tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80430748819038987172024-03-15T13:25:52.567-04:00The Style BrunchFashion. Beauty. LifestyleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-18017389624609699262023-10-02T13:54:00.000-04:002023-10-02T13:54:07.179-04:00DIY Panel Moulding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello Friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have another DIY project update to share with you all! This project toke many weeks to finish and it was a learning curve for me. However there was much growth and knowledge learned from this project so for that I am grateful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM0Kk7ZckgGm6H8jDiUKBXyQXlPN4zfzaIIAQ4oqVihJYulv659jePC8E97oSN9u5c1h2BaIeo7_rCyfGAr9ScgAR3OKzZ0F7B9YuCj5pWuHsfTWMAU1dkpstPTVmpcImsAVnALhvqOSMdohHRGij18w2DQq9Z8T8Q2XRKvxI5904_76A87bPfcRgz5vd/s4032/moulding%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM0Kk7ZckgGm6H8jDiUKBXyQXlPN4zfzaIIAQ4oqVihJYulv659jePC8E97oSN9u5c1h2BaIeo7_rCyfGAr9ScgAR3OKzZ0F7B9YuCj5pWuHsfTWMAU1dkpstPTVmpcImsAVnALhvqOSMdohHRGij18w2DQq9Z8T8Q2XRKvxI5904_76A87bPfcRgz5vd/w480-h640/moulding%208.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our home has no custom moulding really anywhere. The walls are plain and cold feeling to me. We have a long plain wall in our living room that I envisioned some kind of moulding to upgrade the space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After much Pinning on Pinterest and back and forth I decided on a picture frame moulding look. I decided on this because I think it would look nice to have family photos hung on this wall and the picture frame moulding will compliment each other well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;">What is panel moulding</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is an interior finish to a space to create the impression of panelled walls. It can come in a variety of shapes and styles. The beauty of it is the freedom and creativity to customize it to your space and aesthetic. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYai4aSEWczjZvqV_K-cmKpuMAQAICzMrhpOioNTBMiRCTwoBzs97VpkzLMX-qUeb2jgDEAi5IzvFsHAo4YX_7UCBUO7OSYqdpY9A45uqJ2KzUEdy9_ViSNMyYear3aNwdwEJfgPsIXi7MIyX-6pM9FYnKYBHCmBpcM9LGQUhAULOWWsgcNnl1Afv4bP2g/s4032/moulding%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYai4aSEWczjZvqV_K-cmKpuMAQAICzMrhpOioNTBMiRCTwoBzs97VpkzLMX-qUeb2jgDEAi5IzvFsHAo4YX_7UCBUO7OSYqdpY9A45uqJ2KzUEdy9_ViSNMyYear3aNwdwEJfgPsIXi7MIyX-6pM9FYnKYBHCmBpcM9LGQUhAULOWWsgcNnl1Afv4bP2g/w480-h640/moulding%207.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><i>Installation </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><i> </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The installation process is not difficult but it is time consuming. The prep is the longest part of the process. Deciding on the measurements toke me the longest time. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;">Supplies:</span></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <span style="color: #9a8066;"><a href="https://bit.ly/46gwzQm" target="_blank">moulding </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3K0ZzT5" target="_blank">brad nail gun</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/45bq5Rf" target="_blank">miter saw</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3thsHQo" target="_blank">laser level</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- leveler</span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/44LRkSx" target="_blank">measuring tape</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3F1LQZm" target="_blank">caulk</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3K2OEIj" target="_blank">wood filler</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- sanding block </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="color: #b2916b;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3ZC79dm" target="_blank">caulk gun </a></span></span></span><i> </i></span></span><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></span></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Step 1: Calculate your measurements and plan</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After you sketch or design your desired moulding then you can plan your measurements. Start by obtaining all the measurements of your walls. If you are looking for a formula to start with check out <a href="https://www.thecoastaloak.com/picture-frame-molding-part-1/" target="_blank">The Coastal Oak blog </a></div><div style="text-align: left;">She did a great job to help me have a starting point and then customize my spacing according to my measurements and my space. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Step 2: Cuts </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Once you have finalize your measurements you are ready for your cuts. Using a miter saw to help with your cuts. Take your pieces and test them out on the floor to ensure that they all connect. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKaBFqs3GmYMtqWIfI_-JWrnUVtnsvdqFZNqWDi1JB8O1-nuHQr0CDZpiGfkBFRtSZf1RtVo1MfaCbG9nf46nIrIvSLn6k7thIlEHykt2rfNDyc0q19MsCFZNl_3JDiz83aJGVhkNwiA6kCLYyGgTQkD-49eXxmzw1WCRNSgpK6im_Vu3xdkug7X-dY-i/s4032/moulding%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKaBFqs3GmYMtqWIfI_-JWrnUVtnsvdqFZNqWDi1JB8O1-nuHQr0CDZpiGfkBFRtSZf1RtVo1MfaCbG9nf46nIrIvSLn6k7thIlEHykt2rfNDyc0q19MsCFZNl_3JDiz83aJGVhkNwiA6kCLYyGgTQkD-49eXxmzw1WCRNSgpK6im_Vu3xdkug7X-dY-i/w480-h640/moulding%202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xmwx9HJlYontE8VtYU6WYK17Y5ED4w45Ie6Av2wrCPa-g2A6LLW4EqYs1Sw1AVafUhXoCnb9JWMG_79OAgBUSNwO-g01Ei8Cei1SCdpC0JdV9YT-x1ZxKOMqzx_HkAeWuHDHcjBbe0KnIltFH-ic2vOu3I4aTBCuiFoNVTPGSqwUfHy71dEgyC7X9sA-/s4032/moudling%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xmwx9HJlYontE8VtYU6WYK17Y5ED4w45Ie6Av2wrCPa-g2A6LLW4EqYs1Sw1AVafUhXoCnb9JWMG_79OAgBUSNwO-g01Ei8Cei1SCdpC0JdV9YT-x1ZxKOMqzx_HkAeWuHDHcjBbe0KnIltFH-ic2vOu3I4aTBCuiFoNVTPGSqwUfHy71dEgyC7X9sA-/w480-h640/moudling%203.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Step 3: Installation</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Using your laser leveler install your pieces one by one with a brad nail gun. We found installing the first top piece of your rectangle shaped helped us the most. Use your hand lever to ensure that your pieces are leveled BEFORE you nail them.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once it is leveled then install with your nail gun. I liked to start the nailing in the center of my piece and then working my way out. We used about 8-10 nails in each piece. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I installed each of the side pieces and make sure that they are leveled. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly you install your bottom piece. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once your pieces are installed, you can fill the nails with wood filler and ALL your edges with caulk. Sand your wood filler when dried. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE17CtUyxC5lO6u6i0JHBdoHIAr05T3wvYSIraIxniT7TpaKyaFzaBnQNNN5w5Fcml79Vye534t7ANlAjjNcBYpbap6xqGivOMxpLPiuLdqKN63N_ttAQGcNdshGG_HKGG5p-n7k5zAsZ6aL6lULT2dDTSorWKM-832UFxJ2lB9Q9bsS8Fi-sQ0bL06Pq/s4032/moulding%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE17CtUyxC5lO6u6i0JHBdoHIAr05T3wvYSIraIxniT7TpaKyaFzaBnQNNN5w5Fcml79Vye534t7ANlAjjNcBYpbap6xqGivOMxpLPiuLdqKN63N_ttAQGcNdshGG_HKGG5p-n7k5zAsZ6aL6lULT2dDTSorWKM-832UFxJ2lB9Q9bsS8Fi-sQ0bL06Pq/w480-h640/moulding%201.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRlvCaEREsqLpjo2pWeFvJM9RhIjHSq2G8BNgvzvy5jturen_f3ZtYwFvRmGDHncpYAcnYS0sqsoTD6efnBE3x7hlVOGRnlp3RkZRqN5o50sa0ENOpf1lsAA6WIpr7n2DcvPG2akI6rsFHfRH1npj3SaNb0DyzAe0Zgdt5J735Uf0OGmCXBlbr0H6S_YK/s4032/moudling%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRlvCaEREsqLpjo2pWeFvJM9RhIjHSq2G8BNgvzvy5jturen_f3ZtYwFvRmGDHncpYAcnYS0sqsoTD6efnBE3x7hlVOGRnlp3RkZRqN5o50sa0ENOpf1lsAA6WIpr7n2DcvPG2akI6rsFHfRH1npj3SaNb0DyzAe0Zgdt5J735Uf0OGmCXBlbr0H6S_YK/w480-h640/moudling%204.jpg" width="480" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJF5Uuj3B_G4tWC7ADNnwTnURvwPtHnk2LjxFbn8VZ_sWCPFwq7J3WEqM71Zqdimz7diHRR7kTXuFxIjOdj_3e2SPN8697vtQVlqDp4kOLDHD2Ef0GBNyL0RsKcDKx_IFSRwPW8yIKnb2beu5TKp7cvW3-OSeuRKuPx460jB4ckWX0ttuq9jkv-Qy5hx4/s4032/moulding%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJF5Uuj3B_G4tWC7ADNnwTnURvwPtHnk2LjxFbn8VZ_sWCPFwq7J3WEqM71Zqdimz7diHRR7kTXuFxIjOdj_3e2SPN8697vtQVlqDp4kOLDHD2Ef0GBNyL0RsKcDKx_IFSRwPW8yIKnb2beu5TKp7cvW3-OSeuRKuPx460jB4ckWX0ttuq9jkv-Qy5hx4/w480-h640/moulding%206.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Step 4: Paint </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since my PVC moulding is white I didn't have to prime. I painted the moulding the same color as the wall which is Sherwin Williams Alabaster. To apply I used one of my favorite paint brushes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilliC_XrEGL_aop1cmLmG4ArQpoljmAh97_szqfCakYkMibmwquwojOtJJ-Qt8i7cW0BY11mihr6rJyekh_wB3ruUpS8kZJKP888eLCGnzNxa_AkULrY8RzjRCinvMcIg1WXdtWxHBLg4wKq-70B9uu6xG5beB5D4-kYAv_B97cfVuenrhkZ9MHW-1Kf_z/s4032/moulding%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilliC_XrEGL_aop1cmLmG4ArQpoljmAh97_szqfCakYkMibmwquwojOtJJ-Qt8i7cW0BY11mihr6rJyekh_wB3ruUpS8kZJKP888eLCGnzNxa_AkULrY8RzjRCinvMcIg1WXdtWxHBLg4wKq-70B9uu6xG5beB5D4-kYAv_B97cfVuenrhkZ9MHW-1Kf_z/w480-h640/moulding%205.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_3872Lh7xo9ztz7MOvRhwl5Lf6nK2JkJE4r3UCh3Wa6EY8oCdiaq8DuHQ2TEub5yPmit7vq7FedUaulD_JaGCOMKK6uMspTziP5GWnOfzWlb0hCZxdgTdUSmYcNeKrkjE_qwIL78hHeDvZqsKks5x3kFoqgRQSPnNM06TdvsThqlG8-jT35Qky12v58y/s4032/moulding%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_3872Lh7xo9ztz7MOvRhwl5Lf6nK2JkJE4r3UCh3Wa6EY8oCdiaq8DuHQ2TEub5yPmit7vq7FedUaulD_JaGCOMKK6uMspTziP5GWnOfzWlb0hCZxdgTdUSmYcNeKrkjE_qwIL78hHeDvZqsKks5x3kFoqgRQSPnNM06TdvsThqlG8-jT35Qky12v58y/w480-h640/moulding%208.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the finish and look of moulding in your home. It is an affordable way to upgrade your home. It is a great project for beginners. There are tons of Youtube videos out there for more in depth instructions if you need more help and questions. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="5074060"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/a99f76dec8790ef724663ea7fd581167317e2a39/images/search/350.gif" onerror='this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."' style="width: 15px; height: 15px"><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-71257331714154544562023-08-16T20:08:00.000-04:002023-08-16T20:08:07.632-04:00NO SEW BENCH CUSHION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCUjT0eV7yvJBd76Pb5rcA1whCUkhMXzvidSTUvIZtysDkSSbBu4CAYD1y0y43lS8h_-Kb0kZW7fEevnVOuwdLgDcIcLBlOntNiA59xCiDD1Vb7RYZDSZ-umP-y1qe0Hje27Rcgf0QRYUO6K6z08lVKftGc-6m30Mf8dDToE3FbVgxAWgVK-ZUxtm_b8c/s4032/bench%20cushion%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCUjT0eV7yvJBd76Pb5rcA1whCUkhMXzvidSTUvIZtysDkSSbBu4CAYD1y0y43lS8h_-Kb0kZW7fEevnVOuwdLgDcIcLBlOntNiA59xCiDD1Vb7RYZDSZ-umP-y1qe0Hje27Rcgf0QRYUO6K6z08lVKftGc-6m30Mf8dDToE3FbVgxAWgVK-ZUxtm_b8c/w480-h640/bench%20cushion%201.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>HOW TO CREATE A NO SEW BENCH CUSHION</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bench cushion are expensive! So I am sharing my no sew bench cushion to inspire you all to try to create one yourself and save money!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">What I love about creating a bench cushion yourself is that you can customize it to any fabric you like and you can keep customize it! When your ready for a change just staple another fabric right over the existing one. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a quick easy project that you can do in a couple hours. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">SUPPLIES</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/47p5Emi" target="_blank">Staple gun</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3saHz2A" target="_blank">measuring tape</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">ruler</div><div style="text-align: center;">pencil</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fabric (<a href="https://bit.ly/3s2Awc1" target="_blank">similar one</a>)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">plywood (optional) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Table saw</div><div style="text-align: center;">sander (optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;">bread knife </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLD3fQGuixJyH-dO_MAror5sSUdl26bLcfTyXaItXZhRV4SYofuqRxlVPvkR5-imj40UXrmg2iu3XNrrldf6w4SG-QNC4CLFx2XFkfIURjCHvtaaNfl9oBqlAt-SkaBV95cykmqybMjIkRZUJvJL4KUrU2WQYTjV9LNel4u8GDJfU8FiBzlrsneY3icR89/s4032/bench%20cushion%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLD3fQGuixJyH-dO_MAror5sSUdl26bLcfTyXaItXZhRV4SYofuqRxlVPvkR5-imj40UXrmg2iu3XNrrldf6w4SG-QNC4CLFx2XFkfIURjCHvtaaNfl9oBqlAt-SkaBV95cykmqybMjIkRZUJvJL4KUrU2WQYTjV9LNel4u8GDJfU8FiBzlrsneY3icR89/w480-h545/bench%20cushion%202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can make one without or with plywood underneath. I chose to use plywood because I happened to have some scrap and the more room we can make in our garage the better! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found my fabric at Hobby Lobby because they had a sale for 40% off. Since it was also my first time I didn't want to invest too much money on an expensive fabric in case I messed up! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I first cut my plywood to the dimensions of my bench. Then I cut it with our table saw and sanded the edges a little bit. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">After that I measured and marked my foam. I used a ruler and a marker to create a guide of where I was going to cut. To cut my foam I read lots of tutorials that used a bread knife. After using it I personally wouldn't use it again. I found it hard to cut. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next I measured my fabric. I wanted it to have 6 inches of length on both sides more than the wood base. I wanted enough fabric to work with when wrapping it around my wood and foam. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Once I had my fabric ready I used my staple gun to lock it in place. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The corners were the last step and I decided to fold mine like a present. I toke the side pieces and folded it in and the middle pieces which formed a triangle shape I brought it to the top of the wood base. It worked for me and looked good. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's it! Looks so good and the whole project cost under $100! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think guys?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="5044123"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/35d334331b834e6e41e4f03813372a832b67c146/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-52547376824554802172023-07-17T12:53:00.002-04:002023-07-17T12:53:48.088-04:00DIY WOOD PEG RACK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK-gehQr1-D2ARHFKj_cIgnEE6ikC9USOHmLz7hmdjeRFnYZY7PJMPYK8kyBC53-QK-nhpORxpdnZQ26gyaRsuzLYZQErWpVpTLULIIaIWZqi1te-6VBuA-YhPido0mGDCssn9zkvwNssbyn2Vg2e1M3xqTBHFh6NqiIsmnwQkJOBuWn204JH-m5mO8kf/s4032/entryway%20edite%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK-gehQr1-D2ARHFKj_cIgnEE6ikC9USOHmLz7hmdjeRFnYZY7PJMPYK8kyBC53-QK-nhpORxpdnZQ26gyaRsuzLYZQErWpVpTLULIIaIWZqi1te-6VBuA-YhPido0mGDCssn9zkvwNssbyn2Vg2e1M3xqTBHFh6NqiIsmnwQkJOBuWn204JH-m5mO8kf/w480-h640/entryway%20edite%202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>This is a great DIY project for a beginner to build confidence and comfort-ability with handling tools. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>
