Household | She Scribes

Animoto Review & Giveaway (ends 12/18/12)

December 11, 2012 By Kimberly

I love sharing photos of my family with other family members and friends, both near and far. It’s easy enough to e-mail photos to other people, or give them access to your Photobucket or Flickr accounts. However I like to take things one step further. I love making “movies” with my photos.

I use different video making programs. Some are easier then others. I honestly prefer the easier programs. As a busy mom I don’t always have time to dedicate to putting together an elaborate video presentation. I rather just upload the photos I want to work with and have the program assist me in making the best possible video with little or no effort on my part.

Animoto is a great choice for those who like to make movies of their photos quickly and easily. You can let the program create something for you or do all the work yourself. It’s up to you.

The hardest part to making a video is deciding what photos to use. I would recommend you set up a folder on your desk top and keep the photos you want to make into a video in that folder. That way you don’t have to search through your computer and CDs to find the photos you want to use. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. I was asked to make a video of our dog Espn (pronounced “Es-Pin”) for a PetSmart campaign a while back. All of Espn’s photos were all over the place – on my lap top, desk top, CD’s and three different external hard drives. It took me a long time to find the photos. Thankfully they are all in one folder so the next time I need them I know where to find them.

After you have gathered up the photos you want to use all you need to do is log into your Animoto account and choose the type of video you want to make. There are several different options to choose from.

Here is teh video I made for our dog.

After you have selected your video background you have to upload the photos you wish to use. I found uploading the photos to be a very quick process. Sometimes uploading photos, especially numerous photos at the same time, can be time consuming. I found this process to be quick and easy.

Once your photos have been uploaded you will next have the option to “tweak” the video by adding text, changing the background music and a few other options.

When you feel like you have the video the way you want it you can preview it before processing it into a video. If you are pleased with how the video turned out you can share it with family and friends.

The actual processing time seemed to drag on for a long time with the video that I made for Espn. I would have to “guesstimate” that it took about 20 minutes. Thankfully I was able to work on my computer during that time by opening up a different browser. The time it took to process wouldn’t have been so bad if I wasn’t anxious to see the final version. Sometimes I have an issue with being patient. Ha Ha.

Without further adieu here is the Espn video that I made. YouTube added the ad (not Animoto). Just click the “x” on the ad to dismiss it. Sorry about that.

If you happen to have the volume on your computer you can hear the background music too.

I actually uploaded about 40+ pictures. I guess there was a limit of photos for this video that I was unaware of because the video only showed less then half of the ones I uploaded. That is OK. It turned out pretty good.

Overall I am pleased with the Animoto program. It is incredibly easy to figure out and to use. If you are “technologically challenged” like I am sometimes (ha ha) you will have no problem creating high quality videos using the Animoto program.

You can also include clips from other videos into your Animoto video. Unfortualy I have nothing handy to play around with.

To learn more about Animoto please visit www.Animoto.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Animoto is a subscription based program. You can use Animoto for free, but you have very limited options and can only make 30 second videos. For $30/year you can get the plus plan. For all the “bells and whistles” you can upgrade to the Pro plan $39/mo or $249/year. For the casual user the plus plan ($30/year) is perfectly fine.

Animoto even has an iPhone application.

Animoto would like to give FIVE lucky readers a FREE one year Plus membership ($30 value). Thank you Animoto!

This giveaway is open to everyone and will end on December 18, 2012 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winners will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

To enter please visit Animoto.com and check out the sample videos and features. Then come back here and comment on what type of video do you think you would like to create with Animoto.

For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the intitial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kimberly

*I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews, Technology Tagged With: Giveaways, Household, Technology

Budget friendly, DIY Pet Projects (#BudgetLiving)

February 20, 2012 By Kimberly

I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger. As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles filled with tips for living on a budget.

I was checking searching the Internet for instructions to make a window shelf for my cats when I happened upon a really cool idea to make a cat “condo” using some cardboard tubes purchased at the local hardware store.

