Master Bath Reno Updates & A Great Hobby Lobby Find!!! #CurbAppeal

If you remember my indecision on the master vanity, mirrors and medicine cabinets, it may amaze you to know that the vanity is not only finalized but ordered and being shipped. The mirrors are here and the medicine cabinets are as well.

We toyed with the idea of constructing our own recessed storage cabinets on the sides of the vanity, but the more we looked at components we would need and the work involved, especially given the amount of projects we still had to complete, it started to make sense to go with something finished.   I did try, even went to Hobby Lobby and other stores for something that would work as a door but look like a nice piece of wall art on the wall concealing a medicine cabinet. Concealed Cabinet design In the end we went with The Concealed Cabinet because we can still make custom tweaks like add a power  strip inside the cabinet, but the basics are done.  The other great feature is that we can customize the door with a print, photograph, artwork from our children or whatever we like and we can change it as often as the mood strikes.

I am so excited to tell you and show you more on these great cabinets.  We are going to take you through the entire installation process not only of the cabinets but of the entire master bath and master bedroom renovations.  Feel free to share any ideas and tips you have or tell us about any projects you are working on.  We chose the extra-large size and will have one on either end.  So now the next decision  is picking out the art to display on the door frame.

This is the extra large cabinet we choose and we get to customize with our own choice of art work to make the design original and truly "us"

This is the extra-large cabinet we choose and we get to customize with our own choice of art work to make the design original and truly “us”

The other news is that the new whirlpool tub is being delivered on Wednesday.  I have been holding off demo until then but it’s almost time to get the rest done and start rebuilding.  I tell you I am so looking forward to a long relaxing soak in that tub.  We are having some design brainstorming sessions regarding the freestanding tub filler and its placement.

My husband assures me all is good, but I have to tell you, I’m a bit stressed by some placement issues we have.  I still need to make a decision on the vanity lighting.  The bathroom has recessed lighting in most areas except by the vanity area. I have been looking at so many different styles of lighting and my brain is on overload.

I picked up a great mirror I want to use as an accent in the bathroom at Hobby Lobby the other day.  It is huge, heavy, and gorgeous.  It is nearly the same color as the vanity I refinished for my sewing table last year and I have decided to use that color as an accent color in the bathroom.  I see that color everywhere and yet I am so stressed picking out towels and rugs. #hobbylobby Got it #hobbylobby My daughter and I went to Home Goods a few days ago and I picked out some towels that I thought were in the same color family and bought them to hang on the towel bars that will be around the tub. When I found 3 rugs that also looked to be perfect I was ecstatic but a little perplexed.

I was so stressed if I had the right shade and then my daughter told me to chill out because there was a 30 day return policy if they weren’t.  I get home and now, I don’t know if I am losing my mind or if the lighting in the store affected it, but they look more like a sea-foam greenish type blue than what I thought they were.  Not sure what I am going to do yet, but I need to decide before my 30 days are up!


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Davidson’s Organics, Box of Assorted South African Red Teas Review & Giveaway!!!

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Do you like tea?  I recently tried some South African Red teas from Davidson’s and they were delicious.  Packed inside a reusable wooden Tea Chest were 6 assorted Red tea bags including South African Rooibos, Honeybush, Red Vanilla and Red Passion.  This little chest is so cute and my five-year old has already claimed it.  Whether you pair it with a great tea cup for a special gift for the tea lover or use it yourself during travel it is sure to be enjoyed.

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The teas are flavorful and rich and the perfect beverage to enjoy during these very cold January days!  Davidson’s Organics  is your one-stop online store for teas, herbs, cocoa and spices, and where you’ll always find “ingredients as good for you as you expect them to be.” In keeping with this commitment, they can proudly say that their entire product line is USDA Certified Organic and KSA Certified Kosher! After over 3 decades of selling tea, only organic meets our definition of quality. Many of Davidson’s teas are also Fair Trade Certified. When you select Davidson’s, you’ll discover the world of uncompromisingly healthy and delicious tea blends! Relax with a cup of tea…while browsing their website! 

