Category Archives: Anything & Everything

Learning A New Hobby? Remember These Tips!

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Learning A New Hobby? Remember These Tips!

When bringing a new practice, hobby, or discipline into our lives, we can often go through the ‘honeymoon period’ where everything seems awesome and we’re excited to learn more and more. Of course, many of us find that starting out can sometimes be quite difficult, especially when we meet a challenge we’re not prepared to deal with, or if we have a long period of training that seems to be progressing slowly.

But that’s fine, after all, Rome isn’t built in a day, and we can’t expect to be perfect at our new practice within the span of a week. For that reason, it’s important to be prepared for this process and, instead, focus on what matters – setting up your passion as properly as we can. This can prevent us from getting bored and moving onto the next new thing, which often leaves us with endless practices that have been given up on which you might come to regret later.

If you’re getting into a new hobby or practice, focus on these three efforts to keep yourself grounded, too:

Keep Cultivating Your Inspiration:

Keep cultivating your inspiration if you can. It really does make a difference in the long run. For example, when hoping to play guitar, you might focus on listening to the great acoustic players such as Don Ross or Anton Dufour. This way, you can more easily feel a sense of kinship with the beauty of your craft, have an ideal to work towards, and more easily shrug off the difficulties on the journey to competence.

Focus On Your Possible Route Forward:

Focusing on your possible route forward can help you more readily stage your learning and practice habits. It’s better to give yourself a set amount of time to practice each day and set mini-goals for yourself rather than try to take too much on at once. This helps you to enjoy the process of learning rather than forcing yourself to become an expert at once and, unfortunately, too many people choose this latter option. Remember, the journey should be just as enjoyable as the destination.

Learn Practical Skills:

It’s good to focus on the actual craft of a hobby or skill rather than the simple image it provides. Of course, you don’t have to be absolutely perfect at learning perspective in order to paint well and to enjoy yourself doing it, but you will gain a lot from the practice, and learning techniques is fun in itself! You might spend time learning how to read piano sheet music in order to learn more quickly and benefit from this highly practical skill, richly rewarding your practice sessions and lessons from then on. Or if you want to go fishing in the near future, doing some research into what a stick bait is and how to use it will help you develop your skill. The advice you’ll find on the David Hebeda website will also help you with boat fishing tips that can be a hobby game changer. The key is in your research and the more you research, the better! This way you won’t be standing next to a lake feeling like a complete beginner!

With this advice, we hope that you can get into learning and perfecting your new hobby with confidence. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Featured Image By: Pexels

How To Save Money & Stress When Moving

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How To Save Money & Stress When Moving

We all know the cliche about moving house being one of the most stressful and expensive things you can ever do. But those negatives aren’t necessarily as inevitable as you might think they are. There are so many ways in which you can reduce the costs associated with moving to your new McArthur Homes property, while also making the process as minimally stressful as it can be. And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today. Read on and benefit from these tips:

Plan Your Move Around Your Work Schedule (And Plan In General!):

If you can schedule the day of the move for a time when you’re not going to be working or when you can book paid leave from your job, that’s the right thing to do from a financial standpoint. People often think about the fees and costs of moving to a new home, but the money you lose by being forced to take unpaid time away from work is something that also shouldn’t be ignored.

Declutter Before the Move:

Your move will be a lot less stressful for you if you can take the time to declutter your property beforehand. Spending time, energy, and money moving things that you don’t even want or need is pointless from an efficiency and financial point of view. By clearing out your property today and simply getting rid of the things that you really don’t need anymore, you’ll be able to avoid that level of wasted resources.

Try to Move Off-Season if Possible:

The costs associated with moving differ depending on the time of year. If you want to move in summer when everyone else is also trying to move house, you’re going to face higher demand and competition for people looking to secure the services of good movers and solicitors. The process will also be longer as well as more expensive because of the delays caused by that high demand for the necessary professional services. We suggest entering a search for “movers St Anthony” (or your local area) as soon as you have a time frame of when you would like to move, be that on or off season. This will give you ample time to get quotes, read reviews, and find the best moving company for you.

