ZeroWater Filtration System Giveaway & Review

I'm very conscious of drinking water, a result of growing up in the country with a shallow well. It smelled and looked cloudy. I bet we had old pipes too. Life with well water can be down right dirty in fact plays into why I may not drank enough water growing up. 

Today living in the country we still have well water but, nothing like well water back then. I have never smelled a smell in this water but, I do have water phobia which results in boiling our water just to be sure. So we usually just buy bottle water for drinking. Still does either of these have TDS in the water?

What is TDS? Total Dissolved Solids is compounds in the water that can not be removed with a traditional filter. The ZeroWater System Ion Exchange Filter reduces Lead and Chromium by passing through a five layer filtering system. According to your initial water score and region map you can estimate the life of one filter but, should replace filter when water reads 006.

How did our water measure up with the Electronic Water Testing Meter? We had a score of 59 with our well water. I also tested the bottled water I had on hand and it had a score of 17. That means our filter should last for 25 to 40 gallons of water according to the chart. The water testing meter is laboratory grade and uses batteries.

Can I tell a difference in the water taste? very little, maybe since my TDS levels are not that high before. It tastes a little more fresh than before. The ZeroWater Pitcher design has pour feature and a convenient spout on the bottom. Pitcher as has a holder on the lid for the TDS meter. Fits in my refrigerator but, filter will need to be left at room temperature before passing water through. I like the look and design of the pitcher.


ZeroWater system does not remove microbiological contaminants from water, your water should be deemed safe by proper inspection before drinking it. Well water should be checked and after that is out of the way you can concentrate on measuring the TDS in your water.

What came with the ZeroWater System we received:
10 cup pitcher
Ion Exchange Filter
Electronic Water Testing Meter ($21 value)


Earth Day is Coming up and did you know that ZeroWater is the first major company to recycle gravity-fed filter cartridges from US Consumers. Plus when you recycle filters you get $10 coupon for ever two filters returned. If your planning to purchase the ZeroWater Pitcher http://shopping2.zerowater.com/10cuppitcher.aspx use this coupon code MC30, which will give you 30% off a 10 Cup ZeroWater pitcher. Follow ZeroWater on facebook to keep up with the latest news.


Thanks to our sponsors we have for giveaway for two lucky continental United States readers the ZeroWater pitcher.


Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ZeroWater and received a water pitcher to facilitate my review, two pitchers to giveaway, and extra filters to thank me for taking the time to participate.” That did not influence my opinions & all opinions are my own. Some photos from sponsor site and some of my own.

Channellock Holiday Review & Giveaway

You know as much as my husband loves a good tool, I also have a use for them. We both keep screwdrivers handy with all of the children toys that need battery changes and around the house fix ups. Channellock 13 'N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver is more than handy with 13 different tips all stored in the screwdriver itself. 

I know my husband will enjoy using the the ratcheting action in tight spaces. Comfort ratcheting handle simplifies the task at hand. The 13 'N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver will serve so many purposes here for both my husband and myself.

Features:
Ratcheting action for fast, easy two-way operation
28 tooth ratchet provides 225 inch lbs. of torque
Dual composition grip for comfort
13 different tips to fit any job
Convenient bit storage
Multiple bit load (1/4" Hex Shaft)

620L Professional Laser Level Would have saved so much time in the construction of my storage building. My husband went through showing me how un level my pictures are through the house. I told him now you can fix them:) Would be great not to hang our decorations even.

Features:
Accurate up to 1/4" at 100' and lasts up to 10,000 hours
Laser diode is Class IIa
Three 45-minute arc vials 0◦, 45◦, and 90◦
V-Groove design for pipe and conduit mounting
Three dimensionally hand designed and calibrated to be accurate on all planes
Powder coated for a more durable finish
All brass fittings to prevent rust
Easy to read graphics with inch scale
Waterproof and shock resistant
Full view vial top view
4 super strong rare earth magnets
Specs: 8.25"/ 209.55mm
My husband tends to to all our DIY projects, he is our auto mechanic, building projects, and so much more. Channellock is a trusted brand in my family and we can't wait to use Channellock tools with our projects.

