My kids, they are just like me, crazy about Christmas. As soon as Halloween is over, we are all geared up for the holiday season. While some families do put their trees up on November 1st, we do wait until after Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t stop me from having some holiday fun with the kids. We love to work on holiday crafts, make reindeer food, and find free coloring pages to enjoy.
This year, thanks to the folks behind The North Pole Kids’ Club®, our kids are set with everything they need to be certified Santa Helpers!
What is an Official Elf Kit?
An Official Elf Kit is what every Santa’s helper gets and it contains, an authentic elf hat, enclosed in the kit. It’s so fleece-y soft that kids have been known to wear it to bed! Choose green or pink for your favorite little elf when placing an order.
Becoming a certified Santa’s helper comes with cool benefits like an official membership card to the North Pole Kids’ Club. Children discover they can quickly earn their Elf Certificate, ready for hanging! Inside the kit is an extra special surprise – Santa’s Magic Key tied with a red ribbon! This is the real way he gets inside so many houses on December 24! Kids are told to hang the key on their front door on Christmas Eve and Santa uses it to make his delivery.
Each kit has an illustrated 64-page handbook and a 16-page activity book that spells out everything in age-appropriate storytelling. Older siblings are eager to help younger ones do festive activities or read aloud the story of Finley the Elf, keeping the magic alive another holiday season! This has been a great activity for my kids to enjoy together and Alexander really enjoys reading to his younger siblings.
Order Your Kit Today!
Official Elf Kits are available in single or double sets and also in green/red or pink. A single set is $26.95 and a double set is $34.95. Use discount code “BLOG20”, for 20% off your order at checkout on the company’s website, Code expires 12/5/2016.
At their North Pole outpost online at www.NorthPoleKidsClub.com, gift givers can request a free personalized special delivery form. Imagine the wide-eyed surprise the moment the mailman drops off their personalized kit!
Win It
You can enter for your chance to win your a single elf pack in the color of your choice using the form below.
This giveaway will end on 11/27/2016 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing information to claim their prize. The Megalomaniac Mommy is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Any questions, please contact us.
*The Megalomaniac Mommy policies on giveaways can be found here.
Keeping your lawn looking lush, healthy and the perfect shade of green is not always that easy, as it requires a combination of time, experience and diligence, in order to end up with a lawn that looks stunning all of the time.
It is this level of commitment and knowledge required to achieve great lawn care, that prompts homeowners to seek out a company who can deliver what they are looking for. For example, you can visit Atkins Inc for more detailed info on what they have to offer, in your quest to find a lawn care company who can deliver what you are looking for.
It should also be noted that not all lawn care companies are the same, so if you want to weed out the ones that are unlikely to deliver that perfect lawn, here are some factors to consider which should help you to make an informed choice.
Deciding what you want
One of the most important things that you need to do when choosing a lawn care company that is right for you, is to first of all, decide exactly what it is you want them to do and what you want to achieve from the service.
If you are overrun with weeds and want that brought under control or you want a pristine lawn that looks as fabulous as it can throughout the year, these are all perfectly achievable goals, but you have to list your priorities when talking to a lawn care company, so that they can offer to provide the right amount of time and attention to give you what you mainly want from the service.
What to expect
It is fair to expect that most lawn companies will provide some standard services, and if they don’t, that should have you asking some further questions.
It is likely that when you talk to a lawn care firm about providing you with a comprehensive service, they will offer to carrying out aerating and mowing, in addition, you can normally expect them to carry out weeding and fertilizing, as well as offering pest control that is specific to contending with threats that have the capacity to damage your lawn.
Philosophies and methods matter
It would be a good idea to inquire about the philosophies and methods that they lawn care company abide by, especially if you are concerned about things like which type of fertilizers they are proposing to use.
If they are promising to use long-acting fertilizers, that could be viewed as a positive sign of their competency and if you are trying to establish whether they offer a bespoke service tailored to your specific lawn care requirements, or simply treat every lawn the same, as them about their fertilization program.
If they offer to check your soil before making any recommendations on fertilization, that is a good indication that they are going to approach the job with a degree of professionalism. The same can be said if they don’t simply offer to routinely spray for pests or problems that you don’t actually have an issue with.
The better approach is always to find out what is currently affecting your lawn, what threats it is facing and then provide a service that is tailored to those needs rather than just treating each lawn in the same way, which is not a good sign if that is what a lawn care company is proposing to do.
