Customizable Cards

Basic Invite is one of just a few stationary websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Basic Invite offers over 180 colors to choose from, which means you are definitely going to find something you like! After selecting their preferred design, customers can customize the color of each element on the card. The website is very user-friendly and offers a seamless, stress-free experience!

Foil Cards

Looking for something with a little pizazz? Basic Invite offers beautiful foil cards in gold, silver, and rose gold. Customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. Basic Invite will print almost any element in foil, even customizable text. All you have to do is pick your card and let them make it shine!

Custom Samples

When ordering stationary online, it can sometimes be worrisome as you want to ensure the card will look great in person. With Basic Invite, there is no worry! Basic Invite allows customers to order a printed sample of the actual invitation before they place their final order. This means you can see the paper and print quality, and make sure the card is perfect, before ordering a large quantity.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes

Basic Invite has over 40 different envelope colors to choose from. With so many color choices, customers can make their envelope match the invitation. All of the envelopes are peel & seal, so they can be closed quickly and securely!

Address Capturing Service

A helpful feature of Basic Invite is their address capturing service. This service allows customers to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request their friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are then stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders. Give them around five business days for your cards and free addressed envelopes to arrive to you. Basic Invite truly makes every step of creating your holiday card process so easy and efficient!

Current Savings

Right now, as of October 2022, Basic Invite is offering 15% off with the coupon code: 15FF51. Simply enter this code upon checkout to save $$ on your next order! Holidays Cards start as low as $0.82 per card depending on the customizations selected, and quantity of cards ordered. Basic Invite is also offering free holiday party websites, and they have plenty of festive designs to chose from. December is less than two months away, and now is the time to start creating your holiday cards for 2022! You can connect with Basic Invite on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Disclaimer: I worked with Basic Invite on this blog post, but all opinions are my own and I genuinely recommend checking out their website for your holiday cards!

Comment below what your favorite holiday tradition is!

The post Where To Order Customizable Holiday Cards: Basic Invite appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

At the start of the new year, I began my bedroom makeover. Now, a few weeks later, my dream room is completed and I’m in love! I decided I wanted to upgrade and clean up my old bedroom and go for a more neutral theme. I threw in some pops of muted colors, dried florals and textures to make my bedroom the ultimate comfy space!

Check out my bedroom makeover and tour on YouTube here!

Lots of DIY’s

For my new bedroom, I decided to try a bunch of DIY wall decor projects, and thankfully, they all came out pretty good! From creating a Pottery Barn dupe to a Crate & Barrel-inspired piece, here are all the DIY decor projects I made for my room.

1. Pottery Barn Botanical Frame Dupe

After seeing the price tag of $399 for this Pottery Barn botanical framed wall art, I decided to get crafty and make my own version for under $30. Check out the youtube tutorial, and the blog post for this piece here.

2. Joint Compound Canvas Art

I saw on Pinterest a lot of abstract and minimal canvas art, and decided to make my own at home with materials from Lowes and Michael’s. There is a lot of opportunity to play around with these types of pieces when it comes to the design, size, color etc… Check out my YouTube tutorial and the blog post here.

3. Crate & Barrel Daisy Chain Dupe

This is my absolute favorite piece in my bedroom, and it is inspired by the $299 Crate & Barrel Natural Daisy Chain Wall Art. I was able to complete this 48″x36″ piece in about three days, and spent under $100 on the supplies for it. I found a tutorial on YouTube by Valerie Aguiar that explained perfectly how to recreate this piece. I used fifteen rolls of twisted cotton rope from Lowes for this project.

4. Small Pressed Flower Wall Hangings

Using some pressed flowers I purchased on Etsy and photo frames from the dollar store, I created three small floral wall hangings for my room. Watch my YouTube tutorial for a detailed look on how to do this DIY.

Items I Purchased for my Bedroom

Vari Electric Standing Desk 48″x24″ in White

Bed Bath & Beyond

• Bee & Willow Curtain Rods
• Bee & Willow Curtain Holdbacks (I painted them white)
• White Floor Cabinet with Baskets
• 8’x10′ Shag Area Rug

Amazon

• 20-pack Wooden Clothes Hangers
• Antique Brass/Gold Dresser Knobs
• Beige Curtain Panels
• Set of Three Mini White Ceramic Bud Vases

Etsy

Matisse Print Downloads

Matisse Pink Flower Market Print Download

Matisse Papiers Decoups Print Download

Matisse Beige Abstract Print Download

Matisse Orange Flower Market Print Download

Florals

Small Dried Flowers Bouquet

Whimsical Bouquet

Tall Pampas Grass

Dried Florals Wall Hanging

Photo Frames

12″x18″ White Frame

Thin Gold Frame 8″x10″ *similar to what I purchased (the one I bought was from Home Goods)

Thin Gold Frame 4″x6″ *similar to what I purchased (the one I bought was from Home Goods)

Small White Frame with 4″x6″ Mat

Urban Outfitters

The Jones Clothing Rack (this clothing rack isn’t too hard to assemble and was on sale for $79.99 when I purchased it)

HomeGoods, HomeSense, and At Home

I purchased a lot of items at HomeGoods, HomeSense, and At Home, and can’t link the exact items since they were bought in store. I recommend checking your local stores, as well as local thrift stores, for furniture pieces and decor. I found some great vases, bedding, curtains, a large mirror and more at these stores. Linked below are some pieces similar to one’s I purchased at these stores.

White Textured Duvet Cover *similar

Another White Textured Duvet Cover *similar

Throw blanket *similar

Gold-Mirrored Makeup Organizer *similar (this is from Urban Outfitters, but I purchased one from HomeSense for $24 that looked similar)

Another Gold-Mirrored Makeup Organizer *similar (this one swivels like the one I have does)

Target

Cream Chunky Throw Pillow

Tan Throw Pillow *similar

Geometric Shelves

Mine are hand-made, but here are one’s that you can buy:

• Hexagon Honeycomb Shelves
• Pyramid Triangle Shelf
• Pyramid Triangle Shelf

Bedroom Overview

The post 2022 Neutral & Cozy Bedroom Makeover appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

I just completed another easy DIY decor project, and absolutely love how the pieces came out. I’ve been seeing minimal canvas art all over Pinterest lately using products such as joint compound or cement. I decided to give this abstract art a try, and am surprised by how easy it is to recreate!

Materials Needed

• Canvas Board (I purchased mine at Michael’s)
• Joint Compound
• Putty Knife
• Notched Trowel (easy tool to make great texture and lines)
• Acrylic Paint (I purchased at Michael’s)
• Paint Brush

Time To Make

This DIY project takes two-three days to make depending on how long it takes for the joint compound and paint to dry. I recommend giving the joint compound and paint one full day to dry.

How To Make

Check out my video tutorial on how to create this minimal wall art here

Step 1: find Inspiration pictures on Pinterest or Instagram etc… and plan what size canvas you want, and color paint you want for your project

Step 2: gather all necessary supplies listed above

Step 3: lay out your canvas on a flat surface (I also used a tarp to avoid making a mess on my kitchen table)

Step 4: put dollops of joint compound on the canvas and spread evenly in the areas that you want your texture or design

Step 5: taking either the putty knife or notched trowel, drag across the canvas to create your desired design (I dragged the notched trowel downwards to make vertical lines, and also made long circular motions)

Step 6: once you are happy with the design, let it dry for a day or overnight

Step 7: once it is completely dry, you can begin painting the art

Step 8: give the painted art piece at least one day to dry

Step 9: hang up or display your art piece how you wish

Comment below if you decide to try this easy DIY joint compound wall art!

The post DIY Abstract & Minimal Joint Compound Canvas Art appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

How to make $400 Pottery Barn-inspired wall art at home on a budget

As I am currently doing a huge bedroom makeover for 2022, I’ve been searching for some neutral wall decor. I found a beautiful floral piece at Pottery Barn that retails for $399. After taking a look at this piece, I figured I can try to make it myself on a budget, so that’s what I did!

The Original Piece From Pottery Barn

Time To Complete Project

Give yourself at least two days if you plan to make two of these pieces. You may be able to complete one frame in one day if you give yourself a full day to work on it. Since you are working with paint, you have to factor in time for the frames and florals to dry. I let the paint dry overnight when I created these.

Materials Needed

• Large Shadowbox Frame (2-3 ft. x 2-3 ft. square) (I purchased clearance artwork from Home Goods and repurposed the 23″ square shadowbox frame and artwork it originally came with.
  • Note: I painted over the original artwork – if you are purchasing a plan shadowbox frame, then you will need a plain poster board or canvas to use as your base for the floral artwork, and then you will place this art into the frame once completed)

• White Paint (I used Behr wall paint/primer on the frame and florals, but you can purchase white floral paint or acrylic paint)
  • Optional: White Spray Paint (I used spray paint to prime my frame and then painted over that with Behr wall paint, but you can just use one or the other for the frame)
• Paint Brushes (I recommend a traditional angled paint brush, plus a small craft paint brush)
• Glue Gun
• Scissors (to trim flowers if needed)
• Dried Flowers (linked below are the ones I used)
  • Dried Happy Flower Bundle (sale – $4.99)
  • Dried White Button Flower Bundle (sale – $3.99)
  • Natural Flax Bundle (sale – $6.49)
  • Stardust Mini Gypsophilia Bundle (sale: – $7.49)

COST TO MAKE

I spent around $60 on supplies to make two of these botanical wall art frames. I saved money on paint since I already had it on hand. I found the shadowbox frames at Home Goods for $15 each which is a bargain considering how expensive shadowbox frames can be new!

Watch my YouTube video for a full tutorial on how to DIY this Pottery Barn Botanical Wall Art!

The post DIY Pottery Barn Wall Art Dupe 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

Travel Favorites

1. Favorite Destination Visited in 2021: San Diego, California

I visited San Diego with my boyfriend back in September, and had the most perfect trip. San Diego has beautiful weather, amazing restaurants, and tons to see. We enjoyed delicious tacos, saw the seals along the water, explored Balboa Park, and enjoyed many breakfasts at one of our favorite spots, The Mission.

Runner-up Favorite Destination Visited: Boston, Massachusetts (Check out my blog post on How to Spend 24 Hours in Boston)

2. Favorite Source for Accommodations: AirBnB

I utilize AirBnB for almost every trip I go on. I always enjoy finding a great deal on accommodations, as well as a more private stay.

3. Favorite Travel Hack: Skyscanner.com

If you are looking for airfare to a destination and want to find the best price out there, then I recommend using Skyscanner.com. This website generates all of the different airline/flight options to and from specific destinations. I have been using Skyscanner for years now, and it always helps me find the best deals.

4. Favorite Destination Restaurant I Ate at: The Mission – San Diego, California

I have to put The Mission in San Diego as my #1 favorite destination restaurant I ate at for 2021, as I went multiple times while on my trip to Cali. The food is incredibly fresh tasting, the service is very friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back and cute. The pancakes here melt in your mouth and are served with real maple syrup. The Mission offers some dishes with Mexican flare such as the breakfast burrito, rancheros verde, and breakfast quesadilla. I highly recommend this restaurant in San Diego; they have a few different locations throughout the area.

Style Favorites

1. Favorite Place to Buy Clothes: Poshmark

Last year I told myself that I want to thrift most of my clothes to be more sustainable. Poshmark has made it incredibly easy and convenient for me to thrift right from my phone. I have purchased most of my clothes in 2021 via Poshmark, and have also saved a good amount of money shopping second-hand. Additionally, I’ve made some money selling my own used clothing.

2. Favorite Clothing Brand: Aritzia

Aritzia is my favorite clothing brand of 2021, as most of the clothes I purchased either on Poshmark or new, have been from here. Specifically, I love the Aritzia TNA brand as they have great quality and cute athleisure wear.

3. Favorite Pair of Jeans: Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight

The Curve Love line at Abercrombie is amazing for those with a larger waist-to-hip ratio. They give an extra two inches in the hip/butt area which I personally appreciate as I have a 13 inch waist-to-hip ratio. I specifically love the ultra high rise ankle straight jeans as they cut off nicely at the ankle and pair nicely with a variety of shoes. They also have a nice stretch to them, and I find them pretty comfortable to wear all day. I wear a size 25 regular Curve Love and have a 26 inch waist and 39 inch hips.

4. Favorite Jewelry Piece: Luvmeishop (Etsy) Gold Chain Ring 5mm

I purchased a few gold-filled rings on Etsy this year, and the 5mm gold chain ring from Luvmeishop on Etsy is my favorite. It’s a perfect stacking ring, but I love to wear it on it’s own too. I purchased a ring size US 7 and wear it on my middle finger typically. It retails for $21.50 on Etsy. Check out my blog post on my Etsy jewelery finds here.

Beauty Favorites

1. Favorite Skincare Product: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has been my go-to moisturizer for over a year. I have purchased multiple jars and it never disappoints. It’s a slightly thicker consistency (but not too thick) and truly moisturizes my dry skin. Check out my full skincare routine here.

2. Favorite Hair Brush: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler

I recently switched from the Wet Brush to the Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush, and have been loving it. I still like the Wet Brush, but the Tangle Teezer is my new fav of the year. I find that it gets the knots out of my fine, straight hair pretty quickly and also doesn’t create excess breakage. This brush retails for around $14.

3. Favorite Hair Product: Redken All Soft Condtioner

I have tried quite a few hair products in 2021, and my all-time favorite is the Redken All Soft Conditioner. It has a super thick consistency and really moisturizes and helps detangle my fine, straight hair. I purchase a large bottle of it from Harmon’s usually and it lasts me basically all year.

4. Favorite Makeup Product: Benefit Hoola Bronzer

The Hoola Bronzer from Benefit Cosmetics is my good ol’ reliable choice! I always buy the mini size which is $17 at Sephora, and it lasts me so long. I use the natural bronze color, and I find that it suits my lighter skin tone year-round. I use it to warm up my forehead and cheeks, lightly contour my nose, and also as an eyeshadow.

Comment below your favorite product or experience 2021!

The post 2021 Yearly Round Up: Travel, Style and Beauty Favorites appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

1. Add Greenery

The winter in colder climate areas like New Jersey can tend to look dull and lifeless. Adding greenery to your backyard space can really cozy and liven it up! I suggest adding a few potted trees, wreaths, or some perennial herbs. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint and sage can survive year-round in your yard, and can even add a slight fragrance to your space. Hanging a wreath up on your back door or windows can make for some fun seasonal decor as well! I love greenery and how it provides a more rustic and earthy feel to a yard.

2. Quality Landscaping

Investing in a solid landscaping company can make your backyard feel more put together. Sabba’s Landscaping, Lawn, Pavers, and Fencing in Howell, NJ is a well-qualified company that takes pride in their customer service, quality and reliability. If you are looking for Monmouth County landscaping, then check out Sabba’s as they can assist you with designing and maintaining your dream yard! Adding in pavers/a patio can revamp your outdoor space, and create a cozy base for some cute winter furniture.

3. Add Outdoor-Friendly Blankets and Pillows

Small accents can make the biggest difference in the comfortability and coziness of your backyard space! Investing in a few blankets and pillows this season can add back that color that your yard may be missing in the winter. While you can store your blankets and pillows in a durable shed or chest, I still recommend buying pieces that are outdoor friendly and durable. The Pottery Barn offers a wide selection of fun or neutral colored outdoor pillows.

4. Add String Lights

Twinkling lights or outdoor string lights can add that final sparkle to your backyard. My family has string lights around the circumference of our pergola which adds a cute and inviting touch to our yard year-round! Look for outdoor, waterproof lights that you can keep hung up throughout the winter season.

5. Invest in or Build a Fire Pit

Having a fire pit or chiminea is super welcoming for gatherings or cozy family time outdoors during the cold season. I enjoy my fire pit year-round, but it definitely hits different on a cold winter night (especially when you break out the s’mores). You can purchase a pre-made fire pit or chiminea, build one yourself, or have a reliable landscaping/hardscaping company like Sabba’s build one for you. Having a fire pit on your patio or in your backyard amps up the coziness for sure, and is a great way to socialize outdoors during the winter.

6. Invest in Outdoor Patio Heaters

If you are looking for additional warmth in your backyard oasis during the winter, investing in a patio heater may be worth considering. I love when I walk past a restaurant downtown and feel the warmth of the outdoor patio heaters. Having one at home can be a game changer for outdoor gatherings this winter! Check out this article from The Pioneer Woman where she shares the 10 Best Patio Heaters so You Can Enjoy the Outdoors All Year.

7. Add Clear Tarp to Your Pergola or Gazebo

Winterize your pergola by adding clear tarp or vinyl to the sides and top of it. This can keep snow/rain out, and provide a warmer space for outdoor enjoyment.

8. Buy a Fondue Pot

While a fondue pot can be enjoyed inside too, it just sounds so fun and comforting to enjoy on a chill winter night. A fondue pot can be a great family or friends gathering idea. Play some good tunes and enjoy some warm melty cheese or chocolate on your cozy outdoor couch under your enclosed pergola. Check out this list from the Spruce Eats of The 7 Best Fondue Pots in 2021.

Comment below if you’ll be trying any of these ideas with your outdoor space!

The post 8 Ways To Make Your Backyard Cozy and Comfortable this Winter appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

If you were on tiktok or Instagram last year, you may remember the mirror photoshoot challenge. Many people were taking creative and artsy selfies and photos with a mirror at-home. I did this last year and had fun with it, and recently was re-inspired to do the mirror photoshoot challenge. I love how you can execute this photoshoot at home by yourself, and can use your phone camera. Here’s how to take some creative and cute mirror photos at home by yourself!

Materials Needed

• camera or phone camera
• mirror (can be large or small)
• small object or brick to place behind mirror to prop it upright (or you can lean it up against a wall)

Optional Materials:

• towel (if you are doing this on the grass, using a towel can help you avoid getting your clothes wet/dirty)
• flowers or decor of your choice (I like to use fake flowers to line the mirror for an added aesthetic)

Step 1: Pick a Shoot Location

Gather your materials and pick a location to shoot at. I have done this multiple times in my backyard and love the look of the grass with the mirror. You can definitely do this photo idea inside as well if you prefer.

Step 2: Mirror Set-up

There are a few different ways you can lay/angle the mirror for your photoshoot. The first way is laying it flat on the ground. Another way is propping it upright against a wall or sturdy object. Clean your mirror with some glass cleaner before shooting to avoid smudge marks in your photos.

Step 3: Decorate Your Mirror

Decorated your mirror with fake flowers, leaves or any decor/props of your choice to spice it up. This can really amp up the aesthetic of the photo.

Step 4: Find Your Angle and Shoot

Once your mirror and decor is all set up, you can begin shooting. The iPhone camera works great, but you can also use an actual camera with self-timer and a tripod. When laying the mirror flat on the ground, I like to kneel down on a towel to avoid my clothes getting wet from the grass. If you have your mirror propped upright, I recommend having it at a slight angle and to not be at 90 degrees. Once everything is set up, I will rest my lower body on a towel and begin shooting. I personally find the best results when shooting later in the afternoon closer to golden hour. You may need patience at first, especially when laying the mirror flat, as you’ll have to figure out the right angle and body-position. I like to use my hand to hold my hair back out of my face while shooting, so it isn’t dangling everywhere in the photo. Most important when doing this photo challenge… have fun with it!

My Photos with the Mirror

Here are some of my successful outtakes from doing the mirror photoshoot challenge!

The post How to do the Mirror Photoshoot Challenge: Taking Creative Photos Alone appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

RINGS

Etsy Shop: “Luvmeishop“

Luv Mei is based out of New York. They have over 32,000 reviews with an average of 5 stars.

