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We can do better- Lessons from living in a staged home
If you have ever lived in a house while you are trying to sell it, you feel my pain. I’ve never felt so stressed about a dish in the sink or a bed unmade.
We hired a stager to help us set our house to be “Open House Ready!” She walked through and basically said “this needs to go” to about 75% of the house. The only room she seemed to really approve of was my daughters. She had the matching furniture and cute decor. I was a little insulted that so much of our stuff was not good enough, but we obliged since we wanted our house to sell.
We rented a POD to hold our stuff, and the stager returned and prettied up the place with strategically placed furniture and decor. I’ll admit, when we came home we were impressed. Our little house looked so tidy and quaint. The lack of clutter was calming- I had no idea that the stuff in the house was stressing me out!
The room that made me happiest was our bedroom. Though small, the fancy white bedding made it look so inviting.
We ended up living in that staged house for over 3 months. We made beds every morning, put dishes away every night…… kept up the look as best as we could with a dog and 2 kids! I found that I LOVED our home in that state. Though it lacked some personality (no family pictures etc), it was a happy place to live in.
The big take-away from living in the staged house- we can do better. We can keep the house more tidy. We can make our beds every day. We can do away with a lot of stuff that we don’t need.
Fast forward to our new home. I will say, I’m applying this life lesson daily. Our bed is made almost every day. Dishes are done daily as well. It’s so wonderful to wake up and have an empty sink! Who knew?
I’ve found some compromises in order to keep the house tidy, but also not go insane making it unlivable. When you open our pantry door, you will find artwork from the kids hanging inside– but when it’s closed its a calm, clean space.
Now that we have a larger home, we have an extra room we call the Utility Room (my husbands idea). It’s our office, toy room, back pack drop zone, and craft room. Unfortunately this room doesn’t have a door. Though we keep it tidy, it’s also the space where projects take place so it looks lived in. I hung a sheerISH curtain that allows the light through, but blocks visitors from looking right into this living space.
We are SLOWLY decorating and adding things to make our house a home. I’m keeping it simple and calm- with a kick of personality. One of our friends that had come to see our staged home in California said “It’s nice, but it’s missing your fun family stuff.” She was so right. We are finding the balance in our new home- one step at a time. It’s not easy, especially with little humans running around and both of us parents working- but it’s doable. I’m glad our time living in a staged house brought us a little clarity, and challenged us. We can do better!
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Things your kid should know- toilet knowledge
I don’t know about your kids, but my son can clog a toilet like no other. We’ve trained him to flush before he wipes, but at age 6, I was confident this was not happening every time.
While staying with my Mom (who’s plumbing is pretty out of date), my son began to repeatedly clog the toilet. Finally, we sat him down.
“First and foremost, your yell for Mom when the toilet is about to overflow needs to sound WAY more urgent…… like you are bleeding. Second, here is the knob you turn to stop the water BEFORE it overflows.”
Luckily he already knew righty tighty, lefty loosey. (Add that to the list of things your kid should know). He learned quickly, and from then on I was at least not mopping up fecal water.
Shortly there after, we taught him how to use the plunger. Now at age 7, about half the time he can handle the entire event of clogging and unclogging the toilet himself. This makes my life easier!
I want my kids to be as independent as possible. In college, so many of my peers had no idea how to do laundry, or write a check. These are fundamental life lessons! Knowing how to turn the water off on a toilet that’s about to overflow might also save your kid from major embarrassment at a friends house. In addition, it might save your bathroom floor from water getting underneath, causing major damage (Sorry Mom, he learned the lesson a little late). So, help your kid and yourself and teach them some basic toilet knowledge! While you’re at it, show them how to put the toilet paper roll on the RIGHT way.
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Gilbert-Handel’s Ice Cream
Sooo yummy! Do yourself a favor and check out Handel’s Ice Cream. We moved here only 4 months ago, but we’ve been there more times then I can count! There is another ice cream place closer to us, but we pass it up to go to Handel’s! The only store in Arizona is in Gilbert- aren’t we lucky?
They have wonderfully unique flavors, and it’s made fresh daily! Our personal family favorite is Oree-Dough. What could be better? Oreo and cookie dough???
According to their website, Handel’s success has been documented in many national publications including USA Today, People Magazine, Chocolatier Magazine, and US News and World Report.
They also don’t skimp on the portion size. I feel like you get more in the cone, but either way, the serving size is fantastically huge. Splurge and get a dipped cone, it really is perfection.
We’ve tried a handful of places so far in Gilbert, and this place is by far my favorite! You are welcome in advance for the tip!
Check out their website at
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DIY Dining Table
Furniture is NOT cheap. Especially when you are like me and have champagne taste on a beer budget. I desperately wanted a large table with a bench to fit all our friends and family for special occasions, but also be suitable for our weekly family dinners. All of the tables I found that I liked were close to $1000. So, I turned to Facebook marketplace.