Getting quotes
You should be able to request a free lawn inspection and estimate of ongoing service costs from the company, and if they give you an annual quote without even asking to see your lawn beforehand, ask yourself how professional this company might actually be.
A good lawn care company will invariably need to see what they are dealing with and then provide a price and recommendations based on what they think is needed in order to bring your lawn up to scratch and then keep it looking good thereafter.
Ask about different payment options, as it might be that you can get a discount if you pay an annual fee upfront . Also ensure that you get a written quote of what the lawn care company are providing for the money and check to be sure that proposed treatments are included within the price quoted.
Finally, do also inquire about guarantees. You can find that some lawn care companies will provide certain assurances on their performance levels and some will agree to refunds if the work is deemed to be unsatisfactory.
Getting your lawn looking great all year round is perfectly achievable, if you manage to choose the right lawn care company.
Poppy Robertson is a property manager. She loves to write about her insights to post online. Her articles are available on a number of home and yard improvement websites.
As you approach moving day there is so much to think about that there is bound to be something you’ve overlooked. One item you don’t want to neglect is the all important issue of food. On your first night in your new home (and, just as important, your first morning) will you be able to find the food you need to celebrate the start of your new life, and to keep your family’s spirits high through the transition?
Plan and Communicate
The best way not to find yourself in a flat panic on moving day is to plan ahead. Waiting to the last minute is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Start thinking early about what you are going to need immediately before and after the move, and plan what you are going to do with everything else.
If you are using long distance movers, keep lines of communication open with them, so you are clear about what time (and which day) they are going to arrive, and what they will do. It is a good idea to keep your estate agent up to speed on every aspect of your move, and they will often be able to give good advice. If you are in the Cardiff area you would get a lot of friendly support from Taylors in Mermaid Quay.
Who Is Packing?
If you can afford the extra money to use the removal firm’s packing service, things are really much easier for you. Providing you have chosen a firm with a good reputation (world of mouth is usually the best judge), they will do an expert job of storming through your kitchen and packing everything the day before the move. Their contract terms will not normally accept liability for breakages of things you pack yourself, unless you can prove negligence.
Even so, you will want to set aside the things you need for breakfast and supper on moving day, and breakfast the next day. In plenty of time go through your cupboards and set aside items for your ‘UNPACK THIS FIRST’ box – enough plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and cutlery for everyone; a couple of saucepans and a frying pan; kettle; salt and pepper; tea, coffee, milk; and whatever ingredients you need to cook a couple of meals. Don’t forget to include something to celebrate with. Put all this in and take the box with you in the car – you don’t want to have to search for this one.
Packing Your Own Stuff?
The ‘unpack this first’ box still needs to be ready, but in addition you will be planning all the rest of the packing. Starting to assemble and organize at an early stage is the secret for the day.
Sort through all your cupboards and set aside those things which really ought to go out. There will be foods that are past their use-by date, and things you know you will never eat anyway. Either throw them out or set them by for a splurge on your last couple of meals before you move. You will discover pans and appliances that you had forgotten about in the back of cupboards – if you haven’t used them in the last couple of years, now is the time to chuck them.
Even if the removal guys are doing the heavy lifting, you will still have to do a lot of shifting of boxes when you arrive, so make sure the boxes are small. Put only a couple of heavy pans in each box, and fill the space up with lighter items.
Protect the Vulnerable
If your budget stretches to rolls of packing paper or bubble wrap, it will make your life much easier. If you want to save the money or dislike the waste, you will find packaging materials among your clothes, towels and bedding. If you come across a pack of paper plates, these can be used to go between your china plates. Newspaper also does the job, but it is mucky.
Kitchen appliances need to be taken apart as much as possible and the fragile bits wrapped separately. If they have movable parts that can’t be removed, they can be secured in place using clingfilm.
Enjoy the Move
Moving days are among the most exciting and the most stressful of most people’s lives. At the end of that day, if you can sit in your own kitchen, and prepare and eat (in relative comfort) a plate of your favorite comfort food, the excitement may just outweigh the stress.
Isobel Quinn has moving house down to a fine art. Growing up as an army brat she had lived in 9 houses by the time she was 16, and she hasn’t had a settled home life as an adult either! She shares her tips and tricks to keep calm, and sane, on moving day.
