Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Dec19

Hitting The Open Road

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Hitting The Open Road

There is something about road trips that gets people all excited. Perhaps it’s so alluring because anything can happen while you are on the road (new experiences) or you get to become a stranger in every new destination. No one knows you and something about that is freeing. However, as much as it can be unpredictable, you still need to plan before you hit the road if you want to have a perfect vacation:

Your destination and route:

The best way to pick a destination is to work out the time it will take you to get there. Ideally, road trips should not take longer than a day. Choose a destination that is only a couple of hours away so that you can make as many stops as possible to take in the views and tour new places. Once you have decided on a destination, pick the most scenic routes to that location. People can get bored easily on a road trip if all they see is flat grass and predictable scenery along the way.

Tune up your car:

Get your car checked thoroughly by a qualified mechanic. For example, get the oil changed, refill your windshield wiper fluid, and make sure that all of the lights are working correctly. You need cars that can carry all of you and your luggage without you feeling cramped inside. If your road trip will be long, then you will need to consider the mileage of your vehicle. Sports cars, convertibles, and SUVs are great for road trips. If you are bringing along more than two friends, then definitely go for an SUV.

Your expectations:

Your friends have different expectations and it’s up to you to bring up a discussion about those expectations. The point here, is for all of you to agree on what you should do on the road trip. For example, you need to decide where you will stop along the road and whether you will stay in hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs. If you decide to stay in a hotel, make reservations ahead of time. You don’t want an argument to break out somewhere in the middle of the trip about where to stop to eat or sleep.

The scenery and the new people you meet along the way are not going to be enough entertainment. So bring along your headphones, books, magazines, puzzles, DVD players, and more to keep everyone entertained and remember to have fun!

Dec18

Important Decisions When Upgrading Your Home’s Exterior

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Important Decisions When Upgrading Your Home’s Exterior

If you’re planning to improve your home over the festive period or in the new year, the best solution is to start from the outside. Internal changes will count for very little if the outside aspects fail to offer the protection and foundations of success. Knowing that you wish to upgrade external parts of the home is one thing, but doing it in a productive manner is another thing altogether. Making the right decisions requires careful planning and preparation. Here are the issues that you need to consider:

The Color Of Brickwork:

Your emotional reaction to the property begins as soon as it comes into sight, and the color of the walls will have a telling impact. Some people prefer to leave the brickwork as it is, but others like to paint it to bring a fresh energy to the home. With so many colors to choose from, you need to think about how it will look alongside any other cladding materials that may be used. This is a job that can be completed on a DIY basis, although you may still wish to hire a professional, too.

The Style Of Roofing:

The roof is one of the most important elements of any property. It influences the appearance, protection, and the insulation all at once. First and foremost, any roof should be kept in perfect health. Nonetheless, it’s important to make the right decision on style. There are many contributing factors to consider including your location and the overall style of the property. Metal is an increasingly common option, and you can visit https://roofingwarnerrobinsga.com to learn more. A great roof will enhance the entire home.

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Very cool!

The Quality Of Windows:

New windows are an upgrade that we made not too long ago, and can confirm that it was worth every penny. Alongside the roofing, they have an integral role to play in the overall insulation. Moreover, their influence on the look of the home is noticed from both inside and out.

There are many shapes and styles to choose from, but the key is to opt for thickness. Depending on how close your home is to the public pathways, you may wish to consider using window films. These items provide the additional privacy to help you relax while you’re enjoying the home.

The Type Of Security:

No home feels 100% right until the security is under control. You can have a positive impact by ensuring that doors and windows are blessed with the right locks. In truth, though, adding external security should be on the agenda, too. The right facilities should deter any wannabe thieves.

In addition to the latest monitored security cameras, you can use automated gates and voice access systems. This will promote even greater safety. It should prevent burglaries while it also collects evidence should the worst occur. Best of all, it’ll give your family added peace of mind.

