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Top 5 Reasons You Should Use a Water Softener

For many of us, hard water is simply a fact of life. Most tap water contains minerals from when it was pumped from the ground, and the combination of these minerals is what makes water hard. Hard water is why you may prefer the taste of bottled water and see limescale and muck in your taps. Water softeners are one way to get rid of the problems that hard water causes. Read on to find out 5 reasons why you should use a water softener.


1. Easier Cleaning

One of the big problems with hard water is that the extra minerals present will often prevent your water to be as effective when you use it in cleaning. Dishes, pots, and pans will often have white soap residue, since hard water doesn’t wash soap off your dishes as effectively. Having a water softener means that your clothes and dishes will be cleaner overall. In addition, since soft water is more effective, you will need less water when doing the dishes and therefore have a lower water bill in the long one.

2. Better For Your Body

This more effective cleaning carries over to the shower as well. Hard water can cause your shampoo and body wash to leave a thin film of soap no matter how long you scrub. In addition, minerals like calcium and magnesium can clog your pores, cause irritated and dry skin, and even strip the top layer off your hair follicles. Bathing in hard water can lead to acne as well. In addition, using hard water in cooking and when drinking from the tap can cause health problems if the water includes certain minerals. Using a water softener will be better for your body no matter what way you look at it.


3. Better Appliance Life

The minerals in hard water don’t just build up on your skin or in your taps. They can also cause clogging, blockages, and inefficiencies in appliances that use water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. The mineral buildup caused by hard water can also mean horrible water pressure, which is one of the leading causes of water appliance burnout. This is because the machine will try to compensate for the lack of water and end up burning out its motor. Getting a water softener will mean a better appliance life and more efficient appliances.

4. Better Water Heating

Another consequence of better and more efficient appliances is better water heating as well. Soft water is also chemically easier to heat than hard water. This holds true whether you have an electric or a gas water heater. In addition, hard water can easily cause mineral buildup in water heaters. This causes poor water pressure in the water heater itself, which makes the heating of the water less efficient. A water softener will make it so you can save water by not having to heat up your shower in advance and can allow you to use more heat-intensive appliances.

5. Less Pipe and Faucet Damage

In addition to the previously stated problems with mineral residue, the minerals that hard water leaves behind can lead to serious pipe and faucet damage. The lime or scale deposits that make your taps look gross will build up over time. This makes it so that clogs are more likely and pipes can become corroded. In addition, the buildup inside of your pipes and finishings can be very annoying when it happens to showerheads and valves. It will lead to poor water pressure and other annoyances. If you get a water softener, you won’t have to contend with mineral buildup in your pipes and faucets.
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Why Now Is The Best Time To Refinance Your Home + Tackle Those Home Renovation Projects

To say this year has been a wild one is quite an understatement! Many of us have been spending days on end at home trying to work, do virtual learning, and keeping ourselves safe and healthy. One of the things we have been doing is tackling projects around our house. For the most part, they have been small things like replacing old door knobs, purging closets, and cleaning out the yard and storage rooms. It's been wonderful having all hands on deck to help with these tasks. It's a great feeling when your home is organized and clutter-free


We do have some big projects and wishlist things that we would love to get done that definitely carry a larger price tag. Our home is very old, so we want to do some updates on the inside like kitchen counters and cabinets, as well as remodeling our master bath. We did some research and saw that mortgage rates are pretty low right now so we figured a refinance with some cash out would be the way to get those renovations done. We quickly realized that we haven't done a refi in over 10 years, and definitely needed to lower our interest rate and have a smaller monthly payment


We have been doing some virtual shopping for what type of counter tops we want, as well as cabinet finishes. I am beyond ready to trade out our 70s look for something modern. I know that all-white-everything trend has been very popular, but I am really thinking about going slightly more traditional with darker cabinets and white counter tops or even the opposite. Our kitchen is small, so it is imperative that we choose the right colors so it doesn't look or feel smaller. Since this project will be the most expensive, we will have to really sleep on it so we make the best decision for our household. 

While we think about what we want to do with the kitchen, we already know what we want to do with our master bathroom. We plan to remove the old tub and replace it with a shower only. We aren't bath people, so why even have it? My husband doesn't know it yet, but I also want to get some fancy wallpaper for our bedroom to do an accent wall behind our bed. I feel like we can do it ourselves, but he will probably wonder what's wrong with how it looks now. Men don't really care like that. HA! 

I am definitely looking forward to some modern updates in the upcoming year. Since it looks like we will be staying at home for an unknown amount of time, we might as well fix things up so we can enjoy it. Have you done any home renovations or updates this year? 

