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Amy Marie

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4 Tips for Saving Money for your First House!

save money

Want to save money for your first house, but don’t know where to start? You clicked the right link! In this post you will find 4 tips for how my husband and I saved to buy our first house!

I think both Justin and I are in disbelief that in the midst of a global pandemic we were able to buy our first home! The idea of buying a house was so daunting to us. We had no idea how to even start saving for one of the biggest purchases we have ever made! Of course, we started small by creating a joint bank account where we both put money aside monthly. However, after we got married we wanted to kick it into high gear. We knew we had to be more serious about saving money. We started by sitting down and making a plan. Here are few things that worked for us!

Pinpoint where you spend the most money!

Start by keeping a log of all your purchases and reviewing them at the end of the month. I kept a piece of paper wrapped around my debit card and each time I pulled out my card to buy something I wrote it down. You can review this weekly or monthly. Pinpoint purchases during the month that might not have been so necessary. For Justin and I it was going out to eat, buying lunch, and buying coffee.

In March when most restaurants and coffee shops closed, we started to break the habit of eating out and formed a new habit of making our meals. This was a huge money saver for us! I used to have a bad Starbucks habit… and those $5 coffees add up! Remember no savings is too small! You may think “Oh, it is just $5… no big deal.”. Do the math! You will be amazed at how much money you could keep in your pocket by making your own coffee at home!

Make a budget!

Again, refer to your spend list! Something Justin and I found out about ourselves is that we weren’t really sticking to a budget… For example: If we went grocery shopping we would put together a rough list of items that we needed, but would also just throw anything else into the cart… which again can really add up! Of course it is ok to get fun snack items or splurge on a treat here and there, but we found that by not sticking to a grocery list we were spending a little too much on groceries for just the two of us.

I also made a thrift budget for myself! Back in February I wrote about my thrift list. This was another way to help keep me accountable and only buying the things I needed. I could spend hours shopping secondhand… and at times things can seem so cheap! But again… it adds up!! By setting a money limit for my weekly thrifting as well as creating a thrift list of items Justin and I needed, I was able to cut back on my spending.

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 Chapes – JPL. Whether you are looking to sell old unwanted jewelry or are in need of a business loan in Atlanta, Chapes-JPL has your back. With over 40 years of experience and interest rates as low as 3% they may be just what you are looking for! Take any money from items you have sold and put it right into your savings account! You may be surprised at how much “money” is laying around your house.

save money

Get 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!

So there you go… YOU CAN DO IT! I’m sure there are a lot more ways to save for a house (please share in the comments), but these are the 4 core things that Justin and I did! I hope this helps!

save money

Dear Fellow White People

All art images in this post belong to Danielle Coke, who can be supported here on her Website, Facebook, and Instagram.

black lives matter

Dear Fellow White People,

I have started this letter a few times, but each time questioned my ability to write it. I will never be able to understand fully what POC in our country feel or what they experience daily. But, I do understand that that is a privilege I was born into. A privilege that I up until recently did not fully recognize.

All these years I thought and truly believed I was a black ally… I grew up in a diverse neighbored, attended a diverse school, and had a diverse group of friends. But, never did I realize that our experiences may have been different. We grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same school, had the same group of friends…but did we feel the same way when we walked home alone, or went into a store? I do not know, because I never asked. It never crossed my mind to think to ask my friends with skin darker than mine what they were experiencing and how their childhood was completely different than mine.

And that is what this letter is about, it is my plea to my fellow white people to start comparing their experiences to the experiences of POC in our country. I have never actively witnessed racism in my life, but I know for sure I have missed the subtle racism that occurs daily. Have I seen a shop owner follow a POC in a store? Has a POC been spoken to differently than I in the same setting? Have I heard an inappropriate comment be made about a POC? And the most important question to ask myself: Did I say something when I witnessed this happened?

“It’s not enough to be quietly non-racist.” – Angela Davis

So my fellow white people what are you going to do next? I know what I am going to do, I am going to continue to utilize my voice and platform to make sure the voices of all who are unheard are heard. I pledge to no longer be silent about the issues in our country, I pledge to me more actively involved in supporting companies and businesses that are diverse/support a diverse work environment and I pledge to make sure you know that I hear you, I see you, and that you are not alone.

black lives matter

Things you can do right now:

  1. Keep the conversation going!
  2. Educate yourself.
  3. Get involved/ Use your voice!
  4. Support black creators, artists, and businesses.
  5. Donate.