The Function Of Your Garden:

If your home has a backyard, you should make the most of it. The right choices will add a whole new dimension to the property while also adding esthetic beauty and added value. When done well, the transformation can turn this into your favorite part of the home.

There are many options at your disposal, such as building a deck or using a shipping container to create a pool. Sheds, summer houses, and other structures can all be built too – and usually without planning permission. A beautiful garden will go a long way to making the house a home.

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 Lovely!

The Selection Of Plants:

Some homeowners will opt for a vegetable patch or want to grow trees in the garden. However, the flowerbeds aren’t your only option. Hanging baskets can be added to brighten up the decks and porch areas. Likewise, potted plants are ideal for making a big statement. When choosing flowers and plants for the external areas of the home, it’s important that you consider which seasons they will bloom. Moreover, the colors should complement the overall vibe of the external spaces.

The Driveway Materials:

It’s very easy to overlook the importance of your driveway. In truth, though, it’s one of the first parts that you interact with. As such, it’ll have a huge influence on your impressions of the home as well as the views of others. The quality of materials could impact your car tires, too. The choice of material will largely be determined by the dimensions of the driveway and your personal tastes. Whichever you choose, visit https://drivewaysealcoatingusa.com to seal the driveway. This will ensure that it continues to sparkle for years to come.

The Choice Of Furnishings:

Small details hold such significance when designing a home. You can give the outside of your property a serious boost in style and grandeur with the most basic upgrades. Investing in a better mailbox is just one example of what can be achieved. Upgrading the door numbers, nameplate, knocker, or bell can have a similar impact. If nothing else, going the extra mile in this field will establish a sense of ownership. You cannot underestimate its influence for a second.

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Upgrade, perhaps?

The Source Of Lighting:

Lighting is a central focus when building the atmosphere inside a room. However, it can be equally useful for the external parts of the home. External lights can add beauty, extend your time in the garden, and be used as another security feature. Spotlights, floodlights, and solar panel garden post lights are all great options. When choosing LED solutions, you can also create different color patterns to give the home an entirely new esthetic. Overlook this aspect, and you’ll never unlock the full potential.

Give everyone the best first impression of your home by using the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec17

Be Back Soon!

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Be Back Soon!

Hello everyone! I am just letting you all know that Lil Red will be going on hiatus for the next few days. I, unfortunately, had to go to the ER on Sunday due to complications with my wisdom teeth surgery and am still in a lot of pain. So, now, I must focus on getting back to one hundred percent. Please send me lots of get well wishes, because this friggen sucks and I will be back soon! Much love. -Sarah

Dec17

Cute & Romantic Ideas For Celebrating Your Anniversary

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Cute & Romantic Ideas For Celebrating Your Anniversary

Whether it’s the anniversary of your first date, when your relationship began, or your wedding anniversary, it’s always nice to celebrate and mark the occasion, isn’t it? Of course, knowing how to celebrate in a romantic way isn’t always easy. However, if you’re smart about what you plan, you can organize the most amazing day ever for you and your partner. In need of some inspiration? Have a read of the tips and ideas below for marking your anniversary in the most best way:

Start the day right with breakfast in bed:

Treating your partner to breakfast in bed? Get creative and treat them to the perfect dish. You could opt to make a traditional breakfast, such as a fry up a sausage or bacon sandwich. Or, how about trying something a little different.

One way to do this is to cut the toast into hearts or you could even do pancakes and waffles in heart shapes with your partner’s favorite toppings. You can buy heart-shaped pancake pans and waffle irons or silicone molds to use to create these cute shaped breakfasts. You can also buy egg shapers for heart-shaped fried eggs to add a little extra sweetness to their favorite eggs on toast combo.

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Yum!

Find that perfect card:

When finding a card for your partner, it doesn’t just have to be a standard happy anniversary card. You could try and find a card that represents your relationship with a picture or a joke that you can laugh about together.

