Nanny to Mommy: housewife bootcamp

How To Tell The Difference Between Machine And Hand Embroidery

Thursday, October 1, 2020

If a piece of embroidery is kept before you, could you differentiate and recognize if it is machine or hand embroidery? Probably not, especially if you are a beginner.

However, there are always few indications that can tell you if a piece is a machine or hand embroidered. Some machine embroidery feels more unnatural, and you can tell right away that this can’t be achieved through hand embroidery.

At the same time, some embroidery is so intricate and clean that it can only be achieved through much patience of hand embroidery. Here we are not siding either of the two, as both are equally respected and traded. Some pieces look best in hand embroidery while others in machine embroidery.

However, digitizingmadeeasy.com has a small trick that can tell you the difference. Read on.

How to Make Homemade Household Essentials

Sunday, March 29, 2020

With all the craziness going on right now, I thought it would be wise to calm some people down with a handy list of ways you can make homemade household essentials in case you didn't make it to the store in time before they ran out. Please also remember that the stores are restocking, they also couldn't prepare for this, so be kind when/if you do go out to the stores.

I will mark what is recommended of a need during a pandemic. I am not commenting on the severity of the virus. I don't think we should live in fear, but I do think it is smart to prepare ourselves. Your personal needs are different from others. You should be responsible and consider others before clearing shelves. Remember with a little kindness we will all get through this together.

Holiday Housewarming Cleaning Essentials

Friday, October 20, 2017

It's that time of year again! Tons of family get-togethers and maybe even house guests. I don't know about you, but when I know family is coming over, I like to make sure everything is as clean as it could possibly be. These are all items that I personally own that make my house inviting with cleanliness for the holidays (and all year long).

Protect The Clothes You Love with Downy Fabric Conditioner

Thursday, June 16, 2016

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G.

Our house is on the market. It has been a nerve wracking experience to say the least. But it means I have been wanting to clean all the things! Laundry is one of those on-going battles. And I seem to have been doing it more often because I don't want anyone that comes to see our home to also see our dirty laundry.

Besides the regular laundry, I have been wanting to clean our decorative linens as well. I have a beautiful quilt that my mother-in-law made for me last Christmas that we keep on the end of our bed. It is very precious to me. We don't sleep with it, but sometimes it needs to be laundered because it can gather dust. So I decided to incorporate Downy Fabric Conditioner into my laundry routine.

Make Your Home Holiday Ready with Shark Rocket Powerhead

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

These products are featured in our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

I love to have guests over during the holidays. With that comes the extra cleaning to make it "guest ready". But then the tree leaves all those needles! What to do? Get prepared. Make your home holiday ready with the Shark Rocket Powerhead.

I love the Shark brand and was excited to receive the opportunity to try their new Shark Rocket Powerhead. My daughter loves our new vacuum. Besides the fact that she says, "It's pretty", she actually wants to vacuum with our new Shark Rocket Powerhead. More power to you, girl! ;D Weighing only 9 lbs, not including the cord (only 1 while in motion), now my almost 5 year old daughter can help tackle the vacuuming too.

4 Laundry Hacks & a Giveaway

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

I'm teaming up with some great brands and bloggers to share some of my favorite laundry hacks, plus a chance to win a Little Laundry Lifehacks Giveaway (including a $150 Walmart gift card.)

Four Fabulous Laundry Hacks

Getting Kids Involved in the Cleaning Process: Tips for Making it Fun

Friday, September 18, 2015

Whether you’re the lucky parent of boys or girls (or both!), getting kids to do chores is even more challenging than putting the youngsters in bed on time. Let us face it – the number of kids that like to vacuum clean and organize their rooms can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Image Found HERE

Turning chores into something fun or adding a competitive element to the process can inspire kids to help a bit with cleaning. Here are some of the best strategies to try in order to form healthy habits and get a bit of assistance.

