Summer is fast approaching. It was pretty warm yesterday and today the forecast calls for even higher temperatures. One of the bigger purchases on our list is a swimming pool as it would be great exercise and a fun way to beat the heat this summer. Plus a small-to-medium sized pool won’t break the bank. Besides, last year’s pool is too small to really be enjoyed by the growing nieces and nephews.

I remember when I was a kid it seemed the only pool treatments used chlorine. If we do get a pool, I would be against using chlorine since it was so rough on the pool, our skin, and clothing.

Having a salt water pool sounds like a good idea until you start reading more about it. First of all, imagine getting a mouth-full of salt water. That’d be just as bad as chlorine water. Ecosmarte says that a pool treated with their product is like swimming in bottled water. That would be way better to get a mouth-full of that instead of chlorine or salt!

Another problem with both chlorine and salt is that they can cause damage to the vinyl siding of the pool. The backwash discharge of a salt treatment is not good for your lawn or garden. Also, some make think that because it’s a salt pool that they are free of chlorine when in fact salt pools create chlorine.

By using a natural alternative, there would be many benefits to us and the environment. Not only is Ecosmarte an effective way to keep pool water clear, they also donate 5% to environmental charities. You get to choose where the money goes from your purchase.

Ecosmarte is firmly against using salt chlorinators and chlorine generators since both options are not good for your skin, pool, or your lawn. They offer plenty of information about both of these systems and why their pool filter system is better for you and the environment.

Here is how the Ecosmarte system works. It creates two sanitizing agents: copper ionization and liquid oxidation. Water from your pool travels into the Ecosmarte system and receives the ionization or oxidation, depending on the setting on the controller. Both methods sanitizes the water, killing bacteria, algae, and viruses. The copper level is perfectly fine and is okay if accidentally consumed. In fact, you could drink up to two gallons of pool water and only consume the amount of copper found in a multi-vitamin.

There is a lot to think about when purchasing a pool from size to pool filters. A pool would be something the whole family would enjoy, and I want to make sure that it’s as enjoyable as possible. I’m not interested in having my little girl swim in a chlorine-filled pool but know that I will need some pool treatment system. It’s good to know about Ecosmarte’s products that not only offer a safe alternative to chlorine but give something back to environmental charities.

Sometimes it can be so hard to go shopping with a two and a half year old. Sometimes she is just fussy or tired. It’s definitely not the best time to do any shopping. Imagine being able to shop from home for products like carpets, window treatments, and hardwood flooring? These items really need your full, undivided attention to make sure you choose wisely.

Luckily there’s a company that sells these products that will bring samples to your house. I didn’t know anyone did this, but it makes sense. Empire Today is an Illinois-based company that has been in business for over 45 years. Today they serve 50 metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. You might even remember this vintage Empire Today jingle(800-588-2300 Empire!):

Empire Today was formerly known as Empire Carpet. One of the Empire Today commercials was featured in the movie Wayne’s World. Here is one of their commercials from the 1980s.

Now Empire today not only sells carpets but hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, ceramic flooring, window treatments, and bath and shower liners. You might have seen some of their work on TV shows like Extreme Makeover Home Edition or Curb Appeal.

Empire Today will bring samples to your home, give you a free estimate, and then do the installation the next day. Since they don’t have a showroom and the extra overhead costs, they pass those savings onto their customers by offering warehouse-direct prices.

I would much rather shop for hardwood flooring at home since this could give you a very clear picture of what will work in your home. There’s no guesswork plus you have the undivided attention of one person, compared to a sales associate who might be waiting on two or more customers at one time. Get all of your questions answered and a free estimate. Ever since I became a mom, errands and shopping have become much more difficult. It’s hard to listen to a sales associate while listening and watching our for your child. I love the idea of having someone come to my house with samples of products I’m looking to buy. The kiddo is entertained because we are home, and I get to really talk to someone about this major home improvement purchase.

Also that Empire Today will install the next day is very impressive because once you buy new carpeting, you want it installed as soon as possible. Once the installation is complete, Empire Today will give you a care package on how to care for your new flooring or carpeting, warranty information, and more. They also have an 800 number from the catchy jingle (800-588-2300) for any post-installation questions.

For me, the only way I knew to shop from home was either through online or television. It’s good to know that with Empire Today there is at least one more way to shop from home.

It’s the most important piece of jewelry that a woman will ever receive - her engagement ring. It’s a symbol of hope, commitment, fidelity, and of course, love. There is a lot wrapped up into this ring of all rings, so guys (or girls!) feel the pressure when choosing the right one for their significant other.