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DIY Home Ideas for Summer 2020

It’s time to get your house in order and ready to enjoy the summer weather. Skip the long construction projects and take advantage of some easy DIY ideas to upgrade your home this summer. 
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The Garage 

The summer is a great time to reinvent areas of your house. What better place to begin than with your garage? Besides a home for your car, your garage is an excellent spot for storage, an enclosed terrace, and even an extra room for entertaining. To help you take advantage of this space, install your own DIY garage screen door, add a few planters and perhaps even a DIY bar. With a screen door in your garage, you can enjoy the summer in the shade, and without the bugs. These doors are relatively easy to install and allow you to open up a whole new room for the season. 

The Sun Room 

When the summer hits, finding the perfect spot to read and relax is always a priority. No matter the space you have, you can create your summer oasis at home. Start by looking at the area and thinking about how you want to utilize it. If you are looking to create a place to relax during the day, you may want to line the area with lush plants and rich colors. For those looking for an evening hangout, a DIY fire-pit creates the ultimate hangout spot to unwind with friends after a hot summer day. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to add some lights so day or night your oasis is ready for you.
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The Restroom 

You may not think about your bathroom in the summer, but whether you are rinsing from a day in the pool or after working in the hot sun, you end up spending more time than you realize in your bathroom. This summer, take the time to invest in creating a sanctuary for you to relax from the heat of the day. To help you get on some of the summer's hottest trends, consider adding bold colors and patterns to give your bathroom a fresh look. Don't forget to add plenty of storage space, so everything you need is available without ever having to leave the room.
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The Kitchen 

During the summer, your menu changes to match the season. As you steer away from hot hearty dishes, you want your kitchen to reflect this switch in dining. Follow some DIY kitchen ideas to help you get the room ready to prepare the best meals possible. Before you get started with any big changes, take the time to update your storage and organization. Then, think about the small touches you can add to brighten up the room. Whether adding a splash of color as a backdrop or accessorizing the counter, there are tons of unique ideas you can do to make it summer-ready. 

No matter how you update your house, make sure it reflects your personality. Keep in mind where you will spend the most time, and enjoy your home this summer.

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Projects We Tackled In 2019

This past year seems to have gone by so quickly and makes me take time to reflect on things that we accomplished in our household, as well as plan for the upcoming new year. We decided on buying a lot less stuff in 2019, and donated a lot of things that were no longer serving us in a positive way. We made a list of household projects that we wanted to get done, and thankfully we were able to check off those boxes!

Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash
We started out with some plumbing repairs which we still have another part to complete. Thankfully we replaced our ancient water heater with a brand new one and got some re-piping done. The plumbing job then led to a bathroom remodel in our hallway bath. We experienced some mishaps during the process, but it’s done and we are planning on the downstairs bathroom remodel. We will take all of the lessons we learned from the first one into the second project.
Rocco is enjoying our cozy new carpet
Another big project that we got done was having our upstairs carpeting replaced. We did our research at a local place that was highly recommended and we couldn’t be happier! It was so nice entertaining over the Thanksgiving holiday with a refreshed-looking home. I really think we will get a new dining room set early next year to replace our 15-year-old set. I was reading an article earlier this year that talked about having a custom table made or refurbished, and then purchasing chairs for your dining table. That might not be a bad idea since our actual table isn’t in bad condition. The chairs aren’t the most comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. It might look nice if we got our table professionally refinished. Then we can spend our time looking for chairs that will suit our taste and needs.

Speaking of dining room, we got a quote for new flooring for the kitchen and dining areas. We just have to come up with what type and finish of flooring we want to go with. I am leaning towards the higher quality vinyl that looks like hardwoods. We have old vinyl now and the thing I like about it is that it’s easy to clean, and if you accidentally drop a cup or plate, it doesn't always break like it would on a hard tile floor. Decisions, decisions.

A couple more things that we also got done was getting our landing replaced at our front door. The wooden planks were getting rickety, so we had them all ripped out and replaced. We just have to get the wood stained once the weather gets warmer. For now we have to look at a two-toned deck, but that's okay. I also got a brand new washing machine to replace my 23-year-old one. Yes, we had it for 23 YEARS! Although my new machine is pretty and modern, I actually miss how the old school type works. Go figure!

I think that we will focus on one new project per quarter as our budget allows. Planning everything out ahead of time has really made it so much easier to get the projects set up and completed. We were super lucky to find good people who offer reasonable prices. Hopefully they will be able to get us on their schedule. Do you have any big home renovations or projects planned for the new year?

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Things We Are Learning About Plumbing And Bathroom Renovations

You may recall from a few months ago that I wrote about some issues that popped up in our house concerning some plumbing leaks. It turned out that every time we got one thing fixed, another leak would pop up. To say that having water issues is stressful is quite an understatement. We had our plumber come through to assess our situation, and his quote was astronomical. Thankfully my husband remembered that our AC guy also installs water heaters and offers plumbing services.
Photo by Sam Hetterich on Unsplash.
Our water heater installation including re-piping, and some other minor repairs came in at $500 less than what the plumber was charging. We couldn't believe how much more that initial quote was for LESS work. So lesson #1 is no matter how much you trust someone to do the job, it's okay to shop around.

