Review and Giveaway: Purex Crystals ScentSplash

I love working with Purex as a Purex Insider....  They let me try out their new products, but best of all I get to give some away to you guys!

This time I got to try out Purex Crystals ScentSplash, an in-wash fragrance booster.  I've used the Purex Crystals for a few years now and we really like them, but I was looking forward to trying it in a liquid form! They are specially designed for use in both traditional and high-efficiency (HE) washers. Just add them directly into the washer with laundry before you start the wash.

It's super easy to use....just measure it using the lid on the bottle, and if you want a light scent just throw a little liquid freshness right into your washer, if you want a stronger scent use more! As I ran the first load I could smell the fresh laundry running right away as I made lunch upstairs!

This new fragrance product is currently available in 3 scents:

• Fresh Spring Waters – Wade into cool, enchanting waters and give your laundry an incredible just-washed freshness that lasts for months.
• Fresh Lavender Blossom – Wander through colorful, sun-lit fields of lavender and give your laundry an incredible just-washed freshness that lasts for months.
• Fresh Mountain Breeze – Capture the exhilarating moment of a crisp, fresh breeze and give your laundry an incredible just-washed freshness that lasts for months.

Here's what I thought of it....love the cute little bottle, and pretty packaging - I love making something boring like laundry fun and attractive! I was given "Fresh Spring Waters" to try out, which wasn't my favorite scent personally, but from lots of experience with other Purex products I know that I'd love one of the other ones available!  I was only able to run a couple of loads with it because our washer broke (great timing, right??), so I don't know how long lasting it is yet, but it claims to last for months which is nice to have a fresh scent to counter some of the kid stink we have around here with a full house! =)

{pictured here with my homemade laundry detergent}

Now for the fun part! Time for you to enter to win a FREE product coupon for Purex Crystals ScentSplash that you can take to your local store and pick up a FREE bottle to try!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



*The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals ScentSplash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions here are my own.

Review & Giveaway: Purex No Sort for Colors Laundry Detergent

I've been using my homemade laundry detergent for a couple years now, but Purex is my favorite detergent at the store and as a Purex Insider I get to try out and share the new products Purex rolls out - which I love!  Purex Baby and Purex Crystals are a couple of my favorites!!  Now, they have a new detergent to help simplify your laundry routine - and who doesn't need that??  It allows you to stop sorting clothes, by trapping loose dyes and reducing color bleeding accidents in your mixed color loads! 

Every once in a while I have a half a load of lights and half a load of darks left....I'd love to finish the laundry but am a little nervous to run them together.  I thought I'd give this detergent a little test, so the first load I tried this on, I put light beige sheets and dark stinky (toddler/baby...ugh!) clothes together.  I'm not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive because the boys had a lot of really dark blue in that pile.  But I took it out of the washer, and not only did it work great on the baby pee-pants smell, but I didn't notice any bleeding stains at all!  Now I'll have no excuse not to finish the laundry since it can all go in together!  ....umm, wait a minute...

Seriously....a navy blue baby outfit, dark purple pillowcase, 
beige sheets and white leggings -- all in the same load with no color bleeding at all!

*They do say it's not a miracle worker though, lol, so if you have new or strongly colored pieces of clothing (like jeans or reds...) it's recommended to do those first on their own a few times.


Now, onto my favorite part...a giveaway for you!!  Sign up here to win a FREE bottle of Purex No Sort for Colors detergent!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex No Sort for Colors detergent in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

FREE Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent (mail-in rebate)

I stumbled upon a Try Me Free rebate when grocery shopping that I'm sure you all would like to know about.  I love my homemade laundry detergent (and just made a huge batch this week), but I'll take this for FREE in a heartbeat!

Buy 2 Arm and Hammer baking soda products and you get an Arm and Hammer liquid laundry detergent for FREE! (up to $5)  After you purchase your three items, go to the Arm & Hammer website for details and rebate form.


