Green Cleaning Kit Giveaway from Bon Ami

Although spring cleaning projects are coming to an end, routine cleaning is a year around task. When cleaning my house, I use products that are nontoxic, natural and contain simple ingredients.

Bon Ami is one of those products. I’ve been using Bon Ami’s Powder Cleanser for some time and love the results. So when Bon Ami asked if I would like to try out some of their newer products, I was thrilled.

One of the products I tested was a “cleaning cake.” It was released in a limited edition to celebrate Bon Ami’s 125^thanniversary. I love this product! It took grime off our stove that most cleaners couldn’t remove. The cake’s strong but simple formula is not only effective for many of today’s household tasks it’s all natural. While not typically what you’d expect from a “cake,” back when Bon Ami was first created household cleaners came in these little bars and were commonly referred to as cakes.

I would love for you to test it out too and here's your chance! Bon Ami is giving away a Cleaning Cake along with their Powder Cleanser and All-Purpose Cleanser to one lucky Simplified Bee reader.

Here is how to enter:





• Leave a comment. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.

• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.

• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.

• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.

• Entry period closes at 9 pm PST on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org.





Bon Ami is also doing a sweepstakes until June 12th on their Facebook page to win a free spring cleaning for you and a friend of your choosing. www.facebook.com/bonamiclean

Happy cleaning & good luck!

July 4th Craft – Handmade Rocket Garland

Fireworks, backyard barbeques and flag waving parades. Yep. It’s almost here and we’ve been doing a little July 4th decorating.  

Brenda of alphamom’s 4th of July Confetti Popper Rockets inspired me to make our own patriotic rocket garland. She has a great step-by-step tutorial, so if you are interested in doing this project, head to her blog.

It was an easy craft that the kids enjoyed. Our rockets however, do not include confetti or “pop” – too messy for this mom! They sure look fun in the window, but we hope to hang them outside if the weather dries up!

Cute 4th of July Decorating Ideas

Throwing a July 4th party or simply want to add some patriotic touches to your home? In any case, here are some darling and inspiring Independence Day decorating and entertaining ideas to get you in the holiday spirit.

{Patriotic Table Setting via Southern Living}

{Red, White & Blue Paper Goods from Shop Sweet Lulu}

{Festive July 4th Desserts: top - berry cupcakes via Martha Stewart, flag rice crispy treats; bottom - flag tart via Martha Stewart, chocolate covered strawberries via allrecipes.com, patriotic parfaits via Martha Stewart.}

{Paper Lanterns via Pier 1 and 4th of July Signage via Pottery Barn Kids}

{DIY July 4th Rosette Banner via Country Living}





How will you be celebrating July 4th?

Interview with New York Interior Designer Sara Gilbane

Earlier this year, the seasoned, Traditional Home and youngster, Lonny collaborated to create a new digital shelter magazine, TRADhome. In it’s debut issue, TRADhome names 20 New Traditional Designers to Watch. On the coveted list is New York-base interior designer, Sara Gilbane. She is known for her classic modern-traditional style and artfully combining low-key and elegant pieces. Sara’s interiors are chic, yet grounded in practicality.

 

Simplified Bee: When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer? 

Sara Gilbane: After my first day of work at Kemble Interiors. I was thrilled to be working with Celerie Kemble and Christina Murphy and once I dove into those fabrics I never looked back!

SB: How would you describe your personal style? 

SG: I come from a traditional background and love bold color and pattern mixed with neutrals. My style has a bit of an eclectic loved feel with a sense of calm.

SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project? 

SG: Architects Peter Pennoyer or Gil Schafer. 

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones? 

SG: Benjamin Moore Linen White, Dove White, and Super White are always used on my moldings. Farrow and Ball Skylight is another favorite- a pale grey blue that makes you feel like you have been enveloped in a cloud.

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

SG: Ikat, zebra, sisal, jewel tones, reclaimed wood, and bold color are all trending but they are classics and will never go away. Perhaps neon is one trend we will (gladly) see go.

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save? 

SG: Splurge on drapes, wallpaper, and a custom sofa ( you will LIVE on this for 20 years and it will be amazingly comfortable). Save on cocktail table, side tables, lamps. With this splurge/ save combo the splurge items are so unique people assume the rest of your pieces are special. Then again.... if you fall in love with something, buy it. Since you love it you will always find a way of working it into your next home.

SB: I love the timelessness of the nursery you designed that was featured in TRADhome. Tell us about your favorite design elements in the space. 

SG: We used a classic wool rug with a timeless geometric pattern in charcoal grey, celadon green, and slate blue to hide stains. The room had a tremendously high ceiling so we added silver star wallpaper on the ceiling and a custom painted pale blue and white circus tent stripe on the walls to add a sense of whimsy to the room. The deep mulberry colored rocking chair is one of my favorite pieces. It is so comfortable and the shape makes it perfect for a growing child ( not stuck in a nursery forever).

SB: You are embracing social media and write a blog {Travel for Design}, are on Facebook and can be found tweeting {http://twitter.com/sgilbane}. Do you prefer one over the other? What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets? 



SG: I love the blog though I do not have nearly enough time to update it as much as I would like to. I need to be better with tweeting! I would advise other designers not to be timid. I was not sure anyone would read our blog and we have over 6,000 hits a day! Go forth and blog, tweet, and tumble!

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without… 



SG: Art.

SB: What’s next for Sara Gilbane Interiors? 



SG: I would love to design a range of fabrics and wallpapers for one of the fabric houses. I am fabric obsessed!

*images via Sara Gilbane Interiors and TRADhome