Black Friday Online Deals – Top Picks for a Smart Home

If you’ve followed this blog during the holidays in years past, you are probably well aware that my family makes a tradition out of Black Friday. Often, I use Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday to get the things I’ve been otherwise saving for the rest of the year, like a new TV or washer and dryer. This year, I don’t have a lot of big ticket items on my need-to-have list, so I thought it might be better this time around to give you guys a head’s up on the stuff worth scooping up (either for yourself or as a gift… to yourself).

Oh, and affiliate links are included here — all that means is that I make a few pennies/dollars when purchases are made from my recommendations (but like every post I did before I started using affiliates, I’d recommend these things regardless if that were true). My disclosure page goes into more boring detail about this, but let’s get to shopping!

Powerbeats In-Ear Headphones – $89 (55% off! $110 savings!)

I’ve been planning on doing several gift idea roundups this year, one of which includes gifts for runners. I’m not a strong runner, but I do run with lots of people who do marathons and I’ve learned quite a lot from them in addition to my own preferences. These Powerbeats Wireless In-Ear Headphones were/are going to be on that list, but they are a steal right now, so I’m jumping ahead of that later-planned list and telling you to scoop them up while the gettin’s good. I use these when I’m working on outdoor projects in the heat as well (they handle sweat like a champ). They have a long charge, a Bluetooth connection that automatically syncs with my phone when I turn them on (I love that I don’t have to go into Settings to connect), and they stay put, even if I’m getting jostled around on a backhoe. They come in several colors, but I have the bright yellow-green ones, which are really easy to find when I’m looking for them.

Amazon Echo and Echo Dot – $139.99 and $39.99 (22% and 20% off)

So, I don’t actually own either of these products, but I’ve been reading reviews like mad, and I think I’m going to buy one or both of these this weekend. A bunch of stores are selling these items for the same price, so you can either try to rush out and get one from the store or order online (though I recommend the one that comes to you).

Nest Learning Thermostat – $199 (20% off)

I don’t have this one in my house, but I have helped install a Nest thermostat before, and they are really easy! I love that they sync to your phone and other devices (including Alexa, which is what the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot connect to above as well, so that makes for a pretty smart home system). The Nest indoor security camera is on sale as well, which I’ve also seen before but I’m not really recommending for the sole reason that they have an outdoor one and that seems like a better option to me (the Nest Cam Outdoor IS on sale, but it’s a new release, so it probably won’t have a similar Black Friday discount until there’s a second generation or next year).

TILE Bluetooth-Enabled Trackers – up to 35%

I got this as a regift for my birthday (a used regift, actually), and even though that person is forever deserving of a good punch to the crotch for their misdeed, this thing is awesome and a top-recommended product for how many times it’s saved my butt. What it does is work as a key/phone/anything finder that you download as an app on your phone and then attach Bluetooth-enabled trackers to your most-used stuff, like your remote, your keys, and your purse. They now have a slim one that you can stick in your wallet and mini versions as well, which make great stocking stuffers because it’s a universal truth that everyone misplaces their stuff. The best deals are if you get them in combo packs (which, bonus for you, means you can keep one or two for yourself).

I’m going to add these items to one collective group of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals, along with whatever else I find throughout the weekend/week (like tools, clothes, etc.), but I’ve got to get out and go grab a few things myself, so I’ll leave it at that for now!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Top Picks

Also, just for savings in general…

More Savings Tips

I have several things I use on my computer and phone that help me to save on discounts and rebates during the year. Just for the sake of making sure you’re aware of those too, I’ve included some referral links to the stuff I like most (usually by signing up via the referral code, it gives us both an incentive, like a free $5 or whatever).

Honey – this installs in most major browsers and can save you a LOT of time in searching for discount codes. On Amazon, it also has a little button that confirms if this is definitely the cheapest price it can find or will suggest a different seller. Basically, it searches the internet for all of those promo codes and coupons and lets you search and apply them with one click. If it can get you a better deal at checkout, it most definitely will. It also occasionally gives cash back. I’ve saved additionally (5-10%) on big-ticket items and even food orders just by using this thing.

Wikibuy – this is another browser install that scans other websites to see if they are offering a better deal. I haven’t used this quite as much as I have Honey, but it flat-out tells you the difference in savings, and sometimes it’s significant enough to click and see what’s up. The way it often works is they act as a middleman and don’t necessarily tell you the actual website offering the cheapest price (they basically try to work their own exclusive discounts), but they also guarantee the item you’re purchasing so you can buy without worrying if the website offering said “deal” is sketch. Right now after looking at just a handful of items, I am seeing offers that are even slightly less than Black Friday purchases (so perhaps they have a special discount on top).

