The Best Ways to Personalize Your Bathroom

When it comes to enhancing the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your home, personalizing your bathroom is a great place to start. In Raleigh, NC, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, homeowners take pride in making each space uniquely their own. Personalizing your bathroom not only caters to your functional needs but also allows you to infuse your personal style into one of the most used spaces in your home.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

 
If you're looking for the perfect gift for that father figure in your life this coming Father's Day then I have some great ideas for you to check out in the coming weeks! We all want dad to know just how much his hard work means to us and Father's Day is a great time to show him how we feel.

Sliding Patio Screen Doors: Removal, Upgrade, and Cleaning

For most of us with a back patio or screened-in porch with a sliding screen door, it can be very easy to have dirt, dust, and more build up in the tracks. Not only that, but life can get pretty hectic. Accumulation of dirt from the outside can begin to grow along the tracks, making it more difficult to use your sliding patio door and screens.

Create Beautiful Tiles with Decorative Tile Art from @QuartoCreates

If you didn't already know my daughter and I love to create and craft. We've always said we might not have an artistic bone in our bodies, but we don't care. We just enjoy having fun together and creating things that no one else will duplicate. I for one was excited about this particular crafting project because it actually came with an instruction booklet of ideas - and ones I could actually understand. The fun thing about tile art is that you can actually utilize your finished project. You can make one and use it as a trivet or make several tiles and use them together for decoration. We both opted to make a single tile and use it on our desks in our crafting room. Not sure what we will do with the remaining two tiles yet. But I'm thinking maybe she could make coasters for her grandparents for Christmas. They always love getting homemade gifts from her for the holidays.



And to think it all started with one simple kit. I say simple, but honestly for such a small box it had alot packed inside. Enough tiles to create four projects as well as the necessary materials to make them uniquely yours.

Decorative Tile Art
Create beautiful tiles to use around the house as coasters, trivets, potted plant pads, or just as simple decorations. Decorative Tile Art has all the information you need to complete four tiles. You will learn techniques for creating patterns that simulate stone, watercolor, and many other intriguing materials—it's easier than you think. The 48-page guide book is fully illustrated, providing step-by-step instructions for 10 patterns and techniques, including:
• When Alcohol Drops Meet a Tile
• When Alcohol Spray Meets a Tile
• A Striped Tile
• A Field of Diagonal Circles
• Using a Stencil Mask
• A Subtle Blend of Layered Colors
• A Geometric Pattern
• A Southwestern Sunset
• Shape Dissolve
• Squiggly Line Work

Decorative Tile Art comes with instructions for 10 different projects, plus materials for four beautifully designed ceramic tiles. Not only that, but this all-inclusive kit also comes with felt feet to protect furniture and other fine finishes around the house.

Buy it: You can purchase this and other creative kits from the Quarto Creates line online.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product to share my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brand.

Easily Remove Bathroom Sink Clogs with Roto-Rooter

When I became a homeowner and again when I became the mom of a girl with long hair I began to realize it was time to learn some DIY tricks for simple at home problems. To be a little more specific bathroom drain problems. My daughter likes to brush her hair standing over the top of the bathroom sink. She also has a habit of dropping her toothpaste in the sink and then just washing the whole clump down instead of breaking it up first. You know like you would if you actually used it! Mix the two together and the end result is disaster in your drains.

Fortunately over the year's I've learned that I don't have to call a professional to take care of a simple hair clogged drain. For once I actually get to be the "professional" and hero! All with a little help from my friends over at Roto-Rooter. I'll be honest Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover has become my best friend when it comes to clogged drains. And honestly it couldn't be any easier. Just dump about 16oz down the drain. Sit patiently (or clean the counters like I do) for about 10 minutes. Then follow it up with lots of hot water. And there you have it a clear drain! Of course for those really tough clogs there's always the chance you may need to repeat the process more than once. Thankfully I've never had a clog that bad and one time has always worked for me.

What can clog a drain?
When it comes to bathroom drains your main issues will most likely be toothpaste, hair (from brushing and shaving) , the occasional earring back or other small jewelry that tends to slip out of your hands, and even soap.