</b></p><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="5031203"><b><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/62ea089d558c3ce9619c44752271999f45fdcb70/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></b></div><p><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Supplies Used: </b></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/46VuHwU" target="_blank"><b>Hart 20V impact and drill driver</b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/44IFf0u" target="_blank"><b>Rubber mallet</b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/44IFk4i" target="_blank"><b>Shaker pegs</b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3pUzKxa" target="_blank"><b>Drill bit</b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>wood glue (optional)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>measuring tape</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHqntiePIS4Tb7MxAmOEQ6nTwGJxj-OZEzOv2hnNIpwQV4egGhEiul43m7ainmL1-bo90yS_V8sbuu5EGccKSxvXMZXje29zQYF3gV3KnvdnZKx1PjR5mdQamW4qDkmvUZcgrbiCYEk-VDB5H2SJto0cONQyBT2eedvqjYp941r02joLO1UO11W-K6y2n/s4032/edited%20entryway%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHqntiePIS4Tb7MxAmOEQ6nTwGJxj-OZEzOv2hnNIpwQV4egGhEiul43m7ainmL1-bo90yS_V8sbuu5EGccKSxvXMZXje29zQYF3gV3KnvdnZKx1PjR5mdQamW4qDkmvUZcgrbiCYEk-VDB5H2SJto0cONQyBT2eedvqjYp941r02joLO1UO11W-K6y2n/w480-h640/edited%20entryway%203.jpg" width="480" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/8043074881903898717/7971840755370854946" target="_blank"><b>Click here to learn how I build this board and batten wall</b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Measure</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">I first measured how far apart I wanted each wood peg. For reference mine are 11inehes apart. I marked my space with a pencil and measured from that space where the center was on the board. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhxayMrjWtMEe6-S9inGWWrOjr8iN3nFqRyzrErQsqTjHR3L-_uFZ2yBDniN_Mwaul_B3wb5y2mC8B9Oo_Kkd-uvSbBjqDFHhc8Lo6XGHS9-hU4QRr21AP1V1u5lMgOtossfwEF8hNbN9jRfOI6sdrqQTnoUzWs15wKxG7SeV81dzTZwZJ6J1d2EMFQCa/s4032/image0(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhxayMrjWtMEe6-S9inGWWrOjr8iN3nFqRyzrErQsqTjHR3L-_uFZ2yBDniN_Mwaul_B3wb5y2mC8B9Oo_Kkd-uvSbBjqDFHhc8Lo6XGHS9-hU4QRr21AP1V1u5lMgOtossfwEF8hNbN9jRfOI6sdrqQTnoUzWs15wKxG7SeV81dzTZwZJ6J1d2EMFQCa/w480-h640/image0(1).jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Drill your Holes</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After I installed the bit size that I needed for my wood pegs I installed it into my impact driver and drilled in the space that I marked. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I drilled straight in as oppose to an angle. My husband spotted me and helped me with the first one because I was so nervous to mess it up! I went all the way through and went back and forth with my driver a few times to make the hole a bit wider.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sidenote</b></i>: this leaves a mess so make sure you move anything underneath you out of the way! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Install Pegs</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take your pegs and using your rubber mallet tap it into each hole. You can add glue if you want before hand. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWILJ2U-JG5odVjq_L6Vut2YZq71yZ7pewkspkAyuAKYc2XtoHw7am4yE3cdJpffyWHlWlqlM4PV9m0Y3z-JfjdA6o-K8KfgHJrowR54gB1tImaIWh-MQkfw3Vwv0wfIeaD0jDAiyQnMBxSNqeCLP30O6rnX2M8U7xjhP229xOOEY9Z6CYw_9KmkcsnYFS/s4032/image1(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWILJ2U-JG5odVjq_L6Vut2YZq71yZ7pewkspkAyuAKYc2XtoHw7am4yE3cdJpffyWHlWlqlM4PV9m0Y3z-JfjdA6o-K8KfgHJrowR54gB1tImaIWh-MQkfw3Vwv0wfIeaD0jDAiyQnMBxSNqeCLP30O6rnX2M8U7xjhP229xOOEY9Z6CYw_9KmkcsnYFS/w480-h640/image1(1).jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Sidenote</b></i>: If you are going to stain or paint your pegs you can do this step before installing into the wall. I stained mine for a bit of a darker color and then installed. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once they are firmly into the wall you are all done and ready to hang up and decorate your space! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyC9aq0vklekbJM6dnBHbAnivxfAvfZNWLcmuN8PVPCEZtV1TIRYTqwV46TSbHvReM6pFVZv_IWefs4Z7ZvzKjltFbUPCnT9lER8jkJ8H90-3nwAx-UYmPuM53uAZkmuu7TSGRgteGu8xaW-uwqDy0WdlQH35BAtHhaY7F1Vitw0juOHyYNKmLCPFxSHd/s4032/entryway%20edited%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2747" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyC9aq0vklekbJM6dnBHbAnivxfAvfZNWLcmuN8PVPCEZtV1TIRYTqwV46TSbHvReM6pFVZv_IWefs4Z7ZvzKjltFbUPCnT9lER8jkJ8H90-3nwAx-UYmPuM53uAZkmuu7TSGRgteGu8xaW-uwqDy0WdlQH35BAtHhaY7F1Vitw0juOHyYNKmLCPFxSHd/w436-h640/entryway%20edited%201.jpg" width="436" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><br /><p></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-79718407553708549462023-07-17T12:20:00.002-04:002023-07-17T12:56:00.507-04:00DIY board and batten <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">
Board and batten and wood peg rack is a great beginner DIY project! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Its cost effective and adds value and organization to your home. It's a satisfying sight to see spaces in your house come together to become your home. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Our home had nothing in this space. In fact it was actually a darker purple color on the walls. We painted all the walls Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6_MJpOvdw5VE-TFG6ZR1KeveiiYolsaIWMdhGfjMidLTbq946N40rU_pNMWKRxo4KYfFR3augBJdg19dBPfezO_knDRNpntBq3NQElh75ll95wCCLxtLvUCyPbuQbEInxnm04Vf24SPXg3uMG2k7GgjM_yuP860R-QknlT4qrogbLIFs5wIILrP_K9fA/s4032/IMG_7826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6_MJpOvdw5VE-TFG6ZR1KeveiiYolsaIWMdhGfjMidLTbq946N40rU_pNMWKRxo4KYfFR3augBJdg19dBPfezO_knDRNpntBq3NQElh75ll95wCCLxtLvUCyPbuQbEInxnm04Vf24SPXg3uMG2k7GgjM_yuP860R-QknlT4qrogbLIFs5wIILrP_K9fA/w300-h400/IMG_7826.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I knew quickly I wanted to add a design feature in this narrow space. Its not our main entrance but it leads to our front yard small steps area and I like to keep the door open for light and fresh air. I also had in mind of creating a Montesorri get ready area for my little guy in this space. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Board and batten </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb4NvzQ7wvXIKw42g_5yeBKNKfj3BuWpVhiKP0fG1es8k7KeFjgFA4268I6LHiDttXS7v7x9Cr8bQGbgdWIuh4XlygOOIlzW9TJz49F-Qj2zhND4PznMuSYkZ-STWYuBOzwsnhjG3ZuLAjqBLxl_qTdJDDvc2dTI10sCyeKlis523n1JcqYeScasGaNRn/s2048/image0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb4NvzQ7wvXIKw42g_5yeBKNKfj3BuWpVhiKP0fG1es8k7KeFjgFA4268I6LHiDttXS7v7x9Cr8bQGbgdWIuh4XlygOOIlzW9TJz49F-Qj2zhND4PznMuSYkZ-STWYuBOzwsnhjG3ZuLAjqBLxl_qTdJDDvc2dTI10sCyeKlis523n1JcqYeScasGaNRn/w480-h640/image0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Supplies:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/44LRkSx" target="_blank">measuring tape</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">pencil <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3K0ZzT5" target="_blank">Hart brad nail gun</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lattice pine wood</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 x 1/2 wood (for wood peg board)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Top shelf I used 3/4 x 1 1/2 (scrap wood I found) </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3K2OEIj" target="_blank">wood filler</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Caulk <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Primer + Paint
</p><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="5031204"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/62ea089d558c3ce9619c44752271999f45fdcb70/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ4Zfa2Es6x_1AmiXGaFjz34T1IygVcMcMK5QIWViiISsuhKa-fbLzoeAXWcd7xJmD9X4D_bwUmBjkxKMxp0qa3U3l7SoZ3VVDLIAdlgk8-j6xTdo5s9DYae88ZqF-68XYZwTkJzgr4NJHRIiDOg5S_LsiejlekekNq3eEGzUtUjtX02ulQ0mnZfqGyxn/s4032/image1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ4Zfa2Es6x_1AmiXGaFjz34T1IygVcMcMK5QIWViiISsuhKa-fbLzoeAXWcd7xJmD9X4D_bwUmBjkxKMxp0qa3U3l7SoZ3VVDLIAdlgk8-j6xTdo5s9DYae88ZqF-68XYZwTkJzgr4NJHRIiDOg5S_LsiejlekekNq3eEGzUtUjtX02ulQ0mnZfqGyxn/w480-h640/image1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Measurements</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1st step is to measure your space. The height is yours to customize. For reference mine height is 55 1/2 inches. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Next was how far apart would the vertical battens be. For reference mine are from center to center 12 inches apart. Mark each space with a pencil. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Making your cuts</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I didnt want to rip out the molding so I grabbed pine lattice wood from
Home Depot to place above the crown mounding and use for our vertical
wood placement. Its thin enough that it wont come out too much and
appears cleaner as if it was all one design. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I then installed the the 3 x 1/2 board. Level it before installing. This helped me with the installation of the vertical batten to be even and flushed against it. You want to make sure that your vertical battens are level.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each vertical batten will not be the same height due to my floor being uneven. Once they were all added to the wall I began to caulk. Caulk helps you fill in any gaps shown and will result in a seamless final look.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the caulk I covered the nails with wood filler. Follow the directions on your wood filler. Once dried I sanded with a sanding block for a smooth look. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Final step was to cut and nail down my top shelf. Ensure that your brad nailer is angled to ensure your nails connect both the top shelf to your peg board piece. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwIkdmMHvP89_e8V_hUT-tL_VfkYkORHhJcALv6RQNpJ0oVeWODTU_XkqKA3_2hOWYPDqthNRUwcQ8_Zbla_NoqGcuwLaieFyTmW3GPCnk6GfsQZVYZ_C6Tv1t2Mxexpf7HRV2lOZJbt3RTvDTrup8h-JysKhdWpbJo8OnmvJuscMBKcP0Yr4VuD9t0ag/s4032/IMG_6882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwIkdmMHvP89_e8V_hUT-tL_VfkYkORHhJcALv6RQNpJ0oVeWODTU_XkqKA3_2hOWYPDqthNRUwcQ8_Zbla_NoqGcuwLaieFyTmW3GPCnk6GfsQZVYZ_C6Tv1t2Mxexpf7HRV2lOZJbt3RTvDTrup8h-JysKhdWpbJo8OnmvJuscMBKcP0Yr4VuD9t0ag/w480-h640/IMG_6882.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Prime and Paint</span></b> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I primed my space with honestly whatever I had left over and painted with Shoji White by Sherwin Williams. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/8043074881903898717/5254737682455480217" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Click here to read my post on installing the wood pegs</b></span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-55715943997665806762023-07-12T11:17:00.002-04:002023-07-13T11:16:57.266-04:00Summer Smores and Walmart+ deals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49axBmFPueoQ52QZIVueUhnJZB968fNGQETS-SNtDiFNkMjkZ-qBlPMNYNJMkB-AxZkMZCFlSzhjLAOKW6wrt8ESVaO3vLtLEpg5goRkpxJD1sU5MzoJOFOOYw7n8kPpb2jzZV1QnBNzuRleKnS1zXUK1OYzPDs9zh9tSZ8jXqAdM8YeHWOX7jX4eiV_5/s4032/firepit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49axBmFPueoQ52QZIVueUhnJZB968fNGQETS-SNtDiFNkMjkZ-qBlPMNYNJMkB-AxZkMZCFlSzhjLAOKW6wrt8ESVaO3vLtLEpg5goRkpxJD1sU5MzoJOFOOYw7n8kPpb2jzZV1QnBNzuRleKnS1zXUK1OYzPDs9zh9tSZ8jXqAdM8YeHWOX7jX4eiV_5/w480-h640/firepit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Summer is here in the Northeast and I have been craving one of my favorite summer foods: <i><b>smores</b></i>! I love the experience that smores give us from picking out your own yummy treats, applying it your stick and smooshing all that gooey-ness together to take one big messy bite! </p><p></p><p>Our fire pit area is still being renovated but I found some great pieces at Walmart to help us decorate it and make it look more like our style and vibe. I love Adirondack chairs and because our backyard is very woodsy, Adirondack chairs are perfect to sustain our environment. Walmart has great options for an affordable price!</p><p>I found a cute galvanized white tray for summer nights where I can bring out drinks or all our smores goodies and assembly them right there. </p><p>These lanterns are my favorite find! So pretty and I can bring them in when the weather is cold or rainy and leave them out for evening nights by the fire pit. Once our patio area is renovated they will look great there as well to provide nice ambient lighting. The price is amazing for its quality! </p><p><b>Right now from July 11-13 its Walmart+ week!</b> <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">That means Walmart has tons of summer deals</span></b>! Also you can sign up for your <b>Walmart+ membership and save 50% off</b>! YUP! You'll get your Walmart+ membership for an annual fee of just $48 (reg. $98).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AHO3-TjlXeAlFefQ79Clz3yfA5G7BDi8I-1bBuoGtgayjtWeMofDkMQBkxCvFxCaJf-OsVjmvP1SJKu9HpheAWdvUi6U1m4fWrPqssNX2KSimd7IaPBIe-xCIJwlmMQkDktRnPfZ2144UOwTl_0CRghc7tW89_QzVoO6-C0elrt1e0Op-m4W1IFhfmFg/s4032/walmart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AHO3-TjlXeAlFefQ79Clz3yfA5G7BDi8I-1bBuoGtgayjtWeMofDkMQBkxCvFxCaJf-OsVjmvP1SJKu9HpheAWdvUi6U1m4fWrPqssNX2KSimd7IaPBIe-xCIJwlmMQkDktRnPfZ2144UOwTl_0CRghc7tW89_QzVoO6-C0elrt1e0Op-m4W1IFhfmFg/w300-h400/walmart.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Run to your laptop or the Walmart app and check out some great deals to save money for all your backyard items! I picked out some of my favorites below to make your shopping easier and save you time!</p><p>You can also check out more listing if you follow my shop <b><a href="https://www.shopltk.com/explore/thestylebrunch" target="_blank">@thestylebrunch</a></b> on the <a href="http://@shop.LTK">@shop.LTK</a> app to shop this post and get my exclusive app- only content! #walmartpartner<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<div class="lookbook-widget" data-widget-id="561562"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"lookbook-script",document,"__lookbook","/js/lookbook.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/d6b227be16b774102e1279cde957d8ae56f16434/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-49607786832520111002021-12-23T12:33:00.002-05:002021-12-23T12:33:37.737-05:00Adorning the fireplace for the Christmas season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPam7NING1QPje7OSscbEpmDPoPcOz3SEsbw_UqtPNtNvd1LELNZ7dqqTE0hneUqCb3ioP2w1sfPGEZQFHwQo1MwttSNwU_hRI5-wJFW_kuNJ1vQyG82JuMeW90nr7XrUGmRxoC6z8qdfqHp3V5-nO59rZuoj9ECpAz7bXGPkGfRlWcVBLL3UDODi2tw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPam7NING1QPje7OSscbEpmDPoPcOz3SEsbw_UqtPNtNvd1LELNZ7dqqTE0hneUqCb3ioP2w1sfPGEZQFHwQo1MwttSNwU_hRI5-wJFW_kuNJ1vQyG82JuMeW90nr7XrUGmRxoC6z8qdfqHp3V5-nO59rZuoj9ECpAz7bXGPkGfRlWcVBLL3UDODi2tw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>
Dear Friends,</p><p> Rejoice for the Christmas season is here! </p><p>Another year to celebrate the birth of Christ!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUdXsj3qjrf01-lW1ZAiCub5vd02qvWXm7G_edDnBq5FegIezH0XKwNv6q1XnAfsGLcDmKs1wBB3R9m4CHbq7TIxlaMw9DPQsOVgCb0Vr9V7MyscQ1PTlx4p_E6zZnPQTDmBzS3MJh1kBfu6ScPE8vWhoi0kDqvjlIFl8VgICA5UDpTz5_2e7sHGqR2w=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUdXsj3qjrf01-lW1ZAiCub5vd02qvWXm7G_edDnBq5FegIezH0XKwNv6q1XnAfsGLcDmKs1wBB3R9m4CHbq7TIxlaMw9DPQsOVgCb0Vr9V7MyscQ1PTlx4p_E6zZnPQTDmBzS3MJh1kBfu6ScPE8vWhoi0kDqvjlIFl8VgICA5UDpTz5_2e7sHGqR2w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I love the preparation that comes with the holiday season. This year I am really into keeping our decor simple and warm. I have been intentional in saving money this year for our household and pushing myself to tap into my love for crafts and creativity. </p><p>I visited a couple of local Goodwill and Savers stores a couple months back and found some beautiful handmade pieces that would work for the holiday season. </p><p>I wanted to mix old with thrifted and handmade to give our home nostalgia and rustic warm touches. </p><p>The stocking tree holders were found at Savers for $.99 each and I painted one white and the other stained it attached a hook and they are now our new stocking holders. </p><p>The garland I found at Marshalls this year and its the only new piece that I added to home. It faux but the quality is amazing for the price. </p><p>The bells were found at Savers and the gingerbread house garland I handmade myself. Some black card stock, chalk pen and some creativity and you have this fun and whimsical garland for your home. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAzNa1wnNPnEAhJ5T8WbC1TKfFv2vtWPuXPduX2pp8klRQTKunanrkVzn3BedQROtey27d2xm_S7Kmu0b8qMq7QQ5D60QlJ2ftrvFCbxmwHM_u8Ac97KPuekGIIvzCb6Og60YHGGxw1MaBEvc3XmvLH-ye6Zeg9U079ZggUfG9TW-xz7qn14_cIgJ0ug=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAzNa1wnNPnEAhJ5T8WbC1TKfFv2vtWPuXPduX2pp8klRQTKunanrkVzn3BedQROtey27d2xm_S7Kmu0b8qMq7QQ5D60QlJ2ftrvFCbxmwHM_u8Ac97KPuekGIIvzCb6Og60YHGGxw1MaBEvc3XmvLH-ye6Zeg9U079ZggUfG9TW-xz7qn14_cIgJ0ug=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AvACWb2_reA676fOJ_uaOUctYBhDQMkIidvTg7AqXy6ycScEoryjL7SlKCsk_nnBSIJGPJHRepTAdbE4Rgo3zUhyWWzCGwgFHJ_2ONPU5DPtaBlaZQAjM5xrS5mCROHKwOsWaboU3OXxXDf5yB7MvauxC2EyrKZ334m5LJFKTog-O2aPM1jaJomIqw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AvACWb2_reA676fOJ_uaOUctYBhDQMkIidvTg7AqXy6ycScEoryjL7SlKCsk_nnBSIJGPJHRepTAdbE4Rgo3zUhyWWzCGwgFHJ_2ONPU5DPtaBlaZQAjM5xrS5mCROHKwOsWaboU3OXxXDf5yB7MvauxC2EyrKZ334m5LJFKTog-O2aPM1jaJomIqw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p> I must share that the reason that I chose simpler ways to decorate is to keep my heart simple. This season is wrapped with so much hope, joy and peace however the world clouds it with buy more, chaos and stress in our lives. </p><p>In order to keep my focus linear I keep traditions simple and find beauty and joy in it. I stay the course keeping my eyes on Jesus and celebrating Him. </p><p>Thank you all for your time and I wish you all a very blessed and merry Christmas season 🎄</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiSIHcKYvuYVLciDOWZnhHKpyUt-Aqgb4VwIHYLIyKHU2zqd8RHIR3IEpX96ybqAGcF2ln03vTF-KUVsdGS3UiHmVfW17bDaKZlTAHRdL2x-bYQoDVS-CLd7YJFFQWhOfW_4zIrOzTlQvcYuPLAdB4VGS-viUJfR1rdDUXFx0F7euhAvINkwYTZoVlvQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiSIHcKYvuYVLciDOWZnhHKpyUt-Aqgb4VwIHYLIyKHU2zqd8RHIR3IEpX96ybqAGcF2ln03vTF-KUVsdGS3UiHmVfW17bDaKZlTAHRdL2x-bYQoDVS-CLd7YJFFQWhOfW_4zIrOzTlQvcYuPLAdB4VGS-viUJfR1rdDUXFx0F7euhAvINkwYTZoVlvQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-75455589123770562802021-12-09T17:40:00.004-05:002021-12-09T17:40:23.330-05:00Toddler Christmas Room Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSjnINoANL1ok1N5-CkpRiJeksZUtH7KMVdFDnmS1MorBAb7ecjLNr_FI4smQ-FQAOyFGrcYQYMfQktkNEmbbT2MMJ2YuWI_vS30DmZB4dy7tQfxhUIQ0A1gR6gndbnguR1eQfxg3tB-uZmKIe4Svhxyl9lFGCLW1gsLUEVB4FrDrHL6GRCnOWlawVqQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSjnINoANL1ok1N5-CkpRiJeksZUtH7KMVdFDnmS1MorBAb7ecjLNr_FI4smQ-FQAOyFGrcYQYMfQktkNEmbbT2MMJ2YuWI_vS30DmZB4dy7tQfxhUIQ0A1gR6gndbnguR1eQfxg3tB-uZmKIe4Svhxyl9lFGCLW1gsLUEVB4FrDrHL6GRCnOWlawVqQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I envisioned for a long time what Christmases would be like and feel like once I had a child of my own. My son is two this year and I wanted to decorate his room with color and sprinkle of nostalgia with old pieces. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrDd0dxsE0wTkKQPYBMN9X7E1dgpO7nsqerH01fkTchfKZOhAb_aPl1C7yZkZdL3urffOpAa5mw-HglMW6TM47_LnhBVcMVVl2Om0D7DicQLvQOpbUCvaND5ODnZmYzmU2R5dc8phY7T7V27D_REYQtv9qnAVoi9a9mFqeUwf-rw877ws-bxZkFL5wyg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrDd0dxsE0wTkKQPYBMN9X7E1dgpO7nsqerH01fkTchfKZOhAb_aPl1C7yZkZdL3urffOpAa5mw-HglMW6TM47_LnhBVcMVVl2Om0D7DicQLvQOpbUCvaND5ODnZmYzmU2R5dc8phY7T7V27D_REYQtv9qnAVoi9a9mFqeUwf-rw877ws-bxZkFL5wyg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I have been thrifting for a few months older pieces that I could use in our home for the holidays and it was fun to finally put them up. Since he is young I didn't want to buy anything new or go out of hand so everything in his room is already owned, thrifted or handmade. He honestly only gravitates towards the tree when it is light up in the evening. But everything can be used again and again for years to come as memories. So I am excited to share his room with you guys this year as an inspiration to use what you have, thrifted or as a gentle nudge of encouragement to try a DIY project. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>Sources</i>:</p><p><b>Small house</b>: Found at a local Savers store and painted white accents</p><p><b>Large House</b>: Found at local Goodwill </p><p><b>Garland</b>: Handmade by me (Dm on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thestylebrunch/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> if interested in ordering) </p><p><b>Numbered houses</b>: Target Dollar Section (found this year) </p><p><b>Reindeer</b>: Target (old)<br /></p><p><b>Tree</b>: Target (old)(<a href="https://bit.ly/3rYCQP0" rel="nofollow">similar one</a>) (<a href="https://bit.ly/3lSihQJ" rel="nofollow">love this one</a>)</p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9I30qLNDosGe_dUTGzu96yMRxA1zh7majvcAfofwEkSlePJqyLICmIxyP-X-WX7X4DzPA9RC-MwCEbyDdTlp7Zds7liwM_1Ntjma5qC2TfhVmy0crw7byvE_V-yCehb3EGnvxCwbHjUnLUmUNKJJ-QgldS26Y56Wff-5Lnfsf8mX977NQTNVw8zxr3Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9I30qLNDosGe_dUTGzu96yMRxA1zh7majvcAfofwEkSlePJqyLICmIxyP-X-WX7X4DzPA9RC-MwCEbyDdTlp7Zds7liwM_1Ntjma5qC2TfhVmy0crw7byvE_V-yCehb3EGnvxCwbHjUnLUmUNKJJ-QgldS26Y56Wff-5Lnfsf8mX977NQTNVw8zxr3Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje6FF5KswPH1pOqjnDM_Qq-ApLGK5_AgMBXWiDY0Nb_rnj1PyjTMTmU0nDiQbiYqJdvnZN5g0e-hh6RXBgM7LMiWIZ9cePRwXYNaALGiQ_ynO0QfkN7V9lETf1OGPn2-4Oq8x6ebnbTb0b_7MmpDHa157PSrWH8L00wSKUH0tywlWf9cDPiK9rqGD_jA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje6FF5KswPH1pOqjnDM_Qq-ApLGK5_AgMBXWiDY0Nb_rnj1PyjTMTmU0nDiQbiYqJdvnZN5g0e-hh6RXBgM7LMiWIZ9cePRwXYNaALGiQ_ynO0QfkN7V9lETf1OGPn2-4Oq8x6ebnbTb0b_7MmpDHa157PSrWH8L00wSKUH0tywlWf9cDPiK9rqGD_jA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGralOxfG5H0EobPCbNmpC79CSmj8Wtu5IYeN9VKDEMmvNVDp7EikzFJ-EQ1k-RyvoLZDZpOGWLQOCKorfrh69IM4ODitNao0l1QquuCFjUlIkIhcpDzvSt7wZErszV6c6qJfG_crnAn2YYULRE2QYHAfCW0uIvgmHPNA01y3xhN0n7jApYZVefxKC6Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGralOxfG5H0EobPCbNmpC79CSmj8Wtu5IYeN9VKDEMmvNVDp7EikzFJ-EQ1k-RyvoLZDZpOGWLQOCKorfrh69IM4ODitNao0l1QquuCFjUlIkIhcpDzvSt7wZErszV6c6qJfG_crnAn2YYULRE2QYHAfCW0uIvgmHPNA01y3xhN0n7jApYZVefxKC6Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJnKiSYwYma2s5ShEWIjBuRRSsFBUoefbQ11h47djkLOlbhhM4y8UjDPQbff8OTE_I4-34UJ28Gom58xPnWvQAC6KAbLzR_gNnhTuAIWMUraTpKa3NFT81S1aB8oIXXWIhiIW1BGdu-oQDN_8RuGg4s9k-_2V5ipdv-JpwYvbxF5kgjYK_vD-3Zxk9og=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJnKiSYwYma2s5ShEWIjBuRRSsFBUoefbQ11h47djkLOlbhhM4y8UjDPQbff8OTE_I4-34UJ28Gom58xPnWvQAC6KAbLzR_gNnhTuAIWMUraTpKa3NFT81S1aB8oIXXWIhiIW1BGdu-oQDN_8RuGg4s9k-_2V5ipdv-JpwYvbxF5kgjYK_vD-3Zxk9og=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>Hope do you guys incorporate Christmas into your child's or your own rooms?!!! I would love to know. </p><p>If you want to see more pictures and decor reels on my holiday this year check out my Instagram. </p><p>Thank you guys for stopping by the blog today and for your support. God bless <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-77100141085704440962021-12-06T22:59:00.003-05:002021-12-09T17:21:14.250-05:00Holiday Shopping Stress Free with Walmart+ membership!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRcDSvvIDWDFHWnyexwtzYfP4vj1IzmZWP6PvgQBOnM3buu62webcwmCLPP8UTYpxUT9G0YORX9jbag2WA5Db9ffAIOO7l8xGL854ZG0a3Ujx9Spft7g8fFMBzy1vPlXRJToYGjupGYAQ-qf9iDnwnXIkNJLKGupVcE0Q36dZ-9JlOUk-uVT4MFtH60Q=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRcDSvvIDWDFHWnyexwtzYfP4vj1IzmZWP6PvgQBOnM3buu62webcwmCLPP8UTYpxUT9G0YORX9jbag2WA5Db9ffAIOO7l8xGL854ZG0a3Ujx9Spft7g8fFMBzy1vPlXRJToYGjupGYAQ-qf9iDnwnXIkNJLKGupVcE0Q36dZ-9JlOUk-uVT4MFtH60Q=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so much to <a href="https://bit.ly/3cCo4oi" target="_blank">Walmart+</a> for sponsoring today's post, and as always amigas all opinions here are 100% my own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being a stay at home mom getting out of the house with the little guy can be ALOT! I have adjusted to shopping online, ordering groceries and our everyday necessities with delivery services. I have been enjoying and taking full advantage of our <a href="https://bit.ly/3cCbmG4" target="_blank">Walmart+ membership</a> and this holiday season I am ordering <a href="https://bit.ly/30PCCib" target="_blank">holiday groceries</a>, <a href="https://bit.ly/3HAndCS" target="_blank">baking must-haves</a>, <a href="https://bit.ly/3oRVnt8" target="_blank">decorations</a> and any last minute items to have delivered right to my front door f<span style="color: red;">or free ($35 order min. Restrictions apply</span>). What's better than getting all your holiday needs checked off your list and not dealing with TRAFFIC! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baking must haves:<br /></div><p>
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</p><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4653766"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/0bda299d7ddd4f5355b6d35e3b3a1c40168b41a2/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
Decorations:
<p></p><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4653763"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/0bda299d7ddd4f5355b6d35e3b3a1c40168b41a2/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
<p></p><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock"> </div><div class="rs-adblock"> </div><div class="rs-adblock"> One of the best parts???? The Walmart+ membership includes unlimited free delivery from your local Walmart stores (<span style="color: red;">$35 order min. Restrictions apply</span>). This helps us all save time and money and makes our hectic lives a little easier. It's a simple process that can be done from your phone or computer, then have items delivered for free from your store with a $35 purchase minimum (restrictions apply).</div><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock"><a href="https://bit.ly/3cBzg4M" target="_blank">Walmart+</a> also includes free shipping so members can receive next-day or two-day shipping on items from Walmart.com - no order minimum (<span style="color: red;">Excludes most Marketplace items, location, & freight surcharge</span>s)! Whether you're grabbing gifts for all the family or everyday household items, or something you forgot during latest holiday shopping (I always forgot something), this new benefit has you covered - and saves you money since you don't have to meet shipping minimum to free shipping. I love this option because sometimes our stores may not have the item in stock.</div><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock">Gift idea: This would be the gift that keeps on giving (all year long) this holiday season, a year long <a href="https://bit.ly/3cBzg4M" target="_blank">Walmart+</a> membership! </div><div class="rs-adblock"> </div><div class="rs-adblock"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_3rDVRriB4Upkj_n-tQ2WcQQ_kyZUYq_lSoqyHaHsavrhRxJ6nLEWMOZh3Pm1hAGP109329xam2_tX5uMAkY1OtV5vfDDdrb-Cdl7CIH04pCxXT_9CfSUbovvBh-IXwpKluz2JIrCj9rXTZmpPkYzMn4HNXTqyjTYFO9lhROGP-2xBFavN5VwyqtJaQ=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_3rDVRriB4Upkj_n-tQ2WcQQ_kyZUYq_lSoqyHaHsavrhRxJ6nLEWMOZh3Pm1hAGP109329xam2_tX5uMAkY1OtV5vfDDdrb-Cdl7CIH04pCxXT_9CfSUbovvBh-IXwpKluz2JIrCj9rXTZmpPkYzMn4HNXTqyjTYFO9lhROGP-2xBFavN5VwyqtJaQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock">If you're shopping in-store this season, a Walmart+ membership allows for easy, contactless checkout with the mobile scan & go option. Simply open the Walmart app while in store and scan your items as you shop, then go into self checkout at the end to pay. This is a life saver when you have toddlers mommas!</div><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock">On top of the already listed benefits, the membership also offers price savings on fuel. Save five cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy stations, as well as member pricing at Sam's Club fuel centers. </div><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock">Amigas if you are interested check out the Walmart+ membership - it truly has saved me from having to leave the house with my toddler. You can join for <a href="https://bit.ly/3cBzg4M" target="_blank">$98 annually or $12.95/month</a>.</div><div class="rs-adblock"><br /></div><div class="rs-adblock">Check out walmartplus.com to see which benefits are available in your area and Start your 15-Day Free Trial. </div><div class="rs-adblock"> </div><div class="rs-adblock"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOYX14vK_4q1hODU6KTkvkQ5R2_yEqF5aHq4VhEyJ2wVY-nyuTBVJiKxDXoxJe_qQMbcLnMIrsckneEjvjiaAf3naxTHIHc_Xvfb1cv208616xrtggdcON5_vuXYgW_d2PbYDsjk9nOzKG92tMabIm8HwDO0ndxSkz13ss6uAHmjCKywQG9zYuoEh-mg=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOYX14vK_4q1hODU6KTkvkQ5R2_yEqF5aHq4VhEyJ2wVY-nyuTBVJiKxDXoxJe_qQMbcLnMIrsckneEjvjiaAf3naxTHIHc_Xvfb1cv208616xrtggdcON5_vuXYgW_d2PbYDsjk9nOzKG92tMabIm8HwDO0ndxSkz13ss6uAHmjCKywQG9zYuoEh-mg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD7P3U3YTvtNlhXI5GLv1Cim7imtQBZlIM8MQJVIT4Xf2GsKb8H87ApbkrScqukQ1Jsto2fPWZ1Xq-W0FbsuQtu9Pez9o0JAiIxFJSFSwWnQr29yqG4OujdsmkJv73LlxG4_LUraLfvy6dyW2O2LmFqPVw_KManXzfH0Cm7RNoSWFeC0OPE-7ZnQHNLA=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD7P3U3YTvtNlhXI5GLv1Cim7imtQBZlIM8MQJVIT4Xf2GsKb8H87ApbkrScqukQ1Jsto2fPWZ1Xq-W0FbsuQtu9Pez9o0JAiIxFJSFSwWnQr29yqG4OujdsmkJv73LlxG4_LUraLfvy6dyW2O2LmFqPVw_KManXzfH0Cm7RNoSWFeC0OPE-7ZnQHNLA=w640-h427" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEituPhFQLLvrK7HgqidcjC2ueOI4L19647Q9x0rsItxb9lvh78gr_SzLsFUmNkRb3onjcpFXDQxiK0yiwDRnjTGjaCUaNUGlM9G7hVVgjvIYRBSmm8qmMYalRp_lsWdV2CalHij1H2_KE0AeHuDbMowF2kINzcA5Spt43nKezKxIwFvzVHSnkHrgNlPKw=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEituPhFQLLvrK7HgqidcjC2ueOI4L19647Q9x0rsItxb9lvh78gr_SzLsFUmNkRb3onjcpFXDQxiK0yiwDRnjTGjaCUaNUGlM9G7hVVgjvIYRBSmm8qmMYalRp_lsWdV2CalHij1H2_KE0AeHuDbMowF2kINzcA5Spt43nKezKxIwFvzVHSnkHrgNlPKw=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-12634549457080229462021-12-01T12:52:00.000-05:002021-12-01T12:52:06.692-05:00Christmas tree tassel Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mDwT2PqEQ/Yae1JR1NBpI/AAAAAAAAItQ/qRMmTD5fBX8z6rtWfHIWufnX_xV9JfilQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_2788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mDwT2PqEQ/Yae1JR1NBpI/AAAAAAAAItQ/qRMmTD5fBX8z6rtWfHIWufnX_xV9JfilQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2788.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy."🎄</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matthew 2:10<i> </i> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello friends! Happy December! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to share on here some fun festive crafts that I have been creating this Christmas season for not only just my home but making some to share with others. Lately I really been into the neutral and nostalgic look of Christmas decor. I love dainty items that feel warm and cozy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These little Christmas tree garlands are just the cutest. They are unique and would love great in your kiddo's room or any area in your home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you enjoy this quick tutorial to make these at home for your family. If you aren't into making them but would like to purchase them follow me on my Instagram and send me a dm. I am selling a couple for those interested this holiday season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hoping to open an ETSY shop soon! AHHHH! I am so nervous even typing it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alright let's get to the tutorial!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Supplies:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>green yarn (can be found at Hobby Lobby/Michael's/Walmart)</li><li>Leftover cardboard</li><li>fabric scissors</li><li>needle</li><li>hot glue gun / glue sticks</li><li>white pom poms (found mine at Hobby Lobby)</li><li>wooden stars (found a big pack via Amazon)</li><li>jute twine or any string of choice to hang your garland</li></ul> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Note</i></u>: It takes 3 parts to make 1 tree. So before you start cut your twine to your desired length and decide how many Christmas tree you want and then multiply that number by 3. This will tell you how many tassels you will need to make for your garland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>For example</i></u>: I decided to make my garland with 7 Christmas trees so I had to make 21 tassels. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Warning when you see this number you first reaction might be to freak and not even attempt to do this project! I speak this from experience! HA! However it happens so quickly that you don't even notice how many you made until you finish. It is a easy and quick process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Tassel Instructions:</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. With your leftover cardboard, you are going to cut out a 2x2 inch square. It doesn't have to be perfect but cut it around that measurement. If you want longer Christmas trees then you would make the cut size larger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. At one end of the cardboard you want to make two small slits. This will help you keep in place your yarn as you are wrapping it around the cardboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Cut two 3-4 inch pieces of yarn. Take one of the pieces and line it up along the top edge of the square (the opposite end of where you made your slits).