Paribus – in this case, this browser tool tracks your purchases and gives you refunds if the prices drop during a certain time period (minus a small % for giving you the refund). Don’t you hate it when you buy something and it goes on sale for cheaper the next day? With this app, the concept is that you can eliminate that game for good. This is the app I have just recently started trying out, but I was amazed at how well-integrated it was with my recent purchases and look forward to trying it out more.

Happy shopping!

The post Black Friday Online Deals – Top Picks for a Smart Home appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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from The Ugly Duckling House http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/black-friday-online-deals-top-picks/

Happy Thanksgiving from Charlie!

Happy Thanksgiving, folks! My family and I celebrated early so more family members could join over the weekend, but as usual, we’re still planning on our Black Friday tradition. I’m enjoying some family time, eating leftover pie for breakfast, and left my laptop at home, so I’m making my first-ever attempt at writing this entire post from my phone (albeit on a bit of a cinnamon sugar high).

And as for Charlie, she too has her own tradition whenever she visits my parents’ house. For one, she guts one of the stuffed toys she found in the toy basket (because they belong to Buddy, so she spitefully destroys)…

She also begs for food but refuses to go into the kitchen (she has a thing about not going in that room, which is weird and quirky and that’s why I love her).

And finally, this:

All. Day. Long.

So, I hope you have a happy turkey day. Thank you for following along, thank you for your comments, and I’m very grateful for all of you! <3

The post Happy Thanksgiving from Charlie! appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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from The Ugly Duckling House http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/happy-thanksgiving-charlie/

5 Beautiful DIY Decor Ideas to for Your Nursery

If you happen to have a bundle of joy on the way, then this is time for you to be crafty and creative. There ARE numerous projects you can do from cutting, sewing and pasting to create ceiling hung clouds or wall mounted canvases and a lot more. Below are five of some of the projects you can undertake for your baby.

Doodle Decorating

The most beautiful way to decorate your nursery is the first thing our list. It is by far the most personal and educative attempt to follow and something that no parent can overlook. It revolves around great means of expression such as drawing, coloring and doodling, activities that numerous studies have previously confirmed they have a huge impact on the child`s development. These endeavors greatly enhance the social, cognitive and physical development of the child, nourishing his creativity in the process thus making the decorating through doodles great seeds for the little one`s interest.

Frame your doodles while awaiting your child or simply wait him to get creative and frame his work, art ought to be present regardless and these simply activities should be encouraged as much as possible.

Nursery pom poms

Nowadays, tissue pom poms are a great addition to a nursery. The best thing about them is that you can purchase an assortment of different colors to make the nursery as colorful as you like. All you will need to use are the tissue papers, floral wire and fishing line. You can also easily create fabric pom poms if you would like to have a more lasting version.

Suspender curtains

Suspender curtains can be really cute in a nursery and the best part is that they are extremely easy to make. What you will need to make them is some fabric, fusible bonding web, scissors, iron, the overall buckles, hot glue gun, canvas strips, two buttons, curtain tension rod, needle and thread.

How to make

     You should begin with measuring the height and width of the window then add about 4” to the width and 6” to height on the fabric and cut.

     Fold the sides and button in one inch then use the fusible bonding web for hemming.

     You will make the curtain rod pocket if you fold the top down 5” then secure with a bonding web.

     Lay the curtain on a flat surface to be able to determine how high you will draw the shade. Place the buttons at the front with the straps behind the fabric then fold them over the front. Then cut the straps to suit the panel.

     After that, insert the straps into the overall buckle securing it with hot glue and repeat.

     Then sew the button in front of the curtain panel and sew the end of the strap directly behind it. Repeat.

DIY drawer pulls

You can purchase vintage yo-yo’s on sites like eBay and turn them into cute drawer pulls. To make the pulls, what you will need is the wooden yo-yos, drill, pliers, hanger bolts size depending on drawer panel thickness, nut:

How to make it

     Pre drill a hole just a little bit smaller than the hanger bolt into the back center of the yo-yo.

     Twist the hanger bolt in the hole using pliers.

     Insert the bolt into the hole in the drawer then fasten it with the nut tightly.

Paper dot mobile

This is also quite easy to make as you watch a movie on a lazy Sunday and what you will need are a small hole punch, 2” circle punch, nine pieces of 12”x12” card stock, 8mm jump rings, needle nose pliers, two embroidery hoops 8” and 6”, screw hook, fishing line.

     First, cut circles with the 2” punch

     Punch holes of 1/8” from top to bottom of the circles then string nine of the circles together using the jump rings. You should punch only one hole for the top and bottom circle.

     Hot glue the top circle of each strand to the embroidery hoops.

     Make nine more but use the 6” embroidery hoop.

     Glue the fishing line to three spots on each hoop then hang from hook.

What do you think about these simple yet great things? We would love to hear your opinion on the subject in the comment section below !

