The post Is It Safe To Clean When Pregnant? + GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Are you pregnant? Constantly cleaning, scrubbing and tidying? Is it safe to clean when pregnant?
As every woman who has ever been pregnant knows, you have the urge to scrub, tidy and generally have everything spotless. This is most commonly known as nesting and unfortunately (or fortunately for others in the home) we all suffer from it.
I hate to tell you but most cleaning jobs are safe to do while pregnant. In moderation of course, so you don’t overdo it. There are some things that should be avoided (aka left to someone else) or kept in mind while on your cleaning spree. These include:
• Cleaning the oven – Due to majority of kitchens being a smaller, more enclosed areas; fumes from oven cleaners are cause for concern. Especially when pregnant. In addition to toxic fumes there is also the bending and crouching to consider. It is best to hand this chore over to someone else.
• Clean only in well ventilated areas. Most chemicals and domestic cleaning products are safe to use when pregnant however the fumes and smell may cause you to feel light headed and sick if the room is not ventilated enough. Open doors and windows to allow good air-flow!
• Use protection – I’m not talking to prevent pregnancy. I mean rubber gloves and a mask to protect yourself from touching and inhaling chemicals. You can never be too safe.
During the later stages of pregnancy, you will find it harder to get up and down to clean showers, bath tubs, etc. on a daily basis. I know all too well and as a result of me being 37 weeks pregnant and not being able to maintain the level of cleanliness I like in my bathrooms; I hired a cleaner for the first time in my life. My bathrooms have never shined so much, or maybe that was the euphoria I felt because I didn’t have to clean them and yet they were spotless!
I typically live by my 5 minutes a day rule for cleaning the bathroom << check it out! It will save you a lot of hard work but as I am now heavily pregnant, I just cannot keep it up. For more information on staying healthy and safe during pregnancy, click the link.
This is not my cleaner. I cleaned other parts of the house while my bathrooms were being scrubbed.
I never saw the value in a cleaner until that life changing day last week. My eyes have been opened. To be honest the bathrooms are my most hated household chores! I know I am not alone in this which is why I have a great opportunity for one of All Mum Said’s amazing readers.
HomeHello have offered their services to help a mum (or dad) get on top of their cleaning. Or just so you can have a day off! Both of those options sounds great.
HomeHello is a team of experienced and insured local professional cleaners that provide high quality cleaning services at a seriously affordable rate to thousands of homes across metro regions of Sydney and Melbourne.
By clicking on their website, you are given a 3 simple steps to book your next clean. Select the details about your home, how many hours you want them (or you can use their suggestions based on the details you provide) and any additional chores you want done. You then select the date and time you’d like your cleaner to arrive.
You also don’t have to set a regular appointment if you don’t want, you can hire for a one-off, weekly or fortnightly home cleaning with their instant booking confirmation.
Prize Includes: 1x 3.5 hour HomeHello voucher (valued at $92).
This prize is only available to metro regions of Sydney and Melbourne!
See if you are in the serviceable area by entering you postcode here.
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
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]]>The post 5 House Hunting Tips for Meticulous Mums appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Buying a house is very exciting. It is a big accomplishment indeed. This is also the reason why people especially moms can be so meticulous about it.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being thorough. In fact, it is advisable to be comprehensive and particular. This will ensure that you will choose and buy the perfect house for you and your family.
This post will share useful house hunting tips for meticulous moms out there. Are you ready to go house hunting? Here are some things to remember:
Choose a house that that will complement your lifestyle. Do not rush things. Take your time in viewing different houses until you find the one for you. As mentioned above, it is crucial you are meticulous because this will result in you choosing a house you can call your dream home. In Melton, there’s a display village that you can check out. See if your dream house is in there.
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]]>The post 5 Appliances You Need In Your Life appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>There is no denying that modern appliances in our home make life so much easier. From doing simple daily chores to cooking up a storm in the kitchen and hosting a dinner party for friends and family, the job cannot be complete without a little help from technology and our trusty appliances.
Here are five appliances that you must have in your life. Do you have them all?
Can you imagine how long it would take to wash, scrub and dry each piece of clothing you and your family wears? A good washing machine is a must for every busy household, so invest in a quality appliance that can stand the test of time. Specialist brands such as ASKO have a wide range of washing machines to suit every living space, and you can be assured that every machine is made to the highest standards of durability, sustainability and functionality.