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Take your yarn and secure the end into your left cardboard slot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Hold the 4 inch piece of yarn long the top edge of the cardboard and start wrapping the rest of the yarn around the back and front of the cardboard. I wrapped mine around 15 times. You can do it 10,15, or even 20 times. It depends on your desired thickness and your yarn of choice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Use this first attempt as your test to see how many times you want to wrap around your cardboard and write it down if needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. When you are done wrapping the secure the yarn in the right cardboard slit and cut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Double knot the 4 inch piece of yarn on top very tightly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. Cut the wrapped strings on the opposite side and then remove the secured ends from their slits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. To hide your knot you will flip the tassel so that the top bends in the opposite direction and with your last piece of yarn. use it to tie a double knot to create what will look like a little head. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11. Turn the tassel over and trim the ends for a clean look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Note</i></u>: For the top head of my tassels I leave the top knot showing. But you dont have to do that. Its just a look that I prefer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Repeat these steps and you will have completed your trees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Garland Instructions</i></u>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Separate all your tassels into sets of threes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Fill your middle tassel upside down and flatten the yarn. Add some hot glue to the center of the inside and attach it the head of the bottom tassel. Adjust the yarn so that it hides the head of the bottom tassel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Then do the same step to the top tassel to the middle tassel's head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Once all your trees are glued together now is the fun decorating part. I like to add white pom poms to my trees. Each one I added about 7-8 pom poms. Use your hot glue to add each pom pom to your tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Then to top the tree I used wooden stars that you can find in Hobby Lobby (10 pack) or you can buy a larger pack via Amazon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Once your done decorating, take your needle and thread your twine through it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Note</i></u>: You can add wood beads in between each tree if you like that look. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Use your needle and put it through the top head of your Christmas tree and thread it to your desired spot on your twine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Repeat this step until your garland is complete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Viola! I hope you love the garland! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you want to see this tutorial check out my<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/TheStyleBrunch/_created/" target="_blank"> Pinterest</a> page for a quick video. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-89153001650907913192021-10-07T21:50:00.001-04:002021-10-07T21:50:09.492-04:00HOW TO DECORATE YOUR FIREPLACE FOR FALL // RUSTIC AND MINIMAL DECOR <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZydT4Y_C09o/YV-e_hNShrI/AAAAAAAAIr0/BG8iq56Fr1MYa1UmLaavFFz6Dhn55rFnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fireplace%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1842" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZydT4Y_C09o/YV-e_hNShrI/AAAAAAAAIr0/BG8iq56Fr1MYa1UmLaavFFz6Dhn55rFnACLcBGAsYHQ/w576-h640/fireplace%2B.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello friends! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fall season has kicked off and I am so happy! Fall is my favorite season and I have been working on decorating the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year I am adding warm tones and rustic pieces throughout the house to make our space feel cozy and relaxing. I have been DIYing a lot of pieces that are up and I cant wait to share them with you guys. I like to thrift a lot of home decor pieces and it saves us a lot of money. Seasonal items I try to not invest in because I know that next year my style can change.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of all the rooms in our home that we have renovated, the fireplace in our living room has been my favorite. I still look at it and I cant believe we did this! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rustic barn beam mantel is stunning and we spent less than $100 on it. We found it a local thrift store here in Rochester called Rehouse Architectural Salvage. Check them out if you are local!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost everything on the fireplace is thrifted! The vase, bowl and candlestick were found at a local Savers store and I painted over them. I am working on editing a Youtube video on the transformation process and will post here when it is live!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All products will be listed below for anyone interested. The bats are so fun! I thought it would be a funny touch to add them to our fireplace as if they were coming out from our chimney. They were affordable and have a 3D element which looks really cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me know if fall is your favorite season and what are your favorite fall activities! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcyvfeEG7c/YV-hQTuCgoI/AAAAAAAAIr8/FggHrUZE_coert8c4IQYWRYIppGrK_-iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/fireplace%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcyvfeEG7c/YV-hQTuCgoI/AAAAAAAAIr8/FggHrUZE_coert8c4IQYWRYIppGrK_-iwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/fireplace%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCg-kqh7a6A/YV-hQiDg8oI/AAAAAAAAIsA/MK-jB5n_tsUVPAW7etUxdhLGBexxQs_8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/fireplace%2Bside%2Biew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCg-kqh7a6A/YV-hQiDg8oI/AAAAAAAAIsA/MK-jB5n_tsUVPAW7etUxdhLGBexxQs_8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w427-h640/fireplace%2Bside%2Biew.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4592173"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/23d3dcdc3064b991129d2c826a9fc6482a6899d6/images/search/350.gif" onerror='this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."' style="width: 15px; height: 15px"><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-16151717927016895402021-07-02T19:43:00.003-04:002021-07-02T19:43:27.865-04:00DIY Fire pit String Light Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3479a0sxX6Q/YN-gRo20t-I/AAAAAAAAIoA/QK2d678zZHMFfwrBlj26A4hoAmqdkd5lACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/538255E7-2FA4-4135-926F-79536EBEC0EB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3479a0sxX6Q/YN-gRo20t-I/AAAAAAAAIoA/QK2d678zZHMFfwrBlj26A4hoAmqdkd5lACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/538255E7-2FA4-4135-926F-79536EBEC0EB.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so excited to share a new DIY project with you guys! My husband and I have been doing on our own so much landscaping and gardening projects in our home and this one is one of my favorites so far. It really adds a welcoming vibe and cozy look to our fire pit area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was an easy project to do and pretty affordable per what we bought. The biggest cost saving item was the plant buckets. We chose to go with a resin material as oppose to the whiskey barrel look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The whiskey barrels are more pricier but they look nice as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Here is what it looked like before this project:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlvWPiOxgtY/YN-gjDsw4SI/AAAAAAAAIoI/tBj6eQGqwhARoZIT8ZW0G6_y8mkn7K61QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlvWPiOxgtY/YN-gjDsw4SI/AAAAAAAAIoI/tBj6eQGqwhARoZIT8ZW0G6_y8mkn7K61QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/image2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you guys enjoy this post and please tag me on social media if you make it or you already have one. I would love to see it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>MATERIALS</b></i>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(4) 4x4 posts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(4) resin barrels via Home Depot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(8) bags of fast setting concrete (quickrete) (2 50 lbs bag for each one)<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(4) scraps of 4x4 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">water (for concrete)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">plants </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">string lights</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(4) hooks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wood stain (dark walnut) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">drill </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">potting soil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bracket</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">leveler<i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Total time:</b> approximately 3 hours<i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>INSTRUCTIONS: </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b> </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b> STEP 1:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b> </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place your buckets in the spot that you want them. Then add your scrap 4x4 pieces of wood into the bottom of your bucket. This will be used as an anchor and as a balance for the 4x4 posts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b> </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAlSL0tbNAI/YN-jASBdEPI/AAAAAAAAIoc/vufsPjVONQEQjLp6M3Wu_A2-H_Pno_0WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAlSL0tbNAI/YN-jASBdEPI/AAAAAAAAIoc/vufsPjVONQEQjLp6M3Wu_A2-H_Pno_0WgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/IMG_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>STEP 2: </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we toke our brackets and attached the scrap wood to the posts. This will help keep it in place as we place the concrete. We ensured to center the posts to the scrap wood and used screws to secure them together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLbcp1qVr4A/YN-jHqnASbI/AAAAAAAAIog/f3fJLFGiiG8cxfDIGjwxdwCzOGdA_xtNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLbcp1qVr4A/YN-jHqnASbI/AAAAAAAAIog/f3fJLFGiiG8cxfDIGjwxdwCzOGdA_xtNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/IMG_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>STEP 3:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now the barrel with concrete and water. Follow the instructions on your concrete bag when it comes to water/concrete ratio. This stuff is filled with small rocks so I suggest mixing it. We used whatever we could find on hand and mixed it until it felt smooth and there was no dry patches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We filled the planter about halfway with the concrete mix. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nC8e5o_ARQ/YN-jPuuf0EI/AAAAAAAAIoo/gJeCnuBQnXMxNzRQcRA3Y_y0vTAXm-KoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nC8e5o_ARQ/YN-jPuuf0EI/AAAAAAAAIoo/gJeCnuBQnXMxNzRQcRA3Y_y0vTAXm-KoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/IMG_0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>STEP 4:</b></i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before it begins to set, ensure that your post is leveled. This is where you will use your leveler and adjust your posts accordingly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjAn7Jos-8k/YN-jWHgkUFI/AAAAAAAAIos/cCHIur62JbUn5bgFEL1NgmCNLgKrB3xHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjAn7Jos-8k/YN-jWHgkUFI/AAAAAAAAIos/cCHIur62JbUn5bgFEL1NgmCNLgKrB3xHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>STEP 5:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Drill drainage holes so plants can have adequate drainage. Drill several holes above the concrete going all the way around your barrels. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFoAbMA_kAs/YN-g24AiB8I/AAAAAAAAIoQ/b24dm92qca0BYtXI505dKskNrMluOKScQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFoAbMA_kAs/YN-g24AiB8I/AAAAAAAAIoQ/b24dm92qca0BYtXI505dKskNrMluOKScQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>OPTIONAL:</b></i> At this step I didn't like the color of the original color of the posts so I decided to stain them using Minwax dark walnut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtTa2EA3bqE/YN-jfsqZRDI/AAAAAAAAIo0/6BXYgRNES-g8ZLn0wVvMATkCJ7hODE44gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_9998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtTa2EA3bqE/YN-jfsqZRDI/AAAAAAAAIo0/6BXYgRNES-g8ZLn0wVvMATkCJ7hODE44gCLcBGAsYHQ/w428-h640/IMG_9998.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>STEP 6:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you add your planting materials. I first added a layer of rocks to ensure more drainage. On top of that was potting soil. I went to a local garden nursery to pick up some flowers. To keep it simple I picked up some white and red impatiens and some herbs for touches of green. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>STEP 7:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now we add our hooks to our posts. You can place them anywhere you need to depending on your location. Drill a hole into your posts and twist them by hand into the posts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>STEP 8:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Attach your string lights! We haven't figured out how we want to add electricity to our lights. My husband has a couple ideas and once we are successful I will update this posts with the explanation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2KED04eRX0/YN-j_MWMVuI/AAAAAAAAIpA/dRkfv615nTQsdk7kPS-yycaCDaJNz1pvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/A761AD45-B58A-4D0D-9C13-F7C76A1BA4AA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2KED04eRX0/YN-j_MWMVuI/AAAAAAAAIpA/dRkfv615nTQsdk7kPS-yycaCDaJNz1pvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/A761AD45-B58A-4D0D-9C13-F7C76A1BA4AA.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for taking the time to read this post! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope it inspires you to do projects at your home! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God bless and have a blessed day!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> <br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-44967993929715695712021-04-08T12:25:00.003-04:002021-04-08T12:27:19.095-04:00My Simple and Minimal Cleaning Routine + Products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGbnX0rsuJ8/YG8sjC_up9I/AAAAAAAAIjA/pWSi_DegG_8doNJ4YInbH1Zzody8hAIgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/4F419E51-115D-434E-8C93-288F05116F96.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGbnX0rsuJ8/YG8sjC_up9I/AAAAAAAAIjA/pWSi_DegG_8doNJ4YInbH1Zzody8hAIgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/4F419E51-115D-434E-8C93-288F05116F96.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> *This post has been sponsored by ®Art of Green. All thoughts and opinions
are my own. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I like to keep my lifestyle minimal and simple and the same goes for my
cleaning supplies. Like I mentioned in my previous post, my kitchen is
small so I have to preserve cabinet space and it will not go to an
overflow of cleaning supplies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> <i>In this post I want to share some of my cleaning supplies and how I
incorporate them to my daily cleaning routine. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip3qH8MFwHA/YG8s4rcPGKI/AAAAAAAAIjI/3Z1D6FdUz3wCgomSaLR8XuqXYwkVOHqTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/99B6088C-71F9-4A12-B9A9-8576692FE71A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip3qH8MFwHA/YG8s4rcPGKI/AAAAAAAAIjI/3Z1D6FdUz3wCgomSaLR8XuqXYwkVOHqTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/99B6088C-71F9-4A12-B9A9-8576692FE71A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <u><b>Here are some of supplies:</b></u> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li><b><i>Art of Green multipurpose cleaning spray</i></b> - I truly do love an all
purpose cleaner. I like to be able to use one product if possible in as
many areas as I can. I can use this spray on my kitchen countertop, my
stove top, sink area, floor, and refrigerator. It makes the process of
cleaning so easy because all I do is grab my spray, my cleaning cloths,
and start cleaning. It also smells nice! The spray is infused with a
plant based scent of citrus and white flowers.