*Valid on purchases through 2/15/14.

Winners Announced for the Purex Baby Laundry Detergent!

The giveaway of the Purex Baby laundry detergent has ended, so it's time to pick the winners!

My 3-year-old, Lucas, helped me out this morning.....*drumroll*

Congratulations to Julie L., Jamie B., and Angie B.!!  Emails have been sent and I'll be mailing your coupons right out!


(If you want to know what I thought of the new Purex Baby detergent, check out my review here)

Purex Baby Laundry Detergent - Review and Giveaway!

{Levi was very interested, lol!  *he's gotten so much bigger since this picture!}

*This giveaway has ended, and you can see the winners here!

I was really excited to be able to review Purex Baby - Purex's new laundry detergent for infant.  I already like the Purex line, so I was more than happy when they sent me a bottle to try on our little Levi's clothes, and 3 FREE bottles to give away to you too!  =)

Very funny timing since it was just after I asked you for your favorite tips for getting out baby stains on the Super Savings Facebook page!
*By the way, my best tip is to wash it out right away! Whatever pre-treater or detergent you use, if you've rinsed/washed it out as soon as you can after the stain has happened, you'll have much better luck getting it completely out!

I first noticed the scent was very light and fresh - not overwhelming and perfumey.  I've used a "free and clear" detergent for quite a while, since I broke out in hives because of Tide, so I'm always a little cautious when it comes to scented detergents. This one is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested and I like that it's gentle on sensitive baby skin.

I used it on laundry for the whole family, and we really liked it -- the scent was good for all of us, it worked great at getting out all the messes (and with our crew of 8, we know how to test it, lol! ....food, dirt, and mystery stains from the older kids, baby stains from Levi...), and it was perfectly gentle for my allergy-prone skin, as well as Levi's brand new birthday suit.

Bottom line: I really liked it, and I would buy it again!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Baby detergent in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are mine.

FREE 8-load Bottle of Method Laundry Detergent! (Facebook offer)

Hurry over to Facebook to request a FREE 8-load Method Laundry Detergent Bottle. Let us know if you get one!


*Free method® laundry detergent 8-load bottle samples are limited so please sign up quickly. Limit one sample per household. Must be 18 years of age and older or age of legal majority in your state at the time of registration. Offer limited to the United States and Canada and expires 2/1/2013 or while supplies last. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

(thanks Money Saving Mom!)

Purex Laundry Detergent as low as .69¢ at Walgreens TODAY! Or .99¢ through 9/1!

Here's a super savings on Purex laundry detergent at Walgreens this week!  The first scenario is good today only (8/29), and the 2nd is good through the week!

     {{Deal Scenario - Walgreens 8/29 Only}}
Purex 2x Laundry detergent (33 loads) - $1.99
- 15% off Walgreens printable coupon (valid 8/29 only)
- $1/1 Purex printable coupon (watch video, request sample of detergent - not UltraPacks, then select coupon)
= .69¢ each!



     {{Deal Scenario - Walgreens through Sept. 1st}}
Purex 2x Laundry detergent (33 loads) - $1.99
- $1/1 Purex printable coupon (watch video, request sample of detergent - not UltraPacks, then select coupon)
= .99¢ each!

(thanks Mojo Savings!)

Easy DIY Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe!

A big pile of laundry was waiting for me today, but when I went to start the first load I discovered that one of the kids had used the last of the laundry soap.  "Make laundry detergent" was on my to-do list for a few weeks, but I had been putting it off -- so now was as good a time as any!

I usually use All Free and Clear, but the first time I made this I was thoroughly impressed!  It's so easy to make and extremely cheap -- about 1¢ a load (from cost breakdowns I've seen on other websites) -- compared to Tide at about 19-20¢/load from what I see on the Walmart website!

