Showing posts with label Spring Cleaning Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Cleaning Challenge. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Cleaning with less chemicals (+ a giveaway!)

Cleaning. I don't think I ever realized how much of my life would be spent cleaning with 4 kids, haha! Anyone with kids knows it's kind of like vacuuming in the midst of a tornado, but yet, you gotta keep up with it or it gets out of control quickly. 😰
I'm always looking for ways to cut out toxins and chemicals for our family, so I was intrigued when my friend, Jennifer, began sharing more about Norwex. I love how their cloths clean with water only! They are really amazing! Jennifer gave me the EnviroCloth and Window Cloth to try.

Window/Mirror cleaning is one of my daughter's favorite chores around the house. (And it's something that fairly young kids can do). Look at those dirty mirrors! 😲



Usually I just spritz the window for her instead of handing her a bottle of cleaner. With the Window Cloth, she loves getting a spray bottle of water and getting to do it herself. My mirrors have never been cleaner! The Window Cloth works so well! So as a newbie, I later realized these cloths can actually be used without any spray at all. So extra bonus on an easy job for kids to do!



The Norwex microfiber is unique because it is equivalent to 1/200th the size of a human hair (vs traditional microfiber you can purchase in the store which is often 1/6th the size of a human hair).  Because of how fine the Norwex fiber is it removes 99% of bacteria from a surface (that’s why you can replace all of your chemical cleaners...think about the money savings when switching to Norwex) and is SUPER absorbent (think about never having to purchase paper towels again!).  When you use traditional chemical cleaners you are leaving a residue behind that attracts dust, dirt, and grime and you have to clean frequently.  When you use Norwex microfiber and just water, you leave nothing behind and will not have to clean as often because it stays cleaner longer!  Not only are you saving time & money when using Norwex but you are protecting your health because you are not exposing yourself to toxic chemicals (over the past 50 years 80,000 new chemicals have been created and only 200 have been tested for toxicity...so all chemicals are considered safe until proven otherwise) AND you are protecting the environment because Norwex offers items that are reusable vs disposable!

Another feature of Norwex (which is a patented technology) is the Baclock (used to be called Antibac) technology….microsilver that is physically embedded in most of the cloths.  Silver is not new and is used in the healthcare environment!  When the Norwex microfiber cloth is wet the silver is activated which then self sanitizes the cloths by inhibiting the growth of bacteria!  This means that you don’t have to launder the cloth as frequently...HUGE savings!!!

Here are some ways to use the EnviroCloth (wet with just water) and Window Cloth (dry to polish) together....
  • Windows (house and vehicle)
  • Mirrors
  • Stainless Steel appliances
  • Fixtures in the sink & bathroom
  • Flat, glass-top stove
Whenever you are inclined to reach for any chemical cleaners, go for the EnviroCloth instead.  You can clean ANYTHING…
  • Microwave explosions
  • Refrigerator cleanout
  • Surfaces in the kitchen
  • Bathroom (yes, including toilets)
  • Spills on furniture, carpet, rugs
I admit, I'm a major paper towel user. And we have a lot of spills and messes in our house!
Enter my new solution: Counter Cloths. These ultra-absorbent, reusable cloths feature a unique new weave to quickly pick up spills and messes in the kitchen, bathroom—really anywhere! Constructed from Norwex Microfiber made from 50% recycled materials in the same size as a half-sheet of paper towel, each set contains almost a whole recycled plastic bottle (500 ml), so you’re helping to clean up the world every time you quickly clean up! They dry fast and you can use them multiple times before laundering. Best of all, they look great in their stylish Counter Cloth Box, where they’re always ready when you need one.


I have begun to love reaching for the Norwex cloths instead of my typical cleaners and they are so easy for my kids to use as well. 


The EnviroCloth and Window Cloth.  These two cloths come in a package called the Basic Package (item # 1505) for $34.99.  These 2 cloths will replace most of your traditional chemical cleaners.  The EnviroCloth is used wet with JUST water to clean EVERYTHING!  The Window Cloth is used dry to create a shiny, streak-free surface!