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.
As we get closer to the end of 2016, and I approach my 38th birthday, I have come to the realization that one thing I need to do is start focusing more on me. Focusing more on my health and taking better care of myself because I deserve it.
For years, my life has focused on my family, my kids, and I have always put myself last and now, I am slowly learning to put myself first.
One thing I have been doing to focus more on my health and wellness is by using products that focus on women’s wellness and helping me be the best me I can be.
Here are some of the items that I am currently using to help me be a better me!
Focusing on Skincare
It has taken me almost 38 years to make caring for my skin a priority. I have struggled with a variety of skin conditions over the years and throughout my pregnancies that I have never taken the time to find products that actually work for me.
I’ve been on the hunt for a night cream that didn’t irritate my sensitive but would nourish and moisturize. I have now been using Lancer’s Intensive Night Treatment from Beverly Hills-based and globally renowned dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer for almost 2 weeks and I have been very pleased with how it is tackling my dry skin and reducing the flakiness.
This luxurious anti-aging cream is formulated with skin beneficial hydrating agents including Hylaplex® and marula oil which provide a moisture barrier, helping skin retain healthy hydration for a smoother, plumper appearance and renewed radiance.
Features & Benefits:
Hylaplex™ – combines a novel, crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid with peptides and phytocompounds; helping to plump skin’s appearance and providing longlasting moisturization
Marula Oil – nourishes skin with high levels of essential fatty acids
Bio-engineered Soybean Extract – reduces skin flakiness by bolstering moisture
Save 10%
New customers can save 10% off their 1st order using code: BESTSKIN at Lancer Skincare.
Unlock Your DNA
One thing I am really looking forward to learning about is what my DNA says about me. Thanks to this easy to use at home saliva collection kit from 23andMe, I will soon be able to understand what my DNA says about my wellness, traits and ancestry
All it took to collect my saliva was to spit a few times into the vial provided, pack it up, and ship it off. Since then, I have been keeping tabs on where my DNA analysis is in the process.
I am really looking forward to receiving my results and am anxious to see what the reports have to say. With the 23andMe DNA analysis, you get 65+ personalized genetic reports in four key areas:
Ancestry reports: Your DNA can tell you about your family history. 3 Reports: Ancestry Composition, Maternal & Paternal Lineage, Neanderthal.
Wellness reports. Your genetics can help you make more informed choices about your diet and exercise. 5+ Reports: Caffeine Consumption, Lactose Intolerance, Muscle Composition, Alcohol Flush Reaction, Deep Sleep and Sleep Movement
Traits Reports. Explore what makes you unique, from food preferences to physical features. 19+ Reports. Example reports: Hair Loss, Sweet vs. Salty Preference, Unibrow
Carrier Status: If you are planning to start a family, find out if you are a carrier for an inherited condition.
I’m pretty sure that when I receive my results, I will most likely be blogging about it so be sure to check back.
Feminine Hygiene
Let’s face it, there aren’t many women that like to discuss feminine hygiene, but it is still important to your overall health and well-being, as a women.
Summer’s Eve®, a leader in feminine hygiene products, has developed Cleansing Cloths, a way to
provide an easy and discreet way to feel confidently fresh.
No one likes that “not so fresh” feeling and Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths are perfect to toss in your purse, gym bag or pocket – whenever you’re on the go to help you to stay fresh throughout all of life’s moments – wherever and whenever!
Promote Digestive Health
Having a good balance among all of the diverse microbes in your gut is key to well-being. I have listened to my mom talk about the benefits of probiotics for years but it wasn’t until I started using Ultimate Flora™ Extra Care Probiotic from Renew Life that it all made sense.
To keep your complex system thriving, Renew Life’s highpotency formulas, formulated with billions of live cultures, work hard to replenish the good bacteria that occur in a naturally healthy gut.* Ultimate Flora probiotics provide up to 200 billion live probiotic cultures per serving and up to 40 scientifically studied probiotic strains to promote digestive balance and support immune health.*
These once daily, delayed-release vegetable capsules help ensure more friendly probiotics reach your intestinal tract and they are a great way to support digestive balance and immune health everyday.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hair Care
Yes, I have even managed to slack on my own hair care over the years. I don’t know what it is about being a mom but I just prefer to toss my hair up into a pony or a bun and just forget about it. I also am awful at getting regular haircuts and even……washing my hair. I have a very sensitive scalp so I am extra careful about what I use and how often I use it.
