Busy as a Bee Blog

Feel-Good

December 28, 2020

Fun and Easy Wedding Planning with Basic Invite-Guest Book for Wedding, Invites, and More!

As I previously mentioned, I was supposed to get married in November 2020. Like many couples, we had to postpone our nuptials, due to COVID. Now that we rescheduled our big day for October 2021, I am getting back into planning mode.

Before COVID, we had already booked the church, reception venue, and DJ, and we were luckily able to shift dates without a problem.

So, to get back in the swing of things, we took engagement pictures in October (we wanted to get an autumn background). If you are looking for a photographer around Boston, I highly recommend Liz Stefani Photography (@lizstefaniphotography on Instagram).

Next stop: Basic Invite. I previously have written about Basic Invite, but I wanted to share the cool wedding services and materials that they offer! Basic Invite offers online invites, Seal and Send wedding invitations, Save the Date cards, a guest book for wedding, free wedding printables, free wedding websites, as well as various items for your rehearsal dinner, Bridal shower, or Bachelorette party. They even offer thank you cards that you can send to your guests after the big day.

In terms of online invites, they are completely customizable-there are over 180 color options, as well as multiple sizes and shapes to choose from. And don’t worry, you can preview your online invites before sending them out to your guests! There are so many different choices, that you should have absolutely no trouble finding a design that speaks to you.

Through Basic Invite, you can also get a guest book for wedding, which is something that you can always remember your special day by. I love traditions, and a guest book is a great one. You are able to order a sample guest book, so you know what you are getting before you receive the final version. Like online invites, there are almost unlimited color options. There are even different themes. For example, you can get a guest book with a nautical theme for a Cape wedding.

I am so excited to order our wedding materials from Basic Invite. Are there any other couples out there getting married in 2021? How is your planning going?

Thank you to Basic Invite for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Feel-Good

December 9, 2020

My Three Favorite Things about the Holidays

This year did not go as expected, but there is a lot to be thankful for. Well into December, the holidays are right around the corner. I admit that I am not feeling quite as festive this year, but I have been listening to some Christmas tunes to try to get into the spirit. Even though this will not be a typical holiday, there is still plenty to look forward to. Here are three of my favorite things about this season:

Christmas songs: As I just mentioned, holiday music is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. Just throw some on in the car or while you’re taking a stroll (Spotify has numerous playlists). My current favorite? “O Holy Night,” by Sons of Serendip, who are Boston-based and appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2014. Singer Micah sang this acapella at Christmas mass last year, and it was amazing!
Snow: There is nothing like a white Christmas. Being in New England, getting snow around Christmastime is always magical. Something about the snow is so peaceful and cozy.
Christmas movies: I have so many holiday movie favorites; there are too many to name! I remember growing up and watching Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, and others. Does anyone else remember those movies?

What are your favorite things about the holidays? Do you have any recommendations for further getting into the spirit!?!

Thank you to my friend Jenny, who took this beautiful photo of her decorated home!

Noteworthy

November 30, 2020

Adulting 101: The Home Buying Process

As I have mentioned before, I am currently engaged. We originally were going to get married earlier this month but postponed until October 2021. Anyways, given that this major #adulting event is on the horizon, I have started to think about other major adult events-there is one happening right now in my own family!

My sister recently purchased a home with her husband in our hometown. Also, a few of my friends have begun to buy properties. I was curious as to what goes into the house-buying process, so I reached out to my sister with some questions. Here are some things to consider when it comes to the house-buying process

1. Why should I buy a property, rather than rent one?

If you own a property, you don’t have to worry about asking a landlord about renovations or painting. We also wanted a property with our own yard and space, so we did not have to worry about potential disruption from neighbors. We are really looking forward to decorating.

2. How did you and your partner decide on a comfortable budget?

We created a spreadsheet that summarized our monthly income and spending expenditures. This allowed us to find a comfortable budget.