I can tell you from experience that cat condos are expensive. I have looked into them for my own cats but they are way out of our budget. We have a small one now, but it’s a hand-me-down from another cat owner.

I really LOVE this idea! I’m going to have to try to make one when the weather is better and I can do the work on the balcony (I rather not do this inside). It can be made for under $40 too.

On the Lowe’s site it’s referred to has a “Kitty Corner Cat House”. For step-by-step instructions please visit http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/WAGI_Kitty_Corner_Cat_House_0211.aspx.

Here is a brief video that shows you how to make the Kitty Corner Cat House too.

Another thing I love about the above project is that it’s light weight and can be moved if needed.

I did continue to look for directions to make a window seat for my cats. One of the best ideas I stumble across was one that required little to no crafting skills to make. All you need is a large serving tray, a pillow or small blanket, shelf brakets and screws.

All you need to do is measure and mark where you can the brackets to go. Pre-drill the holes to make it easier. Attach the brackets to the tray and the others side to the wall. One attached place a pillow or small blanket in the tray to make it soft and comfy for your feline friend. You can even attach string and dangly toys from it for you pet to play with too.

I found the instructions to make the shelf out of an old tray here, http://www.shelterness.com/amazing-diy-cat-window-perch. The photo is from the site too. The article was written by Kate.

I think this is a great project because it only requires a few very inexpensive supplies and you are recycling an old tray.

Both of these products are very budget-friendly and ideal for pet owners like me who live in a small space. We live in a tiny condo which is basically an apartment that we own.

For other great how-to tips for making the most of a space for you and your pet on a budget Apartment Guide blog, www.ApartmentGuide.com/Blog as well as www.MovingToday.com.

You can also “like” Apartment Guide on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide as well as follow them on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/AptGuide for real-time tips and updates on making the most of your space and living on a budget.

Apartment Guide is also on Google+.

Apartment Guide offers visitors plenty of photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect pet-friendly apartment community.

Kimberly

* Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Filed Under: Animals, Uncategorized Tagged With: Around the Web, Household, Pets, Website

When was the last time you REALLY cleaned out your kitchen?

February 19, 2012 By Kimberly

Yesterday my husband was bored and wanted something to do. Out of all the possibilities he decided to clean out the kitchen, from top to bottom. That meant cleaning off the top of the cabinets (they do not reach the ceiling), removing EVERYTHING from the cabinets to clean out the cabinets, and tossing out stuff we no longer need, use or want.

We have a tiny kitchen so we figured it would take maybe 2 hours, give or take. It took us over four hours plus numerous trips to the dumpster and the recycle bin. The dumpster is outside our building, down six flights of steps. The recycle bin is up the hill towards the entrance to our complex. That alone took up a lot of time.

I clean my kitchen all the time. The counter tops and floors are spotless. However we don’t usually clean out the cabinets frequently. Our “game plan” a few years ago was to clean them out every six months. It’s been a long, long time since we cleaned them out last (probably more than a year ago).

Can you say EWWWW!!!

On the outside my kitchen is perfectly clean. It’s what was lurking deep in the cabinets that was funky.

I won’t even describe what the top of the cabinets looked like. I WISH ours reached the ceiling so we didn’t have to worry about that mess.

We went through all the food (non-perishables) in the cabinets and pantries. We found food we didn’t realize that we had because it got covered up by something else or pushed behind things. We also pulled out things that expired. Thankfully most of the expired things only expired a few months ago. We did find a spice jar of Oregano that expired in 2006 and a jar of Cinnamon that expired in 2008. In my defence where our spices were kept it was hard for me, at my height, to see towards the back without physically removing everything.

We’ve since moved the spices to another shelf (lower) so that I can see everything at once.

We were shocked at how many pots and pans we had too. We tend to use the same 3 or 4 pots and pans, yet we had dozens! We went throught and washed everything and tossed out the ones we haven’t used and have no plans on using. Our cabinet is so much neater now and I can find exactly what I need when I need it.

Our cabinets look bare too. Once we tossed out expired things and things we won’t ever use and re-arranged stuff we now have empty looking cabinets. In a way that is a good thing because now we can see what we have. I never knew we had clams or chili, things I could have made for lunch or dinner.

