Home Maid Simple

Tag: Review

1000 Bulbs to Welcome Home

Welcome everyone this winter with a walkway that lights the path. I received a rope light from 1000 Bulbs in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are my own.

We woke up this morning to an ice storm. There was fair warning the last few days that it was coming, but after some time here in Indiana, I usually don’t believe the weathermen until it actually comes. Most storms seem to bypass us, but the rare few. I love a good storm, as long as we don’t have to go out in it.

Today I was just grateful I had gotten our lights out. We may still leaves all over the backyard, but our walkway is ready to welcome guests all winter long with the new rope lighting I got from 1000 Bulbs. We haven’t done a lot with lighting our outdoor space over the years. It’s been on my to-do list since we moved in, but until now just hasn’t gotten done. And it got done just in time too!

When I first got the lights I wasn’t sure where we would put them. I tried a few different idea, but after talking it over with Mark, we decided we really wanted to light the walkway. Our neighborhood is pretty dark without street lights, and with a long walk from the drive to the door, we wanted any guests to feel more welcome by lighting their way.

So I laid out the lights and then had to get creative on how to attach them to the ground. 1000 Bulbs sends zip ties and house hooks, but nothing to work on the ground. Our tent broke this summer, but it is still sitting in the garage, so I pulled out the stakes. These I used to hold down the lights. So far they’re working like a charm.

Once I added the snowmen to the end of the walkway, I knew for sure the rope lights were the perfect solution for our outdoor lighting conundrum. They really help welcome us home after a long day out. They will also ease my mind as our friends and family come and go over the holidays – and beyond – knowing they aren’t walking through the dark to get to their cars.

Aren’t my snowmen just adorable? See how to make the wooden snowmen.

Don’t forget to head to 1000 Bulbs to get lights that can welcome you home! Right now you can save 10% off your order with code SAVELED2018. Check out their Christmas lights, and other home lighting solutions.

November 15, 2018
Strawbees Inventor Kit Review

I’m bored. Two words you never have to hear again when your kids have Strawbees. I received a sample of Strawbees for review. All opinions are my own.

It’s an age-old knowledge of experienced parents – boxes hold more fun than the cool new toy that was delivered inside it. Kids can find a million uses for the box while the toy gets pushed aside, forgotten, or bored of.

Who know straws could hold just as much fun! I’m over here kicking myself for not figuring it out sooner.

For the last few weeks, the kids have not come to me complaining of boredom. Instead, they are begging me to pull out the Strawbees. I’ve found all kinds of inventions hanging around the house.

Venice made a hat, that turned into some kind of warrior’s weapon. Chloe made a dog and a full sized violin. Rose played around making a cube and is working on figuring out how to make a tray to hold her iPod and earbuds. Lincoln, with some help, turned what was supposed to be spheres into armbands that shoot lasers. On his own, he made a miniature bow that shoots straws.

All of this made out of regular old drinking straws and simple connectors – strawbees. The Inventor Kit comes with 400 pieces and a booklet with 21 fun inventions. It also includes a template for the boomerang, and a ruler for measuring the straws to different sizes.

I’m loving these strawbees, though I do have one con. Looking at the price for the inventor kit, I feel it is a bit pricey. The pieces are reusable, but for a bunch of drinking straws and connectors – I don’t know if I’d be willing to pay for it. However, the hours of fun my kids are getting from it, may prove me otherwise. I’ll have to let you make that decision.

January 16, 2018
Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Get your party on this weekend with this recipe for Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip. So good, you may want to double the recipe.

This dip is seriously so delicious! I made it for the first time 6 years ago as a review for Carapelli Olive Oil. After that one time, I never found occasion to make it again. I have no idea why! Maybe it was to avoid eating a whole pan by myself, a very real possibility here. With the Super Bowl here now and an invite to watch commercials with family, I decided it was high time to make it again. So of course, I made it not only once this week, but twice.
So creamy and cheesy, and full of flavorful artichokes and spinach. The first time I had a Spinach and Artichoke dip was at Olive Garden. Sadly they no longer have that appetizer. This baked Spinach and Artichoke dip will most likely make a frequent appearance around here now.

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

2017-02-04 18:01:10

Yields 24

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Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

25 min

Total Time

40 min

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

25 min

Total Time

40 min

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1/3 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

14oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

2 cups Colby Jack Cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Assorted crackers, vegetables, breadsticks or toasted pita bread wedges, for dipping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In skillet, heat Olive Oil.