If you are struggling to find one, then you could look to order it online on websites like Moonpig or Funky Pigeon where you can personalize the card with pictures of your relationship or something that represents your relationship. What’s great about these services, is the fact that you can also choose to have this sent to you blank so you can fill it in by hand which is more personal, or if you would prefer, you can just type your message in via the website.

Pick an amazing gift:

Choosing gifts for your partner can be difficult, so it is always best to think about what your partner likes and what their interests are, so that you can get an idea of the perfect present. During the time that you are together before your anniversary, look at the sort of things that they tend to treat themselves to or talk about wanting to have and try to keep a mental note of this, so you know what sort of things you need to look out for. For example, these hearts on fire diamonds at Dipples could be the perfect gift for a girl who considers diamonds to be her best friend!

You could also take inspiration from the internet. Places like Pinterest are great for gift ideas as you can search a general category and different boards that have been created will come up giving you all sorts of ideas and indications of what your partner may be into. If you have a general idea of what your partner likes, then searching the internet could be the inspiration you need. You can search for things like ‘gifts for music lovers’ or ‘gifts for fashion junkies’ which will give you plenty of options to choose from.

Plan an incredible day:

When it comes to the actual day itself, it is a day for both of you so you can book a surprise trip for your anniversary and give it early so that you have a lovely time away with your partner or it can be something you plan together. Some couples like to just have a nice day in watching movies, cooking, and enjoying each other’s company. This is fine, but if you know your partner would love to go out somewhere, then there are a lot of things you can consider planning. When planning the day, think if there is anywhere they have always wanted to go or mentioned they enjoyed previously, or pick somewhere that is special to the both of you and your relationship.

If you really want to go all out, you could plan an incredible getaway. If you are visiting beautiful Hawaii, Kauai Farm Tours could be the spot for a romantic dinner. You could do a tour of museums in a new state. How about a stop at some local breweries or wineries? Or, perhaps, a “best of” tour of your favorite food at your vacation destination – burgers in London, anyone? Whatever and wherever you choose, it will be an anniversary for the ages!

sunshine coast couples retreat

Have a lovely evening:

After an exciting day out, the fun doesn’t have to end there. You can also plan to have a relaxing evening in together. When you get back, you could go out for a meal and drinks or go out to go bowling or to watch a movie. If you have had a long day and fancy an evening in, you can spend it watching a film with a takeaway meal and a drink or you could cook a delicious dish together.

Planning an anniversary can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With these hints and tips, you can have an amazing time with your partner, celebrating your relationship.

Dec17

Bad Weather? Here’s How to Protect Your Home

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Bad Weather? Here’s How to Protect Your Home

If you’ve never experienced the damage bad weather can do to your home, you should consider yourself lucky. Sure, rain may make your living room floor soaked if your windows are leaking and a hard gust of wind may weaken the shingles of your roof – but it’s still nothing at all compared to the floods and hurricanes we’ve experienced over the last decade.

While it’s difficult to prepare your home for that kind of weather unless you live in a bunker, you can still prepare it for cold days and heavy falls of both snow and rain. The spring has yet to arrive for a couple of months and the more you can do for your home now, the better off it will be in case your area should experience a storm anytime soon.

Here is a handful of tips in terms of making sure your home is strong enough to handle the elements. It just makes it a bit easier to put your feet up and relax as the wind howls outside:

First: Seal windows and doors

It’s only logical that the first thing you need to do is to ensure that the storm has no way of entering your home. This means, of course, that you need to make sure that all of your windows and doors are sealed properly. Wind funneling through your home will push upwards and may even lift your roof if it’s strong enough. It’s the kind of water damage your home could definitely do without.

You may want to purchase and install special storm shutters for your windows, for example, or just take a tour around your home to inspects the seals and make sure that there are no cracks to allow the wind in. Have a look here if you’d like to make your own storm shutters, by the way. They will be just as strong as the regular ones you’d buy in the shops as long as you follow the instructions.