While it might seem easy enough to save money on an expensive dishwasher and instead wash dishes by hand, you’ll no doubt regret the decision in weeks, if not days. A busy weekday schedule means you have little time for household chores and cleaning during the working week, so you’ll appreciate the time and energy saved by having a dishwasher. Simply rinse and load plates, cutlery, glasses and cooking equipment into the dishwasher after using them, and turn it on overnight – it’ll feel like the cleaning fairies really do exist.
A food processor is one kitchen appliance you don’t realise how often you use until you don’t have one. Whether you use it to make fresh juices and smoothies in the morning, or to make your own sauces, spreads and sweet treats, a food processor (or strong blender) is a handy appliance that you simply cannot live without.
Do you find yourself getting home late from work and dreading the thought of preparing a healthy, nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy? Then you need to start experimenting with a slow cooker. Chop up and load all of your ingredients and spices into the pot in the morning and switch it on as you run out the door. You’ll come home to a delicious home-cooked meal and you’ll likely have leftovers for lunch the next day. They aren’t just a godsend for savoury dishes, either – you can create a whole heap of tasty desserts in these versatile life-savers.
Instead of visiting a local café every morning for your caffeine hit, invest in a good quality coffee machine for your kitchen and learn how to make a perfect cup at home. Although the investment at the start is high, over time you will save a lot of money and find you can make the perfect café coffee from the comfort of your own home. Not to mention you can whip up a great cuppa at the drop of a hat whenever you have visitors! You can’t lose when you have your own machine.
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]]>The post How To Clean Your Bathroom In 5 Minutes A Day appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>It is time to clean your bathroom! Read this and discover how you can clean your bathroom in five minutes a day.
Don’t be discouraged by the amount of cleaning that is required. By doing small bits everyday, it shrinks the amount of effort that is actually necessary for your bathroom to shine! Here is how you can stay on top of the cleaning:
No one wants to scrub their bathrooms and showers but unfortunately it is one of those jobs that must be done. By taking five minutes out of your day you will notice that this chore will become an easy one.
Homes with young children may require a few extra minutes each day to keep your bathroom clean due to the additional mess they create. Mainly fingerprints, toothpaste drawings on the shower screen and dirty clothes next to the hamper.
The five minute a day clean doesn’t eliminate the need for a good once over; this should still be done periodically as needed. It will however mean you can have a clean and tidy bathroom with minimal effort each and every day!
By following these ideas you can clean your bathroom in five minutes a day – or there abouts.
Do you have any tips to add that can help reduce bathroom cleaning time?
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]]>The post How To Remove Common Kids Stains appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Don’t just accept clothes will be stained and dirty. You can remove common kids stains!
Every parent knows children get dirty and covered in the worst clothes stains by simply looking in the direction of dirt or food. Here is why you no longer do you have to fear permanent stains!
Whether you have been given the displeasure of grass, sweat, food or even blood stains; know there is always a stain removal technique to help.
The parent of any sporting child knows the pain of grass stains all too well. What was once just presumed pointless trying to remove, now has tried and tested methods that will bring those horrible green marks out.
• Soak the stain in Vanish Gold Oxi Action. If the stain is still present after washing, dab with a 50-50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol, let the stain soak in the mixture. *Be careful with colours as this can sometimes cause the colour to run.
• If the above method doesn’t work – try soaking the grass stain in vodka and then dabbing gently with toothpaste. Wash as normal.
This includes food in general but more specifically tomato based products, spaghetti sauces and even pumpkin soup.
• Immediately rinse off excess food or sauce. Mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water on a sponge; dab until gone. *The most important thing is to act immediately! Wash as normal.
• If stain is left to set; spray with Vanish Napisan Oxi Action. Wash as normal.
RUN – DO NOT WALK! It is crucial to act as quick as possible.
• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts warm water and gently scrub with a toothbrush or dab stain with mixture soaked cloth. Wash in cold water.
Whether your child has white uniforms, light coloured clothing or is a pro at making even stain tolerant colours brown; you don’t have to cry anymore!
• Spray with the above mentioned Vanish Napisan or preferred treating product and then soak in Vanish Gold Crystal White. Leave to soak for a couple of hours and then wash in hot water.
Unfortunately not every stain can be removed but by implementing these stain removal tips, you will be better prepared to remove common kids stains.