Sauté onion in oil until softened, about 3 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine sautéed onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, artichoke hearts, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, cheese, and garlic powder.

Spread mixture in shallow baking dish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Serve hot with assorted crackers, vegetables, breadsticks or toasted pita bread wedges.

By Home Maid Simple

Adapted from Carapelli

Adapted from Carapelli

Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/

PIN this Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip for later!
Don’t like Spinach? Try this Hot Artichoke Dip instead – only 4 ingredients!
February 4, 2017
Angels Above Cherished by Shannon Clark

I received an Angels Above product for review. All opinions are 100% my honest thoughts.

Our children are my world. Our faith is the basis of everything else we do. If I can teach my children that they are loved, more infinitely than just by me, as well as teach them to love others with all their hearts, that’s what I want to do.

We received the Angels Above Cherished Book, which is meant for the young and old. They also have Angels Above Blessed Baby for babies first book and angel. I wasn’t entirely sure my kids would be into the whole angel thing. We don’t believe angels have wings, but we do believe in heaven and our ancestors watching over us. The cotton angel was a great way to introduce this belief once again.

The book, however, quickly became dear to my heart. As it reinforces the notion to my kids that they are loved, and also that others are watching them. Are they making good choices? Are they being kind to friends in need? Angels Above is a cute story that takes the lessons I’ve been striving to instill in my children and brings them to life with the cotton plush angel that accompanies each book.

Lincoln attached himself to the angel more than I thought he would. With 3 older sisters, we have a lot of girl dolls and toys. He’s always trying to join in their play, but isn’t always fond of playing with the girl dolls. Having a little boy angel with removable wings has meant he can play with sisters without any fights from them on which doll he gets to be. It’s also allowed him a “friend” to play with when everyone else is at school and I’m working.

When you purchase an Angels Above book, 10 meals are provided to children around in need through the Children’s Hunger Fund and Story Changers. To me, this makes the Angels Above books worth so much more. I can give my child a book full of values while also giving to those less fortunate than myself.

November 15, 2016
Wrap Bracelets by Tatiana Filippova + a Bracelet Giveaway

I received Wrap Bracelets by Tatiana Filippova for review. All opinions are 100% my honest thoughts.

When you’re a non-jewelry wearing person, it’s a rare but exciting find to come across a piece that you actually enjoy wearing, and is comfortable as well. That is exactly what I found in these wrap bracelets.

I love jewelry, don’t get me wrong, but remember to put it on and then finding a piece that allows me to comfortably do my work and daily activities chasing the kids has been hard to find.

I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was 21, and I still only wear those on occasion. Usually for a date night and some Sundays when I’m not rushing around trying to make sure the kids all have clean clothes on and combed hair.

I gave up wearing bracelets when I was a teen. My biggest pet peeve with bracelets is how most never fit snugly, so simple movements and this pretty bauble would be riding halfway up my arm, or attempting to slide off my hand.

Wrap Bracelets don’t do that slidey thing! Now they can, if that’s how you prefer your bracelet, but I like mine to fit snugly on the wrist. I especially love the different colors and well-made bracelets from Tatiana Filippova. She’s got a gorgeous set, and for how much my kids have played with these, they have held up beautifully.

How to wrap Wrap Bracelets

To put the bracelets on, hold the button between your thumb and pointer with the bracelet hanging down the back of the hand. Begin wrapping it around your wrist. Once you have the fit you like, stop wrapping. Slide the button into one of the 3 provided button holes.

Voila! Now you’ve got a stylish wrap bracelet that you can wear anytime, and anywhere. I’ve tossed mine in my purse a couple times when we were in a rush, and then put it on when we got to our destination. Venice stole it only a few days after I first received mine and wore it to school! Santa may need to bring a couple for stuffing the stockings this year, so the girls stop sneaking off with mine.

Wrap Bracelet Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a Wrap Bracelet by Tatiana Filippova. Open to US 18+. Giveaway ends 9/30/16 Enter on the Rafflecopter form.

ENTER FROM MOBILE HERE

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September 7, 2016
Animal Planet Animal Bites Books + Book Bundle Giveaway

I received Animal Planet Polar Animals and Ocean Animals for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

You know you have a winner of a book when your kids who normally complain about reading come home from school and immediately curl up to read for the next 2 hours. What better way to celebrate Earth month than learning about the animals that live on it?

That’s exactly what happened with the new Animal Planet Books! Venice grabbed Animal Bites Ocean Animals, and Chloe hopped up next to her with Animal Bites Polar Animals. They sat like this for a good 30 minutes giggling and showing each other their favorite little bits of info.

