It's Halloween and I have been busy getting ready for the trick or treaters that will stop by. However, I wanted something a bit extra to coordinate with my decor, and Hive was there to my rescue. Read all about it.


I have been using the Hive Smart Home Ecosystem in my home for the past few months, and I have to say that I've been extremely happy with it. I have even had a few friends update their home as well, and they themselves have been happy too. I have been able to cool my home in the summer, and warm it up before I get in during the cooler months with no issues. With Halloween being tomorrow, I want to share a few ways that Hive has  helped as well. I love decorating my home for the holidays, and Halloween is no exception. While I loved my outdoor Halloween decor, with my regular porch light, it looked just that... regular! I wanted pizazz and thanks to Hive I was able to jazz up my outdoor lighting and make it absolutely perfect, even at times a bit spooky. After all, lighting can make or break the way your decor looks. Halloween does NOT look the same with regular lighting!


With Hive's Active Light Color-Changing, I was easily able to match my decor. Everything is controlled from my phone using the Hive app. I can change up the light color when trick or treaters ring my doorbell through  the app, giving it a bit of a spooky glow. The Hive Active Light Color-Changing is not just great for Halloween, but for the Christmas holiday that is fast approaching.


There are so many ways Hive can help you get your spooks in, or just get your home holiday ready.

You can:

Get spooky with your lighting.  With 16 million colors to choose from, the color-changing Hive Active Light helps you match your lighting to any occasion. You can greet trick-or-treaters with a Halloween themed color, or tie it to the Hive Motion Sensor and scare those who dare to approach.

Be one step ahead of trick-or-treaters.  Use a Hive Motion Sensor or Hive camera to be ready with candy, throw on a mask, or set off a more elaborate scare on Halloween.

Automate your  scares. With a Hive Active Plug, you can turn on spooky decorations as trick-or-treaters approach your house, or trigger them to turn on when your Hive Motion Sensor detects movement.


So what exactly is Hive? 
Hive is UK's leading smart home brand which recently launched in the US and Canada in June 2017. Their Hive Welcome Home Plan which starts at $24.99/month let s you adjust your heating and air conditioning, lighting and even your appliances from wherever you are. We travel extensively and I was able to control my air conditioning in Colorado during the summer while we were vacationing in Florida. You can read my post on why I think everyone should have a smart home. Hive just makes your everyday life just a little easier, giving you more time to spend doing things you love with the people you love.

Hive is very simple to use and offers plans to fit your family's needs and budget. For more information, you can learn more on Hive's website. Here's a bonus for all AnnMarie John readers, you will get 10% off their Hive Smart Home Ecosystem with discount code HIVEANNMARIE10.

So what are you waiting for? Invest in Hive today!


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hive. The opinions and text are all mine.

Today I want to share how you can easily transform your entryway, and you don't even have to do a complete makeover or even spend tons of money, courtesy of Wayfair and Home Dynamix.


The following photo was of my not very organized entryway. When we purchased our home a few years ago one of the things I've always wanted to fix was our entryway. We don't have a very big one and it can get not only dirty, but messy very quickly. I have kids who come inside with dirty feet, dump their backpacks, shoes and everything thing else right in front of the doorway. I had a mat down and while it worked for the most part, it wasn't very appealing. It was time for a change!


We have been trying to do little changes one room at a time. I completely renovated my kitchen with new countertops, backsplash and kitchen appliances which I plan on sharing in a later post, and the guest bathroom. Madison's bedroom recently got a makeover, with the master bedroom next on the list. However, the entryway is the grand entrance to my home. The first place that everyone sees when my door opens, that means the mailman, package delivery guys, neighbors, salespersons and since it's almost Halloween, trick or treaters will soon be traipsing through. Having a room in your home that serves a utilitarian purpose, rooms such as  your kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, laundry room or even your hallway doesn't mean that it can't be beautiful. It was time for a makeover, but not having lots of disposable cash, meant that it had to be something simple. So how can you transform your room without going totally overboard in the finance department? You can totally do it with just one thing, although I did it with three.


Add a touch of color and a bit of fashion
While you can do a paint job, it's not really necessary. I decided that the first thing I was going to change was my ugly brown mat and get something with a splash of color that was also fashionable. I opted for an ELLE Decor Lyncrest accent rug. That one change totally made my entryway pop and was the perfect combination of fashion and function. Not only it is aesthetically pleasing, but it is also easy to take care of. With kids that go in and out, constantly, having a rug that I can easily throw in the wash and have it come out clean once again was an added bonus since they can be machine washed.