It’s a great feeling knowing that the kitchen is squeaky clean now. However we really need to make it a point of cleaning it out every few months. If we just do a little cleaning every few months it will make things a lot easier compared to waiting a year or more and having to spend hours working on it.

Next up the hallway cabinets.

When was the last time YOU really cleaned out your kitchen from top to bottom? When was the last time you checked the expireation dates on everything in the cabinets, including spices and other non-perishables?

If you haven’t done so in a while I would strongly recommend setting aside some time to get it done. I know it’s not a fun thing to do but once it’s done you’ll feel great.

Kimberly

Filed Under: Ramblings Tagged With: Household

$2,500 Better Homes and Gardens Paint Sweepstakes

February 15, 2012 By Kimberly

I am a very visual person. My husband can testify to that. At times it drives him bonkers because it means he has to hang up a lot of things on the wall or re-paint a room more often than he wants to.

I’ve always been good at art and teachers always commented on my use of color.

I tend to gravitate towards soft, Earthy colors. My home is painted in soft greens, grays and blues. The only room in my home where I HATE the color is the bathroom. We just re-did the bathroom over the summer. We replaced the toilet, sink, vanity and mirror as well as had it painted. It was painted blue (too dark for my taste). My husband wanted something neutral (aka – boring!), in a beige or something similar. He came home with what could only be described as mustard gone bad. It seemed OK on the can. You know, those little spots of paint they put on the outside of the can so you know what the inside color is. There it seemed OK. However once on the wall – EWWW! It was so NOT OK!

We would have had the painter repaint the wall but we were already into them for more money than we anticipated so we kept it.

It’s not as bad during the day but at night time, wow… it’s horrible!

I was thinking maybe having a color accent wall in the bathroom might make the place look a bit better. An accent wall is one wall in a room that is painted a vastly different color than the other three walls. We have something similar in the living room (not by choice). Three walls are painted (light green). The forth wall has wood paneling. I don’t like the paneling at all (neither does my husband) but we figured it was a lot less expensive to star at the paneling than it was to rip it down, sand down the wall, spackle and repaint. We’re also not really sure what lies behind the panel.

For some odd reason the paneling doesn’t even reach the end of the wall. It stops several inches from one wall. The previous owner put up a butt ugly shelving unit to cover up where the paneling is not on the wall.

Seriously, if I could talk to the previous owners that would be my first question to them – WHY?! Why did you put paneling up and why doesn’t it cover the entire wall?

Next up to be re-painted is the kids room. I am considering an accent wall in there too, or an accident color. It’s going to be a light gray but I think it needs a “pop” of color too. HOPEFULLY we can get it painted this Spring. We’ve only been planning on it for over a year now.

Better Homes and Gardens is also having a sweepstakes. The winner gets $2,500 including a personal color consultation from a Better Homes and Gardens Style Director who will physically come to your home too! The winner will also receive Walmart gift cards to purchase the paint and products with for the painters to come and paint for you.

Better Homes and Gardens wants to let everyone know that you can get high quality paint and home décor at Walmart’s low prices to help you with all of your home decorating needs. I can agree with this. Many decorative pieces in our home has come from Walmart, from laps to throw pillows.

To enter the $2,500 Better Homes and Gardens Paint Sweepstakes visit the BHG Live Better Facebook Page (click the bolded text to visit the page). All you have to do is “like” the page and submit your email address for a chance to win! It’s that easy!

I’m honestly going to enter. My husband is not a fan of painting and the idea of painting the kid’s room doesn’t thrill him much. Since it’s the master bedroom (we only have a one bedroom condo) I think maybe I have the wrong color choice for the room. If we went to sell our condo (in my wildest dreams!) I think the room should have a more professionally painted look to it rather than a boring light gray paint slapped up by my hubby who doesn’t seem to mind much if there are some splatters and drips on the wall and ceiling.