How do you unclog those drains?
Although some clogs will require a plumber to be called it's always best to give Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover a shot first. I would say most times this will be the only solution required.

Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover:
Independent lab tests have proven that Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover clears tough clogs faster than other national brands. This is due to our Professional gel formula with 25% more active ingredients than the competition, and the precise viscosity to power through standing water to remove all types of stubborn clogs, hair, soap scum and grease. Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover is safe to use in all pipes, septic systems and garbage disposals.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product to share my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brand.

Secure your DIY Projects with GripIt #Giveaway Ends 9/6

Do you wish you could hang things on your walls like the pros? With a package of GripIt screws and a MarXman Pen you can! It's a winning combination that makes any DIYer an at home pro. Or at least it can make you feel like one when you're done hanging your family photos all by yourself and they don't fall down. I know for me that was always a big struggle when we moved into our new home. I hated putting any sort of nail or screw in our walls in fear I would choose the wrong place and my precious mementos would fall out and get broken. So I was left waiting for my overworked husband to have time to help me. Now all these years later I have what's honestly a simple and easy way to do it all myself! That makes me a really happy lady. The MarXman Pen allows me to mark the wall (or other surface) with a bright green removable pigment so it's easy to see exactly where I need to drill my hole. Then the only thing left to do is drill, tap in the GripIt and then screw it in place. Then you're ready to go!

GripIt• Very easy and quick to install. Simply Drill, Tap and Turn on any drywall or hollow wall for ultra fast installations. Includes quick adjustment feature by turning the 2 small screws to the left.
• Each screw comes in universal sizes. It is also compatible with any standard size screwdriver. Made from heavy duty and durable metal materials to ensure that it lasts longer and to avoid chipping or loosing the thread.
• Works great for hanging wall mounted / tilt and swivel brackets. Safe and secure, can support and hold heavy loads of up to 250 lbs of weight. It can safely hold any standard sized television, radiators, speaker, picture frames, kitchen cupboards, water heaters or any type of wall accessories.
• Removable and reusable screws that are ideal for Dot and Dab wall installations. Suitable for all plasterboard types (1/2” to 5/8”) without the need for battening or additional anchor points. It also works on insulated plasterboard types.
• Manufactured from high industrial grade, durable materials that can withstand heavy loads.

MarXman Pen
• Drill precisely every time. The Marxman marks holes that pencils and punches just cannot reach to leave a clear mark for perfect positioning of your drill.
• Highly visible. The unique formula is easy to see in all lights, and remains visible for long periods even in a busy site environment.
• Each pen contain 250 bursts of removable fluorescent green pigment, and is capable of marking all surfaces including brick, metal, wood, pebbledash, porcelain and ceramic.
• Suitable for most surfaces including tiles, breeze-blocks, granite, plaster and cement. The chalk is fluorescent and can easily be seen from a distance, particularly useful if fixing at height.

Buy it: You can purchase the GripIt and MarXman Pen on Amazon.

Win it:  One lucky reader will win a GripIt and MarXman Pen. This giveaway will end September 6th at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be contacted and prize fulfillment made by Review.Directory. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Gleam form to enter.

5 DIY Plumbing Fixes to help save you money!

Anytime a problem occurs with something in our house I typically turn to my husband. He seems to know quite a bit about most home repairs so it's my first resource. I would much rather try and fix things ourselves then call a repair man.  As a Roto-Rooter® Ambassador I've been learning alot about the brand, and of course more ways to utilize it too. I've also learned that not all plumbing issues require a plumber. Below are five common plumbing related issues that you can most likely fix yourself and save yourself the hassle and bill from calling a plumber.

1. Leaky Faucet. A leaky faucet can be a relatively easy fix depending on the type of faucet, so get to know the basic types of faucets and how to take them apart. You can look for instructions online; YouTube videos are the most useful. A slow drip usually means that all you have to replace is a washer, but make sure you know which size you need before buying a new one.