Where to donate :

black lives matter
black lives matter

Recent Posts:

My Clean Skincare Routine

My Work From Home Must Haves

My Clean Skincare Routine

clean skincare routine

In todays post I share my clean skincare routine as well as share with you where I started to make little changes to create a cleaner lifestyle for myself and my family.

Last year I started to make some changes in my life and adjust to a “cleaner” lifestyle. I wanted to change everything from my diet, how I shopped, to my skin care! Three very major parts of my life! It was overwhelming at first, but I started small. I first started by introducing my body to a more plant based lifestyle, then I started to only shop secondhand, and lastly I started to “clean” out my makeup bag.

I could have have done it all in one quick sweep, but I felt that it would be wasteful. As I finished up one beauty product I swapped it for a cleaner one, I started to eat vegan one day a week, and I started to really think about the things I needed. For example: If I identified that I needed something I would really think about it, I could easily go on Amazon and order it, or I could add it to my thrift list. (I chose the latter!)

But today we are not talking about all those other things, today we are just talking about my skincare and how Beautycounter comes into the mix. Well, Beautycounter’s mission is to get safe products into everyones hands. They believe that the future is clean beauty, and they plan to lead the way. They do this by creating products for the whole family (they have a baby + kid collection!!), education, and advocacy. (If you are interested in joining the clean beauty movement with me, I’d love to chat!!)

clean skincare routine

Step 1: Hydrating Cleaning Balm

This bad boy is basically a 3 in 1! It can be used to remove makeup, as a cleanser, and an overnight hydrating mask. I personally use it to remove my makeup and clean my skin. Its very hydrating, I loved the feeling of using this type of product versus a makeup remover that would leave my skin feeling dry and tight!

Step 2: Foaming Cleanser

I then use a foaming cleanser, again very smooth and hydrating! My skin responds best to gentle cleansers, and this one hits the spot!

Step 3: Toner

If you don’t use a toner – you must!! Think your face is clean after you wash it? You would be shocked to see whats left over on the cotton pad when you use a toner. Also, a toner is great for minimizing pores!

Step 4: Vitamin C Serum

Next is my sunshine in a bottle! This helps reduces dark spots as well as brighten skin. (Currently sold out – will update when it is back in stock!)

Step 5: Moisturize

Finally, I lock it all in with a 24 hour moisturizer. The Countermatch adaptive moisturizer, does just what it says – it adapts to your skin throughout the day!

Thats it! I hope this isn’t overwhelming, I can promise you it isn’t! Beautycounter makes it extremely easy to follow a skincare regimen by including the steps on their product boxes as well as when they should be used. Easy right? Great for beginners like me… who had not idea where to start!

clean skincare routine

Want more?

My Beautycounter Picks for Mom!

My Quarantine Makeup Routine

Story Time: Beachbody Threatened to Sue Me!

Yes, you read that right Beachbody the well known fitness brand tried to take down 24 year old Amy…

I have been debating on writing this post for a while. I don’t want anyone to think I am bashing Beachbody as a lot of my friends utilize it and I don’t feel anything negative towards the company except that they took time out of their day to crush my small business. A company that only survives by others starting a small “business” through them to spread and grow the brand . Ok… I’m a little salty.

We will start the beginning… and I will warn you of some awful product photography that you will see in this post. A good camera and good lighting were not in my repertoire yet! Early 2016 I had joined Beachbody with a friend from college. After successfully completing one of the programs I signed up as a coach. I had a lot of fun sharing my fitness journey online with others and starting a side hustle.

At that time patterned hair ties were everywhere… and if you don’t know what I’m talking about here is a picture for reference:

Beachbody

Those bad boys were everywhere as well as the cards they went on… if you were getting married in 2016 I can bet you the bride gave these to everyone in the wedding party. Now being the entrepreneurial craft gal I am, I thought to myself “I can make those!” so I started an Etsy shop selling these wedding themed cards and hair ties.

Beachbody

I will admit the field was a little saturated, like I said they were popular and easy to make. So I started to brainstorm ways to grow my Etsy shop but stay within the same category. When I thought of getting the word out about my Beachbody business I thought what a great idea to make these Beachbody business cards, with my information and a hair tie! So I did… and it was a big hit!

Beachbody

From March 2016 to July 2016 I had around 40 orders… which was a lot for lil ol me! I loved helping other gals grow their Beachbody business! No one else on Etsy was doing what I was doing. There were sellers creating other promotional items, but I was the head hair tie lady! I became friendly with another seller who made vinyl Beachbody stickers for water bottles. We often linked together for giveaways/promotions and such! Ladies helping ladies grow – it was a great a time to be alive! My little Etsy shop began to expand and I started to get requests for orders outside of Beachbody! So I began making promotional items for Advocare, essential oils, candles, etc!