Art of Green cleaning wipes - I love these wipes for really getting into
nooks and small places. I like to use these for cleaning inside of
drawers, fridge trays and drawers, shelves, floors, surface areas and
more. They are great for a quick wipe down. <br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li><b><i>Cleaning towels</i></b> - I am frugal at the moment okay! So I love Dollar Tree
microfiber cleaning towels. I use these towels for everything; windows,
counters, tables, floors,toilets, glass you name it! I use separate
towels for each room so I am not passing dirt and grime around to other
areas! <br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li><b><i>Rubber gloves</i></b> - Due to the amount of washing my hands and sanitizing
hands and surface areas because of the pandemic my hands have taken a
beating and they feel rough and dry. I now incorporate rubber gloves
into my routine to keep my hands protected. I like to buy them from the
Dollar Tree as well! <br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li><b><i>Vacuum</i></b> - With a one year old running around crumbs are inevitable I have
learned. I vacuum every other day in our living room rug because it's a
light color and crumbs are very visible on it. I also use this to clean
baseboards, couch, and our floors. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I try to stay on top of cleaning our home but also keeping it simple and
quick. I don't want to spend too much time doing it but I like to get
it done. My advice is to find multi purpose cleaning products to make
your routine simple and efficient. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Check out and learn more about The Art of Green products here:
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://artofgreen.com/ " target="_blank">https://artofgreen.com/ </a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>You can also use the following link as a store locator:
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://artofgreen.com/store-locator/?utm_source=2021 influencers&utm_medium=all_content&utm_campaign=spring-cleaning" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></span></b><div><div class="influencerPortalContentApproval-component__smallTitle___3GDGn"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc_rT2UHi8g/YG8uWYyesGI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/UWTq3rgBbmobf-w2yznQWTIB_gIXgTUugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/art%2Bof%2Bgreen%2Bwipes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc_rT2UHi8g/YG8uWYyesGI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/UWTq3rgBbmobf-w2yznQWTIB_gIXgTUugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/art%2Bof%2Bgreen%2Bwipes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-68372209875147773742021-03-30T00:30:00.107-04:002021-03-30T08:37:49.618-04:00Spring Cleaning with eco friendly and safe products around my toddler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKiuvZg0wck/YGJ8JDeMAxI/AAAAAAAAIiY/XLF45BRpahQRRtiZS0mraaoCn0MsAwFsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/art%2Bof%2Bgreen%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKiuvZg0wck/YGJ8JDeMAxI/AAAAAAAAIiY/XLF45BRpahQRRtiZS0mraaoCn0MsAwFsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/art%2Bof%2Bgreen%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*This post has been sponsored by ®Art Of Green. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello Spring! Hola Primavera! </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since having our first baby and buying our first home, my mission in this season: living simply and intentionally. I look forward to many things during the spring months:</span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">longer days</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">blooms blossoming</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">opening the windows and feel the cool spring air</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">spring cleaning the house</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span></li></ul><div><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There's nothing like cleaning our home with the windows open and feeling the spring breeze entering our homes. Finally a little bit of the outside is coming in! </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For me spring deep cleaning usually involves:</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">carpets</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">blinds</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">window treatment</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">wipe down walls</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">fridge and oven <br /></span></span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To avoid being overwhelmed with all the spring deep cleaning I like to stay on top of my daily routine. The kitchen is the most used room in our home and probably in most people's homes. I cook for my family three times a day so we got a lot of foot traffic and messes happening in this one small space. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a small kitchen so I don't like to pile up tons of cleaning products.I prefer products that are nonfunctional (they do all the things!). Since the kitchen is my number one room I love the ®<b>Art of Green</b> multipurpose cleaner spray. It is tough on dirt, grease and grime. I feel secure using it around my toddler because its ingredients are 98% naturally derived, non-toxic, and its free of parabens, phtalates, glycol solvents, artificial colors or phosphates.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I like my kitchen counter cleaned, dished cleaned and put away either in dishwasher or cabinets, toys picked up off the floor and kitchen floors swept.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I do this because when I wake up early in the morning I want to have some time to myself and I don't want to have to clean up a dirty kitchen from the night before. It just doesn't start my day right for me. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n55k6UsvjKk/YGMbVUmAE9I/AAAAAAAAIiw/HeC21OcqrwIgwt4Cpg-AZu-6zGWV4wDHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/99B6088C-71F9-4A12-B9A9-8576692FE71A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n55k6UsvjKk/YGMbVUmAE9I/AAAAAAAAIiw/HeC21OcqrwIgwt4Cpg-AZu-6zGWV4wDHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/99B6088C-71F9-4A12-B9A9-8576692FE71A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is a run down of my home making routine once our little one goes down for the day:</span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I quickly head the kitchen to clean up</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I first start with my counter tops. They get a lot of small crumbs on them from eating over them and cutting up food. I use the <b>Art of Green</b> spray with a damp cloth to wipe down the counter tops.</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then I wipe down the stove and after that clean all the food stains from our kitchen table</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After dishes are done I use the <b>Art of Green</b> spray for one final wipe down around the faucet and fridge handle.</span></span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In writing it may sound like a lot but I have it down to a quick 5-10 minute routine. To make this routine more enjoyable are the smells of the <b>Art of Green</b> spray while using it. It is infused with a plant based scent of citrus and white flowers. It is enjoyable every time I use it to end my day. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What room/item in your home are you most excited about spring cleaning?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out and learn more about the <b>Art of Green</b> products here: </span></span><a href="https://artofgreen.com/store-locator/?utm_source=2021 influencers&utm_medium=all_content&utm_campaign=spring-cleaning" target="_blank">https://artofgreen.com</a><br />You can also use the following link as a store locator: <a href="https://artofgreen.com/store-locator/">https://artofgreen.com/store-locator/</a><br /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d4f19ef-7fff-a3a4-cfab-b9d58cd44293" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zIk2dPLik4/YGMSYhPbS6I/AAAAAAAAIio/f7sCUN-vkDAbqUTzyjd2Yxhb6xdL7TmIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/art%2Bof%2Bgreen%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zIk2dPLik4/YGMSYhPbS6I/AAAAAAAAIio/f7sCUN-vkDAbqUTzyjd2Yxhb6xdL7TmIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/art%2Bof%2Bgreen%2B5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-55600266698463641142021-03-04T11:36:00.004-05:002021-03-04T11:36:37.829-05:00DIY House Shelf <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wU7HJuYsHx4/YEELTEXr4BI/AAAAAAAAIhY/ujgUsy8uBtQeGCqhEo4F6VRwGeqgv4QQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/house%2Bshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wU7HJuYsHx4/YEELTEXr4BI/AAAAAAAAIhY/ujgUsy8uBtQeGCqhEo4F6VRwGeqgv4QQACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/house%2Bshelf.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"<i>Make it your goal to live a quiet life, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>minding your own business and</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>working with your hands, just as we</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>instructed you before. Then people</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>who are not believers will respect the</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>way you live, and you will not need to</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>depend on others.</i>"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One room that has brought my heart so much joy to bring to life in our new home is my son's. In my creative mind I wanted the room to be both playful and peaceful. The right paint color can give a room a specific mood or feeling. I knew I wanted some sort of shade of green so we had a few different choices from Sherwin Williams and the one that one both in my mind and on Instagram (thank you everyone that voted!) was the color Coastal Plain. This happy neutral color made the room feel youthful and cozy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the paint was complete I was looking online for toy organization furniture. I wanted it to be of wood material and look minimal. Every piece that I liked cost way too much money! We are on a budget and that type of furniture was not worth an investment. After weeks of not finding anything I came across a blog post that had a house shelf in a playroom and right there I saw what I wanted! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once my mind is set on something.... I have to get it done and so we began measuring and sketching out our measurements for our house shelf! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because of where we wanted to place the shelf our measurements were the following:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>4 ft tall (not including roof) / 30 " wide / 16" depth (shelves) </i><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we finalized our measurements it was time to pick up our materials:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1.</b> <i>2 x 2 x 8 lumber (8-9 pieces of wood) (<span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: #91c068;"><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-x-2-in-x-8-ft-Furring-Strip-Board-Lumber-75800593/304600525" target="_blank">click here</a></span> </span>for reference)<br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2.</b> <i>4 pieces of plywood for the shelves</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3. </b><i>miter saw, table saw, nail gun, wood glue, drill, pocket jig, pocket hole screws, sander</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3nOkUjKTcM/YEELkZYo5cI/AAAAAAAAIhk/Vp48S4tiq4MzV9oQCcz9V5-aAjYSQyPPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/house%2Bshelf%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3nOkUjKTcM/YEELkZYo5cI/AAAAAAAAIhk/Vp48S4tiq4MzV9oQCcz9V5-aAjYSQyPPACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/house%2Bshelf%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to see footage of our progress and how we put the shelves together, head on over to my Instagram page and click on the highlight "House Shelf." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> <br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband and I just figured it out section by section. It is not a beginner's project I will add that disclaimer. I am a beginner and I needed his help on the pocket screw portion of the project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shelves were the trickiest part. You can could the shelf to the measurements of the frame and place them on top of your frame and nail down. I personally wanted the shelf to nailed to the frame not on top but inside of it (if that makes sense). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A great reference to this project is one that we found online and used it as a guide to sketch out ours is by <i><b>The Ever Co</b></i> (<a href="https://www.theeverco.co/blog-articles/2018/7/10/ul7lral9koy9dt095pzr1uhec71c7n" target="_blank">here</a>). We didn't use their exact measurements, because our space is smaller, but again it was a great guide to start out your plans. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have questions please feel free to comment below :) <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-60311231351513169802021-02-02T12:38:00.005-05:002021-02-02T12:38:57.638-05:00Ways to steward all things for busy Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iLx5jcBjH8/YBmIwWymlxI/AAAAAAAAIgc/RDzB0L_j1EoeM3iVSk872pXd8Km1kaiygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iLx5jcBjH8/YBmIwWymlxI/AAAAAAAAIgc/RDzB0L_j1EoeM3iVSk872pXd8Km1kaiygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/IMG_7038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9c447d2c-7fff-9fe4-350b-2f41c864f800" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></span>ttempting to steward all things well in 2021....</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We as women live such full lives! </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We manage the day to day tasks, up keep and set the tone in our home, nurture and care for our children, a partner and encourager to our spouse, work hard outside the home either starting or running a business or in a career, planning investments and managing finances for the future of our family and there's so much more… am I right ladies?!!!</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">And as we individually enter different seasons of our life we have to see and recognize that certain ones will have its limitations. Productivity may look different. Old ways of getting things done no longer serve you well. But all seasons can still be beautiful in its own way. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I want to create a space this year for women who are searching to create a legacy of starting a business and being a homemaker. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We can incorporate our passions into our family life with a little bit of flexibility and some creativity.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Be mindful that to pursue our passions and experience success doesn’t have to be defined as you need to go hard, increase ambition, sell more, create more, push harder, build higher, rest less... </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I was reminded this week that It all belongs to God because life is a gift. Everything you got going on... you got this mama! Why? Because He already wrote your story!!! </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">He has equipped you with the skills and the ability required to steward all things of God!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Before I give you some practical tips lets answer what is the definition of stewardship. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">It means to manage something on someone's behalf. The word "steward" is rooted in the Greek word "oikonomos", which means "the manager of a household." <br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some practical ways to steward your everyday life: </span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><i>Recognize what season you are in</i>. This will define for us what limitations are in this season.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><i>Use your time well</i>. Time is a resource and should be spent wisely and purposefully. Well spent time is best spent when we invest into things that have eternal impact on ourselves and others. What you are investing your time in will determine whether or not you reap a good or bad harvest. <br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> <i>Planning.</i> Planning makes a huge difference in making your current situation work for you and your family’s needs. This includes: weekly meal prep, blocking out time in your day for tasks, maintaining a manageable morning routine, and clocking out of work/social media etc for family time. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><i>Be present.</i> If you are at the office be present. If your home with the kids be present. If you are on date night with your spouse be present. This provides balance and prevents feeling overwhelmed. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><i>Bless others</i>. If we are stewarding all things well, then we are in a position to help and give back to others. God calls us to be cheerful givers, to give back to those in need. So when we can let's give back to not only our church but also others. If you aren't sure where to begin or to who, seek the Lord's counsel. <br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">This is a loving reminder to myself and you mama that you and I can steward ALL THE THINGS and ITS OKAY if it looks a little different and slower paced than others because we aren’t choosing between our home + passions. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><span> </span><span> </span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-73717241189749991902020-12-31T12:10:00.002-05:002020-12-31T15:10:09.360-05:00Living a minimal(ish) lifestyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<p id="docs-internal-guid-44c344b1-7fff-abc3-bf09-12ba9e7ae682" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3W6Kl0jn6I/X-4DnT7-RtI/AAAAAAAAIfo/DVLpyrjBByMh602_StihDovKx6gYWrA0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/minimalism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3W6Kl0jn6I/X-4DnT7-RtI/AAAAAAAAIfo/DVLpyrjBByMh602_StihDovKx6gYWrA0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/minimalism.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><p></p><p id="docs-internal-guid-44c344b1-7fff-abc3-bf09-12ba9e7ae682" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Living a minimalist lifestyle</span> </span></i><br /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-44c344b1-7fff-abc3-bf09-12ba9e7ae682" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-10c45c69-7fff-ec25-6382-05a857837842" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since becoming a mom and owning our first home I am all about balance. Its necessary for me to avoid feeling overwhelmed and chaotic. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I first looked up how to live a minimalist lifestyle I was completely overwhelmed. Some true minimalist have truly stripped away a lot of materialistic objects in their life and just possess what they feel they need. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I personally didn't want to go alllll the way there. I was just searching for living with less and implementing productivity in my day to day. I wanted to adopt this different lifestyle because I don't want my stress of having to clean up and have a tidy home take me away from being present with my son. Sometimes when we get overwhelmed with picking up toys, cleaning dishes, feeling anxious to live up to the high standard of being good stewards to our home, can paint a picture to our loved ones that they are the problem.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This comes from my upbringing. My mother takes stewarding her house with great pride and mission. Her home has to be tidy all day. Floors cleaned and mopped. Rugs vacuumed. Blinds and furniture dusted. Laundry completed and bathroom cleaned. However her concentration on these things did take her attention away from being present in her home. She was made to raise her siblings at a young age so I know this role was ingrained in her at a very young age. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once we bought our home this year, I set out what my intentions will be in our home. I initially started to set out with the same to do lists of maintaining a clean home, keeping the baby away from certain furniture etc and I noticed that this was not the healthiest perspective. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Minimalism started with a shift in my perspective. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I first asked myself what is it that is overwhelming me? This can be a lot of things and even external things. Is it your schedule? Your work life? Your home? Clutter? </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Gratitude is the theme of it all.</i> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaning into this so that my eyes can see what is already in front of me. I want to make space for what really matters. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What really matters? This is a great question to ask ourselves. What matters and do I really need this item? Is this action bringing out the worst in me? Are these things taking too much of my time and taking me away from what brings me joy?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes the more you have, the more it takes up your time. If your kids have a lot of toys, when cleaning it up, is it taking a lot of your time and causing you to lash out?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to be proactive rather than reactive.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Practical ways to implement minimalism(ish) in our home:</span></span></u></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. De-clutter (This is with physical clutter)</span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Start somewhere simple or small to not overwhelm yourself. Try a junk drawer and ask yourself: how often do I use this item? Is it frequently? Is it taking up too much space? This will help you evaluate whether you will keep it or toss it. </span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is this item meaningful to you? Does it bring joy (like Marie Kondo says)</span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you plan to use this in the near future? With the key in mind, does your home have the space to store it?</span></span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Block out time to dispose of your stuff</span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perfectionism and procrastination can self deprecate all your efforts and this process. It will convince you to delay finalizing your efforts and the next thing you know you have garbage bags upon bags of stuff to get rid of sitting in your garage, basement, attic, closet etc.</span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go on Google Calendar, ical, or your planner and block out time in your day or week to plan out how to donate your items.