Tag: Home Blog

I Am Most Definitely An Autumn.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 7 Comments

It really is here again, Autumn. Oh it makes me so happy just writing that.

The crisp cool mornings, I truly feel more alive when I am not sweating every time I step outside. The fact that it is the season of long walks in leggings and a sweatshirt is more than enough to have me feeling giddy.

Fall to me is like a hug. My favorite sweatshirts come out, pretty decor goes up, a warm cup of coffee makes you feel all fuzzy inside and my favorite cozy blankets and best of all? My reading gets all the more fun. AND!? Yes, there’s more. Gilmore Girls goes on in the background.

The kids and I were outside this week and I glanced up and noticed our tree’s changing. I know it happens every year but it just takes my breath away every time. Anyone else? Nature truly is beautiful and I am so happy I live in a place where I experience all the season’s.

What are your Fall plans?

I’ve been thinking of mine and I really want to try to make it to all the small festivals around here for the kids and even for myself. Make lots of cozy delicious crock pot recipes. There is also a book event in October that I am extremely looking forward to.

Anything you are excited to read?

I have a lot of romantasy and regular fantasy on my list for the cooler weather, plus some thriller’s as well and of course have to throw in a couple cutesy reads. My big one I think I am going to start though later in the season and attempt to read is the Zodiac Academy series. I am so nervous about it but I think it will be worth it in the end! Has any one read it? Let me know!

I just hope we all have a lovely new season. I know life can be overwhelming at times, but I just hope you know you are never alone and just try to enjoy the little moments as much as you can. When you are walking, look up and enjoy the beauty around you. When you are at home, crack open a book you’ve been wanting to read lately and make yourself a nice warm drink. Enjoy the presence of your loved ones. Enjoy all the joys your kids bring you. Just enjoy it all.

Let me know what you are most looking forward to for the Fall season, I’d love to chat with you! As always, thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me.

Fall Tiered Tray Idea’s.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 16 Comments

I love tiered trays.

In my opinion they are one of the greatest things to come out for decorating.

There are so many different things you can utilize them for and I just love it!

September is upon us and it’s finally that time of year where I just get “the look” from my husband when I start to bring my seasonal decor out.

So I am showing you two Fall tiered tray’s I have put together because at least I can tell him “It’s for the blog.”

I love using traditional Fall colors, all the oranges and burgundy’s I think are so beautiful.

Tiered tray

My tiered tray is new this year and I am obsessed. I used to have a 3 tiered one but I love the look of this double!

Adding a bed of leaves to the bottom is such a nice filler especially when you have a lot of space to cover.

Most of my filler pieces are from Hobby Lobby, they usually have 40% off their holiday decor.

The back is not as full but like I said adding leaves really helps make it look that way!

I also made a small lazy Susan type tray for next to my coffee pot. I kept it a lot more simple but it still gives that cozy Fall feel.

The lazy Susan and small coffee blocks are from Target dollar spot last year.

Adding warm LED lights to any of these also gives such a soft glow and feel, I usually do that as well!

I hope these tiered trays gave you some inspiration for your own home this Fall!

Dear Coaches Wife. An Open Letter To You.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 6 Comments

Dear Coaches Wife,

I see you.

What a lonely but rewarding title it is to be a coaches wife.

The other day I got really frustrated. In all dramatic glory, sometimes it feels like the game is a mistress.

There will be days when the only proof of your husbands existence in your house will be his things scattered about.

There will be weekends alone with the kids when there’s a tournament and two days a week where your dinners will be late because of practice.

Sometimes you will be far down in the priority list.

It’s definitely a complex relationship with the game. It’s a love/hate relationship.

But in all the negative, there’s also so much positive.

The nights when it’s you two alone and all he needs is a listening ear.

The pride you feel when you watch him doing what he’s truly passionate about.

The way those kids look up to him.

The people you meet along the way, the friendships made and the feeling of a different type of “family” with the team.

The way family time is so much more special when you have the time together.

The trust built up in your relationship.

Knowing you are strong enough to handle it all. The housework, the kids.

God made you a coaches wife for a reason.

No matter how alone or the sacrifices being made, know it’s to make his dreams come true.

To help those kids learn the best they can.

Know that you are a coaches wife and you should be proud.

So the next time you see a coaches wife, probably standing off to the side or in the middle of the parents on the bench, give them a smile.

It’s a tough title and it’s needed more than you know.