Beachbody

Things were looking great until I got a message from a woman named Cheryl… simple question: “Are you a Beachbody coach?” I was enthused to talk with anyone about my coaching business. So I said “Yes! I’d love to answer any questions about Beachbody!” Cheryl could care less… in fact she was just checking that I was authorized to utilize the Beachbody logo… Huh?

Little background information… when you work for these types of companies you get access to a lot of brand material to share on your social media, I thought that because I PAY to be a coach I was authorized to utilize the brand material provided to me. Well friends, I was NOT.

She then sent me a message about how she was part of Beachbody’s legal team and if I didn’t remove my products in X amount of time they would take action. She claimed that all products with the logo needed to be approved by cooperate and I violated that rule… I was freaked out so I deleted it all.

I reached out to the other girl I worked with and found out that they took worse action on her (she had a lot more sales than I). They suspended her coaching status until she took the items down from her shop. Both of our shops tanked and we both stopped selling on Etsy. We couldn’t understand the harm we had done. We were only trying to help the business grow bigger by helping others grow their business… which is kinda the whole point of Beachbody isn’t it?

I’d like to say I learned my lesson but when I tried to reopen my shop years later selling hand knit coffee koozies I was again threatened with legal action from BIC (yes, the pen company BIC) who have trademarked the word “koozie” which means only they can use it… big businesses man… I guess that was the start my personal revolution where I did my best to not shop big chains and only support small, local, secondhand businesses.

So that is my little story about my frontline battle with big business… hah! If 2020 Amy was put in this situation, I think I would have fought a little harder. What would you have done in this situation?

Want more?

How to Start an Etsy Shop!

My Quarantine Makeup Routine

makeup

Looking for an easy makeup routine? You are in the right place!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying quarantine… gosh I cannot get enough of Zoom… I wish I could Zoom more! What have I been up to recently? Well… I’ve used the spin bike Justin and I ordered off of Amazon once… however I am regularly drinking wine… at least one glass a day, so thats good!

Any who… you may be here because I said I would be sharing a blog post to go along with the IGTV I filmed last week… or you just happen to stumble across my blog when you were frantically looking for a new makeup routine to spice up your quarantine… either way, welcome 🙂

In this post I am going to be sharing some of the products that have been lifesavers for my early morning zoom meetings. If you are interested in how I put them on my face then check please check out my IGTV 🙂

Products:

For my base I am using Beautycounter’s tint skin foundation. It is super hydrating, not full coverage, but perfect for a natural glowing complexion. Then I use Tarte’s shape tape to cover up some blemishes, under my eyes, and for any redness on face. I follow that up with the Fit Me Matte + Poreless powder.

On my cheeks I use the Beatycounter’s Satin Powder blush in Guava. This blush is very pigmented so I always start with a light application and build it up. This has been a favorite of mine for the past couple of months!

On my eyes I am using the Tarte Big Ego mascara, Ivory from the Beautycounter’s classic eye shadow palette (similar) in the inner corner of my eyes and Beautycounter’s color define brow pencil for my eyebrows.

For my lips I am using the Laura Mercier Sily cream lipstick in nude rouge and topping that off with the Beautycounter’s gloss in Peony.

That’s it! Super simple and quick. The entire routine takes me about 5-10 minutes to complete. Which is all I can stand to spend on my face during a time like this!

Please let me know in the comments what your favorite quarantine make up has been! As always I hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and at home!

Want more?

My Work From Home Must -Haves

makeup

My Work from Home Must-Haves

work from home

Over the past month or so working from home has become the new normal for a lot of people. I wouldn’t say it was a easy transition for me… A lot of my job is person to person interactions with little office time. My coworkers and I have had to adapt the way we provide services and although it has been challenging us creatively it has also been very difficult.

One of the hardest things has been separating between my full time job and my “side hustle“. I am blessed to have a designated work area in my home, that after my full time job I could “plug in” for an hour or two. Now that its all happening in one place… its a lot. Time blocking has been the most helpful techniques I’ve used… but that is a post for another day! Today’s post is all about the things that I have use before full-time working from home and some things I added to my “office”.

Some things I consider a must- have and others are just for fun. Let me know about your home office! I’d love to hear about what your transition to working from home has been like, what things you’ve used to create a cozy office and work space for yourself!

