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I am a brand ambassador for the 2017 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review.

 If you’ve visited your local home and garden store in the last few weeks, you likely noticed that the seasonal aisle is stocked full of BBQs, patio furniture and oh-so-fabulous backyard lounge chairs. Tempting as it is to toss out the old stuff that’s been sitting in your garage all winter – or worse, taking a beating outdoors for the past few months – a few simple, budget-friendly tips and tricks will help to make everything old look new again.

1. Make old, new again. There’s nothing worse than removing your patio furniture cushions from storage and realizing they’re all stained. Before you think about tossing them, give them a clean. Mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with water and let the cushion covers soak for 1 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. Wash as normal and your cushions should come out stain-free and looking brand new.
2. Win the weeding war. Did you know that watering your weeds makes it easier to pull them out? If it hasn’t rained in a few days, water your weeds before yanking them. Fun fact: If the soil is moist, you are also less likely to disturb any plants nearby.
3. Save with a little scrubbing. There’s a simple solution for removing dirt, grime and stains from patio furniture and even your deck. Mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with water (following the instructions on the package) and apply the solution to almost anywhere. Let stand for a few minutes and scrub as needed. It will leave everything looking neat and clean again.
4. Wheel your way to wonderful. Re-arranging rather than replacing is also a good way to give new life to your backyard. Consider moving planters and patio furniture to different spots within your space to give it a wonderful new look and feel. Remember, you’re not alone when moving heavy items like lounge chairs… there are wheels to help! Wheeling your furniture around doesn’t eliminate all the hard work but will put less strain on your back.

Be prepared that after a weekend of weeding and wheeling, your back, arms, legs – yes, your whole body – may be aching with pain. Make sure you leave yourself enough time on Sunday evening for a warm bath and a few hours curled up with a good book or movie. Before going to bed, rub and soothe your sore muscles (all of them!) with Rub A535 Extra Strength Heating Cream. The best things about this product is that it works fast and is non-greasy so you can put it on right before going to bed and it won’t stain your sheets.

 

Have you started prepping your backyard for the summer months? Share your favourite budget-friendly tips for getting your outdoor space, garden party ready.

This post is sponsored by Pinesol – #springblossom #yesitspinesol

I’m looking out the window right now on a lovely March day. Okay, actually it’s snowing. And this morning it was -21 with windchill. I am so ready for Spring I could cry, but apparently spring is not ready for me.

While I wait for the weather to get its act together, I’ve decided to start preparing for the arrival of Spring. Here’s a list of things I’m doing this year while dreaming of the return of green grass and flowers.

1. Check the kids shoes – they won’t need shorts for a long time but when the snow clears up they are going to be pretty cranky wearing boots
2. Participate in 40 bags in 40 days – I am on a mission to declutter my house this year
3. Clean some of those neglected areas – we all have them. This year I am boosting up the spring smell by trying out Pinesol Spring Blossom. #yesitspinesol
4. Trying out a new exercise routine – I am feeling restless with the exercise routines I’ve been doing so I’m going to try something new to shake it up
5. Give myself some grace – I often start getting hard on myself when I get restless. It’s not that I end up getting more done, I just spin my wheels and feel frustrated. I am going to try to let myself just be when I need to.

What are you doing to prepare for Spring this year?

I am a brand ambassador for the 2017 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review.

March 12^th marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time – the day we welcome a much needed extra hour of sunlight after a long, dark and dreary winter! For many, this extra hour of sun, along with the warming temperatures, means that more time is spent outdoors, making it sometimes challenging for parents to stay ahead of those not-so-top-of-mind household tasks.

To help you stay on track this spring and to build better habits all year long, consider placing a calendar in a high traffic area of your home – such as the kitchen or foyer – and place monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly reminders for the following tasks:

Replace toothbrushes: The Canadian Dental Association recommends you change your toothbrush every three months[1]. Place a smiley face sticker at the start of every third month of the year to remind you to buy new brushes for your family.

Check medicine expiry dates: Remember that all medicines expire, including vitamins and supplements. To ensure your medicine cabinet is up to date, schedule a simple calendar reminder for twice a year. This will remind you to check the expiry date and re-stock, if necessary.

Change the baking soda in your fridge: Placing a box of Arm & Hammer™ Fridge-n-Freezer™ or Fridge Fresh™ Baking Soda in your fridge or freezer helps to eliminate odours and keeps your fridge smelling fresh. While many use this simple tip, it can be easy to forget when it’s time to replace the open box. When you purchase a new box, jot down a replacement reminder on the box for a month’s time to maintain maximum odour elimination, ensuring your food stays fresher, longer.

Keeping healthy: Simple healthy habits, such as getting all of the required amount of fruits and veggies or taking vitamins, can slip our minds during hectic days. Vitafusion™ Vitamin D is a great addition to your routine, especially during the fall and winter months, when heavy clothes and cloudy weather can inhibit the production of Vitamin D in the body. To ensure your body gets all the Vitamin D it needs try placing a reminder in your calendar at the start of the fall season to start taking a supplement.  Very few foods naturally contain this vitamin, meaning a supplement may be the best way to get your necessary intake[2]. Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D supports bone and teeth health – Vitafusion™ Vitamin D also comes in a delicious gummy and is the perfect alternative to a traditional hard-to-swallow pill.

