I hate cleaning. Hate it hate it hate it. I am a fast and furious cleaner which my husband isn’t very fond of but I get down to the drains and baseboards when I clean and they shine when I’m done. But I don’t like doing it.
I recently received some cleaning products from award winning EcoDiscoveries and used them to clean the kid’s bathroom today… I actually enjoyed cleaning the bathroom.  What’s wrong with me?
Right off the bat I noticed the lack of harsh chemical smell which is usually very present in household cleaners  of the toxic variety.  EcoDiscoveries cleaners don’t give me that burning headache that I used to get when I cleaned with cleaners that contained harsh chemicals.

EcoDiscoveries™ has pioneered the green-cleaning revolution and continually strives to protect people, pets and the planet byproviding products which are 100% natural, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. EcoDiscoveries enzymatic products contain no hazardous chemicals, caustics, or irritants. Each product is formulated from plant-derived surfactants rather than traditional petro-chemicals that pollute our indoor and outdoor environments. EcoDiscoveries products are fragrance-free, chlorine-free, ammonia-free, making them completely hypoallergenic and safe for indoor use.

EcoDiscoveries airzyme and multizyme cleaners

EcoDiscoveries’ Glass cleaner is wonderful. It left the bathroom mirror spotless and without streaks.  Now I actually want to clean our windows.. I just have to find the time.

I am a huge fan of EcoDiscoveries Airzyme which helps eliminate odors including stinky kitchen and bathroom odors.  I don’t have a child in diapers anymore, but boy do I wish I had Airzyme when Madelyn was a baby.   My son was preparing for a camping trip so we had to get his sleeping bag and other camping gear out and organize it in the den.   I whipped out and sprayed Airzyme faster than I could move the gear out of the den.. the gear smelled like campfire from the last trip! Yuck!

Eco Discoveries Tub & Tile cleaner

EcoDiscoveries offers a cleaner for any situation or room including..

Bathroom, Tub & Tile, Kitchen, Glass, Multizyme, Moldzyme, Pet, and Nursery.  Each product includes different cleaning agents (100% all natural, of course).  For example, the Kitchen cleaner has natural emulsifiers that are powerful enough to blast through grease while the Bathroom product has natural plant-derived  surfacants will give your bathroom a real clean, free of harmful residues

What I love about EcoDiscoveries:

• Their products don’t have a harsh chemical smell
• Their products are 100% natural
• Their products are non-toxic
• Their products are environmentally friendly
• Their prices are comparable to their toxic counterparts

Follow EcoDiscoveries on Twitter.

You can buy EcoDiscoveries cleaning products directly from their website and at some local stores.  Click here to find a local store near you that carries EcoDiscoveries products.

GIVEAWAY!

We are giving three lucky readers a set of 3 EcoDiscoveries products.  Fill out the form to enter to win.

EcoDiscoveries – Safe and effective cleaning products review + a GIVEAWAY! is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

Raise your hand if you love cleaning? I don’t see many hands up. OK, now raise your hand if you love vacuuming. I see hands! Yes, they are all in my imagination, but that’s OK, right? Vacuuming is satisfying. I love vacuuming so much that I have a vacuum on every level of my house.. of which there are three.. it’s split level not a castle, bummer.   There’s something about sucking up goldfish snacks, leaves, and tiny pieces of cut up paper that makes me feel good. Unlike most things in life, I am in control when I vacuum, especially with my Dysons.  They do their job and they are easy for me to push around.  What’s not satisfying about that?

My newest vacuum is this beautiful white Dyson DC25 Blueprint, a limited edition, wonderfully satisfying, lightweight, skinny, sleek, upright Dyson Ball vacuum.
As you can see in the photograph to the right and the video below, the Dyson DC25 Blueprint is easy enough for a 3 year old to maneuver.  You’d better watch out because once your 3 year old has her hand at your new Dyson DC25 Blueprint, she’s going to point a finger at you and tell you to “stay back Mommy!”.  The vacuum sits on a ball which is what makes for excellent maneuverability and the ball’s low center of gravity makes steering the vacuum a cinch.. even Madelyn can do it!

I’ve had the opportunity to try out several Dyson vacuums (this is the 4th in our house.. maybe we need to add a 4th level?) and I am as ecstatic about this one as all of the others. The fact that the Blueprint is white adds a new level of “ooohhh” to the mix and the ball.. gosh, the ball makes the entire vacuuming experience easier.   Out of the 4 Dysons I own, the Blueprint is my 2nd favorite because of it’s light weight and manuverability.  My #1 favorite is my Pink Dyson DC16 Root 6  which I use several times a day (really) and have for over a year.  I would love to have the Dyson 31 handheld Animal Vacuum because it has a motorized brush bar that the DC16 doesn’t.  Because we have a split level house we go up and down stairs often so they get dirty quickly and the DC31 appears to be just the right handheld for those much needed quick stair clean ups through out the day.

