Molton Brown has recently re-launched their candle collection. Redesigned in new candle sizes and fragrances the Molton Brown collection is ready for the upcoming holiday season.
So what's new with this fabulous collection? The glass for one. Each one is hand-blown and hand polished making each one unique. The candles themselves are hand-filled in Suffolk, England with paraffin wax. Each candle has a low melting point that makes burning bright, even and with superior fragrance distribution. An Aromalite cored wick (medio and grande candelas) is made of 100% natural fibres. No more puddles of wax absorbing and taking over the wick either. An omni-directional flame handles this typical candle problem.
The colors, designs and fragrances are rich and bold. Scents like Heavenly Gingerlily, Golden Solstice, Imp's Whisper, Firefly Embers, Night Tempest, Naran Ji, Re-charge Black Pepper and many more. For whatever mood or ambiance you want to create you can with this new Molton Brown Home Fragrance Collection.
Sizes include:
Piccolo box of four mixed fragrances (two types): $58.00
Medio Candela (single wick): $49.00
Forte Candela (three wicks): $74.00
Grande (six wicks and boxed with own snuff lid): $265.00
Medio and Forte Candela Snuff Lids sold individually: $25.00/$38.00
The new Molton Brown collection is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores.
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Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
November 2, 2011
December 6, 2010
LifeShield Home Security System
Ever since my husband went off to Iraq in 2003 I have had a security system in each home we have lived in. Depending on where we live I have also used different types of systems as well as providers. I was really intrigued when LifeShield proposed the idea of reviewing their "plug and play" security system. It is touted as a highly sophisticated, “plug and play”, do-it-yourself, wireless system that is revolutionizing the home security industry. So does it?
LifeShield is completely wireless and do-it-yourself. The kit itself arrived in a box no bigger than one would find a pair of mid-calf boots. The first thing I thought about was how great this security system would be for renters. Since it isn't hardwired you can take it with you when you move and install it in your new apartment or home. Great for military families as well! LifeShield also offers Wi-Fi cameras which is good if you have a child that comes home before you do each day. The cameras enable you to see your child walk through the front door and they can also notify you if a scheduled event doesn’t occur. If your child does not arrive home at the expected time, the system will alert you via text message. The system can even be used as a baby monitor. There are mobile and email alerts so you can monitor your property from anywhere.
One of the nice things about LifeShield is that there is no contract. For a basic system with 8 sensors it is about $300 up front and about $30 a month for monitoring, which is a fairly standard industry price. No multi-year contracts is wonderful too. The basic system also includes two keypads, a console, grid extendor, and keychain remote. You can purchase additional equipment if you need or want to. After you install it (no drilling needed!) you simply call LifeShield and it will begin monitoring your home.
Some of the things I liked about LifeShield and their system is that it really is one of the most sophisticated wireless home security systems available. There's no hard wiring involved and you can monitor your home or property through the web or phone. It gives real peace of mind and is quite practical. Incidentally, monitoring is actually done by Guardian Protection Service. And they provide those handy window stickers and yard signs that let people know you have an alarm system for your home or property. That to me is half the battle right there. A 30-day risk free guarantee is also available.
LifeShield is offering my readers a nice deal when you visit their site and enter the promo code- momdeal50
MPR Rating: Three Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products recieved are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.
LifeShield is completely wireless and do-it-yourself. The kit itself arrived in a box no bigger than one would find a pair of mid-calf boots. The first thing I thought about was how great this security system would be for renters. Since it isn't hardwired you can take it with you when you move and install it in your new apartment or home. Great for military families as well! LifeShield also offers Wi-Fi cameras which is good if you have a child that comes home before you do each day. The cameras enable you to see your child walk through the front door and they can also notify you if a scheduled event doesn’t occur. If your child does not arrive home at the expected time, the system will alert you via text message. The system can even be used as a baby monitor. There are mobile and email alerts so you can monitor your property from anywhere.
One of the nice things about LifeShield is that there is no contract. For a basic system with 8 sensors it is about $300 up front and about $30 a month for monitoring, which is a fairly standard industry price. No multi-year contracts is wonderful too. The basic system also includes two keypads, a console, grid extendor, and keychain remote. You can purchase additional equipment if you need or want to. After you install it (no drilling needed!) you simply call LifeShield and it will begin monitoring your home.
Some of the things I liked about LifeShield and their system is that it really is one of the most sophisticated wireless home security systems available. There's no hard wiring involved and you can monitor your home or property through the web or phone. It gives real peace of mind and is quite practical. Incidentally, monitoring is actually done by Guardian Protection Service. And they provide those handy window stickers and yard signs that let people know you have an alarm system for your home or property. That to me is half the battle right there. A 30-day risk free guarantee is also available.
LifeShield is offering my readers a nice deal when you visit their site and enter the promo code- momdeal50
MPR Rating: Three Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products recieved are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.
January 25, 2010
VueZone Personal Video Network
The Vue Personal Video Network ($299) is a handy, compact security device that works well in your home. It comes with two wireless battery operated cameras, a network gateway with its own AC power adapter, four camera mounts for mounting your cameras, and an Ethernet cable. The personal my.VueZone.com account with 2 GB storage and the first year of membership are also free.
First off, I was pleased that the system came with its own batteries. It looks like it would be the perfect nanny cam too. The set up is easy and takes mere minutes. Simply peel and stick the magnetic mounts and the cameras are ready to be hidden or adhered anywhere they are needed or even in plain sight. There is little configuration on the Vue network gateway too. All you need to do is plug it into your router and synchronize the cameras. Viewing is almost immediate. This is great for those of us with kids who are pressed for time.
I also liked that there is no software to install. From there all you have to do is view, record or even share what is happening with your content and you can do it all online. Your VueZone account is secure so you don't have to worry about unauthorized access or an invasion of privacy either. Pricing for the Vue is fair except when you want to add additional cameras. You can add up to fifty which is amazing, but at $99 a pop that is steep.
I think this device is wonderful because it is so easy to set up and use. It is perfect for those of us who cannot be home with our kids all the time and want to see what is going on at home with them and the sitter or even our pets. You could be on vacation and see what is going on in your home right from your desktop or laptop computer. It really is peel, stick and view just like Vue claims. The Vue Personal Video Network can add peace of mind in mere minutes. Even better is that you can share your images with friends and family via the internet and even upload videos or pictures to Flickr and YouTube. It is fun and useful all at the same time.
Available online at the VueZone website and Amazon as well.
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.
First off, I was pleased that the system came with its own batteries. It looks like it would be the perfect nanny cam too. The set up is easy and takes mere minutes. Simply peel and stick the magnetic mounts and the cameras are ready to be hidden or adhered anywhere they are needed or even in plain sight. There is little configuration on the Vue network gateway too. All you need to do is plug it into your router and synchronize the cameras. Viewing is almost immediate. This is great for those of us with kids who are pressed for time.
I also liked that there is no software to install. From there all you have to do is view, record or even share what is happening with your content and you can do it all online. Your VueZone account is secure so you don't have to worry about unauthorized access or an invasion of privacy either. Pricing for the Vue is fair except when you want to add additional cameras. You can add up to fifty which is amazing, but at $99 a pop that is steep.
I think this device is wonderful because it is so easy to set up and use. It is perfect for those of us who cannot be home with our kids all the time and want to see what is going on at home with them and the sitter or even our pets. You could be on vacation and see what is going on in your home right from your desktop or laptop computer. It really is peel, stick and view just like Vue claims. The Vue Personal Video Network can add peace of mind in mere minutes. Even better is that you can share your images with friends and family via the internet and even upload videos or pictures to Flickr and YouTube. It is fun and useful all at the same time.
Available online at the VueZone website and Amazon as well.
MPR Rating: Four Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.
December 16, 2009
Quick Gifts from Crabtree & Evelyn
There are only nine days left until Christmas. Are you done with your shopping yet? If not, Crabtree & Evelyn has some wonderful gift ideas. -The Vanilla Hand Care Caddy is a nice housewarming present, gift for a co-worker or even your aunt! It's affordable ($28) and comes with a ceramic dish to hold both the full size vanilla scented soap and lotion. It also works for just you and your home.
Need some stocking stuffers for your friends and family? Have to buy a small present for someone and are completely stumped? Try one of Crabtree & Evelyn's Pomegranate creamy body washes ($16) or their long lasting Orange Spice soap. Either will entice anyone and be sure to get them into the holiday season.
Crabtree & Evelyn has so much more to offer for those on your gift list and for you too. Check out their entire set of collections and get ready to start crossing everyone off your list! Big sales, 25% off and free 2 day shipping are all available NOW!
Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.
May 15, 2008
The Beauty of Couleur Nature
Couleur Nature, Paris, by Bruno Lamy launched in 1997 is an exceptional line of textiles for the bedroom, table and kitchen. Combining two cultural traditions- hand-block printing from India and design based on French artisan pieces from Provence, these wares create beautiful table settings, pajamas, bed quilts and more. Each piece is hand cut and stitched to ensure uniqueness in tone and finish. Every pattern compliments the others items in the collection too. Quite honestly, Couleur Nature is breathtaking.

