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Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

If The Shoe Fits: Sassy Skeleton Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Sassy Skeleton Platforms Edition

Hello hello everyone and welcome to the last issue of If The Shoe Fits from my Dolls Kill Black Friday haul. It was so much fun browsing through their selection, picking out the ideal pairs for Lil Red, and eagerly awaiting their arrival in the mail. Well, that last part was a lie because the anticipation was literally killing me – but that’s neither here nor there. Anyways, check out my last pair of platforms from Dolls Kill compliments of their Halloween collection and let’s discuss:

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With a special shout out to human anatomy and the spooky season, these taller than life platforms spoke to me on a spiritual level. I love their exaggerated platform shape and the contrast of the jet black with the pale grey vertebrates climbing up the heel. I am a firm believer in living every day like it’s Halloween because that’s just the emo kid in me and these heels are the perfect ones to enact that with.

Whether you pair these with your best black skinnies or sport it with a black or pale pink tulle skirt, you will be sure to make a statement. You can keep your look edgy or soften it up as much as you like for a punk touch to your OOTD. Either way, you will be the best warm body of the ball in these skeleton platforms. Just don’t break a bone trying to strut around in them! Ba dum chhhhhhhhhh.

What is your favorite holiday to dress for? What is your favorite pair of shoes from my Dolls Kill haul? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Bat Wing Baby Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Bat Wing Baby Platforms Edition

Howdy! When shopping Dolls Kill on Black Friday, I was very drawn to their sassy but spooky Halloween collection. From devil horns and bat wings to skeletons (Which you will see tomorrow!), the horror genre lover in me went a little crazy. I just couldn’t help myself, though, and ended up with some amazing statement pieces – like the bat wing platforms by Sugar Thrillz seen below:

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Man oh MAN do I love these heels. They’re just pure fun and the purple translucent wings take them completely over the top. I also really like the funky shape of the heel. The overall look is so vampy with the perfect amount of cheek to it and that’s what makes the shoes on Dolls Kill so special. They all are a tad tongue in cheek and they will definitely start a conversation where ever you go.

I am so looking forward to busting these open platforms out during the summer time with all of the short shorts, maxi skirts, and dresses. I can’t wait to see them poking out beneath maxi length pieces as well as being completely out there, bat wings flapping in the breeze, in the shorties.

Obviously, these are going to be excellent for the Halloween season and will be a great option for parties that I don’t feel like dressing up to. My new platforms along with a spooky chic ensemble is a costume all in itself!

How do you sport a spooky chic look? What is your favorite Halloween character or animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Creating A Forever Home For A Rescue Dog

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Creating A Forever Home For A Rescue Dog

If you are considering getting a dog, you may want to look at getting one from a rehoming center. Dogs can bring joy to your home, and the right dog will feel like a part of your family. But, with so many dogs being given up for various sad reasons, there are plenty of sweet pups that need new loving forever homes, and you may be the people to give that to them. You can start with the following tips:

Looking For Your Rescue Dog:

Many rescue centers will list the dogs that they have on their website. With a brief description and photo, you can see if there are any that catch your eye. The best way to find the right dog, though, is to pay a visit to the rescue center and see all of the dogs that they have to see which appeals.

It may take several visits to find the right dog for you, but you do need to remember that you are keeping that dog for life, so make sure that they are the right dog before committing.

Things To Keep In Mind:

Sadly, some dogs will have had a rough time before going into the center. We may never know their histories or the circumstances that brought them there. You will need to keep this in mind, as a rescue dog may have some anxieties or be nervous around certain people or animals. They may have also developed separation anxiety which can become difficult to manage.

With the help of a behaviorist, however, it is possible to help many dogs with emotional problems and in many cases, after a few months of living with you, they will adapt and become less anxious.

Shopping For Your New Dog:

There are a lot of things that you’ll need to get for your new dog. A bed, lead, treats, and more. Finding the right food is going to be important. Check out Freshpet dogfood reviews to find healthy food that your dog will enjoy. Picking the right food is crucial, as many dog foods are like human food, and are packed with preservatives and fat. Keeping your dog’s diet healthy will help to reduce the chances of illness later in life.