We had to have one of the bathrooms gutted so that the pipes could be exposed to pinpoint more leaks. There was so much debris and trash involved after the demolition process. Thankfully our job was a lot smaller than most, otherwise we would have to research dumpster rental prices. We also had half of another bathroom demoed, so we have a lot to get replaced and repaired.

It's way too expensive to do it all in one shot, so we have been buying items like tile, paint, drywall, faucets, and light fixtures and storing them in our utility storage room. We will wait until we have the work scheduled to arrange for getting the big items like tub, vanity, and toilet delivered. While it's inconvenient to not have the full use of 2 out of 3 bathrooms, it could definitely be worse. We are going to get one bathroom completely done before we move onto the next. We are all trying to stay positive and patient throughout this process.

Have you done any similar renovations recently? Please tell me what you did to not lose your mind. HA! Thanks for stopping by today.
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A Vintage Find From Behind The Bath Tub

We are currently undergoing some plumbing work, and bathroom renovations in our home. Our bathrooms have most of the original fixtures, so it seems like everything is breaking or coming apart at once. We had our contractor come over to remove one of the shower/bath tub inserts from the hallway bathroom, so the pipes could be exposed for our plumber to do his inspection.

The good news is that after close to 40 years of having that shower insert installed, the inner walls look pretty darn good. The bad part is we have to get our old copper pipes replaced with PVC pipes as well as fix multiple leaks. It's been so stressful, but our plumber is going to work things out where we won't have to do everything at once.

The interesting thing that was discovered once the shower insert was removed was a vintage Pepsi bottle from the 1970's. It had a thick coating of dust on the outside, and a little leftover Pepsi inside as well. I envisioned one the original home builders taking a quick break when the tub insert was being brought in for installation. He probably put his Pepsi bottle down and forgot all about it.


After soaking the bottle in hot water and dish soap, it came out looking clean and sparkly.

It would have been so cool if the cap was next to the bottle. Although this bottle might not be worth much, we still found it pretty cool to find something from so long ago. Who knows what else can be hiding behind these old walls.

Have you ever discovered any hidden treasures during a renovation?
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NEW Softsoap Fragrant Foaming Collection Hand Soap Line (Giveaway)

CLOSED- Winner is Jacqueline A.- Congratulations! 

Softsoap has been a household brand name for many years. The brand has grown so much and offers a wide variety of products for bath and body. Their latest products are the Fragrant Foaming Collection Hand Soap line. What makes this line different from the others is the elegant bottle design and luxurious feel and fragrance. The scents include:
  • Jasmine and White Cotton: Impress your guests with the fresh scent of Jasmine and White Cotton. Its airy aroma makes every hand wash sparkle, while lush foam gently purifies the skin. 
  • Whipped Cocoa Butter: Pamper your skin with the rich foaming lather infused with real cocoa butter extracts. The decadent scent of Whipped Cocoa Butter makes every hand wash a treat.
  • Kitchen Citrus Bliss: Awaken your senses and brighten your home with the crisp, sun-drenched scent of Kitchen Citrus Bliss. Its vibrant aroma invigorates every hand wash, while lush foam gently cleans and soothes skin.

These hand soaps are perfect to place in guest bathrooms, your kitchen or any where you have a sink. It's always nice to enjoy your hand-washing experience in my opinion. I love the pretty bottles. These hand soaps are just as good as the high-end boutique brands I have tried for a fraction of the price! I don't think I can pick a favorite scent, because they are all amazing. I think these hand soaps would make a great addition to your home or office and even make a nice little gift. I can see adding this to a housewarming basket or even for a teacher, coworker or neighbor gift. I know I would LOVE it if someone gave it to me.

Stay connected to Softsoap on the web and on Facebook for updates on the latest products and promotions.

How would you like to try the NEW Softsoap Fragrant Foaming Collection Hand Soap Line for yourself? Enter below: 
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on August 31, 2015. One winner will be contacted via email to claim prize. Be sure to follow all rules in Rafflecopter widget for all entries to count. Good luck! 
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Tips on making your shower more inviting with Mira Showers

Whether it is how you start your day or end it, a shower is a very important part of the day. There is nothing like the peace and tranquility you get from a shower. It is also a great place to think and relax. Honestly, without my daily shower (or two) I might never get time to relax. It is my escape and probably the only real "me time" I get each day. Picking the right shower fixture is important. Showers from Mira Showers offers a great range of shower fixtures that are sure to suit your needs and price range. I have my eye on the Mira Adept BRD below.
It combines a stylish, integrated look with great performance to deliver a perfect showering experience from two showerheads -ideal for your bathroom. Did someone say two showerheads? I am totally into that idea! 

