Rite Rug Finished Our Dream Room Makeover!

As you know, I have been posting periodic updates on the room renovation we were doing in our basement.  We decided that we need the extra space for the boys to play in and for us to be able to be as a family without cluttering the upstairs with toys.  I knew that I wanted a good size room and carpeting, but was unsure about how everything would come together.

My Dad came and built the basic framework and put up the sheets of drywall,hung the doors, and my husband and I finished the rest.  This included taping and mudding the drywall (never doing this again), doing all the painting, and trim work.  Some of the finishing touches included our flooring and we decided that carpet would be the best option.  I have never gone through the actual process of going to a carpet store and picking out something for the house, so the experience was something new for me.

The folks over at RiteRug offered me the opportunity to come to one of their local stores and pick out something for our newly built room.  I walked in the door and was warmly greeted and we got right to work.  When you look around the store initially you become somewhat overwhelmed.  I have never seen so many choices for flooring in my life!  I know that RiteRug specializes in flooring but I expected a much smaller scale.  I chose something from their  popular California Berber line.  This type of carpet is basically sort of a low pile shag, but is great for your basement and high traffic areas.  My favorite part about the color and style we chose, is that it hides the dirt.  I am not saying I keep a dirty house, but with two three year olds it is nice getting a carpet that will hide the little things.  This makes it practical for a Mom like me, yet it is nice enough that is warms up the space.

The process from start fo finish was first class.  Ted, our sales guy, came over and measured our room, and when we were ready to put the carpet in, I gave him a call and within the week we had brand new carpet installed!  RiteRug even offers next day installation.  Jamie and Larry showed up to install the carpet on the following Friday, and of course I was completely excited that they were here and excited that I would be looking at something other than the gray steps and ugly concrete floor.

The whole process of installing carpet was interesting to watch.  There was lots of hammering but in just 2 short hours, our room was beautiful!  The installation crew (Jamie and Larry) from RiteRug did a stellar job on the install and answered all of our questions.  I cannot honestly say enough about how much I love the space now, and how happy we are with our new carpet from RiteRug.  If I had it to do again, RiteRug would be the first place that I would go to.  Their level of professionalism and customer service was more than I could have asked for and the product is living up to my expectations.  We are thrilled with the new look and thank Rite Rite for making this a very easy and hassle free experience.  We now have a wonderful space for our family to enjoy.

The Room Before We Started!

And Some Afters (We Love The New Carpet!)

RiteRug offers much more than carpeting as a way to spruce up your living space.  You can check out their featured sales on things like Hardwood Deep Cleaning, and some of their current sales on carpeting.

**RiteRug provided me with a portion of my overall square footage of carpet and installation free to me for review, the opinions expressed in this review are that of my own**

Winners Drawn

Hello from bloggy world folks!  I have a few winners to announce.  All winners have been contacted via email.

Pillsbury Simply Giveaway

Congrats to Rebekah

Comment #129> blogged3
http://tennrose.blogspot.com/2009/09/pillsbury-simply-refridgerated-cookies.html

Yoplait Whips Winner

Congrats to Jammie

Comment#90> I love the strawberry mist frozen it is so yummy.

Zhu Zhu Pets Giveaway

Congrats to Susan

Comment#132>  Added your button to my blog!

Flu Season? What Day Am I On?

I just realized that Wednesday has passed me by.  I am not sure how the heck that happened without me knowing about it.  I normally post my Wordless Wednesday and I had it in my mind that it wasn’t Wednesday yet.  I guess with no sleep and very sick kiddos and mommy, that we sometimes lose track of the days!

We took a visit to the doctor today, because both of my sons have been coughing, and one of them has been running a high fever for 3 days.  We went in and the doctor told us they are seeing some really bad viruses and that I can expect to see his fever possibly run for a few more days!  A few more days?????  We also asked about Swine Flu and she said that he could have it and there is no real way to tell other than some definitive blood test, that by the time we got the results back, he would be over it anyway.  I have been experiencing just general malaise and achy but no real fever, unless you consider delirium from lack of sleep, I am dragging right along.

Wake me up  if I am drooling on my keyboard, I love my HP laptop, but other than that please feel free to lend me a rock as a pillow.  Wish us luck and a speedy recovery!

Sick Sick Sick

Well we are getting sick again, and I am never leaving the house.  I told my husband that the parties we went to over the weekend were prime breeding grounds for some kung foo goo, I knew the boys would get something.  I know we can’t live our lives in a bubble, and I am not a paranoid person.  But I just hate that almost every time we go out to gatherings one of them comes home sick and then we are all sick.

The scariest part about this time, is that one of my boys has a high fever and he is under tons of blankets and still shivering.  I always worry especially since when he gets sick his asthma kicks in.  With all of these swine flu cases it always concerns you as a parent.  I’m praying this is just a passing virus.   Off to take care of my babies!

