Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

You’ve Got Mail

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You’ve Got Mail

Shhhh…No one tell Kate from Ankhor You about this post because it’s about Dunkin’ Donuts and she despises it!! BUT can we just talk about the sample pack that I got in the mail from them this week FO FREE?! Take a look:

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About a month ago, I got an email from Dunkin’ asking if I wanted to try the picks that are in the running to becoming their new flavor, Blueberry Pancake, Dulce De Leche, and Coconut Caramel. In my mind, they were just going to send me one of the choices to try, but I figured “why not” and put my info in, anyways. So, imagine my surprise when I opened my mailbox to find a package from Dunkin’ with a sample of all three flavors in the contest!

I was so excited about this package. I love getting mail and I had completely forgotten that I even ordered the samples to begin with, so it was a total pick me up treat. Not only that, but my sample pack was packaged so nicely and they also included a coupon for the next time that I make a Dunkin’ run. Score!

I wouldn’t necessarily call these packs a “sample”, though. For my coffee drinking purposes, I could easily get two uses out of each flavor option. That’s a hell of a…sample. I can’t think of another word to call it! We’ll go with sample. Anyways, that’s a pretty sweet deal – I literally entered my shipping info and got SIX pots of coffee for myself out of it.

I’m looking forward to trying all of these flavors and I will keep you guys updated on which one that I like the best! I’ve gotta say, though, it’s probably going to be Blueberry Pancake that takes the (pan)cake for me – I love me some blueberry flavored coffee! But the Coconut Caramel and Dulce De Leche each sound enticing too, so we’ll see!

Which flavor out of the three samples that I got sounds the best? Which store/restaurant/coffee shop gives out the best freebies and coupons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mission: Impossible (Friend To Buy A Gift For!)

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Mission: Impossible (Friend To Buy A Gift For!)

We all have that one person, whether it’s your best friend, a sibling, or significant other, there’s always someone who is just excruciatingly difficult to buy gifts for. With Christmas just around the corner, now comes a return of those anxieties, you want to be a good and thoughtful friend/family member/partner, but you have no idea where to begin. So what is the best way to buy a gift for someone who is impossible to buy for? Let’s try and think outside the (gift) box:

A Gift Card Or A Certificate:

This doesn’t exactly scream “well thought out”, but it’s a worthy compromise if you need to buy something for someone who has either got everything or they just haven’t given any hints. A gift card can seem like a cheap gift, especially since you have to tell them how much is on the card! In this respect, maybe you want to give them a gift card that is in conjunction with a few other gifts, such as a dinner out, movie tickets, or maybe a donation to charity, all wrapped up in a bright envelope.

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Who doesn’t love a gift card?!

Buy An Experience:

If you struggle to buy someone a physical gift, why don’t you buy them something that is going to stick in their mind for years to come? An experience is so much more than the typical presents that we buy for everyone. Maybe you want to plan a fun day trip or there’s a concert coming up by one of their favorite bands. At least with an experience, it shows that you put a lot of thought into what they like. And even if you haven’t had the opportunity to put much thought into it, the experience alone is so different from what they normally get as a present, that they will be totally psyched.

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 I want that trip!

Go For The Practical Option:

While this may not be the most earth-shattering of gifts, if you’ve noticed that their curling tongs have broken recently or their coffee machine is on the fritz, then you can buy them a new and improved model. It’s always difficult with these types of items to pick the best one, but there are sites that you can look at to get some reviews, such as top9rated.com, to get some opinions of the best items on the market. With a practical gift, it shows that you pay attention to them and have made a valiant effort to make life a bit easier for them.

Practical gifts also don’t need to be boring as there are so many different customizable options. You could have a T-shirt made with a picture of your giftee’s favorite band. How about a travel bag with their initials embroidered? If your giftee is your favorite person to go on a coffee date with, they will love this “I wish you lived next door” mug. Whatever you choose, the person receiving the gift will think about you every time they use it!

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 Pixabay Image

A Subscription Service:

We usually think of a gift as a one-off, but with a subscription service, you can pay for something that they will enjoy the whole year round. Something like netflix.com will always be handy if they travel around a lot and end up getting bored easily. Or maybe they are work out addicts, so you could pay their subscription to the gym for a year. It’s always a nice thing to buy a gift that is part of their lifestyle so that they can think of you every time they use it!

