Amy Marie

I thought it might be fun to share my recent Amazon purchases every once in a while. There are a lot of nursery themed items here so be warned . I did buy one thing for myself… 😬

Shop my recent Amazon purchases here!

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When Justin and I bought our house we took a lot of time to research home security systems. We are thankful to live in a community that is pretty private (one way in one way out road), mostly retired neighbors who are home most of the day, and were everyone knows everyone. We feel pretty safe here. However, that doesn’t bad things can’t and won’t happen. Although, I work from home most of the week there are days when I am out of the home for multiple hours. We wanted to ensure not only was our home safe when we left that our dogs were safe inside as well.

We looked at a variety of security systems until we found one that fit our needs. We did not need anything high-tech, but we wanted to be notified when there was action or movement by our front door or garage. We settled on a Blink security system. This motion censored camera connects to our phones and notifies us of movement as well as records any movement where we have them stationed.

These came in handy around the holidays when we were have packages delivered daily and you were hearing all those horror stories about presents being stolen. We’ve also had some big packages delivered such as our nursery furniture. It was nice to be able to check on the package during the day when we were not home.

The camera system also comes in handy when the dogs are playing outside. We have an electric fence, which the dogs do a great job at however they often wander from the back yard to the front if I am occupied in the house with something. Our fence stretches the front, but it is nice to get a notification right to my phone so I can monitor that they don’t cross the line. They get easily distracted by the walkers… we have a pretty active neighborhood.

Using this device has helped Justin and I both feel safe and know that our dogs are safe too! But… how can we keep our device safe?

It’s easy to put a camera on your house and think all is well and fine, but someone could easily dismantle it… hit it with a bat, rip it off… who knows. If someone is desperate enough I’m sure they would be willing to do anything. So how can we ensure that our camera stays safe from natural weather occurrences, people with ill will etc.

“The best camera or optical sensor is only as good as the dome that covers it. “

Criterion Technology, Inc.

This is where I would like to introduce you to Criterion Technology, Inc. 100% made in the USA with over 30 years of experience Criterion Technology is the industry leader of the highest quality clear component parts molded out of polycarbonate, acrylic, and an exclusive optical grade nylon. Criterion’s injection molded optical domes and enclosures provide excellent coverage and protection for high definition cameras up to the latest 4k camera technology. 

How great is that? There is no use in buying an expensive security system if you are not going to invest in protecting in. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this year with a little help from Criterion Technology, Inc.

You may have not thought of home security until today or maybe you just stumbled on to this post. Home security was completely new to me and as I did more research I learned why is was so essential. Now that we have a bebe’ on the way keeping our home safe has become our #1 priority. I am thankful that there are companies out there that safety is there #1 priority as well.

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In our home we have hardwood floors, which is new for me. The home I grew up in did not have hardwood flooring so learning how to care for them was something I needed to learn how to do. You might think… really Amy? Do you needed to learn how to take care of a floor… uh ya… You want you floors to last? Cause little damage to them? Increase the value of your home? Well, you have to take care of your floors.

Methods for Cleaning

• Soft Bristled Broom
• Damp Mop or Microfiber Pad
• Remove Sticky Debris ASAP
• Vacuum with Soft Nozzle

When it comes to cleaning your hardwood floor always take into account the type of product you are using. You want to avoid using items that might scratch or nick the flooring. Think of products that are soft and will cause the least amount of damage to the floor. Care for spills or sticky debris immediately rather than letting them sit. For my floor I regularly vacuum as well as use a microfiber pad cloth to pick up any additional dust. We have *3* dogs, so vacuuming is a every other day thing for me. I usually do a deep clean one time a week where I pull out every things, get in all the corners, but every other day its just a quick sweep of the house.

How to Avoid Damage

• Don’t Ignore Wet Spots or Stains
• No Need for Heavy Equipment
• Avoid Harmful Cleaning Products
• Do Not Steam Clean

As mentioned about its important to not use any products that would cause harm. This includes old fashioned remedies that use baking soda, vinegar and dish soap to clean floors. Those items are a no-go these days. Same with steam cleaning, save that for your tile floors!

Address any wet spots immediately, over time those wet spot can cause unseen damage under your floors. Observe in your kitchen where you are more likely to have water on the floor. Is it in front of your sink? Get a mat! For us, its where the dogs water bowl is… they can make quite a mess. We have a mat rubber mat to collect the water as well as towel to collect and wipe up sloppy dog drinking water!

Safe Cleaning Products

Where going to need some dive deep into our brain back to high school Chemistry to unlock our knowledge of a neutral pH… anyone remember – its 7! Keep this in mind when looking for products. Anything with a pH 7 and lower is fine… anything higher will have too much alkaline.

Replacing Hardwood Floors

Could your home use an update? Do you have hardwood floors in your home that have been neglected for years? If you are on the search for high quality, hardwood flooring in Atlanta consider TriArt Hardwood Floors. TriArt Hardwoods Floors – Atlanta is a hardwood flooring company that has built its reputation on our commitment to quality craftsmanship and excellent customer experience. This was the goal Hugo Simoes set for the company when he started the business.

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I wanted to put together a practical gift guide together for our teachers this year. A lot of teachers had to transition to teaching online overnight, which meant they might not have have all the materials they needed to be prepared. I have taught online for a few years and wanted share some of my favorite online teaching items that a teacher in your life may also enjoy!

1 // Laptop Stand

This is one of my favorite items – after stacking my laptop on books, boxes or anything else I could find I finally purchased a laptop stand. This is a key item for those who spend most of their day working on their laptop. Its an ideal height for zoom call and helps with posture (so that your not leaning over your laptop).

2 // Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

This is an add on item to the laptop stand above. Typing with your laptop on a stand is not easy… or comfortable. I really love the combination of the laptop stand with keyboard and mouse. Give the gift of better posture this holiday season 😉

3 // Keurig

You can never go wrong with coffee! Early mornings, late nights, zoom meetings, the list could go on. Coffee is always a must and a cherished gift!

4 // Tumbler

Whether to keep your water cold or coffee warm… a tumbler is always a great gift. I may have an overload, but I can’t get enough of cute mugs or tumblers.

5 // Coffee Warmer

Ask your favorite teacher how often they are running to the microwave to warm up their coffee. Personally, I warm mine up at least 5 times… no lie! I can only sneak sips while I’m teaching so my coffee gets cold quickly. A coffee warmer is a life saver!

6 // Oil Diffuser

I’m all about creating a vibe and an environment. An essential oil diffuser is essential (haha) to that! This is great gift for any teacher looking to feel more energized or calm depending what vibe they are trying to create.

7 // Flawless in Five

My favorite set of products. An entire makeup look in an easy 5-minute routine. This is a great gift for any teacher! The set includes:

• Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation or Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer
• Skin Twin Creamy Concealer
• Color Define Brow Pencil or Brilliant Brow Gel
• Lengthening or Volumizing Mascara
• Satin Powder Blush
• Beyond Gloss

8// Blue Light Glasses

Being in front of the computer all day can be harmful. It doesn’t hurt to use a little protection.

Now get out there a show your favorite teacher how much you love them! What are you gifting your favorite teacher this year?

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*This is a sponsored post with Saw Trax, all opinions are my own*

Home renovation can be expensive…. this is probably not news to most. Depending on the size of your project or how many projects there are your budget may vary. In todays post I am going to share a few things to consider before jumping into a renovation project.

What needs to get done? Budget? Timeline?

Start by doing an evaluation of your home… what needs to get done? Are there any projects that hold significant importance? What I mean by that is… any current home hazards that need to be addresses immediately. For Justin and I when we first moved in our home needed to add a radon system and replace a cracked bathtub. Those were items that needed to be addressed immediately upon buying our home – so they were first on the list for us!

Next, lets look at your budget and timeline. The most important thing to remember is that all your home projects do not need to happen overnight, this month or even this year. Pick a project a month or a project a year, whatever works for you!

What can you do yourself? Or have done professionally?

Not everything can be done yourself… plumbing, electrical, structure etc. Many think that all projects can be done yourself but unfortunately this may cause a bigger issue. Which then leads to bringing in a professional and will end up costing more money. Shop around for prices on the projects that you need to get done, get quality recommendations from friends, and include these types of expenses in your budget.

For simple home projects, there are lots of tutorials, books, and classes that can help. Sometimes you can even find a class at your local Home Depot or Lowes.

