This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of SaferBrand. All opinions are 100% mine.

I recently tried an alternative to ordinary petroleum-based pesticides. I planted tomatoes and insects swarmed the tender shoots as soon as they broke the soil. EndALL insect spray, listed with Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) that specifies which products may be used in production and processing of items that are to be certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program.

The ingredients of EndALL are extract of Neem oil, from a tree found in the middle East; Potassium salts of fatty acids (soap salts); and pyrethrums, a plant-based natural pesticide.  This insect spray is markedly less toxic to the environment than most pesticides. After reading the ingredients, I felt better about using the EndALL spray on my tomatoes.

The package insert stated I could use the spray ten times in a growing season, every three days if necessary. I am happy to report that the tomatoes are doing well and I have not had a recurrence of insect infestation since the first treatment.  The thing I like best about EndALL is that there is NO ODOR to the spray.  If anything, the spray has a light floral scent.

EndALL insect spray comes in a recyclable 32-ounce spray bottle.  You simply shake the bottle before using, turn the sprayer cap on and away from your face and spray the plants lightly. Do not spray to the point that the spray runs off the plants.  Wash your hands after using, be careful using around children and animals, do not spray around water because this spray is toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

SaferBrand makes many products for the home and garden that will take care of your problems with insects, disease and weeds.  The website has free information on vegetable and flower gardening, composting, identifying insects and plant disease and being planet-friendly with chemicals.  This is a site to bookmark and visit repeatedly.

Our son’s pit bull has adopted us.  We keep his bed in our bedroom to keep him separated from our cat.  Last night, we walked into our bedroom and we hit by an overpowering smell of  DOG.  The door had been closed all day, and an 80-pound dog has an endless supply of odor. I opened the window, took the dog bed outside to air and handed my husband some DogOsuds dog shampoo.

I had seen DogOsuds at a friend’s house. She told me that her dog had spooked a skunk and she could not get that musk out of her dog’s coat. Finally, she tried DogOsuds and it worked–the first time! Since her dog had passed on, she gave the shampoo to me.

The shampoo contained an essential oil blend that contains a natural flea and tick deterrent. Our dog smelled great after that bath. The bed is still outside, but the dog is back in our bedroom.

Is your dog itching, scratching and stinking beyond belief?  Check out these dog shampoos by Dinovite.  In addition to the essential oil blend, there are lavender, peppermint/tea tree and unscented shampoos.   There are also vitamins, supplements and treats for dogs and cats.

This is the time of year, when I start feeling guilty if I do not start my annual Christmas card blitz on Thanksgiving weekend.  First, I have to decide whether I want personalized Christmas cards, holiday photo cards or postcards.

I think postcards might be the best idea because of the cost of postage, the ease of mailing and the fact that, once you put an address label and a stamp on the card, there is little space left to write a message.

VistaPrint has a nice selection of all types of holiday cards–for you, your business or your organization.  They can personalize your cards and envelopes.  All you have to do is put the card in the envelope; add sticker, stamp and address label and drop them in the mailbox.

Another cool idea is to use photographs to make a desk or wall calendar for loved ones to enjoy all next year.  If you do not want to use photographs, there is an interactive caricature design tool on VistaPrint website, so you can design your characterization, right down to eye color and hairstyle.  This is a good idea if your family does not take the best pictures, you have lost all your hair due to chemotherapy, or your son’s glassy eyes keep giving him the red eye.