See if You’re Entitled to Any Discounts:

When looking to secure the help of moving professionals, you should take the time to see if you’re entitled to any discounts often offered by those kinds of services. For example, people over a certain age level, students, and people who have served in the military or government agencies are very often entitled to discounted services. It’s a great way to save money, so don’t miss out if you’re entitled.

Work with Reliable Professionals:

Working with reliable moving professionals who are going to be able to make the move as smooth for you as it can be will make your life a lot less stressful. The right moving professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary, which will help alleviate some of your worries. Whether you are using movers charlotte nc, or a similar removal firm in your area, this will help make this task easier.

Reliability is so important for every aspect of your moving team. From real estate agents, those assisting with loans, or home builders in st louis (or your local area), you will want the highest recommended professionals to help you. It’s amazing how much time and money you can save when you have a solid team.

Source Free Packing Materials:

Sourcing packing materials is one of the best ways out there to save money. If you’re paying for boxes and tape and all of the other wrapping and protective materials you need, you’ll be wasting money. All of that stuff is out there and you can usually get your hands on it very cheaply. Ask around because everyone has boxes that they no longer need after their own house move. Better still, find a moving company that offers this stuff at no extra cost to you.

Saving yourself stress and time when moving house is essential to making the experience a more positive one. Get started with the tips above so you can focus your attention on the more pressing matters of your move.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Remember These Tips When Moving Out For The First Time

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Remember These Tips When Moving Out For The First Time

Moving out of the family home can be scary and stressful but it is also a really great start to a new chapter in your life. You are sure to be juggling a lot right now from furniture shopping to figuring out an internet service and it all can feel overwhelming. But a place that is your own is an exciting light at the end of the tunnel of seemingly endless apartment hunting and budgeting. Here are a few things to remember when you move out for the first time that might be missed or forgotten:

Find Your Local Go-To’s:

Sometimes people need a big change and that can include making a big move. You might find yourself searching for “houses for sale in Beverley” (or the area you want to move to) and reveling in the adventure of being somewhere brand new. If you have moved into a different area or completely different town it is a good idea to get a feel for the place before you move. Find out where your new doctor’s office, the closest hospital, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacy are. Knowing where all of these places are is important and can be a deciding factor in where you choose to live. You don’t want to be far away from a hospital when you are in an emergency!

Cleaning Appliances Will Be Needed:

When you move into your own place you will need to clean it. That’s right, it is all down to you now. So try to get yourself motivated to do it by buying all of your cleaning gear! There are all different types of things that you will need, like a spray mop, iron, washing machine, dishwasher, and a vacuum cleaner. There are so many different models, price ranges, and types so read about different brands to find the ones that are best suited to you and your needs.

Prepare For The Emotional Side Of It:

Moving out of the family home can be really exciting but it can also feel a bit scary. It is important to remember that even though you are moving out, your family is there for you no matter what. A good way to ease out of it is by having a weekly dinner where you go and spend quality time after you have moved out. So it could be every Sunday you go and have a big family meal. No one says you can’t pop by during the week too! A housewarming party after your big move to a new apartment or a property in Crystal Valley Ranch can also help with the bittersweet emotions. Your family will be so proud to see you thriving and hosting in your new place!

Make A List For Chores:

When you are the sole responsible person for all of the cleaning, you will need to make sure it gets done. A quick and easy way to make sure this happens is to make a list. A chore chart is a great way to map out the additional time that it will take to keep your apartment as clean and bright as it was when you first moved in.

Meet The Neighbors:

Meeting your new neighbors is not only polite but you could end up becoming lifelong friends with each other! Knowing your neighbors is also beneficial if you ever need them. It will be nice to know that you can go on vacation with the peace of mind of your place being watched over and your mail getting picked up.