Love,

A travel hockey coaches wife.

Five Valentine’s Day Family Ideas.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 31 Comments

Although you still have your occasional date nights, Valentines Day sure does change once you become a parent.

The best part though? It’s still so much fun, but instead of romantic quiet dinners as a couple, it can become a loud family date night.

I’m here to give some great ideas to celebrate Valentines Day as a family. It is after all, a day full of love and what better way to spend it than with ALL the people you love the most?

Let’s check out some fun ideas for the family below 👇

Ice skating/ roller skating night out.

How fun does this sound? Ice skating is such a fun winter activity in general but I feel like it, along with roller skating if that’s what you prefer could be such a fun Valentines family date. I wish my kids were just a bit older so we could do this as a family this year!

Family game night.

These are always my favorite type of nights. Game nights are so fun for any type of night but it would be a great Valentines Day family date! Order a heart shaped pizza to go with it and you’re all set.

Movie night in or movie at the theatre.

There are finally good movies coming out again and movie nights are such a great classic family night idea.

A trip to the bookstore.

Grab a hot chocolate, a heart shaped treat and hit the book store! Pick out a good book and have a cozy family reading night.

Family karaoke night.

Along with game night, I think karaoke is so much fun even if I do have a terrible voice. Get creative and have fun! I’m sure the kids will love it as much as you do.

There is so much you can do to have a great Valentine’s Day while including the kiddo’s.

I hope some of these ideas helped you out and as always, thanks for reading!

Quilted Gifts: What Makes Patchwork Patterns a Highly Popular Gift Item?

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 10 Comments

Did you get an invitation for the marriage anniversary of your dearest friend? Then, you must present something special to that person. Isn’t it? If you are bored of the old fashion of presenting showpiece, jeweler, and all; then it is high time to switch on to something different. How the idea of quilts comprising patchwork patterns will be? Want to know the specialty? Here it is.

 

Few Words About Patchwork Patterns

 

Patchwork, as clear from the name, refers to a technique that includes sewing several small fabrics to create large geometric designs. It includesmixed patterns, textures, and colors that make up an exceptional piece. Traditionally, a wide number of needlework was required to developincomparable patchwork patterns for quilts. However, in today’s time, such quilting patterns have become a highly popular technique in theclothing industry.

 

When coming up with an exclusively stitched quilt, the patchwork is the topmost layer, and the batting and backing form the middle as well as bottom layers, respectively. Either a machine or hand is used for stitching the outline. Finally, an exclusively designed quilt serves to be the product ready to be sold and used. 

 

What Does The Pattern Of Patchwork Include?

 

Whenever it comes to patterns, you must be wondering about the specialty, isn’t it? Regarding the pattern of patchwork; it can be either of the two things:

• Decorative design

• Flat template

In the case of decorative design, the design repeats over a fabric multiple time. Conversely, the flat template refers to pattern pieces that are joined all together. At the time of calculating the fabric for patchwork patterns, the tailor traces the fabric as required and cuts pieces of cloth to come up with a final fabric. 

Benefits of Using Patchwork Pattern Quilts

 

Quits comprising exclusively designed patchwork patterns comprise a wide range of benefits. Firstly, they provide a high rate of warmness that serves the dire need, especially during winter. With a wide range of sizes available, you will be able to make a choice that offers highly relaxed sleep. The frills and laces help enhance the luxury statement of such exclusively manufactured quilts. 

 

Such exclusively stitched quilts are preferred in homes. Bing available for both single and double beds, you will be able to go with the most required choice. As the stitching takes place using fabrics comprising variable colors, they will undoubtedly enlighten the room. The unique pattern created reflects a blend of artistic and contemporary design.

Where Do You Buy Patchwork Patterns From?

 

Are you impressed by the specialty associated with a patchwork pattern? If yes, it is high time to browse through the variety of quilts comprising patchwork patterns with traditional touch. You may start by browsing the famous online shops for such exclusive quality quilts. Making the right choice will be no more difficult with a plethora of choices available. 

 

One of the greatest facilities associated with shopping from e-shops is that you will come across a detailed description of items. This will help in easy comparison followed by shortlisting of the items that fit your choice and budget. Also, you may carry on with your shopping any time of the day as these shops remain operative round the clock. 