2. Clogged Drain. Knowing how to prevent a clogged or slow drain is just as important as knowing how to fix it. Use hair catchers in bathroom drains. Avoid putting grease or food particles down kitchen drains, and be sure you know what types of food are okay to put in your garbage disposal and how to properly operate it. And if you do run into a clogged drain try one of the handy clog remover products from Roto-Rooter® first. Most likely it will cut through whatever is clogged and clear your drain in no time.

3. Running Toilet. A running toilet is usually caused by a faulty stop valve or floater switch. This is also called the floater valve or float cup. Essentially it's the large bulb in the back of the toilet that stops the flow of fresh water into the toilet once the tank is full. While jiggling the handle to stop a running toilet may fix the problem temporarily, you can fix it permanently by replacing the entire assembly. And don't be afraid to put your hands in the water. The water in the tank is clean!

4. Preventing  septic back-up. If you have ever experienced septic back up, you know it isn’t pleasant. (We've had it happen and trust me it's not pleasant!) You can help prevent this back up by using Roto-Rooter Natural Enzyme Septic Treatment. Get into the habit of using this product as instructed on a regular basis so your septic system can stay clean and clear. (To make it easy we do it on the first day of each month, then there's no guessing when the last time was we used it.)

5. Upgrading Showerheads. Did you know that upgrading to a low flow showerhead can save you anywhere from 20-30% on your monthly water bill? You'd be surprised at how much you can reduce your water consumption with this simple upgrade.

And here's a list of what you should have handy for most basic plumbing tasks:

• Plunger (one for the sink and one for the toilet)
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Utility Knife
• Plumbing Tape
• Caulking Gun

Next time you have a nasty clog reach for the bottle of Roto-Rooter instead of your phone. Trust me you'll be glad you did!

And be sure to check their website for money saving coupons tosave even more money!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I may have received monetary compensation and/or product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Fun with Balloons!

Besides the traditional ways of using balloons as decorations and gifts there are lots of other fun things to use them for. Below are a few ways my daughter and I recently used balloons to have some fun as well as make some useful things.

FlyBlocks DIY Drone Kit

If you're kiddos have been asking for a drone for Christmas and you just know they aren't ready for that high price tag model The FlyBlocks DIY Drone Kit is a great place to start. Just like the big time drones minus the camera...well sort of. First you have to build it. There are four different models that can be built with this super fun DIY drone kit. I mean what kid wouldn't want to build their own drone? And then show it off by flying it around. This version comes with a remote instead of using a phone app for controlling the drone. Nice for those kiddos out there that don't have a phone quite yet. This gives them the freedom to use their drone anytime without having to ask mom or dad to borrow their phone to control it. While it doesn't feature a camera like many drones do, it does feature the ability to safely crash it and then build it again over and over. I don't know of any other drone that offers that kind of fun.

Happy Fall Y'all!

One of my favorite parts of fall has to be the colors. I love when the leaves on the trees start to turn from their brightly colored greens to even more beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds. Living in the country you really get the opportunity to appreciate the physical changes in nature as they happen. Not just as they change colors on the trees, but as the leaves fall off the trees too of course! Either way I am very thankful for the blessing of a large window to look out every day and see these changes take place. Of course after all the leaves have changed and fallen off the trees it's not quite as beautiful outdoors. And that's why I enjoy decorating inside my house for fall too. Then I can appreciate those fall colors even longer.

My daughter and I recently took on the task of doing some at home fall decor DIY projects. One of them was making a new centerpiece for our bookshelf in the living room and I have to say I am quite impressed with how well it all came together. We painted three ceramic pumpkins and a wooden tray and then added some fall colored leaves for an extra splash of color. It looks really nice sitting on the bookshelf and gives the room a nice fall feel. Plus I had the added bonus of some mother-daughter bonding time which was pretty great in my book.

Another project we did was a DIY fall wreath. I was a little nervous on this one because it actually required me to think outside of the box when it came to decorating it. But once again I have to say I am impressed with myself because as you can see it turned out quite nice. I've included some steps/tips below in case you'd like to give this project a try!

