When it comes to the moving process, the one thing I’ve found to be MORE stressful than selling and buying a house, is actually getting your new home move-in ready. It’s usually an overlooked part of the process.

And I get it.

After you’ve been given the keys to your new house, most people are just ecstatic that the process is done with (for the most part). So taking care of all those hanging pieces when you do move-in, is often an afterthought. At least that’s how it was for me.

We moved into our newest home about 10 months ago, and believe it or not, just recently started making it feel like a home.

So today I wanted to share 5 things you shouldn’t ignore when you move into a new house, for safety and privacy reasons, but also, things that will make you feel ready to relax, entertain and live in your new home.

Related: Easy Staging Tips to Help Sell Your House

1. Have a plan.

The first thing I’d recommend ANYONE moving into a new house do, is have a plan of action when it comes to organizing and distributing packing boxes. You want to be sure you don’t just pile everything in the garage and leave it for sorting through another time…because another time often turns into never.

When we moved into our home, we made sure that all boxes were piled into their designated rooms. So “toiletres” went straight into the bathrooms, “dinnerware” went right into the kitchen etc. We didn’t get everything sorted through right away, but at least having boxes in the appropriate room made things easier to eventually put away.

2. Change the locks.

This is one thing most people don’t give much thought to. Once you have 1 or 2 copies of your house key, you may think you’re done. Not so fast. There may be more than a few copies available…and not all in your possession. It’s not to say you shouldn’t trust your previous owners, BUT what if they gave a copy to another family member, friend or housekeeper?

Make it a point to change the locks on your front doors for safety reasons, especially if you have small children living in the home.

3. Add window treatments.

When we first visited our new home, it was staged beautifully. Open spaces, colorful furniture and little clutter. We didn’t really pay attention to the lack of curtains because of all the decor surrounding it.

So when we finally moved-in. We sort of forgot about that as well…for some time.

It was only week after week, when we started filling the house with different furniture and decor did we actually realize how much everyone could see into the home. The windows were so bare — they finally stood out when we realized we weren’t getting much privacy.

So if you’re looking to add privacy to your rooms, and simply dress up each room, make it a point to add window treatments within the first two months…or you may let it slide all together.

4. Hang photos.

This is the best way to really personalize your house and make it feel like a home. Gather an eclectic mix of frames and add some pictures of your family to give each room more life.

5. Clean

This one may seem like a given. No one wants to move in to a filthy house. But clean is a relative term. To really make your new home feel completely yours, you have to start fresh with a deep cleaning in every room!

Hiring a cleaning service is a great option if you can afford it, but most people need to do the job themselves.

So when going at it ourselves, a few go-to products come to mind. Quality brands like Bounty® , Swiffer® , Tide® , Unstopables and Charmin® are reliable household products to help get the job done.

Here are a few key areas in the house you can focus on with these products during a deep cleaning session:

• Refrigerator
  Use durable paper towels like Bounty + an antibacterial to wipe up sticky messes and grime
• Bathtub
  • Use bleach + a scrub brush to remove bacteria
  • Add a fresh aroma to your bathroom with a air freshner like Unstoppables
• Toilets
  Use bleach + a toilet scrub to remove bacteria and add sparkle
  Stock up on toilet paper like Charmin, to ensure each bathroom is ready for use by you and house guests
• Cabinets/Pantry
  Wipe down with paper towels + an antibacterial to ward off bugs and odors
• Floors
  Use a mop like Swiffer to pick up dirt and help your floors sparkle
• Laundry Room
  Wash your beddings, towels and other linens with a detergent like Tide so you’re ready for a good night’s sleep, hot shower and freshly clean outlook.

Head to Walmart when you’re ready to move AND learn more here about this wonderful array of household products to put the finishing touches on your brand new home!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post 5 Ways to Make Your New Home Ready to Live In appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

As moms of babies and toddlers, we always want what’s best for our little ones — especially when it comes to their delicate skin. Whether it’s changing a newborn’s diaper, cleaning up sticky fingers and cheeks after ice cream or messy paint activities, having safe, chemical free wipes handy in every room of the house is a must!

Even when I’m not at home, I try to choose the best baby products that are gentle yet still effective enough for cleaning up everyday kid messes. My kid’s have sensitive skin so it’s a real bummer when I find myself in a situation where someone uses a Lysol wipe or other stringent product on kids’ skin (yes, it’s happened during a face painting party!) There’s just so many harsh chemicals present in everyday products that can irritate their fragile skin.