Moving out is challenging, scary, rewarding, and exciting all in one. There is much to do and it is a big change so follow the tips above to keep the process going smoothly.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Spring Cleaning Check List

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Spring Cleaning Check List

As we near the end of February, the promise of spring after a long winter cooped up indoors is an exciting one. Sadly, the weather won’t warm up for a while but that doesn’t mean that your house can’t start feeling like spring time! Spring cleaning helps make your home feel as fresh as spring itself and is the perfect activity to conclude your winter hibernation with. Pay special attention to the following while you complete your spring cleaning:

Clean From Top To Bottom:

When cleaning a room, it is best to work in a top to bottom approach. Clear off and dust any shelving units or knick knacks and don’t forget the lighting fixtures. Give the windows in the room a good washing as well as any pillows, rugs, and blankets. It’s also a good idea to declutter as you go along to help the space feel more open. Once you have cleaned the top portion of the room, move onto the floors which will surely need some love after being walked on by snowy shoes. Working from top to bottom eliminates the possibility of scuffing up your nice clean floors after just washing them!

Know What To Prioritize:

Going over each room with a fine tooth comb is great, yes, but there are certain tasks on your check list that should take a higher priority. It is more important to tend to issues like leaks, holes, dryer or dishwasher repairs, as well as ensuring that your air conditioning is in working order to keep your house functioning safely and efficiently.

Work In Sections:

You are not obligated to complete your spring cleaning in one day. In fact, it’s better to break your chores up into sections so that you can clean and sanitize each area properly. Give yourself a few achievable cleaning tasks to accomplish each day so you don’t get burned out and take a break if you need to! The purpose of spring cleaning is to lighten the space and your mood, in turn, so give yourself a breather if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Switch Out Cozy Fabrics:

Thick curtains, plush rugs, and soft fleece blankets are all great for late fall and winter but not so much for spring. Switch out the cozy, seasonal fabrics at your place with gauzy curtains, canvas pillows, and more practical rugs. Remember to put your winter coats, snow boots, and chunky sweaters into storage to maximize the space in your closet too.

Get a head start on your spring cleaning with the advice in this check list to help make your home warm weather ready. Don’t forget that if you are out of any cleaning products, you can use contact free shopping to avoid any unnecessary exposure during the pandemic!

So You Want To Be A Blogger?

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So You Want To Be A Blogger?

Hi!! If you would have told my twenty year old self that the blog I had just started would still be going strong for over six years, I would have been in stitches laughing. But, here I am now, over six years later with a following in over one hundred and ninety countries, islands, and provinces. Sometimes I still feel like I need to be pinched and woken up from this dream!

Whether you want to be an influencer or just have a page where you can share your thoughts, there is a lot of hard work that comes with the territory of blogging and that was just pre-coronavirus pandemic! I have the utmost respect for those who want to start a blog right now because COVID-19 has done my content creating no favors and I consider myself a seasoned blogger at this point.

If you want to be a blogger, it’s important to bear the following in mind. And, believe you me, I am constantly reminding myself of these tips:

Posting Often Is Important:

I have a lot of pride for my page because, within the first few months of my humble beginnings, I made the choice to dedicate myself to creating content to be posted daily. Fear not if writing a post every day seems like a daunting task, as every other day to every three days will suffice as you begin! Daily content gives your readers the chance to really get to know you and this is a beautiful thing because all of my followers feel like my dearest friends. Posting often gives your readers the opportunity to keep coming back and this will really help you build a strong base.

You Get As Much As You Give:

Writing gives me such great joy and it always has. This is why creating daily content has been a natural thing for me because I feel so happy every time I sit down at my laptop! Blogging is an amazing opportunity to share your truth, make new friends, and grow as a person and I was determined to have all of that when I started my page. I put my all into lifewithlilred every day and in return I feel appreciated, I have made best friends, and have grown exponentially. If you put your best effort into your page, good things will start coming your way even if it takes a while.

Don’t Be Afraid To Try Something New:

This may sound weird, but my blog keeps me motivated to try new things. Why? Because even if I don’t like it, I can still write about it! I would never say that I am a person who is opposed to change or new experiences but I am not the most spontaneous gal on the planet. My blog has helped spark a “Why not?” attitude that I used to have but got lost somewhere along the way. From cutting a rug with an elderly stranger on the dance floor during a family vacation to enrolling in community college despite not going right out of high school, my blog encourages me to take chances. Like I said, new experiences mean new content even if you end up hating it so it’s a total win/win. But, I have a feeling you’re going to love a lot of what you do dare to try! 🙂

One final thought when it comes to blogging is that it’s important to be kind to yourself. My page is dedicated to making people smile as they lose themselves in my own little world for a spell. Bad vibes are definitely not conducive to my goal of having a “feel good” page and this helps me get myself in check when I start to feel down. Writing is a labor of love and when you feel your best, it will come across in each post. ❤

Please don’t forget that if you ever want to guest blog on lifewithlilred, you can always email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . You can also friend me on Facebook at: Sarah Mushenheim to keep up with more of the latest and greatest from Lil Red!

