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LG Smart Fridge: LG Instaview Refrigerator

July 31, 2017 by Momstart Leave a Comment

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

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I think that houses are getting smarter and smarter, including smart refrigerators like the LG Smart Fridge: LG Instaview Refrigerator. Remember when all you used a refrigerator for was keeping your items cold or cool? Now you can do so much more with your fridge.

 

LG’s InstaView™ Door-in-Door® refrigerators’ tinted glass panel lets you knock twice to view and select items without opening the door. This is a great feature because when you are undecided about what you want out of the fridge you have to open the door and peer in. Then while the door is open you lose a degree and your fridge had to work harder to cool back down.

 

Another thing that is important to me with a fridge is how you can organize your food and what you use most. This fridge has a door-in-door feature. This fridge is very energy efficient with the instaview and the door in door feature. Both keep cool air from escaping. And the ColdSaver™ Panel reduces cold air loss to extend the freshness of food.

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There are two other features that are interesting for the LG Instaview Refrigerator. It has a distinctive styling with fingerprint resistant sleek design and that tinted glass panel. There is also a Variety of large capacity models that give you ample space and keep food conveniently organized and within reach.

Filed Under: review, Tech Tagged With: Home, LG, refrigerator, review

Creating The Ultimate Garage Space

February 21, 2015 by Beeb Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy Jim Melchert of Garage Store

Photo courtesy Jim Melchert of Garage Store


Travel consideration provided.

If you’re heading down to the Chicago Auto Show this weekend, you’re probably planning to admire some beautiful vehicles – but what about a beautiful space to keep your vehicle? A garage is a crucial place for storing your car, not to mention everything else. Gladiator Garage Works recently surveyed real estate agents about the role a garage plays in the home, and the results may surprise you:

  • 82% said that a cluttered, unorganized garage can have a negative impact on a potential home buyer’s first impression;
  • A garage has an impact on whether a potential buyer will ultimately purchase a home;
  • Garages were almost tied with closets as the most desirable storage spaces.

I can definitely vouch for the last two points – my house was built in 1929 and didn’t even have a driveway until Jai and I installed one! Building a garage is next on our list of to-dos, but after a solid decade of renovating, I wanted to give myself a little break before taking on another huge home project! Ironically, the lack of a garage is part of the reason why renovating is always such a pain for us. We don’t have good spaces to work in, which equals a lot of sawdust getting inside the house, and since some of our tools are stored outside from lack of good indoor space, we’ve actually had several tools get ruined in our Pacific Northwest rain when a storage tub leaks. Not cool at all!

That’s why I was fascinated to see the garage storage solutions presented at the Gladiator Garage Works booth – because many of them could work inside a laundry room as well as a garage, and would certainly make outfitting a new garage a whole lot easier. The suite of products revolves around GearWall Panels, which makes it effortless to install their line of cabinets, hooks, and other storage solutions. Because you can easily hang Gladiator products on the GearWall, it makes it effortless to mount and move whatever you need without drilling holes.

Workbench

I’m in love with this workbench I saw at their booth – it comes with two rollout tool chests, which also have a workbench top. This means you can roll them out to create more workspace, then roll them back when you’re finished. With so little space to work on our DIY projects, I think this is so clever!

And a lack of space isn’t just a problem for me – it seems like everyone I know who has a garage struggles with lack of storage. Many people find their garage to be a sore spot, often feeling embarrassed about it even if the rest of their house is spotless. Jim Melchert, owner of Garage Store, a Gladiator retailer local to Illinois, told me that the number one tip he gives clients for getting organized is to get everything off the ground. Shelves, storage tubs, and hooks are all quick and easy ways to get all that miscellaneous garage clutter off the ground and out of your way.

If you have some major spring cleaning planned (as I do!), I highly recommend checking out booth 219 at the Chicago Auto Show this weekend for some storage inspiration! If you’re local to Chicago, Garage-Store.com can help you find the products you need; but if you’re elsewhere in the country, you can visit GladiatorGarageWorks.com to find a local retailer or order online.