When I first laid eyes on the tablecloths, runners, tea towels, pajamas and I could go on by Couleur Nature I was in awe. The colors are vibrant and natural. The deep reds, soft blues, gentle greens and golden yellows blend perfectly seeing Couleur Nature apart from other companies like it. I was particularly impressed with the tea towel ($72 for set of 3) I sampled. It is about three times the size of the average tea towel and is so pretty I wanted to use it as a piece on my dining room table instead. From there it has garnered many complements with its traditional pomegranate and pineapple design. It is welcoming and if possible, charming. The tablecloths come in round and square styles in a variety of sizes and run from $63 to $148, which is about average for a high-end tabletop piece. There are napkins, placemats, runners and even aprons that all match and correspond with each other. While I did not get to sample the pajamas (in Capri form too), Kimonos or the bedding it is all beautiful in its own way. It is a bit of toile, a bit chabby chic and all about being exquisite in design.
Items for the home or person from Couleur Nature make an excellent gift for a housewarming, shower, or even as a treat for you! Visit their website today!
I am giving away one Tutti Frutti tablecloth in 59x59 ($63) from the collection! The first person to email me (veamason AT gmail DOT com) to answer this question correctly will win it!
Question: What is one of the surprises on the Couleur Nature website?
Tutti Frutti Tablecloth
Congrats to our winner Ann!!!