Storage
I also got some baskets that the kids can throw their shoes in. Now my entryway looks so much more organized. They can easily find their shoes; and it's all pulled together with my ELLE Decor accent rug. I've even added a coat rack to make it easier for the kids to hang their coats and backpacks once they enter the house. Now there can be no excuses unless it's of course that they were just too lazy.



I am loving the changes and best of all it didn't cost me a fortune since I purchased them all at Wayfair. One simple change can make so much of a difference. Now, why didn't I think of doing this sooner? You can get your own rugs at Wayfair where you can make any room in your home pop.

It's been a while since I've needed to buy diapers for a baby. After all my baby is now five years of age. However, a friend of my husband is expecting a new baby, and together we've decided to host a diaper party in his honor and for the guys.


For those that have no idea what a diaper party, or diaper shower is, it's a baby shower just for the father of the baby and his friends. So it's a party just for the guys! It's also a great way for the dad and his friends to get together and have fun and not feel left out. A diaper shower is also a great way to stock up on diapers. If there's one thing I learned while my own kids were babies, is that you can never have enough diapers. Together with Pampers, I want to share a few tips on how to host a great diaper party.


Choose a theme
Before you send out invitations, decide on your theme. Whether it's football or basketball season, choose a theme and go with it. That will help when it comes time to decorate. Since it's currently football season, we went with our home team and their signature orange and blue colors. However, you can tell your guests to wear their favorite team jersey. It will sure be fun conversations as the guys will have much to talk about. Let the rivalry begin!

Invitations
Try and send out your invitations at least six weeks in advance and be sure to have a number that your guest can RSVP to, with at least a week's notice. This gives your guests ample time to get ready, and in turn gives you lots of time to prepare for the big day.

Decor
Now that you've chosen a theme, it's easy to plan your decorations. Stick with to your theme as closely as possible. You can look for your decorations at your local big box store or get adventurous and make some on your own.

Food
This diaper party is all about the guys. Have your drinks, chips and dips on hand. You should also have some real food. While you can have meals catered, you can also freeze prepared meals beforehand. One essential tip is to ask guests about food allergies


Entertainment
Whether you're watching the game on your television or playing music in the background, be sure there is entertainment. After all what is a party without a bit of music? Mix up the music so you're not listening to just one genre. And be sure to mingle with your guests and take lots of photos.

Games
This is a guys' party, so keep it fun. You can do the diaper change game. Have a doll with diapers and see who can change the diaper the fastest. The one who changes their doll's diaper the fastest wins a prize. It'll also put their skills to the test. You'll be amazed at how many men can't tell the front from the back of a diaper. For more diaper party inspiration, you can always take a look on Pinterest.

Diapers
Don't forget the diapers. After all, this is a diaper party. I have always suggested that when going to either a baby shower or a diaper party, that you always bring diapers in bigger sizes. Babies don't stay babies forever and you'll be surprised at how quickly that newborn grows out of a newborn and size 1 diaper. My babies never even wore newborn diapers and started at size 1 immediately. Before you know it, your baby will be crawling and walking around, and you'll be toddler proofing your home.


As you know if you've been reading my blog for any period of time, I have always been a fan of Pampers. It's the one diaper that I trust with my kids, and it's the only diaper you will receive from me at your baby shower or diaper party. They have never let me down, and it's the first diaper that my children wore in the hospital.

I am also a big fan of Pampers Cruisers. Once my daughter was old enough to start crawling around, it's the one diaper that she wore. Pamper Cruisers don't sag like ordinary diapers, so it allowed her to move around freely. They also protect better from leaks and have Extra Absorb Channels for 12hr dryness and less sagging. Pampers Cruisers offer Pampers' best fit and dryness for babies on the move hands down! Or in this case touch down!


Now is the perfect time to host a diaper party, because from now to October 31st, when you shop at Sam's Club or samsclub.com, you get an instant savings of $8 AND free shipping or Club Pickup (where available) when you buy 2 packages of Pampers diapers or wipes. The savings are automatically calculated when you check out at the register in-club, with the Scan & Go App or on samsclub.com. This is also the perfect time to stock up on diapers for those who need it.


The Sam's Club Scan & Go App makes it easy to shop. You can skip the checkout line and save time by downloading the app to your mobile device and scanning your items with your phone as you shop in the club. Check out with the app, your receipt will appear on your phone, and you're on your way! Download the app for Apple or Android. You can also visit the Pampers Cruisers product page or use the Sam’s Club App and have your Cruisers delivered straight to your door for, OR have them waiting on you when you arrive at the club with Club Pickup.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of P&G. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cats have always been a part in my life. While growing up, there was always a cat in our household. After I had a family of my own, it was also one of the first pets we had. Living in Brooklyn, NY in an apartment wasn't conducive to having a dog thus the reason for a cat. Now that we're in Colorado where there is a lot more room and open space, we decided to get a few more furry additions to our household. Recently we got a new kitten, named Cross because of his crossed eyes, whom you might have seen profiled on Instagram. Today's conversation on how to protect your new kitty especially from fleas is sponsored by Catego® for Cats.