Pumpkin Patch Visit

My goodness, it has been a long day, and I am ready to head to bed.  Today we let the boys pick out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch and did some more apple picking.   Not only that we took tractor rides and went to a neighbors party for football.  Neighbors up the street even had a bus dedicated to the local team with a big screen tv in it.

Needless to say, the boys got to bed late but were asleep in less than five minutes.  I will have some fun pictures from our adventures at the orchard up soon.  This weekend has been a whirlwind and I have lots to show my readers.  We got the carpet installed in our basement which was the highlight of my Friday.  You wouldn’t think new carpet would make someone this excited but it means that we are one step closer to being done with the room.  It is going to be a family space where the boys can make a mess if they want and we can sort of hang out down there.  The boys know the room is for them because they immediately asked if they could bring their toys down there  lol.

Tomorrow we will be working on the new room, I will be making some applesauce, and fresh apple pies. We are having a great weekend!   What are your plans?

Venettini Shoes Get Your Littlest Someone In Fashion For Fall *review*

Fall is a time when the leaves are changing and the weather is getting colder.  Along with the weather changing so is your child’s wardrobe.  Children’s shoes are always at the top of the list of things to buy because those Summer sandals have been worn till my kids toes are hanging out and we all know how fast their feet grow.

I am always in search of some of the better shoes for the boys to wear because, not only do I have two of them to buy for, I want shoes that are going to last them through till the next season.  It was a little over a year ago when I ran across Venettini Shoes for kids and fell in love with them.  They have some of the cutest and classiest styles for the boys and these shoes  will last and deal with all the wear and tear that comes with how children play.  When the boys grow out of their Venettini shoes, they are in such great shape that they can easily be passed on to your next child.

About Venettini

For almost 20 years, Venettini has been designing and manufacturing luxury children’s footwear with a large emphasis on fashion and style. Fashion, fit, and comfort drive Venettini’s designs, and they will continue to make your child’s feet look and feel good.

Venettini doesn’t just have great shoes for boys but they have a wide selection for both boys and girls.  I love all their classic and trendy styles to dress up any wardrobe.  I also know its a good shoe because my kids tell me.  There have been times when I get a shoe that looks comfortable and one of my boys will complain about something and tell me that their shoe hurts.  I have never had them complain once about Venettini shoes.  The only thing I don’t like is having to put them away when they grow out them.

This year’s Fall collection of Venettini shoes offers some really great styles that are sure to tickle your fancy and make your little one’s feet happy.  You can find Venettini Shoes at zappos.com and endless.com.  Step into fashion with Venettini Shoes.  You wont be disappointed!

Wordless Wednesday

All Dressed Up

Eating Healthy and Breaking the Bank

I typically make a conscious effort to make relatively healthy meals for the boys.  From day one I had vowed that I would offer them as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I could.  They have developed a love for just about any fresh fruit except cantaloupe, and love just about any vegetables. But, the reality is that, eating healthy is expensive.

What I have found, is that it is getting increasingly difficult to buy fresh produce for us, without literally spending $60 to $100 per week in efforts to get fresh things to prepare. You would honestly think that the cost to buy fresh, would be a little more reasonable than buying all these processed foods. Something in this country is very backwards. If we made the healthier choices more accessible, I would think that insurance costs would go down (less cardiac disease, less diabetes, and cancers). If people had more incentive to eat fresher foods, the benefits to their health are enormous and it might save this nation some money and make insurance more affordable.

I personally think realistically, that we are too far gone in this world of “get it now and convenience” to truthfully go back. When it comes right down to brass tax, we want everything right now, in the fastest manner possible and eating fresher foods just simply requires more time and effort. As a Mom, this isn’t what’s always best but I am also hard pressed to save a buck. It is dizzying to see how many of us spend sometimes hours in the grocery store with stacks full of coupons to feed our families, but I can guarantee none of those coupons offer a dime off of fresh produce. It’s an admitted rush to leave the store with $200 worth of groceries for $100, even though it can live in our pantries for years, is it really all that healthy? It is no wonder why people are unhealthy, they can’t afford to eat whats actually good for them! One of my favorite places to shop is Whole Foods (I love love love this place!), but with the economy and money being tight, I can only make a trip there as a treat rather than a weekly visit.

I am all for indulgence and I certainly don’t deny my kids the occasional chips or cupcake and I even make dinners from a box, but I would love to have a coupon for lettuce, broccoli, and some of the things that their body actually needs. Local grocery stores should make these coupons available and I bet they would draw in more customers. Eating healthy should be rewarded not a financial burden.