1. I used a metal wreath frame which helped me quite a bit to get started.
2. I cut a circle from cardboard and then did some cuts a few inches in all the way around it (making it look like a sunshine) then weaved it onto the wreath frame giving me a flat surface to glue my paper cone onto.
3. I used scrapbook paper cut into four 6 x 6 pieces for the colorful cones.
4. On the ends of the solid colored papers I used some fall embellishments for variety.
5. In the center I layered some fall leaves and finished it off with a large button in the middle.

Really it ended up being a pretty easy project once I got started. The hardest part was laying it all out to decide what papers and decor I wanted to use on it.

So there you have it now I'm ready indoors and outdoors to welcome my guests with a Happy Fall Y'all! (PS: I didn't really paint that on my pumpkins it's just added text to my photo.)

You can find supplies for both of these projects right on the Oriental Trading website under Fall.

Connect with Oriental Trading: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Hold it steady and tight!

If you've ever helped someone with a DIY woodworking project you've probably heard them say "hold it steady and tight". I know before my husband got his new vise I heard that a time or two myself. Because well before the Bench Vise came my hands were the vise. I was in charge of holding the piece of wood down on the bench as tight as I could without letting it move so he could saw off the excess. Boy am I thankful we have a bench vise now to do that job. Might sound easy, but you try holding down a piece of wood someone is using a saw back and forth on to cut. Not so easy at all!

My husband was really excited when I got this Bench Vise for him so he had to put it on his bench like the day it arrived. It only took him about 5-10 minutes to have the vise attached to his workbench using just three bolts so it was a pretty easy process. All he had to do was drill three holes in the bench then ratchet the bolts through the openings on the bottom ring of the vise. It was then firmly attached and wasn't able to be moved. (Unlike my hands that sometimes slipped while holding the wood.) The vise can swivel 360 degrees which I thought was really cool so you can work with it from any angle. Once you have it the direction you want you just tighten it down so it doesn't move while you are using the vise to hold your project. We tested it out with a random piece of lumber and a handsaw just to see how it would hold the wood. Once the lumber was firmly tightened in the vise it didn't move and the vise didn't move at all either as we used the saw on the wood. We were both very impressed with the heavy duty quality of the vise as well as how it performed when being used. I can see it outlasting us both!

Features:
• Made with heavy-duty Cast Steel and an anvil construction to ensure maximum-strength hold for gripping an array of objects
• Grips wood and metal instantaneously and screws open/close easily
• The bench vise swivels 360 degrees to always provide you with the best work angles
• Mount to any bench top or work vehicle to provide maximum clamping power
• Overall Dimensions: 16" (L) x 8" (W) x 7" (H)

Connect with Best Choice Products: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

BLACK+DECKER has DIY Dads covered this Father’s Day!

Not too long ago my husband's circular saw bit the dust...literally in the middle of sawing it just stopped working. Thankfully he was almost done with the cut so he was able to use a hand saw and make due to finish the project. He's mentioned a few times he needed to get another one, but has always put it off because he's not big on purchasing things for himself unless it's a necessity. And since he's not needed to use it yet since he hasn't seen it as being a necessity. Looks like someone is going to be super surprised though come Father's Day because I have a nice new BLACK+DECKER 13 Amp Circular Saw with Laser for him. It has all of the features of his last BLACK+DECKER saw plus some added bonuses! I honestly can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees it. I can already see him coming up with a project to do just so he can test it out. He's one of those guys that has to play with his "man toys" as soon as he gets them even if he isn't working on anything at that moment to use it with.

Features include:
• 13 Amp Power – completes a wide variety of cuts
• Integrated Laser – provides clear line of sight
• Lightweight Design – only 8 lbs.
• Spindle Lock – for easy blade change
• Easy bevel adjustment allows for accurate 0-45⁰ angled cuts.
• Depth adjust to 2.5" at 90⁰.

If the dad on your list already has a circular saw here are a few other great ideas for him too!

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium Ion MOUSE® Sander ($59.99 MSRP) offers the power, performance, and maneuverability needed to give projects an ultra-smooth finish.