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/11/5-beautiful-diy-decor-ideas-to-for-your.html

Tips for Selling Furniture on Craigslist

A Mom's Review of Prolectrix Soup Maker

For a busy mom, you’ll need every bit of help you can get to make your tasks a lot easier. This is exactly where soup makers come into play. They are a great help in cutting down preparation and cooking time in case the family requests for a hearty soup for dinner.

Unfortunately, not all soup makers are created equal. While some of them can hasten cooking time, there are others that will just throw your money into waste.

Prolectrix Soup Maker is one of the best soup makers you can get your hands on. Here’s a list of pros and cons, based on firsthand experience, to tell you why.

Pros:

The soup maker is great for big families, like mine. It’s able to hold 1.3L t0 1.6L which can be enough to feed at least four grownups in a single meal. You can even have some leftover for tomorrow.

Prolectrix Soup Maker is also easy to clean. It’s made from stainless steel and comes with a specialized cleaning brush to make sure I’m able to remove all food debris from it. Since it’s made from steel, it’s quite sturdy and durable, too.

The heating element sits right under the stainless bucket. I find this design very convenient since it gives me enough space to clean the area as well.

Prolectrix Soup Maker doesn’t take a lot of space and effort to move around. It’s just around the size of a kettle and comes with the functions of both a blender and soup maker. It’s made of 1000w of power: 800w for heating and 200w for the blender.

The three buttons for its soup making functions is a plus factor for me, too. Having a kid around, I really enjoyed using its puree function for making delicious and healthy baby food. The chunky option, on the other hand, is handy whenever I need to whip something up for my growing kids. It’s a time-saver since you only need to toss chunks of vegetables in it.

The safety control feature of Prolectrix Soup Maker is something you won’t normally find in other similar products. It’s intelligent enough in that it doesn’t activate until you get its lid completely locked. It also has added features that help prevent your soup from dry burning or over-spilling.

Aside from soups, this soup maker also works well when it comes to creating dips and smoothies.

Cons:

Despite having the ability to crush chunky vegetables, you still need to make sure they’re at the right size. I had problems with this soup maker, particularly during the first few uses. Every time I need to  boil potatoes, they always got burnt at the bottom.

For optimum cooking and for you to avoid having charred vegetables, you need to cut them down into quarter inch pieces. It’s also recommended that you put in water before the ingredients to make sure you don’t burn them.

Conclusion

Prolectrix Soup Maker is a good choice for busy moms. It can cook soups in as fast as 30 minutes. It offers blending and heating power to ensure that your soup cooks well.

If you can get past the inconvenience of having to chop your vegetables to the recommended size, this is actually a great product to have in your kitchen. It’s small and sturdy. It can fit on your counter quite easily. Plus, you also get a recipe book when you go buy the product. You will no longer have to worry about how you’ll prepare your dinner since you’ll have a wide range of recipes to choose from.

Author’s Bio:

Freya is a mom to three kids. When not cleaning after her children’s mess, she’s spending her extra time writing and researching about products that can make motherhood a lot easier. Her latest work deals with soup maker reviews.

from Home My Heaven: UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2016/11/a-moms-review-of-prolectrix-soup-maker.html

Chicago in the Fall

Reader Remarks: What Is Your Biggest Home Pet Peeve?

Hey guys! I’ve been spending a few days in Chicago, but I just wanted to pop online and say hello. I also wanted to just post something kind of silly for today because let’s face it: here in the U.S., people are feeling rather worn out. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m really looking forward to Wednesday when things (hopefully) go back to people posting too many photos of their kids on Facebook and arguing over the color of a dress.

Question: When it comes to houses, organizing, and design flaws, is there one that bothers you the most? I’m talking those little, usually completely absurd things that irk you for some inexplicable reason. I had this thought come to me the other day as I was making coffee at my parents’ house. Do you see it?

It’s totally nitpicky, but kitchen layouts seem to be one of those things that I have strong opinions on and an irrational desire to “fix”. In Mom’s case, it was that she didn’t have the coffee mugs in the cabinet directly over her coffee maker — silly of course, but I couldn’t help but notice it. There were filters, coffee grounds, and all sorts of coffee-related supplies, but the mugs? Two cabinets over on the other side of the stove.

Of course, Mom can (and should!) make any decision she wants in how she organizes her kitchen, but this is one of those things I had to confess and call myself out on. I have similar feelings about things like silverware drawers not being near the stove or drinking glasses not being near the fridge. At this point, she may even keep it like this on purpose because of my disproportional irritation at being minorly inconvenienced (and I’m laughing at myself here, too — fully aware of how this bothers me and me alone). So, just curious: is there anything like this that drives you bananas? I can’t be the only one!

The post Reader Remarks: What Is Your Biggest Home Pet Peeve? appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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from The Ugly Duckling House http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/reader-remarks-biggest-home-pet-peeve/

A Hammer Drill Quick Tip (and That Time I Felt Like an Idiot)