3. Can you walk us through the buying process?

a) I definitely recommend having an app like Realtor.com, Zillow, or Trulia on your phone. I literally would check every day to see what homes come on the market in our areas. I found that homes usually come on the market on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Also, if you have a real estate agent you are working with, they can set up MLS listing emails that will come to you every time a home comes up with your desired parameters.

b) If you see a house you like, go to the open house. Usually, they are on the weekends. If you have a real estate agent, see if they can get you into the house early before the open house.

c) Once you get to the open house, take your time. This may be your only opportunity to look at the house (which is crazy), so look inside kitchen drawers, look at foundations, look in basement ceilings/walls for any signs of asbestos or mold. Be diligent. We often preferred to look at houses twice before making an offer. Do not be afraid to ask your agent to make a second appointment.

d) If you like the house, speak with your agent about making an offer. Hence, it is best to have an agent to work with. You may literally only have a six-hour window to decide if you would like to make an offer. So, your agent needs to be someone who you trust and who knows you’re looking for. You also want someone who really knows the market well in the area you are looking.

e) Before putting an offer in, you need to have a mortgage pre-approval letter from a mortgage company. Again, this is something your real estate agent can help you with. So, once you are serious about buying a home and know your budget, I would get this set up right away because it will take some time and it cannot be done at the last minute. Also, you may want to talk to a few mortgage companies to ensure you are getting the best rate.

f) Decide with your agent how much you are offering on the desired house. The paperwork can be done digitally but will take about 2-3 hours. You may also want to add a personal touch and write a note to the seller about your love for the home.

g) Your agent takes it from there. You may need to negotiate with the seller or if there are other buyers you may end up in a bidding war….Fingers crossed for good luck!

h) If your offer is accepted, you will need to provide a deposit check, usually for $1,000 to the seller’s agent.

i) You have a certain number of days to complete the home inspection. If something significant is found, you can back out after the home inspection and receive your deposit back. Have your realtor walk you through this.

j) After you accept the inspection and make it clear that you wish to move forward, your realtor will put you in touch with an attorney, who will draft the Purchase and Sales Agreement. At this point, you will be asked to pay a down payment.

k) Then, the mortgage company will go to the house and appraise it. Make sure to purchase homeowner’s insurance in the meantime, as you will need it before closing.

l) Closing is about a month to two after the purchase and sales. After some signatures, the house is yours!

4. How is the buying process different during COVID-19?

Right now, the open house process looks very different. Sales in Boston suburbs have become even more competitive, which we did not anticipate. Many homes we looked at and put offers on went for at least 60,000 dollars over asking and had multiple offers (as many as 15!). Also, in most cases, you need to have your agent sign you up for a time slot during the open house. You will have 15 minutes to look. That’s it. You may also have to sign a release form saying that you do not have Covid-19 symptoms and will have to wear a mask, sanitize and maybe even wear disposable booties and gloves.

5. What other tips do you have for potential home buyers?

Definitely explore the area before you decide to make an offer on a property! Also, know that your bid will most likely be rejected numerous times before being accepted.

Thanks to my sister for providing me with insight into the momentous adult event of purchasing a home. For anyone who is moving or looking to move, please be sure to check out Fresh Start -The Moving Crew. They are based out of Worcester, MA, and serve all of New England. They can help you with all of your moving needs. Established in 2012, they are licensed and insured, which saves you in case of any mishaps. If you need help packing and moving in Worcester, they are a go-to.

Thank you to Fresh Start -The Moving Crew, for sponsoring this post. All views and opinions are my own.

Feel-Good

October 13, 2020

My Three Favorite Things About Fall

Happy Fall! Like many things this year, this summer didn’t go as planned for me. I unfortunately had some health issues, including a concussion, which I had never experienced before. I also battled low energy levels, as my doctor found out that my B12 levels were low, as well as stomach issues.

It’s now October and I can HAPPILY say that all of those health issues are behind me. Back in May, which seems like a lifetime ago, I wrote that I would post more, but due to what was going on in my life, that didn’t happen.

I used to beat myself up about not getting everything done that I wanted to. I still do this and am still hard on myself, but not as much as I used to be. This change in thinking is accompanied by my goal to be more positive-I try to take a look at everything that I am doing, instead of what I am not doing.

Some things that I did this spring/summer that I am proud of include eating healthier, getting into better physical shape, getting back into playing music and helping local organizations obtain PPE masks.

Fall is my favorite season by far. When I think of fall, I think of cozy plaid scarves, colored leaves, pumpkins, Taylor Swift’s Red album (other Swifites will relate to this), boots and sweaters.

That is why we chose to get married in the fall. Our wedding date was supposed to be this November. Like many planned nuptials, it is not happening this year. Though this was obviously a major event that I was looking forward to, I am trying to be more positive (see above) and focus on the things that I enjoy about this season in general. Here are three things that I love about this season.