I find my purchases to fit true to size.

Gold Filled Chain Ring 3mm ($19.50)

Gold Filled Chain Ring 5mm ($21.50)

Etsy Shop: “Furano Studio“

Furano Studio is based out of Los Angeles, California. They have over 1,000 reviews with an average of 5 stars.

I find my purchases to fit true to size.

Gold Filled Chain ring ($24.99)

Super Thin Minimalistic Ring 5mm ($11.99)

Here is a ring I did not purchase from them, but looks like a nice style: Gold Croissant Dome ring ($25.99)

Etsy Shop: “JewelVers“

JEWELVERS is based out of Rochester Hills, Michigan. They have over 9,700 reviews with an average of 5 stars.

They also have their own website, but I purchased directly from Etsy.

I find my purchases to fit true to size.

Gold Filled Thick Cuban Chain Ring ($23.99)

BRACELETS

Etsy Shop: “JordanSkyJewelry“

Jordan Sky Jewelry is based out of New York. They have over 200 reviews with an average of 5 stars.

I find my purchases to fit true to size.

Heavy Link Chunky Gold Bracelet 10mm ($38)

*They have this in a smaller link size as well which I did not personally purchase, but it looks nice: Dainty Gold Chain Bracelet 4mm ($29)

Handmade Heart Pearl Beaded Bracelet ($38)

The post Affordable Jewelry Pieces on Etsy: Gold Bracelets & Rings Under $40 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

1. Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Scramble together two eggs and some shredded cheddar cheese in a small frying pan on a low heat. I recommend to cook the eggs slow as this prevents them from drying out. Add in some fresh ground pepper and any herbs or spices you like. Melt a slice of cheese on top and serve on your bread of choice. I like to put a little ketchup on mine. Feel free to add in some spinach or veggies, or some meat if you’d like.

2. Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl

I use a Nutribullet to blend my smoothie base. Blend together:

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 frozen medium banana
• 1 tbs peanut butter or nut/seed-butter of choice
• 1 scoop protein powder
• dairy of choice

I use the Blessed Strawberry Mylk plant-based protein powder and unsweetened vanilla almond milk in my base. The milk should only fill up about half the height of all the fruit in the blender to ensure a thick, frozen base. I like to top my smoothie bowl with granola, walnuts, fresh strawberries, peanut butter, chia seeds, coconut flakes and cocoa nibs.

3. Eggs on Toast

Fry up two eggs however you prefer. Season with pepper and/or any herbs you like. Melt some cheddar or any cheese you prefer on top, and serve each fried egg on a piece of toast. I’ve been loving the Dave’s Killer Bread lately!

4. Crepes

Here is my homemade crepe recipe:

In a mixing bowl:

• 1 cup of all purpose flour
• 1 tbs white granulated sugar
• a dash of salt (about 1/4 tsp)
• 2 cups of 2% milk (I find that cow’s milk works better for these)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbs canola oil
• 1 egg

Whisk all ingredients together until batter is a watery consistency and smooth. If you need to add more milk then go for it. I like my crepes very thin, so the more watery the batter, the better. Preheat a large NON-STICK frying pan and spray generously or use butter. Once pan is nice and hot, pour a small ladle of batter into the pan and swirl it around until batter is dispersed around the pan. Wait about a minute for the crepe to start browning on the bottom and then flip. I like to serve my crepes with some fresh cut strawberries or bananas and real maple syrup!

5. Veggie Omelette with Avocado Toast

In a small bowl, mash half of a ripe avocado with salt, pepper and Trader Joe’s everything but the bagel seasoning. Spread onto a piece of bread and toast. In a small bowl, whisk together two eggs, a dash of milk, some seasonings, cheddar cheese and chunks of broccoli (or any veggie you have). Pour into a small frying pan and cook the omelette. I like to add extra cheese on top and then enjoy with the avocado toast.

6. Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie

With a nutribullet or any blender you prefer, blend together:

• 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 frozen medium banana
• milk of choice (I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk and put in a good amount so it blends easily)
• 1 tbs of peanut butter (or any nut/seed-butter you prefer)
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I like the Orgain plant based vanilla bean or Blessed Vanilla Chai)
• optional: blend in a 1/4 cup of Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Protein Granola or granola of choice)

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

7. Creamy Oatmeal with Fresh Banana & Peanut Butter

I like my oatmeal creamy and not dry, and here’s how I make it!

In a small saucepan or pot add:

• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2-3 tbs of Trader Joe’s Coconut Creamer
• dash of ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup of Quaker Steel Cut Oats Quick 3-Minute Oats

Cook for about three minutes or until creamy looking and liquids are absorbed. Add another two tablespoons of coconut creamer and serve in a bowl with your toppings of choice. I like to top mine with fresh sliced banana, creamy peanut butter and a sprinkle of chia seeds.

Check out my YouTube video on how I made each of these 7 easy breakfast ideas!

Comment below which one of these breakfast ideas you would try first!

The post 7 Easy Breakfast Ideas to Try at Home appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

Feeling comfortable with your personal safety is a part of living a happy and secure life. Many people are home alone for various reasons such as being a single mom, going off to college, getting your own place after graduating etc… There are a few simple precautions and investments that can effectively help you feel safer.

Find A Safe Apartment

When you are looking into finding a place to live, it can be wise to google the neighborhood’s crime rate. Look into your state’s safest cities to help you learn where you likely want to live. Pay attention to reviews of the area which can help reduce the likelihood of any serious security issues in the future. If you feel the neighborhood of your new apartment is safe, the neighbors seem friendly and you feel a sense of comfort, then you found an apartment worth investing in.

Install Security Cameras

Installing a security camera might be something you need to ask your landlord about. Having a security camera that is visible to potential burglars can alert them that your home is not worth the risk. There are cameras that you can even hook up to your phone so when you are not there, you can check in on your home. Installing security cameras can help you feel safer at home, and while your home is vacant during travels.

While many people live on their own and take safety precautions at home, a lot of people also own a business. Yourself, a family member, or a close friend may have recently opened a commercial business. Your brick-and-mortar business is just as important as your home, and should be taken care of with proper security measures. Tech Services of NJ is a company that has several quality reviews and state of the art technology. The best part is that they install the technology themselves to save you time, and ensure it’s done correctly. This NJ facility maintenance company offers 30 years of expert experience for facility maintenance, training, and handling the repairs of your business. If you or anyone you know owns a business and want to increase it’s security, I recommend looking into a quality security system!

Look At Emergency Exits

Before you move into your apartment, be sure to check the fire escapes and exit doors in the building. Make sure all exit doors and locks are not blocked. Figure out how to escape if a fire or natural disaster happens. Also, I recommend talking to your landlord about where the nearest exit is, where you should go if a fire does occur, and what other precautions you should take. 

Get To Know Neighbors

One way to feel safe in your apartment is to introduce yourself to neighbors in your building. If you live alone, you basically have to face everything yourself. Having a good relationship with your neighbors is beneficial as you can mutually help each other out (plus make a friend). If you are away on vacation or at work, a trustworthy neighbor can help alert you in a serious emergency.

Don’t Share That You Are Living Alone

While it might seem obvious to some if you are living by yourself, don’t share that information off hand to strangers. You could become an easy target, especially if they know you are alone. When it’s dark, make sure you keep some lights turned on inside and outside of your home. Burglars often avoid a well-lit-home. This can help protect your place from break-ins and make you feel safer while alone at night. Finally, once you have made friends with people you trust, ask them over to your place every now and then so it looks like a few people are around.

Living alone can be exciting, but you should definitely consider getting proper security. Knowing how to keep yourself safe both in your home or out of your home is vital. I would be cautious about posting your schedule on any social media pages. Additionally, I wouldn’t make it public information that you are sitting at home alone. Your safety and privacy are important when you are by yourself!

The post 5 Safety Tips for Living Alone appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.