When I first laid eyes on the tablecloths, runners, tea towels, pajamas and I could go on by Couleur Nature I was in awe. The colors are vibrant and natural. The deep reds, soft blues, gentle greens and golden yellows blend perfectly seeing Couleur Nature apart from other companies like it. I was particularly impressed with the tea towel ($72 for set of 3) I sampled. It is about three times the size of the average tea towel and is so pretty I wanted to use it as a piece on my dining room table instead. From there it has garnered many complements with its traditional pomegranate and pineapple design. It is welcoming and if possible, charming. The tablecloths come in round and square styles in a variety of sizes and run from $63 to $148, which is about average for a high-end tabletop piece. There are napkins, placemats, runners and even aprons that all match and correspond with each other. While I did not get to sample the pajamas (in Capri form too), Kimonos or the bedding it is all beautiful in its own way. It is a bit of toile, a bit chabby chic and all about being exquisite in design.
Items for the home or person from Couleur Nature make an excellent gift for a housewarming, shower, or even as a treat for you! Visit their website today!
I am giving away one Tutti Frutti tablecloth in 59x59 ($63) from the collection! The first person to email me (veamason AT gmail DOT com) to answer this question correctly will win it!
Question: What is one of the surprises on the Couleur Nature website?
Tutti Frutti TableclothCongrats to our winner Ann!!!
February 18, 2008
Orange Glo vs. Method Floor Cleaner
In this corner we have the tried and true Orange Glo floor cleaner. Guaranteed to polish your floors and make them shine for more than five minutes! In this next corner stands Method's Wood for Good non-toxic floor cleaner! In a battle royale of floor polishing feats who will come out the clear winner? Let's break it down shall we?