Here are a few of my favorite Dyson DC25 Blueprint features:

• The Blueprint is based on the Dyson Ball technology for smooth steering
• It has a HEPA filter and is certified asthma friendly
• I love the hygienic dust bin – crumbs, dust, and whatever else the kids squish into the floor are dumped from the bin with one click.
• On-board tools include a stair and crevice tool
• Incredible suction – don’t try to talk this vacuum out of sucking up your curtains if you get it too close!

I’m a busy mom and I don’t enjoy cleaning so I take all the shortcuts I can.  My Dyson vacuums help me achieve supremely clean carpets and hardwood floors quickly and efficiently.  And, like I’ve said in my previous Dyson reviews, my husband and son LOVE using the Dysons.  So, moms, all you need to get the boys to help you around the house is a sexy shiny white Dyson, and maybe a beer (or a juice box) and I am confident that you’ll have help in no time!

Here is my review of the Dyson DC28 Animal which is kept on the middle level of our house because the carpets and hardwood on this level get the most use (i.e. nasty).

Here is a short slideshow of photographs of the Dyson DC25 Blueprint

Where can I buy it? Get the lowest price here at Amazon.com.
How much is it? $529

Dyson DC25 BLUEPRINT limited edition review is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

The Dyson DC28 upright vacuum features Root Cyclone technology so you don’t lose suction power as you clean your carpets even carpets with handfulls of goldfish snacks crumbled into the fibers, or cat hair, or.. you know what I’m getting at, especially if you’re a parent.

What’s Included

* Dyson DC28 Animal HEPA Bagless Upright Vacuum
* Mini turbine head and Flatout head
* Owner’s manual

Product Features

* 12 amps of power
Thoroughly clean carpets, bare floors and stairs.
* Bagless container
Saves time, energy, and money with no bags to buy or replace
* HEPA filter
Can be washed clean and traps more than 99.9% of dust mites, pollen and ragweed for a healthier environment.
* 13-1/2″ cleaning path
Lets you cover a wide range of flooring with every pass.
* 35′ cord
Allows you to reach a large area before needing to move on to another electrical outlet.
* Pneumatic actuator
With Airmuscle technology pulls the cleaner head deeper into the carpet to remove embedded dirt and pet hair.
* Powered cam
With 4 fingertip controls focuses suction by adjusting the brush bar while the cleaner head seals to the floor.
* High-torque clutch
Delivers power to the brush bar.
* Root Cyclone technology
Ensures suction power is constant.
* Mini turbine head and Flatout head
Tackles tough dirt and pet hair on stairs and upholstery.
* Dyson proves no loss of suction using the IEC 60312 Cl 2.9 test standard.

We have a Dyson DC21 Stowaway Canister Vacuum
that I got a couple of years ago that we use primarily for vacuuming out the car and for the stairs, while the upright design is great for vacuuming the entire house quickly and efficiently. I still use my Dyson pink DC16 Root handheld vacum every day, although I have to say that I would love the newest version, the DC31 Animal with the stronger suction for tough jobs like those that parents experience almost every day. Just like the Dyson

Learn more about the Dyson DC28 Animal or buy it on Amazon.com here.

Dyson DC28 Animal upright vacuum cleaner (a mom’s review) is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

OMG!  If you get as excited about cleaning and gadgets as I do you will LOVE the new Swiffer WetJet. No, the one you buy at the store doesn’t come package like this one, sorry!
Swiffer and MyBlogSpark made it nearly impossible for my heart not to flutter when I received this incredible Swiffer WetJet Mission Impossible kit.

I am a huge fan of the Swiffer WetJet.  I haven’t used a traditional mop in years, over 8 to be exact.  I was thrilled to learn about the new Swiffer WetJet which has been redesigned with dual nozzles, a bigger scrubbing strip, and sturdier construction to help ensure my cleaning efforts are worth it.

Here are a few reasons you will love the new Swiffer WetJet:

• The larger scrubbing strip on the new Swiffer WetJet and the cleaning solution break up and dissolves tough messes.. no hands and knees required!
• Unlike the mop and bucket you’ve used in the past, it’s light and maneuverable, so you can easily navigate under tables and chairs.
• The Swiffer WetJet takes up minimal storage space making it easy to store in small closet areas.
• My 10 year old son loves to use the WetJet.  He uses too much solution most of the time (he gets trigger happy!), but that’s better than not helping at all, right?

Get your hands on a Swiffer WetJet at your local super market.  You can learn more about the new Swiffer WetJet on the Swiffer web site here.

