Tips For Buying Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Flooring

April 29, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

home improvement, flooring updates, porcelain floor ideas, ceramic tile ideas

Are you thinking of installing new flooring?  I replaced all of the flooring in my home several years ago. I replaced all of my carpet with hardwood, installed porcelain in my kitchen, and ceramic tile and vinyl in the bathrooms.   

I banged my head a few times during the selection stage, but the end result was spectacular.  My biggest frustration was running from store to store to bring home samples.  I have a solution for this problem, check out GoHaus.  GoHaus sells luxury flooring from engineered luxury wood to porcelain. 

Although I purchased hardwood flooring, I’m going to focus on porcelain and ceramic tiles today.  I selected porcelain for my kitchen flooring and ceramic and vinyl flooring for my bathrooms. My kitchen takes a beating, especially during the summer and fall.  I’m a kitchen gardener and I love to entertain my large family, so my kitchen is used to can, pickle and make jams from my garden harvest in the summer and large pots of deliciousness for my family. Here’s are things I considered before I purchased my kitchen flooring:

  • That it be able to take high traffic
  • That I be able to clean it with ease
  • That it have low water absorption (When I’m using my canner for preserving, it splatters water)

After careful consideration I decided on glazed porcelain. My flooring makes me happy, I smile when I work into my kitchen. I know that it will last for decades and it looks great. Your floors should make you smile too. GoHaus has beautiful porcelain flooring  for you to choose from. Head over and check it out.   

Did you know that porcelain comes in 3 finishes.  Glazed, Color Body and Through Body.  Here’s some insight on these finishes:

  • Glazed – Glaze protects the porcelain from water penetration and stains. There are more designs to choose from in this category. You can find patterns that model wood, stone or solid color combinations. 
  • Color Body – Color body porcelain tiles are created colored stains from the glaze surface throughout the body of the tile. The color remains consistent throughout the tile; however, the surface design does not continue throughout the tile body.
  • Through Body – Through body tiles does not  have the protective layer of glaze. This type of flooring relies on the density of the material for protection from water penetration and stains, although a sealant can be added.  This type of flooring is color fast, so you don’t have to worry about it fading over time. 

I selected Sinter Ceramic Tile for my master bathroom, and Through Body porcelain tiles for the others with vinyl flooring.  I’m thrilled with the end result.  If you decide to purchase ceramic tile, I suggest a heat mat under your flooring if you’re a cold natured person and be sure to consider how slippery it will be when wet.  I went with vinyl flooring in the other bathrooms, my grandchildren and guests use them and their safety was a major consideration.  Here’s a list of the most common types of ceramic tile:

  • Sinter
  • Klinker
  • Terracotta
  • Majolica
  • Mosaic

Hop over to the Ceramic Tile section at GoHaus and check out their selection.  You can request up to 6 free samples of flooring without using your credit card.  Don’t you love this perk. Most stores charge for samples.  Do your homework and make sure you love your selections. 

Note:  I have been compensated for this post; however, all opinions are my own.

 

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Inspirational Quotes – Colors

April 26, 2016 by 1 Comment

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Inspirational Quote – Remembering

April 25, 2016 by 1 Comment

quotes, inspirational quotes

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Little Tikes Grill and Accessories Give Away

April 20, 2016 by 74 Comments

 

 
kids grills, kids summer activities Image-little-Tikes-Grilling-Accessories

Summer is around the corner and families everywhere will be firing up grills.  BBQing is an American pastime.  There’s nothing like  good food, family, friends and fun.  Little ones like to cook too.  We’re going to help them by giving away this Little Tikes grill and accessories. 

Your toddler will have years of fun with the gas grill and accessories. The Little Tikes Grow ‘n Grill has two stages to grow with your child from toddler to preschooler.  Just like a real gas grill with dual grill, lid, sink and side burners. The grill has a starter button and clicking knobs.  It comes with:

  • 1 pair of tongs
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 hamburger and bun
  • 1 hot dog and bun
  • 1 bottle of ketchup

The accessories come with 20 pieces.  The BBQ set comes with two burgers, two hot dogs, corn on the cob, ketchup, mustard and more. The set is appropriate for ages 3+.