</span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Part of the planning process is researching where to take it. Make sure to make time for this step and write it all down so you can have a plan of action! This will help with your motivation to get this done. </span></span></p></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Make room for the things that matter </span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once you de-clutter your home it's very tempting to want to buy more to fill the fresh new open space again. Part of this lifestyle is quality over quantity. </span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I am looking to decorate our home, I look for items that:</span></span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Will last for many years</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Can be multi-functional</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Is it necessary for our home</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remember this process is not to overwhelm you. If you start to feel overwhelmed take a pause and re-evaluate your why. Why are you doing this? Who or whom are you doing it for?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ask yourself: What do I want in life? What am I creating space for? What values do I want in my home?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Give yourself grace.</span></span></i></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This can be a long process and you are capable of amiga! </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><br /></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-46060074967599438712020-12-21T11:23:00.001-05:002020-12-21T11:23:12.190-05:00PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgsJBk5zHpI/X-DLFUbSbzI/AAAAAAAAIe4/iiaS3AobQbAQ-ty4Jmh7XSlRDEQEDtgawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgsJBk5zHpI/X-DLFUbSbzI/AAAAAAAAIe4/iiaS3AobQbAQ-ty4Jmh7XSlRDEQEDtgawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/IMG_7038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>H</b>ere we are</span>, the week of Christmas. I have had mixed feelings when I think of Christmas this year. Some days I lack on<b> loving</b> <i>this </i>Christmas. <i>This</i> Christmas. I have placed an specific, glamorous identity onto Christmas based on my experiences and desires. The thought of dismantling it, is sad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And friends, this week take time to feel. It matters. Jesus says come to me all that are weary and its been that kind of year right?! Where we are vulnerable, tired, at our weakest point it is there in that space that Jesus is longing to comfort us. It is where we find Him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It happened for me. This year I had my first child and experienced postpartum. Emotionally and hormonally I was all over the place. When sadness overwhelmed me I couldn't defeat it. When anxiety stirred up I couldn't shake it. While I was slowly working on improving my mental health, COVID lock downs began and I felt like I was thrown back again. I was scared, anxious, paranoid, distrusting, and consumed with protecting my family members. When my mental health started to effect my physical health is when I received my intervention. I called to Jesus. I gave Him all my worries and concerns. I prayed to Him. I told Him that I will do my part to be responsible and vigilant but my worries I bring to Him and ask Him to cover us. I gave Him control. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the days went by I slowly did less and let go of trying to aggressively control the situation. As long as we do our best, God's got the rest. As corny as that sounds, it brought my mind so much peace. I felt the Spirit shift my focus back to nurturing my spirit. Fruit was beginning to blossom from this root of nurturing; patience, kindness, peace and self control. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are entering a week of longing for a big, grand and traditional Christmas. And yes I feel you friends. I do have moments of missing my family. Past Christmases. Thoughts of what could this Christmas could of looked like.... Jesus won't condemn you for feeling these things. However like I do with myself, don't allow those thoughts to negatively consume you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's together step into loving <i>this</i> Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love as a noun is defined as an intense feeling or deep affection, a great interest and pleasure in something. On Christmas day entered into the world the Savior was born in Bethlehem, in the city of David. Why did God give the world his one and only son? Love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God so loved the world. US.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So as all of our Christmas traditions, festivities, shopping, travels, and general doing has been stripped from many of us let's settle into love. Love comes in many tangible forms. Showing gratitude for what we still have. Displaying affection to the family members and people right in front of us. To take a quiet moment and sit in God's presence to feel His love. Shift our focus from crossing off our To Do lists and focusing on enjoying this season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've learned that it is not healthy for me to focus on what I do not have and/or can not have. It stirs up resentment, jealousy and depressive thoughts. Instead I want to focus on the gifts that are all around me and how God has shown me love throughout my life and this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Christmas story is an act of love from our Father. It is a celebration and we all love to celebrate it. But its an act of love planned out and put into action by our Father to redeem us and give us the gift of eternal life! Thank you Jesus! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pray my friends that this post blesses your heart. I pray that it was comforting and helpful to anyone that is having a hard time preparing for Christmas this week. I am with you. I hope that this approach this Christmas season settles your anxious hearts a bit and provides a sliver of hope for you to implement into your day to day this week. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-3684325325935060232020-12-14T23:43:00.001-05:002020-12-15T10:51:27.107-05:00Preparing our Homes this Christmas - Finding Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PJQdFPrPEo/X9g4l-DjjiI/AAAAAAAAIdg/emWGWB0avaAANCYKjZZNzu1U8zHxAEPyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PJQdFPrPEo/X9g4l-DjjiI/AAAAAAAAIdg/emWGWB0avaAANCYKjZZNzu1U8zHxAEPyACLcBGAsYHQ/w517-h640/IMG_2037.jpg" width="517" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> Last post we talked about preparing our hearts for the Christmas season. This week I want to touch on preparing our homes. This year many of us will be celebrating Christmas in our homes in a quieter setting and less family members. </p><p>This moment will be a time that we will look back on. I've been thinking about this and intentionally including this thought as I am prepping for Christmas. </p><p>When I look back at this year's Christmas, what do I want to feel? <br /></p><p>This week as I prepare a holiday meal plan and some DIY Christmas gifts for family and friends, I want to be intentionally in these decisions. </p><p> What are my intentions for Christmas this year? </p><p>For me is JOY. </p><p>I want joy to fill our home and hearts. I want to look back and remember that with little or less than we leaned into joyful celebration for the birth of Christ. I will miss some wonderful family traditions and celebration however I want to push through and look forward to new traditions and finding joy in new and simplier Christmas elements such as DIY decorations, homemade Christmas gifts, enjoying seasonal treats and savoring less hectic moments.</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Do It Yourself Decorations</i></span></p><p>I have been enjoying the creativity and money saving elements of DIY decorating. My eyes have been opened from seeing such inventive and earthy ideas of how to decorate your home using natural elements. </p><p>I asked my mother to bring me a bunch of pine cones that are near her job and have used them all around my home for winter decor. You can take cedar or spruce that you either have in your backyard or a nearby park and incorporate them in your home. If you live in a city where parks are not an option, places like Trader Joe's has beautiful bundles of fresh greenery for an affordable price.</p><p>One new decor idea I got last week from Pinterest is using dried oranges and tying them as garland! It adds a pop of color to your home. I am so looking forward to giving this a try this week and adding it to our fireplace. </p><p><i>Pictured here: The two tree stocking holders were repurposed from thrifting. Both were .99 cents!</i> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbBPPUnkyiE/X9g9ci9cTtI/AAAAAAAAId8/odIUdjrCD4MO1Nf_TPCqD7vLQoo1K-dBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7246_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbBPPUnkyiE/X9g9ci9cTtI/AAAAAAAAId8/odIUdjrCD4MO1Nf_TPCqD7vLQoo1K-dBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7246_jpg.jpg" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>DIY snow globe from faux trees found at Dollar Tree and an old glass jar I already had. </i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pn4WQjs1dqI/X9g5HtvfxeI/AAAAAAAAIdw/KhiKbH_y70sAMHZIKIt_Vc_p-451PhMdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7070_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pn4WQjs1dqI/X9g5HtvfxeI/AAAAAAAAIdw/KhiKbH_y70sAMHZIKIt_Vc_p-451PhMdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7070_jpg.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Home made Christmas gifts </span></i></div><p><span style="font-size: small;">My immediate family has grown so much the past year, lots of nephews so us adults have decided to just focus on gifts for the kids. I do however want to gift them with a simple yet personalized gift. So I am having fun planning out home made items for each of them. Its not luxurious or glamorous but I think edible gifts are perfect for anyone! It adds a personal touch to your gift and may find special. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdR_TiGf6ZE/X9g-PzPJL7I/AAAAAAAAIeE/ufKrJU-ldV4P93JA-XPDZVKq1Qj41TVCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdR_TiGf6ZE/X9g-PzPJL7I/AAAAAAAAIeE/ufKrJU-ldV4P93JA-XPDZVKq1Qj41TVCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1209.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Here are some ideas:</span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Home made candle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- hand made soap</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- dessert baking jar + recipe</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- assorted Christmas cookies</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- homemade granola or nut butter</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">- if your Latino, a beautiful bottle of coquito! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> Seasonal Treats </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The smell of Christmas baking brings me so much joy. The aromas of sugar cookies, ginger bread and hot chocolate makes me smile and warms my heart. There is a joy and calm that comes with baking. Baking a is a wonderful way to share food and relive memorable traditions with alive and deceased loved ones.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can begin your baking early and freeze your dough! I know! I just learned that this was possible. You can store the dough in the freezer as dough balls ready to bake or in a small batch container. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Bringing Joy to Others</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">There will be many lonely and in need this Christmas in our local communities. Let our hearts turn towards gratitude and serving others. Many have endured loss, change and financial burdens and are looking for a light of hope. Let's be that thrill of hope for others. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check with your local church for volunteers needed or food/clothing drop offs</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find a local toys for tots drop off location or donate online <a href="https://www.toysfortots.org/Default.aspx" target="_blank">here </a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adopt a local family through your local organizations/non profits</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Donate food or your time at your local food banks</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Give a charitable donation to a local organizations</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deliver a Christmas meal to someone who you know is alone or in need</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-parade-clicks="false" data-parade-location-ids="article" data-parade-location-types="promoarea" data-parade-mouseovers="false" data-parade-touches="false" data-parade-type="promoarea" data-parade-views="false">“At
this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the
season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God’s own love
and concern.”<br />— <strong>Mother Teresa</strong></span></span></i> <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.toysfortots.org/Default.aspx" target="_blank"> </a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-59230859460091632552020-12-07T21:57:00.004-05:002020-12-08T10:13:31.375-05:0010 WAYS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY THIS CHRISTMAS 2020!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kdxTA8C7GA/X87rVMVrfaI/AAAAAAAAIdM/Z1ADw8rEK1IyniLgtsO3xBGznHyb0C8TACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7039.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kdxTA8C7GA/X87rVMVrfaI/AAAAAAAAIdM/Z1ADw8rEK1IyniLgtsO3xBGznHyb0C8TACLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/IMG_7039.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> </p><p>For the past two years my husband and I changed our financial lifestyles. We scaled back on excessive buying, planned and maintained spending limits, kept track of our spending habits and created an financial roadmap to hit our goal to buy our first home! </p><p>Since implementing these changes I started to slowly enjoy living a more minimalist lifestyle. Seeing our debt disappear, money rising in our savings account and realizing all that we accomplished on a tight budget was motivating for both of us. It toke planning and most importantly discipline! </p><p>This Christmas, as excited as we are to celebrate our first Christmas in a new home ever(!) I wanted to make sure we continue our good financial habits and don't go overboard on spending. With Covid cases rising in our state, the future is uncertain and I want to plan for an unexpected circumstances.</p><p>So for Christmas this year I have found some ways to save money but also to scale back and still enjoy the holidays my way! The great thing about this post is that you can use these tips all year round guys as well! <br /></p><p> </p><p>1. <b>Cut out cable. </b>Ya'll just let it go! Its so expensive. Last year we cut out cable and each month we were spending over $100 and we barely watched TV. Most of us enjoy Netflix more or any other subscription more which are a lot more affordable. We didn't need that crazy bill and annually we saved over $1200.<b> <br /></b></p><p>2. <b>Sell unused personal items online. </b>I have earned some moneyyy from selling a lot of items that I had stored away and wasn't using for years. Believe it or not friends, selling some stuff here and there can slowly add up to a decent amount of cash! All you got to do is snatch a picture of your item, type a description and post it online. I like to use Poshmark for my fashion pieces and FB marketplace for home decor and furniture items. <br /><b></b></p><p>3. <b>Cancel subscriptions. </b>There are subscriptions services in almost every niche out there. If you aren't vigilant to your checking account purchases you can be spending a lot of money on recurring subscriptions that you either aren't using or weren't aware of. If your like me you signed up for something for a trial period that was FREE and then forget to cancel it before it ended and are paying an annual fee that you totally forget! This has happened to me with Audible. Now I love books and listening to them its such an amazing invention but it get expensive. So now I use Libby. It is an app where I get free e-books and audible books via my local libraries. <br /><b></b></p><p>4. <b>Make your coffee at home. </b>I have gotten a lot better at making coffee at home and I truly enjoy it so much now. Starbucks alone costs about $5 a latte (more if you need diary free milk!). If you grab coffee everyday for work you could be spending $25 a week = $1300 a year! When I realized on my spending habits tracker how much I spent last year on buying coffee out I decided to use the equipment I had at home and make it here. I pinned tons of recipes on Pinterest to make it fun and try some yummy flavors. In time I got pretty good at making yummy coffee at home. <br /></p><p>5. <b>Use cash back apps. </b>I just joined apps like Rakuten this year and I love seeing the cash back I am getting on my purchases. Now you are not going to see a lot of money, unless your spending a lot, which defeats the purpose of the post but some extra cash is always good right?! If you have planned to make an online purchase, open up the app that you chose and select the retailer you are going to make your purchase with. The app will take you to their site and when you finalize your purchase you will earn cash back on a certain percentage. Be on the lookout for cash back bonuses such as 15% or 10%! That amount can earn you up to $10 - $20 a purchase depending on the price. I warn you friends DON'T BUY THINGS JUST TO COLLECT POINTS OR CASH BACK THAT YOU DON'T NEED!<br /></p><p>6. <b>DIY Christmas decorations. </b>Get on Pinterest or Instagram and save some ideas of crafts or other thriving influencers that will give you DIY Christmas inspiration. I have found some cute new holiday decor items at places like Savers and Goodwill for cheap and gave them some new life once I repurposed them. There are also some great Youtube craft videos for items found at the Dollar Store! <br /><b></b></p><p>7. <b>Make homemade gifts. </b>There's something so intimate and special of a homemade gift from someone. There are many ideas out there on Pinterest and Youtube. I love to bake an assortment of cookies and place them in a pretty tin and hand those out for Christmas. It's a delicious treat for everyone to enjoy and think of you.<br /><b></b></p><p>8. <b>Cut back on expensive Christmas traditions</b>. Some of these type of traditions are: buying multiple trees for our homes, gift wrapping service, new Christmas outfits, competitive outside light display, overnight shipping. If you can cut back or cut out some of these expensive traditions you will not only have had saved more money but may have given yourself less anxiety and stress. <br /></p><p>9. <b>Scale back Christmas cards. </b>Now I love Christmas cards and sending out family photo ones but gosh friends they can add up to expensive. The year we got married I wanted to send out Christmas cards with our wedding photo in them and it added up to almost $70! Yes they were pretty but every year...naw. After that I have opted for buying a pack at either Marshalls or Home Goods and sending a warm note out to close family and friends. <br /><b></b></p><p>10. <b>Chose time over money. </b>Remember that old saying friends "it's the thought that counts" well you can make it apply here! I think with the year 2020 has been, now more than ever spending intentional quality time with our loved ones is better than gifting a physical gift. You can save money by being intentional with ways that you and your loved ones can be together. More Face time calls, Zoom calls, sending each other plates of food or baked goods. These type of moment carry more weight and joy than a monetary item.</p><p>BONUS: <b>Make more money.</b> Now I say this with caution and responsibly with COVID and your health. But if you are able to, make some extra money to cover the costs of Christmas spending. Take on a side hustle. Create a digital product. Jump on working for Lyft, Uber, Doordash, a seasonal job, house sitting, or online virtual teaching. You can offer a service on your neighborhood Facebook community page or appropriate forums or your social media account. </p><p>Take time this holiday season my dear friends and be intentional this holiday season. Focus on joy and not stress. Don't put pressure on yourself to spend if you can't. It's not worth the stress of what comes after doing this. Look forward to simple enjoyments like hot cocoa with a Christmas classic, baking some cookies, listening to music or driving around your city/town and enjoy other homes light displays. De clutter commercialism from our traditions and let's implement healthy ones for our hearts and mental health this year! <br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-7169051223131655482020-11-30T22:21:00.002-05:002020-11-30T23:23:13.509-05:00Preparing Our Hearts This Christmas: Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUa9ERGulis/X8WxSgLb_ZI/AAAAAAAAIc0/jLUJqakJAzoaebOsbtWeex7cheL1hOD-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUa9ERGulis/X8WxSgLb_ZI/AAAAAAAAIc0/jLUJqakJAzoaebOsbtWeex7cheL1hOD-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w427-h640/IMG_6850.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><p id="docs-internal-guid-972c1548-7fff-ad83-84ba-91819626c668" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“Let every heart prepare Him room”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><br />The busyness leading up to Christmas can be quite loud and weary on us. Everything is crowded. Even before December begins the roads are crowded, parking lots, stores, our schedules, our minds and our hearts. Most of us feel overwhelmed with all that we have planned and desperation to get it all done even before December 1st.<br /><br />It's interesting because the inns that night Mary and Joseph set out to Bethlehem were crowded as well. I sit and imagine the look on those inn keepers faces or face when they heard who was knocking on their door that night and they didn't make room…<br /><br />The Prince of Peace, the King of Kings came into the world in unsanitary, uncomfortable, dusty conditions. He didn't lay on a plush blanket, or was wrapped in a soft swaddle in a cozy onesie. Instead he was laid to rest on a manger which is aka a feeding trough.<br /><br />Ponder on the humility of Almighty God, Creator of the Universe who's sovereign plan was to be born in a stable and laid down in a manger on a bed of hay!<br /><br />Friends before the holiday festivities begin with hanging up our lights, decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, watching Christmas classics, baking cookies and all the amazing Christmas traditions. Let's pause just for a moment close our eyes and remember to leave room for HIM in the middle of this all. <br /><br />While we are writing down our To Do Lists, make sure to write down spend time with Jesus. </p><p>When we are listening to Christmas music let's lift up our voices to also worship HIM. <br /><br />When we calculate our Christmas budget, are we leaving funds to contribute to those less fortunate? </p><p>While we are joyfully wrapping gifts for our loved ones, let’s rejoice and give thanks to the greatest gift of all! <br /><br /><br />He’s knocking on the doors of our home, our minds and most importantly our hearts. Let's not be like the inn keepers and respond with “there’s just no room available”. <br /><br />My dear friends let's open the door, welcome him in and make room for Him this Christmas season. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Reflection:</b></i></span><br /><br />As the innkeeper of our own hearts is there space for Jesus this Christmas? Is there a seat made for him for his own celebration in our home?</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Scripture:</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="text Isa-40-9" id="en-NIV-18430">You who bring good news to Zion,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-9">go up on a high mountain.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-9">You who bring good news to Jerusalem,<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-18430c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-18430c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2040&version=NIV#fen-NIV-18430c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-9">lift up your voice with a shout,</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-9">lift it up, do not be afraid;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-9">say to the towns of Judah,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-9">“Here is your God!”</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-10" id="en-NIV-18431"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>See, the Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> comes with power,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-10">and he rules with a mighty arm.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-10">See, his reward is with him,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-10">and his recompense accompanies him.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-11" id="en-NIV-18432"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>He tends his flock like a shepherd:</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-11">He gathers the lambs in his arms</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-11">and carries them close to his heart;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-11">he gently leads those that have young.</span></span></i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><b> Isaiah 40:9-11</b></i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Preparation:</b></i></span></p><p>Let's do this together friends this Christmas! <br /><br />Let’s read a few verses this week from one of the gospels to enjoy the story of the birth of Christ. Prepare this moment with holiday favorites; hot cocoa, a warm cookie or a nice scented candle and give into His Christmas story.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-19681820324582883892020-09-24T21:50:00.005-04:002020-09-24T21:50:57.639-04:00How to Become an Instagram Influencer 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeKVrt0Jfik/X21IS1YK3mI/AAAAAAAAIag/Zy49vl__7WEWZuN_bL7wcPk6VgNKnKB4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/FB_C01_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeKVrt0Jfik/X21IS1YK3mI/AAAAAAAAIag/Zy49vl__7WEWZuN_bL7wcPk6VgNKnKB4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/FB_C01_04.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">How to be an influencer: A post for Beginners</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span> <br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are you interested in becoming a social media influencer? 8 years ago when I started the title influencer wasnt even used. We were all known as bloggers. We used social media to promote and push our blog content. Now according to <a href="http://omnicoreagency.com">omnicoreagency.com</a> there are 500,000 active influencers on Instagram!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">According to <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/social-media-influencer-pay">Foxbusiness.com</a> sponsored posts can pay anywhere from $50 to more than $50,000.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are looking for ways to build a side hustle, work hard at it and make some money here is your guide!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><i>What is an influencer?</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An social media influencer is someone who is able to sway the decisions of potential buyers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They have the power to impact purchasing decisions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are all kinds of influencers in different niches on social media. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Depending on your niche and skills will determine what platform(s) you will launch on. You don't only have to be in Instagram even though this article will concentrate on Instagram but I do want to present other ones such as Tik Tok, Pinterest, Youtube and Facebook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do recommend that you try to at least be on 2 platforms. I say this because some of these platforms may not be around in 5 years ( ex: Vine) so be thoughtful and strategic on which platform works best for your skill set and content. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4raiFXX6Hf8/X21LACRNt8I/AAAAAAAAIas/wJwX3pBSvzQjD6t2c6lRnoTt2HrekNA1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2577.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4raiFXX6Hf8/X21LACRNt8I/AAAAAAAAIas/wJwX3pBSvzQjD6t2c6lRnoTt2HrekNA1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/IMG_2577.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b>Here are 5 ways to become an Instagram Influencer:</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">1. <i><b>Just start!</b></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the first step obvi! Set up your Instagram profile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When setting it up at the beginning focus on content around a niche. This can be fashion, beauty, wellness, fitness, and lifestyle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you find your broad umbrella niche, try to narrow it down to a specific niche.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I say this now in 2020 because there are so many fashion and beauty infuencers, so you have to come in with a specific need and point of view. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2016/07/blogging-tips-finding-your-niche.html" target="_blank">Click here if you want to read more about Finding Your Niche</a></span></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you create your account switch it from <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Personal</b> > > <b>Business </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b>Why?<span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span> <br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b> </b>you gain access to Instagram insights. This is beyond helpful when strategizing and scheduling your content, discovering more who your audience is, where they are located, demographics etc etc! </li><li>Access to contact information in your profile bio. This will make for quick access for brands to get in contact with you<br /></li></ul></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><i><b>2. Content Strategy</b></i></span></span></p><p>Before you grow your content I want to present this step first because I feel that value leads to longevity that implementing quick growth hacks and no tangible information to your community. You need to bring people value because value is GOLD! </p><p>Become the go to person. </p><p>The Authority person in the niche that you have created and strategize the content that you plan on delivering. If you are passionate about your content, you will be less likely to get bored and impatient with the process and quit. </p><p>Passionate people see the bigger people, enjoy what they are doing and serve from a genuine place. <br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">The goal is to create IMPACT! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">INFLUENCE DELIVERS IMPACT! </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2016/07/editorial-content-calendar-free-template.html" target="_blank">Click here if you want to see my post on creating a content calendar</a></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">3. Establish your branding</span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many people would disagree but I think you should have some sort of branding attached to your Instagram and brand. This is displayed by having a cohesive feed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A cohesive feed means when you look at someone's feed it all flows well in either color pallete, style or mood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't have to be a cohesive feed of all beautifully curated DSLR
camera photos because some influencers are successful with iphone photos. But I think its helpful to have a look whether its certain editing style, specific pre set used to edit your photos, particular fonts or graphics used in your Stories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you need some inspiration for this Pinterest is the place to GO! Pinterest is a great source for anything and everything inspiration. Here you can find your brand's style. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just take some time, 1 hour or less, and start pining everything that you are drawn to when it comes to your brand. Collect photos from multiple sources and this will help you come up with a unique and personal look to your brand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This will be your guide to your brand's cohesive style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some apps to use to create this feed are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Over</li><li>Adobe Lightroom App</li><li>VSCOCAM</li><li>Presets (free or purchased via Etsy or on Instagram)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Create a pattern</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is helpful when to create and follow a content calendar. It helps your grid look consistent and cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can do this scheduling the following: quotes, photos of your yourself, photos of family, flat lay, and blog post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This builds a easy content calendar. You can use Unum or Planoly to plan out your grid ahead of time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><i><b>4. Grow your account</b></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to express to focus on growing your account organically! Don't start off on buying followers or cheating just to develop quick growth. It won't deliver any results because brands have gotten smarter and diligent on organic growth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't TRIP on how many followers you have! You want people to build an engaging community and followers you have build trust with and have cultivated a relationship with them. This will convert higher than a non organic followers. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Use hashtags<span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span> <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement! It gives your post an opportunity to reach a huge pool of new eyes an potentially new followers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip: When entering your hashtag chose ones with a smaller usage number. This will help you have a greate chance of being seen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be strategic with your hashtags and not use random ones that are not related to your posts. You can run into being flagged by Instagram for doing this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Follow people in your niche<span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Search for people in your niche, follow them and engage in their feed. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Please don't follow them and then follow. Its bad in taste and people notice. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span>Use IG Stories <span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span><span>IG stories has become so popular since its launch. Many people prefer to view stories than feeds. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Use this feature to share an insight of your life and who you are. Just share what you are comfortable with sharing. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span><span>Posts of value</span></span></span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Posts that are delivering information or tips or how tos get shared and saved. When someone shares your posts to their Stories you know have a whole pool of new eyes seeing your posts and could bring them to check out your profile! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">5. Package your Influence</span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>Now you want to <b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">monetize! </span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>If you want to work with brands you can start organizing your pitching materials:</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> media kit</span></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>rate card</span></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>proposal template </span></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>email templates<br /></span></span></span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> You can reach out to brands:</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>directly via their social media page</span></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>join an influencer agency</span></span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> tag brands in your posts and bring them in to reach out to you </span></span></span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2019/08/how-to-find-brands-to-work-with-as.html" target="_blank">Here is an in depth post on how to work with brands as an influencer</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the end of our post! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this was helpful to anyone that is interested in dipping their toes into the influencer marketing world! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is hard work but if you are passionate about it and stick with it, it can manifest it to an endless amount of opportunities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-57942255539715928862020-09-16T01:01:00.002-04:002020-09-16T01:01:59.044-04:003 Ways to Grow your Blog in 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdvVPkGN9c8/X2GXWt_uGDI/AAAAAAAAIZU/bvVazawOn9s5CyKFrmpQds8NvI09MVa0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdvVPkGN9c8/X2GXWt_uGDI/AAAAAAAAIZU/bvVazawOn9s5CyKFrmpQds8NvI09MVa0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><p></p><p>Is blogging dead in 2020?? I've been seeing this headline going around all year long. In my opinion definitely not. One thing 2020 has unveiled is that corporate 9-5 jobs are not steady incomes and we all need to start finding multiple streams of income via the digital world. </p><p>Whether you are in the beginning stages of embarking on a blogging journey or already have one but are struggling to gain traffic, amiga this post is for you! Based on many case studies I read on how bloggers have made blogging their full time jobs along with learning from live workshops and trainings, I have narrowed it down to 3 key strategies I think will help you grow your blogging audience and increase your blog traffic going forward.</p><p>This post is here to help you experiment and implement some of these strategies into your own blog and grow your traffic and community in a quick amount of time!</p><p>Amiga, if you are interested in growing your blog, keep on reading! xoxo <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfa18d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>HOW TO GROW YOUR BLOG IN 2020!</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Approach your content strategically<span style="background-color: #bbaa99;"><span></span></span></span></span></b></u></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I first started my blog it was filled with posts all about my personal journey. The posts were random and honestly all over the place. I didn't particularly focus on providing much value to my audience nor did I even understand how to maximize my impact on my site. As I have grown, my vision has shifted. I treat every post with intention and mission driven content. You want every post to attract new people to your site that are interested in a specific topic. You want to treat every post from a place of service and also invite them to take ACTION! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">We live in an Information Age. With an average of 3.5 million Google searches a day, people are looking for information and answers to their problems or how we like to call them in marketing "pain points."</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is room and space for your expertise, gifts and talents in blogging. There is a need for your expertise, personal knowledge, your story and the voice and writing style in which you deliver your information. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">No matter what your topic or topics are, strategize your content with intention and deliver it jam packed with value that will drive results that will drive growth into your bigger goals. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Here are some tips on how to strategize your content:</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Establish your core topics.</b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i><span> </span>You can start around 3-5 but this number is up to you and your interests. When coming up with the core topics you want to write about, make sure they are topics that you are passionate about. Topics that excite you or make you angry. </span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><b>What are people looking for. </b></i>Do some market research and a deep dive on Pinterest on some of your core topics. Research what other people are talking about. Type in the search bar in Pinterest and type in a topic and see what automates after it. </span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Content Calendar.</b></i> Look at the bigger picture when strategically planning out your content. A content calendar can help you plan out so far in advance that you can plan out 6 months in advance. This helps you organize and schedule your blog shoots, batch writing your content, editing, post dates and social media promotional posts. </span></span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a post that might help with this topic:</span></span></b></u></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2016/07/editorial-content-calendar-free-template.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">How to create an editorial calendar + Free Template</span> </span></b></a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2020/05/how-to-start-blog-in-2020.html" target="_blank">How to Start a blog in 2020</a></span> </span></b></span> </span><br /></span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <u>Utilize Pinterest</u></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I learned this year why Pinterest is better than social media for growing your blog traffic and audience. If you are not familiar with Pinterest, it is a search engine and it is not controlled by algorithms. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Pinterest keywords and descriptions help people find your content and click through to your site to get questions answered. Pinterest can also still drive traffic to your site from a post that is years old. It can extend your post's life cycle. Pinterest algorithm prioritizes newly added content which means that new graphics and titles count as new content no matter how old you blog post link is! This is amazing! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">3. Invest in Blogging Education </span></u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since lock down started this year I have used this slow down time to really invest both my money and time into webinars and online courses. Learning strategies and information on how to grow my blog, business and so much more. This business is a huge umbrella of information and no one is in expert in all things involved in blogging. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take courses and free webinars, watch YouTube videos and talk with other people in your niche and retain as much valuable information as possible to then put back into your blog. Like any business you don't stop growing and nurturing your business. You have to keep building on to it and its the same with blogging. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now it can get overwhelming because there are so many ways to grow your blog into a business and monetize it so I suggest take one topic at a time. If I could suggest one that you haven't mastered yet; building your email list. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Investing in your education is never wasted time and always a win win! Learning new information helps you develop and/or refine skills that you can now implement and apply into the growth of your blog to get you closer to your bigger business vision! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2020/09/3-ways-to-grow-your-blog-in-2020.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3TVY9WMp4E/X2Gb8C4EGHI/AAAAAAAAIZw/FSEP6ykYYQQTo4S4c5YL7mVH6G1SqsXnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Copy%2Bof%2BThe%2BContent%2BLab%2B-%2BPin%2BTemplates.png" width="426" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Did you enjoy this post amiga!?</b> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope it was informational and helpful. Remember the world needs the God given gifts, talents, and potential that are planted inside of you! You are LOADED! </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"For I know the plan I have for you," says the Lord... </span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremiah 29:11 </span></i> <br /></b></span></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/10627088416_ca088a1c7b_o.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/10627088416_ca088a1c7b_o.png" width="200" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-63249734620374823942020-08-25T23:42:00.001-04:002020-08-25T23:58:57.100-04:005 WAYS TO TAKE YOUR OWN PHOTOS! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u6EMPFv7Sk/X0WtuFPkAlI/AAAAAAAAIYU/1nuBYTgRtEAKZl3uQd2u8jbPFrtb7Bo2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1102/Untitled%2BDesign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u6EMPFv7Sk/X0WtuFPkAlI/AAAAAAAAIYU/1nuBYTgRtEAKZl3uQd2u8jbPFrtb7Bo2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Untitled%2BDesign.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>One thing you need to learn when starting a blog in order to be productive and adaptable is take your own photos. I don't mean arms length selfie style photos. Pre COVID I always worked alongside my husband for my photos whether they were indoors or outdoors. But since now going out to take photos is limited and even more so with a baby I had to pivot and make a shift. </p><p>I started experimenting taking photos at home and using my iPhone! I first bought an affordable tripod via Amazon. It helped a lot because trying to stack books or items to prop my phone toke more time than actually taking the photos and again with a baby I am only allotted a certain amount of time until he wakes up from his nap!!!