Orange Glo Hardwood Cleaner & Polish- (about $6.99) It claims to clean your hardwood floor in one easy step. First it cleans, then shines and finally protects your floors all while revitalizing the hardwood. Using a dry mop I squirted the milky, orange-scented cleaner onto my floor and spread it out evenly. I follow the grain of the wood and I really do see a difference. It takes some scrubbing on some of the sticky parts of the kitchen floor but my floor really does shine and the orange scent thankfully isn't too strong. A day later my floor is still shiny even in the high traffic areas. The rooms I clean that barely see any foot traffic, like my dining room, stay shiny for up to a week. Fabulous! I was looking for a cleaner that was a bit more green though. Plus the solution does not squirt out of the bottle well. The spray goes wayward and hit a few walls despite pointing it nowhere near a wall. This left an oily stain on my wall which thankfully is being repainted soon. I also noticed that after a few uses my floor did not look shiny anymore but dull in fact and in a room with new hardwood this should not be the case. Then I read this review and I am now throwing away my Orange Glo. It is true! I now have my work cut out for me really scrubbing my hardwood floors.

Method's Good for Wood Almond Floor Cleaner- (about $5) I used this product first and found that while it takes some scrubbing to actually clean my floors it does work. It is not a fantastic floor cleaner like Murphy's Oil soap but the wood seems to drink it in and remain shiny and polished for a few days even in the high traffic areas. I love the light almond scent that lingers for a day leaving my home smelling clean and fresh. Just like the other cleaner, this one is a squirt and mop job. The oval shaped bottle doesn't drip cleaner out and it dries faster than the Orange Glo, which is great as my child constantly walks on the floor even as I clean it. Still, I didn't feel that it really cleaned the floors deeply, it simply takes a bit of the surface dirt off and maintains a pleasant shine. When I combine this product with Murphy's Oil soap hardwood cleaner it works beautifully, however that is a long process with me on my hands and knees for a while. I do not have time for this each week. The added bonus and the clincher for Method in my opinion, is that this is a non-toxic cleaner that will "put the hurt on the dirt and not on my home or family."
So which one did I go with? Method's Good for Wood floor cleaner wins out. There is no nasty build-up or residue left behind. My floors shine and really absorb this cleaner. It is good enough for those quick dry mop jobs and works fabulously when combined with a deep floor scrubbing. I'll stick with the Method and know that my floors will look great longer. The Orange Glo is already in the trash.

Orange Glo Hardwood Cleaner & Polish- (about $6.99) It claims to clean your hardwood floor in one easy step. First it cleans, then shines and finally protects your floors all while revitalizing the hardwood. Using a dry mop I squirted the milky, orange-scented cleaner onto my floor and spread it out evenly. I follow the grain of the wood and I really do see a difference. It takes some scrubbing on some of the sticky parts of the kitchen floor but my floor really does shine and the orange scent thankfully isn't too strong. A day later my floor is still shiny even in the high traffic areas. The rooms I clean that barely see any foot traffic, like my dining room, stay shiny for up to a week. Fabulous! I was looking for a cleaner that was a bit more green though. Plus the solution does not squirt out of the bottle well. The spray goes wayward and hit a few walls despite pointing it nowhere near a wall. This left an oily stain on my wall which thankfully is being repainted soon. I also noticed that after a few uses my floor did not look shiny anymore but dull in fact and in a room with new hardwood this should not be the case. Then I read this review and I am now throwing away my Orange Glo. It is true! I now have my work cut out for me really scrubbing my hardwood floors.