The illumai Biome Care System for Hair uses a revolutionary new approach that helps your hair to become and stay vibrant from the inside out.
Women are increasingly aware of potentially harmful ingredients in their personal care products. Hair care is at the top of the list, as hair visibly reflects our health and changing environmental stress. Now, there is a healthy, sustainable way to bring hair to its beautiful best, regardless of the environmental stressors, or your hair type.
For me, I have enjoyed using illumai because it doesn’t contain sulfates, silicones, parabens, preservatives, plasticizers, and it is gluten-free, nut-free, 100% vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified) which makes it a great match for my sensitive scalp. This innovative system gently cleanses, nurtures and protects your biome, the living ecosystem of scalp, follicles, hair, peptides, proteins, moisturizing oils and related microbiota and leaves me with a happy head!
Save 40%
You can save 40% off your order of the full or trial size when you use code: 87-MEGALOMANIACMOMMY at check out.
Get On Top of Your Wellness
As women, we often put our families before ourselves and it is time we all get on top of our own wellness. What products do you use to promote your health and well being? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Everyone knows how important and beneficial to your health it is to enjoy good air quality in your home, which is a why you need to get around to changing your air filters.
The most commonly used type of filter you will find in your HVAC system are pleated air filters and once you have established what type you actually need for your home, it makes sense to learn how to get the job of changing them done, in no time at all.
Different types of air filter
There are a good number of homeowners who don’t get around to changing their air filter as often as they should, simply because they don’t really know what they need to do or what type of air filter they need.
It is not overly complicated and a quick run through of the different types of air filter available will soon put you right and allow you to identify what you need for your system.
The various types of home air filters will offer you different levels of performance and also have differing maintenance requirements. The fundamental point to remember is that in general terms, whatever type of air filter you have, it will provide optimum performance when it is new and when it is as clean as possible.
Pleated air filters are commonplace in many home systems. They work well in collecting both large and small particles, which means that they should be efficient in dealing with things like mites and spores. To get the best out of your pleated air filter, it should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other air filter available include fiberglass and disposable or permanent electrostatic. Disposable fiberglass filters are relatively inexpensive, but are often not as efficient as a pleated air filter, meaning that they will take care of bigger particles like dust and general debris, but won’t work so well as a pleated version in collecting smaller particles.
If you install a permanent electrostatic filter, it is machine washable which may help in costs rather than replacing, but you can’t realistically expect this type to collect as many particles as a pleated version. A disposable electrostatic filter works the same way as a permanent one, using electrically charged fibers to collect particles, but the disposable version is likely to prove a bit more effective than a permanent electrostatic filter.
When the time is right
There is no question that the type of filter you have will be an influential factor in determining when the time is right to change it, so that you can enjoy maximum efficiency and clean air in your home.
As well as finding out the suggested lifespan of your filter, also gather some clues using your nose and general state of health. If you notice that the air does not seems as fresh as it has been or you are noticing that your allergies have flared up, or you are getting more frequent colds, it might be an opportune time to change your filter, or maybe consider choosing a different type, for better efficiency in collecting particles.
In terms of knowing when to change your filter, the stock answer is that your filters should be changed when they are dirty.
How many people live in your home, the layout and conditions, the type of filters you are using, are all things that can affect the life of your air filter. Get into a routine of checking the condition of your filter on a monthly basis, and you should be able to stay on top of the performance of your HVAC.
Efficiency rating
If you are still a bit confused about which type of filter to buy for your HVAC system, you might want to consider using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which is given to each air filter.
This rating will guide you on how efficient it is in trapping the various particles infiltrating your home. However, the rating which is between one and thirteen, with the higher MERV rating signifying a greater level of efficiency, needs to be viewed in conjunction with your needs, rather than in isolation.
You may think that an air filter with a high MERV rating is the best choice, but it should be remembered that the greater its efficiency rating, the lower the airflow you can expect, which will make your system more expensive to run.
The best air filter for you will likely be based on not just a decent MERV rating, but also one that fits your needs and is best suited to your HVAC system, so ask your supplier for guidance if you are not sure.
Stephan Reed is a handyman with his own business servicing his local area. One of those guys who is happy to help, and full of useful info, he is now sharing his knowledge with an online audience.