Next: Consider steel doors:

You will only need this if you live in an area that often experiences stormy weather, but steel doors can really make a huge difference in terms of safety at home. When you have a steel door as your entry door, you avoid seeing hard winds tearing through those weaker double, French, or sliding doors for your patio. Install special hardware to strengthen the doors where they meet and try bolts that fasten the doors into the framing at the top and the bottom.

Think about the other doors in your house that are connected to the outside world; have a look at garage doors, for example, to avoid seeing the storm damage your vehicle, as well. That being said, your car may still get damaged by severe weather and if that does end up being the case, don’t wait to file your insurance claim for hail damage or any other type of damage that comes from the weather. Your insurance will work with you to make the repairs as cost-effective as possible.

Other points to keep in mind while it’s still quiet before the storm is, of course, to clear out your yard so that no furniture is able to fly off – and have an extra look at your roof. While the damage bad weather can do to your belongings is big enough, it can do even more damage if a roof shingle should hit an animal or a person.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec16

Unpretty

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Unpretty

Hi everyone! Ugh, I’ve got to say, it’s been a really shitty past few weeks. Since my wisdom teeth surgery. I have been in a lot of pain and I just can’t seem to shake it. My sleep schedule has been thrown off completely, as I now wake up multiple times during the night to deal with the constant throbbing, which then results in bathroom breaks, and me not being able to fall asleep again for another hour or so.

And, because I am not sleeping well, I am so damn tired upon awakening that I can’t even get myself ready for an agonizing day at work. Not to mention that it would hurt too bad to try, anyways! I legit haven’t done my hair or makeup in well over a week now and it’s really starting to get to me.

I always pride myself on getting dressed to the nines to go about my day. It makes me feel good to know that I truly put my best face forward and when I’m out and about on the job, the most professional form of myself is out there. So, my self esteem has taken a beating post-op because of my no makeup streak.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I live for my no makeup days during the weekend. It doesn’t get much better than sporting a fresh face after being on the old nine to five grind for the week. But, almost two weeks of being au natural is pretty excessive for me, especially when my face has been bruised and swollen for the majority of it. And, because the pain has been so bad, I’ve been dressing for comfort, which Lil Red never does! Combining all of these circumstances has left me feeling downright Unpretty, and I just want to get back to my normal self.

Reading this, I’m sure it’s easy to say that I’m being too hard on myself. And, I know I am, which is the crazy thing. But, I hate not feeling like myself and this surgery has left me feeling so broken. Even now, I feel like I’m totally rambling but, ugh, I just needed to get all of this off my chest so thanks to all of you so much for listening. ❤

How do you get yourself feeling back to normal after being in the doldrums? What are some of your natural pain relief tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec15

Super Sweet Surprise

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Super Sweet Surprise

Hello! As you guys know, I recently had my wisdom teeth removed and it sucked on ice. The operation was done on a Friday morning and I had to go back to work on Monday. I was in a lot of pain and, unfortunately, I still am as I type this now. But, thanks to one of my amazing clients, I was able to perk up a little because of some Super Sweet Surprises! Take a look:

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Because I was hurting so badly, my client and her family decided that it was the perfect day to give me my Christmas gift, even though it was fifteen days early! They treated me to:

  • A festive headband
  • Holiday nail files
  • Mini liquor bottles
  • Three sets of holiday earrings
  • Three sets of fuzzy socks infused with aloe
  • A gorgeous homemade scarf

When I first received my present, I was honestly just blown away by how cute the packaging itself was. My client’s mom showed it to me and said that I could take it home, but I had to put it under my tree and wait until Christmas day to open it. I begrudgingly said “okay” and had every intention of taking it home and (in)patiently waiting until December 25th to open it.

But, about a half hour before I had to leave, everyone insisted on me opening the gift to help cheer me up for the rest of my work day. It was one of the sweetest things that I’ve experienced in a good long while. Each gift that I opened was just as good as the last and I was so touched by their generosity. Giving me a holiday gift is something that I would never expect of any of my families so, when it happens, I feel so spoiled rotten.