Keeping a family calendar is a lifesaver for many families. What are some of your calendar reminders and tips that you think families should consider?

[1] http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care/flossing_brushing.asp

[2] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

I am a brand ambassador for the 2016 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review. 

Christmas vacation, reading week and March break make winter an easy time for Canadian families to jet away and get some much needed R&R. Unfortunately, for many parents the thought of planning a family vacation is stressful and overwhelming – dampening the overall excitement of the trip.

Creating the perfect packing list is key to having a successful family getaway. Often families create a huge list full of extravagant items they never actually use, and accidently forget the hidden everyday gems they cannot live without.  Below are some must-have products to include in your suitcase this season. These products are often left behind at home, but are huge life savers when vacationing:

1. Gravol™: Did you remember to bring plenty of books, movies and games for your upcoming flight or car ride, but forget about the winding roads and nausea that your trip has in store for you? Gravol™ Ginger tablets, lozenges or liquid gels are made with naturally-sourced, certified organic ginger and will help treat motion sickness, nausea, and upset stomachs. Keep them in your purse or carry-on and you will be good to go! They are easy to swallow and non-drowsy, ensuring you are energized and ready for a great vacation.
2. Rub A535™: After a long day of sightseeing and exploring count on Rub A535™ to soothe all your aches and pains. Rub A535™ is the perfect example of an item you may have in your cupboard but may forget to pack! It will help soothe sore muscles and ensure you are ready to tackle whatever your next adventure is! Rub A535 comes in handy for beach vacations too – don’t say you have never woken up with back pain after falling asleep in a lounge chair!
3. Warm clothes: One freezing cold tropical vacation and you will never JUST pack bathing suits and shorts again. Always throw an extra sweatshirt and a pair of pants in your suitcase.
4. Batiste™ Dry Shampoo: New carry-on laws and weight restrictions mean packing all of your essential personal care items can be challenging.  Luckily Batiste™ Dry Shampoo is lightweight and ideal for your suitcase.  With no water required and just a few quick sprays, Batiste™ Dry Shampoo saves you time while travelling time by refreshing your hair between washes! Batiste™ Tropical Dry Shampoo has a coconut and exotic fragrance and will leave your hair feeling clean, revitalized and vacation ready!
5. Granola bars and snack food: Whether you are going to an all-inclusive or renting a cottage for the week, treats are a must! Unusual routines may mean longer periods between meals and tired travelers. Keep a few granola bars in your purse to ensure everybody stays energized and positive.

Overall, every vacation should leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for whatever the year has in store. Remember to stay organized, ask for help from the family and always pack your everyday favourite items – they will come in handy!

I am a brand ambassador for the 2016 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review. 

From shopping and entertaining to baking and decorating, the holidays give us plenty of reasons to feel overwhelmed and financially stretched. This season, lessen the stress by incorporating a few simple tips that help leave a lasting impression without breaking the bank.

Revive Outdoor Décor

Love your holiday décor from last season? Don’t be afraid to reuse it again this year to help save time and money. To revive last year’s décor and keep it looking like new, try using OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Powder. It’s the perfect solution to remove dirt, dust and grime from decorations that were sitting in storage or outside since you put them away.

Woo Overnight Guests

Fresh blankets and sheets is an inexpensive and cheerful way to help your guest feel like they’re staying at a hotel. To help freshen stale sheets and towels from the back of the linen closet, use Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ Unit Dose Power Paks in Fresh Scent for a refreshing clean.

Take it one step further, keep a basket with fresh towels and toiletry items they may have forgotten, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. The new Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ lineup of products are sure to impress. The Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste and Spinbrush™ are the perfect combination that refreshing and clean mint flavour that provides long lasting freshness guests will love!

Host a Potluck Christmas Dinner

Make this year’s turkey dinner a team effort! Get your guests involved in the party and arrange a potluck so that everyone pitches in. As the host, take charge by preparing the turkey and have guests bring the fixings, sides and desserts (and wine)!

When it comes to clean-up, cut back on the time you spend in the kitchen by using OxiClean™ Extreme Power Crystals™ and Triple Action Dishwasher Booster to remove the toughest stuck on foods and stains. There’s no pre-rinsing or pre-washing necessary.

Dress to Impress

From family gatherings to New Year’s Eve parties, holiday spills and accidents are bound to happen. This year, don’t let a fear of spills and stains keep you from wearing your favourite party clothes. Instead, use quality laundry detergent such as OxiClean™ HD Liquid Laundry Detergent to remove any dried-on stains the first time and keep clothes looking vivid and bright.