My toddler "helped me" test out the first load by wetting the bed -- "pee sheets" are some of the worst laundry loads I think.  It took out the smell beautifully and they smelled fresh and clean with just one regular cycle - no soaking or anything!  I was instantly won over.  =)


So this morning I got my supplies and helper together and whipped up another batch! 

The basic recipe:

• 1 c. Borax
• 1 c. Washing Soda (not the same as baking soda!)
• 1 bar soap, shredded (many recipes use Fels Naptha, but I've heard that it really doesn't matter, so I picked one that smelled great and was on sale)

I also added these optional ingredients:

• 1 c. Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 c. Purex Crystals (they smell amazing and soften your laundry without oil - so it doesn't ruin the wicking ability of towels and exercise apparel)

I shredded the bar of soap into a bowl with a microplane, then Emma helped me add the rest of the ingredients.
(Since then, I've also shredded it in a food processor after drying the bar on the counter for a few days.  Or if you use Ivory, you can try this cool trick in the microwave instead of shredding!)

I stirred it all together and then put it into the now empty Purex Crystals container.

I was going to use a pretty glass jar, but I thought the plastic bottle might be safer for the kids to use.

• I use 1 Tablespoon per load -- but if you have a really grubby load, you could go crazy and use 2 Tbs. for only 2¢!  ;)  (it may seem strange at first to use so little, but it has no fillers - only what it needs to do the job)
• It's important to note that this does not get sudsy -- commercial detergents have things added to make them get bubbly and "look" like they're working, but it's not the bubbles that do the cleaning 
• From my research, I've found that this works great and safely in HE (high efficiency) machines because it doesn't suds up
• I found the ingredients in the laundry aisle at WalMart (but if you want them shipped to you, I've included links to the products above to be able to buy them online also)

Pin it, share it, and let me know how you like it!   =)

FREE Purex UltraPacks Laundry Detergent Sample!

Get a FREE sample of Purex UltraPacks - these are SO handy for the kids to help with laundry!

*By mail. While supplies last. Limit (1) sample per household. Samples are only available to consumers in the United States. Please allow up to four weeks for your free sample to arrive in your mailbox.

(thanks Money Saving Mom!)



You may also be interested in:
"2 Minutes to Extend the Life of Your Dryer - and Save Money on Your Utility Bills!"

FREE Purex UltraPacks Laundry Detergent Sample!

Get a FREE Purex UltraPacks sample!  I already love Purex, but now that the older 3 are doing their own laundry, I'm really loving these pre-measured laundry detergent packs!
While you're there, also get a sample of Revitalens, Purina Beneful, and Metamucil!

*By mail. While supplies last. Limit (1) sample per household. Samples are only available to consumers in the United States. Please allow up to four weeks for your free sample to arrive in your mailbox.


(thanks Money Saving Mom!)

2 Minutes to Extend the Life of Your Dryer -- and Save Money on Utility Bills Too!

{these are not mine.....but a girl can dream right?}

I recently found this great pin on Pinterest called "17 Tips to Make Your Life Easier".  I was immediately interested and pinned it to check it out another day.  I finally got around to reading it and there were some great money and time saving nuggets in there!!

One of them was to make sure your clean your dryer's lint filter because dryer sheets create a waxy build-up and prevent the lint screen from working as well.  It keeps the damp air from escaping the dryer so it's less efficient.....running longer and using more energy/gas....which means more money out of your pocket!  AND, it can cause the heating unit to burn out, sending your dryer to appliance heaven....or even worse -- cause a fire!

{before washing the screen}

I thought I'd check this out on my own lint screen and it worked great!  When I first ran water onto the screen, it pooled and drained slowly.  It only took a minute or so to put some hot soapy water in the sink and scrub it with a toothbrush I reserve for doing dishes.  Then I rinsed the suds off and the water ran right through!  I can only imagine how much easier the air will pass through!

