Amy Marie

Ready for more fun things about adulthood and homeownership? Did you know there is more than one way to care for your kitchen countertops… yup! You read that right. Some stain easier, some need to be resealed, and some chip! Shocked? I was too – but its the price you pay for a gorgeous kitchen with sparking countertops!

Today I am going to share how to care for Quartz. They are super gorgeous and fairly easy to care for. But, let start with the most important thing first… what is Quartz? Its a stone consisting of premium, durable materials, resulting in a low maintenance surface resistant to scratches and stains. I told ya! Easy! With a little TLC these countertops can remain beautiful and durable for years.

Basic Cleaning

To start a damp cloth is always helpful for a quick spill. It’s best to clean it up right away so it doesn’t settle, harden, or get sticky. I personally love using my Swedish Dish Clothes which I talk more about in this post. It’s important to avoid hard chemicals like bleach. However, tough spots can be gently scrapped with a razor blade.

Spils and Stains

You can deeply clean the surface with a non-abrasive scrub pad and cleanser, rinse thoroughly, and buff with a damp cloth. Please refer to end of this post for a list of SAFE cleaners! Another way is to soak a paper towel on top of the stain for a few moment in attempts to lift the stain.

Durable but not indestructible

Don’t be fooled – these countertops are easy to care for but they are not indestructible. Quartz can be damaged when in contact with strong chemicals and solvents. Avoid products containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride including paint removers, car battery liquid, furniture strippers, oven cleaners, and products containing bleach. These products can cause permanent discoloration and damage to the surface. In any case that one of these chemicals comes in contact with a surface, wipe immediately, clean with water, and use a vinegar based cleanser.

Another way you may not know you can easily damage your countertop is with with a hot item. It’s best to keep hot items on the stove or use a pot holder to not directly place the hot item on the countertops.

Lastly, never apply excessive force as it may lead to chipping or minor damage to the countertops.

Safe household cleaners

• Simple Green Lime-scale remover 
• Formula 409 Glass and Surface Cleaner
• Vinegar cleaner (diluted) 
• Lysol
• Bar Keepers Friend
• Greased Lightning

There you have it – its very easy I promise and it will help these last a long time in your home!

Looking to update your kitchen? Thinking that Quartz might be right for you? Quartz countertops in Alpharetta might be right for you! Click Countertops has over 20 years of experiences they’ll ensure you quality countertops for the best price!

The loss of a pet is never easy and at times unexpected. It is something we knowingly choose to participate in when we welcome a pet into our lives. No matter the amount of pets we have shared our life with, when they leave us that pain still remains.

I have experienced the loss of a pet who has only been with me for 6 months and pets that have been with me for years. No matter the time the pain remains the same. Recently, Justin’s family had to say goodbye to their childhood family dog and it reminded me my childhood dog , Max. We adopted Max when he was a puppy and he lived happily with our family for 12 years. He was a staple in our home during all the big moments in life: new schools, graduations, boyfriends, breakups, you name it – Max was there! When he became too ill to stand, eat, or toilet on his own, we had to make the most difficult decision a family has to make.

Although Max is no longer with us physically, his spirit still remains. We remember Max fondly and know we talk about him for generations to come.

I love when my parents talk about their childhood pets. My mom had two spaniels: Lady and Tramp who grew up in her house, waited for her at the bus stop and were beloved by all the children in the neighborhood. My dad had an unusual pet – a woodchuck! I used to love (STILL DO) when I was younger and my Dad would tell stories of Nibbles the woodchuck.

The Story of Nibbles:

My Dad spent some summers living with his grandparents in New Hampshire and they adopted Nibbles was he was orphaned after his mother was hit by a car. My great grandparents took Nibbles in as one of their own. We have a scrapbook full of photos and a story my great grandmother wrote about Nibbles. Pictures of him eating next to the cats, enjoying chocolate, and even some of his baby teeth!! In my parents house there is a painting of my great grandparents house and that painting includes Nibbles gravestone. Its a story I love telling to anyone who sees it – and gives us a good excuse to pull out the scrapbook and my Dad to share all about his pet woodchuck Nibbles!