Method's Good for Wood Almond Floor Cleaner- (about $5) I used this product first and found that while it takes some scrubbing to actually clean my floors it does work. It is not a fantastic floor cleaner like Murphy's Oil soap but the wood seems to drink it in and remain shiny and polished for a few days even in the high traffic areas. I love the light almond scent that lingers for a day leaving my home smelling clean and fresh. Just like the other cleaner, this one is a squirt and mop job. The oval shaped bottle doesn't drip cleaner out and it dries faster than the Orange Glo, which is great as my child constantly walks on the floor even as I clean it. Still, I didn't feel that it really cleaned the floors deeply, it simply takes a bit of the surface dirt off and maintains a pleasant shine. When I combine this product with Murphy's Oil soap hardwood cleaner it works beautifully, however that is a long process with me on my hands and knees for a while. I do not have time for this each week. The added bonus and the clincher for Method in my opinion, is that this is a non-toxic cleaner that will "put the hurt on the dirt and not on my home or family."
So which one did I go with? Method's Good for Wood floor cleaner wins out. There is no nasty build-up or residue left behind. My floors shine and really absorb this cleaner. It is good enough for those quick dry mop jobs and works fabulously when combined with a deep floor scrubbing. I'll stick with the Method and know that my floors will look great longer. The Orange Glo is already in the trash.
December 31, 2007
Pomegranate Inc Melds Style with Tradition

Casual, everyday style, that is Pomegranate. Angela Beck’s colorful and lively designs come to life in each piece of table linen, handbag, and kitchen accessory. From aprons to tea towels, totes to oven mitts there is something for everyone in this flora and fauna inspired line of personal items and house wares. I fell in love with the bright colors and gorgeous details and designs. I was delighted when Pomegranate sent me some items to review.
The square (55x55) Jaipur tablecloth I received is simply beautiful. The golden colored edging mixed with the blues, greens and reds in a simple paisley design are to die for. It looks great in my kitchen and my dining room and it did not shrink a bit even when I washed and dried it repeatedly. I found this 100% ($38) cotton tablecloth to be a wonderful addition to my home and it would make and even better gift to someone.

I also received a pair of oven mitts. They are excellent too. The red color with a green accent was just perfect this holiday season. I felt quite festive each time I used them and I swear they inspired me to bake even more than I normally do. What I love most about these washable mitts is their length. I have long forearms and these oven mitts cover not just my hands and wrists but go all the way up to my elbows. At $18, a pair it is more than you would pay at a local big box store but if you leave them lying about like I do they dress up your kitchen. The oven mitts wash well and are thermal lined for protection. Pair them with a set of Pomegranate tea towels or an apron and you have yourself a great housewarming present for someone.

Pomegranate has reasonable prices and quality merchandise with a great selection. Their sturdy Raffia bags come in bright colors with gorgeous inner linings that are perfect for shopping and running errands. The totes are super cute and you can have them monogrammed too. They make great diaper bags and the cosmetic bags come in a variety of sizes to choose from. They even have backpacks for kids.
Pomegranate has an abundance of fresh, crisp designs throughout their product lines that enhance your home. The unique designs and classic prints are a great addition to any abode. Pomegranate also has incredible sales that run all the time too. It is truly a fun site and I love it. It is definitely worth checking out and getting fresh home, gift ideas and purchases from. It really is “style made simple.”
As an added bonus, Pomegranate is offering free gift-wrap for online purchases. Just enter GIFT WRAP in the comments field at checkout.
*Images from Pomegranate Inc. and Design Mom.
December 17, 2007
Green Earth's Waterless Car Wash

