body breathe, so it’s amazing for working out or layering under another shirt. It keeps me from getting too hot when it’s layered. I love it.

   
It is very fitting, which I adore. It’s hard for me to find camisoles that fit me right because I’m small framed. Usually camisoles (especially those with a rusched neckline) leave me feeling naked. I would feel like if I leaned over too far it would show all my goods (not that I have MUCH to show, but still). I love that I don’t have to feel like crossing my arms around my chest when people are standing over me.

I also am amazed at how it clings to my bodies natural curves. It isn’t too tight or too lose, it feels absolutely amazing. The length is perfect for me because I don’t like my shirts riding up. I have a problem with my pants poking out when I sit down, where I have a larger butt than waist. I don’t have to constantly worry that someone is going to walk behind me when I’m sitting and see anything they shouldn’t!
   
I swear I couldn’t have found a better fitting camisole even if I had one custom made for me. The straps aren’t too long or too tight, which is awesome. It doesn’t have adjustable straps, which is fine by me. I usually end up hating the adjustable straps anyway, I end up getting them all crossed and messed up. Especially after a couple washes, they end up rolling up or doing something funky. It eventually ends up hurting if I lean back in a chair or whatever. These are perfect. 

It does NOT have a built in bra—which is also fine by me. I don’t really like the built-in bras, either. I wear my own underneath camisoles because I don’t feel the built-ins give me enough coverage. I always feel like I’m standing around half exposed. Even after I’ve washed it at least 5 times, there is still no shrinkage or shredding! It’s a great quality product, and is organic. So, again.. this is the PERFECT camisole for me.
      
A closet must-have, layer these supersoft PACT black stretch leggings under all the season's hottest dresses and skirts, or keep it simple and rock them with a PACT tee. I could seriously rock PACT leggings on a daily basis, they are extremely comfortable and look amazing.

I chose the black leggings because I could wear them with anything. I chose right, because I CAN wear these leggings anywhere and not look like I just woke up and rolled out of bed. I am 5’4 and 120 pounds and got a medium. I have thicker legs and butt compared to most petite girls, and so these fit me perfect.

They aren’t too snug on my legs or make me feel like I am smothering. They aren’t too loose in the waist, which is what I was afraid would happen. They feel a little on the lighter side of leggings, not super thick and uncomfortable when running or working out. The thicker leggings seem itchy and uncomfortable to me (well the ones I have worn).

They aren’t bulky and tight when worn under skirts or dresses. I really appreciated that. Usually the bands on the waist are a bit thick, causing my clothes to fit extra tight. These don’t, they fit like underwear because I don’t notice that they are there. I can even put these under jeans when I go on a hunting trip with my uncles, for extra warmth and not feel like I can barely move. Just perfect, because I don’t feel like they ride up when I sit down. AND no wedgies LADIES!!

They wash and dry very well, coming out the same as they went in. They weren’t stretched out, or shrunk into a tiny nothingness. The fabric holds extremely well, it doesn’t create those little pesky balls of rolling fabric that I call caterpillar balls.

Very high quality fabric and fits well, and not made with ANY kind of pesticides, fertilizers, bleaches, no sweatshops, no nasty stuff at all. For those who have sensitive skin or just don’t want to subject your body to nasty chemicals, PACT would be perfect for you! PACT definitely gets an A+ on the pleasing scale. If you are looking for leggings to wear throughout the different seasons, you have to try these!
This item fits true to size. Any way you wear them, these are some good legs to stand on.
The best part is that PACT is Fair Trade certified. Fair Trade matters because people make your clothes, not robots. Fair trade supports the people who make these clothes by giving back. You get super soft, organic clothes, socks, and underwear while helping pact support organic farmers to give even more back to the communities where it all starts. PACT is a GOTS certified brand that offer a safe, clean working environment that limits their impact on the environment.



Connect with PACT online:
Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest

What would you pair with these items? Let me know!



-Jess