It's a Miracle (Gro)

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I wish i had a green thumb.  Or, i wish i enjoyed gardening.  You know those people who say gardening is relaxing or fun or they do their best thinking with their hands in the dirt?  That's not me.  Standing in the heat and watering plants isn't exactly what i want to do after a hard day at work. 

However, i love the effects of gardening.  Pretty curb appeal, bright colors, the feeling of success when i see my container zucchini's become the size of a baby.  Seriously.  I cradled that thing in the crook of my arm and rocked it back and forth.  It was a proud moment for us all.

Miracle-Gro® Expand ‘n Gro™ can help turn that baby zucchini into toddler sized zucchini, i'm sure.   Not only do the all natural fibers hold 50% more water than regular potting soil, (hello, less time in the heat spent watering) it feeds plants for up to 6 months. 

Some other great aspects of this product?

-Up to 3X the flowers and vegetables--Expands up to 3x when water is added--improves soil for up to 3 years. 

Expand ‘n Gro™ is available at lawn and garden retailers in the Northeast, Midwest, Texas, and on Amazon.

You could win a sample by telling me what you're growing this season.  Zucchini? Flowers? Herbs? Winner announced on Wednesday April 4th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramsign Giveaway

I'm seeing lots of refreshing and brightening and general foofing and futzing now that spring is here.  Perhaps you'd like new house numbers in a fun color to give your curb appeal some pizazz?  Well, the generous folks at Ramsign would like you to have that chance.

You read correctly.  Ramsign, a small Danish company that specializes in classic enamel signs, is offering one lucky reader any house number sign of their choice.

Seriously, look how great!

There are fab inspiration images on their facebook page, so do check that out and like them, or follow them on twitter.

Giveaway details:

This is open to everyone, not just US readers.  

 1-5 digit plaque of your design and size. 

Free shipping!

To enter:

This is a good one, so i'm asking that you be a follower of the blog.  Leave me a comment telling me you are.

Check out their facebook page and leave another comment telling me which design you like.

Leave another comment if you facebook/tweet/shout it from the rooftops.

Giveaway will be open until Wednesday April 4th.  Good luck!

 Ramsign on Twitter

  Ramsign on Facebook

Controlled Chaos Closet

This is the after.

I know that looks like a flippin' mess, but i assure you, it's controlled chaos. Can you tell the bare bones of this closet are pretty much good for nothing? What can you do with something so tiny and oddly laid out?

Clothes can't be hung in here, unless they're smooshed to the right or hung sideways due to the lack of depth on the left hand side.  For storage, you'd just be able to pile boxes on top of each other.  Putting shelving in this was the only way to go, and it turned this closet into a much more usable space.

S installed this adjustable shelving unit from the HD, and now all of my decorating nonsense, candles, holiday wrapping materials, table linens, and presents for future occasions all live in harmony.  And behind closed doors, where i like them.  It helps me forget that i verge on hoarding.

Aside from taking everything out and organizing, the only real tip i have is to get rid of boxes.  They take up unnecessary space, and you don't need the reminder of what you paid for it.  (Holla at the clearance prices!)

I put glassware and apothecary jars on the first shelf, and anything white on the second.  Trying for some semblance of order, here.

This is the left side, that you have to stick your head into the closet to see.  Top shelf is paper goods and napkin rings (that makes sense.)  Second shelf is linens, third shelf is beading stuff and presents.  Can't wait for my "crafting area" to be set up in the basement, which is where i hope to relocate some things.  "Crafting area" always evokes hysterical laughter from the boyfriend...he knows i'm no Martha.  Martha's puppies are probably more crafty than I.

Candles on the bottom, outdoor flags clipped onto pants hanger.  Again, makes total sense to me.

Aaaaagggh!  DON'T look up there, that's a bona fide mess.  I literally throw things onto that spot because i can't reach.

Who else has a controlled chaos closet?  Or maybe you're lucky enough to have an attic?  You're in trouble if it looks like this! 