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]]>The post How Is Good Lighting Is Important For Your Home? appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Don’t settle with boring and out dated lighting. Make your home shine!
Thanks to renovation shows like House Rules, more and more people are taking DIY into their own hands. They now know that updating their lighting is not only affordable but also beneficial to the appearance of their home.
Lighting can completely alter the aesthetic appeal of a room. With a small change, you can transform your home from dark and dingy to bright and homey. Here is how:
Exterior lighting serves more than one purpose. Yes, it is great for adding street charm and focal points but it also offers a safety aspect.
• Use unique lighting options to create a talking point.
• Path lighting not only looks great but is the most common form of safety lighting on the exterior of the home.
TIP: Exterior lighting shouldn’t be too bright. Keep it dull so you don’t produce dark areas of yard that could result in safety hazards.
Interior lighting can change the entire outcome of a room. By strategically placing lights in a certain way to maximise lighting, it completely alters the ambiance of a room.
• Bright rooms appear larger; this is why natural light is just as important as artificial lighting.
• Light tones – White is the brighter option but it often makes the room feel colder. Tinted and yellow tones are not as vibrant but give the room a warmer feel.
• Dimmers – These are a great option for living, dining and family rooms because you can alter the intensity of light emitted to suit the current activity. Dimmers are also great power savers!
• Consider making pictures or artworks a feature in the hallways, stairs and entries by positioning lights to showcase them.
• Light fixtures can transform your décor. Make sure you choose ones that compliment your personal tastes and your homes interior!
Look at places like Urban Lighting for a diverse range of interior and exterior styles to suit your individuality.
TIP: Make sure your lighting and fixtures are practical for your family and the style of your home!
Each room requires something different to get the most benefits from your lighting upgrade.
• Kitchen – Lights should be bright. This is so you can see what you are doing whilst cooking and give you a safe and comfortable space to prepare meals.
• Bathroom – By placing lights on either side of your mirror you will have ample lighting that is even with minimal shadows.
• Family room – If space permits, the use of a floor lamp or large pendant lighting instead of a table lamp will do wonders. This will create an interest point and add dimension to the room.
• Bedrooms – Add bedside lamps with individual switches. This provides a relaxing environment and allows comfortable and convenient reading.
You may be tempted to purchase a cheaper alternative but investing in high quality fixtures and lighting is worth the outlay! Just remember that for safety reasons and to reduce hazards, any wiring should be done by a qualified electrician.
By modifying your interior and exterior lighting, you are improving not only the appearance of your home but also the practicality and mood of each individual room.
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]]>The post Dyson V6 Absolute Review – Is It Worth The Money? appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Let’s face it, kids can turn your spotless house into something that resembles a cyclonic episode in a matter of minutes. I hope you enjoyed those sacred moments while they lasted!
I have always been a firm believer in children learning to pick up after themselves from a young age and as they grow, so do their responsibilities. It is not only beneficial for them but it also lightens the load on me. Is that lazy or smart? I’m going with genius, for now anyway!
As the kids have grown they have each had an interest in vacuuming, I suppose it is because they see me doing it and want to be involved. Whatever the reason, I am not complaining. My only issue over the years has been that our vacuums have been too heavy for them to take control and do it solo. Until now…
For the past few weeks I have been basking in the glory of the new Dyson V6 Absolute vacuum cleaner. I was offered one to review and I am so glad I said yes! I have been a Dyson fan girl and owner for the past 8 years and I doubt I will ever stray from the brand. They have always done an impeccable job and I cannot fault them.
My house is approx. 70% tiles and 30% carpet; so having a vacuum that is light, easy and doesn’t require additional effort to transfer between the two is ideal. The Dyson V6 Absolute does exactly that in a small compact handheld vacuum. Like most homes; the kitchen, dining and living rooms are the high traffic areas that require constant attention (especially when there are kids inhabiting there). This handy little handheld makes it so convenient for quick tidy ups, spot cleans, once overs and if your home is small enough, possibly even your general clean.
The Dyson V6 Absolute comes standard with two Dyson-engineered cleaner heads. Using a combination of the two, they combat both large debris and fine dust, carpet and hard floors. I was so impressed with the amount of dirt and dust that this vacuum can pull from the carpets.