Most of the tables were a little cheaper, but not enough. Then I found one for $90. Why so cheap? It was hideous. It was unfinished, but someone had painted (not stained) the top of the table brown. It needed some love and stain and it would be great (the ad said).
I talked my husband into going to pick it up. He was not really on board when he saw it, but he humored me and we bought it anyway.
Then, the sanding began! If you’ve never sanded, you are not missing out on much. It’s dusty and labor intensive! Plus I was doing it in our Arizona garage in JULY! What were we thinking???
I watched several videos online about how to sand, stain, and seal my table. Let’s be real. I’m not handy or really equipt in any of those skills. But I rolled up my sleeves and followed these simple steps.
- Sand the table and bench with an electric sander (unless you have a year to sand). I wore a mask and sunglasses. You really should wear better protective eye-wear. I trust you can do this better then me.
- Blow all the dust from the table so you have a clean surface to stain. Then wipe it down.
- We used a grey stain that showed the brown of the table through. This way it matches both the wood and the grey in our home. In Arizona it dries fast so you have to move fast to keep the stain even.
- Seal it with polyurethane- which also makes it shinier and protects the wood.
- Let it dry for a few days outside- it smells!
My husband gave me a hand with sanding, as he was starting to see the potential that I saw- and he wanted some of the credit. I did the staining and sealing. We spent about $30 on those supplies. Not only is the end product exactly what I wanted, but I have so much pride in it since I did most of it myself. If I can do it- you can do it. I’d never sanded or stained anything before!
I added some chairs I purchased at American Home Furniture (I LOVE that store!), and the dining set was complete!
I LOVE doing things myself to save money, and personalize it just how I want it to be. I have a fancy table that cost me a fraction of the price had I bought it brand new. Plus, my kids watched me work hard for something I wanted. I’m always trying to lead by example- sometimes I fall short and other times I can say “Nailed it!”
Final product!!!!!!!! -
Instant Pot!
As a Mom it is the little things in life that bring us joy. When our kids don’t fight, getting our hair done, enjoying a clean floor for about 1.5 minutes before kids come in and dirty it again…… and finally, any device or product that makes our life easier! The Instant Pot is just this! I have to share about it because it truly made my life as a Mom and Wife easier!
The hype is real. Game changer- seriously. I resisted the urge to buy one for the longest time. When I finally did I was thrilled. I reached out to my girlfriend Stacey who had recommended I get one forever ago, and she responded with “told you!” She would know. At the time she was raising twin 3 year olds and a 5 year old- all girls! She’s a fitness and health nut, but drowning in keeping it all together like the rest of us. If she says it’s legit- it is. I should have listened to her the year prior when she told me to get one. Moving forward I will always take her advice on things that make life easier!
It does everything- and faster! And sometimes better!!!
My only complaint is that when I got mine it did not come in different colors like it does now! So jealous! Anyway, it is worth the money. I will share some tips on what I use it for, but the list is endless. I can make our chili at the last minute, rice and steamed veggies in no time, shredded chicken, hard boiled eggs- the list goes on. Yes yes, you can buy steam-in-the-bag rice and veggies, but they just don’t taste as good in the microwave. Plus, you can’t buy fresh veggies for the microwave!
Before we moved to Arizona we sold our house in California and moved in with my Mom. We brought our clothes, some toys for the kids, and the Instant Pot. A month later my husband moved to Arizona ahead of us, and wanted to take the Instant Pot with him. Ladies, we know who won that battle. IP stayed with me! Hubby had to make do for 3 months without it!
Give yourself a Christmas gift and enjoy!
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Haunting Words
When you tell people you are moving out of state, everyone has an opinion.
“WHY would you leave California??”
“I’m so jealous! I wish I could leave!”
“Your poor Mom! She’s going to miss her Grandkids!”
“You can probably get a mansion there!”
“You know how hot it is in Arizona??”
Most of the comments were not super positive. I like to think that’s because people didn’t want us to leave. But it was draining at times. I took some comments too personally due to the emotions of leaving. One comment really stuck with me for some reason.
The words that still haunt me at times came from a friend. “I just think I would be hanging out in my big ass house, and be like, Great! I have no family or friends here. What’s the point of that?” I understood why she was saying that, and it was one of my biggest fears. We majorly upgraded the home we live in by moving- but yes we don’t have all the local family to share it with as regularly. BUT, we have had SO many visitors in the short time we have been here. Why? Because they LOVE us! Haha- true. But also we have a guest room now! My mother in law pointed out that she felt like she got more time with the kids by visiting for 3 short days, then when she stayed a week at a hotel. She was here for tuck in and wake up…… and everything in between.
At times I still struggle with some of the comments I received from people before we moved…… but I know we did the right thing for us. It will take awhile for all the pieces to fall into place. Sometimes I do sit in my big house and feel really lonely, and wonder what the hell we did. But most of the time I’m happy with our new life here in Arizona!