20V MAX* Lithium Drill/Driver + 68 Piece Project Kit ($79.99 MSRP) is ideal for a variety of household tasks and projects. The household tool kit features a powerful 20V MAX* lithium drill and 66 hand tools and accessories.

Connect with BLACK+DECKER: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received monetary compensation or product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

One sock, two sock, red sock, blue sock

I don't know what it is about knitting that has always made me nervous. I've crocheted for years, but the thought of knitting always scared me. Even when I heard from people multiple times it was actually easier than crochet. I desperately wanted to learn how though because I wanted to make fun colored socks for my daughter and I. Years passed and I did eventually learn how to do a basic knitting stitch and made a few scarves. It wasn't so bad, but I still was afraid to learn anything more complex. To this day I have still not learned any other knitting stitches. And until recently still had not made matching socks for my daughter and I. But I am proud and happy to say I am currently working on socks for us now! A few months ago a friend of mine introduced me to the Knitting Board and their sock looms. It's an alternative way to knit without having to use two needles. Instead you use a loom and loom hook which to me is so much simpler. Now I no longer fear making socks, and now I can finally make matching socks for my daughter and I in any color pattern I like.

I'm one of those lucky moms that has a daughter that enjoys having matching things with me. When my son was younger I started the tradition of getting him and his dad matching things for Father's Day. It was a little harder with my daughter and I as I just couldn't find matching clothes in both of our sizes. That's why I originally wanted to learn to make socks. I thought if nothing else we could have matching socks. Of course now she's older and is wearing some ladies extra smalls so its a bit easier. But I've never given up on the sock idea and am glad because it's finally happening! And it's happening much faster and easier than I ever imagined with my sock loom. Between the book I received and the online videos it's really been a breeze!

About:
Knitting Board, LLC. Is a leader in premium quality Knitting Looms, Sock Looms, Knitting Kits & Knitting Accessories. KB has become a household name with the Beach Wood Knitting Looms and Boards, Original Plastic Looms and is now revolutionizing the knitting space with the launch of the all new “Zippy Loom” product line.

What to know more?
Check out the Loom Knitting community where you can shop looms, learn new techniques or visit the free pattern library to download over 75 patterns!

How about you, do you ever wear matching things with your kids?

Connect with Knitting Board: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received monetary compensation or product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

BLACK+DECKER Mother’s Day Gifts

Looking for that special gift to give mom for Mother's Day coming up? I know my mom is one of those ladies that pretty much has it all so she's a little harder to buy for. And she's not your traditional mom either so I like to get her things she can actually use. One year I actually got her a portable air compressor for her car and she was over the moon with excitement. (She had a car tire with a slow leak so this kept her from having to stop at gas stations for air.)

The point is all moms are different. That’s why BLACK+DECKER is providing a roundup of its top Mother’s Day gifts by personality type. Ditch the bouquet of flowers for a gift she actually needs!

Pet Lover – does mom love the dog more than she loves you? She’ll really love the PET Cordless Lithium 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum with SMARTECH™ for cleaning up after her favorite child.

DIYer – the 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Cordless MOUSE® Sander is perfect for putting the finishing touch on Pinterest projects.

Weekend Warrior – the new 60V MAX* POWERBOOST Cordless Blower makes tackling the backyard a breeze.

Clean Freak – for the mom who goes through a case of paper towels a day, the Wet/Dry Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum will be her savior for cleaning up wet and dry messes.

I personally have my eye on the cordless stick vacuum. The one I have is not holding up so well and I fear it won't be long before it meets Mr. Trashcan. :-(

Connect with BLACK+DECKER: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Home Improvement MY way because #HomeIsTheKey

I can remember after I moved into my first place not having more than a handful of tools to use. If I needed to repair something I would call on my dad to help me. That was until my father passed away and I no longer had that handyman crutch. That left me going...now what do I do? I had your basics like screwdrivers and a hammer, and for most things that was all I needed. But when it came time I decided I wanted to do some improvements I realized I was less than equipped. Having your own place means you need more than some screwdrivers and a hammer. You really need a full project kit at your disposal. I will say I never did have that - a full set that was mine - until now! Yes at 38 years old I had never owned my own cordless drill. That was until now. I finally have my own set and it's going to stay all mine, I'm not sharing with the boys! The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium Drill/Driver + 68 Piece Project Kit is like a dream come true. Heck I thought the ROTO-BIT™ Storage Screwdriver I got to review last year was the bomb when I realized how easy it made taking screws out of every wall-plate cover in my kitchen during our renovations. Now that I have a sampling of tools at my disposal and a full sized cordless drill the possibilities are endless for me! No more having to bother my husband to borrow his tools, or searching for where my teenage son last left my husband's tools. I have a set I can proudly call my own.