Want to try the EnviroCloth and Window Cloth?  Here's an awesome opportunity to start your Norwex journey!  These could be yours, just ENTER BELOW!


SHOP
So who is ready to try these right away??? Most of us can do more in removing more chemicals from our homes (I know I can!).
1) visit the website: www.jenniferkang.norwex.biz
2) shop (check "I'm not here for a party")
3) at checkout you will be prompted to search for your host, please use KELLY HUGHES to continue to support the Pgh Momtourage.


Norwex is a global company, started in Norway in 1994, and is spread through the direct sale industry.  You can purchase products from a Norwex Consultant OR earn your wishlist for FREE when you host your own party.  My hosts earn, on average, $360 in free products, with some earning $500+!



This post sponsored by Jennifer Kang. It is very rare for me to spotlight a direct sales company, but I think these products are very valuable in helping our environment and being more chemical free in our homes. And I'm all about supporting a Pittsburgh mama and her beautiful family! All opinions remain my own.



Saturday, April 12, 2014

Drumroll please......

We have come to the end of another Momtourage Spring Challenge and have winners to announce!
 First, congrats to Ashley Gross who won a $25 gift card to 97 Design Inc - all she had to do was share about our contest! Thanks to everyone who shared!
We had 2 categories, one for larger projects, one for smaller. Here was the challenge: pick a place in your home that either a) needs a major re-do or b) just some serious re-organizing.
*
Our grand prize winner for "Bam, now that's an upgrade" was Gloria Burns!
What a big difference this spring cleaning project made! And don't you love that vintage couch?!
Gloria won a $50 gift card to Lily Noelle Jewelry. Congrats Gloria on a job well done!
 1st place for "Ka-chow, little things that make a big difference" was Shannon Rizzo!
Shannon won a $50 prize pack from Pick Your Plum! Congrats on a space that is probably much easier to use now!
 In both projects our judges said, They used organizing tools to improve their situation for now and in the future.
Thanks to our great judges, Laura Miller & Denise Platte! They are the moms of teens & grown kids and know a thing or two about organizing. :) 
Thanks to everyone who entered - I know you'll all enjoy your re-done spaces! I hope you enjoyed having a little fun motivation. :)

Saturday, March 1, 2014

#MomtourageSpringChallenge 2014 begins!

Spring Cleaning Challenge #2 has commenced!
Here's the challenge: pick a place in your home that either a) needs a major re-do or b) just some serious re-organizing. We will have 2 separate categories, so don't feel if you do a "smaller" project that you won't have chances of winning - you WILL!
Da Rules:
  • Contest will be open for entries March 1st - 31st.
  • Projects can be completed anytime between January 1st - March 31st, 2014. (So yes, you can enter projects that were done anytime after 1/1/14!)
  • You can submit up to 2 separate projects (double your chances to win!)
  • You will have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes/gift cards from some amazing businesses!
  • Share your photos on your own facebook page and add hashtag #momtouragespringchallenge.
  • Take before & after pics and be sure to label (picmonkey is an easy site to create collages & add text.)
Here's a couple of submissions from last year to inspire you!

 

SO...what do we win, you ask?
We have 3 cool companies that have some great gifts ready for our winners. I am so thrilled to have several mom-owned businesses team up for this challenge!
*
First of all, you don't even have to lift a cleaning finger to get an entry to win! All you have to do is SHARE our contest - on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter and you can be entered to win a $25 gift card from 97 Design, Inc. Simply enter using Rafflecopter to show that you shared about our challenge and you could win!
*At the bottom of this post are easy share buttons for facebook, twitter, pinterest + more. 
*
 97 Design Inc. is an awesome resource to find custom recycled lumber products, fashion statements, and beautiful handmade fabric accessories for your home. Go here to find out more about 97 Design, Inc.!
 And the prizes up for grabs for each category winner of our contest will be......
A $50 gift card from Lily Noelle Jewelry!
Lily Noelle is an original line of jewelry meticulously crafted from semi-precious stones, sterling, crystal and vintage items. Heidi has also helped to provide at-risk women with education, training, and the skill-set necessary to earn an alternate income with dignity in the Dominican Republic. 
But that's not all - Heidi has offered 40% off discount code for Momtourage followers - go here to see details. Easter & Mother's Day are just around the corner!