Apple picking: As a New Englander, I grew up with my family going apple picking pretty much every year. It is important to go in September/early October, otherwise it is easy to miss the season. This year we went with my entire family, including Nick and my sister’s husband (and doggo). After picking apples, we helped ourselves to cider and donuts. Apple picking is a great way to kick off the fall season!
Halloween: I love Halloween-I have no idea why! I don’t like candy (other than chocolate) or horror movies, but I still love this holiday. It’s just so fun! I think it brings me back to childhood a bit. One of my favorite Halloween activities is watching Hocus Pocus. It is always fun to take a trip to Salem, MA during the month of October, as well.
A sense of renewal: There is a quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald (who wrote my favorite book, The Great Gatsby) that I love: “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Because the school year always started in the Fall, there is the mindset of a new beginning-at least I feel it is. Time to set some goals! My goals right now are to sustain my new healthier lifestyle and get back on the horse with blogging.

What are your favorite things about fall?

Feel-Good

May 28, 2020

Life Update: May 2020

You guys, it has been NINE months since I last posted. That is INSANE! Sometimes life just gets so busy; I think that we can all relate.

A lot has happened in the last nine months. I think the biggest news is that I got engaged in December, right before Christmas. Luckily, I decided to get my nails done that morning (something that I never do). I loved that I was able to get my ring from Brilliant Earth, which is a jeweler that sells conflict-free diamonds. So, it was a very Merry Christmas this year. We originally planned for a November wedding this year, but we decided to postpone it a year, due to the current quarantine situation.

Fast forward to March. I normally live in Boston but decided to quarantine with my parents in Cape Cod. I am able to spend time with my dog (who is sadly getting older and older, despite her looking like a little puppy) and parents, save money, and my mom has provided some nutritious cooking! I try to take walks and go on the bike. This has resulted in healthy changes for me (more about that later).

There have been challenges, of course, but I’m very thankful for my health and that of my family and friends. Hopefully, we can all get back to normal in a timely fashion, and it has been wonderful seeing the outpouring of support for those in need during this time.

Health/ Style & Beauty

August 22, 2019

Testing At Home Teeth Whitening with Smile Brilliant

I have had a very cool collaboration in the works! I was THRILLED when Smile Brilliant reached out to me about their teeth whitening system. I am not a coffee drinker, except for Starbucks lattes (#acidreflux), but my teeth really needed some touching up. I am happy to report that Smile Brilliant offers a stress-free, convenient method for anyone on the go! I have personally never used any whitening products in the past.

Here is how Smile Brilliant Works: For $149, you will receive a kit. The kit
contains the ingredients to make molds of your teeth (super easy), and you send them back to the Smile Brilliant lab in the provided envelope. These molds will be used to make trays. You will receive your trays about a week or two later.

In the original package, I received a whitening gel and a desensitizing gel. It is recommended to use 1/3-1/4 of the whitening syringe provided in your tray. After about 5-7 sessions, I started noticing a difference in the color of my teeth. Suggested sessions for whitening are between 45 minutes to 3 hours. What I love about the Smile Brilliant whitening process, is that it is so convenient and easy! I would wear the trays in on my morning commute. I also used desensitizing gel after, which is suggested for someone with sensitive teeth. I would say at about 10-12 sessions is when I stopped the whitening process.

If you would like a chance to win a Smile Brilliant whitening kit (valued at $149, click here)! Or if you prefer a 15% off coupon, here is a code: busyasabeeblog15

Tooth Whitening Gel

Style & Beauty

July 26, 2019

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As much as I tried to stay away, the deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are just too good. I honestly forgot I had a Nordstrom Rewards card that I got back in 2014, granting me early access to the sale. However, I did not decide to shop it until it opened to the general public last week (I told you that I tried to stay away!). I ordered just a few items from the sale, which I point out, but I had many more pieces in mind. Read on to see all my picks from the sale!

Lace Midi Dress: I’ve seen quite a few bloggers modeling this dress. It comes in so many colors and is perfect for a summer wedding. I had it in my cart, but forced myself to take it out when I rationalized that I have plenty of other wedding guest dresses.
Knit Midi Skirt: A black skirt is a staple in any professional girl’s closet. This one is at a great price, as it is made by Halogen. It comes in regular sizing as well as petite. Also, I’m a fan of any skirt or dress that has pockets.
Corlina Ankle Strap Sandal: These shoes come in a bunch of colors. I went with nude, because nude heels are a closet staple. Also, I love Vince Camuto, because they are comfortable and a reasonable price. For this reasoning, this was one of the few items from the sale that I purchased.
One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace: I am very into classic, versatile jewelry (though I do love an occasional statement necklace). This initial necklace is cute and quirky.