Did you know that that average car wash place uses about 20-45 gallons of water per car? I know. The numbers alone are staggering. But wait! A home car washing uses between 80 and 140 gallons of water and none of that is being recycled. All those products are running off your car and into the environment. It makes me shiver just thinking about it.
“There are approximately 240 million vehicles in the U.S. If even half of those cars used Green Earth Waterless Carwash, once a month for one year, we would save 28 billion gallons of water. This is the equivalent of 40,000 Olympic size pools or 560 million baths.”
There has to be a better alternative. There is. Green Earth Waterless Car Wash. When I found this product it was in the middle of a very bad drought for the DC area this summer. This product was like manna from heaven. I couldn’t resist checking it out and ordering some up. It is environmentally friendly, VOC free, dye free, fragrance and paraben free, as well as being biodegradable. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Oh wait. It does. Green Earth’s product cleans really well. I used it on my Pathfinder (no small vehicle) and my car looked beautiful afterwards. Not only that but it wasn’t the typical wet, soggy towel annoyance that washing my car usually turns out to be. This is the number one reason why I rarely wash my car. The organic soaps and surfactants in Green Earth work on all solid surfaces from glass to paint, fiberglass and plastic this waterless car wash cleans them! I did the inside of my car and the outside with no problem. It works on dry or wet surfaces too. I loved that even while I cleaned the inside there was no toxic smell making me cough. I could breathe freely. The job was done quickly and it works incredibly well on the tough stuff on the grill of the car. You know all the dead bugs and bird poop. It cleans bird poop with ease. My car was so shiny and new looking and I swear the paint job looked better. I love this product!
I have to admit I was skeptical at first too. I read the FAQs on the website and thought it sounded too good to be true. I didn’t believe that one bottle would actually clean my car and there would be more than enough left over to do 6-10 more washes but it is true. I didn’t believe it was fragrance free either. Yet I sniffed and sniffed and sprayed it into the air like I was testing perfume and found nothing. Even when the sun was beating down as I sprayed it on the rag and car I couldn’t smell a thing. All I noticed was the massive amounts of dirt and grime being easily cleaned off my car. Two weeks later the inside is still clean. Despite rain and snow my car is still shiny. How is that possible? Green Earth’s wash actually creates a non-stick surface on your car and it seems to repel dirt. I still have lots left over in the spray bottle too.
This product more than lives up to its claims and has impressed me quite a bit. Even my husband, a neat freak with anal tendencies when it comes to cleaning, was surprised and impressed. For $23 for a 32 oz bottle (which includes shipping and handling) you just cannot beat Green Earth’s Waterless Car Wash. That price alone is the cost to clean your car at car wash place in my area. The 100% money back guarantee shows you have nothing to lose too.
Yes, it’s late in the season but this is one seriously great gift (and deal!) for the car lover, Dad, your brother in law, boss, whoever you know that loves their car/”baby”. If not for Christmas it makes a perfect birthday or Father’s Day gift as well. Plus shipping is included in the price. You just can’t beat that. Green Earth also sells microfiber towels for optimum cleaning and tire shine. You can check out all the products here. When you purchase a Green Earth product you are also helping the planet in a whole other way. Green Earth donates 5% of their profits to Heal the Bay. For more information on how Green Earth is making a difference, to view their products and just learn more about how their products work visit their website here.
October 24, 2007
TykeLight- A glowing adventure

From Mobi technologies I bring you the soft ambient night light that is TykeLight! TykeLight is the plug-free child friendly night light. Its person-like shape makes it easy for small children to hold on to and it is super easy to clean and sanitize. What more could a parent ask for?
I tested out this night light on my own daughter for about a week. I let her handle it first before I charged it and she thought the lightweight lavender object was a toy. She carried it around the house for a few days along with her baby. Then I charged it and set it on her nightstand for a night. This thing is remarkably easy to use that even a two year old can figure out how to turn it on. It goes from dim to bright and has a timer too. One charge lasts up to ten hours!
After one night she immediately wanted to have the night light back on and this time I tucked it in her bed with her. That is the beauty of the TykeLight. It won’t get hot even as it burns away the night time hours. My daughter can literally hold on to it as she sleeps. It is great for those kids who like to take a night time romp around their room and do a little exploring or even those who need a lighted way on their nocturnal bathroom treks. I would even take this night light on trips and outdoors because it’s so durable and impact-resistant. Believe me in one week it has dropped from our stairs onto hardwood floor without a scratch more than once.

The TykeLight recharges fast and will stay illuminated while charging too. It is modern looking and not gimmicky like some other children’s products and it comes in a variety of colors to match virtually any room décor. It’s also made of a soft glow in the dark material that kids can find if it gets lost at night. Ingenious really. While it may seem steep to pay $24.95 for a night light this one can travel, is durable, and will last a lot longer than any discount store brand. It is also sold in a variety of place like Amazon, BabyCenter (where it is NOW 50% OFF) and Nextag.
It makes a unique gift and even stocking stuffer for those kids who are afraid of things that go bump in the night or believe in monsters that lurk in the closet. Who knows the TykeLight’s slightly alien-like shape may actually help your tyke make friends with the boogie under the bed.
October 22, 2007
Blissliving Home- Linens and More!