Eventually, they moved to the floor so they could share the fun with Rosie and Lincoln who were begging to know what all the excitement was about.

Did you know that Powder Blue Surgeonfish lives in the Indian Ocean and can get up to 9inches long – the same size as a dinner plate? Neither did I, but I do now! We’re learning all kinds of fun little facts about animals, and you can too! Time Inc. created some fun activity sheets you can download.

My kids have really enjoyed putting posters up in their room these days too, so you can believe we’ll also be downloading Time Inc’s Animal Fact Posters as well.

Do you have an avid reader, or animal lover? One reader will win a book bundle of Animal Planet Ocean Animals and Polar Animals. Enter on the rafflecopter. Open to US 18+ ends 4/26/16

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April 19, 2016
How I Protect my Phone

I received intelliGLASS screen protector for review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

My kids play on my phone ALL the time! I’ve tried taking off all the games and even Netflix, but they still ask to play on it especially when we’re stuck waiting at places like the dentist, or when I have a lot of work to get done, and they just want to be near me. So how do I protect my phone from damage?

My phone has suffered through falls in toilets, sticky hands, spilled juice, and more in the hands of my children. So wouldn’t you know it, when I accidentally drop it at the bus stop one morning, it cracks the corner fairly decently. My last phone did not make it through a jump in the lake when one child got too far from the shore, so I’ve been trying so hard to take care of it this time around.

I’ve avoided cases for it because I break those too. Frequently. And they tend to be too bulky for me to hold or stick in my pockets. I enjoy the slim design of my phone but knew I needed something to protect it. I found intelliGLASS and crossed my fingers it was the solution. SO SO SO happy you guys!

My biggest concern when installing, was that it wouldn’t bond because of the cracks going on in the corner. It wasn’t a problem at all! The installation is a breeze, and the package comes with everything you need for installation – the new screen protector, an alcohol wipe, a microfiber cloth, a dust film, and even a straight edge for smoothing out any bubbles.

Did I mention how much I LOVE my new intelliGLASS screen protector? I’ve tried picking the edge to see just how strong it’s attached, and to make sure my kids can’t peel it off when they play. It is on there, and good! Besides protecting my phone screen from future cracks, it has also been great from little dirty fingers. The screen is amazingly clear still, and the kids have been on and off it since I installed it.

Get 20% OFF your purchase of intelliGLASS from intelliARMOR

code: INTELLI20

How do you protect your phone?

Ready to WIN a screen protector for your device? One winner will receive a protector of their choice. Enter on the Rafflecopter below.

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January 11, 2016
Take care of your health by tracking your Heart Rate with Beets Blu

*This is a sponsored post. I received product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% honest.*

Taking care of our health as we get older becomes increasingly more important. We start seeing the effects of our childhood choices, and sometimes wishing we had made different ones. I’m taking the first step back to better health by tracking my heart rate with a Beets Blu heart rate monitor.

As a kid I enjoyed running. Cross Country was the only sport I felt I could do, because it meant a team didn’t have to rely on me. I tried softball, and while fun I felt I held the team back with my lack of sporty skills. Getting outside though has always been an important part of my life. Whether it was camping and hiking, or playing family baseball or tennis with my Dad.

One day I woke up and was an adult. I had to clean house. Do laundry. Go to work. Take school classes. Have kids. Care for them. Where did all my time go?! Moving to Indiana has been one of the best things for my body, because now I live near family who are passionate about exercise and want me to enjoy it again too.

Every Thursday my sister in law and I go running with our 2 little boys in the double stroller. She uses an app called Strava (Find me!), and helped me set up an account. When I got the Beets Blu Heart Rate Monitor she showed me how to get it set up, and also explained why it’s a good idea to track your heart rate.

I’ve never used a heart rate monitor before, so was unsure what to expect. I really really liked the Beets Blu monitor though. The strap is a perfect width that when I put it on, it didn’t bother me at all. I was worried it would be too thick, or move around a bunch, but it didn’t! My next concern was connecting it by bluetooth to my phone. Would it really hold the connection?

The answer – YES! I ran a 1.5 mile and it tracked the whole thing. Using the Strava app on my phone in my arm band, I could see where my heart rate spiked while chatting and running with my sister in law, and where it slowed because we stopped to walk the hill. So cool you guys!

How will you take back your health?

November 7, 2015
Pride Meets Prejudice by Rachael Anderson Book Tour

Tour Schedule

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.

Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn’t afraid to show him that he doesn’t. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble
Kobo

Personal Review:

I loved this book. There is something really special about a book that can draw you in, make you fall in love with the characters, get mad at them when they screw up, and cry with them when they realize it. Prejudice Meets Pride does all that and more. I absolutely loved Emma’s can do optimistic attitude, but I loved Kevin even more as he stepped in to help even when he had no idea why he was doing it. The ending though – when Kevin’s mom shows up – that was just so perfect in sharing how imperfect we all are, and that changing is ok! I can’t wait for the other books in the Meet Your Match series!

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Coming Soon….

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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May 9, 2014
How we’ve Grown in 2013

Merry Christmas week everyone! I will not be posting regularly until the new year as I spend time with all our family in town. Since I’m assuming most of you will also be doing the same, I wanted to take just a little time to reflect back on this past year.

Home Maid Simple has grown so amazingly this year, thanks to some wonderful bloggers who have encouraged and supported me, and because of you my readers for continuing to come by and interact with me here and on the different social media outlets. If you’re not following on any social media yet, I would love to have you check us out on facebook, pinterest, twitter, and Google Plus. Just pick your favorite way over there to the right —->
As an fyi, I do most of my random talking and interacting on Facebook.

2013 began with switching out of a blogspot url to my own .com (which I should check and update with GoDaddy <–affiliate before I disappear). It caused a sudden drop from a Google Page Rank of 3 down to N/A, but through tirelessly updating old posts, I’m happy to say we’re back up to a PR 2. This just means it’s easier to find me in google searches, and fingers crossed I’m following all of the FTC and Google rules so this will just go up from here.

When changing to a .com I decided I needed to branch out of my posts that were mostly just for me, and really make this more a business that is beneficial to you. I was already a part of some Facebook blogger groups, so I tried to become more active with them in learning about blogging as a business. I need to give a huge shout out to some of these special women who encouraged me to grow – I hope you’ll all go say hi.

Mallery from Horrible Housewife

We are so very different from each other, but I find you so amazing and witty. Thanks for helping me grow this year.

Jillian from Mommy Testers

You and Kayla are so adorable. Thanks goes to you as well for encouraging me to be better and value myself and my time more.

Nicole from Wyoming Girl Turned Coastie Wife

Your honest feedback, and constructive criticism has made Home Maid Simple look better. I value all the advice you’ve given me this year.

Amber from Jade Louise Designs

Thank you for being my friend both in the blog world and online. Crossing my fingers we get to meet up this year! Your enthusiasm and craftiness is inspiring.

Thanks to these girls I applied, and was accepted to be a part of the Social Fabric (aka SoFab, aka Collective Bias) community this year. This meant more quality opportunities to bring you posts like Herb Dinner Rolls, Easy Meals for busy nights, Kid Friendly BBQ, and Giving Back to Schools.

I’ve also partnered with some amazing people to promote some pretty awesome products. Landing a promotion with McCormick was one of my favorite promo’s this year – check out the Gingerbread Cookies and Mulling Spice Sachets – but working with Eric to promote their Kickstarter Campaign for the EcoQube has got to be my favorite non-review post of the year. I can’t wait for these desktop ecosystems to hit production in 2014!!

Pinterest has become the number one site referrer for most blogs out there. This is how you all have helped me grow the most. When you share my content it is then shared by your friends and their friends, and out of those I get new readers. Although there is no good way to gauge which post is the most popular on pinterest with you all, I did my best to find some of the most pinned posts. We have a good variety between food, crafts and home organizing being pinned.

Impossible Cheeseburger Pie (submitted by Guest Blogger Tammy) has 243 pins.

My Milk Jug Planter for the kids has 187 pins.

First Aid Kit for the home has 156 pins

The Peanut Free No-Bake Cookies have 62 pins

Cherry Almond Cheesecake has 45 pins

DIY Steampunk Hats and earrings have 43 pins.

What can you expect to see next year? Well let me tell you my biggest goal for the new year is to write and publish a recipe book. It’s a big undertaking, but I’m so pumped about it. It will be a Cheesecake book, with different crusts, fillings, and toppings. I’ll keep you updated on the progress, along with sneak peeks of some of the recipes.

I also hope to bring you more tips for living a simple life – from crafting on a budget, cooking meals from food storage, home cleaning advice, and decorating. I also hope to bring you some fashion posts as well, since my closet needs a complete makeover this year.

What has been your favorite thing to see on Home Maid Simple?

What would you like to see in 2014?

December 23, 2013