The new dual nozzle, sturdier Swiffer Wet Jet is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

I was bummed when I saw a big purple popsicle stain on Madelyn’s brand new shirt she’s supposed to wear to preschool.  She’d had the shirt for about 7 hours, she just got it from her preschool orientation earlier that morning, at it was already stained! Ugh!
I put the shirt in the laundry area and then forgot about it for a couple of days until the night before school started, which is today! So last night, I rushed down to the laundry and put the shirt in the washing machine hoping that the stain would at least fade. How embarrassing would that be for Madelyn to go to school wearing a stained shirt on her first day of school?
I was so relieved when after just one cycle in my new Frigidaire Affinity Washing machine the purple popsicle stain was gone and the shirt looked brand new, bright colors and all.

More ways my new Affinity Washer and Dryer have helped me:

• Sebastian doesn’t fuss about gathering and doing his laundry because he likes using the new washer and dryer.  They are easy for him to start, set, load, and unload.
• The Advanced Rinse Technology allows for a final rinse during which fresh water is used as opposed to the left-over dirty water my old washing machine used.  Gross!
• The 7 dry cycles and 12 dry options, including the Shrink Guard Ultra, allow me to dry even the most delicate clothes that I wouldn’t have dried ‘pre-Affinity’ for fear that I wouldn’t be able to fit into them anymore.

Check out the entire line of NEW Frigidaire Gallery Appliances on the Frigidaire website here.

P.S. Follow me on Twitter to be kept up to date on me and my new Frigidaire appliances!

More Frigidaire links to check out:

• Frigidaire More Me-Time Guarantee
• The Frigidaire DAILYDARE
• Tell Frigidaire what 5 things you would do with an extra hour and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a suite of NEW Frigidaire appliances!
• Frigidaire on Facebook

My new Frigidaire Affinity washer saved the day again. I was in need of a last minute purple popsicle removal. is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!

I recently had a great summer party at my house despite the fact that the thought of organizing and having a party makes my brain hurt.  That’s the ADHD. I can’t process the thoughts required to put together a party which includes decorating, food preparation, and then clean up.. just thinking about it makes my brain hurt.

My summer party actually turned out really good. I didn’t get stressed before or during the party which was exciting in itself.  I made a few appetizers including Sweet Potato Chips that were pretty delicious once I finally got the timing right.

Playtex sent me a few pairs of gloves to try out before, during, and after my party and I’m telling you, they were pretty awesome. First, I used the GreatLengths™ Gloves to clean my glass patio table and chairs one of which had bird poop on it (see photos below.. not of the bird poop!).  Before having the gloves I would have just used a few paper towels to clean it off and would have been totally grossed out but the gloves took out the gross factor which was really nice.  I also used these gloves when cutting flowers from the garden.  I was lazy and didn’t want to go to the shed to get my regular gloves out but these worked really well.

GreatLengths™ Gloves

• Test them out when prepping your grill and/or wiping down your patio furniture for the party; these gloves are ideal for the extra messy clean-up jobs (like getting bird poop off of patio chairs)

CleanCuisine™ Gloves

• Use them while preparing spicy recipes like salsa or try them out when preparing meat or fish for the grill so you are sure to keep clean and germ-free
• Try using them while chopping garlic or onions which often stings hands and/or leave a lingering odor

Living® Gloves

• A twist on the classic Playtex® Living® gloves, this new version is ideal for clean-up tasks like washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob – courtesy of FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients:
4 ears fresh corn
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place corn husks directly on the oven rack and roast for 30 minutes or until corn is soft. Peel down the husks and use as a handle when eating.  My whoops.. Out of habit, I took the corn husks off before roasting the corn the first time with not such tasty results.

Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes
Directions: Slice two sweet potatoes very thin.  Lay as many slices as will fit without overlapping directly on your clean microwave turn table then spray the slices lightly with olive oil cooking spray (salt optional).  Microwave them in increments of a few minutes checking for desired crispness.

Learn more about Playtex Gloves at the Playtex website here and buy Playtex gloves at your local grocery store or drugstore.

GIVEAWAY!
Playtex is giving 1 lucky reader 3 Glove samples AND a $50 gift certificate to the grocery store of their choice to buy food/drinks for their own Patio Party.
This is the perfect time of year for a nice patio party!  Leave a comment below telling me why you want to win and if you have something fun or funny to tell me about a previous party you held, you’ll get two entries!
Entries accepted until August 18th.

A summer party with Playtex and a giveaway! is a post from: The Mommy Insider. It looks like you are reading this post in your favorite RSS reader. Don't be shy..hop on over to check out our current giveaways, coupon codes, and to share your comments!