Now available in the US it is Blissliving Home linens. These beautifully made linens formally only known in Asia are now gracing homes here bringing its gorgeous modern designs stateside. Mei Xu, a University of Maryland grad like me, has combined fine cotton from the Orient, jacquard from Italy, and tantalizing silks from India bringing them all together to create this truly ‘blissful’ array of textures, designs and colors in gorgeous bedding.
I received my queen-sized duvet set from the company promptly and immediately noticed how soft it was despite not having been washed. The deep cobalt blue background of the Mallory set went incredibly well with the delicate cream flowers. I was in love despite the style being more modern than my usual Toile tastes. I decided to put this duvet set with standard size pillow shams to the test. Many of my cotton sets while of a high quality and price tag have shrunk over time and no longer fit my bed properly. I end up buying yet another set only to have it happen all over again. I washed and dried the Blissliving set on a high heat setting a minimum of six times. Each time it emerged from the dryer the same size! The duvet cover and shams alike both fit well after each washing with no shrinkage in evidence. It didn’t wrinkle or pucker at the seams leaving the set looking tired and old like many other sets have done. The dark colors did not fade or run either. I was impressed. Not only did the Blissliving set become softer it beautifully retained its crispness and color.

I liked the change of look to my room too. The designs are fresh and not like anything that is on the market and categorized as modern. The styles are not cold and uninviting but calming and stylish. Adding the silken sheets or a new duvet set by Blissliving immediately spruces up a tired room and makes it an oasis once again. I was sad to send mine back even if the colors did not go with my cocoa colored walls. I’m much more of a Camilla girl truthfully. The Mallory set was a welcome change of pace though and I would buy from Blissliving in a heartbeat. The quality is easy to see and feel in each piece.
Whether you are looking for the luxe look of 100% silk or a more casual approach with cotton Blissliving has something for everyone. They are even featuring holiday inspired bedding right now that is understated yet festive. The autumnal inspired Corina set just won New York’s Home Textiles Market Weeks award for Best New Product! When it comes to getting your bedroom just right Blissliving is the place to go. They not only carry fine linens in an array of styles and colors but accessories such as candles, vases, bath accessories, frames and trays that are all simply elegant with a modern twist. I highly advise giving their website a look. You just may find a great gift for that special friend or relative and great bedding for yourself as well.
Gift certificates are available and sales are ongoing so check back often as there is always something new and fresh happening at Blissliving. The tip sheet alone is worth a look! READERS will get FREE SHIPPING by typing in the code MUMMY at checkout! This code is good until December 31.
July 16, 2007
Zosimos Botanicals- “Handcrafted Mineral Cosmetics and Skincare”

After discovering Zosimos Botanicals I was giddy to try their products. I am continuously trying to find safe, eco-friendly items for myself and my home. All of Zosimos products are created in small batches right there in the Gaithersburg, Maryland workshop. No talc, parabens, or animal testing is used. That makes me happy! They use all natural ingredients including high quality herbs, natural waxes and plant oils just to name a few. I was intrigued. The nice people at Zosimos obliged and sent me an array of their fine products.
Brand new to the Zosimos Botanicals line is The Jasmine White Tea perfume stick. My initial reaction is that this compact (easy to take with you anywhere!) perfume has a light scent. I rubbed it on before the gym and continued to smell it during my workout. I love how easy it is to not only transport, but how it rolls on smoothly and has a nice staying power. The .7 ounce twist up tube retails for $5 which is a steal. It would make a great stocking stuffer, compliment to a gift bag or even your own purse!