 A $50 gift basket from Pick Your Plum!
Pick Your Plum is my favorite deal site with the best products & awesome quality! They will send you a box of goodies that you are going to love. The fun of unpacking that surprise mystery box will be so worth that time you spent working for it! Go here to see more about Pick Your Plum.
(All pics of these companies show a small sampling of their variety & ever-changing products!)
So that's our contest in a not-so-short nutshell. :) I hope everyone will have some fun motivation to do some spring cleaning & re-organizing! I'm sure we all have a space in our home that could use a little makeover. And why not win awesome prizes in the process? Get thinkin' & plannin', get ready to be challenged & WIN!
Use this form to enter to win - whether you shared our contest or are ready to submit your completed projects. *Please note, pictures of completed projects will need to be emailed to pghmoms@live.com with subject line Spring Challenge. 
Not all categories are mandatory to enter and you can share any day you want to and come back for more entries!
 Contest will be open for entries March 1st-31st. All pictures entered will be compiled and judged by an unbiased panel of 3 judges. Winners will be announced in April. 

Good Luck and Happy Project-ing! 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

97 Design, Inc.

97 Design Inc. has also joined up as a great sponsor for our Momtourage Spring Project challenge (find out what that is here!
I have known Deb & Ginger since college and they are 2 fantastically creative mamas who are also as sweet as can be!
 
97 Design Inc. is the coolest resource to find custom recycled lumber products, fashion statements, and beautiful handmade fabric accessories for your home. 
Known for their cool rope scarves!
They have some pretty great baby stuff too! 
 Although their Etsy shop is currently on a break right now, make it a favorite and stay tuned for more great products coming soon!
 
 For our contest, you'll be entered to win a $25 gift card, simply by sharing #momtouragespringchallenge! So stay tuned, it all starts Saturday, March 1st!


Pick Your Plum

 Another great sponsor for our Momtourage Spring Project challenge (find out what that is here!) is Pick Your Plum! Pick Your Plum posts daily deals - but let me tell you, this is not your typical 'deal' site. They have the best products!! I have gotten jewelry, skirts, kids legging, party supplies + more from them and I have never been disappointed at all! Their prices are amazing. 
Because their inventory is constantly changing, these pics show a sampling of their variety of products.
 
 
 
 Check out their current stock here, but be sure to enter our Momtourage Spring Project Challenge for the chance to win a box stuffed full of goodies from them ($50 value!!)

Lily Noelle Jewelry + code for 40% off!

 The Momtourage Spring Project challenge (find out what that is here!) has begun and I am thrilled that Heidi from Lily Noelle Jewelry has come on as one of our prize sponsors! You'll have a chance to win a $50 gift card to Lily Noelle!
BUT, you don't have to do any house projects to be a part of this deal - she has offered 40% off necklaces + bracelets to any Momtourage followers! (Excludes the Heidi Collection & Little Fashionistas)
What's that I hear? Mother's Day is just around the corner? Oh yes, start making your list and strategically place it in front of your hubby. :) Your mom & MIL might even enjoy some of these pretties! 
Lily Noelle is an original line of jewelry meticulously crafted from semi-precious stones, sterling, crystal and vintage items.  The process of each design begins with Heidi personally selecting each stone while venturing to shows and auctions worldwide, and ends with heart-felt customer service .
And here's the really cool part....
Making A Difference
In 2006 and 2007, Heidi traveled to the Dominican Republic to help a group of women learn the art of jewelry making.  As a result, an organization was formed to provide at-risk women with education, training, and the skill-set necessary to earn an alternate income with dignity.  A portion of each jewelry sale benefits these women in the Dominican Republic.  By choosing Lily Noelle, you are providing humanitarian aid beyond the pleasure it brings to decorate your favorite styles.

Here's a gift that keeps on coming....
Join the exclusive Lily Noelle Earring of the Month Club! Receive a pair of stylish earrings mailed directly to you each month. Purchase a 3-month, 6-month, or 1-year membership and enjoy a special gift each month. Go here for more info.
 