To accessorize your favourite party outfit, pair it with your best bling! For a quick, easy and effective jewelry refresher, try mixing Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda with hot water and leave your jewelry to sit for a few minutes. In no time, your diamonds will be sparkling bright and looking like new.

Schedule Some “Me Time”

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is sure to leave any host tired, even when entertaining is kept simple. Enjoy some well-deserved “me time” and opt for a hot bubble bath with candles and reach for some Rub A535 Anti Inflammatory Heating Cream to soothe your aching muscles.

There are countless ways to lessen stress and save money during the holidays. What are some of your best kept tips to save money and reduce your stress?

 

It’s nearly that time of year again – the dreaded cold and flu season. For most, enduring the sniffles, aches and pains of the common cold is just a minor inconvenience though catching the flu can be more serious. Chances are, if you don’t take proactive steps to prevent it, you will catch it. To help keep you feeling your best and win the war against germs this sniffle season, here are a few suggested tips.

 

Avoid the Spread of Germs

Germs often spread when someone touches a contaminated item and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. When in public spaces, try to avoid touching your face with your hands as much as possible. Always make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water on a regular basis and keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your purse and in your children’s backpack for added protection.

 

Disinfect Commonly-Touched Areas

Germs can linger on hard surfaces for hours or days after being contaminated, which is why it’s important to keep high traffic areas like counter tops, door knobs, sinks and faucets clean. You’ll also want to be diligent in disinfecting telephones, remote controls, door knobs and light switches.

 

Take Your Vitamins to help maintain immune function

To help your body get all the essential vitamins and nutrients to maintain good health, try Vitafusion™ Men’s or Women’s Complete Multivitamin. Each formula is specifically designed to meet the needs of men or women. Vitafusion Women’s includes calcium and vitamin D. Calcium helps keep bones strong and healthy. Vitafusion Men’s contains B vitamins to help convert food to energy.  L’il Critters™ Despicable Me Minion Made™ and Lil Critters™ Barbie™ Complete Multivitamin Gummies are a great way for kids to get a boost in their diet. These fun character shaped gummies are packed with essential nutrients that help maintain good health and provide a fun way to support your kid’s immune function.  Kids will also love the great taste that comes from naturally sourced flavours.

 

Skip a Workout

If you feel like you might be getting sick but aren’t sure, avoid going to the gym. While it may seem like a good idea to sweat it out, your body needs all of its extra resources to fend off whatever virus or bacteria you’ve been exposed to so it’s important to save your energy.

 

Don’t Drink Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol for a few days if you’re feeling under the weather. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can affect your immune system so stepping back may help avoid coming down with something more serious.

 

Stay Hydrated

When feeling ill, it’s important to stay hydrated. Plenty of water and fluids may help to minimize the duration and severity of a cold or flu.

 

For more information about Vitafusion™ and its full line of products, visit gummyvites.ca

 

It’s no fun being sick. What are some other preventative measures you follow to help protect you and your family against colds and flu?

 

Much to the despair of our little ones, back-to-school time is fast approaching. The freedom and fun of summer will soon be over and the reality of routines and homework is about to start. While we’re eager to get the kiddies out of the house at last, the reality is that it comes with a few “drawbacks”:

Laundry: Summer comes with its fair share of stains but soon gym clothes and uniforms will take over – big time. If your kids wear a uniform to school, you know the importance of keeping these in good condition. There’s nothing worse than having to replace something mid-year. Then there are the extra-curricular activities…hello hockey jerseys and ballet leotards! These items are pricey and it’s important to care for them properly. What are the odds these items will make it through the school year? Step 1: beg and plead with your kids to treat these items with care (good luck!). Step 2: Equip yourself with a killer laundry arsenal that’s always at your fingertips. For example, stock up on OxiClean™ Colour Shield Liquid Laundry Stain Remover, it keeps colours looking their brightest. And OxiClean™ White Revive™ Stain Remover Powder has your whites covered as it’s specially formulated to maintain whites – without chlorine bleach! For inevitable stains, turn to OxiClean™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray and OxiClean™ Max Force™ Gel Stick to pre-treat in advance of your next laundry day.

Aches and pains: Real life will ramp up again quickly for you too. Whether you’re back at the office and adjusting to sitting at a desk all day or you’re just trying to keep up with your kids, topical pain relievers such as RUB·A535™ Extra Strength Heating Cream are essential to have on hand for those muscle aches and pains. It delivers fast-acting, warm, penetrating relief of muscle, joint, back and arthritic pain.

Cavities: Before you know it, Halloween will be approaching and then the Holidays are not far behind. For you this means an extra-long to-do list. For your kids, it’s the start of a regular diet of candy and chocolate so brushing their teeth will be key! When brushing is fun, your kids will want to brush their teeth! They’ll love the novelty of the moving brush head on Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush™ Kids Battery Toothbrush and  designs such as My Little Pony™ and Paw Patrol™ will get them even more excited.

When we think about it some more, heading back to school really isn’t so bad! That being said, what are you not looking forward to the most?

I am a brand ambassador for the 2016 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review.