Letting Your Dog Settle In:

It can take a few months for your rescue dog to fully settle into your home. During this time, they may challenge boundaries. It is important that you use positive reinforcement to train your dog so that they learn how to behave in your home and when you are out together. This means rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, rather than telling them off when they have done something wrong. Teaching your dog about the right way to behave ensures that they are happy and are able to listen to you. Consider enrolling your dog in some training classes to help you.

Adopting a rescue pup will give you and your pet a whole new lease on life – congrats on welcoming your new furry friend into your home!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Paranormal Activity Update

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Paranormal Activity Update

Hello!! So as you guys might remember, I experienced a few instances of paranormal activity in my apartment when I first moved in. It definitely gave me the creeps but, luckily, after those initial encounters, I haven’t had any cases of unexplained occurrences happen at chez moi. That is, until about one week ago.

I had an unexpected day off on Monday because a client was sick, so I went back to bed for a while and then got up and began to get some writing done. That’s when I heard the catchphrase of little Agnes from Despicable Me, “IT’S SO FLUFFY” coming from my office.

In my office, I have a closet. In this closet, there is my hair dye hoard on one of the top shelves on the left wall, some boxes from when I moved in, and plastic bags from grocery shopping. And, tucked into the corner of the right wall is a bag of stuffed animals, one of which is the stuffed unicorn from Despicable Me, whose paw you can squeeze (Quite hard, I might add.) to hear phrases from the movie.

Because you have to physically squeeze the paw with some extra oomph because of it’s awkward shape, there’s just no way this could have happened on its own. When I checked my closet, nothing fell on the stuffed animals or was out of place in any way. It just happened.

I’d be a liar if I said that I haven’t been freaked out since this paranormal activity occurred, especially because it has been such a long time since I moved in. I don’t think my ghostly friend is trying to be mean, though. Maybe it was just his or her little way of saying “hello” and that they’re still here.

Am I thrilled about it? Not particularly. But, who’s to say that people and spirits can’t live in harmony?!

Have you ever experienced paranormal activity? What did you do about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Golden Wonder Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Golden Wonder Edition

Hello! I was so excited for my weekly bath time extravaganza this past week because I got to use part of my Christmas gift from the darling Kate of Live In The Nautical. Kate knows my affinity for Lush products and always treats me with bath and body care goodies during gift giving occasions. For Christmas, I was presented with the Golden Wonder holiday themed bath bomb and it was a sparkling, shimmering delight! Check it out:

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The first thing I noticed about the Golden Wonder bath bomb was the glitter! Just touching it left bright gold fairy dust on my hands and this made me so happy because the sparkly bath bombs put me in a mermaid state of mind, despite being in freezing cold Ohio! I was imagining a tub full of liquid gold during my first glance at Golden Wonder but it was so much better than that.

As soon as the bath bomb hit the water, it exploded with bursts of gold and green. Shortly after, the gift box shape broke in two and out came shooting stars of yellow, orange, pink, and blue. But the best part? The tiny jelly stars that were peppered throughout the water that gave ultimate hydration once rubbed on your skin.

I love when bath bombs put on a show and Golden Wonder definitely didn’t disappoint. I was mesmerized by the assortment of colors, the movement of the bath bomb, the swirling glitter, and the rich blue hue that my bath water ultimately ended up as. After watching the bath bomb fizz away, it was so nice to sink into the warm water and I ended my bath time feeling like a million bucks. Thanks, Kate!

I would absolutely recommend the Golden Wonder bath bomb and will rate it with an eight out of ten. It was festive for the season and being surprised when the box broke open and the colors came rushing out made for an exciting bath bomb show. 😀

What is your favorite Lush bath bomb? What is your favorite bath bomb color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Merry Christmas!!

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Merry Christmas!!

Hello everyone and a very Merry Christmas to all of you! No matter how you celebrate in the holiday season, I hope that it has been a happy time full of warmth, love, family, and friends. I have been looking forward to Christmas day for a long time now and I’m sure everyone else on my gift list has been too, so that I can quit badgering them to let me announce what I bought for them!! But, the time is finally here and I can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions to their presents.

Last Christmas, I was recovering from a horrible surgery gone wrong and couldn’t enjoy anything about the day. I was in an insane amount of pain and I may or may not have shit my pants while everyone was eating Christmas dinner… but that’s a story for another time. THE POINT IS, that this year I get to actually be mentally and physically present for one of my favorite days with my beautiful family and boyfriend and I am going to revel in every minute of it.

I am so thankful to be well enough to have a great day and my Christmas wish is that the same goes for all of you on your celebrated holidays or Christmas. As always, thank you for your continued love and support and happy holidays to all! Much love. -Sarah

6 Ways To Improve The Appearance Of The Front Of Your Home

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6 Ways To Improve The Appearance Of The Front Of Your Home

It’s relatively easy to stay on top of the interior of your home. That space, after all, is a place that you see again and again, and if something isn’t quite as good as it could be, then you’ll notice it pretty quickly. But the exterior of your home is a little different. While it’s a space that you see every day, we usually end up walking through the front door without looking around and inspecting whether it’s in as good of shape as it could be.

But there’s a lot of value in taking the time to ensure that this part of your house is in tip-top condition. Among other benefits, it can nudge your home’s value in the right direction. In fact, the home’s curb appeal is one of the first things that potential homeowners look for when searching for a house.

So if your home’s front isn’t quite as great as it could be, then what can you do? We take a look at a few tried and tested tips below:

Add Some Green:

Everything looks better with a little bit of color splashed on it, and that includes the front of your home. There aren’t too many spaces in the world where you’re able to add plants and flowers, so don’t waste the opportunity that your front yard presents. If you’re not an experienced gardener, then you can start small, perhaps by planting a couple of plants that are native to your area. A hanging flower basket over your front door will look especially good, and it’s easy enough to care for. There’s also a lot of studies that say plants can help boost your mood, so you might just be making your house a more joyful place in the process.

Upgraded Doors:

And speaking of your front door, it’s not just a hanging flower basket that can make it look better. You can change out the door itself, and improve the aesthetics of your house. They say that if you want to keep your home’s value intact, then you shouldn’t add too much of your personality to your property, but there are a couple of spaces where you’re able to add some sparkle – and that includes your front door. Look at switching it out to something new and improved; it will make the whole exterior of the house look better, especially if you choose a statement color.

Clean Windows:

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that windows are just windows, but this isn’t the case. While people tend to change them out for newer windows only when they have an obvious fault, such as when there’s a crack, it’s worth remembering that windows do need changing before it reaches this stage. If it has been some years since you’ve changed your windows, then look at upgrading them with a Window installation service in Frisco, TX or your local area. You will be surprised at just how much of a difference a bright and clear set of windows can make to your home.

Big Changes:

Just as with the windows, people seem to think that you should only make a change to the infrastructure of your home when there’s something obviously wrong with it. But it’s not the case, with the front of your house or the roofing. If your home is looking a little tired, then look at having it repainted by a professional company. It’ll make your home shine again. For your roof, you can work with a roofing company and get a replacement fitted. It’ll make your home look refreshed and modern.

Upgrading your roof is a big task to take on but it will pay off in spades. A refreshed roof is an instant face lift for your home, can boost curb appeal, and raise property value. With so many benefits at stake, you will want to plan, budget, and work extensively with a trusted team of experts. To begin researching the best company for you, simply enter a search for “Roofing Company In Mansfield, TX” (or your local area). This research stage can also be most helpful in finding an updated style that appeals to you.

Creating Privacy:

You’ll want your home to look good to your visitors, but that doesn’t mean that you should be showing off your house to the whole world, or at least making it easily accessible. A home with a front yard that’s too easily accessible loses something. So it’s worthwhile to look at making it more private. There are multiple ways to do this. You can make your home feel more cozy by adding a hedge or you can keep it on display, but not accessible, by adding a front gate.