Buying gifts for a loved one should be fun, not stressful. Take some time to sit down, have a think, and figure out the perfect gifts for your BFF/SO/siblings this holiday season.

If The Shoe Fits: Baroque Bamboo Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Baroque Bamboo Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! As we progress deeper into fall, my love affair with TJMaxx intensifies. I’ve seemed to have amazing luck both in store and online for the past few months, and normally this never happens. We can all relate to times when we’ve walked into a TJs or Marshall’s and exited with nothing to show for it. I can’t say that I’m mad about my shopping success, because it’s great for my wardrobe but bad for my bank account! Meh… I just try not to think about it. 😉 Anyways, take a look at my new Bamboo brand heeled booties and let’s discuss:

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Normally, I try not to follow trends too closely as they’re happening, but there has been quite a few statement looks that I’ve been loving this fall and the baroque style is obviously one of them. Baroque has been very in this season and that is definitely reflected in these black booties with the “look at me” metallic gold filigree.

TBH, I can’t say that I was totally in love with my new Bamboo booties when I was ordering them. BUT, my mom really liked them and that clearly talked me into it. And now that the boots have made their arrival, I am so glad that she gave me the extra push to get them! I love clothes and accessories that make a statement and these babies just scream “I AM A SASSY GODDESS” while sporting them. And that is a hell of a statement. 😉

Obviously, I love the pattern of these shoes but I really love the shape of them, as well. They wear more like a platform heel than just a normal old blocked one because of the sharp upward arch. And if there’s one thing that this little mamma jamma loves, it’s a platform heel. The shape of these Bamboo babes combined with the golden filigree has a really regal feel to them, which is something that I have never associated with any of the clothes or shoes in my vast collection. And, I gotta tell ya, feeling like royalty is an amazing change of pace!!

I could name off a bunch of different styles of clothing that I’m looking forward to wearing these boots with. But, honestly, I’m most excited to pair these with a really sharp pair of black skinny jeans to create a sleek silhouette. I then plan on finishing the look with a more grungy piece in my wardrobe, like my Anarchy In The UK button down from Zara. The punk rock vibes on top will create an edgy and cool contrast with the regal feels from the shoes. And, of course, the gold filigree will look fabulous with the army green button down! I. CAN’T. WAIT!

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Baroque Bamboo Edition! What is your favorite trend to sport this fall? How would you style these bootie babes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Top 3 Dog Grooming Essentials For A Beautiful And Healthy Coat

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Top 3 Dog Grooming Essentials For A Beautiful And Healthy Coat

Hi everyone and welcome to a very special guest post written by the amazing founder of NolongerWild, Cindy. Cindy is here to give the 411 on all of the top tips to keeping your four legged friend’s coat healthy and sleek. And remember, these pieces of advice aren’t suitable for human hair! 😉

Top 3 Dog Grooming Essentials For A Beautiful And Healthy Coat

There are 3 dog grooming essentials to ensure that your pet’s coat is healthy and beautiful. Bear in mind that some breeds are more high maintenance than others. If you are thinking of adopting a pet, definitely look into the dog grooming requirements that are needed first.

  1. Bubbles At Bath Time:
  • Nobody likes a smelly dog and that is when you know your friend-legged friend needs a bath. Additionally, bathing will be necessary if your pooch has been rollicking in the mud, too.
  • If your dog is neither stinky nor dirty, take a rain check. Bathing should be kept to a minimum as too much makes their skin dry out because the natural oils are stripped away.
  • Be sure to use shampoos specifically formulated for canines. There are great products available for those that have extra sensitive skin or allergies, too.
  • Using products designed for humans on your pet may cause inflammation and other skin problems because the pH levels of our skin are not the same.
  • My favorite is a homemade oatmeal bath. Not only does it relieve my dog’s dry and itchy skin, but it also conditions her coat making it silky and soft!

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  1. Brushing Basics:
  • Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy by spreading out the natural oils.
  • How often your dog will need to be brushed depends on the length of his/her coat:
  • Dogs with very short hair and smooth coats will only require brushing every few weeks. I use a dog grooming glove to remove excess hair.
  • Short haired dogs with denser fur can be brushed every one to two weeks.
  • If your pooch has a long thick coat that tangles easily, brush at least weekly and before bath time, especially if their coats are matted. Bathing will only make the knotting of the mats more taut and difficult to remove.
  • To remove mats, detangling sprays and specialized tools such as mat breakers are available. This dog grooming tool should not be used like a regular brush. The razor blades are specifically designed to cut mats away as close to the skin as possible and can nick your dog if done incorrectly.

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  1. Trimming & Shaving Tips:
  • Certain breeds may need their fur to be trimmed occasionally. This could be to prevent tangling or be required seasonally.
  • Dog clippers can easily be used on the canine’s body.
  • To prevent hair pulling, keep the blades of the clipper sharp.
  • Except for the tummy area, the clippers should be slowly worked in the direction that the fur is growing. This will eliminate lines and give a smoother appearance.
  • Other areas on a dog’s body that commonly require trimming are around the lower jaw and tushie. Hair around the eyes that could obscure vision should also be cut.

Dog grooming can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your pet. It is best to start as early as possible when your dog is still a puppy so that he/she can become accustomed to the 3 dog grooming essentials for a healthy and beautiful coat.

Thanks so much again to Cindy for sharing her grooming tips with us! For more facts on all of your favorite pets, be sure to visit NolongerWild. Much love. -Sarah

Chin Up: What To Expect From An Ultherapy Session

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Chin Up: What To Expect From An Ultherapy Session

We smile, yawn, gasp, and make a lot of different facial expressions during our lives. It’s a good thing, though, and a part of being human – but life leads to wrinkles and saggy skin over time. An increasing number of people are finding new ways to make sure that their skin stays tight and young-looking for as long as possible, and it doesn’t have to put you under the knife, either.

If you’re new to the methods of ultherapy, it’s smart to prepare yourself a bit before the first session. The good news, is that after it’s done, you won’t have to prepare yourself at all for other people’s reactions as the results are gradual and allow you to age with grace, rather than looking like you’ve been frozen in time.

What would I use it for?

If you feel like areas of your face are starting to slope, you may want to do something drastic about it. Some people head off for a numbing session of botox; others go for more permanent solutions, such as plastic surgery. While you need to choose the alternative that would work best for you, it’s always smart to look into every option out there – also the non-invasive ones like ultherapy.

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasounds in order to stimulate more collagen growth deep beneath your skin. A lot of people use it to lift their eyebrows or eyelids when they reach a certain age as the saggy skin may bother them, in general, and keep them from seeing as well as they would have been able to if the skin was lifted.

The same goes for aesthetic purposes and nothing should keep you from straightening out those wrinkles around your cleavage or make the skin in your neck or jawline a bit firmer if it could boost your confidence.

How long is the downtime?

Unlike many other alternatives in terms of giving your face a quick lift, ultherapy requires no downtime. You can literally step right out of the clinic and meet up with your friends or co-workers without any of them ever knowing.

The disadvantage to this, is that you may not see the results that you’re longing for as soon as you’d like, and it can take up to six months before the full effect hits you. It makes it a bit easier to get up in the morning and have a look in the mirror during these months, though, as you’ll be keeping a rigid eye on your skin from now on!

You will only need one session to get the kind of results that last for up to 18 months, and each of them will take between half an hour to two and a half hours, depending on how much work you want done. Luckily, our society is advanced enough to let everyone go about with their beauty business as they please. Want to wear no makeup one day and a full face the following day? Or how about a small nip and tuck to boost your self esteem? No problem, it’s all up to you.

Of course, it’s important to choose the procedure that you feel is best for you, so think it over and enjoy the beauty of confidence.

Featured Image By: Pexels

If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Booties Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Booties Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! If there’s one brand that I love and one designer that I admire, it’s Betsey Johnson. A trained eye can recognize a Betsey piece without even thinking about it, and I love that the brand’s vivacious designer was able to create a name for herself and a look that’s so uniquely her own that nothing really compares.

I admire Betsey apparel, bags, and accessories from afar because they are too expensive for my taste. But when TJMaxx has the random jewelry or purse from her collection, it is such a treat! While my mom and I were doing some online shoe shopping on TJMaxx’s amazing website, I was so surprised to find a lot of Betsey shoes, because they literally never have them. It was a must to order a few pairs, including these gorgeous new booties. Take a look:

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My mom pointed out while I was trying my new booties on yesterday that they are not as edgy as my normal studded, buckled, crazy boots that I tend to go for. And that’s okay! I really try not to limit myself to one style (Although, I do have obvious favorites.), so going girly every once in a while can be a lot of fun!

What I love the most about these quirky little beauties is the vibrancy of the embroidered flowers. The black base color is dull enough that each pretty petal and shade completely pops. My favorite is the yellow and white pansy placed throughout the shoe – it’s so sweet and bright!

Each individual color in the flowers from the deep red rose, forest green leaves, and lush lavender is going to make styling these booties such a blast. It’s going to be fun to pick a color in the patterns and match it up to a top, jacket, or hat for a colorful and cohesive look. I actually tried these on with my favorite shirt dress from Zara the other day that also features embroidered flowers and it looked so divine. I can definitely see myself wearing that shirt dress, tights, my Betsey booties, and a trench coat as a sweet as can be fall look!

Betsey Johnson’s brand is just pure fun and I am so happy to have finally gotten my hands on something from her that isn’t just accessories. It’s going to be an interesting change of pace to go girly with my new boots, but I’m ready for it!

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Booties Edition! Which brands do you admire from afar? How would you style my new kicks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bigger Home, Smaller Spend: Expand Your Property For Less

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Bigger Home, Smaller Spend: Expand Your Property For Less

It’s pretty common to start wishing that your home had more space. Your family might start to grow or maybe you even pick up a hobby that starts to take over your home. Moving is one option, but you can also consider trying to work with what you’ve got. Perhaps you have some land, even if only a small amount around your house, that seems to be going to waste. Or you might already have indoor space that you might be able to put to better use by converting it. Expanding your home can be expensive, though. If you want to do it, it’s a good idea to find ways to do it for less. Take a look:

Convert An Existing Space:

By far the easiest way of getting more space in your home is to convert a space that you already have. While it’s not technically expanding your home, you can create more liveable space where it wasn’t before. For example, your attic, basement, or garage might currently be a storage space. A smart conversion could turn it into anything you want, from a spare bedroom to a workshop, a home theater, a bar, or a games room. Before you start decorating and bringing in furniture, you might need to think about some more basic things, such as insulation and plumbing.

If your home cannot afford to lose any of its existing rooms, then that is when you would want to think about an expansion. This could be as simple as adding a sunroom to give an extra space to chill out in. If you want to go the expansion route, enter a search for “Construction company in Asheville, NC” (or your local area) to begin researching professionals and getting quotes.

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#menatwork

Alternative Building Materials:

If you’ve decided that you want to build something, possibly separate from your existing property, things are likely to get more expensive. One of the ways that you can think about keeping costs down is by selecting the right building materials. You don’t need to construct a new building out of brick. Steel is a cheap option that can work for several purposes. Perhaps you want space for a workshop, a garage, or storage space. You can easily find out how to put up a steel building so you can ensure that your project goes smoothly. Steel buildings are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and cost effectiveness. The ease of assembly for barndominium kits makes it a huge game changer for those considering a steel option. Another material to consider could be wood or, perhaps, you might think about using concrete. Both materials are good options.

When you consult with a construction team like IMI (or a similar company in your local area), it is important to have a firm budget established as well as some extra wiggle room. With your budget in mind, they will be able to recommend the materials for your project to keep you in a range that you are comfortable with while ensuring a successful end result.

Use a Pre-Fab Design:

A pre-engineered design is a great way to save money on expanding your home. If you want to add a separate addition or even a cozy cabin to your property, prefab buildings make a lot of sense. Sometimes they can be built off-site and lifted in or you can bring in the different parts and put them together when they arrive. They make construction quicker, easier, and cheaper.

With the costs you cut by using prefab buildings, you have more wiggle room with the rest of your budget. These savings can be used for skid steer rentals to work around your property, new furniture, or additional helpers. Extra room in your budget will also be helpful in putting your own unique touches on a pre-designed unit.

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#menatworkAGAIN

Save On Construction:

You might also like to think about how you could save money on construction. It’s not just the materials and planning that can cost a lot of money. Some people like to try and save on construction by doing some of the work themselves or taking on the role of project manager. However, these are both difficult things to do if you don’t have any experience. You can also make sure to get quotes from different contractors to find the best price before saying yes to anything.

If you are taking a more active role in this project, you must be aware of your limits. If you do not have the proper skill set, you could get injured or make costly mistakes. This also includes being aware of things you aren’t comfortable with completing. For example, looking into a scaffolding rental service in Dallas, TX (or your local area) might not be the best option for your DIY if you are afraid of heights. Be sure you are budgeting accordingly so you can hire the help that you need.

If you want to add space to your home, it could be more affordable than you think. Consider your options before you make any decisions!

Featured Image By: Wikimedia

Carolina Belle Of The Ball Blazer

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Carolina Belle Of The Ball Blazer

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! If there’s one style of jacket that I love, it’s the blazer. From fitted and sexy to slouchy but chic, you can really wear a good blazer day or night and it always looks like you’re dressed to the nines. Blazers are always an excellent option when I’m working in the field of helping people with special needs because it says professional but still casual and cool, especially since I normally just wear a plain old t-shirt or sweater underneath.

Obviously, I never say no to buying any particular type of clothing, but this rings the truest for blazers. It can be gosh-darn difficult to find just the right one so when a keeper comes up, it’s best to snag it ASAP. This fall, the velvet trend is hitting the clothing stores hard. I can’t say that I completely love it – BUT I do love the gorgeous navy blue velvet blazer I picked up from TJMaxx this weekend! Take a look:

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^^^ So. PRETTY!

Normally, when I’m shopping at TJs, I stay pretty well parked in the Junior’s department. However, I was helping my mom scour the women’s section this time, because I love picking clothes out for her. So, it certainly came as a shock when I found something for myself in the department that I would have never thought of looking in before!

I. LOVE. THIS. BLAZER.

Everything about this jacket is just perfect to me – the retro style, the metallic sheen of the fabric, the gorgeous floral print. This blazer seriously looks like a women’s smoking jacket and I am totally obsessed. As you all know, I live for all black everything clothing BUT this Carolina Belle beauty is the exception. Dare I say, I like this blazer even more in its deep navy hue and pewter detail glory – and that’s really saying something.

Aside from the magnificent color palette of my new find, which gives it so much edge without even trying, my other favorite part of this blazer is the fit. I am a solid Small in the Junior’s department (Sometimes Extra Small, depending on what I’m trying on.), so I was pretty worried that a women’s size jacket wasn’t going to fit me well. WRONG. I found my blazer in an Extra Small and the fit was totally divine. I often opt for the slouchy, boyfriend style blazer so it was fun to try something that was more fitted and sultry. 😉

My Carolina Belle blazer is going to be such a cool, unexpected piece for fall and I am so excited to start incorporating it into my outfits immediately. Of course, this will look fabulous with jeans and dresses, but I am most looking forward to pairing my new blazer with my mustard yellow A-line skirt and tights for a fashionable fall work outfit. Can’t wait!

So there you have it, my Carolina Belle Of The Ball Blazer! What is your favorite style of jacket? How would you style my new wardrobe addition? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Why You Can’t Get To Sleep At Night

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Why You Can’t Get To Sleep At Night

Sleep is incredibly important for your mental and physical well-being. Some health professionals have even gone so far as to say that getting an adequate night’s sleep is as important as a well-balanced diet. For this reason, if you are struggling to get a decent night’s sleep, you need to come up with some ideas as to why, and try to combat them. Here are some of the most common:

You’ve Slept In: Lots of people stay up late one night and then sleep in the morning after to make up for it. It makes sense to do this, but unfortunately, it’s the reason why you can’t sleep now. Doing this throws off your body clock, and makes it harder to fall asleep again at night, as your body is now programmed to go to sleep at a later time. The most obvious remedy to this is to not have late nights, but I know that isn’t always possible. Instead, ensure that you don’t sleep in more than an hour later than you usually do, and have a short 20 to 30 minute nap in the afternoon if you start to feel tired. Just make sure that it’s no more than 20 to 30 minutes, otherwise, you will still be wide awake in the evening, and be back to your original issue.

You Need A New Mattress: If your mattress is lumpy and uncomfortable, then it’s understandable that you can’t fall asleep on it. You should aim to replace your mattress every 8 to 10 years, depending on how comfortable and supportive it is, but you can replace it sooner or later than that depending on its state. Even if you only got a new mattress a few years ago, you might still need to get a new one, depending on your own preference. If you have back pain, for example, you might want to invest in a specialty back pain mattress to help you sleep more soundly at night.

A mattress is an important purchase – you’re going to be sleeping on it every night! Definitely shop around and gather more information as needed when considering your options. When shopping for a mattress, think about what you need to get a good night’s sleep. Do you prefer something with cooling properties? An extra firm mattress? Or maybe something that works better for your body type, whether that’s exploring the best mattresses and the best beds for heavy people or seeking options tailored to those with back pain to find your ideal fit. Everyone has different preferences so a mattress a friend recommends might not work for you.