Quality Equipment

Big projects may require some heavy lifting. When it comes to heavy lifting it’s important to invest in high quality items. Saw Trax is an Atlanta, Georgia based company has been in business since 1988 and focusing on selling quality work equipment.

Their door dolly is equipment to carry up to 800 pounds of weight, which takes the heavy lifting of home renovations off your back!

Buying Items Second-Hand

No, unfortunately you will not find most of the construction items you need at your local thrift store. However, you may find some items at your local Home Deport or Lowes. Here is a little secret… people return paint and you can buy it for half the price! It’s a hit or a miss but most days, but look often! You may find paint for a bathroom or small bedroom.

Search around online, for example: Facebook marketplace. I have found unopened boxes of subway tile and other various items. Some people buy too much for a project so you can often buy it from them for a discounted price.

Look online for a local Habit for Humanity store… or restore as they call it!

“Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price.

Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world — a good deal for you, your community and the environment.”

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Recently Justin and I announced we were expecting out first bebe in May 2021! We are so thrilled to be growing our family. I am officially in my second trimester and thought it might be fun to look back on the first. Some women have little pain during their pregnancy and others…. throw up every 30 minutes… I’ll let you guess where I fall on that scale. 🤢

Cravings

Junk. Junk. Junk. Ugh. If I were to envision my ideal pregnancy I would be eating fruit, vegetables, salad and all the plant-based goodness. Well, baby hates that. I have wanted Cheetos, greasy food (breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, etc.), soda, and ice cream. Which, is kind of crazy because those are things I’ve eaten in the past but never in this much quantity. Those types of items were always a treat, now it’s my livelihood. It’s crazy that I went from eating 100% vegan in January, did meatless Mondays after that and now can’t stand the sight of a salad. I am super hopeful for my second trimester and being able to choke down healthier options.

Emotions

My poor husband is all that should be under this. I have been a wreck and honestly the simplest things upset me. A commercial, TV show, reading an email the wrong way… etc. There is also the weight of being pregnant during Covid and having to go alone to doctors appointments. It has been hard for both Justin and I that we can not experience this together. I try to film and record everything for him and then we try to share those special moments together at home. Will these emotions end in my second trimester? Probably not!

Exhaustion

I have been really tired especially during the previous month. Afternoon naps we a must and getting out of bed in the morning was almost impossible. I have now started to gain some energy back and I am so thankful!

Weight

This is funny to talk about (especially if you read what my current diet looks like), but I have lost weight! I have been so sick and unable to keep much down, that it really took a toll on my weight. I was shocked! At my most recent appointment Idid gain one pound back. I have been trying to include a protein smoothie each day. Those do not always agree with me, on the days they don’t I make another one. I’m being a little more stubborn about this – telling me stomach “You must eat this!”, “You have to keep this down”. Do I sound crazy?

Symptoms

Other than nausea, I’ve been hit with some pretty intense lower back pain. I have never experienced pain like this and credit everyone who lives with it daily. There are days where bending over is impossible, sitting or standing too long hurts and paint shoots up my back and down my legs. A heating pad and baths every other day have been best friend. I have been able to stabilize the pain with this those two items as well as some light stretching. But plan to reach out to a physical therapist for pre/post natal therapy.

Preparing the Dogs

I would like to think Harper and Bailey know exactly what is going on when I talk to them about the baby, but also know their world is about to be rocked. I like to think they are going to be the best 4-legged big sisters and Harper is going to follow in the footsteps of Nana from Peter Pan (*note to self: watch Peter Pan with Harper and Bailey). As of right now Justin and I are doing a ton of research on how to introduce a baby to dogs, as well as constantly talking about the baby. I think they get it… although they have been the center of our lives for the past 6 years so I hope they don’t mind sharing the spotlight.

Also this…

Skip this if you don’t like gross things, or keep reading to be entertained…. As I’ve mentioned previously. I’ve been sick, lost weight, blah blah, blah… Well friends, I have thrown up in our hallway 2x so far because I’ve been unable to make it to the bathroom as well as peed my pants while standing at the sink throwing up because that was far as I could make it. I had to both pee and throw up so my body decided to do both at once. Thankfully, we have no visitors during this time, so Justin ever so kindly put an orange home depot bucket in the bathroom so I can puke and pee at the same time. He is a keeper I tell ya.