I always value what my readers have to say and I’m very curious to know – if you were to create a accent wall in your home, what color would it be? Are you one someone who enjoys bright, bold red or would you go for the same color as the rest of the room, just several shades darker or lighter?

What are your favorite colors to paint your rooms? Do you seem to stick with the same color family or is each room different?

Kimberly

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Around the Web, Household

Softness Worth Sharing (Gift Card Giveaway)

February 7, 2012 By Kimberly

When the weather starts to get colder there is something I make sure to stock up on – TISSUES! That is because people spend less time outdoors because it’s too cold. All it takes is for one classmate or co-worker to come down with the common cold and it can spread like wildfire among everyone else.

Oddly enough I work from home yet I tend to catch colds more so than the rest of my family. I think that is because they bring the germs home to me. Blah!

To make matters worst my kids suffer from a tree pollen allergy. No sooner does the snow melt that the tress start to flower and the pollen gets everywhere. From the start of Winter until the end of Spring we go through A LOT of tissues.

I make sure to keep tissues everywhere just in case. I even keep tissues in the car. My husband keeps tissues in his laptop bag and at his desk, and I make sure my kid’s backpacks have a steady supply of tissues too.

I can deal with havin a cold but the thing I hate the most is a stuffy or runny nose. I can deal with feeling “blah” and achy. I can even deal with coughs and sneezing. But it’s the stuffiness and running nose that drive me bonkers.

When I purchase tissues I like to go with the soft ones. There is nothing worst than using a harsh tissue on your already sore nose.

Have you had a chance to try Kleenex Cool Touch tissues? They are the only tissue that actively releases a cool sensation to soothe a sore nose on contact. Ahh… that sounds nice. I haven’t had a chance to try them yet but I’m going to look for them the next time I go shopping.

Did you know that you can have a package of Kleenex Cool Touch tissues sent to a friend or family member? Did you know you can send it to them FOR FREE?

Last year Kleenex did a promotion called Softness Worth Sharing. It was a huge success. Over a million people jumped at the opportunity to share a package of Kleenex tissues with a friend or loved one.

The ‘Softness Worth Sharing’ program was designed to make it fun and easy to share the softness with someone special.

Because the campaign was such a huge success, Kleenex is doing it again this year.

To participate and to share a package of Kleenex Cool Touch tissues with someone special, visit www.Kleenex.com and follow the simple directions. This campaign will go on for as long as supplies last.

It gets better! Everyone who sends a Share Pack will also receive a free sample of Kleenex Cool Touch tissues too!

You can even track the chain of sharing they’ve inspired via an interactive map.

This is such a fun idea. People love getting surprises in the mail. I know what you are thinking – It’s only tissues. True, but it’s still a surprise and it’s much nicer than a letter with the words DUE NOW bolded in red marker. Plus everyone can use tissues. I know I sure can. Feel free to send me a free package. LOL!

If you happen to be in the Long Island area of NY, Kleenex is having as special in-store event at these Stop & Shop locations. Each store event will be held from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

- February 10, 2012 – 88 Golding Avene, West Babylon

- February 11, 2012 – 40o Union Blvd., West Islip

- February 12, 2012 – 421 Commack Road, Deer Park

- February 13, 2012 – 533 Montauk Highway, Route 27A, Bayshore

- February 17, 2012 – 2650 Sunrise Highway, East Islip

- Februray 18, 2012 – 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury

- February 19, 2012 – 110 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills, Huntington

- February 20, 2012 – 3126 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful campaign please visit www.Kleenex.com/SoftnessWorthSharing.

To help you stock up on tissues to get you through the Winter and Spring time allergies, THREE lucky readers will win a $50.00 gift card to a local grocery store. The available gift cards are from the following stores. PLEASE make sure your store is on this list.

Wakefern

Shop Rite

Giant of Landover

Stop and Shop

Giant of Carlisle

Kroger

Ralphs

Food 4 less

To enter please comment on who you would like to send a free package of tissue to? While you are at it visit the Kleenex.com site and make sure to send them one too (plus you get a package too!).

For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done. Extra entries are optional.