That’s why I love WaterWipes — a chemical-free baby wipe that contains just 2 ingredients: water (99.9% purified Irish water) and grapefruit seed extract (0.1%). And chemical-free means the product doesn’t contain preservatives – a plus for a momma who likes all natural ingredients for baby!

My boys are 3 and 1 — an age where messy play and eating is a part of daily life. My youngest LOVES feeding himself, so while it’s great for his development and independence it means more sticky fingers and cheeks to wipe up. Instead of running to grab a wet paper towel every 3 minutes, I prefer to have WaterWipes within an arm’s reach to make clean-up a breeze. They’re convenient and gentler on baby’s sensitive skin.

Same goes for my 3 year-old, although he tends to go for ice cream these days.

And although he’s fully potty-trained (finally!), it’s great to have a pack of WaterWipes handy just in case things get a little messy on-the-go ;).

Of course, one of my favorite reasons for having these wipes handy is to simply give me peace of mind that my children aren’t being exposed to harmful chemicals during cleanup time. Whether it’s food, messy arts and crafts time or simply wiping a tush, WaterWipes is my go-to wipe for clean-up time!

I’ll be bringing you more updates on our WaterWipes experience in the coming months as a new WaterWipes ambassador – stay tuned :)!

Learn more about the world’s purest baby wipes, WaterWipes HERE.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Introducing the World’s Purest Baby Wipes #WaterWipes appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

You clean, they make a mess. You clean up the mess, they make more of a mess.

Whether it’s wiping down sticky fingers from walls and appliances to mopping up spilt milk or cookie crumbs. It’s a never-ending cycle that can test anyone’s patience.

Sure the toy clutter is one thing you’ll also have to tackle constantly, but what really gets to me is finding a way to keep the house spotless given only a moment’s notice before a showing.

That’s why now that our house is on the market, I’m all about quick and easy ways to stage our home to get that flawless appearance.

Anytime we have to prep our home for a potential buyer, I always try to focus on the areas that typically sell a home: the kitchen and living space.

One of my go-to tools for making this a reality is Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser!

So I was super excited to learn about their concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner that is ideal for getting an even cleaner effect for those of us looking for a 15-minute renovation…because really, I can’t be bothered to spend much more than that these days.

I received this awesome little tool kit and cleaning sample courtesy of Mr. Clean for helping me get the job done!

If you’re struggling to give your home that sparkly-clean effect too, check out these before and after pictures to see just what a difference Mr. Clean can make. So tough on dirt and really one of the most cost-effective and simplest ways to give your home a mini-makeover!

First things first, a kitchen is typically what sells a home. So it’s definitely one room in the house we wanted to accentuate. Even though most of the appliances in the kitchen are only a few years old, the wear and tear of having little ones around can really take a toll. Finger prints, streak marks and sticky residue always cover our fridge and trash can, so having the concentrated cleaner gives us that brand new look.

This before picture is pretty gross, but it’s amazing how much better our trash bin looked after a little elbow grease with that magic eraser.

I always use Mr. Clean erasers on my walls to wash away the colorful artwork my 3 year-old likes to leave behind…I never really thought about using it on the floors. But I’m so glad I did:

Tile or wood floors can become dull and underwhelming over time, but Mr. Clean Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner can get them shining like new again! I was really impressed at how much better our kitchen floor looked after.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Mr. Clean – but never realized how much a difference the cleaning products made all over the house. I love how fresh and clean my kitchen looks!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power and Concentrated Cleaner has loads of surprising uses, from restoring luster to floors, reviving tired-looking appliances or refreshing your walls without having to repaint.  It’s an easy way to give your home a 15 minute renovation when that’s all you can spare!

Want to get more tips for selling your home and enter for a chance to win a $400 gift card to a renovation store? RSVP for the #15MinReno Twitter Party!!

Twitter Party Details:

Date: August 5th at 8pmCST

Hashtag: #15MinReno

Celebrity Guest: Johnathan Scott of HGTV Property Brothers

Prizes: 4 Renovation Kits including multi-use screwdriver, tape measure, various Mr. Clean product and a piece of decor.

Grand Prize: $400 GC to a Home Improvement Store

RSVP here: http://vite.io/iConnectIM

Mr. Clean Took Kit & Product Giveaway

And if you don’t have much time to spare, but need to give your home a 15 minute reno too, enter for a chance to win a prize pack featuring Mr. Clean products and tools using the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway open to US residents 18+. Ends 8/14.
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Learn more about Mr. Clean on Twitter & Facebook.