The cherry on top of the prezzie tower ironically came from the bottom box – the divine scarf that my client’s mom crocheted for me. Her color palette was on point and the detailing was simply marvelous. I was so moved that she took the time to create such beauty for me and the kindness that was shown to me that day definitely made the rest of my work day wonderful, despite any pain that I was in. So, I would say that their mission was accomplished! ❤

Have you experienced any Super Sweet Surprises lately? What is your favorite kind of gift to home make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

And They Call It Puppy Love…

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And They Call It Puppy Love…

It doesn’t matter whether you have welcomed a not so little new St Bernard, a cute little puppy pug, or a delightful dachshund into your home, there are certain things that you must do to ensure that your new pup is receiving the best care. As a responsible owner, you want your new dog to feel like a part of the family straight away. At the same time, you don’t want anything to overwhelm him. In the same way as you would welcome home a new little human bundle of joy, you need to take time to settle into a new routine for your puppy. Take a look at what you can do to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your canine:

Nutrition:

There is no point in bringing your new pup home only to feed him food that he’s never tasted before. The chances are that he adores the grub that the breeder was feeding him, so ensure that you get a crate of it. Familiar smells and tastes will help settle the nerves of your pooch. Ensure that you bring the toys that he has played with in his previous environment and place them in his new playpen. This will be the first time that your new dog has been away from his litter pals and mom, so it’s vital that you are on hand pretty much twenty four seven, at least for the first few weeks.

Behavior:

It’s not uncommon for your puppy to bite especially as he’s getting to know his own capabilities. It’s vital that you try and nip this in the bud as soon as possible. Alongside formal puppy training to teach him the traditional obedience commands, you need to back this up with a firm but fair approach at home. When playing with your new four legged friend, don’t use your hand directly and instead use a toy. If they do manage to bite (often during play) then show a sad face, say firmly ‘no biting’ and ignore them for up to a minute. With consistent responses to his nipping, you should find that the behavior stops very quickly. Any issues, and you can get expert advice as to how to halt the biting.

Some puppies scratch or destroy items around the home. While this may be playful and amusing if he gets hold of a sock and demolishes it, this can be more serious if you return home from grocery shopping to see your sofa destroyed. This is classic separation anxiety and needs to be addressed. Go out for very short periods of time and build up the minutes you are away very slowly. Ensure that you play with him a lot and leave plenty to interest him when you are out to prevent destructive tendencies.

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So. Cute!

Exercise:

When ready, it’s important to get your pooch used to other canines. The easiest way to do this is to take relaxing strolls down to the park. Take your time and don’t be worried if your dog seems a little nervous. This is natural. Keep him on the leash and allow him to sniff other dogs, but keep a close eye on him to ensure there’s no aggressive behavior.

Before you know it, you will have a brand new and established member of your family – an adorable one, at that!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec14

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

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Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Hiiii! There are less than ten days left until Christmas and that means that it is crunch time for all of the late holiday shoppers. If you haven’t finished your shopping yet, the anxiety definitely might be setting in, considering that most stores are well picked over by now and the shipping dates with online orders will be cutting it close. But, that doesn’t mean that you should throw in the towel just yet and hand over a card with cash to your giftee (Unless that’s what they really want!). So, here are some last minute gift ideas to help with your holiday shopping:

A Framed Photo:

Nothing is more sentimental and sweet than some of your favorite pictures of you and the giftee set in a beautiful frame. Purchase a photo collage frame or even make your own and give your loved one a reminder of your friendship and happy memories. This gift is well thought out, it’s easy to buy as most stores have frames to purchase and ways to print your photos, and it will surely be treasured by your giftee. Photos and memory books come highly recommended in this list for DIY holiday gifts for seniors but will be appreciated by anyone of any age as the memories are so special.

Add To Their Hobby:

So you’re in a bind to finish your shopping and your giftee has a hobby that they absolutely love. This is probably the best situation to be in, because that will make for a really simple purchase. Do they have a record player? Buy a few new records for them to jam to. How about a Polaroid camera? Get them some more film. Or maybe they love acting on stage? Grab them a few plays from the book store so they can discover a new monologue. Buying according to the hobby is a great way to go and it will always be well received because it’s so useful to the giftee.

The Basics:

We all know the standard Christmas gifts well. Booze, candles, fuzzy socks, knitwear, etc. But, they are staple prezzies for a reason, and are a fine way to go when you just need to finish up your shopping already. As an avid wine lover, there are some gorgeous bottles around this time of year with holiday sentiment on it, which will make for a lovely gift to enjoy during Christmas dinner. Throw in a few candles to light on the table and you’re done!

Family Fun:

Spending Christmas day with your family can seem like a daunting task for some, so maybe you can buy a gift that will spice things up a bit. Buy some fun classic or modern board games and have a tournament with your fam. Or maybe get some adult coloring books or art supplies and have a crafting contest. These gifts are wholesome and perfect for a day spent with your family – unless someone likes to cheat at Monopoly!

Sigh… Gift Cards:

Okay. You’ve been to every store and there is nothing left to purchase that’s even remotely close to what your giftee would want. You check all of the online sites and all of the shipping dates can only make it to your home in 2019. This is bleak, and it means that you might have to go for the gift card route. If you must use this option, make it a little adventure for the giftee. If you give them a card to their favorite clothing store, for example, tell them that you’ll come with and treat them to a coffee date beforehand for some pre-shopping fuel. Gift cards often lack any warm fuzzies behind them so add a little something something to make it a bit more special. 🙂

Christmas will be here ASAFP, so use the ideas above and, for the love of god, get your shopping done!

When did you finish your holiday shopping? How early into the year do you start your purchasing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec13

Gifts For Your Mom This Christmas

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Gifts For Your Mom This Christmas

What do you buy the woman who brought you into this world? Most people will want to stay away from clichéd gifts, such as chocolates. These are somewhat predictable and just don’t seem enough for the wonder woman that is your mom. Yet, we don’t have a money tree in our garden allowing us to buy anything we lay our eyes on. So, what’s the solution? The following gift suggestions are sure to impress:

A watch:

When purchasing an accessory you want to go for something that is special, looks spectacular, and is going to get a lot of use. A watch ticks all of these boxes. You can find some great watches at abbottlyon.com. Look for a classic design and something that will go with any outfit your mom is wearing. Of course, you will need to consider her taste and her personality, as well.

An experience:

Instead of buying your mom an actual Christmas present, why not enjoy an experience together, instead? Is there a show your mom would like to see at the theater? Is there a restaurant she has been dying to try out? Or perhaps you think your mom could do with some pampering at a local spa? Experiences often mean more, because they give you the chance to spend some quality time with your mom. You are creating memories that can be cherished forever.

A box of treasures:

Another suggestion is to buy a box and fill it with treasures – AKA all of her favorite things. This could incorporate films, magazines, chocolate, wine, a pamper set, scented candles – anything that is going to provide your mom with a fun and relaxing evening. She is assured to love this gift as it shows that you have put in a lot of effort and really thought about her likes and dislikes.

A gadget:

Last but not least, why not introduce your mom to the wonderful world of technology? There are so many different gadgets available nowadays. A tablet is always a popular choice. She will be able to check her Facebook, play games, send emails, and read her favorite romance novels. Or, what about a Kindle? This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to read. You could even buy her a machine so that she can make her own crafts. Head over to vinylcuttingmachineguide.com for some assistance with this. Aside from this, you may want to consider something music-related, such as an iPod. The options are endless.

If you select one of the suggestions mentioned in this blog post, you are assured to put a big smile on your mom’s face this Christmas Day. Make this Christmas one to remember for your mom, because a little bit of thought can go a long, long way!

Featured Image By: Pixabay