I know we are still waiting on Halloween, but Christmas trees are already going fast this year! Christmas trees are probably one of the biggest (pun intended) staples in holiday celebrations. There is something so exciting about having a big beautiful Christmas tree in your living room with twinkling lights and ornaments. Christmas trees go with all occasions, be it when some special friends or family are coming over for Christmas dinner or when your child wants to put on a school play and needs to practice acting like a tree.
Christmas Trees We’ve Had Over the Years
Our first Christmas tree was a small, fake one that we got from Dollar General. It was a little bit crooked, but we didn’t care because it was our first one. So in 2016, when we moved into our forever home, we decided to buy a real tree for the first time. We went to our local nursery and picked out a 10-foot Noble Fir. It was beautiful, smelled amazing, and was perfect for our home.
Each holiday I have at least one real tree and two or three artificial ones. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best Christmas trees for your home!
P.S. I also added in some great Christmas decor stunners.
If you are looking for a beautiful, durable, and unique countertop material, then quartzite countertop is the right choice. Quartzite is a natural stone that comes in many different colors and patterns. No two slabs are identical because this is a natural stone. Although it is a natural stone, it is very hard and durable.
It has the hardness of granite and marble combined, which makes this a great choice for your kitchen countertop. Quartzite can be installed in any type of setting—from an island to traditional cabinetry.
After looking at numerous granite and quartz slabs, I stumbled upon the quartzite selection, and I was amazed at the uniqueness and beauty of each slab. It didn’t take me too long to lock my decision on Yosemite Falls Quartzite it is such a beauty.
Now the truth about quartzite countertop…
Quartzite is a very porous material and is not naturally stain-resistant. The best way to maintain your quartzite countertop is by sealing it with a special sealer. This will help prevent stains from penetrating the stone and make cleaning easier.
The initial seal is usually performed by your installer or fabricator. They will use a heavy-duty sealant that likely requires a professional. You can test your countertop to see if it has been sealed by placing a drop of water on the countertop. If it beads up like Rain-X on a windshield, it’s sealed; if it completely disappears and permeates the stone, it likely has not been sealed.
I use TriNova as a daily cleaner, polisher, and sealer for my quartzite countertop. This is a great product to have on hand as it does a good job of cleaning and polishing granite, marble, and other natural stones.
You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of quartzite. If you have a spill or stain on your quartzite countertop, use a soft cloth to wipe off any food particles, then rinse with water and dry it off completely.
If you have a deep stain on your quartzite countertop, it’s best to use a special stone cleaner to remove the stain. I use Stonetech Oil Remover for any stain that doesn’t come out with regular soap and water. If you don’t have a similar product, try using a poultice made of baking soda and water. Remember to reseal the countertop after using the oil stain remover as it removes all the existing sealant.
Quartzite Slab Thickness Variation
If you are replacing an existing countertop, it is important to know that quartzite is naturally occurring, and the 2 cm and 3 cm are just a guide if you need a certain thickness to measure your countertop. We, unfortunately, didn’t know this and replaced our 3 cm quartz with what we thought was 3 cm quartzite, and we ended up having to have our backsplash re-done because of this variation.
The reason for the variation is that quartzite is naturally occurring and mined from the earth. The stone is formed in layers, and sometimes there are gaps between those layers. This can make it difficult to get a uniform thickness throughout your quartzite slab. You can see in our photo the issue with our countertop.
We’ve only had our countertops for about 3 months, so I am still in the beginner stage, but the beauty of the countertops gets me every time I walk into my kitchen.
When considering what would best suit your needs, there is a plethora of options to choose from. The material, thickness of the stone, and color should all be taken into consideration when selecting your new countertop. You can confidently make the right decision that will last you a lifetime through patience and research. Be Well-Omniley
As the leaves start to change color and fall from their branches, it signals another season has arrived. The days are cooling down, kids are back in school, and the daylight hours are getting shorter—all signs that it’s time for a fall wardrobe refresh!
Fall is one of my favorite times because it means getting cozy with layers and indulging in some seasonal favorites. If you haven’t already started planning your fall wardrobe, now is the time.
Here are some of my favorite fall wardrobe essentials for work and play:
Fall Wardrobe Workwear
1. A blazer. You can never go wrong with a classic black or navy blazer. Pair it with jeans and a button-up for a casual Friday look, or dress it up with slacks and heels for any formal occasion.
2. A cardigan. This is my favorite fall layering piece because it can be worn over anything, even a suit jacket! I love how versatile they are—you can tie them around your waist or wear them open with a blouse and pencil skirt for work or with jeans and boots for play.
3. A blouse. A good blouse is an essential piece that can be paired with anything! It’s the perfect top to wear under your blazer, or you can pair it with a pencil skirt for work or jeans and boots for play.
4. A trench coat. You can’t go wrong with a trench coat! It’s the perfect fall layering piece because it will keep you warm and cozy, and it can be worn with anything from jeans to slacks, even a pencil skirt or dressy blouse.
5. A good pair of black pants. Black pants are a wardrobe staple that every woman should have in her closet! You can wear them with a blazer for work or with a blouse and heels for play.
