Amy Marie

*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.”

Related Posts:

5 Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season

4 Tips For Saving Money For Your First House

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 😉

Recent posts:

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…

Recent posts:

Currently Vol. 3

How To Prep Your Etsy Shop For The Holidays

5 Ways To Save Money For The Holidays

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!

Related Posts:

How to Start Your Own Etsy Shop

The Best Hashtags for Etsy Sellers

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)!