You can count on BLACK+DECKER to get the job done!

Used to be when I heard the brand BLACK+DECKER I automatically thought about power tools. Heck I even had a few of them myself before I met my husband. I mean a girls got to put together things too right? But as they years have past and I've acquired many different BLACK+DECKER products I don't think that way anymore. Now when I hear BLACK+DECKER I think of a well built quality product.

DIY Animal Christmas Ornaments with a little help from Oriental Trading

My daughter loves to do crafts so we often work together to come up with ideas of crafts for her Girl Scout troop. With Christmas approaching we decided it would be fun to do some DIY Christmas ornaments with the girls. It seems like everyone already does the applesauce ornaments and the ones with their photo inside so we wanted to do something a little different. After a little browsing around different places for ideas we settled on making animal ornaments. We tested out our project idea at home before taking it to the meeting and it worked great! We did find out however that only the smaller poms fit inside the ornaments so we decided to do them as well as feathers so the girls could choose which they wanted.

The girls all had a great time stuffing their ornaments and adding on the details for the animals faces (or wings). I had gotten ceramic markers from Oriental Trading to write on the glass ornaments and they worked perfectly. The ink dried almost instantly so it didn't rub off on their hands which was an added bonus. Each of the girls made an ornament using their own creativity and I have to say I was quite impressed with some of them. Some of the animals they made were a bird, cat, bunny, lion, frog, flaming, and peacock. They really are a creative bunch. And I'm happy to report that with a group of 11 girls goofing around while they were being creative not a single glass ornament got broken! That's more than I can say for the wiggly eyes that were found pretty much everywhere. But hey, that's what fun and creativity are all about.

Products used to decorate the ornaments:
Glitter Poms, Tiny Poms & Feathers to fill them.
Christmas Ribbon to tie at the top.
Wiggly Eyes for the animals to see.
Ceramic Markers to draw the animals faces (or wings).

Maple Tree Tapping Kits make great gifts!

If you've ever thought about maple tapping now's a great time to check it out. It's something you can do on your own, or as a family and then enjoy the benefits for a long time after.

About:
Are you new to maple sugaring or a first-timer wondering if this is for you? Don’t be intimidated by taking on this hobby. While it does seem daunting at first, we promise that once you’ve done it, you’ll be amazed by how simple and straightforward the entire process is and by what a great family and outdoor winter activity sugarmaking can be. Once you’ve been through the first season, you’ll have the tools, the knowledge, and the experience to easily do it again next year – and you’ll probably be looking for even more maple trees!

And don’t forget, you have Maple Tapper (mapletapper.com) with you and we’re not going to leave you alone in the woods! We’ve filled our website and blog with inspiration and information. We will answer every question sent to us and keep growing our forum with questions from folks just like you. Every kit comes with an 80-page book filled with details and instructions for every step including photos, recipes, and more. Also included is a take-along instruction sheet that you can carry with you as you tap your trees. Both pieces were written by a professional writer (who’s also a sugarmaker) and she researched everything thoroughly, interviewed professionals, and took pictures of the entire process.

Tapping Season:
Maple Tapping season starts around mid-February and can last through mid-April and really depends on where you live. For the most part, regions that can tap trees are: the Midwest, the Northeast, and the northern half of the Atlantic Coast. The big key to collecting sugar maple sap is that the tree must go through a freeze/thaw cycle almost daily. Temps fall below freezing at night and then rise above 40ish during the day which causes the sap to flow. This weather pattern is what happens in late winter in these regions. Also, sap is only sweet-tasting until the buds pop out on trees – again a situation that happens mostly in those areas. We’re not discouraging anyone from trying it out but their finished syrup may not taste very good if they’re in the wrong part of the country.