5. Single Breasted Plaid Wool Blend Topper: That is quite a mouthful! Any New Englander knows that coats and jackets are worth investing in, because sometimes winter seems to never end. I saw Arielle of Something Navy modeling this coat, and loved it, due to the classic, yet unique pattern.

6. Bias Cut A-Line Skirt: I had my eye on a few different midi skirts in the sale, and decided to purchase this one, mostly due to the reasonable price (it is also made by Halogen). It comes in a few different colors, but I went with the burgundy, so that I could wear this into the fall.

7. Wide Leg Crop Pants: This was the third item that I purchased! I always have a hard time finding summery pants. It comes in two colors, but I went with the floral (gotta get those floral prints in while you can).

So there you have it! I purchased items #3, #6 and #7. I loved so many items in the sale, but these ones made the most practical sense to me. Did you shop the sale? What did you get?

Style & Beauty

June 10, 2019

Gift Jord Watches for Any Timeless Occasion

I have been on the hunt for a new classy watch for a while. So when Jord Wood Watches reached out, I was thrilled. After I submitted my wrist size (Jord does this for all orders) I chose the Sier Arcadia watch, made out of rose gold and white marble. The watch features an interchangeable gold mesh and white leather band. I LOVE that I can wear this watch to the gym, work and anywhere else.

Jord is an awesome company, offering both women’s and men’s watches. With Father’s Day around the corner, a watch would make a great gift for Dad. Another idea? It is wedding season, how about watches for the happy couple!? Most watch backplates can even be engraved/personalized for a personal touch. Got an Apple watch? No problem-Jord offers Apple watch bands. I love how Jord offers a one-year warranty and no-hassle free shipping/exchange worldwide!

I am hosting a special $100 gift code to Jord Wood Watches. The contest will run until 6/16/2019 11:59 PM and you must redeem your code within a month of receiving it. No purchase necessary. Even if you don’t win, you can receive a 10% off gift code! With all the special occasions coming up, now is the perfect time to gift a Jord watch (even to yourself!). Follow https://www.jordwatches.com/g/busyasabee to enter!

Wooden Wrist Watch

Feel-Good

March 28, 2019

Basic Invite-Unlimited Options

Happy almost-Friday! One of the reasons that I started this blog was to celebrate all occasions in life! What better way than a party, right? Basic Invite is an awesome company, offering all sorts of answers to your party and stationary needs.

One way to celebrate milestones in your life? Graduation! When I was in both high school and college, I was very lucky in that my parents celebrated these momentous occasions. Do you know anybody graduating this year? Now is the perfect time to plan their celebration!

Basic Invite features pretty graduation invitations, including graduation trunk party invitations and high school graduation invitations. In case you are wondering, a graduation trunk party means sending a college freshman off with all of their necessities!

Not only does Basic Invite feature pretty graduation invitations, but also stationery and business cards! What differentiates this company from others is almost unlimited colors, custom samples, 40 different colors in envelopes, a unique address capturing service and foil invites (rose gold is my favorite)!

I can’t wait to celebrate life’s festivities with Basic Invit e. Right now is the perfect time to do so, too, with their 15% off discount code: 15FF51.

Thank you to Basic Invite for sponsoring this post!

Feel-Good

March 21, 2019

Three Things I am Looking Forward to

Happy Spring! Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. I realize it’s been a while since my last post, and I wanted to share three things that I am looking forward to right now!

I’ve written about the awesome work that the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation does, and this Sunday, March 24, marks the second STRIKE for Vanessa event. I went last year, and I was overwhelmed by the crowd that came out. This year’s self-defense/women’s empowerment event will once again be celebrity self-defense expert, Avital Zeisler, of the Soteria Method. RSVP here!
Recently, Smile Brilliant reached out and I am lucky enough to be able to try out their teeth whitening trays. Currently, my trays are being made in the lab and I cannot wait to share the process and results with you all!
Where all my Boston bloggers at!? Recently, I have really enjoyed getting to know other Boston Bloggers through Bloggers Live Boston. If you aren’t a member and are a New England blogger, I highly suggest investing in a monthly membership (it’s only $5 a month). Not only does their website feature a wealth of information, but also awesome meet-ups with other bloggers! I am looking forward to their Allsaints event March 29!

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