Filed Under: car, DIY Tagged With: Garage, Home, Home Renovation

Order Panda Express from Home or On The Go

October 28, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a partnered post our opinions are our own.

I love eating at Panda Express and it seems that I only eat there when I’m out at the mall. I didn’t realize they had other locations and I didn’t realize that I could pre-order my food either on-line or with the new mobile app. The mobile apps are available on either iPhone or Android phones and it’s pretty easy to use.

Panda Express Order on-line

You should create your own account but you can start out as a guest if you like. It’s still going to ask for all of your information before you are able to place your order. How else would they know who you are.

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Then you select an order time. Looks like you can order a few days out. That makes sense if you were doing a catering order right?

We did group ordering because we were ordering for a family. Now when ordering a kids meal you can pick the side and then you pick the meal and wow there are a ton of options. Here is a photo of just a few

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The app is also going to ask you for your credit card information. You can’t blame them. It would be bad for them if people ordered all the time and then didn’t show up to pay for their food. Overall, I think it’s a super easy process and a great way to avoid the lines and have a quick and easy family meal.

You can use the app to find the nearest location, view hours, and get directions with just a few clicks. Hungry now? Ever wanted Panda Express at lunch time and saw the line? I have, now you can avoid lines by using the online ordering tool or app to place your order. Then you will be enjoying your favorite dish in no time. My favorite dish is Orange Chicken I could order that almost every time.

Orange Chicken is a dish inspired by the Hunan Province in South Central China. It is prepared with crispy boneless chicken bites, tossed in the wok with their secret sweet and spicy orange sauce. Panda’s very own Executive Chef Andy brought this entree to life and it quickly became Panda’s most beloved dish.

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You can also order you can order al-la carte. Thepicture above is orange chicken, white rice and broccoli beef with the beef picked out. Yep we have picky kids. And it’s nice to eat at home on your own plates even when you get take out.

Panda Express app

Bonus: Calculate your meal’s nutrition before placing your order using our easy-­to-­use nutrition calculator.

The Android Panda Express App Features include:
● Order your meal online and pick up at the location of your choice.
● Find a location near you and see hours and directions.
● Browse our menu and calculate nutrition information for any combination of menu items.
● Sign up for our newsletter to learn about exclusive offers, new menu options, local events and new locations.
● Tell us what you think! Get in contact with us quickly and easily.

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: app, Home, Panda Express, personal, take-out

The House Walt Disney Built #DisneyInHomeEvent

October 2, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Once upon a time there was a man who was an inventor, an innovator and an imaginer. He loved to build things and draw things and just create things and it all started with a mouse. Yes  you know who I’m talking about, I’m talking about the beloved Walt Disney. He was really getting into his career in Hollywood and needed a home to start a family, so he built his wife a house so they could have that family and watch them grow and make many memories. And I was lucky enough to get a tour of this fabulous home. Maleficent_09-24-14_026

Built in the summer of 1932, Walt looked back to his own French/Norman roots and came up with a design that incorporated architectural elements from Medieval France, the Mediterranean and Tudor England, creating his own unique combination of architectural styles. The house was built in a quick two months in order to be ready in time for the baby’s arrival and was constructed by a crew largely composed of out-of-work, Depression-era workers. Walt Disney told Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper, “I built a house in Los Feliz during the Depression. Men used to line up there in the morning hoping to get work. I found a graduate of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and had him paint my whole ceiling.” (Lowery 3). The finished house has a delightful and welcoming fairy tale look, perfect for raising a family – which is exactly what he and his wife did – and which features many design elements recognizable in Sleeping Beauty. Details_012_PRINT

Some of the design choices Walt made that give the Woking Way home its thrilling “fairy tale” look include a Tudor influenced exterior, formal double-storied living room with vaulted dark beamed ceilings, wrought iron spandrels, original stained glass windows and a Juliet balcony similar to Sleeping Beauty’s castle design types.Details_032_PRINT