6. A midi skirt. A midi skirt is another essential piece every woman should have in her closet! It’s a great option for work and can be worn with a blazer or sweater. It also looks great with flats, heels, or booties!
Fall Wardrobe Casual Wear
Casual wear is all about versatility, comfort, and style. You don’t want to be limited by your wardrobe when you’re going out with friends or on a date night. Having a variety of casual wear items in your closet will allow you to mix and match them for various combinations that are perfect for any occasion!
1. A pair of jeans. Jeans are an essential item in every woman’s closet because they are so versatile! You can wear them with a t-shirt and sneakers for casual days out on the town, or you can dress them up with heels and jewelry for an elegant look.
2. A pair of casual pants or leggings. Casual pants are great for days when you don’t want to wear jeans but still want something comfortable around the house; however, leggings are great to wear with your favorite t-shirts for lounging around at home or running errands together!
3. A cute top that shows off your figure without being too revealing (especially if you don’t want to show too much skin).
4. A pair of cute shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on (like flats with a satin bow).
5. A great lounge set. A great lounge set is essential to any woman’s wardrobe. It’s perfect for lounging around the house or running errands.
All in all, there are plenty of outfits that you can pull together for work, whether you’re strutting your stuff to the office or just hitting up happy hour with the girls. The key is to have a little fun with it, and remember that your outerwear, your shoes, and all the accessory pieces are meant to be showstoppers. Have fun with it!
The best way to do this is by wearing things that you feel good in and that make you feel confident. A great pair of shoes can do wonders for your wardrobe, so invest in a few pairs (or more) of stylish pumps or flats that match with everything. Go with black, brown, or nude colors if you want something basic but versatile.
Have you ever meal prepped? Now, this everything is back to normal and I’m traveling I started back my meal prep. This works perfectly for my same-day turnaround trips. This is not only convenient, but it helps me easily make sensible eating choices when I’m on the go.
So today I’m sharing a few of my go-to, almost no-cook recipes for my bento box.
Meal Prep Containers
First off, I am not a huge veggie person so I try to make sure my meals are as balanced as possible. I like to have a hearty protein, some carbs unless I’m detoxing, and some form of vegetables.
Disclaimer: I tend to generally follow a low carbohydrate diet; I have found over the years that’s what works best for me.
1. Ham & Cheese Wraps.
Paired with a vegetable and fruit.
2. PB & J Sandwich
Paired with vegetables and fruit.
Chicken Thighs (Skinless) and Rice.
Paired with your favorite vegetables.
4. Chicken Quesadilla with Low Carb Tortilla.
Paired with vegetables and fruit.
5. Tuna over Lettuce or on Wrap.
Paired with vegetable and fruit of choice
I usually prepare 2-3 days at a time. It works better for me; especially since I usually have a full home office day once a week and it gives me time to prepare meals for the next few days.
I hope this gives you some inspiration to start meal prepping if you desire. Whether it’s for weight loss or sheer convenience it is definitely a time saver.
Hey y’all, I hope everyone is doing well. Have you ever got a product and were so pleased with the results. Nowadays, it’s unfortunate, but many products never hold up to their claims. Today I’m sharing…
Before we get into these products, let me first disclose that these are not clean/organic products. Also, I always recommend wearing protective gloves and testing an inconspicuous spot when using any new cleaner.
First up is Trivona Granite Sealer & Protectant.Just when I was at the point of a mental breakdown due to the new countertop material, I found this product, and it is amazing. We use it daily on our quartzite to keep it sealed and protected. Quartzite is natural and is such a porous material it absorbs anything.
Dawn Powerwashhas so many uses at my home. From dishwashing to baseboards to outside on the grills. This is a power-packed cleaner and is not as harsh as some heavy-duty cleaners tend to be. I love that they have refills available, which helps with the cost savings. We have one at each sink area and outside by the grills at all times.
Krud Kutter Cleaner and Degreaser. I have been using this product going on 6 years. This is a game changer if you have dogs that drool onto your walls and baseboards. This is available in a few forms ranging from concentrated to outdoor usage.
Long’s Toilet Ring Remover. I have been using this since I got married, so going on 20 years. I learned about this product from my mother-in-law. When I say a miracle in a bottle. This stuff does not disappoint and does not take a lot of arm work either. The key is to make sure you lower the water below the ring you are trying to remove and make sure you use the special applicator brush. I recommend using this product in moderation. I am not sure what or how it works, but it does. I always buy in bulk when I’m back home, and now I can order off Amazon. This is a must-try product!!!
Last but certainly not least, there is Pledge Restoring Wood Oil. I found this a few months ago, thanks to my husband. He was polishing his wainscotting and said you really should try this…of course, I didn’t at first. I later tested it out and soon ordered my own supply. I use this on all the woodwork in our home, along with our furniture. It not only gives it an amazing shine, but it helps repel dust. This is super helpful because it cuts down my dusting time.
I use these products at least once a week.
I also share below some additional go-to products I keep stocked at home.
If I could only choose one of my top 5, it would definitely be the Long’s Toilet Ring Remover. I hate cleaning toilets, and this stuff makes it a breeze. Be sure to let me know if you use any of these products or decide to try one. Be Well. Omniley