Body Butters- I tried three different scents. The butters are thick and smooth. They glide on well and keep your skin super moist all day. They are sheer, silky and not perfumey. The scents smell like they should, natural, and do not have and overly done cloyingness. The Cucumber Melon smells like freshly chopped cucumbers from the farmers market with a hint of melon sweetness. The Lemonzest was refreshing and light. I paired the Lemonzest with the White Jasmine perfume stick one day creating this deeper musk scent that I couldn’t get enough of. I am not a fan of rose scented things, but I liked the English Rose body butter because it had a freshly cut rose scent. There was no hidden powdery smell that comes with many rose scented products. The body butters come in many different scents so check out the Zosimos website.
Honey Citrus Sugar Scrub- This scrub has all the great qualities of other brown sugar scrubs on the market. Its enticing aroma made me want to devour it. I found the whole thing delish! The grains are larger than most scrubs, but the natural humectants from the honey and the essential oils make it a great post-shave/end of shower moisturizer. I was quite pleased with how my legs no longer itched after shaving like they normally do and were incredibly smooth and exfoliated. Plus my whole bathroom smelled yummy!

Bug Away Spray- Well, I just can’t say enough about this one. At first it has a strong citronella scent, but it goes away completely in just minutes. No more smelling like nasty bug sprays chemicals with Bug Away! I wondered how good it could be though without all those chemicals and only being made up from three ingredients- apple cider vinegar, citronella oil, and witch hazel. I sat outside at dusk, prime time for mosquitoes, and talked on the phone for over an hour. At the end I checked and I was bite-free! Not only that, but there were four fat mosquitoes just hanging out next to me yet repelled by me. It really worked!
Brazilian Rainforest Spray- The precious and exotic oil, Andiroba oil, from the Amazon forest, is used to make up this insect repellent. Bergamot and Eucalyptus oils are also added to complete the spray. I found the Brazilian Rainforest Spray to work just as well as the Bug Away Spray. I took it out on a night time picnic and my whole family used it. Hours later and after dark no one had a bite on them. I was and am amazed!
Zosimos Botanicals, approved for the planet and people, has been awarded the Business Seal of Approval by Co-op America. Zosimos Botanicals provides not just great all natural products, it is listed with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and its facility is powered by 100% clean wind energy. Linda Stein, Formulator and Founder of Zosimos Botanicals, truly has something to be excited about and proud of. The products not only benefit the people who use them but also the environment which earns a BIG seal of approval from Mummy’s Product Reviews too.
*All Zosimos Botanical’s products come in varying sizes, including pocket and sample size, and range in price. Check the website for more fabulously green and downright fabulous products and prices.
June 7, 2007
Renovate my Bathroom!
We decided to finally take the plunge and create a less sterile environment in our guest bathroom. For the last three years it's been white on white on white. Boring. Looks clean though, well, when it's clean. We picked out paint, we perused fixtures and even decided to get rid of those nasty builder grade "glamour" lights.
Problem is the light we chose from our local store was too big. We couldn't open the medicine cabinet. So we returned it and bought another one. That one didn't work either. On to the third. The verdict is still out, but we should have just gone directly to Farrey's.
Farrey's, established in 1924, has everything when it comes to lighting. You need bathroom fixtures or a new ceiling fan to keep your energy bill down? Farrey's has it! Fine Art lamps, they have them. You can shop by style, lighting brand, or application with their user friendly lighting product search tool. It's easy to find just what you need and fun to browse. They sell lighting and more for every room in the house.
I was pleased to find the energy saving section as that is all I will consider putting in my home these days. Our next project is the deck out back. I can easily say we will check out Farrey's outdoor lighting series first. Their wide selection of all things lighting and great prices work for me.
Problem is the light we chose from our local store was too big. We couldn't open the medicine cabinet. So we returned it and bought another one. That one didn't work either. On to the third. The verdict is still out, but we should have just gone directly to Farrey's.
Farrey's, established in 1924, has everything when it comes to lighting. You need bathroom fixtures or a new ceiling fan to keep your energy bill down? Farrey's has it! Fine Art lamps, they have them. You can shop by style, lighting brand, or application with their user friendly lighting product search tool. It's easy to find just what you need and fun to browse. They sell lighting and more for every room in the house.
I was pleased to find the energy saving section as that is all I will consider putting in my home these days. Our next project is the deck out back. I can easily say we will check out Farrey's outdoor lighting series first. Their wide selection of all things lighting and great prices work for me.