The home’s grand rounded double-story entrance features a hand-painted ceiling and a classic winding staircase perfect for a princess to make a grand entrance. As with so much of his work with animators, Walt discovered a young graduate of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts among the Depression-era workers hired to help build the house. Walt challenged him to paint the ceiling of the rotunda, which resulted in a spectacular flourish to the setting that is still in excellent condition.Details_044_PRINT

It’s really quite surreal to be in the house that Walt Disney built, I mean really it’s full of his creative touches. The family that lives there has it covered in Disney memorabilia so it really brings home who Walt was. We toured all the bed rooms, the room where his gym was and where they celebrated Christmas every year. Did you know, he even built the girls a little castle of their own and it had working water running to it. It’s amazing, and that morning that Santa delivered their new play house he called them and asked them if they loved their new castle. Maleficent_09-24-14_032

You may be wondering why the house Walt Disney Built is now offering tours? In 1959, Disney’s Sleeping Beauty was introduced to the world. Now Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is releasing both Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition (Oct 7) and Disney’s new version of the story, Maleficent (Nov 4), on Blu-ray. In celebration of the releases, WDSHE is hosting a tour of Walt Disney’s home on Woking Way in Los Angeles’ Los Feliz neighborhood. Maleficent_09-24-14_003

The home at Woking Way is currently occupied by Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov, best known in the United States for the films Night Watch (2004), its sequel Day Watch (2006), Wanted (2008), starring Maleficent’s Angelina Jolie, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012). Although none of the original Disney furniture remains in the home, Bekmambetov is committed to preserving the memory of its famed former resident by limiting remodeling work and filling it with assorted memorabilia celebrating Disney’s life and work. This memorabilia includes original Disney Studios artwork and historic photos of Walt Disney at home and at work. To Mr. Bekmambetov, “This is an iconic house. It should be treated like a museum.” Bekmambetov is the first resident since Walt Disney to open the home for private viewing and it has recently hosted events for the American Film Institute and Walt Disney Studios.

I reposted this on Sway.com! Check it out!

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: Home, personal, tour, Walt Disney, Walt Disney's house, woking Way

Boogin’ Head’s product, Squeez’Ems: Fruit & Veggie Reusable Pouches

April 17, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Boogin’ Head’s product, Squeez’Ems: Homemade pureed Fruit & Veggie Pouches

By Dayna:

I love the new craze of puréed fruit and veggie pouches being sold in stores now. While my kids are hit or miss with their desire to munch on an apple or a carrot, I can always get them to drink a fruit pouch. I love grabbing a couple as a snack while we’re on the go, since they’re just as easy to take along as a bag of chips but much healthier. There’s only one problem – the price.

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photo_thumb[1]Those little pouches aren’t cheap, averaging about a dollar a pouch, especially when they mostly just contain applesauce. That’s why I was really excited to discover Boogin’ Head’s product, Squeez’Ems, reusable pouches that you fill with purée yourself – genius! The top is removable to allow easy filling, and they can be washed in the dishwasher (love that!). They’re also freezer and microwave safe.

There are similar products on the market, but in my opinion, this one’s the best. For one thing, Squeez’Ems are designed so that all the parts are attached, meaning you won’t have to throw one away because you lost the lid. For another, these actually come clean in the dishwasher, unlike some of the competing products I’ve tried. Lastly, the 4.2 oz size is just the right size for a snack, leaving neither wasted food nor hungry tummies. Overall, these pouches are perfect for the contentious, penny-pinching mom on the go!

About Dayna:

Dayna is a children’s counselor turned stay-at-home mom after the birth of her first child three years ago.  She is married and has two beautiful daughters.  When kids permit, she and her husband love to travel, enjoy good food, and spend time with friends. And she is an amazing friend.