- Subscribe to She Scribes via RSS or E-mail. Both options are found on the right side bar.

- “Like” Kleenex on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/Kleenex.

- “Like” She Scribes on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SheScribes.

- Follow She Scribes on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/She_Scribes and tweet about the Softness Worth Sharing campaign and/or this giveaway. Please include @She_Scribes in the tweet so I can see it too.

- Share information about the Softness Worth Sharing campaign and/or this giveaway with others on Facebook, Digg, Technorati and so forth. Be sure to tell me what you did and please provide a name and/or URL so I can verify.

- Leave a thoughtful comment on a non-giveaway post on She Scribes and tell me which post you commented on. There is a limit of one comment per post, but you can comment on as many posts as you want for an unlimited extra entry option.

- Post about the Kleenex Softness Worth Sharing campaign and/or this giveaway on your site and please link back to this post. Please provide the URL.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on February 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winners will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winners will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply with a name, mailing address (no PO Box) and choice of retailer (listed above). Failure to do so will result in a new winner will be chosen in their place.

Other wonderful giveaways can be found on the right side bar under “Win It”.

Kimberly

*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this giveaway for the benefit and enjoyment of my site readers. Kleenex will be providing the prizes.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Around the Web, Giveaways, Household, Website

Super Bowl XLVI: Avoid Penalties by Knowing the Home Safety Playbook

February 3, 2012 By Kimberly

As Super Bowl XLVI is nearly here, and as preparations for game day bashes begin, it’s imperative to think about safety, in addition to snacks. Did you know the average household will bring together more than 17 people-including kids-to watch the Patriots face off against the Giants?

Given the number of residential parties that take place on Super Bowl Sunday, UL (Underwriters Laboratories), the only independent, global safety organization with more than 100 years of expertise, has developed a playbook for the big day to help hosts safely entertain football fans of all ages.

By dividing the home into “safety zones”, households can take precautions to prevent against emergencies common to Super Bowl entertaining, specifically furniture-related tip-overs and home fires. Did you know that nearly 15,000 children visit the ER each year as a result of furniture tip-overs and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that grilling is the cause of more than 8,200 home fires each year? Unlike the big game, there are no instant replays when it comes to playing it safe. Tips on how to prevent party fouls, zone by zone, include:

Living Room

- While UL tests televisions for safety, they also test the wall mounting hardware. Homeowners must mount TVs in accordance with the installation instructions supplied with the product.

- Furniture-mounted TVs may be liable to tip so discourage children from approaching by removing items from the TV top and stand like toys and remote controls that tempt climbing.

- Caution adults to stand back from furniture-mounted TVs when they celebrate touchdowns with celebratory dancing to prevent a tip over!

- Older-model second and third-string TVs (often tube-type) that have been traded to other rooms should be placed on sturdy furniture, set back as far as possible from the stand edge.

Kitchen

- Encourage guests to stay away from the cooking area including stoves, ovens and more.

- Turn pot and pan handles toward the center of the cook top to prevent accidental snagging and hot spills.

- Make sure your appliance cords do not hang over counter top edges to prevent snags and spills.

Grilling Area

- Super Bowl is the biggest grilling day of the winter season and all grilling should take place outdoors only, no exceptions!

- Never grill in your garage or carport.

- Keep a spray bottle of water handy and employ to knock grill flare ups down.

- Whether you are cooking in the backyard or tailgating with friends, always look for the UL Mark on cooking equipment such as grills and slow cookers to ensure the product has been tested for safety.

Last but not least, UL recommends getting down on your hands and knees to view all home zones from a child’s eye level to catch and mitigate any lingering safety hazards from stray cords to sharp edges to small objects that can pose a threat to the smallest guests as the final pre-game safety drill. This is a GREAT tip! I would have never thought to do that. I wish I knew about this idea when my kids were little. I think this is a great tip in general, not just for a Super Bowl party.

If you would like more information or Super Bowl safety tips visit http://www.safetyathome.com/home-safety/home-safety-articles/super-bowl-party-safety-game-plan.