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Davidson’s Organics is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a sample box of South African Red teas from Davidson’s!  Thank you Davidson’s for the sample box and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Davidson’s Organics, Box of Assorted South African Red Teas Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Donsuemor Bakery Review & Giveaway!!!

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Starting with an original French recipe, Don and Susie Morris (Don-Sue-Mor) introduced madeleines to their Berkeley, California “gourmet ghetto” community in 1976. Together, the creative entrepreneur and the passionate baker created a treat unlike any other—a moist little cake with a fresh, unforgettable taste. Donsuemor continues their tradition of baking delicious bakery treats that bring delight to everyday life.

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I was recently sent a box of delicious assorted cookies from Donsuemor to review. Filled with delectable, soft, moist Madeleines,  nutty, sweet French Almond Cakes and assorted Biscotti, they were so good I did not want to share!  These cookies are perfect to serve with coffee or tea and make a lovely presentation for guests.  They’re also a great choice to bring when visiting as a hostess gift or to send to someone special.  Donsuemor Madeleines are now available at select Costco stores!

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Donsuemor is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an assorted box of Donsuemor delectable cookies!  Thank you Donsuemor for the review treats and for sponsoring this delicious giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Donsemor Bakery Assortment Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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BrightSpring Silicone Baking Mat Review & Giveaway!!!

BrightSpring Logo

I love baking, so I was thrilled to review BrightSpring Silicone Baking Mats.  These flexible, silicone baking mats let you bake without greasing your cookie sheets with butter or oil.  They also help your cookies and other baked goods to cook evenly without burning.  Best of all, you will be able to get your baked goods off the mat when baked with ease because the silicone is non-stick.  After you are finished the mats clean right up with soap and water until the next time.  You can also use them to knead or roll dough without anything getting stuck.  I was sent 2 mats for review and want to get a third for that purpose.  No better time too because they are having a 1/2 price January Sale!!!  The mats are available on Amazon.com.

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  • HALF-PRICE JANUARY SALE!
  • Completely non-stick silicone baking mat
  • Even heat distribution giving you a perfect bake every time
  • Multi-purpose: you can use it for kneading, freezing, microwaving and baking
  • Safe for temperatures from -40°F to 480°F (-40°C to 248°C)
  • Food grade silicone, FDA approved
  • Easy clean so no more scrubbing burnt-on grease for you!

 

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The BrightSpring Silicone Baking Mat is a silicone coated, fiberglass mat that does the job parchment paper and grease are supposed to do but with perfect results EVERY TIME!  Using that mat will save you money and is a very green move in the kitchen since you will cut down on your use of parchment paper.  Using the mat can cut down on calories as well which is healthier, especially if you are trying to eat healthier.

I made some sugar cookies to test the mats out and they worked great!  The cookies cooked evenly and were easy to remove when baked.  Even though I decorated on the sheet before putting them in the oven and there was some spilling of the decorating sugars and nonpareils  onto the mat, the cleanup was a breeze with soap and water.

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BrightSpring is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a BrightSpring Silicone Baking Mat!  Thank you to BrightSpring for the review mats and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

BrightSpring Silicone Baking Mat Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:  

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GlassDharma, Glass Drinking Straw Review & $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

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Glass straws may sound strange to you at first, but if you are trying to go green, they will make sense.  Think about all the plastic drinking straws that get used once and are trash.  It adds up and while it may not be something that you will find in fast food or other restaurants, it is something that you can start in your home.

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GlassDharma makes glass drinking straws made exclusively of BOROSILICATE GLASS – the strongest commercially available.  Using a formula provided by Corning, Inc., their straws are annealed under computer controlled conditions.  The temperature and ramping rates dictated by this formula are crucial to reducing residual stress in the glass and give it the highest possible levels of resistance to thermal and physical shock.  The straws are also designed not to have a weak point that would invite breakage.  GlassDharma  takes great care during the development of their designs, production processes, the monitoring of their kilns and quality control procedures making their straws the most durable on the market. This is what defines GlassDharma as the industry leader.