Thanks to CHANNELLOCK one lucky US winner will win the 13 'N 1 ratcheting screwdriver ($33.54) and the 620L Professional Laser Level ($58.09.) Make sure to Follow Channellock on facebook to keep up with new products, the latest news, and more.

RULES: Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern December 23, 2011.
Open US winner. Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it.
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry *Visit CHANNELLOCK and tell me which tools you would like most like for your household.


*******EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking this post (5entries)

Follow @CHANNELLOCK on twitter http://bit.ly/hgg11twt (5 entries)

*Follow both on twitter & tweet " #Giveaway 13 'N 1 ratcheting screwdriver & 620L Professional Laser Level @CHANNELLOCK @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/UNiI9 12/23 #win #gift  " (1 daily)

*Follow me Google + (5 entries)

*Give this post a google+1 (5  entries)

*Give me a Klout +K (1 k per day, daily)

*Grab Holiday Gift Guide Button (5 entries)

*Share this giveaway on your Google + wall, leave link(5entries)

*Stumble Life Is A SandCastle blog. (5 entries)

*Subscribe to my blog by email. (5 entries)

*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- (3entries) for each you enter.

*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (5 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

"Disclosure: sample was received to conduct review and company/pr providing the giveaway. Some photos used from sponsors website. All opinions are my own.

Rayovac Roughneck L.E.D. Focus Control Flashlight Review & Giveaway

Can't count the endless number of things we need a flashlight for around our home and on the go. Emergency preparness for storm and loss of electricity is top on the list for good strong flashlight. Rayovac Roughneck is great for running out in the dark, home improvements, camping, and just shadow playtime with the children. I like specifically that it uses AA batteries, a cheaper battery, and recharable ones are common with this size.

We've had the opportunity to try the Rayovac Roughneck L.E.D. Focus Control Flashlight. Camping a weekend back displaying a wide range of light and then pulling in a direct beam to check our hot dogs. My sons are scared of the dark & made sure we keep the flashlight on.

The Rayovac Roughneck L.E.D. Focus Control Technical Details:

• High performance Cree LED lasts 100,000 hours and never needs replacing; 120 lumens
• Adjustable spot to flood focus beam with easy to use thumb switch; magnifier lens provides long range beam
• Features an ABS body, comfort rubber grip, and handy hanging ring for easy storage
• Runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries (included); run time 4 hours
• Withstands a 5 foot drop test; water resistant

Make sure to follow Rayovac on facebook to keep up with the latest promotions and new products. I know they keep events going all the time and you do not want to miss out. Also thanks to Rayovac for providing 2 Rayovac Roughneck L.E.D. Focus Control Flashlight for giveaway.

RULES: Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern December 23, 2011.
Open US. Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it.
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry *Visit Rayovac telling me another product you love.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking this post (5entries)

*Subscribe to Rayovac on youtube (5 entries)

*Follow both on twitter & tweet "#Giveaway @rayovac Roughneck L.E.D. Focus Control Flashlight @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/jYYNl 12/23 #contest #win " (1 daily)

*Give this post a google+1 (3 entries)

*Give me a Klout +K (1 k per day, daily 3entries)

*Subscribe to Rayovac Newsletter (5 entries)

*Follow me Google + (5 entries)

*Grab Holiday Gift Guide Button (5 entries)

*Share this giveaway on your Google + wall, leave link(5entries)

*Stumble Life Is A SandCastle blog. (5 entries)

*Subscribe to my blog by email. (5 entries)

*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.

*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (5 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

Disclosure: sample was received to conduct review and company/pr providing the giveaway. Some photos used from sponsors website. All opinions are my own.

Smart Step Home Collection Mats Giveaway & Review

Returning home to find the package on my porch and the kids bouncing around asking "Did you get us something?" I replied this is for mama. I couldn't wait to see the feel underneath my feet. I pulled my shoes off and stepped on the Smart Step Home Collection Mat , ah!! felt good after shopping all day.