Make this grill set and accessories yours by entering below:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Here’s the rules: Please subscribe to my blog or follow me on social media. For additional entries, tweet the give away or leave a blog comment. The winner will be selected by Raffle Copter and notified via email.  Please make sure your email address is correct.  If not, you will be disqualified and another winner selected. The prize will be shipped directly to the winner, so once you are notified you will be required to forward your shipping address to Mother 2 Mother. 

The give away is open to US Resident 18+ only.  Please allow sufficient time for processing and shipping of both items.  Mother 2 Mother wishes all of participants good luck.  We hope you’re little one enjoys the grill and accessories, and thanks to everyone who participates. 

 

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Guest Post – Italian Chicken and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

April 16, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

Image-Skillet-Zucchini

 

Today I bring you a delicious and healthy skillet recipe that never fails to impress. A little about myself, my name is Madina and I’m writing in partnership with Ready Set Eat. On the weekends, I like to prepare meals that I can quickly heat up during the week. One of my favorite dishes to make is Italian Chicken and Zucchini Skillet, a casserole style dish combining unique flavors of garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes with zucchini, chicken, and pasta. Topped with extra sprinkles of Parmesan cheese it makes the ultimate comfort meal.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • Organic Canola oil cooking spray
  • 1 pound of cubed boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium sized fresh bell peppers cut into strips
  • 1 medium diced fresh onion cut into small pieces
  • 2 medium zucchinis sliced into discs
  • 1 can of Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, drained
  • 1 can of Hunt’s® Tomato Sauce with Basil, Garlic and Oregano
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

 

Image-Skillet-Zucchini2

Source: Bravissimos

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta al dente, until it is slightly firm
  2. Spray or coat large skillet with oil
  3. Cook chicken in skillet until it is well cooked
  4. Stir in peppers, onions and zucchinis, tomatoes and sauce
  5. Bring mixture to a boil reducing heat after a few minutes
  6. Mix ingredients regularly until vegetables are soft
  7. Place veggies and chicken over a plate of orzo pasta
  8. Add generous sprinkles of parmesan and allow to melt!
  9. You can recreate this recipe and substitute the orzo pasta with slices of potatoes. Bake the skillet in the oven for around 20 minutes on low heat. You can also replace the vegetables in this recipe with any favorites of your choice.

I hope you enjoy making this easy and healthy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Skillet it saves me a lot of prep and time during the week.

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Inspirational Quote – Eye Candy

April 13, 2016 by 1 Comment
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10 Items To Keep In a Fire Proof Box

April 13, 2016 by 2 Comments

Image-Fire-Proof-Box

If a fire strikes your home or apartment will you be able to save or recover your personal information?  A fire proof box could save you time, money, and stress. Trying to recover credit card numbers and other personal information can daunting with everything else that you will have to deal with.  You can purchase a reputable fire proof box from Walmart, Target or Amazon to name a few places for a reasonable price. Make the investment, and ensure that your documents are safe.

Once you purchase your fire proof box, don’t guest about what documents should be placed in it.  We have a list, which is not all inclusive, but a good start:

  1. Passport – If you have a passport, you will want to place it in your fire proof box when you’re not traveling.
  2. Original Birth Certificates – Original birth certificates should be placed in your fire proof box.  If you or your children were born locally, a copy can obtained from your local court house for a nominal amount.  If you were born out of state, obtain copies and place them with the original in the fire proof box.
  3. Deeds  and Wills – Place the deed for your home and any papers pertaining to your timeshare, rental properties etc, in the box. Include your Will and/or Living Will.
  4. Power of Attorney – If you have or have granted POA to a friend or family member, place the documents in the box. This includes Medical Power of Attorney.
  5. Vehicle Titles – Clear titles to vehicles should be placed in the box.
  6. Household Inventory List and Photos – Take inventory of your household, jewelry, furs, antiques, collectibles etc. Take clear pictures of each item on your list.
  7. Photo CDs – Place photos on a CD that you would want to reprint if destroyed. I also have photos on my laptop copied on a flash drive and in my box as well. 
  8. Insurance Policies – Keep your home owners, life insurance and any other policies in the box.
  9. Credit Cards Numbers, backup ATM cards or health insurance cards etc. – Write down your credit car numbers and their expiration dates. Keep an extra copy of your ATM and health insurance cards on hand as well.
  10. Social Security Cards – Place yours and family member’s cards in the box. Numbers can be written down in another location or memorized.

Again, this list is not all inclusive.  If you have adoption papers, a marriage license or other legal documents be sure to include them too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Tips To Help Prepare For a House Fire

April 10, 2016 by 2 Comments

Have you dealt with smoke or fire in your home?  I’ve dealt with smoke damage. Thankfully it didn’t reach the level of a house fire.  It’s been several years, but I remember it like yesterday.  My daughter and her family were visiting for the first time with the new baby. They arrived late, but after a few hours of laughing and talking we headed to bed.  Today, I’m going to discuss how to prepare for a house fire.  

how to prepare for a house fire

 

 

Sometime during the night, I thought I heard the smoke alarm going off. For some season I thought I was dreaming. I remember hearing a knock on my bedroom door.  At that time I heard the smoke alarm and realized it was not a dream.  My daughter yelled, “Mom get out of the house.”  So, I snatched up my grandson and grabbed a blanket off the bed.  I ran out the front door to my car, and placed my grandson in the back seat.  I returned to the house and yelled for my daughter to get the baby out of the house and into the car.  Once I had them in the car, I moved my car out of the driveway into my neighbor’s.  I wanted to make sure a firetruck could get in the driveway if needed.

 

 

 

 

Next, I went back inside to see where my son-in-law was and what had happened since I didn’t see flames anywhere. He explained that he opted not to use the bottle warmer.  But, he decided to use the old school pan and water on the stove method.  He fall asleep waiting for it to warm.  I instructed him to open all of the doors and windows and I headed to the bedroom area to turn on the whole house fan.  Fortunately, it was great in helping to remove the smoke from the house.

Unfortunately, my glass top cook surface was cracked from the pan.  However, everyone was okay and that was truly what was important. My son in law had burned his hand removing the pan, so I got out the first aid kit to tend to it.  I thought at that moment, I need to be sure I know how to prepare for a house fire.

Although the whole house fan sucked the smoke out in no time; it did nothing for the smoke smell.  The furniture and window coverings smelled of smoke.  I would have to bring in professionals for clean up and contact the insurance company to replace my cook top.  Even so, I knew that it could have turned into a disaster so I was thankful that I was dealing with smoke only.  Also, I was concerned about the baby. She was a preemie and had just gotten out of the hospital a few weeks before the visit.

We ran fans throughout the house, so it was bearable until I could get everything cleaned up.   I made mental notes the entire week-end on what I needed to do to ensure that I was covered in case of a fire.  I had house insurance, but I wanted to make sure everything else was in order too.  Here’s steps on how to prepare for a house fire:

  1. Working Smoke Alarm(s) – First, make sure your alarms are working and batteries are changed regularly.  If you’re sleeping, they could save yours and your family’s life during a house fire.
  2. Replacement Insurance – Second, make sure your policy covers the replacement value of your items.
  3. Working Fire Extinguishers –  Also, make sure your extinguisher fits your home. My home is electric so I have a Class E and a Class C for my Propane Fryer.  I use my profane fryer in my driveway to fry my turkey.  Both extinguishers are under my kitchen sink in cases of emergency.  I do take the extinguisher for grease outside when I’m frying turkeys.  I don’t want to take the time to run inside for one if there is a fire.  So, this a imperative part in knowing how to prepare for a house fire.
  4. Fire Proof Box  – Next, place your insurance policies, credit card numbers, deed and any other important papers in a fire proof box. If possible, place copies  in a Safe Deposit Box as well.
  5. Make Copies Of Photos  – Furthermore, make copies of photos that you will not be able to obtain from a family member for replacement purposes and keep them off-site. Backup your laptop and keep a copy of your laptop pictures on a flash drive off site as well.
  6. Develop An Emergency Exit Plan – Most importantly, develop an exit plan and discuss it with everyone in your household.
  7. Duplicate Keys – Also, duplicate car, house keys and any information that you carry in your purse/wallet.  Finally, place them in a safe location outside of your home. You may not be able to grab your purse or wallet as you’re running for safety during a house fire.
  8. Check Doors and Windows – Additionally, make sure windows can be raised in your home and that all doors are operational.  Everyone must be able to exit the home.  Remember, this is crucial during a house fire.
  9. Take Inventory of Your Household Belongings – This includes furniture, clothing (furs, ball gowns etc.), paintings, jewelry, antiques, collectibles etc. Place a copy of your list and pictures in your Safety Deposit and/or Fire Proof Box.
  10. Have a Backup System To Contact 911 Other Than Your Phone –  My Alarm system has a button for the fire department, 1 for the police and 1 for the ambulance.  I can push it as I’m exiting the house.  Furthermore, I have a button on my security system key.  I keep it close 24 x 7.

Most importantly, know how to prepare for a house fire.  You need to start preparing immediately.  My smoke incident woke me up in more ways than one.   Start working on an emergency plan now.

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Preparing For Smoke and Water Damage In Your Home

April 8, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

smoke and water damage

 

Have you encountered smoke and water damage in your home?  If you have encountered either, you know the stress and work that it takes to get everything cleaned up, right?  Unfortunately, I have experienced both.  My basement flooding because the Sump Pump malfunctioned and my entire house receiving smoke damage because my son-in-law left a pan on the stove and fall asleep.

First, the smoke damage. Thank goodness it was just smoke and not a fire.  It only took us a short period of time to clear the house of smoke, but the smell lingered.  So, I eventually called in a professional to rid my house of smoke and to clean the carpet, drapes and furniture.

I wish I had known about Aer Industries and their products. They serve the industry professionals with a wide range of commercial equipment.  This includes restoring water damaged indoor environments to safe and dry conditions. Furthermore, they are also master distributors of B-Ari®, BluDri®, Soleaire® and Abatement® products.  They offer a wide range of air movers, dehumidifiers and scrubbers for smoke removal, drying carpet and more.  In addition, they sell equipment that the average home owner would appreciate having on hand just in case of an emergency.

I certainly could have used an Air Scrubber to remove smoke from my house.  Professionals use air scrubbers.   Additionally, there’s a dry and a wet scrubber that is used according to the situation. Wet Scrubbers are used for smoke and/or dust and Dry scrubbers are used to remove odors and acidic gases in the air. This would be a great Christmas or birthday gift for the man of the house or a family member.

 

 

air movers for smokeNow, lets move on to flooding basements. Having a Dehumidifier is essential if you are a contractor or if your basement is prone to flooding. Basement flooding can be an issue if you live in a flood prone area; however, flooding can happen even if you don’t live in a flood zone.  Many home owners make the mistake of thinking that they won’t experience flooding because they don’t live in a flood zone. There are times when sump pumps malfunction or an area receives excessive rainfall.