I received a variety of glass straws from GlassDharma to review, they also sent me the brushes to clean them which are so helpful in making sure the straws are squeaky clean and fresh to use again and again.  They are strong and they do feel much better than cheap plastic straws and they also give an elegance to ordinary smoothies and drinks.

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GlassDharma glass drinking straws are:

  • Made of borosilicate tubing and is the strongest glass commercially available.
  • Annealed to Corning, Inc. specifications (a process that strengthens the glass).
  • Made of glass which does not leach ANY TOXINS into your food.
  • Created with the beauty and elegance that only glass can give.
    You’ll feel like royalty – with a touch of ‘glass’.
  • A great environmental addition to your kitchenware.
    Great for hot or cold drinks, microwave and dishwasher safe!!
  • Covered with an unbelievable Lifetime Guarantee Against Breakage.
    Means that if they ever break, they’ll replace them – Free,Hand-made in the U.S.A.
  • Buying from GlassDharma means that your dollar is not going off-shore – it stays right here in the U.S.A.

 

GlassDharma is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a $25 Gift Certificate to GlassDharma!  Thank you GlassDharma for the review products and for sponsoring this Green Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

GlassDharma $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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We Are Hosting A Disney Side @Home Celebration Party!!! #DisneySide

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Recently, I was selected to host a Disney Side  @Home Celebration Party!  What are we celebrating? We are celebrating our Disney Side–that fun-loving adventurous spirit that comes out to play when you’re feeling the Disney magic!  Yesterday, in anticipation of my party, I was sent a care package of sorts that was filled with all kinds of Disney party goodies.  Now the planning begins for the Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Party.  Stay tuned for all the details and fun! Until then, you can get a sneak peek at some of the things that were sent to me below.

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Official luggage of Edward!!! #disneyside


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Mother’s Therapy Organics Review & Giveaway!!!

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Hand soap and sanitizers are staples in our home and there is never a more important time to embrace the use of sanitizers to keep your family’s hands germ free and help prevent colds and flu.  I was recently sent some Mother’s Therapy Organics products to try out. There is a large bottle of sanitizer  and a smaller bottle missing from this picture because I have it in another room and have been using it.  These products have been great, love the non-greasy feeling of the germ fighting lotion and baby lotion and the sanitizers don’t dry out your skin the way other sanitizers can.

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Mother’s Therapy Organics Germ-fight’n Hand Lotion is an alcohol free,  clean smelling, non greasy lotion that is water based and contains natural citrus essential oils and extracts that kill germs naturally while soothing aloe vera keeps skin soft and healthy.  Ideal to use before and after baby diaper changes.  

Mother’s Therapy Organics  Baby Lotion is the natural alternative to rubs or creams that often do skin more harm than good. Their non-greasy lotion maintains the delicate balance found in baby’s skin while offering a relaxing sensation that soothes sensitive areas.

Mother’s Therapy Organics uses the purest organic and natural ingredients in their hand sanitizer . As the natural alcohol evaporates, it leaves behind their skin-softening aloe vera-based lotion which becomes infused into the skin so no extra rubbing is required. The end result? A non-greasy hand sanitizer that can be used as often as needed without the worry of damage to sensitive skin.
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Mother’s Therapy Organics is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win   family pack of Mother’s Therapy Organics hand sanitizer’s ($20 value).  Thank you to Mother’s Therapy Organics for the review products and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
Mother’s Therapy Organics Family Pack of Hand Sanitizers Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Gimme Shelter Movie Ticket Giveaway!!! #GimmeShelter

 

Being a mother is the toughest job in the world… Period.

Now imagine… you are young, homeless, and without a family to lean on for support.

That’s exactly what happened to Agnes “Apple” Baily.

Based on a true story, Ronald Krauss’ new film “Gimme Shelter,” stars Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) as 16-year-old Agnes “Apple” Baily, a teenager who sets out to find her biological father and is forced into the streets in a true journey of survival.

Check out and share the 6 animated gifs to get an inside look at the heart warming tale of Agnes “Apple” Baily before the film hits theaters Friday January 24th, 2014.