Getting Your Child to Help with Chores + Purex® PowerShot DetergentGiveaway

Monday, February 23, 2015

I recently had the opportunity to review Purex® PowerShot Detergent that makes doing laundry a breeze! I have been trying to get my daughter more involved in our family chores because not only does she ask to help all the time (which I'm trying to enjoy because I know it won't last long), but also because I want to start giving her an allowance soon and start teaching her about earning stuff instead of just being given everything. So helping out with laundry, I felt, was the first step.

I take the clothes out of the washer and she puts them in the dryer. Then I hand her the separated clothes and she puts them in the dryer. (I am also working on getting her to help with the dishes and vacuuming, but I'm not holding my breathe!) After the clothes were in the washer, we were usually done, but now thanks to Purex® PowerShot Detergent she can help put this easy measure liquid detergent in without any spills!

Check out Arts and Cracker's post on more tips on why this product would come in handy!

ENTER TO WIN!
THREE lucky Nanny to Mommy readers will win a FREE product coupon to test out Purex® PowerShot no-spill, easy measure liquid laundry detergent for themselves! Entry is simple! Just follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to US only and entrant must be 18 or older. Good luck!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click the image to enter to WIN!

What do you think of Purex® PowerShot no-spill, easy measure liquid laundry detergent? Do you try to get your kids to help out with chores? If so, what are some ways you get them to help?

Disclosure: This contest will run through March 9, 2015 at 8:59 pm PST (11:59 pm EST). Winners are chosen via Random.org, ALL winning entries ARE verified. The winner will be notified by email they signed up with and will have 48 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win. This giveaway is sponsored by Purex, shipping provided by Nanny to Mommy. I received free products to share this review and giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Nanny to Mommy and not to Facebook. If there is an issue with this giveaway, please notify Nanny to Mommy at Diana.n.chastain@gmail.com. Shipping can take up to 4-6 weeks. Coupons expire 12/31/2015.

Before & After with #CascadeShiningReviews + Giveaway

Saturday, October 4, 2014

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Cascade. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Before I skipped the pre-rinse, I was wasting SO MUCH TIME! And now that I have included Cascade Platinum products into my kitchen clean-up routine, I have saved so time, money on my water bill, and my sanity.

Skipping the Pre-Wash with #CascadeShiningReviews + Giveaway

Friday, September 5, 2014

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Cascade.

I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

I have always pre-washed my dishes. I didn't know that you shouldn't. It was how I was taught. I was recently given the opportunity to have a little cooking party over at my house to share that Cascade not only provides superior clean for your dishes, but you don't have to pre-wash! I have a long lasting love for Cascade Platinum, so I felt up for the challenge!

So I decided to invite some family over for a taste of comfort foods, which included The Pioneer Woman's Mac N' Cheese. I have never made any of her recipes, although I love her blog and show. I also made some yummy Duncan Hines brownies (which I also received) that I was told to make the night before and leave the pan so my guests could see that Cascade Platinum delivers ultimate clean for dishes, even 24-hour stuck-on food!

Preparing for a Mobile Infant with Hot Shot® Insecticides

Monday, August 11, 2014

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hot Shot® Insecticides.

Peanut has been more mobile lately. He has been rolling over since July 21st. Hubby was bummed because he had been on vacation the week before and worked so hard with him, but then missed it. I kind of wish I hadn't told him. But ever since Peanut has been a rolley-poley machine.

Peanut has also really been enjoying jumping in his jumperoo. With a crawling infant getting closer and closer, the last thing I want in my home are bugs. Who wants bugs feeling at home? Especially with little ones around?

Febreze's #Noseblind Movie Night + Giveaway

Monday, July 28, 2014

This review and giveaway was brought to you by Double Duty Divas and Febreze. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign. All opinions, as always, are 100% my own.