How to memorialize our beloved pets:

When we lose a pet its only natural to want to celebrate their life with us as well as keep their memory alive. One way to memorialize your pet is with a bronze pet memorial. East Point Foundry creates beautiful custom plaques are hand cast in solid bronze for a lifetime reminder of a life- long companion. This is a beautiful addition to your home to remember your lost loved one.

Do not forget to talk about your grief with others – you are not alone! If you know anyone in your life you has had a pet, they have lost a pet too. Do not feel you need to grieve alone, reach out to your support system for comfort.

Is it too soon to start talking about the holidays? Ugh – it just might be… but it will be here before we know it. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that one moment were in March and the next thing we know we wake up and it’s October – what!!! It’s crazy to this that this past week we jumped into October and kicked off the holiday season. Maybe not for all, but for me at least October, November, and December are my favorite months of the year! I’m a winter baby…. so it’s in my DNA right?

Anyway… on a more serious note. This year was rough. I know this holiday season I will be extra thankful for the food on my plate and the people who I get to celebrate with. I feel truly lucky for the health and wellness of myself and my family.

Let’s jump into todays post…. saving money for the holiday season… seems a little contradicting, I know. But, remember that holidays are not about gifts or things. It’s about the people we love. But, we all want to show our love with a little gift and thats alright!! Here are some ways to not break the bank the next few months.

Make A budget!

This is so important. Have a conversation with your family, friends, loved ones. They all experienced 2020 just like you – they know its rough. An honest conversation about a spending budget between each other is so helpful! Or suggest a secret Santa exchange so you are only buying a gift for one person. My in-laws have done a budget with Justin and I since I can remember. It’s helpful because it keeps all of us on track and lets us focus on meaningful gift giving!

Sell unwanted items!

Anyone else clean out their closets/garage/house during the pandemic lockdown? It was such a great opportunity to take time to purge unwanted items from our home. Selling these items is a great way to start putting money into your savings account. There are lots of different options when looking to sell your unwanted items. You can utilize an online platform or if looking to sell something more expensive and in person retailer might be better.

If you are looking for a place to start, I would recommend Prestamos por Oro. Whether you are looking to sell old unwanted jewelry to a Jewelry buyer in Atlanta or a low-interest collateral loans , Prestamos por Oro has your back. Take any money from items you have sold and put it right into your holiday budget or maybe spoil yourself a bit! You may be surprised at how much “money” is laying around your house.

Start a side hustle!

There is no shame in the side hustle game!! If you have been a reader for a while you know I have worked with VIPKID for a little over 2 years and am Beautycounter consultant. Oh… and I blog… hello! A side hustle is a great way to help put some extra money into your savings account! There are so many different jobs that can be done from the comfort of your home!

Start early!

There is no need to wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. I have always used Black Friday as an excuse that, that is when I would start my shopping. But, why wait? Amazon Prime Day is coming up on October 13-14 and I plan to start then. I know who I’ll be buying for and with my budget in hand, I might as well get started!

Shop Secondhand!

You all know I could talk about thrift shopping all day. Most do not know that shopping second hand does not always mean USED. I have bought tons items still in the package or with tags on them from Facebook marketplace, Poshmark, Goodwill… you name it! Give it a try. And, it shopping second hand isn’t your thing at least try to gift sustainably. Here are some of my favorite items to get your started!

Today I am sharing a Fall bucket list in hopes of sharing some Fall fun!

It’s (almost) Fall y’all! Although it is still summer I think we all can agree we need a little something to look forward to. Living in New England it is very rare for someone to not choose Fall as their favorite season. As 2020 continues to be one of the craziest years I think we all are kind of hoping for some normalcy. Although, it does not seem to be coming anytime soon… we can still enjoy the changing seasons while keeping ourselves and others safe!

I thought it would be fun to put together a list of Fall themed activities! These activities can be done at home or outside and socially distanced from others! Now tell me – what are your bucket list items for fall?

Located in Connecticut? Here are some of my favorite Fall spots!