 The coupon code does not include the Heidi Collection, but you still might want to browse through...some really fun pieces!
 And because she is a mom of little girls, she certainly hasn't forgotten about them. Check out her Little Fashionistas line - perfect Easter basket stuffers!
So who's ready for some shopping? 
Use code pghmom for 40% off!
(valid for 40% off necklaces and bracelets, excluding the Heidi Collection and Little Fashionistas.)
Code is valid through March 31. Free shipping and returns on orders over $100.
*
Follow Lily Noelle on facebook here

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Momtourage Spring Project Challenge 2014!

Who remembers our huge Spring Cleaning Challenge from last Spring? Well, I'm thrilled to tell you that a new challenge is just around the corner! I have tweaked a few things from last year and hopefully it will be bigger, better & even more fun! First tweak was: the name. Instead of Spring Cleaning Challenge I am calling it Spring Project Challenge 2014. Hopefully that clarifies it a little more from just cleaning to the fun makeovers we saw last year.
Here's a couple of the rules:
*Contest will run March 1st - 31st (the contest will not officially launch until 3/1, but it's not too early to start planning!)
*Projects can be completed anytime between January 1st - March 31st, 2014. (So yes, you can start your projects!)
*You can submit up to 2 separate projects (double your chances to win!)
*You will have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes/gift cards from some amazing businesses!
* Use #momtouragespringchallenge to share your photos
*2 categories to enter: Ka-chow! or Bam! You can choose to re-organize a closet or an entire space!
*Take before & after pics and be sure to label (picmonkey is an easy site to create collages & add text.)
And just to inspire you....here's a couple of submissions from last year!
 





 

So that's a sneak peak into our upcoming contest. With the holidays behind us and so much time on our hands, :)))) I KNOW we all have a space in our home that could use a little makeover. And why not win awesome prizes in the process?! Get thinkin' & plannin', get ready to be challenged & WIN! 

“I really regret getting that space totally organized.  -said no one EVER.”

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Spring Cleaning Challenge 2013

 

While laying in bed one night and thinking about an organizing project (or two) that I had been putting off for way too long.....I had the revelation that I was probably not the only one who tends to procastinate on projects! And I thought, "Wouldn't it be nice if we all had some type of motivation to get a jump start on spring cleaning?" Enter the Pgh Momtourage Spring Cleaning Challenge 2013!! Since we have sponsors that are nation-wide, you don't have to live in the Pittsburgh area to enter, anyone across the country can win! (The Melting Pot is a local prize and keep in mind for some of the online prizes that shipping could be more expensive in Hawaii, Alaska or outside the United States.)
Here’s the challenge:
·         Re-organize a place in your home
·         Take before & after pics
·         Post on contest wall
·         Be entered for awesome prizes!
 
The contest pics and entries will all be done through our facebook contest page here.
Whether you are doing a small project or a complete over-haul, you have the chance to win! We will have 2 separate categories so those organizing a junk drawer won’t be up against someone clearing their garage!
Your project will be entered in one of two categories:
·         It's the little things that matter
·         Does this space make my house look big
Feeling extra ambitious? You can enter more than one project! Rules: the projects must be in completely separate rooms in your home (i.e. a child’s bedroom & an office, ect….), you can only win one time.
 
Amazing prizes include: $100 gift card to The Melting Pot (Station Square location), $50 gift card to thredUP, $50 gift card to Lot26 Studio, box of $50 worth of products from Pick Your Plum, and $25 gift card from Bedeckle!
 
Want a super EASY way to be entered to win? (No re-organizing required!) Share this contest! Every time you share this contest either through your facebook page, twitter, Pinterest or blog, post a comment below on the contest page, you will be entered to win a $25 gift card from Bedeckle!  You can do this up to FIVE times!! (Please spread out your postings so as not to drive everyone crazy). J
Rules for posting pictures:
  • Post a before/after pic in one picture. (Some tips to do that are below)
  • Label “before” & “after” as well as what space it is (i.e. closet, bedroom, basement, ect….)
  • Use either a 2 or 4 picture square collage (no more)
  • Post what city you live in
{If you have never created a picture collage before, I suggest http://www.picmonkey.com/. First create a collage of either 2 or 4 square pics. Then save to your desktop, go back into the regular editor (you’ll have to back out of collage) and use the “add text” tool to label “before”, “after”, and what space it is.}
 
Contest ends at Midnight on March 31st! All entries must be posted to page by that time.  Local educator and mother of 4, Mrs. Laura Miller, will be our guest judge and join me in reviewing  all your entries.  Winners will be chosen and prizes will be awarded by Sunday, April 7th, 2013.
 
