Nanny to Mommy

I received a year's supply of Filters from Filtrete as part of a campaign through Mom It Forward to provide this post. All opinions are 100% my own.



We have a dog, two toddlers, and a smelly man that live in this house. So smells are NOT an uncommon occurrence. And I am constantly trying to think of creative ways to reduce the odors in here. I mean since I am a stay-at-home mom, I can't live in odors. I was having the most difficult time getting the stink out of this house.

On top of that, my daughter and I suffer from SERIOUS seasonal allergies and we both take allergy medication regularly. Sweet Pea's are so bad that she gets Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis routinely each year. The first year I just thought it was pink eye. But this year she was officially diagnosed with seasonal allergies and prescribed Claritin at the age of two! So it is very important to me to keep my house as odor and allergen free as possible.

There are a few things I can do to make it better and I’ve recently received the opportunity to implement one of those things. Filtrete Filters by 3M. There are 3 different filters that I can use throughout the year depending on what we need.

Scented candles, air fresheners, and sprays only masks the odor. It doesn’t eliminate it. And some of these products may release harmful chemicals or soot. I am not downing these products. I have used them myself on multiple occasions, but I want to make sure I am using the safest products for my family while getting rid of the smell.



The Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter:

- Has a unique two-sided design with one side that captures large airborne particles and the second side that removes household odors.

- Is the most effective 1″ odor-reduction filter at removing odors in the home – such as those from cooking, tobacco smoke, pets, mildew and cleaning chemicals – and is 65 times more effective* than other carbon filters (*Based on comparison of organic vapor capacity vs. other national retail filter furnace brands).

- Starts to remove even the strongest odor in minutes after the furnace fan is turned on.

- Helps improve indoor air quality and captures airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, smoke, pet dander and smog from he air passing through the filter.

- Lasts up to 3 months for odor removal and particle capture for air passing through the filter.

- Retails at $15.99.

So you can see, the Odor Reduction filter has it all. It will work not only on the smells, but on our allergies as well. I’ve only had our Odor Reduction filter in for a couple of days but I can already tell a difference. The house definitely has a nicer, cleaner smell.

They are very easy to install. Our unit is in our tiny attic. All you do is align the arrow on the new filter and slide the new filter in. It is so easy and regular maintenance reduces stress on the system and reduces energy. So remember to change your filters frequently!

You can register to receive seasonal e-newsletters featuring special offers, filter change reminders, better home living tips, and more by visiting their website. Don't forget to you can follow your favorite brands like Filtrete on Facebook and Twitter.

I must be CRAZY, but I would love to take my family on a road trip. We would go to a Braves game, maybe a theme park, and of course end the day, preferably, beach side.

When I was in eighth grade, my whole grade went on a "Georgia Studies Tour". We went and saw the Okefenokee Swamp, Savannah, St. Simon's Island, and multiple civil war battle grounds along the way. I never realized how much there was to do in the state that I live in and so much that was so close to home! I would love to take my family to experience our great state the way that I did.

My husband and I went to the same middle and high school. We are two years apart in age, so we never met each other. His class didn't get to go on this tour and he has regretted it. I would love for him to get the opportunity to experience something so "epic".

My husband and I enjoy learning through our expeditions. And with his busy life at work, we sure could use some quality, enriching time together as a family of three.

That is why I love this post over at Dooce. Her family had the opportunity to celebrate her son's birthday by exploring a "part of the state where magnificent stone arches formed over millions of years disrupt the landscape in an otherworldly orange". The pictures are beautiful.


Hyundai Epic Play Date from dooce on Vimeo.

Isn't the video amazing? Just recently Hubby and I went with the whole extended family to Zoo Atlanta. And I'm so glad my husband and I stop to take time to "smell the roses".

If you could go on an "Epic Play Date", where would you go? What would you do?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

1. Jello Pudding Pops from no. 2 pencil:
"These Pudding Pops are so fun, and they are so delicious too. They taste just like the original Jello Pudding Pops. My kids absolutely loved these, and they can’t wait for me to make them again for our 4th of July party."

2. Red, White, & Blueberry Breakfast from Mom On Time Out:
"Using Eggo waffles makes this fun and patriotic breakfast come together in a snap."

3. Berry Flag Pull Apart Cake from Mommy & Things: "This showstopping flag dessert combines sweet vanilla cake with colorful strawberries and blueberries for a patriotic 4th of July treat."

4. Fruit Flag from The Frugal Girls: "Get fresh & fruity this 4th of July! Be sure to prepare this treat right before serving and use toothpicks for spearing the fruit!"

5. Strawberry Apple Pie from Family Feedbag: "I love me a pretty pie! The filling in this strawberry apple pie is so bright and beautiful it deserved a pie top that would really show it off. I pressed a star-shaped cookie cutter into my rolled out pastry dough until I had enough stars to layer atop the pie, leaving enough room in between to show off the ruby red yumminess inside."

6. Watermelon Star Cake from My Turn For Us: "This Watermelon Star Cake is a fun healthy way to celebrate Memorial Day or the 4th of July. OK, its not really a "cake" but it looks like one but without all those nasty little calories!! (I know I love those little calories also but so do my hips, LOL) This sweet cake is made with all fresh fruit and a low calorie cream topping."

7. Red, White, and Blueberry Lemonade Pops: "Now you can make this ice cream truck favorite at home! Simply freeze layers of berries, lemonade and creamy yogurt in pop molds. They’re perfect for the 4th of July and the rest of summer, too."

8. Angel Food Patriotic Delight from Tidy Mom:
"You know I’m all about simplicity, so when the awesome people at Lucky Leaf offered to send me some more of their fabulous pie filings and a few simple recipes that would look fantastic on the picnic table on Memorial Day, of course I said YES!"

9. Brownie & Berries Desert Pizza: "Want to wow a chocolate-craving crowd? Make a sweet dessert pizza topped with a creamy layer and tart berries." Try the Gluten-Free Version!

10. Berry Shortcake Stars: "This red, white and blue patriotic dessert may outshine the fireworks at your July 4th get-together!"

11. Red, White, and Blueberry Pasta Salad: "By using quick and easy stir-ins, Suddenly Salad can be whatever you make it: a simple side dish, star of the backyard BBQ, or a crowd-pleasing main course. With seven delicious flavors, there’s a Suddenly Salad mix for everyone and for any occasion. Simply follow the instructions on the box, or visit SuddenlySalad.com for delicious recipes."

12. Red, White, & Blue Independence Day Cake from Unusual to Tasty

13. Bonus Content! Make a Keto Friendly Flag Platter with Strawberries, Blueberries, and Mozzarella Cheese cubes. You could also go super easy and add fruit to a pre-made cake.