I went with my boyfriend to help pick out my diamond ring and got exactly what I wanted. It’s nothing fancy but it’s simple, small, and fits into my life. But before we went shopping, I barely knew anything about diamonds and still not one to give advice on buying one. There are places to turn to when shopping for diamond rings. One very good source for information as well as selection is Sparkle and Dazzle Company.

Their website has lots of information and products. Build the perfect ring by choosing your set and then choosing your diamond. The geek in me loves this option as your diamond engagement ring will be one of a kind and something that was done just for one person.

Before buying any jewelry online, it’s best to educate yourself about buying anything from wedding rings to eternity rings. Sparkle and Dazzle has plenty of information that will help you make an informed decision when buying diamond rings. Not only do they have a broad selection, but competitive pricing. You can even sort rings by price to find something that not only fits your specifications but your pocketbook as well.

Sparkle and Dazzle lets you build your ring the way you want it. Use the 3D ring builder to see exactly what your creation will look like. This way you can check out several different possibilities when it comes to engagement rings without having to leave the comfort of your living room. Besides, it’s just fun to play with and will help you get better acquainted with the different cuts and settings when it comes to engagement rings and wedding rings.

Not only are there diamonds-a-plenty, so you can find the perfect one, but they have sapphire rings, ruby rings and even emerald rings. So, once you’ve have found the perfect engagement ring, you can keep Sparkle and Dazzle in mind for future jewelry giving occasions. Personally, anniversary rings are the perfect way to make the celebration memorable.

Sparkle and Dazzle has been in business since 1992 and boast that they offer the largest online selection of unique wedding bands, diamond wedding rings, and engagement rings. After spending some time on their website, the selection is vast and impressive. It is definitely worth checking out for a wedding ring, anniversary ring, or any occasion jewelry.

While looking for swing sets online, I went to Toys R Us and noticed a new toy exclusive to their them. It’s called Natural Toys.

There are six toys that are made of natural wood. The toys are decorated with a wood burning technique, so there is no paint. Just all natural wood. In a day when there has been so many recalls of toys because of lead paint, it’s refreshing to see natural wood toys sold on a massive scale. And unpainted wooden toys is an added bonus.

Rae has a ton of toys that have broken simply because they just don’t stand up to being played with. Wooden toys last and are also are good for the environment. It’s definitely a section that I will steer up to the next visit as I’d much rather buy her something that will stand the test of time.

Summer is right around the corner, so I have been looking at the different outdoor toys that I might could buy for Rae. I picked her up a toy golf club set. While she is a long way from enjoying a round of 18 holes at Branson golf course, she seemed to enjoy playing with the set.

The set comes with three plastic clubs, 3 balls, plastic golf bag, and 2 putting holes. The set only cost $4, so I was expecting great quality. The driver has already broken. In fact, it broke the first day we had it. She has been playing with it for a while and really didn’t care for the driver anyway.

So, for $4 and at least a week of entertainment, the kids golf clubs were a good deal. Quality might not be great but maybe it will outlast her interest in the toy.

To say that my daughter loves bath time just doesn’t seem to describe how much she enjoys it. She has a ton of ducks and other bath toys. Her favorite by far -both inside and outside the tub - is the Smart Splash Color Play Penguins.

It’s a set of 6 penguins each with their own color ring. Each penguin has a shape on it’s top hat that matches their ring. Raegan loves to take them out of their tube and place them back in it during bath time. When she is not playing with them in the tub, the penguins can usually be found in her play doll house or even in her bed as she sometimes go to sleep with them.

The penguins have been a great toy for her. They have helped teach her colors and shapes. Plus she has so much fun playing with them with her other toys.

We just bought Rae a sand/water table that the penguins will probably migrate to this summer. They have been a very versatile toy, entertaining Rae for hours on end. Overall it’s been a fun toy for both bath and any time.

I’ll admit that I’m not a coffee drinker but aspire to be one. No one ever asks you to come in for a cup of soda. You never read the morning paper with a tall glass of milk. It’s always coffee. So, I aspire to be a coffee drinker. One thing I’m learning is that is an acquired taste, translation: I will have to drink a few gallons before I begin to enjoy the taste.

I’ve never owned a coffee machine but have always wanted one. Even if I don’t drink that much coffee, it would be nice to at least offer a coffee drinker visiting my home a cup of java. That’s why when I was asked if I would like to try the Senseo coffee maker, I jumped at the chance. This would give me the outlet the have coffee on hand to offer guests plus give me a chance to start acquiring that taste for coffee.