</p><p>Once I got my tripod I was able to have fun and start taking my photos. </p><p><br /></p><p><i><b><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1. <u>Use the save button on Instagram and create a folder titled inspiration</u> </span></span></b></i></p><p>Save photos you come across on IG to use as creative inspiration for your shoots. That's the first thing that I did and was motivated from a lot of photographers and other creatives to use what I had at home to create beautiful photos. </p><p>The photo here is us in our backyard. We grabbed our backdrop stands and used an old comforter sheet to use as our backdrop. We embraced the unconventional and allowed some of the stands show in the background or the grass show. It's authentic, real and I love the simplicity of it. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kosv6OsEgtk/X0AiUILA4RI/AAAAAAAAIXs/yJmvfotikwYHbd8JcV7fcbBS7AJkx_njwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kosv6OsEgtk/X0AiUILA4RI/AAAAAAAAIXs/yJmvfotikwYHbd8JcV7fcbBS7AJkx_njwCLcBGAsYHQ/w271-h410/IMG_5352.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY0s0IgBXwU/X0AiUfUCj9I/AAAAAAAAIXw/rDiiFOPlpSkz7bCAkrOqHYbeD8H0zGLvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_3957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY0s0IgBXwU/X0AiUfUCj9I/AAAAAAAAIXw/rDiiFOPlpSkz7bCAkrOqHYbeD8H0zGLvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w271-h410/DSC_3957.jpg" width="271" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2.</b></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><u><i>Get Familiar with the Self Timer</i></u></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before this I never used the self timer on my phone or DSLR camera. It one of the most under utilized functions on our devices and equipment. It has proven to be extremely helpful during these times as a ONE person show. But the best part it is FREE! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One tip I learned: DO NOT ZOOM! You will lose the sharpness and clarity of your photo. Just move the camera closer to you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you have an iPhone self timer option can be found in your camera. The timer icon looks like a clock. You can either pick 3 seconds or 10 seconds. I prefer 10 seconds to get the focus on me and pose but to each their own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You also want to make sure that you are in the best lighting possible. I know for me lighting is an obstacle. Where we are currently staying (my mother in laws) natural light doesn't come into her home much so I had to get experimental. I used white walls in our bedroom to abstract light and made sure I was right in front of the window. Amigas make due with what you have! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"<i>Well done!' the king exclaimed. 'You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward</i>.' - <b>Luke 19:17 NLT</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>3. <u><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Make sure to clean your lens</span></i></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I often time don't realize how dirty my camera lens is! Our phones come into contact with so much everyday that more than likely it is dirty and will create a hazy, fuzzy photo. You can give it a quick swipe down with a cloth ( I personally love the ones that come with sunglasses or eye wear) or even the top you are wearing! Make this into a habit before using your iPhone to take photos! Trust me! Its such a small detail but it will save you time and aggravation when you realize that your photos came out fuzzy because you forgot to wipe down your lens :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>4.</b> <u><i><b>Try Portrait Mode</b></i></u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The portrait mode setting on your camera helps create depth of field effect. This lets you create a photo that keeps the subject sharp while blurring the background. You can also add lighting effects to your image using Portrait mode. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Here are some ideas on how to use portrait mode:</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>a. Play with angles</b> Change the perspective by shooting from above or below to get creative. You will be amazed how visually stunning a photo can look this way! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">b. Try black and white</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>c. Shoot your reflection</b> If you have a stunning or unique mirror use it! You can capture your reflection to create a visually stunning self portrait. Many influencers use this style to shoot beauty, lifestyle or fashion shots. Don't worry if you iPhone is it in the shoot. It actually looks cool this way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygap3Vbgm_U/X0VF7ee_ygI/AAAAAAAAIYA/FGi6ozKMF6QUUtOHzNMzShEq-WoTSoICQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/image2-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iGilkDbhf4/X0VGDLKTRJI/AAAAAAAAIYE/oggKY7oM1Y8dMHHrjW8Ts7YPnQM62suXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_2592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iGilkDbhf4/X0VGDLKTRJI/AAAAAAAAIYE/oggKY7oM1Y8dMHHrjW8Ts7YPnQM62suXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w271-h410/DSC_2592.jpg" width="271" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygap3Vbgm_U/X0VF7ee_ygI/AAAAAAAAIYA/FGi6ozKMF6QUUtOHzNMzShEq-WoTSoICQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/image2-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygap3Vbgm_U/X0VF7ee_ygI/AAAAAAAAIYA/FGi6ozKMF6QUUtOHzNMzShEq-WoTSoICQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h328/image2-5.JPG" width="328" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">5. <u>Up your editing or use presets</u></span></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I really recommend this step! My photos have elevated since I started using Adobe Lightroom app on my iPhone and purchasing presets. There are many presets being sold everywhere, so choose the one that you like to purchase. I personally love <span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://chasingdenisse.com" target="_blank">ChasingDenisse</a></span> presets and have purchased many of hers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You can also download free Adobe Lightroom presets. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">To use Adobe presets just download the app <b>Presets for Lightroom - FLTR</b> in the app store.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If you need help learning more in depth about presets and how to use the filters check out my post here:</span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span><span class="w4txWc oJeWuf" id="c27" role="region"><span class="MUhG4e OGjyyf" data-blogurl="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2019/02/how-to-use-light-room-presets-to-edit.html"><span><span class="w4txWc oJeWuf" id="c27" role="region"><span class="MUhG4e OGjyyf" data-blogurl="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/">https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2019/02/how-to-use-light-room-presets-to-edit.html</span></span></span></a></span> <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><u>BONUS: Ask for help!</u> </span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If you are having trouble executing your vision don't be afraid to ask for help. Have your background, props, outfit and floor mark ready and grab your husband, child, friend or mom to help you take the photo. To ensure that they take the photo right, have them stand in your place and take the photo the way that you want them to take it. It will be easier for them to see your inspiration and the type of angles and shots you are looking to capture. <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Make due with what you have!</span></span></b></i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This is the main theme here amiga! Dig deep and get creative with what you have. When you make amazing photos by being creative and scrappy, imagine what you can do when you have a beautiful cobble stone street or a gorgeous studio to shoot from. Get resourceful. You don't need to always hire a photographer if you aren't financial there yet. Don't let your small beginnings deter you from chasing after your dreams and working towards your vision! <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><b> </b><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-22290498234742234022020-08-11T23:44:00.006-04:002020-08-11T23:44:35.118-04:0010 ADDITIONAL STREAMS OF INCOME FOR 2020!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guEOP1oCtlY/XzNktTHww0I/AAAAAAAAIXI/zQtfpI0xqckq8dNtqAQCLBITL5PEszVlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/22F945A3-2E73-4677-A2FA-9BAB0293CB49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guEOP1oCtlY/XzNktTHww0I/AAAAAAAAIXI/zQtfpI0xqckq8dNtqAQCLBITL5PEszVlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/22F945A3-2E73-4677-A2FA-9BAB0293CB49.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p> One thing that 2020 has taught us that our traditional jobs are not stable and multiple streams of income are necessary for stability and peace of mind. Multiple streams of income help you when life happens and you and/or your family hit a rough season and your main source of income is not enough. </p><p>Financial security nowadays is not tied to just one single source. You probably have seen these past couple of months an uptake in you tube videos, podcasts episodes and social media posts that encourage you to embrace multiple passions and businesses. Having multiple streams of income give you the flexibility to have options if something changes with your tradition job. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>WHAT MAKES A FLEXIBLE AND GREAT SOURCE OF INCOME</b></p><p>When planning on generating a great source of multiple incomes here are some factors to consider:</p><p><b>flexibility with your time</b>: Income that allows freedom of time and work around a schedule to work for you and your household. </p><p><b> Sustainability: </b>This is income that is generating money for you and functioning without you working for it. </p><p><b>Passionate:</b> If you are going to be working hard on building a side hustle or business chose something that is enjoyable to you and you are passionate about it! </p><p><b>Scalable:</b> look for a source of income that has the ability to grow and generate a substantial amount of income<br /></p><p>Let's get into some options that I have used and others that I have found for you to bring in more diverse income and help you build up financial security for you and your family's future! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>VARIOUS STREAMS OF INCOME TO CONSIDER</b></p><p><b><i>Physical products</i>. </b>If you have a talent in making things or DIY or want to start selling branded products start an etsy shop or e-commerce store. You can use sites like Shopify to sell your products and promote them on your social media channels. Coffee mugs, planners, logo created t-shirts the sky is the limit in this area. <br /><b></b></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Digital products. </b></i>This is the age of digital education! If you have ever wanted to write an e-book now is the time to do it! E-books, digital courses, coaching offers, fitness plans, stock photos, tutorials, video content, masterminds are all lucrative opportunities to make extra money. If you have an idea or want to teach others in a specific niche then start now! <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Start a blog</b></i>. It requires very little investment and if done correctly you can make a lot of money blogging. You can set one up in minutes and there are tons of posts on the internet on how you can start one step by step. <span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><a href="https://www.thestylebrunch.com/2020/05/how-to-start-blog-in-2020.html">Check out my post on how to start a blog in 2020</a></span>.</p><p> </p><p><i><b>Virtual Assistant.</b></i> This is one of the hottest new job titles coming out of 2020. There is lots of opportunities to not only become a virtual assistant but start a business in this career. You can look for job opportunities as a virtual assistant on UpWork, Remote.co, Freelancer.com and LinkedIn.</p><p> </p><p><i><b>Paid Surveys.</b></i> I havent tried this yet but I am definitely going to give it a peek! I read a few posts that talk about how to earn money with paid surveys. With paid surveys companies will pay you to sit down at your computer and answer survey questions from home! Sounds so crazy! Here are two companies I found:</p><p><a href="https://www.swagbucks.com/">Swagbucks</a></p><p><a href="https://www.surveyjunkie.com/">Survey Junkie</a></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Affiliate Marketing.</b></i> If you are a consumer of goods and have a social media platform and/or blog or YouTube sign up for affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is a performance based marketing system in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought by the affiliate's own marketing efforts aka links shared. Once you sign up to a company's affiliate program you can share products with your audience and pay commission! </p><p><i><b> </b></i></p><p><i><b>Start a freelance business.</b></i> If you are bake brownies or cookies. If you sew. If you like to apply makeup. If you like to take photos. If you are a graphic designer. Then think about branding and starting to promote and sell your services! You can start simple with ads or posts on Facebook or Instagram and build from there. </p><p> </p><p><i><b>Rent your place on AirBnb</b></i>. This all depends on your location but another way you can make passive income is renting a room in your place via AirBnb or HomeAway. You can rent your room out anywhere from $25-$250 a night. This is a good opportunity if you have extra space in your house. </p><p> </p><p><i><b>Sell your stuff.</b></i> There is so much money just sitting in my closet! Clothes that I have barely worn. Furniture in good condition just sitting in my garage. If you need some cash then post your belongings online. You can use Facebook marketplace of sites like Poshmark. I personally like Poshmark because it is easy to use and hassle free. </p><p><i><b> </b></i></p><p><i><b>The Gig Economy</b></i>. You can make money building skills all by having a gig. Gigs are shorter bits of working with different clients. Think about things you wish you can hire someone to do in your day to day life. Good tip is to niche down in this market. You can check out site like <a href="https://www.thumbtack.com/pro/jobs/">Thumbtack</a>.<br /></p><p> I hope these 10 different ways to add additional streams of income to your pockets helped you guys to start thinking about and brainstorming different things to try out this year in 2020. We are living in uncharted territory but the silver lining is that it is an opportunity to set out of your comfort and step forward into something you are passionate about! <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8043074881903898717.post-53519853835418185282020-07-27T14:26:00.003-04:002020-07-27T14:26:46.262-04:008 months of Motherhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gW64vZbxPY/Xx8bK1zIXKI/AAAAAAAAIWc/A_29SHC0TVgAUi8Wpg_H4lX4Q7wphRRKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gW64vZbxPY/Xx8bK1zIXKI/AAAAAAAAIWc/A_29SHC0TVgAUi8Wpg_H4lX4Q7wphRRKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w414-h625/DSC_3946.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4SCgG1iXms/Xx8bK5RnXWI/AAAAAAAAIWY/SIKrVUvueJIcEf94rfCvU_Yi5fLgsZFNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4SCgG1iXms/Xx8bK5RnXWI/AAAAAAAAIWY/SIKrVUvueJIcEf94rfCvU_Yi5fLgsZFNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w414-h625/DSC_3957.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az8POzt56QM/Xx8bLDXycoI/AAAAAAAAIWg/xOgXdY2Zb1g0jT3aFg_HhnGD7dI6SO3PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az8POzt56QM/Xx8bLDXycoI/AAAAAAAAIWg/xOgXdY2Zb1g0jT3aFg_HhnGD7dI6SO3PwCLcBGAsYHQ/w414-h625/DSC_3990.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another month has gone by and I can't believe my little guy has now entered into 9 months of age! Its so cliche to say but it really flies by within a blink of an eye, even in the midst of a global pandemic. Motherhood is a complicated and beautiful journey under normal circumstances. Motherhood during a global pandemic has added multiple roller coaster like obstacles to face and conquer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you follow me on <a href="www.instagram.com/thestylebrunch" target="_blank"><font color="#000000" style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><i>Instagram</i></b></font></a> then you know I have shared some of my early struggles with new motherhood. A plethora of insecurities were my new challenges. From postpartum, breastfeeding, adjusting to a complete new body, mood swings and trying to find space for me was what I was quietly navigating through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b>Our New Normal</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>>>>> Fast forward</i> to March of 2020 and now COVID has added on <b>all</b> of our busy lives the fear of contagion and sickness for our little ones. Like I wasn't already paranoid enough of someone passing a cold to my baby I now have to quickly adjust and become more vigilant of an invisible lethal enemy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But through it all we keep pushing forward. A new day starts, a new morning routine begins and we just keep going. I have discovered strength, residency and man my protective instincts are on 1,000! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Through it all Mateo has been the light that keeps me sane and full of ambition and joy. His personality is shining through more and more as each day passes. He is happy and playful but also strong willed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many new updates with him now. He is learned to independently sleep. He likes his nap routine and is upset when it is adjusted! LOL! He loves experimenting with different foods and tastes. The only food he didn't seem to enjoy much are blueberries and bananas. YES bananas! The one food most babies early on enjoy not Mateo. By the way he looked it mushed in his fingers he looked disgusted! It was so funny to watch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He is scooting all over the place. Not officially crawling yet but from his scoot I could guess it will start soon. He has a thing for tv remotes and ceiling fans! When he enters a room the first place is eyes go is to the ceiling to look for a ceiling fan! House hunting has been fun with him because he gets happy when he sees a ceiling fan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He puts his pacifier in and out of his mouth when he's getting ready to go to sleep. It is just the sweetest thing. He likes Daniel the Tiger but only in Spanish! HA! So per his preference he's called Daniel El Tigere. He loves to dance and sing. Loves music and making bubbles with his mouth. He is just a joy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b>Here are some things we (our family) are loving right now</b>:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/3f5oqTd" target="_blank"><font color="#444444">Gerber White onesies</font></a></b></span>: Since we are on lockdown, he's not dressing up wearing outfits so comfort is what I prefer to put on him. Our house doesn't have central air, only our room ( his crib is in our room) so I like to put on him light weight bodysuits to keep comfortable. I have been loving these Gerber ones. They are affordable and you can find them anywhere. I have purchased mine from Target. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/3hK86cv" target="_blank"><font color="#444444">Uppa Baby Stroller</font></a></b></span>: Since we aren't going to restaurants or parks with the baby, we do family walks in our neighborhood. I have been getting so much use out of our Uppa Baby stroller it has been a saving grace for us for entertainment as a family. Mateo loves the stroller and I love the smooth mobility of using it. Whats also been great about it is when the sun is in his eyes we can adjust the seat and continue on with our walks. He can face forward (which is his favorite way) or face us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/2ByHQSM" target="_blank"><font color="#444444">White Noise machine</font></a></b></span>: This thing is a must have for us since he's been a newborn. It blocks out all of the outside noise and really saved us during the constant nights of fireworks everywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/2P6yL6J" target="_blank"><font color="#444444">SkipHop activity center</font></a></b></span>: Mateo absolutely adores his activity mat. I like it because he's stationery so I don't have to worry about him walking and falling or getting into something. The platform is adjustable as he grows and he just loves all the toys that it comes with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/39J7ilr" target="_blank"><font color="#444444">Halo sleep sack</font></a></b></span>: He's not using it anymore but I was just raving to our real estate agent how amazing it was for us and I wanted to share it here for any new moms or expecting. When Mateo was 1 month he was already slowly getting himself out of his swaddles. Once we introduced the sleep sack he slept so well from 1 month - 6 months old. It was a blessing. He loved his sleep sack. It keeps them so nice and snug and its so easy to put them in after a night feeding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">My Health</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My hair is slowlyyyyy but finally growing back! I didn't know that I was going to lose so much hair around the crown of my head. Its a new insecurity I am working to get past. But good news is I am finally getting a hair cut in August so I am looking forward to a new look! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two months I have been air drying my hair and applying no heat to it. I am refreshing my natural hair and experimenting with curl products to see if my hair can get back to its original texture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My menstraul cycle returned quickly after I stopped breast feeding and it has been so painful. It has been every month on time and consistent! My craps have been painful and tiring the first two days of my cycle. No new updates beside the fact that I am just dealing with it.😬</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><b>Other updates</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are still looking for a house. Its been 3 months so far and the market is WILD! Its very competitive and we have lost on 5 offers so far. However our faith is in God and his timing. I do anxiously await to see the house that HE has for our family 💛</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been behind the scenes investing in education for my business/brand. I want to pivot from posts that inspire women to posts that provide INFORMATION to women! This is the year to educate and help other women thrive! I feel it in my soul that I want to teach, coach and serve! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thats about sums up ME these past couple months! This was FUN! I enjoyed writing this post and updating you guys! I have been filming our house hunting journey and look forward to sharing that on my Youtube channel when we find our home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pray that everyone that reads this post is doing well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay safe guys and God bless. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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