How has your blog helped you? What motivates you to keep writing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

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A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

Hello! I told you that I would be using some of the writing prompts that I suggested for all of you yesterday and here I am – surprise! Yours truly knows a thing or two about writer’s block and, honestly, the best way for me to combat it is to think of a ton of different post topics and go from there. So, as per my own recommendation, I am going to take all of you through a normal day for Lil Red, pandemic style. Here we go:

Morning:

I typically wake up to start getting ready for work around seven. It’s a bit of a mad dash for me because I need to shower, write, and do any other last minute preparations with the hope of leaving for a client’s house at eight fifteen. This may seem like a lot to cram into an hour and a quarter but I have been dedicated to this morning routine for years and it would be weird to change it up now. I also find that I am less likely to keep hitting the snooze button when I have a few things to accomplish before I even leave for work! 

Afternoon:

My afternoons are dedicated to my clients and trying to find fun ways to keep them occupied at home during the pandemic. I love my job so much and have been an Independent Provider for people with special needs for over three years now. The pandemic has definitely put a damper in a normal day at work as community integration is my specialty but I think that I am better at my job for it because I have had to get so creative with endless days at home. No matter what we do, I am always thankful for time with my clients and get home anywhere between three thirty and five during my work week.

Evening:

Once I get home from work, I still have a bit of paper and computer work to take care of before I can settle in with Johnny for dinner and an episode of whatever show we’re watching. Right now, we are working on three different ones: Castlevania, the Ken Burns Vietnam documentary, and King Of The Hill as our comedic palette cleanser. Johnny and I will sometimes play a few video games, as well. I am currently still working on Mario Galaxy and it is so much fun! I also like to incorporate some time into all of my evenings to read and practice the five languages I am learning on Duolingo for a mental work out.

My days have felt rather blah lately but after writing out a typical day in my life, I have realized that I actually do a lot even during the pandemic. I feel proud of myself for sticking with all of my routines and still trying to make every day a great one despite not feeling my best. Here’s to safer and happier times to come!

What is a day in your life like? Which shows are you currently watching? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Have Some Writing Prompts!

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Have Some Writing Prompts!

Hello everyone and happy February! Can you believe that we are already one month into 2021? I, personally, am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we are quickly approaching the one year mark of when the bars, restaurants, and salons first shut down in Ohio on March 19th, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Time really seems to be flying and dragging on at the exact same time.

This pandemic has done us writers literally no favors and I understand how hard it is to come up with daily content better than anyone. And, as we approach the one year anniversary (worst anniversary ever) of the coronavirus, writing can seem even more daunting as this limbo we are all stuck in feels never ending. If you are struggling to come up with content on your page, fear not! Lil Red is here to help with some writing prompts and I can’t wait to see what all of you come up with:

  • How have you adjusted to life during a pandemic?
  • What has been your favorite memory during the past year?
  • Valentine’s Day is almost here! Do you have any ideas for at home dates and gifts?
  • The pandemic has put many big events on hold. Did you miss out on any concerts or plays?
  • It’s never too early to start your spring cleaning! Any tips on the best ways to deep clean your place?
  • How has your personal style changed since the pandemic?
  • Working from home? What are the pros and cons, in your opinion?
  • Do any of your friends run a small business? Now is the time to support them by giving a shout out on your page!
  • What is the most binge worthy series you watched during the pandemic?
  • What is the most unputdownable book you’ve read this past year?
  • Where do you turn for inspiration when you are writing?
  • Describe a typical day in your pandemic life.

Believe it or not, this post is as much for me as it is for all of you because I will be using some of these prompts, myself! If you plan on using any of the above, let me know so I can check your post out. 🙂 Happy writing!