This review was made possible by iConnect  and Mr. Clean. I was provided the featured product and compensations to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Staging Your House to Sell with a 15 Minute Renovation {#15MINRENO} appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Mmmm. That sweet aroma of clean baby clothes fresh out of the laundry basket! It brings back such positive, tender memories of our new bundle of joy. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was sorting through laundry baskets of newborn onesies, bibs and blankets!

Even though there is never a dull moment with a fast-moving 3 year-old and newly walking 1 year-old, I miss those early days, partly because of all those new mommy emotions and wonderful smells. Smells like Dreft detergent always come to mind when I think of baby clothes!

I remember washing all the adorable outfits with matching booties and hats as we prepared for our baby’s arrival.  As a new mom, I wanted to make sure I used the best and pediatrician-recommended detergents that would be safe for baby’s delicate skin. Dreft was my go-to product!

As my boys transitioned from infant to crawling baby, things got messier. Baby vomit and diaper blow-outs weren’t the only thing I was throwing in the wash. Dirt marks, food stains and paint spills were becoming the norm. To me it called for different detergents and stain removers to fight the pesky laundry stains.

But I am so exciting to know that Dreft has expanded their product-line to better meet the different stages of growing babies so families can focus less on the mess and more on those amazing moments from baby’s first to baby’s next!

Dreft Detergents for Stages of Baby

Dreft Newborn (Stage One): Expectant and new parents can wash their little one’s fabrics with Dreft’s same beloved hypoallergenic formula, designed to be tough on stains and gentle on baby’s skin with the beloved Dreft baby scent.

NEW Dreft Active Baby (Stage Two): Specially designed with a growing, developing baby in mind, NEW Dreft Active Baby helps to remove 99% of baby food stains and other outdoor messes with a gentle, hypoallergenic formula and fresh scent.

NEW Dreft Blissfuls (Stage Three): NEW Dreft Blissfuls in-wash scent boosters gives families the baby fresh scent they love. Safe on all fabrics, these beads help bring back that nostalgic, amazing baby scent (and all those memories) with every wash.

Just as I was drawn to Dreft detergent when I needed a safe hypoallergenic formula for sensitive skin, I am loving the new line for active babies that is equipped to handle all those other messes as my little one continues to grow and explore the world around him.

I am also super excited for keeping that nostalgic baby scent in the air with the Blissfuls line as my toddler grows. It’s my way to keep those special moments in my heart as they quickly grow.

Dreft’s Amazing Baby Days App & Video

Make sure to download Dreft’s “Amazing Baby Days” app now available for FREE on the App store. This one- of-a kind app helps parents – and parents to be – capture the amazing moments of pregnancy through their baby’s first year and has recently been updated so that moms and dads can make keepsake movies from photos and videos captured within the app.

You can also watch the video below to learn more about the #Amazinghood campaign.

Giveaway Sponsored by Dreft

Ready for a giveaway?? Dreft is offering one lucky reader of mine a chance to win an amazing prize package:

• NEW Dreft product line-up
• Little Me receiving blanket
• Ingenuity Booster Chair
• Aden by Aden & Anis Lovey
• Carters 5 Year Memory Book

To enter simple use the Rafflecopter form below to tell me why you need a life-staged detergent regimen, like Dreft! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to all US residents 18 and over. Ends 5/27.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Keep Kid’s Clothes Baby Fresh, Beyond the Baby Phase #Amazinghood #Dreft appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

If you have little kids in the house, you know how easy it is for those little hands to get a hold of any and everything around. That’s why constant baby-proofing is such a big deal. This is even more true when it comes to the laundry room, an often overlooked area where little ones “help” with the process by jumping into piles of clothes, pressing buttons and popping their heads into the dryer.

Children, and toddlers especially, are curious by nature. If something is new to them they want to explore it further…which is a great quality when it comes to learning and development…but not so great when it comes to chemicals and detergents.

Newer detergents that come in the form of single unidose laundry pacs like Tide Pods and Gain flings are one of the many advances that have made washing clothes easier and more convenient. Think: no more messy liquid spillage or measuring cups! These pacs contain highly concentrated detergent in a uniquely designed multi-chamber, yet require the same discipline as common household cleaning products when it comes to safely using, handling and storing.

In honor of Poison Prevention Week I’ve partnered with Tide® and Gain® to bring you helpful tips to keep kids safe when it comes to laundry time.

The most important piece of advice when it comes to safe laundry practices, is supervision. Nothing is more important than watching what your child is doing especially if they happen to be rummaging through the laundry basket. It can prevent many accidents from happening in the first place.

Along with supervision, comes storage.  Detergents need to be kept up, up and away (#arribaylejos) on shelves or cabinets with locks. The detergent pacs in particular, may pique a toddler’s curiosity even more, so should be kept sealed and packed away so they are not within a child’s reach. This also means the packets should be kept in their original container with the instructions and warning labels.

Also try to think like your child would. Get down on your hands and knees and see if there is anything that your child may use to reach those off-limit chemicals. This might even mean sealing the entry way to the laundry room, moving that stepping stool and storing the detergent as soon as you bring it into the house!

Lastly, in case an accident does occur, make sure you have important phone numbers handy like that of a poison control center and your pediatrician.

Learn more about the #ArribayLejos campaign made to educate families on the importance of laundry room safety and connect with Tide & Gain for more tips!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Laundry Room Tips to Keep Kids Safe appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This got me thinking long and hard of a NEW strategy to maintain the appearance of a clean house even with a little one running around and getting into everything…especially with Spring in the air!

What I found was that there are a few areas a mom can focus on to achieve this appearance.

1. Clean as you go

Sometimes I wonder how moms with young ones seem to have such a tidy home.  When I look around and see how organized everything is, it makes me feel a bit inadequate and question why I can’t do the same…that was until I discovered what they were doing.  Loading the dishes and wiping down the counters, while cooking dinner. Organizing cabinets and using natural cleaners to wipe down sink while watching kids in the bath.  Call it multi-tasking or just cleaning up as you go about your daily routine, but it really is how you need to start when big chunks of time aren’t available.

2. Use storage bins

This is probably the best-kept secret of all. When you’re looking for a quick way to de-clutter, storage bins offer a great solution. Our kitchen table somehow always ends up with at least one week’s worth of accumulated mail and random objects that need to find a permanent home.

If a guest shows up on short-notice, I like to use these storage bins to at least fake the appearance of an immaculate kitchen table for the day.  It doesn’t offer the ultimate solution, but it really does help you get started in organizing things my categories — a bin for mail, a bin for magazines or a bin for random toys).

Then, of course, you just have to pick ONE day a week to sort through each bin. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all. Start with one small paper bin and work your way up to the craft bin etc. You’ll accomplish much more by breaking it up into doable chunks.

3. Involve the kids

I know, I know. Sometimes involving the kids in cleaning can turn out to be more of a big mess than you need. But it’s amazing how you can actually get more done, by simply making it a game to involve kids. Give each kid a “job” in the game. For example, a 2 or 3-year-old can help pick up toys and put them in a bin to the tune of music. An older child might be able to wipe down the table — just use an all-natural spray cleaner to make it a fine-motor learning fun too!

4. Don’t put things off for too long

I know all too well how easy it is to put things off (especially cleaning) when you are exhausted from chasing a toddler all day.  But I’ve definitely learned that an essential step in actually achieving a tidy home is to avoid putting things off for too long.

Case in point: delaying laundry.  It’s so easy to keep running clothes through the dryer when you don’t feel like folding clothes. But the issue with this is it only leads to more and more clothes piling up.  Folding the clothes AND putting them away as soon as you can really does help you avoid the never-ending laundry cycle.

What I find happens a lot, is that once I am finally able to fold laundry, I leave it in the basket…which just contributes to the “things I need to do” list. Don’t let it happen. If you start the process finish as much of it as you can in one shot.

I hope these tips will help you take little steps to maintain the clean home of your dreams, even with young kids around.

Also, be sure to check out 12 additional areas to focus on for a spotless home!

If you have any other tips to add please let me know in the comments!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Easy Tips to Keep a House Clean With Small Kids appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Well if you haven’t, be prepared for a few icky surprises you may find when you take a closer look.

As moms, we all make sure to inspect and baby-proof potential hazards around the house, but sometimes we can overlook a few things here and there that can be full of yucky germs and even pose health risks for babies.

Take a look at these 4 germ-infested areas I found after doing some investigation and let me know in the comments if you’ve encountered them before!!

1. The Changing Table & Surrounding Areas

This is probably the first germ-filled place that comes to mind.  You go through God-knows how many diaper changes a day, (not to mention the fact that baby may have had a few accidents here) so you expect the changing table to be a bit icky.  What you may not know is that it can also be a potential breeding ground for bacteria like E.Coli. True Story!

You might also overlook the things near the changing table that you touch while changing baby and then hand baby to pacify him in the process.  Think: diaper wipe containers, creams, the wall and door knobs.  Pretty gross if you think about it! Make sure to wipe down all these areas once a day to prevent germs from spreading!

2. The Carpet

No one wants to think about all the dirty feet that pass through the home, baby’s room and therefore onto the carpet.  Trust me I’ve been there — my “no shoes in baby’s room” mantra wasn’t strongly enforced nor adhered to, so I had to just deal with the reality that I could no longer just let the little guy roll around and play on the floor without wiping it down or covering it up with a blanket beforehand.

You either have to STRONGLY enforce this one or be prepared to wash the carpet every now and then. TIP: Get a “NO SHOES” sign to enforce your rules.

3. Sippy Cups

YES! Even after you’ve run the dishwasher, mold can still accumulate inside the lining of a sippy cup top and straw! What I found really surprised me the other day, as I decided to take apart a sippy cup…I saw dirt and mold buried under the rubbery top!!! EWW is right!  It’s just one of those things you may not notice until doing some close examination.

So remember to hand wash these tops whenever possible using a brush specifically made to reach those out of reach areas!

4. Bath Toys & Stuffed Animals

You’d think baby’s cute little toys would be something you didn’t have to worry about, right? Wrong! Similar to the sippy cup issue, mold can build up inside all those rubbery ducky bath toys that squirt water.  Thinks it’s not true? Next time you give your little one a bath, take a closer look at those particular toys with wholes that squirt.  Fill them with water and squeeze and you’ll find some black particles spewing out occasionally! Not a pretty sight.

Best way around this is to simply squirt out the excess water from each toy after bath time or cover them up permanently.

Similarly, stuffed animals should be tossed in the washer or wiped down occasionally as they can carry germs transferred from dirty little hands.

Did any of these germ-infested areas surprise you? Please share!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post 4 Germ-Infested Areas Around Your Baby (That May Surprise You) appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Dirty dishes.

Those dreaded words any mother would like to turn a def ear to…especially me!  In fact, as a young adult I would always look for ways to get out of any type of washing dishes chores…especially since we didn’t have a dishwasher growing up! Oh yes. Made a daunting task a little more stressful!

So being blessed with a dishwasher now, it’s no wonder I want to make sure every single plate, glass and silverware is spotless when the machine beeps “CLEAN” (do I really want to spend more time washing them by hand afterwards?? N-O).

The Product

That’s where Cascade’s new product, Cascade Platinum comes to the rescue: it’s one of Cascade’s most powerful cleaning products that fights grease and grime, while at the same time maintaining the sparkling look of your machine’s interior! Pretty cool.

I’ve always been a fan of Cascade, I mean, it’s one of the most recognized dish washing brands out there. But truth be told, the regular detergent didn’t always leave my glasses and silverware spotless…so I was particularly eager to try out the premium line.

The Results

I’ve been using the newest Cascade pacs for about a week now and can see improvements in my dishes already! Not only are the glasses sparkling clean, but I’ve also noticed that those icky food particles that are always present between fork prongs are gone!  It thrills me to know that I don’t even have to use extra “gel” in the pre-wash area…because those little pacs work extra hard to fight dirt.

A few awesome FACTS to note about the new line:

• Delivers Cascade’s ultimate clean for dishes
• Scrubs away tough 24 hour stuck-on food
• Eliminates the need to pre-wash dishes
• Provides exceptional dishware shine
• Contains the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn

In today’s world where people are snapping photos of their favorite foods left and right, I’m so glad Cascade Platinum can help make those dishes look extra scrumptious.  In fact, Gail Simmons, Top Chef judge and editor of Food+Wine magazine, has partnered with Cascade to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation:

“The easiest recipes pop with unexpected, gourmet presentations.  Drizzle bright sauces on sparkling white plates or layer desserts in crystal-clean glassware. Keep your presentation sparkling with Cascade Platinum, which keeps dishes perfect for anytime entertaining and impromptu guests.” – Gail Simmons

Learn more about Cascade’s partnership with Gail Simmons via Facebook or YouTube.

BONUS: #MyPlatinum Instagram Contest

So, are you one of those foodies snapping photos of all the yummy dishes you cook?  Well good thing! Cascade is in the midst of running a 4-week long Instagram contest encouraging fans to upload photos related to the weekly contest themes.  Show off how sparkly Cascade makes all your pots, pan and plates!