 

Final Words

 

Quilts comprising exclusive quality patchwork patterns will undoubtedlybe among the greatest gift items. You may expect the receiver to appreciate the gift at its best. There will be pillow covers included that will make it a complete set for the bed in some cases. 

Thank you so much to Alyssa at My Aussie Hub for guest posting! Check out her blog or follow her on Twitter as well for more of her writing!

Create A Learning Nook for Your Toddler.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 20 Comments

With a busy bee of a toddler running around at all times, books and coloring are so important to have accessible when it’s time for some down time.

Redfin reached out to us and asked to write a short piece describing an at home learning area that would work well.

You can read the full article here but I thought it would make a fun post to show you the little nook my toddler has for all his fun activities.

When it comes to at home learning or activity areas it’s so important to have everything open and easily accessible because I feel like it makes less of a mess. That way your kids will see it automatically and be able to grab what they need.

I love using little bins for crayons, art stuff and activity books. I use this cute personalized basket for my toddler’s things.

Another great tip is storage cubes! I feel like they are so great for toy organizing, book organizing or even learning and school organizing.

Adding pops of colors with books and crayons are always great to keep your kids engaged.

I like to keep our seasonal or favorite books on this bench ottoman and a couple inside it as well for easy reading access since majority of our time is spent in our main living area.

Also it’s a great place to store toys away and still have your living space look nice!

So many fun ideas you can do for a little learning nook but these are some of my favorites!

What type of areas do you have for your children when it comes to their learning and activities?

Thanks for reading!

https://www.redfin.com/blog/how-to-enhance-learning-at-home-for-kids/

AD; Photowall Decor & More!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 18 Comments

AD- This is an advertise in collaboration with Photowall Sweden with a free product. All opinions are our own.

One of my favorite things is new decor pieces. I get so excited to add a new piece to my home.

Homemaking and keeping a tidy cute home is something I strive for and I have been slowly remodeling and freshening our spaces so when @photowall_sweden reached out to me about their products I was so excited!

I picked up this new beautiful hallway table that I am in love with and I was searching for a great piece that would go along the back of it.

Photowall has so many unique pieces and canvas photo’s are defiantly one of my favorite things to decorate with.

I picked this unique world map that I think the colors went perfect with everything. It wasn’t too bright or too dull and it went so well with this space.

I even have enough room for all my fall touches now that we are getting into the Holiday seasons.

It shipped quickly and came packaged very nicely.

You do have to assemble the mounting yourself but they have a very easy video tutorial to help you with each step.

I am not handy and I was surprised how easy it was to follow.

I love how everything turned out and I definitely want to purchase more from them!

Plus who else is so excited for seasonal decor!?

Stop back soon for a Fall home tour!

Be sure to check out Photowall and all they have to offer.

They have given us an awesome code of 25% off their site! Use code quirkyworkinmoms25

Kitchen Remodel- Painting is Finished!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 21 Comments

Kitchen painting is finished!

What a difference paint makes you guys! So crazy how open it can make a smaller kitchen look.

If you haven’t noticed we have been absent on here for a couple weeks!

Life has been so busy with renovations around our house and then Marissa’s girls are starting sports. A break was much needed but we are excited to be back and to bring on all the content!

Any-who, back to kitchen updates. If you haven’t read my Kitchen Remodel Inspiration post make sure you do because I am pretty sure I nailed it on the cabinet colors!

So we went with a gray finish for the cabinets and then white walls and a gray accent wall.

The painters did such a great job and I am so excited to see everything come together!

Here’s some before and afters for you all

Those are the before pictures, our house was a lot of tans and warm colors for the kitchen and back entry way but here is what it looks like after the paint!

What do you guys think!? Such a transformation already right?

We have the counter tops ordered but those take about 4-5 weeks so in between waiting for that our flooring will be installed.

Next post it will look completely different again I’m sure and I am so excited about it!!

Stay tuned for more 🙂

Kitchen Remodel Inspiration.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 46 Comments

I can’t even tell you all how excited I am to FINALLY remodel our kitchen!

It’s been a dream since we moved in about 5 years ago. Like everyone else this year I’m sure, we fought with the idea of selling our home or making it into what we want for a few more years.

I don’t know if it’s the “first home” attachment or if it was because I couldn’t find anything else I for sure wanted out there or a little of both but we decided to stay.

And with staying comes…renovations!!

I’m excited but a little scared because we’ve never done renovations before besides our basement but that was just flooring.