Gift Giving:
Both the adult and kid’s kits make great holiday gifts. It really has everything you look for in a present: affordable, unique, educational, nature-oriented, fun for all ages, and reusable for years. And it sure beats another video game for kids to stare at! They offer larger kits, individual supplies, and other syrup making equipment at our website at www.mapletapper.com and shipping is always free.

Buy it: You can purchase Maple Tree Tapping Kits on Amazon.

Connect with BRAND:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Giveaway CLOSED - The winner has been notified via email and confirmed.

Win it:  One lucky reader will win a Kid's Kit and one lucky reader will win an Adult Kit. This giveaway will end December 8th at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen.  Prize fulfillment will be made by the sponsor, I am not responsible for prize delivery or lost or stolen deliveries. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form to enter.

Books - The ultimate gift!

The nice thing about books is that there is something for everyone no matter what they like to do. Whether you like to cook, craft, create, or just read them for enjoyment there's a book that will fit your preferences. I recently got some books to check out from Ulysses Press and wanted to share them with you. I think they are books either you or someone you know might enjoy - and the would make great Christmas gifts too!

The Kamado Smoker and Grill Cookbook
Recipes and Techniques for the World's Best Barbecue
By Chris Grove
The ultimate in barbecuing tools, the kamado-style grill features a ceramic shell and charcoal pit that allows home cooks to slow roast, smoke, and grill meats to perfection. Packed with recipes, photos, and techniques unique to the kamado, this essential guide will turn grilling neophytes into masters of the backyard barbecue.

The Kamado Smoker and Grill Cookbook guides readers step by step through the process of slow-cooking roasts to juicy perfection, smoking racks of ribs for the quintessential barbecue flavor, and grilling the perfect burger. Each concept features a recipe that provides a tasty opportunity for readers to practice new skills and get the most out of their grills. With gorgeously photographed recipes, as well as loads of tips and tricks, this is a must-have manual for anyone who owns a kamado.

Coloring Ocean Mandalas
30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation
By Wendy Piersall

Coloring for adults gets a nautical twist with this collection of whimsical mandalas
Coloring mandalas is an ancient way to attain focus, clarity, and peace. Now with more than thirty original images that incorporate ocean imagery into mandala patterns, Coloring Ocean Mandalas adds the beauty of the ocean—including dolphins, sea shells, whales and waves—to these intricate designs for page after page of coloring book bliss.
With roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, mandalas are spiritual symbols that represent the universe. Coloring these hypnotically beautiful, mystical shapes is a meditative and enjoyable way to relax. A fun way to achieve a state of mindfulness, this book fosters creativity, reduces stress, and allows you to embrace your inner child by focusing on the simple but engaging task of coloring in the detailed designs.

Crafting with Wood Pallets
Projects for Rustic Furniture, Decor, Art, Gifts and more
By Becky Lamb

The humble wood pallet is a key element in the global world of shipping, yet all too often it’s eventually smashed into pieces and tossed into a dumpster. That perfectly good, all-natural wood deserves a better fate! Crafting with Wood Pallets offers readers innovative new projects for transforming wood pallets into all types of beautiful, useful items for the home and garden. Upcycling wood pallets has quickly become one of the most popular trends in home and garden DIY design, and this book’s 20 hands-on projects teach readers everything they need to know. Including 80 full-color photos, it guides them step by step from easier, beginner projects like simple trays and shelves to more advanced projects like benches and kitchen islands. Crafting with Wood Pallets is packed with helpful tips for working with salvaged wood, like how to choose the best pallets, use the necessary tools, and master the art of disassembly. Also included is the author’s unique painting technique that adds a one-of-a-kind and colorful twist to every project.