The Smart Step Home Collection Mat would fit perfect between my stove and sink, I usually stand there the most. Preparing food, putting the dishes away, and cooking on the big counter top. I got the most use out of it on Thanksgiving Day so far. I'd love to have my floors covered in Smart Step Home therapeutic floor technology.

It's a big mind ease to walk and not worry about a slippery rug rolling up & tripping us and being extremely dangerous. Did you know the new Smart Step Home mat is decorative/embossed, has soothing comfort and support. Smart Step Home Collection Mat is budget friendly.

The Smart Step Home Collection features two different sizes 3 & 6 ft and four distinct colors. It is made from 100% polyurethane, and these unique anti-fatigue mats are medically proven to alleviate a range of aches & pains while decreasing foot, back and knee pressure.


* Easy to clean
* Will always lay flat
* Stain, heat, puncture resistant
* No-trip beveled edge
* Bacteria resistant
* Safe & non-toxic (no PVC's or BPA's )
* Non-slip top & bottom
* 7-Year Warranty!

Home Smart Step Home Collection Mats Facebook Page has just got up and running. It would be great if you could stop by, follow, and show some love and keep up to date information. Thanks to Smart Step one readers will win a Smart Step Home Collection 3' Mat. 

RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern December 16, 2011
Open US winner has 5 days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it .
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.


Mandatory Entry * Visit Smart Step Home and let me know which other item you like.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking to this post (5entries)

* What color would you choose?

*What's your favorite feature?

*Follow @SmartStepHome on twitter (5entries)

*Follow @lifesandcastle on twitter (5entries)

* Follow both on twitter & tweet " #giveaway Smart Step Home Collection 3' Mat @SmartStepHome @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/AWVjw #win 12/16" (1 daily)

*Follow me Google + (5 entries)

*Give this post a google+1 (1 entry)

*Give me a Klout +K (1 k per day, daily)

*Grab Holiday Gift Guide Button (3 entries)

*Stumble Life Is A SandCastle blog.

*Subscribe to my blog by email (confirmed). (5 entries)

*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.

*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

Disclosure: Review & Giveaway product was provided by company or PR for me to provide my opinion. All opinions are my own. Some photo and info from sponsors site.

Are you ready for Daylight Savings? From UL

Heads up - Daylight Savings Time officially ends Saturday, November 5, 2011!

While you're turning your clocks back, there are a few other important things you can do to help keep your family safe:

• Replace your Smoke Detector battery
• Replace your CO Detector battery
• Replace your 100-watt light bulbs with LED bulbs (in just a few months, 100-watt bulbs will be gone)

Make sure you have the latest information on how to help keep your family safe by clicking here to Commit a Minute to Safety! Once you've changed your batteries, check that the detectors work and your family knows what they sound like. Then, Commit a Minute to Safety and help us spread the word by forwarding this message to your friends and family.

Disclosure: All information shared on behalf of UL- just sharing

Duck Brand Products + Jack-o-Lantern Contest

I use Duck Tape all the time and even more now since I have little ones. There are more things to repair, more arts & crafts to do, school projects, and more cool Duck Products to use:) Have you seen the printed designs & team inspired Duck Tape? I was totally inspired at all the creative uses for Duct Tape at their website. Some people have such great talent creating with Duck Tape and I was blown away at the Prom Dresses made from Duck Tape. You must see!!

This year we've used Duck Brand Products & Duct Tape to hold together a Halloween Costume, on a school project, hanging kids art work, and we tried the Printed Duck^® Brand Duct Tape - Skulls refreshing an old bike. Totally my 4 year old son being creative and it turned really great making my 2 yr old smile big. Be sure to check back and see my oldest son's costume in a couple of days. We used Duck Brand Products for it:) visit it here Halloween 2011.