What do you do when you have writer’s block? What are you most looking forward to post pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

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Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

Hello! Every day seems like twenty-four more hours of the exact same thing: Wake up, work, relax, repeat. It can be hard to spring out of bed every day with a pep in your step when things are so monotonous but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. Starting your morning out strongly means that you have a better chance of keeping the momentum going all day, which can definitely help improve a blah mood! To get your day going on the right foot, keep the following in mind:

Don’t hit the snooze:

No one is more guilty of hitting the snooze button than me but I really am trying to work on this bad habit! Hitting the snooze button, even for just five minutes will already be pushing your morning back which makes the pre-work rush even more frantic. As soon as your alarm goes off, shrug off your blankets and get yourself moving. If you are feeling sleep deprived, it’s better to go to bed earlier than bank on those extra five to ten minutes every morning that leave you scrambling around the house so you can leave for work on time.

Have something to eat:

Some people are just not breakfast people and that’s okay – no one is saying you need an elaborate breakfast spread every morning. But, it’s important to try eating a little something before you start your day. We need the extra energy to help get us through until lunch time and your morning is really going to drag if all you can think about is how hungry you are. Have yogurts or breakfast bars handy at home so you can have a quick bite before work. On the weekends, there is nothing better than brunch with friends. Quaint restaurants like The Black Penny make for a perfect spot to chat away and enjoy a great meal.

Complete your normal morning routine:

I’m sure all of our morning routines have changed drastically since the start of the pandemic since there really is nowhere to be that requires us to get spruced up. I, myself, have tumbled into an unending cycle of leggings and hoodies. But, there is just something about completing your full morning routine, even with nowhere to be, that hits different. This might mean applying a bit of makeup, styling your hair, or shaving. Whatever it is, give it a shot. It will bring back a touch of normalcy to your day and it will be nice to feel totally work ready again.

Prepare things the night before:

Whether this be making your breakfast or lunch, prepping your paper work, or readying your outfit, it’s always better to do these things the night before. Leaving all of these random additional tasks for your work morning will only add time and stress as you start your day. Plus, if you do everything that you can to already be ready the night before, then you can hit the snooze button without it having such a negative impact! 😀

The tips above are all easy changes that you can start incorporating into your morning routine immediately so you can always wake up on the right side of the bed!

Are you a morning or night person? When do you normally get up in the morning? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Wanted: New Year’s Guest Bloggers

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Wanted: New Year’s Guest Bloggers

Hello! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to write more, then how about spending an afternoon guest blogging for lifewithlilred? I want everything from your 2021 goals, all of the “new year new me” posts, and things that you are looking forward to in the upcoming months. One of the goals of my page has always been to spread the joy of writing, which is why guest bloggers will forever be welcome in Lil Red’s world.

If you are interested in being a featured writer for the day on my page, then please email me your ideas to: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . Don’t forget to let me know which blog you’re coming from, too! Those who have continued to write through all of this madness should be proud of themselves and I would sure be proud to have you on my page, too! ❤

Happy New Year!

Bored At Home? Try InboxDollars!

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Bored At Home? Try InboxDollars!

Hey! I don’t know about any of you, but there was a point in my life when I would do online surveys like it was my job. I tried a multitude of different websites but when I found InboxDollars, I stuck with it and have been using it for years. In fact, I just got myself a thirty dollar Amazon gift card from my earnings and was able to purchase all of my skin care for the next few months for a song.

If you are bored at home and looking to make an extra buck, then I can’t recommend InboxDollars enough. The best part about this website is that it isn’t just endless surveys. You can answer trivia questions, open paid emails, play games, clip coupons, online shop, and watch videos to get you closer to your ten dollar cash out goal. Once you have enough earnings, you can collect cash or gift cards to restaurants and online retailers.

InboxDollars is a great way to kill some time and I go on it once daily to at least open some paid emails and answer their daily trivia question. You can spend as little or as much time on it as you’d like and not only is it an easy site to maneuver but it’s fun, too! If you are interested in signing up for InboxDollars, please use my referral code and I can help show you the ropes. 🙂

https://www.inboxdollars.com?rb=78080190&ref_src=link

Which online survey sites do you use? What are your thoughts on InboxDollars if you have used it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah