Category: Lifestyle

TURNING A SMALL SPACE INTO FARIS’S PLAY AREA

Today, I am sharing Faris’ play area. It was really hard for us to find a space in our home to make a dedicated space just for him. We don’t have spare room that we could turn that room into playroom. However, we do have this small rectangular space upstairs that was originally going to be a small home office space. It’s a great area for built-in cabinets and a desk but we decided to convert it into Faris’ play area.

Today, I am sharing Faris’ play area. It was really hard for us to find a space in our home to make a dedicated space just for him. We don’t have spare room that we could turn that room into playroom. However, we do have this small rectangular space upstairs that was originally going to be a small home office space. It’s a great area for built-in cabinets and a desk but we decided to convert it into Faris’ play area. 

    It actually worked out perfectly! I mean I wish I had a spare room for a bigger area and a where I could add built-in cabinets for his toys. But this is a great alternative for now. 

    Most of the items in his play area are from Amazon or HomeSense. These cute frames really suit his personality as he loves to play with his trucks. I love his TABLE with the added storage. Since this space does not have a storage area, this helps me put all his art work, puzzles and colours. Great way to hide anything I don’t want to display. 

      I love his EASEL! It’s double sided with a whiteboard and chalkboards . It’s perfect for his height and it’s adjustable as he grows. If you know me, you know I love to buy things that are not only cute but also functional. I love the bottom storage area to place all his paints. Love his cute rug – from H&M. I wanted to have a small rug, so it won’t take over the space but would bring out warmth to the space instead. 

      Here you go!! Hope you enjoyed my mini play area makeover. Let me know in comments what do you think! 

      XO 

      Mubina 

      DYI – POP of Hearts

      I love Valentine’s Day!! I don’t really decorate my house for this day but why not sprinkle some hearts as cute décor? Hehe ..You can set these hearts pretty much anywhere.

      I love Valentine’s Day!! I don’t really decorate my house for this day but why not sprinkle some hearts as cute décor? Hehe ..You can set these hearts pretty much anywhere.

      Materials

      1. Felt fabric sheets (you can pick your desired colours)
      2.  Sharpie
      3. Cotton thread
      4. Sewing needle
      5. Scissors
      6. Heart shape stencil (optional)

      Steps:

      1. Draw a heart. You can draw a free-hand heart or you can use a heart-shaped stencil.
      2. Repeat the Step 1 twice.
      3. Cut them out.
      4. Thread the needle (be careful!).
      5. Align both heart together and put the needle in from top of the heart. Make sure you leave half an inch space from the shape of the heart and where the threading is going in (see pictures for reference).
      6. Repeat Step 5 until you’re about a third of the way complete.  
      7. Cut your excess fabric into small pieces.  You use this to stuff the heart.
      8. Continue Step 5 until you’re almost done and fill the heart with more small scraps and close it with threading.
      9. To close the threading, the stitching should go under the thread and over (see pictures for reference).
      10.  All done!

      If you happen to make this DIY please share your photos with me over on my social accounts as I would LOVE to see them!!!

      XOXO

      Mubina

      WFH with the toddler: My tips

      It’s already hard enough to do anything while your toddler is on the loose. Adding your full time job in the mix makes things even more challenging. I went back to work from maternity leave a couple months ago and I have learned a few things along the way that made me productive but allowed me to be able to spend guilt- free time with my work.During lockdown, I couldn’t send my son, Faris, to daycare or set play dates. I had to take this matters into my own hands.

      It’s already hard enough to do anything while your toddler is on the loose. Adding your full time job in the mix makes things even more challenging. I went back to work from maternity leave a couple months ago and I have learned a few things along the way that made me productive but allowed me to be able to spend guilt- free time with my work.

      During lockdown, I couldn’t send my son, Faris, to daycare or set play dates. I had to take this matters into my own hands.

      1. Schedule your day
        When I am most organized, I am more productive. I know what is coming next. It’s all in my head. My son eats breakfast and takes nap regularly on the daily but something about writing it down makes things official hehe. I suggest writing every small detail…this way in case your day goes south, you can always come back and see what is left and prioritize for the next day.
      1. Use nap time for meetings or important stuff
        I really look forward to this, since my son only takes one nap a day, soo I only have small window to myself. I book my Zoom/phone call meetings during this time. My point is when they’re taking a nap, try to wrap as many emails and meetings as you can so when he’s up, you can manage other things. Baby things!
      1. Have your secret weapon ready (in desperate moments)
        We can NEVER plan for everything!!! I can’t stress this enough. I am not a perfect mom and not I am planning to be one. If at the last minute, my boss wants to speak to me or I have to write important email, I let my son watch TV. Lately, he loves to watch The Wiggles and during this time I can quickly wrap up and not feeling guilty of neglecting him.
      1. Encourage individual playtime
        I learned something from “Inta” the importance of individual playtime for your kids. I always encourage my son to have his alone time, whether in the swing when he was baby or now with his toys. This is time, I gate the play area and let myself either continue work or take a break for myself. Don’t forget, its important take a 15 min breaks and lunch break… just as if you were at work and need to step away from your screen and clear your head.
      1. Make time for your kids

      When you’re not working, spend some one of one time with each kid individually. I only have one, so I try to make sure I give my undivided attention to him, which means no phone, TV or anything that can be distracting. Usually, I take him to the park or on a bike ride. Doing anything out doors helps both of us feel refreshed and calm.

      Well, there you have it! I hope some of you found this blog post helpful!

      TODDLER | GIFT GUIDE

      I love buying toys for my son, neices, and nephews. Especially for special occasions. I really like wooden toys. Not just for their classic toy look but also because I find they last longer.

      1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

      I love buying toys for my son, neices, and nephews. Especially for special occasions. I really like wooden toys.  Not just for their classic toy look but also because I find they last longer. 

      Some of these toys my sons favourite. He’s 19 months old and he loves playing with wooden trucks and also 3-in-1 Sports Zone. They keep him busy and thoroughly entertained! 

      Last year, his grandparents bought him sleigh and let me tell you, he absolutely ADORES  it!! As parents, we love it because it’s an easy and fun way to have him come along for walks. 

      Here are some of my favourite toy picks for toddlers. Happy shopping 🙂 

      How to organize Kitchen Cabinets

      I sure you all agree having an organized kitchen is the best feeling. When I had my baby last year, I had to re-organize the cabinets to include his stuff. To be honest, kitchen organization is an ongoing journey…but here are some tips that might help!

      I sure you all agree having an organized kitchen is the best feeling. When I had my baby last year, I had to re-organize the cabinets to include his stuff. To be honest, kitchen organization is an ongoing journey…but here are some tips that might help!

      4 Easy Steps to organizing your Kitchen Cabinets

      Step 1: Take Everything out of your cabinets

      Declutter take everything out of the cabinets, sort, and make a pile of things you don’t need. This way you know what to keep and what throw out or donate. This stage is very critical; if you don’t sort out things then the process of strategy of cabinets is going to be overwhelming.


      Step 2: Strategize your Cabinets

      According to your everyday needs plan and even label the upper and lower cabinet. Ideally the upper cabinet you put dinner plates, dessert bowls, glasses, cups, dish trays and lower cabinet you store pots and pans, cooking appliances such as toaster, juicer, or blender.

      Step 3: Storing items in the cabinets – Sort and Arrange

      This is a fun stage, where you put everything back in the cabinets. Make sure you arrange them with your style of cooking. Cookware should be closer to the stove and bake ware should be closer to the oven. This way, its easy to find and functional at the same time.

      Step 4: Maintain the organized kitchen – Make a plan

      This is very important to remember to keep up with it. Set a weekly quick kitchen clean up, where you make sure all the items are where they supposed to and if not you can arrange it how it was. This is way you’re not overwhelming yourself and keep your kitchen organized and clean!

      I hope you found this blog helpful! What is your strategy behind your organized kitchen cabinets?

      Share in the comments!
      XO!

      WEEKLY FAVOURITE | 5 Olive Tree Worth The Investment

      As I am sure you know, the Olive Tree is trending in 2020 as a must have and it’s definitely here to stay for couple more years!

      1. ARTIPLANTO 2. ETSY 3. CRATE AND BARREL 4. AMAZON 5. POTTERY BARN

      As I am sure you know, the Olive Tree is trending in 2020 as a must have and it’s definitely here to stay for couple more years! Personally, when I purchase big decor items like this for my house, I like to treat them like an invest because I don’t swap them out for a while. Currently, I am remodelling my living room and I’m looking for a Faux Olive Tree for one of the corners of my living room. 

      Some are bit pricey compared to others but can be worth it depending on the look you’re going for. One thing to keep in mind when shopping is how tall and how wide you want the branches to be. It’s important to be be mindful of its size in proportion to the size of the room it will be in. 

      Happy shopping!!