This time of the year we begin to prepare our homes inside and out for winter and Duck brand weatherization products are there to help. No one wants to be left with a busted pipe in the freezing weather, that is why I suggest Foam Pipe Insulation and Easy Slide Tight Faucet Cover both are easy to install and affordable. Pipe Insulation opens on one side and slides conveniently on to pipe and peel a way and seal insulation together. 

As you probably already know Duck Tape has great products for painting, shelf liners, and Mailing, Moving & Storage, wrapping up those Christmas gifts. Did you know that you can visit Duck Tape right now and enter for a chance to win the $1,000 First Prize in the 2011 Stick or Treat™ Duct Tape Jack-o-Lantern Contest.  Ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET, November 1, 2011.

Follow The Duck Brand on Facebook

Twitter @theduckbrand

Youtube @ http://www.youtube.com/user/theduckbrand

http://www.duckbrand.com/

Disclosure: Duck Brand sent me samples to review in order to share my opinions. No other compensation was received.

AJ Madison Hoover SteamVac Appliance Review

People you speak to at a company makes an impression on you and employees represent companies. I've spoken with 3 employees of AJ Madison and the impression I received from them was Hardworking, Courtesy, and Knowledge of the company and their products. Each was a pleasure to communicate with via twitter, phone, and email. I helped with a giveaway back in July, one of my readers won a Weber Grill courtesy of AJ Madison, and I had the opportunity to review the Hoover SteamVac Series F5912900.

Back in the days before I had children I didn't have to use a carpet cleaner but, once a month. I found with 2 little boys making messes I have to use it more frequently now. Cleaning up little spills and messes they make and regular cleaning. For the past two weeks, I've had sick children, part of the back to school season. I've been hard at work cleaning the germs away in our home. I have to say having carpet can be a magnet with sick & non sick children with out getting too graphic. Thanks to AJ Madison the clean up task is simplified with the Hoover SteamVac Series F5912900. A must have for a carpeted home, bare floors, and upholstery care as you can see from the photo below why...

Now more information on the Hoover SteamVac, I'm not great at assembling products so my husband handled that part. It comes in pieces and requires assembly, according to my husband it was easy to put together, and didn't take him long. He had plenty of help with our son. I took some pics during the process.

The time came to try it out. First it has two tanks, easy carry handle for one on top for clean hot tap water and one on the bottom to suck the dirty water back up. I've used other carpet cleaners but, this one had a better spray that covered the area. The spin brush were better picking up dirty water than my old rolling brush cleaner and my floors dry much more quickly. I used less water cleaning with this model than my older steam vac. That meant I could keep going with less refilling the tank with water and solution. I also like the nice big filter on the recovery tank. My carpet looked renewed and my house felt so much more cleaner. This model has 3 speed settings to be used on bare floors and carpet with an surge button for heavily soiled areas spot treatments. To get in to the smaller spaces you can use the hose and attachment tools stored on the steamvac. I would always suggest get a steam cleaner with hose and attachments you will use them more than you think.

Hoover SteamVac Series F5912900 TurboPower Steam Carpet Cleaner with SpinScrub Brushes, 3-Speed Brushroll Control, Tool Mode, Removable Brushes, Heated Drying and Dual Tanks

Features:
SteamVac SpinScrub Features
SpinScrub Multiple Rotating Brush System
Heated Cleaning - Applies heat directly to the floor
Removable Rotating Brushes for quick rinse cleaning
Fingertip Clean Surge function for spot removal and heavy traffic areas
Two separate translucent tanks to keep clean solution and dirty water separate
No belts to change, break, or replace
SpinScrub Powered hand tool for cleaning stairs & upholstery
12 AMP motor
Full One Year Warranty

Get ready for back to school & fall cleaning with the Hoover SteamVac from AJ Madison. I recommend this product and this company. Discover all the great indoor and outdoor appliances at http://www.ajmadison.com 

Keep up with all AJ Madison tweets @AJMadison

Fan the facebook page of  AJ Madison 

Follow AJ Madison You Tube

Disclosure: Company or PR provided me with complimentary product for trial. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.