But remember, everyone is a winner!
Here is our mantra:
“I really regret getting that space totally organized.  -said no one EVER!!”
A word about our awesome sponsors:
 
The Melting Pot: There's just something about a fondue pot that invites conversation. Invites laughter. Invites coming together. At The Melting Pot Restaurant, we offer a dining experience like no other. A unique, interactive dining experience creating memorable moments with family and friends. From the time the first piece of bread is dipped and the last piece of dessert is savored, you'll be graced with the time to discover new things about people you thought you knew. And, those you're getting to know.  We are the premier fondue restaurant where guests can enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads and indulgent desserts. It's up to you. Tailor your visit with a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and dessert. Or, come by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection. That's not to say, we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie.  Whether you're celebrating romance, a birthday or anniversary - or just a night out while the babysitter is in charge - we offer something truly unique. An opportunity to interact and connect while experiencing all fondue has to offer.
thredUP: Just Like a Consignment Shop - But All Online! Buy and sell practically new children's clothing. Save up to 80% on your favorite brands, and turn outgrown clothes into cash (all from home). You can even shop by your favorite brand…GAP, Old Navy, Target, ect… AND they have a women’s shop opening soon! If anyone will be cleaning out kids clothes for the Spring Cleaning Challenge, order a clean-up bag from thredUP! Have like-new clothing your family no longer wears? Order a free thredUP Clean Out bag online. Fill the bag with like-new clothes, and put it outside for pick-up. Shipping is free! thredUP inspects your clothes, and pays up to 40% of the resale value upfront. If you choose to clean out a closet for our SPRING CLEANING CHALLENGE, not only can you be entered to win great gift cards, but you could also earn money for the clothes through thredUP. Double bonus! Order a Clean Out Bag here.  
Lot 26 Studio: Lot 26 Studio is like no other Wall Decor Company. Our collection includes wall stickers, wall decals, canvas wall art, memo boards, DIY decor and more for your kitchen, living room, dorm room, bedroom, nursery, and beyond. We create all of our own peel-and-stick vinyl wall stickers from great, gotta-have graphics and adhesive sayings to the best paintings and images that contemporary artists have to offer. In addition, our collection of fun wall decor includes canvas wall art, decorative wall hangings and accents such as adhesive chalkboards, mirror mobiles, create your own pennants, burnish vinyl ‘rub on’ chandeliers and picture frames. Lot 26 Studio’s wall art, wall stickers, and wall decals are easily removable and a fun, inexpensive way to decorate a room.
Pick Your Plum: Have you ever glued your fingers together trying to put a project together? Stayed up all night just to finish that last project before your kids wake up? Gussied up your home just so the neighbors could gawk over your detail? Borrowed an idea from the store knowing you can make one too? We have. We know. Join us.  Get it before your neighbor does. ·       We have limited supplies on some of the most swank supplies. We have agents out in the field who find killer deals on high quality products. ·         We delicately slap prime-o pricing on crafting, clothing, baking supplies, home decor and other fabulous finds. Stellar pricing. Cool. ·         We sell it 'til it's gone or 'til time is up. ·         You leave feeling like you just won Martha in a crafting contest. ·         The supplies arrive in 7-8 shipping days and you've just picked your 'plum'! Doesn't it feel good?


Bedeckle: There is something really special about creating a unique piece. There is something even more exciting about having someone wear a piece you've created with careful detail. Come and bedeck yourself in these one of a kind pieces. Check out beautiful Infinity scarves, lace headbands, adorable flower clips, earrings + more! Also, check out her shop Brown Eyed Girlies for all your little girl’s adorable accessories!