Smuckers Uncrustables *Review*

I can remember when I was a kid and one of my most favorite meals was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chicken noodle soup.  I know this may sound a little quirky but I loved to actually dip my sandwich in the soup and I still do it to this day.  I was also the kid that always peeled of the crust on my sandwiches and both of my boys are the same way.

We are huge fans of Smucker’s Uncrustables, and when we were given the opportunity to try their new whole wheat sandwiches, I was happy to try this already great product but with the healthier choice of wheat bread.  This makes buying this classic even more appealing as a mom and the boys loved them and didn’t even notice the difference.  I love Uncrustables because you just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about twenty to thirty minutes and they are ready to eat.  They are so yummy, they have no crusts, and the bread that they use is so soft, just like it was freshly baked.  I find myself sneaking a few for myself and I love them with my favorite chicken noodle soup.   They are perfect for lunches, and even as an afternoon snack.

Each sandwich is low in sugar, about 10g for the strawberry and peanut butter on whole wheat, and  you would never know it because taste is definitely lacking in these perfectly round sandwiches.  They are perfect when you are on the go and you want the kids to get that little extra bit of protein and you want something you know they will eat.  I always keep a few of them on hand for trips to the park or when I know we are going to be out and about.  Smucker’s Uncrustables make a perfect snack for the kids and for big kids too!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Smucker’s Uncrustables and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

FLOR Fabulous Fall Flooring For Your Home *review and giveaway*

I love being able to have versatility in the products that I have in my home. If you are anything like me, I get the urge to do something different in just about any room in my house. I love to do simple changes that help to rejuvenate a room and sometimes you can literally turn it into a completely different space.  When it comes to carpeting, carpet tiles or rugs are one way in which you can spruce up a dated area in your home.

I first laid eyes on the FLOR flooring system when I was watching an episode of Trading Spaces. There are a million different things you can do with flooring when you are using carpet tiles from FLOR. They offer every color and texture you can imagine and the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your space. Even though the floor is beneath your feet, it is something you notice when you walk into a room. You can bring color into the room, or tone it down based on the type of carpet tiles you use.

We aren’t new to FLOR in this house, but each new rug from FLOR is still just as exciting as the first. We currently have FLOR  in our kitchen and entry way. We have hardwood floors, and FLOR is great for protecting them and adding a great design element. When I saw their new Fall line of carpet, I had a hard time deciding what to pick. They have so many great patterns that are rich in color and textures. We had the chance to try the  All Bark No Bite in Meadow. This particular pattern is an over sized, slightly raised hounds tooth pattern.  The color matches beautifully with the greens that I have in my home and it instantly changed the look of the foyer. The kids wanted to do somersaults on it and the dog quickly claimed it as her own.

The best part about FLOR is how easy it is to put together. I must warn you, that this process is extremely addicting and can lead to a new obsession. My husband offered to help me put this one together, but I told him to go away because I have so much fun putting FLOR tiles together. Each square goes together snugly and is held together by what I call “a  little circle of genius,” the FLOR Dot. The first time I used a Flor Dot I was a bit skeptical about what I called a sticker, holding these tiles together, but I was amazed at how great they do hold. You can actually move the entire rug around after your FLOR Dots are in place.  All you have to do is line up your tiles, and place FLOR Dots to hold them in place.  Each FLOR Dot is center marked on all four sides which makes placement a breeze. The process took me all of about 15 minutes and I had a beautiful new rug in my foyer. I love the subtle pattern in the All Bark No Bite rug and how nice it feels to walk on.

The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to FLOR. You can even make some pretty ambitious patterns from cutting and splicing various tiles together. So if you have a creative mind and floor to use it on, FLOR is ideal. It opens up so many more options than the same old boring flowery rugs in the store, or rugs that just don’t quite match. FLOR is one product that I absolutely stand behind because it is innovative, the designs are endless, and the prices are reasonable. Once you try it, you will never go back! Check out their newest additions for Fall.

**This product was provided to me by FLOR for review. The opinions expressed here are strictly that of my own.**

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

To celebrate FLOR’s New Fall line of flooring, they would like to offer one of DoubleBugs’ readers the chance to win a 5×7 FLOR rug (12 tiles) of choice (excluding Coir and Shaggy Sheep)!

Here’s What You Gotta Do

Do a little dance (just kidding!)  Visit FLOR and tell me what rug you would like to have and what room you would dress up with a new FLOR rug.

Additional Entries

Blog about this contest with one link to my site and one link to FLOR.com (5 additional entries gained.  Please leave a separate comment for each.

Tweet about this giveaway ( you can tweet once a day for one entry)

Add me to your Twitter

Add me to your technorati favorites

Subscribe to my blog

Contest Begins September 28, 2009 and Ends October 31, 2009

Winners Chosen via Random.org

Winner must respond within 48 hours

Good Luck!

« Previous Page — Next Page »