Also… I just launch my Facebook page (Hello 2004!) A little behind on the times, but I never felt like I needed one. But here we are! I’d really appreciate it if you could jump on over there and give it a like!

Must-Haves:

Computer Stand – Personally cannot work with out this… my neck would be a wreck!

Wireless Mouse + Keyboard – These are a must if you get the commuter stand!

Headphones

Cellphone Stand

Mug Warmer – Can anyone else never finish their coffee while it’s still hot?

Desk Organization

Notepad

Just for Fun:

Aromatherapy Diffuser

Plants

work from home
work from home

My BeautyCounter Picks for Mother’s Day

Ladies.. feel free to forward this along to a certain someone in your life that may need a little hint…

Today I am very excited to share with you my top picks for Mother’s Day featuring Beuatycounter. I think I shared some of my favorite products on Instagram before for example, the 5 minute makeup routine that legit saves my life! For both my full-time job and just before logging on to teach.

So lets jump right in and take a look at some products I think your mom (or WIFE) is going to love.

Beautycounter

Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel

If you are looking for a product to boost skin radiance and improve skin texture, this is the product for you! This is a super easy step to add to your nighttime routine. Apply to a clean face and before your moisturizer to wake up with a brighter, healthier looking, renewed complexion.

Counter+ All Bright C Serum

This clinically proven serum helps improve skin tone and skin radiance! I have been waiting to get my hands on this! This is the perfect product if you are looking to brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Pout Perfect Lip Care Set

Perfect your pout with this lip trio, formulated to exfoliate, condition, and add a touch of moisturizing shine. This kit includes: Lip Polish, Better Balm and Crystal Lip Gloss.

Flawless in Five

My favorite set of products. An entire makeup look in an easy 5-minute routine. This is a great gift for all moms! The set includes: Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation or Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, Touchup Skin Concealer Pen, Color Define Brow Pencil or Brilliant Brow Gel, Lengthening or Volumizing Mascara, Satin Powder Blush and Lip Gloss

Glow & Go Mini Oils

Perfect for travel or trial, this set features our best-selling facial oil formulas in take-anywhere sizes, making naturally glowing skin as easy as 1-2-3. I love this set for someone who might be new to using oils and are looking to find one that fits them the best! The set includes: No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil, No. 2 Plumping Facial Oil, and No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil.

Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask

For the mom who likes to treat herself, buy may not have the time. This mask is ten minutes to a purified complexion! Salicylic and lactic acids aid in a gentle exfoliation, giving skin a smooth, polished look with a minimized appearance of pores. Perfect for those concerned with congestion and oily skin.

beautycounter

VIPKID: February Review & March Goals

VIPKID

February was a big VIPKid month for me! Since most of the kids were (and still are) out of school due to the Coronavirus I spent not only my morning teachings, but my evening as well! Doubling up on the classes lead me to a total of 73 classes! Phew! I average between 40 and 50 most months… so this may have been a personal record!

No lets see what the final payout will be…

VIPKID

This was a very good month in my books!

February Schedule:

I keep my schedule very consistent, it probably has not changed within the past year much at all. The hours I work, work for me and my full time job. The only difference with this past month is I implement my summer schedule, which means opening evening slots. This is what my schedule looked like for this past month:

VIPKID

I always teach between 6:00AM – 7:00AM EST, I choose one weekend morning to teach, I found teaching both mornings burned me out, and due to school closures I taught between 9:00PM – 10:00PM EST. I personally think the magic behind being fully booked with VIPKID is keeping a consistent schedule.

March Goals:

As always my minimum goal for each month is to teach 50 classes. Why? Well, VIPKID adds a $1 bonus to each class if you’ve taught 50 and it makes a huge difference! My March goal will also depend on if the kids go back to school in China, I will keep opening evening slots, if the kids continue to be out of school. So that is goal #1, and goal #2 is to help one new teacher get started with VIPKID! Yes and if you are reading this…it could be you! I have worked with VIPKID for 2 years and only wish I had learned about this sooner! What other side hustle can you think of… or maybe that you have tried did you earn almost $700 a month! And that is me only teaching 2 hours a day… just think if I doubled that!! *mind blown*

As always, if you are interested let me know (email, comment, or click HERE)! I have helped 2 teachers get started on their journey and you could me next!

Want more?

My 2 Year Journey Teaching with VIPKID!

February Thrift List

February thrift list

Thrift list. Do you have one? Do you know what it is? If you answered “No” to any of those questions do not fret! Today we are going to be discussing what a thrift list is and what mine looks like for February!