Lyman Orchards

Beardsley’s Cider Mill and Orchard

Explore Litchfield

New England Hard Cider

*This is a sponsored post, please read my “disclosure” for more information*

A deck is a wonderful extension of your living space. It was one of the things Justin and I were most exited about when we bought our house. We loved the idea of having a space right off our house that we could entertain or spend time together on. I am currently writing this on my deck drinking a coffee and enjoying the soon approaching fall weather.

It’s not just enough to have a deck and enjoy it. Keeping a deck in good condition as we as safe for any visitors takes some work. A deck can be easily maintained as long as it is continuously maintained over time. Since Justin and I our new to this homeownership thing… we thought it might be a good idea to do some research and prepare for the annual maintenance we need to do with out deck. This post contains just a few things we have learned and plan to do to ensure our deck has a long lasting life.

Annual Inspections

We read everywhere that is was very important to inspect your deck each Spring to see if the Winter caused any damage. At that time its important to check for any loose boards, broken pieces, etc. Then to have those problem areas fixed. This is not just for the over maintenance of your deck, but for the safety of those using it. An annual inspection of your deck is an easy way to not let small problems build to bigger ones. Also – no need to call a professional until you have to! Most minor repairs can be done on your own!

Wash your deck

Pretty simple right? Justin and I were able to borrow a power washer and it made such a huge difference. Spending time each Spring cleaning your deck will help prevent any mold or moss growth. Also, depending on where you live it will help remove any winter residue. Be sure to select the correct cleanser depending on the material of your deck. Also be cautious when using a power washer… keeping it in one place for too long can cause damage. Keep it moving and go with the grain of the wood.

Replace damaged boards

There may be a time when parts of your deck are too far gone for minor repair and need to be replaced… other may need to replace the entire deck. This is depending on the age of the deck as well as wear and tear. Brazilian Wood Depot is your go to spot for natural wood imported directly from Brazil to their headquarters in Atlanta. This material is not only beautiful, but is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, fire, and mold. This real wood outdoor decking will transform any space and make it the go-to party spot!

Prevent Warping

Depending on where you live your take can be exposed to a variety of outdoor elements. Its important to keep an eye our for warped wood. Warped wood if not taken care of can continue to cause damage to the area around it as well as be dangerous to anyone walking on it. Ensure that your deck is properly sealed, care for sure the winter will help your deck last for many years to come!

There you have it! Just a few things Justin and I plan on doing to ensure the life of outdoor space lasts for years to come! We have using the outdoor space to entrain this past summer and I look forward to fall nights out there with family and friends.

During the global pandemic I have really appreciated the space we have outside and that we have been able to use it during these difficult times. It’s very difficult to be stuck inside and unable to enjoy the outdoor weather or be with friends. Justin and I are very fortunate to have a space to enjoy with our friends and family (even if it is 6 feet apart)!

Have I been talking about my new house too much? (Tips for moving and saving money here!)I’m sorry… I am just a little excited. Our new house has a basement and right now needs some TLC. Justin and I’s ideal basement would be multiple purposed with space for storage as well as entertainment space. Similar to when I did a wedding mood board I thought it might be fund to do something similar for our basement. In today’s post I put together some “wish list” items for our basement!

Home Office

If you are like me you may have recently had to start adapting to working from home. I really struggled with this at the end of March when I no longer had an office to go to. I was very lucky to have a space that I could utilize as an office and now in our new home have a designated room. For me, I need to separate work and home. Another way to utilize the space in your basement is to create a space for yourself to work. Now, this doesn’t have to be a “work” space – it could be hobby space… or craft space! It’s nice to have a designated spot to work on your art, or focus on any hobby!

Play Room

This may be a little bit down the road for Justin and I but…. we have both decided that our basement will at some point be taken over by children… which is fine with me! I love the idea of having a spot for the kids that is all theirs for them to play in… also not have toys all over my living room would be ideal too. There are so many cute playroom ideas on Pinterest.

Guest Bedroom

Another idea is to have a spot for your guest! I love the idea of creating a space for guest to wind down and relax when staying over. If you’ve been around here for a while you know I love thrifting and looking for deals. I love the idea of getting to thrift some fun and original pieces to put together for our guests.