Craftomaniac, Motivate Me Mon @ Keeping it Simple, It's So Very Cheri,  Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter, DIY Project Parade @ DIY Showoff, Met Monday, overflowing w/ creativity @ it's overflowing, nifty thrifty tuesdays @ coastal charm Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, home stories a-z, be inspired @ elizabeth and co, lil luna, organizing party @ organize your stuff now, sugar bee crafts. Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design, sugar and spice @ 733, wow us weds @ savvy southern style, wicked awesome weds @ handy man, crafty woman, diy by design, whatever goes weds @ someday crafts, Transformation Thurs @ The Shabby Creek Cottage, 100 and Under @ Beyond the Picket Fence, Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple, hooking up @ house of hepworths, open house @ no minimalist here, share awesomeness @ 36th ave, Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring, Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest, feature yourself fri @ Fingerprints on the fridge, Weekend Bloogy Reading @ Serenity now, Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life, Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage, Addicts Anonymous @ A2D, frugalicious friday @ finding fabulous, refresh your nest @ making lemonade, show and tell fri @ my romantic home, free for all @ 5days5ways, home sweet home @ charm of home, remodelaholic.

Can faux fly?

Look at these pretty pictures...notice something that they all have in common??

bhg 

 desire2inspire

desire2inspire 

remodelista

decorista

simply grove

Yep, house plants.  Greens, to be exact.  Greens on the floor.  I crave me some greens in spring, yet
don't think it's wisest with my rather curious animal.

From other bloggers to the check out woman at HG (homegoods), people have been telling me their cats don't bother their plants.  Really?  I think in the past i've given my cat too much credit- i would assume if there's a comfy couch or a padded blanket, atop a pile of books would the last place she'd want to sit.  Or, i don't know, if there's an entire sunroom with windows a plenty and glass door with unobstructed view, i wouldn't walk in the kitchen to find her on the counter, smooshed behind the kitchen faucet in order to look out the window behind the sink. 

Forgive me for not believing she would have the sense to avoid a toxic plant.  Some that are toxic don't even have to be eaten, just rubbed against.  This cat rubs and gives everything the once over-we don't call her the inspector for nothing.  She doesn't bother the plants that i do have (that i know of), but why take that chance?  I would imagine yours are inspecting your belongings more than you'd think. 

Armed with my 25 page print out from the SPCA on toxic house plants, there were confusing discrepancies at Home Depot.  Either i have to go to a nursery or find a good fake one.  And you guys-i did, i went for a fake one.  Oh, please, pleeeeeeeeaaaaase tell me it looks real. 

It was on super clearance at HG, looking totally sad and lonely and on the brink of death with 2 leaves detached.  Nothing hot glue can't fix.  I actually think the "on the brink of death" look is helping with the realness factor.

Plopped that whole thing in another pot, which gives it believability.  Or so i think.  And hope.

Clearance lifelike plant (HG)-18.00
Pot (HG)-10.00
Something i can't kill and won't harm the cat-priceless

Do you have any faux greens in your home?  Where'd you find them?  Because maybe i need more....

Motivate Me Mon @ Keeping it Simple, , Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter, DIY Project Parade @ DIY Showoff, Met Monday, overflowing w/ creativity @ it's overflowing, nifty thrifty tuesdays @ coastal charm Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, be inspired @ elizabeth and co, Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design, sugar and spice @ 733, wicked awesome weds @ handy man, crafty woman winter blues @ diy by design, whatever goes weds @ someday crafts, wow us weds @  savvy southern style, Transformation Thurs @ The Shabby Creek Cottage, 100 and Under @ Beyond the Picket Fence, Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple, hooking up @ house of hepworths, Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue, open house @ no minimalist here, share awesomeness @ 36th ave, Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring, Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest, feature yourself fri @ Fingerprints on the fridge, Weekend Bloggy Reading @ Serenity now, Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life, Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage, Addicts Anonymous @ A2D, frugalicious friday @ finding fabulous, refresh your nest @ making lemonade, show and tell fri @ my romantic home, free for all @ 5days5ways, home sweet home @ charm of home

Dancing with Daffodils

'Tis Spring! Well, 'tis Spring-ish!  We are set for some unseasonably warm weather in the 70s, and i can't come home to snowflakes or signs of "Let it Snow" with the sun shining high and warm.  Once the wintry accoutrement was put away, it was time to welcome spring.

My spring decorating doesn't consist of bunnies or eggs, but instead i feel a need to add lightness and texture.  Whites, pops of happy daffodil yellow, real greens (i'm currently trying to figure out what houseplants are not toxic to cats) and nubby textures. 

Oh good, you can see in the mirror the pop of yellow i'm talking about. 

I wanted to spend no money this year, so when i unearthed a bag of never used fake daffodils and this candle holder, that was clearly the direction to go.  Don't you think there's something so happy about daffodils?  They're my favorite flower, along with tulips.  (FYI-Daffodils and tulips are toxic to cats, as is the mother in law plant).