This discovery was perfectly timed, because the kids had just been mentioning that their laundry was coming out a little damp even after running a complete cycle.  I hadn't noticed that myself......but maybe that's because my baskets of laundry often sit for a few days.....so maybe they dry out by then?  ;)

{after cleaning it....see how the water goes right through?}

I'm looking forward to seeing if we notice a difference.  But even if we don't see the change, my mind is at ease knowing that it's running safer than before.  I thought I should share the tip with you to help you save money and extend the life of your appliance -- and, it's really quick and easy to do!  My favorite kind of super savings!  ;)




You might also be interested in:

• FREE Lysol Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes!
• 2 FREE Renuzit Fresh Accent air fresheners + a Moneymaker!
  
  

FREE Tide Pods sample! (Facebook offer)

Sign up here for a free sample of Tide Pods!


*Limited supplies available.  Limit one sample per household.
(thanks Money Saving Mom!)

FREE Shout Color Catcher sample!

Get a FREE Shout Color Catcher sample!  To request yours, go to the Shout web site, and fill out a short form. This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis.


(thanks All You!)

GIVEAWAY: Purex Crystals and Jockey Sports Bra!

Recently I was sent a bottle of Purex Tropical Splash Crystals fabric softeners to try out and a Jockey Tech Terry sports bra......let me tell you, I'm a fan!!  Both products were great and they also offered one of my readers the very same freebie!  Here's some info about them and then you can enter the giveaway below!

The Jockey sports bra features moisture wicking technology to keep you dry and your body cool after working out.  It's got great support and a sleek look. *It is quite tight fitting, so I would suggest you don't go small on the size you enter.

I didn't know this before, but the Purex Crystals are different than regular fabric softener because liquid fabric softeners contain softening oils, which prevent moisture wicking fabrics from working (do you ever have towels that won't absorb the water after a shower??)......and it smells SO good!  Seriously, almost makes me want to do laundry!  ;)

"Purex Crystals is an innovative freshening products that doesn't use oil for softening, so it can be used on all types of laundry"....sports bras or activewear, towels and washcloths....it's also safe for children's sleepwear.  Just throw it in the washer with the clothes and let it do it's yummy-smelling thing!  =)

Here's how you get your own!!  Just fill out this entry form, and good luck!  =)

*HOT* Gain Detergents FREE and Money Makers at Walgreens!

There's a sweet deal on Gain products right now at Walgreens!  There's a monthly Register Reward deal that produces a $3 RR when you buy 1 Gain detergent and 2 other Gain products - but as of now it's printing out an extra $3 RR!  If you combine this deal with the sale prices this week and coupons - you've got yourself some cheap or FREE laundry detergent and dish soap + PROFIT!

Here are a couple different scenarios depending on whether you choose powder or liquid laundry detergent:

     {{Deal Scenario #1}}
Buy 1 Gain Laundry detergent (powder, 30 load) - $5
Buy 2 Gain dish soap - $1.79
- one $2/1 MQ (9/11 SS)
- two .50¢/1 MQ (8/14 RP)
Pay $5.58
- two $3 RR you'll get back
= FREE + .42 PROFIT!

     {{Deal Scenario #2}}
Buy 1 Gain laundry detergent (liquid) - $5
Buy 2 Gain dish soap - $1.79
- one $1/1 MQ (8/14 RP)
- two .50¢/1 MQ (8/14 RP)
Pay $6.58
- two $3 RR you'll get back
= .58¢ for all three!


If you don't have any of those coupons - it's still a good deal!  Your final price after RR's will be $2.58 or .86¢ each!  Hurry though, I'm sure the shelves will be cleared pretty quickly!


(thanks Hip2Save!)

FREE Downy Unstopables! (Facebook Offer)

Check out Downy Unstopables in wash scent booster for FREE!

While supplies last (2 million) or ends 9/30/11.  U.S only.  Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Friday Feature: Pinterest! The Virtual Corkboard Wonderland!