So that is where I currently am. Excited to be in my second trimester and see what else is to come. I feel like I am coming off as complaining but I promise you Justin and I are so thankful. Each ailment I experience I find myself being thankful to experience them because I know the greatest thing is to come. This is all temporary… well except the exhaustion… and maybe peeing my pants 😉

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Layered Doormats For The Holidays!

Currently Vol. 3

How To Prep Your Etsy Shop For The Holidays!

1 Doormat // Here Comes Amazon

2 Doormat // It’s The Most Wonderful Time

3 Doormat // Home For The Holidays (Similar)

My favorite front door trend: layered doormats. I can’t get enough! Although my front door is not easy seen by drivers passing by… and we’re not getting many visitors due to the fact that we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. At least me and the Amazon delivery person can find joy in them.

The concept of layered doormats is pretty easy. A Big door mat under a small one. The smaller one however having more of a design to it. A simple a fun way to decorate your front door this holiday season… even if its only for you, the delivery guy, and the internet…

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It’s no surprise that this year we may our biggest influx of online shoppers during the holidays. More people shopping online and hopefully shopping small! In my opinion Etsy is the leader for small business owners looking to sell their handmade goods. I’ve been selling on Etsy since 2015 and been through a few holiday seasons myself. Currently my blog posts about Etsy are my most viewed and engaged with both here and on Pinterest. So, I think you reading this – enjoy this… if not I’ll see you in my next post 😉

If you are wondering the best time to start working on what I am going to tell you below… its now! Get these things done before Black Friday and you will be set for success… so lets get to those tips and help get your products sold!

Update Your Header

Your header is likely the first thing a shopper sees when they are directed to your page. It’s important to immediately call attention to current sales and promotions so that when shoppers are browsing your site they know that additional savings are available. The above graphic (and all the graphics used in this post) were created for free using Canva. I highly encourage that if you are not currently using this free resource you get on it!

Update List Names and Product Listings

Take the time now to spruce up your listings and write some amazing descriptions! My biggest tip to Etsy sellers is your list name! Go to Etsy, in the search bar type in your product i.e. “Stud Earrings” it should then populate suggestions underneath. Use those in your listing… this is what others are searching for and are related to your listing!

What is should not look like: Stud Earrings

What is should look like: Stud Earrings, Handmade Earrings, Red Earrings, Red Star Earrings … etc.

Schedule Your Sale Promotions

Decide now what types of promotions you are going to offer during the next few months. Black Friday? Cyber Monday? Small business Saturday? Decided now what you would like to do, schedule them, and get your graphics made!

Create Your Social Media Graphics

Honestly, this just saves time and can take less than 10 minutes to get done. As I mentioned above Canva is free! Sign up and start getting your content done for the holidays!

Absolute Last Day for Orders and Shipping

Shoppers are going to want to know when the last day they can order is. As well as be comforted that their order will arrive on time for the holidays! Work out now what is the absolute last day that you will be taking orders. This helps both shoppers and you!

Stocked Products = Fast Shipping

If you have been selling on Etsy for a bit and know what your typical holiday big sellers are, get those stocked or at least prepped now. This helps with fast shipping and saves you time. Especially, if you create custom order for clients, it will give you more time to work on those orders!

Stock Packaging and Shipping Materials

Who doesn’t love opening up a well packaged item… it’s like opening a gift! Think now about how you are planning on packing orders, decided if you are going to offer holiday wrapping and get those items in stock!

Start Teasing Sales and Holiday Promotions – NOW!

You want to ensure that you are top of mind this holiday season the best way to do that is to stay is constant contact with customers. Whether through email, Instagram, Facebook or however you promote your products its best to start teasing your promotions now. Shoppers may not be buying at this exact moment… but they are browsing around online… you may be getting a few more likes or saves on your products. Those are potential customers – let them know savings are on the way!

There is nothing wrong with asking for a little help…

Hey I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with everything above! It’s been a tough year and I just want you to be prepared for the upcoming season… and no better time than now to get started. If you’re thinking – “Wow, I’m overwhelmed and no way I can run my business and prepare for the holidays at the same time.” Friend, I’m here to help!! I can do all that listed above for you… no sweat! Just reach out, let me know your holiday goals and I can put together a specific package to fit your needs!

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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!