Cross is the newest member of our household and belongs to my youngest Madison. I currently have two other cats, Kitty and Stripes (who belongs to my oldest daughter) living with us. Kitty being the oldest of our cats isn't quite the friendliest and isn't a big fan of either Stripes or Cross. She loves going outdoors, and Cross wanting to fit in, loves going outdoors with her. While I don't allow him to be outside for too long since he's new, I also don't want to keep him cooped up in the house either. Having a semi outdoor cat can be a bit scary. After all you have to worry about fleas and ticks, which are no laughing matter. After all he sleeps on my daughter's bed, so I don't want them in my household. So how can I protect my new kitty from all the perils that await him outdoors, and also free from fleas and ticks? That's where Catego® comes in. Catego® is a powerful monthly flea and tick control that effectively prevents fleas, ticks, and chewing lice on cats and kittens age 8 weeks and older, and weighing more than 1.5 pounds.

Today I want to share 4 easy ways that I am protecting Cross and how you protect your own cat as well, regardless of whether they're indoor or outdoor cats, in turn keeping them healthy and safe.


Microchip your pet
Having your pet microchipped is a must, whether he's an indoor or outdoor cat. It increases your likelihood that they will be returned safely if ever they get lost, or end up in an animal shelter. However, always make sure that your contact information is kept up to date. You can also consider getting your cat a reflective breakaway collar with ID tag. If you have the extra cash, you can also invest in a GPS tracker.


Spray or neuter your pet
There are health benefits to having your pet neutered or spayed if female. Even though Cross is a male, neutering him means that he won't be inclined to wander as far as he might in search of a female companion. It'll also help in keeping the cat population under control. I'd much prefer not to be a kitty grandma.


Take them to the vet and keep shots updated
Having a pet is like having a child. Be sure to keep up on their veterinarian appointments and keep their shots up to date. Your vet will more than likely immunize your cat against diseases such as rabies, but if you have an outdoor cat, there are other vaccines that he may need to keep him healthy outside.


Monthly flea treatments
Even if you have an indoor cat, parasites like fleas, ticks and lice can find their way into your home through other living and breathing things. Fleas like your cat's warm furry body and their blood supply, but you can protect them from getting fleas before there's an infestation. I love using Catego® which is a monthly treatment designed specifically for my cat. It's really easy to apply with its patented applicator that minimizes the risk of skin abrasion. When you have a kitten or cat in your arms, you don't want anything that will hurt them that will draw their claws out. What's great to know is that it kills fleas within 6 hours, unlike some other leading brands that does the work in 12 hours. Catego® is non-greasy, quick-drying and is available in 3 dose or 6 dose packs. It also kills all life stages of ticks through contact including Brown Dog Ticks, American Dog Ticks, Lone Star Ticks and Deer Ticks.


Think about it. You're not only protecting your furry family friend, but you're also protecting your family when it comes to parasites. So consider protecting your pet with Catego®. Catego® is available at PetSmart, through Amazon or your local veterinarians. To find a veterinarian or store location near you that stocks Catego® visit categocat.com/wheretobuy.

There is no doubt about it, Colorado and Colorado Springs in general is beautiful. There's a reason that when you drive across the border it welcomes you to "Colorful Colorado". It's especially breathtaking in the fall when the leaves begin to change, and I would love to invite you to watch our fall colors.


As a military family, it was quite a transition for us. We're New Yorkers and we're accustomed to skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of a crowded city. However, once we arrived we saw the beautiful mountains and decided that we were never going back. As a matter of fact, our very youngest was born here in Colorado Springs, so Colorado is now home to us. So what made us stay? And why do I want you to now visit our beautiful adopted hometown? With so much to do for everyone, there's a myriad of reasons. One of them being that it's great for both families and singles alike.


Colorado Springs is known as the ideal place for unique outdoor recreation, surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s the perfect escape for couples, friend-cations, solo excursions and weekend escapes from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are activities and experiences for people of all abilities, ranging from mild, leisurely nature walks, to extreme water sports as well as challengers for fitness-enthusiast.

It's an outdoor enthusiasts and a photographers dream. With hiking trails that leads to spectacular backdrops, I want to share with you 5 family friendly reasons you should visit Colorado Springs.