Contest Details:

• Visit the contest landing page (http://tinyurl.com/PlatBlog) for information on how to enter and submit images.
• The landing page will prompt users to sign up for Instagram if they are not currently users of the app
• Each week, two contestants will be selected to receive a brand new Whirlpool dishwasher. Additionally, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a Platinum kitchen makeover!

To win, users have to both register and upload a photo with the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag @MyCascade. Participants that have not registered will be disqualified from winning.

Cascade will choose two weekly winners and one final grand prize winner after the entry period has ended.

Week 1: My Platinum Plate (Entry Period: 6/3-6/9)
Show us your best dish styled from the sparkling plate up!
Week 2: My Platinum Bite (Entry Period: 6/10-6/16)
       Show us your best bite and most creative use of sparkling silverware!
Week 3: My Platinum Clink (Entry: 6/17-6/23)
       Show us how you serve up creative concoctions in sparkling glasses. Cheers!
Week 4: My Platinum Table (Entry Period: 6/24-6/30)
       Show us your sparkling tablescape for your most special celebrations!

Good luck to all and a huge thanks to Cascade for keeping my dishes sparkling clean!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Cascade Platinum to the Rescue + Instagram Contest appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

So whether you’re having the entire extended family over, or you just want to feast your eyes on a warm, clean and festive home this holiday season (as in my case), my list will help you find the key places in the home you should focus your efforts on to ensure your home is ready to entertain!

Here are the key areas in the house to focus cleaning efforts to wow guests during the holidays:

1. Christmas Tree

Let’s start with the obvious here. If you have a husband like mine that insists upon getting a real tree for the maximum Christmas experience (which I do agree is great, at a price), be prepared for the extra maintenance, i.e. watering daily and sweeping up those fallen needles.  You don’t want to risk drying out your evergreen tree or have a mess to clean up around your beautifully-wrapped gifts.

2.  The Fireplace

If you have a fireplace or any space where stockings are hung, be sure to keep the area ringing with Christmas spirit.  Besides the holiday decor, this includes sweeping up any ashes or wood chips and spraying down the surrounding brick or tile with a mildew or dirt remover.  This area is a prime location for guests to admire, so it should be immaculate!

3.  The Stove or Oven

Oh yes of course! We all know the stove or oven area will probably be the busiest area of a home during Christmas.  That’s why all appliances dealing with any type of cooking should be one of the first areas cleaned in-and-out to ensure all food remnants or grease stains are out of sight.

4.  Your Dinner Table

While a festive runner and centerpiece can dress up your kitchen, a table free of clutter can really do wonders for the clean house theme ;).  So make sure you remember to start with the basics like removing mail or magazines.  I’ve had this on my list forever and need to tackle it once and for all!  If the mail belongs to your significant other, throw it all in a storage box and ask him to shred or file.

5. The Bathroom Vanity

This area is often overlooked as most people focus on the shower and toilets when they think of a clean bathroom.  Well, try to remember where guests will spend time washing their hands and powdering their noses.  I especially hate the dust and mildew that can accumulate in corners or near the faucet.

6.  The Floors or Carpets

Okay, I must admit I threw this one on the list to remind myself a new kitchen floor is in order for the new year; I’ve just about had it with our vinyl tiles.  But if you find yourself short on time and money, give your rooms a quick sweep or vacuum to pick up dirt tracking throughout the house — this includes the hallways.

7.  The Guest Room

Try not to use your guest room as a storage room during the holiday season. You just never know what friend or family member happens to be in town and needs to spend the night.

8.  The Doors

I’m talking mostly about the entrance area to your home.  Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser is a must!  That eraser really does work like magic to remove grimy stains and fingerprints.

9.  The Ceiling Fan

While most of us tend to neglect cleaning the ceiling fan, just know the filth and dust that can accumulate here really isn’t sanitary.  Take 10 minutes to make sure the air circulating in your home is free of bacteria.

10.  Every Room Corner

One word: dust. It accumulates more quickly than we think.  So break out the dust buster or broom and get to work!

11.  The Love Seat or Sofa

Here’s a simple trick to give the”I’ve just been cleaned” appearance to your fabric sofas: use a hand or baby wipe to remove dirt or pet hairs. Yep, that simple :)!

12.  The Air

Nothing brings the feel of Christmas to mind better than the aroma of peppermint, cinnamon, and pine cones coming from a festive home.   Scented candles afford the perfect opportunity to give your home a clean smell while tying together the whole holiday theme.

Phew! I’m glad I got that list together.  Now time to get to work!

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Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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