Welcome to the Friday Feature, where I highlight something that I'm really loving -- but first, let me introduce myself...........
"Hi, my name is Mara and I'm a Pinterest addict."  Seriously, they need a support group!  If you're part of this wonderland already, you know -- and if you don't know what I'm talking about, you must check it out!

It's a virtual corkboard - a place to "pin" all those great ideas, crafts, paint colors, recipes, funny things.....that you come across online.  It's like someone looked in my head and knew that I was wishing for a simple, beautiful, user-friendly place to keep track of all the fantastic things I see on blogs and other places!  (My method of copying a link into a draft in gmail wasn't exactly ideal!)

It's an awesome place just to organize the things that float your boat, or browse others boards and find oodles of inspiration!  I've already come across so many things that I don't think I would've seen otherwise.  You can follow people with similar interests - either their whole collection if you like their overall style, or individual boards -- for example, when their "Living Room" board is full of pins exactly like what you imagine for your own, or when every recipe they post in "Yum yum" is making you drool on your keyboard.

You need an invitation to join, but it's free and fantastic!  Send me your email if you'd like an invite!  And if you leave your "username" I'd love to see your boards.  =)

You can pin whatever images you'd like, and create any boards that you want - whatever makes sense to you....here are some screenshots of my boards:


These are dreams for my laundry room once we get done with the "big" stuff (like siding, roofing, flooring...silly details like that) and can work on the "fun" stuff...

Whenever I come across recipes or decorations that I think would be perfect for our next soiree, this is where they go (sure, 'cause we're so fancy pants that we have soirees)  ;)

I want to create a playroom/art area for the kids in the basement.....and some of these funzies would be perfect for what I have in mind - and some are ideas that I never would've thought of!

Ahh, my "delish" board.....here's where I go to drool!  ;)   I love being able to tuck away tasty treats here, so when I need a yummy dish to pass, or an idea for an awesome chicken dish - tada!  No more...."there's a dessert I saw online that would be perfect for the party - which website did I see that on??"

I created a "to make" board where I keep all the fantastic projects that inspire me to be crafty - so when I get the creative bug (and 30 seconds of free time) I know where the great ideas will be!

Ohhh Pinterest, how I love thee!!

What do you think??  Are you already pinning?  Or are you inspired to go start your own pinboard?  Need an invite, let me know!  I'd love to see your collections!

FREE Gain Fabric Softener + PROFIT at Meijer!!

(Gah!  I had this written up and forgot to post it!  It's not too late though!)

There's a coupon in the 2/13 Red Plum insert for $3 off ONE Gain fabric softener or sheets.  If you got this coupon, check out this sweet deal!  (I love a money maker on something I need anyway!!)

This week Gain fabric softener (51 oz) or fabric softener sheets (120ct) are on sale for $3.99 at Meijer.  When you buy any 2 Gain detergent or softener you get a $3 "Custom Coupon" (which is a coupon for store credit "on your next order" = OYNO). 

So a here's a great scenario:
Buy 2 Gain fabric softeners or sheets at $3.99 each = $7.98
- two $3/1 RP coupons
- $3 Custom Coupon wyb 2
= 2 for FREE + $1 PROFIT!!

(My 2 free boxes of dryer sheets. I will cut them in half so this is 480 loads!!)

There are other good ways to use the coupon too.......(note that prices may vary by location!)

Walmart:
Gain Fabric Softener Sheets (40ct) $1.87, (80ct) $3.12
= FREE - .12¢!

Dollar General:
Gain Fabric Softener Sheets (50 ct) $2.99
= FREE!

Family Dollar:
Gain Fabric Softener Sheets (60 ct) $3
= FREE!

Rite Aid:
Gain Fabric Softener (24 loads) $2.99
= FREE!

FREE Sample of Wisk laundry detergent

Go on over HERE to get a sample of Wisk from Sam's Club (no membership required).  Click on the little white hexagon on the left side of the bottle for your freebie.