What is a thrift list?

A “thrift list” is simple… it is what you plan on shopping. It’s like making a grocery shopping list for your clothes.

Why make a list?

I personally keep a list so I do not over shop. If you an avid thrifter at times it can feel like everything is a treasure… but not every treasure needs to come home with you. I will usually make a this of things that I am in need of in my closet or a new trendy item I would like to by.

My February Thrift List:

(As pictured above) are current items on my list, they are a mix between items that I want and need.

Black turtleneck: This is an item that I both want and need. It has been very trendy to pair a turtleneck under various outfits, I haven’t owned one since the early 2000s and wish I never got rid of it!

Midi Print Skirt: An item that would like, however do not need. These midi pattern skirts have been everywhere and I really like this trend!

Black Leggings: Item I need… I locate the only pair I owned…

Animal Print Shoes: An item that I would like, however do not need. Again, another trend I have been loving!

Bar Cart: This is a long time list item and sometimes you are going to have those! I have been on the hunt for a bar cart and clearly the search continues!

So there it is, my thrift list for February! Do you have a thrift list? What is on yours?

Want more?

Wedding Wednesday: My #Thrifted Wedding Decor

Thrift Challenge: Cocktail Party Outfit

Wedding Wednesday: My (#Thrifted) Bridal Shower

Happy #weddingwednesday!

Hello!! I am super pumped to be sharing this weeks post all about my #thrifted bridal shower decor! Did you know buying anything for a wedding is EXPENSIVE? Any items I found at either Michales or Hobby Lobby in the wedding section were extremely expensive and overpriced! I knew I was going to have to get creative… When thinking of what theme I wanted for my bridal I was kinda all over the place. I decided to stick to a theme of: girly, hint of vintage, and pink/gold. Before we get into the post I want to share some quick tips if you are looking to buy your wedding/bridal decor items second hand.

QUICK TIPS:

  • Pick a theme and stick to it. We all know buying secondhand can be overwhelming due to the high quantity of items that are out there. I found my self trying to change the theme of my bridal shower while in Goodwill just because I found one item that I wanted to make work… NO. Make a thrift list and stick to it.
  • Places to shop: Tag Sales, Garage Sales, Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, Savers, Your Friends Closest, Etc.
  • Go often. In the year leading up to my wedding events I was stopping in at my local thrift shops 2 – 3 times a week.
  • Don’t be afraid to get crafty/make edits. If there is an item that can be edited to fit your theme/style, DIY IT!
  • Buy items that can be used for multiple wedding events! Most of the items you will see below, you will see again and again! I used these items at my bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding!
  • Ask your friends! Do no be afraid to ask your friends to borrow items from them. I was the last friend in my group to get married so I definitely benefited from items that were collecting dust in their basement/attic.

Wreath: Goodwill

Love sign: Decor from my house

Lantern: Facebook Marketplace (also my wedding centerpieces)

Crate: Dumpster outside of a brewery (I sanded and painted)

Book: Goodwill (recycled books, that I crafted – do you wanted a tutorial??)

Rug: Decor from my house

N & Forever Sign: Clearance @ Michaels – used for all bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding.

LOVE Letters: Outdoor Flea Market (Elephants Trunk – if you are ever in Connecticut, it is definitely a place to check out!)

Sign: Goodwill, also found the matching “Sign Our Guestbook” at Goodwill too!

Glass Jars & Heart Metal Jars: Borrowed from a friend.

Chalk sign: Reused for all events bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding.

Mirror: Goodwill

Succulents: Sustainable (ish?) party favor!

Mason Jars: Already owned them and currently reuse them for food storage, drinking, etc.

Candles: Purchased from Amazon and reused for all wedding events – bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding!

Lace Doilies: Estate Sale

Heart Picture Garland: Goodwill, hearts were previously black and gold, I painted them white and added the lace.

Bird Cages & Heart Frames: Clearance @ Michaels, reused for all wedding events – bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding.

Photo background: Borrowed from a local Church!

That’s it! That is a look inside my thrift mind… and what my bridal shower looked like! It was super fun getting to look back at my bridal shower photos and relive the excitement I had finding all the wonderful things I found!

Are you bride to be? Need some thrift tips? Let me know!!

Want more wedding posts?

Our Connecticut Wedding Vendors

Other Local Connecticut Vendors (+ Planning Tips!)

My Wedding Vision Board

Things to Know Before you go Wedding Dress Shopping