Dazzling Duct Tape Designs
Fashionable Accessories, Adorable Décor, and More Creative Crafts You Make At Home
By Tamara Boykins

Duct tape is no longer just for gaffing down cords, holding together pieces of pipe, and fixing everything that’s broken. Now available in vibrant colors and exciting patterns in craft stores nationwide, it’s at the center of a wildly popular crafting craze. Teaching readers to take this roll-of-fun phenomenon to the next level, Dazzling Duct Tape Designs shows how to turn duct tape into adorable fashion accessories, cute home decor, and even entire outfits. This unbelievably versatile tape is clean, durable, and safe; it withstands temperatures from 10° to 176° F; plus it sticks to paper, wood, concrete, metal, fabric, plastic, brick, and, best of all, itself! It’s the perfect crafting material for children, parties, classrooms, rainy days, and road trips. Dazzling Duct Tape Designs includes step-by-step instructions and photos of dozens of amazing projects, plus patterns for drawstring bags, party hats, sandals, wall art, wallets, and more.

Homemade Cleaners - Quick-and-Easy, Toxin-Free Recipes
By Dionna Ford and Mandy O'Brien

Toxic chemicals are found in almost all commercial cleaners—the very products people buy to make their homes hygienic and healthy. The recipes in, Homemade Cleaners use common, affordable ingredients that not only get every room in the house sparkling and germ-free but are also safe for families and the environment.

The green cleaners in this invaluable guide are all that is needed to keep a purified home without using harsh chemicals that can cause everything from skin irritation to central nervous system damage. Using nontoxic materials like vinegar, baking soda, and even vodka, Homemade Cleaners focuses on every floor, wall, window, and appliance, and includes methods for absorbing odors, information on air-purifying plants, a primer on basic chemistry, a checklist of essential supplies, and tips for cutting down on waste.

Homemade Bath Bombs, Salts and Scrubs
300 Natural Recipes for Luxurious Soaks
By Kate Bello

Soothe stress, heal the body, and smell fantastic with luxurious homemade bath products
There is nothing better than slipping into a hot bubble bath after a stressful day. But store-bought bath products are chock-full of chemicals, artificial scents, and dyes. This book shows readers how to make all-natural bath bombs, scrubs, and salts that will leave the skin glowing and the body relaxed.

Featuring 300 easy recipes, this book demonstrates how to whip up bath products to meet any need, from healing specific ailments to relieving stress to even curing skin conditions. Including sensual aphrodisiac soaks, calming scented salts, and chakra enhancing bombs, these whimsical and fun projects include everything readers need for pampered bathing . Ideas for making adorable bath gifts for friends, including tips for delicious scent combinations and instructions on crafting cute packaging, are also featured. Natural bath soaks are an ancient beauty remedy that can bring anyone to a relaxed meditative state while ridding the body of toxins. This is the ultimate guide to taking bathing to the next level.

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Of all the books I received I think the Homemade Bath Bombs, Salts, and Scrubs is my favorite so far. I've found some recipes I'm going to use to make gifts for Christmas from it. I love DIY projects and giving them as gifts because it's something I know that no one else will be giving my recipients. My husband on the other hand is really enjoying the Kamado Smoker and Grill Cookbook as well as the Crafting with Wood Pallets book. He enjoys cooking outdoors so he was excited about finding new recipes to try. And we just happen to have a nice big stack of wood pallets sitting out back waiting for him to get started on some projects this winter so it's a win-win for me!

How about you? What kind of books do you like?

Cosmetic Containers with Lids #cosmeticjar

I recently started dabbling around with making different things using my essential oils and have been thinking about making some lip balms and scrubs as well as some hand creams/balms. These 5 and 10 gram clear plastic jars are perfect for those things because they are nice and small and portable.

I like that the jars are all clear so you can easily see not only what's inside, but also how much is left in the container. Unlike the ones that are solid white and you have to take the top off to see what's inside and how much. These jars are very nice quality and the lids are easy to twist off and then back on. They line up well so they don't leave any gaps when screwed on all the way so no worries of your contents leaking out if you store them in your purse.

You can purchase both of these sizes of cosmetic jars on Amazon:

Cosmetic Containers with Lids 5 Gram - 50 Count

Cosmetic Containers with Lids 10 Gram - 25 count