The Senseo coffee maker is one sexy coffee maker. It’s sleek, black, and uses coffee pods instead of having to measure out how much coffee is needed. You can either make 1 or 2 cups of coffee.

So, after setting up the coffee maker and preparing it, I made my first cup of coffee that I’ve had in a long time. I added a little milk and drank a few sips. My husband adds sugar to his coffee, so my next cup I added sugar. It was much better! To use the Seseo coffee maker, first turn it on to heat up the water. It takes about 90 seconds. Then place your cup underneath the drip and press the button to make the coffee.

Your four ounces of pure java joy will be ready in mere seconds. Each cup is four ounces, which apparently is a serving size of coffee. I would never have guessed that because all the coffee drinkers have huge coffee cups or drink it by the thermos. I will tell you one thing, after drinking a cup of coffee, I feel more awake and alert. I see why coffee is such a great pick-me-up. It works wonders.

The coffee maker came with a pack of medium roast pods. I was anxious to try other flavors, so I bought a pack of Senseo French Vanilla. My husband didn’t care for it but I like it since it helps to cut down on the coffee taste. Remember I haven’t acquired my taste for coffee yet.

It’s the perfect coffee maker for us since we don’t drink that much coffee but can still enjoy it every now and then. Also we have it on hand to offer our coffee drinking guests. Plus I love the way the house smells after brewing a cup. It’s better than any potpourri to me.

Doesn’t that coffee look good? Well, Senseo is giving you the chance to experience their coffee maker free. Visit ShareSenseo.com and fill out the survey. You will be entered in a contest to win a Senseo coffee maker, pods, and a pod canister. This is open to U.S. residents. Promotion ends June 30, 2008.

I had to buy Rae some more soap and not wanting just to get a regular bar, I decided to give Johnson Buddies a try. I was lured in by the ‘lasting longer than regular soap’ tagline and since the soap was less than $1, I was sold on it. The yellow box made Rae think it was colors as she kept getting it out of the bathroom and asking me to open it. Finally bath time rolled around and I did open the yellow box.

She might have been disappointed from the lack or crayons, but the soap works just as the box described. It’s easy to get a good lather with it. Also the cloth makes it easy to grasp and hang onto. The smell is more of a clean fragrance so it isn’t overpowerful. Overall we are real happy with it and will buy another one when the time comes to replace it.

Some days it’s nice to have an easy, good meal to throw together for the family. I’ve tried several dinner in a box-type meals and haven’t been that impressed. The last trip to the grocery store I noticed one in the refrigerated section.

Just look at the name: cheesy taco mac kit. My mouth was watering in the store, so I had to get it. The next night was one of those times I needed to make a quick and easy meal. I pulled out the taco kit and got ready to cook.

Much to my surprise but makes sense now since it was refrigerated that everything was already cooked. Basically I just needed to microwave the macaroni pack and the sauce/meat pack, then mix. It was a breeze, and dinner was done in 10 minutes.

But how did it taste? Really good. There was plenty of flavor to it. It was a little on the spicy side actually, so it had a bolder flavor than if I had made this myself. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Usually box meals are flat on taste, so I was pleasantly surprised to find one with some kick.

The taco kit was less than $5 and has four servings. The calories for each serving was 370, which is important to us since we are trying to cut back. Of course, it’s not something we will have weekly, but it’s a nice, cheap, good, and easy meal when needed.

Last week I needed to buy a new cleaning product to scrub the toilets. Not really wanting to buy a traditional brush since Rae loves to play with them and since that grosses me out, I wanted to try one of the newer disposable brush cleaning solutions.

I chose the Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Max starter kit since it came with the wand and two disposable cleaning pads for less than $5. My reasoning was that if I hate it then I’m only out $5.
I don’t like cleaning especially the bathroom so I like products that work and work fast. Also the cleaning products I use take the least amount of effort on my part and hopefully return stellar results.

After using the Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush, I will never go back to using a regular toilet brush again. It’s amazing how well I was able to clean with the pad. I’ve never been able to scrub that way with a brush.
Best of all it was fast and easy to clean the toilets and have them noticeably cleaner. I just wish the pad wasn’t a one-time use deal because it feels wasteful to throw it away after not using it that much. Still it is nice to have a clean toilet and no toilet brush for Raegan to confiscate as a toy.