I decided I would take you all along with me in the renovation journey which this year will include our kitchen and entry way and then flooring in the living room.

Kitchen is up first and the biggest task by far so here is a peek into what we are working with and the inspiration for the renovations.

So mainly we will be updating countertops and backsplash. Only painting cabinets because I LOVE my cabinets and getting new hardware for them, and then getting new flooring.

A big task ya’ll! But here’s our inspiration for the finished look.

Subway tile backsplash
Farmhouse sink hopefully
Gray cabinet color
Hardwood flooring and a light countertop

Anyone else have a dream of a farmhouse sink!? I hope one can fit for us!

My hubby is so excited about a subway tile backsplash, he loves it.

So excited to take you along with this renovation journey. Plus, I will be showing any DIY’s that happen of course.

I know anything to make life a little more simple and easy as a mom is a must so definitely will be sharing any tips and tricks.

We are in the process of getting estimates and picking exactly what we want right now so stay tuned my friends!

So much more to come ❤️

Top 5 Everyday Cleaning Tips.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 50 Comments

Who is having some serious Spring fever?!

Believe it or not but I’m actually itching for the first really nice day to get here so I can open up the windows, put some rubber gloves on and do some major spring cleaning!

I’m here today to give you some everyday cleaning tips that will make it easier for you to keep your house up throughout the weeks.

In the winter I slack so much on these tips, it’s already dark by the time I get home from work and it’s the last thing I want to do on my days off. But when the days get longer and it’s still light out by 7pm, I get back in my groove.

Here’s my 5 everyday cleaning tips!

  • Get your laundry ready the day before.

This is a big one because I know we all secretly hate laundry! I’ll be honest though, I’m never ever fully caught up with laundry being a mom and then my husband and I’s clothes as well. I think maybe if I had a first floor laundry room instead of having to go up and down the stairs to the basement all day long, I would be happier. Enough of my laundry hate ranting though.

It makes it so much easier if you sort through your laundry the night before and get your piles ready, that way as soon as you wake up you can throw the first load in and just add to your other piles throughout the day. Instead of being up until 8pm finishing laundry, you’ll most likely be done by 2pm and that way you can have a glass of wine by 8pm 😉

  • Unload your dishwasher first thing in the morning.

I always unload my dishwasher before I leave for work or defiantly when I’m off. That way you’re just putting your dirty dishes in the dishwasher all day long and keeping your sink clean and dish free.

I LOVE a clean sink.

Plus it makes after dinner dishes so much easier to deal with. I don’t know about you but if I have a clean and dish free sink, I feel a whole lot better!

  • Make an every two day checklist.

I am a sucker for lists. I love lists. Grocery lists, everyday lists, work lists, CLEANING LISTS. List’s make my life easier and when I feel like I am slacking in the cleaning department and just dreading it because that means I’ll have to deep clean instead of the normal freshen up, I know I have to start making my every two day checklist again.

So basically you can do it however you want to. For me specifically my every two day checklist consists of..

  • Dusting
  • Vacuuming
  • Steam mop

and so on. You can make your list whatever you want but when it comes time for the weekend and if I’ve been doing that every two days then it makes cleaning the rest of the house sooo much easier and cuts down my time by a lot.

  • Do a mini cleaning pick up each night.

I’m sure a lot of you mama’s have this on your list. Toy’s usually get scattered all around the house. My son loves his toys everywhere and so does my puppy.

Every night I do a mini pick up. I fold up all the blankets, pick up all the toys, put away all the chargers and smart device’s used that day. Clean up the kitchen and coffee table. I just do a quick sweep of everything that got used a lot that day before I go to bed so I wake up more refreshed and not staring at a big huge mess.

Trust me though, it doesn’t happen every single night!

  • Clean your countertops and used tables everyday.

The last thing I try to do everyday is wipe down my countertops, kitchen table and coffee table. They are used the most throughout the day so no matter what there’s always crumbs or some kind of weird stain on them. I just like to do that everyday to keep them fresh and clean since they are some of the first things you go to when you wake up or when you get home.

Those are my everyday cleaning tips I have for you that I, myself do. I hope you enjoyed this post and I wish you all good luck in the Spring cleaning phase that’s coming!

I know I have so much decluttering to do especially in the clothes and toy area.

What are some of your cleaning tips you use daily?

I also have a free weekly cleaning checklist down below you can download and use this Spring! I’m sure excited about it.