Dehumidifiers can come in handy in helping to dry carpet or a flooded area in your home.  Pipes can burst in kitchens and baths causing flooding.  So, basements are not the only areas in the home to flood.  I was checking out the Super Monsoon Dehumidifier.  It states when maximum air ventilation is needed look no further. The prices are reasonable.  Be sure to check out the colors being offered for the equipment too.  Who said industrial work can’t be pretty.  Watching a colorful machine working to restore your home to its original beauty is a great way to bring a little happiness into your life. They also have a professional series if you or your husband make a living doing cleanup as well as financial assistance.  To put the icing on the cake, shipment is free in the Continental USA.

Moisture in your home can be harmful, so we need to take flooding issues seriously. High moisture content causes the musty odor in basements or other parts of buildings. Excess moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which in turn causes a musty smell too. Mold is not healthy and can be costly to get rid of.

Take my word for it, dehumidifiers, air movers and scrubbers can come in handy during an emergency.  Being unprepared for a disaster can be stressful, frightening, depressing and expensive.  Head over to Aer Industries and check out how they can assist you with your smoke and water damage tools.

Note:  I have received compensation for this post; however, all opinions are my own.

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Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Xtreme Circus Review

April 7, 2016 by 2 Comments

ringling brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus

 

Elephants, Tigers, Acrobats, and Bikers performed at the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Xtreme Circus at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.  It was an evening spent eating junk food, watching clowns, jugglers and other entertainers perform before the big show.  Than we would sit in awe of the Ring Master and all the other performers for the Greatest Show On Earth.

First, we ate dinner at the Green Turtle prior to the show.  Nothing fancy, the adults had wings and the kids pizza and fries. From there we entered the venue for the preshow activities. They had jugglers, clowns, and an area set up where the children could try on various costumes. After 15 – 20 minutes we moved to our seats. We had great seats about 10 rows from the floor. We were high enough where those standing didn’t really affect our view of the show, but low enough where we had an incredible view of the ring.

 

Barnum & Bailey, circus tigers

 

Take plenty of money because outside snacks and drinks are not allowed.  Security will search you and your bags at all entrances.  I slipped money into my pockets and carried my camera.  I just left my purse in the trunk. However, it’s nothing unusual.  I actually don’t know many places that allow outside food in their venues.

Inside the Big Top, they are sold before the show and during intermission.  Outside the Big Top they are sold until everyone vacates the premises.  The kids wanted cotton candy before the show started. Count it, $14.00 per bag. It does come with an adorable circus hat that can be kept as a souvenir.  I also saw bags being sold without the hat at the concession stands outside the arena. Lemonade is $12.00 per drink. They also offered Italian Ice in adorable elephants cups for $14.00 – $15.00 depending on the size.

 

family activities, circus, Ringling Brothers,

 

Our show started at 7:30 p.m. It lasted approximately 3 hours. It was about 2 1/2 hours for the actual show and about 30 minutes for an intermission. We enjoyed all aspects of the show. Personally, I could have done without the clowns, but what’s a circus without clowns.  I was a little afraid that the 4 year old would become bored, but that didn’t happen.

The performers were able to engage the audience through music and/or their acts. There were plenty of Oohs and Awes. The audience clapped along with the Ringmaster and the band was quite good.  I even participated in the clapping and the Awes. The lions were beautiful, but there were no flaming hoops to jump through.  I did enjoy the Mermaids. I’m fascinated by Mermaids and my granddaughter’s favorite princess is Ariel.

 

 

circus elephants,

 

The elephants have been a part of the show for 145 years.  Sadly, they will no longer be a part of the show after May 2016.  Fortunately, the elephants will retire to a conservation center in Florida.  The company hasn’t said how it will rebrand their shows once the stars, the elephants, retire.

 

Xtreme circus,

 

The tightrope walkers and bikers were amazing.   I loved the camels.  It was an amazing 3 hours.  Most importantly, it was nice to converse with my 8 year old grandson about the acts.  We ended the evening with the kids having their faces painted. Count it, $14.00 each.  Additionally, another $30.00 to park in the Verizon Center garage.  But the evening was so worth it.  Finally, I’m happy that I would create an evening that the children will always remember.

 

face painting

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