Additional features of this showerhead include:

- Thermostatic temperature stability keeps showering safe for all the family
- Separate temperature and flow controls to fine tune your perfect shower
- Magni-flo™ gives up to 3 times more flow than similar mixer showers even at low pressure
- Divert between the overhead and hand held shower or have both heads on at once, even at low pressure
- Single mode 90mm showerhead with a 200mm deluge head for an unbeatable showering experience – both with rub clean nozzles for easy limescale removal
- Compatible with patented Mira Adept plug-in accessories for ultimate flexibility – a world first!
- Works on all systems and pressures

I think this model from Mira Showers sounds like what I would want in my bathroom shower! The website has many great features to help with selecting the right fixture for your shower. I can't believe how many choices they have listed. I think the hardest part would be deciding on just one! My husband took a peek at the shower enclosures and is currently measuring our bathroom! Looks like a future bathroom makeover is in the works. 

I noticed they have Digital Showers. I honestly never knew there was such a thing! The shower control and the water mixer have digital intelligence built-in. Digital mixer showers take water from both the hot and cold water supplies. They mix the hot and cold water to accurately reach the desired temperature. You can choose a pumped or high pressure version. Digital showers are ideal for homes with a plentiful supply of hot water. 

Okay, that's it, I am ready for a new shower makeover! 
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A safe product for your home | CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes

I received a container of CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes to test out in my home. I love to clean and although I use a variety of products, I am very particular about what I use to clean specific things around my home. One thing I take extra care with is my son's activity table... and by activity, I mean he uses it to color on, paint, eat, drink and everything in between. I am always so careful about washing it down a couple times a day and making sure it is rinsed and dried before I allow any food items on it.
The great thing about CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes is that they kill over 99.9% of germs, kills cold and flu viruses* and get this... there is no rinsing or wiping required even on food contact surfaces and children’s toys. This is good news for me since I am so nervous about using something harmful around my little guy's stuff. It has a thyme-based formula and deodorizes really well. Unlike other household wipes, you are not required to have to wash your hands after use. I have been using them to clean off his toys and it has made my life so much easier. 

I hope to find these wipes in a larger size so that I can always have them handy around the house. I would have loved to have these when we went on our recent beach trip. They would have given me great peace of mind. I look forward to trying out the spray cleaners too. You can find their products at Whole Foods, Amazon.com and Vine.com..

Stay connected with the CleanWell family of products on the web, Facebook and Twitter

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Soft Scrub Mold & Mildew Stain Remover {Review & Giveaway}

I received a bottle of one of the newest products from the Soft Scrub family called Soft Scrub Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Gel Cleaner. It is made for tile, grout, showers and bath tubs.
The gel formula is made to cling to surfaces to penetrate and remove though stains without any harsh fumes or overspray. I actually really like how it sprays. It is thick enough to cling but thin enough to spray easily. 
It does not have those harsh bleach fumes like most mold and mildew removing cleaners. This makes for a much more pleasant cleaning experience. I like using the stream spray to pinpoint those small cracks that mildew likes to grow in the bathroom. It leaves behind a bright clean that makes me happy.

Would you like to try this cleaner out for yourself? 3 Momfiles readers will win a coupon each good for one FREE bottle of Soft Scrub cleaner. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on May 13, 2013. Three winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize. Please leave a valid email address in the event you are selected as a winner. Please follow giveaway rules or all entries will be disqualified. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received a FREE product for review purposes. All opinions are as always, completely my own. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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New Soft Scrub Advanced Surface, a better way to clean premium surfaces (Review & Giveaway)

Do you have premium surfaces in your home like granite, stainless steel, marble or a glass cooktop? If you do, you have to check out the newest cleaning product from Soft Scrub called Advanced Surface. It is a clear gel that is formulated for all of your premium surfaces and is so easy to use.
It has a no-rinse formula that leaves no residue and easily gets rid of grease and grime. I put it to the test in my stainless steel sink and it left nothing but a fresh scent and sparkling shine. All you have to do is apply it with a sponge, cloth or paper towel. Although I don't have granite counter tops or a glass cooktop, it still worked very well on my traditional stove and counters. I really like the fact that if I am crunched for time, I can still have clean surfaces without having to rinse.

How would you like to try out the new Soft Scrub Advanced Surface cleaner? I am giving away a coupon for one FREE bottle to 3 lucky readers. Enter below...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 1, 2013. Three winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Soft Scrub provided a free product sample in exchange for a review. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Shelly, Mom Files
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