Listen, I don't even know if these 2 things would ever be in bloom at the same time, i just liked the way they looked.  They meet the white and yellow requirement, as does this little plate that was made on a kibbutz in Israel.

Happiness.

White-check.  Greens-check.  Yellows-Check.  Picture of bow window that always comes out super dark-check.

Put a pretty little blue bird on it. 

No picture of the whole room.  It's pretty much just this (minus mister penguin) but with those yellows scattered around.  I'm thinking some yellow pillows are needed, what do you guys think?  Would that even go?

And in the dining room, here's where we have the nubby textures of the table runner and the decor balls.  Simple but Springy.  Me likey. 

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.      

See?  William Wordsworth thinks they're happy inducing flowers, too.

Happy Spring! I'm ready to start working on the outside-what are you all planting this year?

Spring Mantels @ Fox hollow Cottage and The Lettered Cottage,  Motivate Me Mon @ Keeping it Simple, Amaze me Monday @ Dittle Dattle, Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter, DIY Project Parade @ DIY Showoff, Met Monday, overflowing w/ creativity @ it's overflowing, nifty thrifty tuesdays @ coastal charm Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, be inspired @ elizabeth and co, Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design, sugar and spice @ 733, wicked awesome weds @ handy man, crafty woman winter blues @ diy by design, whatever goes weds @ someday crafts, Transformation Thurs @ The Shabby Creek Cottage, 100 and Under @ Beyond the Picket Fence, Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple, hooking up @ house of hepworths, Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue, open house @ no minimalist here, share awesomeness @ 36th ave, Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring, Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest, feature yourself fri @ Fingerprints on the fridge, Weekend Bloogy Reading @ Serenity now, Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life, Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage, Addicts Anonymous @ A2D, frugalicious friday @ finding fabulous, refresh your nest @ making lemonade, show and tell fri @ my romantic home, free for all @ 5days5ways, home sweet home @ charm of home

 

PrintRunner Winner

Why doesn't random.org let you save the image of your random generated number?  Oh well, you're going to have to trust me.

The winner of the fabulous stickers is comment number 7, my fabulous new friend Crafty Gyrl from Whimsy Space!

Yay, congratulations!  Enjoy your stickers!  And happy Friday everyone else!

Glad about Glade®

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Triad Retail Media for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am obsessed with having a home that smells good.  Candles and reed diffusers are literally in every room of my home, filling the air with fruity or desserty smells.  No florals for me.  Give me something i can eat, i say. 

So you can imagine how thrilled i am to tell you about some new products from Glade®  called Glade® Expressions™.  The new Glade® Expressions™ fragrance mist and new Glade® Expressions™ oil diffuser not only look good in any decor, but their long lasting fragrance (30 days!) means your home will be smelling good for a nice long while.

Check out these delicious scents:  Pineapple and mangosteen!  Cotton and Italian Mandarin (fragrance mist only)! Fuji Apple and cardomom spice!  Lavender and juniper berry!  With my upcoming trip to Aruba, i'm all about the tropical inspired scent of the pineapple and mangosteen.  Not that i know what mangosteen is. 
 

And can you believe a fragrance satisfaction guarantee?  You just mail the original UPC and receipt within 30 days (fill out this form if unsatisfied) and your money back.  That's standing behind your product in my book.

Grab your new Glade® Expressions™ oil diffuser or new Glade® Expressions™ fragrance mist from Walmart and use a $1.50 coupon towards your purchase.

 What Wha

What scents do you fill your home with?

Print Runner Giveaway

Hello, party people and a happy Friday to you!  Earlier this week i was contacted by PrintRunner about doing a giveaway, and i thought, of course, my blog readers surely deserve this. 

Here's what the company has to say--PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later our company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Our commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made our company grow.  PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.

This giveaway is for 250 stickers of your design. 

Stickers would be fabulous to promote a blog, business, or etsy shop, for a child's birthday to put on gift bags, for a baby shower, for a teacher to give to students, as an address label, as a "this book belongs to," as a "happy holidays from the so and so's."  Countless possibilities. 

 



*To enter, just leave a comment telling me what you'd print on your stickers. 

                *Giveaway will end next Friday, March 9th.

* US Residents only, ages 18 and older.

*The specs-250 standard stickers, full color or black and white, printed on premium sticker stock, 2" x 3.5," no proofs, ready to ship in 3 business days.

PrintRunner is your convenient online printing resource. Check out their site and print stickers!

*Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway, I will receive a set of stickers for hosting this.