Garden of the Gods Park 
Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark and is one of the most visited attractions in the region. With it's towering sandstone rock formations amidst brilliant blue skies, it's also a photographer’s dreamscape, quite like most of Colorado. The Garden of the Gods Park is perfect for hiking, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes. For the more adventurous, you can go rock climbing, and for those who would much prefer an easier way to get around, you can take advantage of their Trolley, Jeep or Segway tours.


Red Rock Canyon
For those interested in a more leisurely stroll and learning about geology, then Red Rock Canyon is perfect for you. It's great for hiking and bird watching. The trails are limitless and the views are breathtaking, including the views of Pikes Peak. Just as with the Gardens of the Gods Park, the red rock formations are unique and one of a kind.


The Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center
Colorado Springs boasts The Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. Home to hopefuls trying to make it to the Olympic Games as part of Team USA. While visiting the center is free, tours are offered year round for a small fee. Taking a tour of the facility might even enable you to see athletes training in their desired sport, although it's not guaranteed.


Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
While each state may have a zoo, Colorado Springs is home to America’s ONLY mountain zoo. At 6,714 feet above sea level, you get breathtaking views of the city. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also has the largest reticulated herd of giraffes in captivity, which you can also hand-feed. Home to over 750 animals, there is much to see and do at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Open 365 days a year, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a must visit.


The Airplane Restaurant
When it comes to food, Colorado is known for its Bison. However, if you want something exclusive,  then might I suggest eating at the Airplane Restaurant? Colorado Springs boasts the only place where you can eat on a plane without having to go through a security checkpoint at the airport. The Airplane Restaurant is one of kind. You can have a buffalo steak meal or even a bison burger.


Whether you're visiting Colorado Springs because of your love of the outdoors, or you just want to indulge in nature, Colorado Springs has something for everyone, and I invite you to pay us a visit!

For more information on Colorado Springs, visit the Colorado Springs CVB.

I love decorating for Halloween, but I usually only do my front yard, which is huge, and my indoors. However, this year I decided that I wanted to spruce up my front porch a little. After all, it's where the kids come to ring the doorbell in order to receive their Halloween candy, but it's also a very small area. So how do you spruce up a small porch for Halloween? In collaboration with Lowes, I want to show you how.


As I mentioned, my front porch is rather small so there's not a lot of room for lots of decorations. You also don't have to spend lots of money to decorate, you can use a few of what you already own. When fall rolls around, I usually have a few bales of hay and a mini scarecrow, but this year I wanted to add a bit more. It didn't necessarily have to be scary, however it should reflect the holiday. So I took a trip to my local Lowes to see their Halloween product offerings. I was truly impressed and I managed to pick up quite a few pieces that I knew I couldn't live without. So what did I get and how does it fit in with my project? Let's begin.


First choose your theme
What exactly are you looking for? Do you want a spooky theme complete with fog or something simple? However, you may want it to fit into your neighborhood theme or the look of your home. A quick look on Pinterest can give you a few ideas on what you would like to have. Saving photos on your phone when you go shopping can help make your shopping experience much easier.

Set a budget
Knowing how much you are willing to spend is always a great way to start. You don't want to overspend, if you really can't afford it. Luckily, Lowe’s offers great values on the latest spooky décor to deck out your home for Halloween.

Dress up your doorway
No matter how big or small your front door is, a Halloween wreath gives it that added holiday touch. It shows that you are into the season and spruces up your front door. I picked up this Halloween Wreath with LED lights, decorated with black leaves and purple and silver glitter accents. Adding a Halloween themed doormat will also give it a festive touch, and don't forget your candy bowl.


Pumpkins of various sizes
Adding pumpkins of different heights and sizes will give it a unique touch. After all, what is Halloween without pumpkins. You can make a pumpkin patch and go with as many pumpkins as your heart desires. Light up pumpkins can look rather spooky in the dark.

Add an animated extra touch
To give your home a more spooky theme, you can add animated decor. Props that light up or move. For this I chose a tree greeter that gives an added faux flame effect. You get the effect of fire without actual burns. I also added a lamp post sign that came complete with added skeleton bones and signs leading to the dungeon or cemetery. It was the added spooky charm that I needed.


I'm not entirely sure that I am done with my look,  but I had a budget that I wanted to stick to, and these are all items that can be reused, year after year. So next year there will be additions. There will be witches hanging from the roof, spiders along the wall and fog swirling throughout the decor. All of these things and more you can also get at your local Lowes. Amp up your home's spooky spirit this Halloween!

You can shop my front porch look by hovering over the photo below and clicking on the links, which will take you directly to each product.


Have a Happy Halloween!