You’re Worried About Something: If you’ve had a particularly tricky day at work or have had an argument with a loved one, it’s often when you’re trying to sleep that these thoughts creep up on you. It may be hard to control our thoughts when we’re wide awake and alert, but it’s even harder when we’re slowly drifting in and out of consciousness. Although you can drift in and out of sleep while worried, it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping, so you wake up feeling as if you haven’t slept at all. If you’re feeling worried or anxious while you’re trying to sleep, you should keep the lights off, but go to another place in your house for a little while. This stops you from associating your bed with your anxieties and difficulty sleeping.

You’re Hungry: If you go to bed while you’re still hungry, you are never going to have a decent night’s sleep. Hunger pangs are sure to wake you up, that’s if the sound of your stomach growling doesn’t first. To avoid this, you should have a snack before you go to bed. You should opt for something high in protein, as this often makes us feel fuller than fat or carbohydrates. Something like a hard-boiled egg will do the trick and keep you from going to bed growling.

You Can See Light: Although some children, and even adults, struggle to sleep without some sort of light on, whether this is a small night light, a lamp, or the main light in your bedroom, it’s unlikely that they have a fulfilling sleep. This is because even the smallest amounts of light can pierce your retina, and send signals to your brain to keep you awake. Even the tiny light on your TV or DVD player can cause issues. The easiest way to combat this is to make sure that there is no light on in your room. Even the streetlights outside could be keeping you awake, so be sure to buy blackout curtains or blinds. You could even buy an eye mask to block out any light sources that you can’t control so that your brain knows that it really is night time.

There is a whole variety of reasons that you may not be able to sleep at night, so if none of these are right, then there is always something else that you can try. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue, so if you’re not getting any sleep for days in a row, be sure to visit your doctor and ask for some advice. sleepyy1

Zzzzzzz

Featured Image By: Flickr

Translating Your Love For Animals Into Action

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Translating Your Love For Animals Into Action

Mark Twain famously said: “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog”. While this might be a little harsh as a statement, there are a lot of people who could agree with Twain’s words. In fact, there are plenty of famous people who share Twain’s opinion from Marilyn Monroe, who found that only humans bit, to Elton John whose best man at his wedding was his dog. While preferring dogs to humans might seem a little off, there are clear advantages in developing a bond with animals. They are reliable, they don’t judge you, they don’t have any hidden motive, and, more practically, they provide friendly company. As an animal lover, you can make the world a better place for our furry, feathery and scaly friends by doing some (Or all!) of the below:

Change an animal’s life:

Do you know how many pets are abandoned every day? Rescue centers are filled with found, lost, and lonely pets who need a little help to find a better life. Some of them have been through horrendous situations such as abusive owners. There’s no denying that adopting an animal from a rescue center can make all of the difference. Of course, this isn’t a path for the faint-hearted, as some pets will need a lot of patience and support to trust another human being, so do make sure that you are informed about their backstory. But don’t despair, the effort is worth it! More often than not, animals with the worst stories are the kindest. They are quick to recognize your intentions and show their gratitude. If you want to start with an easier case, you could adopt an old pet as they tend to be peaceful, easy to manage, and just as cute.

Share your opinions and be proud of them:

Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is to make your opinions clear and known —  respectfully, of course! You can talk to your friends about your beliefs about animals, for example, and maybe encourage them to follow your model. You could opt for a more passive conversion by wearing message tees to promote animal rights and animal pride — discover more fashionable alternatives over here. Sometimes nothing makes a stronger impact than a tee that says how much you love your dachshund. It’s fun, playful, and weirdly unforgettable and that’s what matters!

Become a wildlife’s hero:

If you want to turn your love for animals into something meaningful, you can join some of the wildlife actions for the protection and safety of all animals. You don’t need to be a multi-millionaire to make a difference. Adopting a wild animal through the WWF can help to fund wildlife protection. If you’ve got time, you can volunteer with zoos or organizations to help clean beaches and rescue animals. Buying responsibly also means that you can support companies that don’t pollute the environment and endanger wildlife. So what’s stopping you?

Being an animal lover is not just about watching kitten videos on YouTube. It’s a matter of doing your share to help animals and promote the cause. By adopting a dog in your neighborhood or choosing to donate to save tigers in the wild, you turn your love into a valuable action.

Featured Image By: Pixabay