The fluffy cleaning roller is ideal for hard floors, including wood and tiles. The suction and seal created by the woven fibres sends the dirt and dust directly into the dust bin instead of having to backtrack a few times to ensure you got it all.
The direct drive motor head has bristles that drive deeper into the carpet allowing for better suction where it is most needed. This ultimately removes more dirt than you can even see in your carpet.
Like most of the Dyson handhelds, the V6 Absolute offers up to 20 minutes run time on standard. If you require more power for a particular job, push the MAX button on the back for an extreme amount of suction. This will reduce you battery life to 6 minutes.
While this is not a huge duration of time, it is ample to get those tidy ups and spot cleans done with ease.
Like all vacuums, they require some degree of cleaning or maintenance.
I could not be more impressed with how well this little machine works. I also love that it is light weight enough for the kids to use. This eliminates the need for me to have to constantly clean up after them, they can now pull out the Dyson V6 Absolute and tidy up their own messes. That’s a huge win in my book! Not to mention they think it is fun.
Like every Dyson, they come standard with a range of tools that are designed to make jobs around the home easier. From removing dust and dirt from hard-to-reach places around the home to cleaning tight spaces in the car, these tools have you covered.
The docking station allows you to store and charge your vacuum both conveniently and neatly. The dock also holds additional attachments.
I find I use this the most in our lounge rooms, living room, bathrooms, around the dining table and under the breakfast bar. Because of its versatility and ease of use, it is perfect for these regular clean ups. Click the link for more information on the Dyson V6 Absolute and its features. As you can see, I am a huge fan of this machine. If you can afford the $899 price tag, it is well worth the investment; particularly if someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. If this price is above your budget, there are Dyson V6’s for all floor types starting at $599.
Disclosure: I received the Dyson V6 Absolute for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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]]>The post 5 Tips To Pick The Right Mattress appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Don’t just buy the first mattress you lay on! There are things to consider that will save you not only money but also a lot of unnecessary pain.
A mattress is not a cheap investment so it isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. You will have it for eight to ten years; so you have to be happy and satisfied that it will provide you with everything you need for the years to come.
There are so many factors to take into consideration to ensure you purchase the right mattress for you. They include:
• Try before you buy – You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test drive; so why should a mattress be any different? Take at minimum 10-15 minutes to lay on each mattress, this will allow you to get a general feel for the type, firmness, etc.
Tip: Do not allow sales people to rush you to the next bed! It is you sleeping on it, not them.
• Know your budget – You need to be realistic with your budget because at the end of the day you want to be comfortable. However this does not mean that you have to buy all the additional ‘fluff and bells’ that are offered to you. Sometimes you may not even need them!
Tip: Bargain and haggle to get the best deal you can. You will be surprised at how much you can save by just asking.
• Research – Before you go in to make the purchase, know what the comparisons available on the market are. While it is often difficult to compare exact models, you can judge based on brands, type of mattress and sales.
• Use tools available – Most stores that specialise in mattresses have their own tools to help make the comparisons easier. These tools assist you in finding the right mattress suited to you and your body. Sleepmaker for example have just started using a new mattress selector tool. This is an online option that helps select the mattress; you simply answer a few specific questions. You will then be directed to your local Sleepmaker mattress stockist that have them available in store so you can give it a test run.
It doesn’t get much more convenient than that! By filtering your requirements and desires in a mattress; the tool will be able to help in selecting the firmness you need to achieve a perfect night sleep. How firm? How plush? Do you suffer back pain? What type is right for you?
Tip: Even after answering the Sleepmaker tools questions to find the right mattress for you, it is important you still try before you buy!
• Warranty – As a result of mattresses being quite costly; it is important to check what warranty is given. Good quality mattresses and trusted brands will often offer no less than 10 years full replacement.
There are so many different types of mattresses available with varying technology so if you have an idea of what you are looking for, it makes it easier to narrow down. Have you had or would you like to try: pillow top, latex, memory foam or inner spring?
On average people will spend 1/3 of their lives sleeping! This is a huge amount; which is why it is important to ensure you are maximising those hours with a quality mattress that is right for you.
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]]>The post Things To Consider Before Installing a Solar Power System appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Solar power is no longer a new concept, yet for some reason there is still a lot of hesitation around taking it on as an alternate energy source. A lot of this can be due to misinformation and people not willing to look further. In reality, though, investing in solar is no different to any other lifestyle investment, and can be undertaken by anyone who is willing to do their homework. If you think this is the approach for you, then below are the important factors you do need to consider before installing a solar power system.