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Gilbert-Movie in the park
Tonight we checked out the free movie in the park! Kids loved it! They open the community center so there are bathrooms free to use. There are a handful of vendors offering treats and food for sale. We packed a picnic and bought dessert there.
Best part- we ran into friends from Lylas school. Reminded me of back home where I ran into people I knew everywhere. Gilbert is MUCH bigger so that doesn’t happen all the time anymore, but when it does it’s awesome. Loved the small town feel at this event and we will absolutely go again.
Next time we will get there an hour early to snag a better spot. Also, there is plenty of room to throw a football or Frisbee so we will bring one next time too. I also saw some people playing cards which I thought was an fun idea. It was nice to see so many families out, and very few on their phones. Families were engaged together and enjoying the beautiful weather and amazing movie- How to Train a Dragon! It’s these moments that I try to sit and enjoy. For a moment in time the kids were not bickering…. and everything was peaceful. Great Friday night!
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Gilberts first Oktoberfest!
My Mother was born and raised in Germany, so when my cousin asked me to come check out the Oktoberfest in Gilbert, I thought “of course!”
I felt the need to dress up- so I pieced something together that resembled a dirndl. For last minute I think I did pretty good! I tried to get my kids to join the fun, but they were not feeling the style at all.
I’ve been to a few Oktoberfest’s in California and this one was similar. I was disappointed that more people, including staff, were not dressed up. I mean- it just makes it more fun! There were a handful of people in traditional gear, but not very many.
Beer, food, music, lawn games, and rides- we had a great time. I think the festival can grow- but the potential was there. My kids had an awesome time, so much that they didn’t want to leave.
I ran into one of my dance students, so I was feeling “famous” again ha ha. Back home I used to constantly run into people I knew (always telling my husband that I’m kind of a big deal). So, running into someone I know 2 days in a row was epic! (I had run into someone at movie in the park the previous night).Â
Since moving to Arizona I have reconnected with my cousin Josh. He had invited me to join him, his wife, and sister-in-law at Oktoberfest. It’s been wonderful having family here….. even if we barely know each other. He came to my daughters birthday party, and I will see him again soon when my Dad is visiting. It’s just adding another plus to the move out here. He and his wife are expecting so I can’t wait to snuggle that baby!
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Emotions of Moving
In the process of moving, I had very little emotion. At my final recital, my dance students were bawling their eyes out, and I was somehow numb. It didn’t seem real that I was leaving…. and I knew I would see most of them again. (I was already scheduled to come back a few months later to set choreography). But I still didn’t understand my lack of emotion.
Leaving my parents and closest friend, I was sad- but still I didn’t cry. The stress of selling our home and buying a new one, all while trying to work and be a decent parent- I was stretched thin. I couldn’t feel anything.
And then, about 3 weeks after moving, I fell apart.
My husband was on the toilet, I walked in with a frown, and burst into tears. He reached his arms out. I sat on his lap in the bathroom and cried and cried. He knew why.
It was 4th of July. We always hosted 4th of July back home. Our friends would come over and we would walk to watch fireworks. And now here we were in Arizona without a friend in sight. What were we thinking? Why did we leave all the good things in our lives? Why did I rip my kids away from their grandparents and friends?Â
I was at a loss. My emotions finally caught up with me. BUT the day did get better. Jason had bought a pack of fireworks (that would have been illegal in Cali), and we went out front to light them up. Several of our neighbors were out too. We got to chatting with a few of them, and a weight got lifted off my shoulders. We were going to be OK.
I still have my moments of questioning our decision to move….. but for the most part I know it was the right decision for our family. My parents are visiting often and 2 friends are scheduled to come visit in the next few months. I can’t lie and say moving is easy. It’s super hard. But I believe that the hard things in life are some of the best things in life. Our story is only beginning- and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Kitchen Remodel- Part 1
Our new kitchen is a major upgrade from our old house. There is a plethora of cabinets, a pantry, and an island!!! But, the look is boring, and the island is not very helpful. It doesn’t have seating!
So we looked into extending the island and adding seating…… but with granite that was going to be at least 2k! This thrifty mom was not about to drop that kind of money. So, we looked into a wood table extension. It was less then a quarter of the cost, and I LOVE the look! We found a small local company to build it. We now have extra counter space AND seating!
My husband and I removed the old granite counter top ourselves. I’m all about reusing what you can, so we attached it to our outdoor coffee table, and it fits perfectly! Now we have a beautiful granite coffee table AND a great new kitchen island for under $500! Nailed it!
Phase 2 will be changing the color of the cabinets…. I want teal, hubby wants, well, he wants NOT teal. We will see what we come up with. I’m sure that project will involve lots of cursing…… might need a video for that project!