WFMW: Cleaning Tip Edition (Lavender oil) & GIVEAWAY

Pin It Now! I guess I am what you'd call a semi-crunchy parent. I love natural alternatives to everything, yet I don't consider myself a freak having gone completely over the edge. :)

My crunchiness is not only revealed in the types of foods my family eats but also in the types of cleaning products I use. I try to use natural, chemical free methods of cleaning, and LAVENDER OIL is one of my all time favorite cleaning products!!

Sometimes bathrooms need to be freshened up a bit throughout the week or before company comes. Not quite ready for a major scrubbing, though. Clorox wipes are the quick solution for many, but I am just not a fan. The smell is too strong and they leave streaks and chemical residue. My solution is to use my bottle of lavender spray. (I use a 25 fl. oz. spray bottle filled with water and add about 15-20 drops essential oil of lavender.) Just spray bathroom surfaces and wipe with dry cloth or paper towel. WORKS FOR ME!!!!!

In October of 2007 I did a WFMW post all about lavender if you are interested in finding out more.


**Please note that while I am not a huge fan of Clorox wipes, I will not complain if you are. I would much rather sit on a toilet that has been wiped with Clorox than sit on a toilet that hasn't been cleaned at all!!!! :) (Especially if it is a bathroom that children use---eew!)



{To enter my HUGGABLE TEE GIVEAWAY, click here.}


**For more great cleaning tips visit We are THAT family!

Huggable Tee {Giveaway}

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*Updated with winner! Congratulations to Micki W.! Since there is no contact info. please email me or Lee Ann. Thanks! And don't forget Lee Ann is offering a discount to those who didn't win on all her in stock shirts. See email below.

Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality. Unfortunately, I am this way about almost everything. Even when it comes to clothes. On one hand, I absolutely love to get all gussied up, but on the other hand, as a SAHM, (stay-at-home-mom) most of the time I just need something simple and comfy, which equals-- T-shirt.

Yep, I pretty much wear some sort of tee or tank five days a week. It’s something I can wear while scrubbing toilets but at the same time be presentable enough to answer the door or check the mail. (I save my nice shirts for when I have to go somewhere special like the grocery store or the library.) We SAHMS are fancy like that!

I don’t want to look too frumpy even though I spend my days cleaning cooking, homeschooling, and doing all the other home management stuff, so cute is always nice. “Cute” isn’t always attained but I can dream.

I think I have found the perfect t-shirt combination—simple, comfy and cute!

Lee Ann at www.cafepress.com/hugdesigns has come up with an adorable design that simply reads HUG. Now, who doesn’t need one of those? Lee Ann is giving one lucky winner a Women’s T-Shirt in solid brown with pink design, pictured below. (Retail value $18.00) Please leave a comment on this post, that will be your entry.

For all those who don’t win, Lee Ann is offering $5.00 off on all in-stock, t-shirt purchases only. Please email her at leeannsteepee@yahoo.com for sizes/styles. Most of her home inventory is of the brown/pink t-shirt, which is available in women’s and children’s sizes.

For a variety of products, like shirts, mugs, bags, etc., featuring the hug logo, please visit her site and place your order there. Many of these items would make lovely Christmas gifts! Sending one of these “hugs” in the mail would be perfect for out-of-town family and friends you won’t be able to hug in person during the holidays. And yes, in less than 90 days it will be Christmas!

I just love this apron!

And as a queen of notebooks, I would have to recommend this, too!

*This giveaway will close on Sunday, October 11th. Winner will be notified shortly thereafter, and t-shirt size can be determined then. Make sure to leave contact info in your comment.

**This giveaway open to US residents only.

LiveJournal Tags: Giveaways

Bowl Full of Pink

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Just doin’ my part to support a good cause. ;)

Tainted Tea

Pin It Now! I think somebody's been lacing my Luzianne...tampering with my tea.

Someone must be slipping aging pills into my daily dose of semi-sweet tea.

How do I know?

My mirror told me so.

Home Made Granola Bars

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Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

2 1/2 c. oats (I like the quick cooking for these)

1/2 c. Rice Krispies (If I don't have these on hand, I use more coconut instead)

1/4 c. shredded, unsweetened coconut (I buy mine from health food store)

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips. (I usually buy the "healthy kind" from the health food section)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/4 c. honey (raw is yummiest!)

1/2 tsp. vanilla

* Mix all ingredients together. Press into a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 min. Cool for 10 min. and score into bars. Let set completely and then cut into bars.

** Mine usually turn out best if I cook for about 18 min. The first time I made these they crumbled. I just made cereal out of it though. These granola bars are my favorite. So delicious!!!

Pumpkin Granola Bars

3/4 c. pumpkin

1 egg

1/4 c. butter, softened

1/4 c. honey (raw is the best!)

2 TBS molasses

2 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. sunflower seeds (can use walnuts instead)

2 TBS shredded, unsweetened coconut

1/4 c. wheat germ

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 TBS. grated orange rind (could probably leave out if you wanted)

{I added about 1/4 c. brown sugar and 1/4 cup mini choc. chips to make them taste better.}

*Beat the pumpkin, egg, butter, honey, and molasses in a mixing bowl. Add oats, sunflower seeds, coconut, wheatgerm, cinnamon, and orange rind, and mix well. Spread mixture into lightly greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 min. or until golden brown. While still warm cut into bars. For very crisp bars, remove from pan to wire rack and cool completely.