Staying Symmetrical:

Finally, there’s one final rule that you should keep in mind no matter what you’re trying to do to your yard: keep things symmetrical. It’s a little trick that can make your house look a lot better. It’s one of those things that our eyes like to see, from people’s faces to buildings. Do we know why? No! But we like it!

Boost your home’s curb appeal by revamping its exterior – making it feel brand new again in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

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Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

Hellooo everyone! There is nothing better than purchasing a little pick me up from time to time and that rings true from when I *shockingly* only snagged one thing during my last trip to TJMaxx with my mom. The new headband that I got was only four dollars making that my least expensive TJs excursion to date! Let’s all honor this achievement with a brief round of applause…..

Thank you.

Anyways, I always love tiny wardrobe updates that can transform one of your outfits without breaking the bank. And, with super 70s vibes, this headband will make for a fun retro addition to my OOTDs. Check it out:

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I have become a huge fan of hair accessories this past year. From cute clips and barrettes to headbands and ribbons, I love the unique pop that perks up my do for the day. As soon as I saw my latest TJs purchase, I knew that I was going to need it. The deep gem toned palette along with the swirling pattern and knot on top makes it just right for a salute to the 70s.

This headband will be the perfect addition to an OOTD of a mini A-line skirt, tight sweater, cable knit stockings, and smart oxfords for a modern take on a retro style. I have already gotten so many compliments on my tiny treat and it is a great option for a lazy hair day when I don’t feel like straightening it. It instantly enhances all of my features because of the flattering colors and I go from “blah” to “BAM” in mere seconds!

Despite not having a major haul like usual when I shop at TJs, I was so satisfied with this purchase – which proves the power of a Tiny Treat Yoself. 😀

What is your favorite goodie to buy when you need a pick me up? How would you rock this headband? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Make Your Home Feel Like Christmas

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How To Make Your Home Feel Like Christmas

It’s winter, the days are shorter, and the feeling of wanting to stay inside and watch movies is getting stronger by the minute. Not to worry, most of us have had the winter blues at some point. Christmas is an excellent opportunity to get into the festive spirit, decorate your home, and invite friends and family over to enjoy the holidays with you. Here’s how to make your home feel like Christmas for your celebrations:

Make it smell nice:

Having Kindred Fires scented candles around the house can do wonders for getting you into the festive spirit. Feel free to change candles throughout the week, and try pine-scented candles as well as clove and cinnamon. Along with candles, if you have a real Christmas tree, the natural smell of pine will go beautifully with other Christmasy scents. Feel free to make your own candles if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!

Make warming recipes:

A delicious way to dine this Christmas is to create wholesome dishes that will keep you warm this winter. While you may want to save yourself for the big day, the Christmas period is a time for indulging so don’t feel bad for having a few extra treats. Recipes that taste particularly good when it’s cold include soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. Traditional recipes and comfort food can be enjoyed in abundance during this time. Try to cook this recipe for homemade chicken and drop dumplings, a delicious recipe that is both seasonal and harks back to grandma’s cooking.

Light it up:

Placing lights around your house will automatically give it a Christmas feeling. Keep the lighting warm and low, with soft lamps and candles rather than overhead lighting. Outdoor lights will go wonderfully in your backyard, especially when the sun has set and you look outside your window in the evening. There are many kinds of lights that you can go for, but consider using energy-saving lights, as the cost of lighting decorations and electric lights over Christmas can be very expensive.

Set up treats around your home:

Setting up bowls or jars around the house filled with Christmas goodies is a nice way to enjoy some sweet treats while also functioning as decoration. Cute ideas include filling these bowls or jars with candy canes, chocolate coins, and marshmallows. Having these treats on hand is great when you’re making hot chocolate, as you can grab a couple of marshmallows or chocolate pieces to add on top.

