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Have you seen my command center in the kitchen? It’s a beauty to look at, don’t you think? Especially that gorgeous wood desk top.

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Well, I have a secret! It’s actually an old kitchen table top that was given to me for FREE! Yup, zero dollars, no moolah, nothing! And this is what the table top looks like:

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I actually flipped it upside down to refinish it. But, I’m jumping ahead of myself. Here are the details: Read more

10 Non-Toxic Dust Mite Remedies | Pretty Handy Girl

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If you hang around me in the Autumn months you hear a lot of that. My seasonal allergies seem to peak in the Fall. Most people think springtime is the peak for allergens. But, nearly 3/4 of springtime allergy sufferers also suffer from ragweed pollen allergies which peak August – October.  In addition to pollen, mold and dust mites are also contenders for the worst irritants as the weather turns cooler. Therefore, if you think your school age child has a never-ending cold after being back in the classroom, you might want to investigate possible allergies. Let’s talk about how to Save Money while Reducing Fall Allergens.

In the meantime, there are some very simple cost-saving things you can do to help remove allergens and lessen symptoms this Fall.

  • Dust more often with a damp washcloth to collect (not spread around) dirt and dust. Save money by using rags or washcloths that can be washed and re-used.
  • Use a Hepa filter vacuum to clean floors and carpets. Buy your vacuum bags in bulk and price shop on Amazon.com to save money.
  • Keep doors and windows closed. And adjust your thermostat one or two degrees cooler to save on heating costs.
  • Make your own natural cleaners using products already found in your home:
    • Baking soda and natural dish soap is a great tub, tile and toilet cleaner.
    • Two parts water to one part white distilled vinegar is an excellent window and glass cleaner.
  • Change your air filters at least once every three months and use a 1000 MPR or higher filter.

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When it comes to filters, do not cheap out on your home’s air filters.

The Filtrete® Micro Allergen Reduction Filter attracts and captures microscopic particles like smoke and smog and large allergens like mold spores and pollen from the air passing through the filter. Outperforms fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic pleated 1″ filters.

  • Outperforms fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic pleated 1″ filters
  • Carries a 1000/1085 Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR)
  • Attracts and captures microscopic particles like smoke, smog and large allergens like mold spores and pollen from the air passing through the filter
  • Lasts up to 3 months
  • Where to buy: Lowe’s, Target, Walmart or your local hardware store. Find a location near you by visiting: FindMyFiltreteFilter.com

 

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filtrete_brand_ambassadorDisclosure: This is a sponsored post for Filtrete. I have the honor of being an ambassador for them and will be sharing more information from 3M Filtrete in future posts. I was given key messages to share, but all the words and thoughts are my own.  I have been compensated for my time and for this post. I continue to work with certain companies like Filtrete that I believe in, because of their quality and because I feel they have helpful messages for my readers. I will always disclose to you if you are reading a sponsored post.

 

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My plane had no sooner touched down at Raleigh/Durham airport than I started sneezing my head off. We were back in the pollen bomb (what I call the abundance of pollen accumulation this time of year.) Here are to Tips for Surviving Springtime Allergies.

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My oldest son has severe pollen allergies. This time of year is usually miserable for the poor guy. Over the years we’ve gotten better at managing his symptoms. Besides some preventative prescription allergy medications (that we start before the pollen hits), we’ve also used some simple non-prescription remedies. I’m hoping that some of these tips might help ease your springtime allergy suffering, too.

10 Tips to Surviving Springtime Allergies Read more

embellishing_lipstick_cases~This post is sponsored by HERSHEY’S~

Do you know how much I love chocolate?

I love chocolate so much that I joke that there needs to be chocolate coursing through my system at all times. And there’s a reason that I’m in love with chocolate: It’s in my heritage!

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photo courtesy of Hershey Archives

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I can honestly say that this is the first week that I’ve felt the progress on our kitchen (besides just feeling it in my sore muscles.) And, it FEELS GOOD! No more road bumps like termites or asbestos.  I’m sure from this picture you are thinking, “What progress? When the heck is she going to put her kitchen back together?” Well, come on in and I’ll show you some of the forward movement that’s been made! Read more