Bar

Having a bar in your basement might not be for everyone… but I always remember my best friends parents had a bar in their basement and I thought it was the coolest thing! Having the basement in the bar in not a necessity, but Justin and I do currently have a nice little pub table down there that could use some company. Honestly, a mini-fridge might do. If there is anything I want more than a bar table it would be some vintage light up beer signs.

Pool Table

A pool table is alway a crowd favorite! Who misses going to a bar and getting to hang out, drink, and play pool with your friends? I sure do! Why not have that luxury in your home? Absolute Billiard Services is your go-to place to bring any table back to life? We all know I love a good thrifted find! Bring any table back to life with Atlanta pool table refelting.

There are just a few ways to add some life and fun into your basement! A basement update does not need to be a major renovation, it could be just a coat of paint and some new decor on the walls. As you know my favorite place to look fr decor is Goodwill or Facebook market place! It may take some time, but its worth shopping around to find items you like on a budget!

Now, tell me! What ideas do you have to update your basement or any room in your house! I’d love to hear them!

In today’s blog post I share my some of the struggles I faced during the past few months as well as the healthy habits I started. It was not an easy few months and I think that is something important for us to all recognize.

Depending on where you live you may be allowed more freedom to participate in activities outside of your home. Currently, where I live we have moved through a few phases. We are now allowed small outdoor events, indoor/outdoor dining, small gatherings, etc. But, we all can so easily flashback to a few months ago where our biweekly grocery trips and drive-by’s to see family were the only activities we were doing. So what did we do? Personally, for me… a slump of depression hit and I spent hours watching TV and scrolling on my phone. My weekly Iphone usage alert haunted me each week as the number grew larger.

I remember the beginning thinking “I am going to have so much time to *fill in the blank*”. As an avid reader I didn’t read one book, as someone who was exercising frequently prior to March I was lucky if I went for a walk around the block daily, and for someone who enjoys blogging and thought “Aha – now I have the time.” My instagram and blog were left empty. As I sit here writing this it is so easy for me to remember the things I didn’t do… rather than the things I did. So this post is to celebrate the few things I did.

So right now I demand you celebrate yourself… so maybe you didn’t write an entire album during the past few months *cough* Taylor Swift… maybe you just got out of bed each day… YAY FOR YOU!!! We need to celebrate ourselves more, rather than compare ourselves to others…

Now… what healthy habits did I start during quarantine…

A Skincare Routine

That’s right! Now, I clean my face both in the morning and at night. I have a whole blog post on my clean skincare routine, which I am proud to say I am still in the routine of doing. I have added a few extra items and special night skincare items… which is a blog post for another day!

Needlepoint

You might be wondering how is Needlepoint a healthy habit? Well, it actually has nothing to do with Needlepoint at all to do with my phone usage. After a few weeks of seeing my Iphone usage report on the rise, I decided I needed to do something to keep my hands busy (an incompatible behavior for my fellow ABA fans out there). Needlepoint was a great activity to start as it was something new that I needed to research and learn as well as something that kept me off my phone for hours. I truly have to thank Carly for all the helpful blog posts and IGTV’s about Needlepoint.

A blog post all about Needlepoint will be coming soon to AMB.

Cooking

As I am now a married lady it is my duty to provide warm meals for husband each night. HAH. In all seriousness, I had the luxury of working remotely while Justin had to go to work in one of the local hospitals. I felt the least I could do was to cook dinner each night, and I enjoyed it very much! Justin and I perviously did not cook much and ate out a bit more than we should. We not only got better at preparing meals, but we saved money too! I also could prepare all the vegan food I love and even did a mini series of Meatless Mondays over on Instagram …. I gotta bring that back!

Maybe you set big goals over the past few months, but need some help achieving them. Did you hope to lose weight or maybe are like me and gained the quarantine 15. Atlanta hypnosis for weight loss may be just the right place for you to get started. Sean Wheeler from Pure Hypnosis can help you eat healthier and start losing weight immediately. Pretty cool, right?

Now tell me! Did you write a book? Finish a big puzzle? Made your bed? Let me know your healthy habits in the comments!