Blankets, throws, and cushions:

Staying cozy at home with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate or mulled cider automatically makes me feel Christmasy. Having blankets and throws on your couch adds a nice winter feel, especially if you are lucky enough to have a natural fire. Thick knit blankets and woolen cushion covers are both comfy and fashionable additions to your interior design.

Spending time with loved ones is the best way to enjoy Christmas. After all, that’s what the season is all about. How ever you choose to enjoy the winter period, keep it festive with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

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The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

Training your dog will not only help make your life significantly easier each day, but it’ll also provide your dog with the consistency he or she craves. Not everyone looks at it this way, but dogs benefit from good training far more than owners do, whether it’s done as a puppy or later in life.

If you’re about to embark on the journey of training your dog, it’s important to consider how to approach it and which factors will have the biggest impact on your pup. Find out more below:

Clear Rules:

Whether it’s for inside the home or when you’re out walking, it’s important that you have clear rules in place for how you want your dog to behave and that you communicate those rules as consistently as possible for the best outcomes. If the rules aren’t clear to your dog in some way, they’ll simply be ignored and that’s not what you want, either. Try to keep this in mind and consider the kinds of signals you’re sending to your dog.

Consistency:

Being consistent is another important factor as you go through the dog training process. If you’re not consistent and you don’t keep up the training methods, things won’t work out the way you want them to. You can’t expect your dog to learn from the whole training process if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort. The onus is on you to do this because you’re the one dictating the schedule, not your dog. Consistency will yield much better and much faster results for you and your pet.

Guidance from a Professional:

When you’re undertaking the training of your dog for the first time, it usually makes sense to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer. If you don’t know what you’re doing and you haven’t done any of this before, the guidance of someone who really does know about the process will make a big difference. They’ll be able to show you techniques that you would never have thought of and give you advice when things aren’t going completely smoothly. To get started, simply enter a search for “puppy training Newcastle” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed trainer. Pay close attention at their lessons so that you can utilize their methods at home for best results.

Rewarding Good Behavior:

Training can sometimes be difficult for your dog and they won’t always do the right things the way you want them to. That’s simply the nature of dog training. And it’s why it’s so important to reward the good behavior of your dog. When they do something that’s right, you need to reinforce that positive behavior so that they know it’s good and that they know to do it again in the future. That’s essentially how the training process works.

Clicker training is always good for when you’re teaching your pup a new skill or trick. Don’t forget to be liberal with the treats too, especially if your pup stresses easily. Whether they are partial to Beggin’ Strips or the private label treats you can find here (https://cbdoilmanufacturer.com/private-label-cbd-pet-treats/), have some at the ready for a job well done.

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SO. CUTE.

If You’re Training a Puppy, Use Their Name Carefully:

Some owners forget that their dogs don’t instantly and instinctively know what their names are the way humans do. That’s why you have to use their names carefully. If you use it too much it might become meaningless or they’ll come to associate it with other things, which is not what you want. This is especially important when you’re training a puppy for the first time. Use it carefully and sparingly so they can learn what that word means much faster than they otherwise might.

Using the Right Treats:

If you’re trying to teach your dog something, it’s vital to reward them when they do what you want them to. This kind of positive reinforcement is a huge part of what makes dog training successful. If you don’t get it right, they won’t understand when they’re doing the right thing and when they’re doing the wrong thing. You can use Tempo&Tails CBD treats or whatever kinds of treats they like most and will respond best to.

End Each Training Session on a Positive Note:

When each training session with your dog comes to an end, you should try to finish things off on a positive note. That kind of positivity can make a difference because in order for the training process to be successful, you need your dog to really enjoy it. That way, they’ll want to go back to it and their learning will be better and more complete, which is what you need. If you just keep going until your dog is fed up, that won’t create the positive association in their mind.

Training your dog is always a big challenge. There will be ups and downs throughout the process, but if you persist and keep in mind the things that we’ve discussed above, you’ll eventually end up with a well-trained dog. And the sooner you start with the training, the sooner you’ll achieve those outcomes.

Featured Image By: Pixabay