toes space

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I bought a refill!

To me, that is the highest compliment I can give for a home fragrance product.

I had the opportunity to test Glade Expressions, a new product line from Glade. There are two different products, the Oil Diffuser and the Fragrance Mist. Both come with a starter kit and a refill option. I will review the Oil Diffuser first

You should first know that I did not have high expectations for these products. I do not like artificial smelling smells. I generally buy fragrance free whenever it is an option. I don't burn scented candles, and I never buy home fragrances. So, when I needed to purchase the Oil Diffuser, I based my decision on the fact that I liked the look of the wood panels on the diffuser of the Pineapple & Mangosteen. I am very glad I did! The scent is very light, comforting and natural smelling. It smells like ripening fruit on a warm day. It has never been overpowering, even on the first day I opened it! I purchased two refills of the product and I intend to keep using it.

The second product I sampled was the Fragrance Mist in the Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice. I am not as impressed with this product. I have it in my bathroom for those times when you need a burst of scent to coverup unpleasant odors. I might like it more if we humans didn't have a tendency to think more is better. One spray is good, two is over the top. I dont think I will purchase this product again.

You should know one more thing. I am a BuzzAgent so I was given a free sample of these products in exchange for sharing my honest opinion. Happy shopping!

Monday, July 11, 2011

My Home Outside of Home

When we first bought our house, almost 10 years ago, we began making plans to build a deck almost before we passed papers. We designed it with two levels, with the top level the perfect size to fit a table and chair set. The table and chairs were great for the first few years, but then I grew really tired of it. We only used them when we had company over, and it took up so much space. It never had that homey feeling that I loved. I wanted something more like my cousin-in-law-in-law Janice, who lives on the Cape and has the most beautiful yard/deck I've ever seen.

So last year, I took advantage of the end of season Pottery Barn sales and bought the furniture for an outdoor living room. There was so much rain this spring, that we didn't get it set up until mid-June, but I've already got my money's worth! I love sitting outside now for my coffee, my lunch, watching the kids, dinner, and drinks with the hubby. I don't want to leave my house at all now, so come on over if you want to visit!

Now, if I could only have Janice's green thumb...

Nighttime

view from the lower deck

yup! we still have kids! :)

Me

A few months ago, I started the Live The Life program for eating and exercise. I am proud to say that I lost around 20 pounds and a went from a size 12/14 to a size 6/8! I've been a bit hesitant to post these pictures, because it was so easy to lose, I am afraid it won't be permanent. It's now been about 4 months and I'm still looking pretty good. I think there will always be little tweeks to be made, but I'm very happy with the results and how I look. I just thought I would share....

Before

After

Before

After

Before - jeans that I wanted to fit better

After - jeans that are now way too big,
and in hind sight, they were never
that great of a pair of jeans anyway.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Nine Years Later

It has been over nine years since we moved into our house. When we moved in, there were sheers on the windows in the front room and I always hated the way they looked. After 4 years or so, I took them down and left the windows open. I've been using the excuse that drapes would hide too much light, so I never put anything back up.

Well, a wonderful friend suggested that I hang drapes wider than the window, so they don't block the light. Genius! So, I found drapes that I love, and love the results! Here you go... after nine years in my house I finally LOVE my living room. A little more tweeking here and there with lighting, wall art and accessories and it will be perfect!

One panel came stained, I have to exchange it. This isn't a new design statement of any kind.