With an almost five month old who just started solids, a three year old, and a dog - my house has a MANY of smells. Which my nose is mostly likely adjusted to because I am around them so often. But what about when people come to visit? Am I suppose to subject them to just-started-solids poopy diaper stench? I use a diaper pail still, it's a must have in my opinion, and it helps contain a lot, but Febreze products have always been my go-to to eliminate odors when guests come over. Or even times when they don't. ;)

I would hate for guests to come over and cut their stay short because of the smell. I know I have done it. Nothing worse than wet dog, which I KNOW I have escaped from more than few times. I do not want my guests to feel they have to hold their noses in my home, I want them to feel welcomed and to enjoy their time here.

Clean ATTITUDE Eco-Baby #Laundry Detergent & Little Ones Fabric Softener Review

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

I received this product as part of an advertorial. All opinions are 100% my own.

I know I have mentioned more than a few times about my families' skin issues. The first time we realized SweetPea was allergic to certain kinds of laundry detergent and diapers, I felt like the worst mother in the world. I did a TON of research and found that there are a crazy amount of chemicals in common, everyday household items! So when I received the opportunity to review some of ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent, I was very excited!

ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent, a natural and efficient option to fight stubborn laundry stains. Since we are exposed to countless products every day, we believe they should be free of all chemicals linked to cancer, even in small doses.

A Pest Free Play Area with Hot Shot® Insecticides

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hot Shot® Insecticides. Tracking Pixel

Recently my daughter had a nasty wasp nest in her play house. It's summer and we want to enjoy the outside, but I don't want to have to worry about my daughter getting stung while she pretends she is on a captain of a pirate ship or on a bear hunt in a dark, spooky cave (both things she actually pretends the most).

If you are anything like me, the thought of ANY kind of insect around your little ones just freaks me out! So not wanting the bugs to feel at home in her play house, we bought some Hot Shot® Wasp & Hornet Killer3.

Walgreen's Ology Products Review #MomsMeet

Sunday, June 29, 2014

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet^SM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meets^SM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Have you heard of Ology?

Housewife Bootcamp: Scrubbbing Out Those Super Dirty Stains

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

I received free product and coupons to share this review/giveaway as part of being a Purex Insider. All opinions are my own.

I love taking my daughter to the lake. But keeping stains out of her clothes has been an up and down battle this year. She has decided that she loves to play in the sand and while it makes for adorable pictures, I don't want her clothes to get ruined.

Did you know that Borax can also be used to make your own Homemade Laundry Detergent? You can also use it to make Homemade Gak for the kiddos! Check out other uses!

Housewife Bootcamp

Sunday, October 28, 2012

I have really been letting the housework slide lately. I did scrub the kitchen from top to bottom (except for the floors) earlier this week. I always need to clean up toys, do laundry, and clear off the kitchen table. There's yard work that always need to be done.

I use to do a post called Housewife Bootcamp but the blogger I got the idea from, no longer blogs and I can't get in touch with. But I want to continue this. I think every week I should include Housewife things that will improve my house, myself, and my sanity, as I think I'm going to go crazy with all this clutter everywhere.

This week's To Do:
1. Laundry.
If I don't put it on here, it won't get done. Plus my daughter decided to take off her diaper this morning and got poop everywhere. It was awesome waking up to the horrendous smell of feces. So I'm still backed up from that, no pun intended.

2. Cook at least three home cooked meals, one none boxed.
I am a Stouffer's lasagna, Hamburger Helper kind of chef. I get it cheap after coupons and I'm tired after watching two almost two-years-olds all day. I have a crock pot and a George Forman. Real home cooked meals can be done. I actually did this already this week! (I made this post last Sunday but never posted it.)

3. Clean off the table and keep it clear all week.
Bills, bills, bills. I clutter the table with mail mostly. My goal in order to accomplish this task is to find a good place to keep my mail. Starting FREEbie Friday's haul isn't going to help. I need to work on organization.

4. Make up the beds everyday.
I am terrible at making up the beds but I love crawling into a made up bed. Do I make up the bed before I crawl in? No. We have to shuffle the covers around though. And that's obnoxious when you are tired at the end of the day.