Although investing in solar energy is a lot more affordable than it was a few years ago, you still have to consider your budget when taking it on. Firstly, look at what you can afford now; for example, can you make an up-front payment? If not, taking on a payment plan could be a more realistic solution. Most solar companies such as Absolute Energy Solutions are fairly flexible with consumers, as they want you to make the move to this renewable resource. Do your research and don’t hesitate to take along a note book of questions when you speak to a provider. Also, know your objectives for investing in solar, and how much energy you consume. Because as you will see below, the more energy you need, the more panels you will have to purchase.
When it comes to solar panels, size definitely matters, as the proportions of your product will dictate their overall energy output. The best way to determine what size or how many panels you’ll need is to look at what your current electricity requirements are — make sure you’re being as energy efficient as possible first, though. From here it is fairly straightforward; if you need a lot of energy, you are going to have to invest in a larger system. But vice versa; just because you have an enormous area of roof space does not mean you have to cover the entire thing, especially if this energy isn’t going to be used. It will just end up costing you more to buy and install.
When installing solar panels, it’s all about the location. Firstly, you need to think about what area of your roof attracts the most direct sunlight for the largest portion of the day. Although solar panels will still absorb sunshine even when it’s not hitting the mark, direct sunlight will really maximise your solar energy output. For the southern hemisphere this is usually a north-facing orientation. Of course, solar panels don’t have to be installed on the roof; however, this is usually the most convenient, unused space. If you do go ahead with the roof though, make sure it’s stable enough to support your solar panels, and depending on the roof’s angle, you may have to tilt the frames.
These factors are all important, but at the end of the day, the biggest one is what investing in solar will actually mean for you and your home—it should not just be about following a trend, but rather be about lower electricity bills and helping to reduce your environmental impact.
Where do your biggest concerns lie in regards to solar? Tell me below!
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post Winter Outdoor Entertaining Tips appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Winter doesn’t have to put an end to entertaining outdoors. With long starry nights and balmy days, the cooler months of the year are ideal for hosting outdoor festivities. Whether you want to entertain friends in your own backyard or relax in one of your favourite alfresco settings, you can create a warm and welcoming entertaining space anywhere, by simply following these tips.
To prevent your guests from shivering with cold, it’s essential you provide them with heating. Consider the size of your entertaining area; if it’s a small, closed in space such as a patio, you may only need one air heater to keep everybody warm. For larger, open-air spaces, a brazier can radiate sufficient heat, while simultaneously creating a pleasant and inviting ambience. If you’re entertaining in some kind of an outdoor structure, electrical heaters can be attached to overhead beams and roofing, providing guests with the means to stay warm despite being outside. For a source of heat that can also provide you with delicious food, consider investing in a wood fire pizza oven.
Extending your living space into the outdoors for entertainment purposes during winter calls for durable furniture, especially if you live in an area prone to rain and strong winds during the colder months of the year. Furniture especially designed to withstand the elements can take the stress out of entertaining in winter. For guaranteed durability, furniture suppliers like Super Amart use weather-resistant materials such as timber and stainless steel in the construction of their outdoor furniture range.
The wind chill factor is often what makes entertaining outdoors in winter so difficult. By creating some kind of a barrier, you can still enjoy the pleasantly cool temperature of a winter’s day while avoiding cold gusts of wind. Sheets of clear plastic can protect you and your guests from the elements without impairing your view of the outside world. Simply attach them to a solid structure with rope or zip ties, ensuring they are securely tied down so as to prevent them from blowing away mid-party. For a more luxurious approach to a windbreak, you could use opaque blinds or erect a canvas tent to create a delightfully bohemian outdoor setting.
Nothing warms the soul on a cold winter’s day quite like a hearty meal. When entertaining, treat your guests to some of your favourite winter recipes for an added touch of cold weather comfort. In addition to the kinds of snacks traditionally associated with alfresco dining, such as hamburgers and salad, try serving guests some spicy chicken soup and a flask of hot chocolate. If you’re keeping warm with a fire, why not use it to roast some marshmallows?
Rather than retreating inside during the cooler months of the year, entertaining outdoors presents the perfect opportunity to make the most of the cold weather.
Do you have any tips on entertaining outdoors in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This is an S2 Post.
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