CAST:
Vanessa Hudgens (Agnes “Apple” Bailey)
James Earl Jones (Frank McCarthy)
Rosario Dawson (June Bailey)
Brendan Fraser (Tom Fitzpatrick)

Gimme Shelter received 5 stars from the Dove Foundation, their highest rating!

Kelly Rosati, VP, Community Outreach / FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
“GIMME SHELTER” is a deeply moving and meaningful film that celebrates the dignity of life at all ages and stages. A great, gritty depiction of what it means to put your faith into action to help those society far too often marginalizes.”

 






Want to win 2 AMC Movie Tickets to see Gimmie Shelter?  If so enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Open to US  and Canadian residents, each household is only eligible to win ONE (1) Pack of Two (2) AMC Movie Tickets via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Duck Tape Craft–Super Easy To Make Hair Bows!!! #JollyVoxBox

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As an Influenster blogger, I was sent a Jolly Vox Box Full of great products. One of the included goodies was a Ducklings mini roll of patterned Duck Tape.  I have quite a variety of Duck Tape in large rolls and sheets but did not have any of the smaller rolls.  Now besides being adorable, this size is great to use  so you do not have to cut the larger rolls into strips when you need more narrow pieces.

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I saw some bows online and it gave me some inspiration.  Without following a tutorial I just grabbed some Duck Tape and improvised and I can tell you the results look great.  If I did it on the fly and they turned out so well, anyone can do it!  I was getting ready to groom my puppies and my Maltese came to mind when I thought to make these.  With the rain and snow any bow in her hair gets dirty and yucky fast.  Bows made of Duck Tape would be super easy to wipe clean!

To make the bows, I started with a  piece of tape about 12 inches long from the big roll and then folded it in half on itself.

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The first one got a little wrinkle so I trimmed then end, this took care of the wrinkle and made a sweet petite bow for my petite puppy.

When I had the folded piece, I then took each side and folded inward making them meet in the middle.

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Now was the time to add some contrast and finish all the ends. I used the Little Ducklings tape and cut pieces as large as the sides and thenttaped them onto the folded large piece.

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After this I did an accordion or fan fold until it was all folded and took a piece of the tape from the Little Duckling roll and wrapped the middle.

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Then I grabbed a small hair elastic and taped it on with another piece.  You could use a clip too if you like but for dogs the elastic is what holds the top knot.  After it was attached you fluff the sides and it looked so cute that I immediately made another.

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How darling these are to also attach to collars for doggies that don’t have a lot of hair, you can make them bigger for bigger dogs of course.  The tape is very heavy duty and I pulled and pulled on the elastic to check if it would come off but it did not loosen at all.  So I hope you enjoyed this little craft.  It’s so super quick and easy, I hope you give it a try.  If you do please share how it turned out.


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ArmourBite Mouthpiece Review & Giveaway!!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

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With the Super Bowl coming up quickly as well as the Winter Olympics we are on a sports theme!  There’s a great product I was lucky to be chosen to review called the ArmourBite Mouthpiece.  In youth and adult sizes, it’s perfect for use during non contact sports.  The benefits are that it stops you from clenching your jaw and constricting air passage.  In turn it will help you unlock the power of your jaw and help you perform at optimal level. Watch the video below to see the way this mouthpiece enhances performance.

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Here’s an added edge that doesn’t feel like you added anything. The ArmourBite® Mouthpiece (featuring our patented Power Wedges™) fits snuggly – and stealthily – on your bottom teeth. In doing so, it unlocks the power of your jaw so you can be stronger, faster and better in any non-contact sport or activity.
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Benefits.

The ArmourBite® Mouthpiece delivers multi-patented technology. The performance is proven in independent scientific studies. The advantages are undeniable. Patented Power Wedges® increase strength, improve reaction time and increase endurance.

Performance DNA:

  • Quick and easy “boil and bite” fit
    Color: Yellow
    Available in sizes Youth (Age 11-) and Adult (Age 12+)
    Low-profile design for comfort
    Latex free
    Not for use with braces
    Made in USA

Follow BiteTech on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and purchase these mouthpieces at BiteTech.com!!!

Would you like to win an ArmourBite Mouthpiece in an adult or youth size?  If so just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US residents.

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