5. Put on make-up everyday.
I want to look nice not only for myself but for my hubby. I may not be going anywhere but I think he would enjoy it. I am also going to start vlogging more and I want to look nice for y'all. :)

So what are some things you are going to start improving this week? Working out more? Dusting? Trying a fancy Pinterest worthy recipe? Planning more activities for the kiddos? Could be anything! If people want to start making their own posts like this, then I will make a linky. What do you think? Let me know!

Yard Sale Season in Full Force!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

I am not a 'yard saler'. You know those people who no matter what they were doing the night before will get up at 6 am every Saturday during the Spring and Summer to make sure they don't miss any good deals. I know people who are. And they score some pretty amazing finds...they also bring home a lot of junk.

I am having my FIRST yard sale. My husband works at a Kroger store, as most of you already know, and every year they donate to Children's Miracle Network. Well, this year they are having a yard sale in the parking lot! For only $25 you can buy a parking spot (all proceeds go to Children's Miracle Network). PLUS there is a Good Will in the shopping center. So once the sale is over, you can get a tax deduction by making a donation there. :)

I am very excited to get my spare bedroom back. There are mounds are baby clothes. I am very fortunate to have so many people in my daughter's life who are willing to buy things for her and that hand down their hand-me-downs.

I am also excited about getting my garage back. I miss parking in my garage. Especially on those cold mornings or when it's raining. And this Georgia heat is terrible for my paint job.

The issue is, I only have until June 2nd to get everything together. JUNE SECOND! I have 5 days! I have already started although I only found out earlier this week. Here are some pictures of my progress:

Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

(I know, not very accomplished...YET! :] )

So if you would like to get a parking spot of your own, go to the Griffin Kroger and make a great donation for only $25. You can get rid of your unwanted stuff and make some money of your own in the process. And if you don't want to buy a spot, still drop by and see if there is something that you could use. :)

To Do List Week 2

Monday, August 9, 2010

You can click on the image to view it larger.

Ok so I didn't get around to calling the exterminator to get a contract on the house. I have had a LOT going on and that was the last thing on my mind.

BUT my goal for this week is to straighten up the office. This is going to be Sweet Pea's nursery but before we can move anything out, as you can see, we need to clear up the little things. We will be moving the desk and large bookshelf into our bedroom. The TV into the spare bedroom. And we will also need to get a ceiling fan installed (to reduce the risk of SIDS). As you can see we also need new blinds too. lol But that will all have to wait until later because as of right now I'm going to have my hands full trying to sort through all this junk.

I was watching that show hoarders and it made me want to do this SO BAD! So maybe I will actually get on top of it. :]

On another note, I need a new camera. Mine is officially broken. It won't even turn on! So before baby Sweet Pea gets here, I'm definitely going to have to get one.

To Do List week 1 & 21 weeks along

Sunday, August 1, 2010

So the idea is to cross off something from list each week until the baby comes. I'm sure I'll add things to the list as time goes on but for this week I'm going to try and get a contract on the house for an exterminator. I'll let ya know if I get that done.

As of yesterday I am 21 weeks along. If you know anything about pregnancy they say you are pregnant for 9 months but they also say you are pregnant for 40 weeks, and that's more like 10 months. So that's why I (and most others) count by weeks.

How far along? 21 weeks and 1 day (as of today)

Total weight gain: about 10 pounds which they say is normal at this time in my pregnancy but I'm going to try and keep it as low as possible since I was over weight before.

Sleep: I've been having so much trouble sleeping in my bed that I've been sleeping on the couch alot.

Best moment this week: Finding out our little girl is developing PERFECTLY!

Movement: She is moving NON stop! I love knowing she is in there. Greg hasn't felt her yet but I'm not sure other people can yet.

Gender: ALL GIRL!! :]

Belly Button in or out? It's still in.

Milestones: Sleeping comfortably in my own bed would be nice....

Favorite Moments: Greg kisses me goodbye and baby Lizzie everyday. :]

Nanny to Mommy