Filed Under: DIY, review Tagged With: baby product, DIY, Home, reusable pouch

Illuminating Decorating Ideas for the Holidays Using Partylite

October 27, 2012 by Momstart 15 Comments

Partylite Product Review: Illuminating Decorating Ideas for the Holidays

By Orshi:

clip_image002I am a huge fan of seasonal decorating: I constantly shuffle my things around the house, redecorate my mantle every few months and just about love any excuse possible to do something crafty to make our home a bit festive with the changes of seasons. Beautiful candles and small accessories are the easiest way to change the attitude of a room. I love candles and I use them for accents a lot. Just look at these colors …. And the smell, oh, out of this world. For my review, I have received a box of Partylite Votive Sampler and needless to say I am in love with them. Now I truly have every possible color I need, beautiful warm shades that are in the following scents (from top left): White Tea and Fir, Holiday Spices (yummy), Iced Snowberries, Vanilla Silk, Solver Birch & Fir, By the Fire, Amber Wood and Vanilla, Leaves of Fun, Ginger Pumpkin, Spiced Cider, Cinnamon and Bayberry, Cranberry Crush, Mahogany Apple, Poinsettia and Musk (by far may favorite), Mulberry, and Spruce in the Snow.

These candles are wonderful on their own (but always use a votive cup when lit) or you could use them with the hundreds of different trays, holders, sticks, dishes, pillars and other candle accessories Partylite offers. Want to go decorating crazy … or just want to be inspired, go on their website and you will be amazed. I also receivedclip_image004 two of these absolutely beautiful Autumn Glow Votive Holders that are new products from Partylite. They are frosted glass with sprayed color finish. By the way, they already have reserved spots on my Thanksgiving table. I don’t know about you, but I always have elaborate table decorating ideas for the Thanksgiving meal and somehow at the craziness of cooking, taking care of children, and entertaining, I always end up throwing just a few pumpkins, leaves and acorns on the table before it’s time to eat. These Votive Holders will be a great addition to my décor on Thanksgiving for sure.

As I was looking through the catalog, I had to remind myself that we are not spending Christmas at home this year so I-MUST-RESTRAIN myself from buying a completely new set of Christmas décor even though I am head over heels in love with the Symmetry Trio and the Frosted Botanical Mantle accessories. They are so tastefully beautiful with the elegance of glass and shimmer, using natural elements.

Beyond candles and amazing accessories, Partylite offers a huge variety of products: Home Fragrances, Flameless Fragrances, and Two Sister Gourmet – fun and easy way to have everything for a fabulous party.

Partylite is the world’s largest direct seller of candles and home fragrance products and partner with the world’s most prestigious perfume houses to develop their custom fragrances. Partylite has also been supporting the American Cancer Society for 14 years and their company offers part-time and career opportunities by becoming Partylite consultants.

About Orshi:

Orshi is a teacher at UCIC where she works daily with children. She shows a great love for children as she has three of her own. She also loves Facebook, gardening and baking. She was born and grew up in Hungary and now lives across the street.

Orshi Received a Sample

Filed Under: review Tagged With: autumn glow votive holders, candles, decorating, frosted botanical mantle, Home, partylite, symmetry trio

Stanley Home GrimeGuard™ Glass Cleaner Foaming Spray

October 1, 2011 by Momstart 28 Comments

From MomStart Reviewer Emily!

It’s nearly impossible to childproof your windows and doors from little bitty fingerprints. There seems to be some magnetic force in my household that attracts them to the glass on a daily basis. This means I am using a window cleaner just as often. So when I was given the opportunity to review Stanley Home’s new GrimeGuard™ Glass Cleaner Foaming Spray I looked forward to checking it out. What makes this product unique is its protective shield that keeps surfaces cleaner, longer.

imageFrom the manufacturer:

The effective, dual-action foam combines powerful cleaning action of ammonia, plus GrimeGuard™!
GrimeGuard™ provides an invisible shield to guard against accumulated dirt and repel water spot build-up. This protective shield keeps surfaces cleaner longer and makes on-going cleaning, quick, and easy. Plus, the foaming spray is non-streaking and quick drying! Just spray surface lightly and wipe to a streak-free shine. 17 oz.

I thought the best place to try this out would be in our dining room. The eating area is more or less a wall of windows and a set a French doors. It really provides a lovely view of our deck and tall trees, but add mealtime and two small children, and our view becomes distorted with food splatters and finger prints. My youngest created this lovely finger painting with honey, so I figure this would be a great opportunity to try out the GrimeGuard™ Glass Cleaner.

My first impressions: The product sprays cleanly and the scent isn’t very strong. The foam allows you to apply the cleaner and wipe without racing to catch any drips. I can happily say there were no streaks (I used a microfiber cloth) and it didn’t take too much extra effort to clean up my daughter’s artwork. I had hoped to provide an “after” picture, but unfortunately, my camera does not do it justice.

imageAs for the GrimeGuard, I am pleasantly surprised to see it does repel the dust. As I said before, there is no way to childproof the glass in a household with kids, but I would have to say that GrimeGuard™ Glass Cleaner Foaming Spray is a decent defense.

Oh, and as a bonus, you can use it for more than just windows. Use it to also clean: mirrors, chrome, ceramic tile, porcelain, car windows, and TV screens. You can find this product and other cleaning, home, and personal care products by Stanley Home.

More about Stanley Home and At Home Business Opportunities:

For 70 years, Stanley Home has been offering quality cleaning, home, and personal care products to North American homes and families. Stanley Home representatives are the heart of the company, helping sell great products at a great price, while enjoying the at-home business opportunities that come with being an independent Customer Representative.

 

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Emily:

Emily is also very active in the local MOMS CLUB. She raises chickens and has 2 shih tzus. Her daughter Caitlyn attends Montessori school and she hates housecleaning, she loves wine and dining out, and would love to find a cure for the depression and anxiety. She has dealt with on and off over the past 10 years just like me. She is an amazing mom and friend.

Filed Under: Emily, review Tagged With: cleaning, glass cleaner, Grimeguard, Home, product, review, Stanley Home

Great Cyber Week Savings still Available at Walmart

December 2, 2010 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This year, Walmart kicked off Cyber Week on more than 150 holiday items in which almost all ship free to home or to a local Walmart store with Site to Store. The following sample items are available today through Dec. 3 while supplies last:

Electronics

· Jensen JiMS-198i Docking Digital Music System – $39 ($30 savings) + Free shipping to home

· Zune HD 32GB Exclusive Color bundle with Bonus Premium Car Pack – $208 ($140 savings) + Free shipping to home

· Samsung 32" LED-LCD HDTV – $498 ($200 savings) + Free shipping to home

Toys and Video games

· Leapfrog Learn & Groove Musical Table – $30 ($5 savings) + Free shipping Site to Store

· Fable III (Xbox 360) – $49.96 ($10 savings) + Free shipping Site to Store

· Airzone 15′ Trampoline and Enclosure Combo – $250 (nearly $100 savings) + Free shipping Site to Store

Home

· Three Christmas Light Sets Value Bundle – $15 ($5 savings) + Free shipping Site to Store

· Soho Lounge Square 16-Piece Dinnerware Set – $28 ($7 savings) + Free shipping Site to Store

Cameras and Personalized Gifts

· Your Choice $10 Photo Gifts – $10 + Free shipping to home

· FujiFilm Digital Camera Bundle (includes camera case, 4GB SDHC card, camera case and 100 bonus prints from Walmart One Hour Photo) – $89 ($10 savings) + Free shipping to home

· Kodak Zi8 Black Pocket Video Camera – $119 ($20 savings) + Free shipping to home

Filed Under: 2010 Gift Guide Tagged With: Camera, Cyber Week, Electronics, holiday items, Home, personalized gifts, Toys and Video games, Walmart, walmart sales ad

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