Category Archives: Home Decor

Apr4

Sweet Surprises: Bunny Decor Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Bunny Decor Edition

Hello!! I am incredibly lucky to be able to call my sister, brother-in-law, and three darling nieces my best friends in the whole world. They are simply the best and Johnny and I cherish every second with them. My crew is never far from my mind and I know the feeling is mutual – this was further confirmed by a Sweet Surprise from the bestie squad! When I got to my shift at chez parents this past week, there was a gift waiting for me on the kitchen table compliments of my BFFs and it absolutely delighted me. Check out this perfect prezzie for everyone’s favorite bunny mom:

As you all know, Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Not for religious purposes but because of the fact that bunny decor reigns supreme in stores. I have to get at least one new bunny themed decoration per year to celebrate my sweet pets and it just makes me happy lol. I’m even happier to know that my besties got into the spirit too! After unwrapping my adorable bunny in bow tie present, I could almost picture the shopping scene in my head of my sister and nieces. I am sure that as soon as my eldest niece saw it on a shelf, she told her mom that TT, Melvin, and Penelope, would love it. Even if this vision was imaginary, whoever thought I would love it was spot on!

Do I need more bunny decor? That was a trick question because the answer will always be a resounding YES! My Sweet Surprise is proudly displayed in my bunny corner of the knick knack shelf and it makes me smile every time I see it! ❤

Do you have any pet themed home decor? What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar28

7 Upgrades Your Kitchen Needs

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7 Upgrades Your Kitchen Needs

Did you know that minor kitchen upgrades, often more affordable than massive changes and renovations, can actually add more value to your property? While renovations are great if your kitchen isn’t fit for purpose or you need more space, for some people, it’s the smaller changes you make that can offer you the most value in terms of functionality as well as boosted value. Let’s take a look at some of the kitchen upgrades you can make to make your life and your kitchen better:

Countertops:

Kitchen countertops can be made from a range of durable and aesthetically pleasing materials, offering you a wide array of options to suit your style and needs. Ideally, you want to choose countertops made from granite, quartz, porcelain, or even butcher’s block. You can also find a variety of colors and styles to suit any kitchen. Not only will granite countertop installations make your kitchen look more stylish, but they will also modernize it and enhance functionality, enabling you to use your kitchen while giving it a mini facelift. High-end kitchen countertops can add 5 to 6% to a property’s value, so if you’re only investing in one new aspect of your kitchen, new countertops could be a great investment.

Kitchen Island:

Kitchen islands are highly sought after by buyers, and if this is a factor in any upgrades you are making, it’s definitely a worthy consideration. This is an extremely practical addition for any kitchen if you have the space, providing additional storage and counter space, and even housing appliances. You can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 upwards for a custom-fit island; this is preferable over a prefabricated one, which might not fit your kitchen as well, but you can expect an ROI of around 70% on your investment.

Flooring:

New flooring is an excellent investment. You should opt for more durable flooring such as stone, LVP, or tile. These materials are made to withstand lots of foot traffic and can give your kitchen a more aesthetically pleasing look that is easy to clean and maintain – especially if you have pets or kids.

Refresh Paint:

This can be the paint on your walls, around windows and doors, on doors both internally and externally, and on your cabinets if you wish. If you want to update your look but don’t want to rip cabinets off the walls, you need to look into the different color options available for painting your cabinet doors. How much this will cost depends on the scope of the work, the surfaces you’re painting, and how much prep work they need to deliver a high-end finish.

Tile Backsplash:

A new backsplash is a worthwhile investment for any kitchen. Tile backsplashes are visually appealing and give a deeper sense that the homeowner was invested in the small details and quality of any renovation work they carried out. Subway tile is a timeless classic that can be adapted to many homes and styles. While there’s no set in stone rule, generally, subway tile is more appealing to prospective buyers.

Hardware:

Updating the hardware in your kitchen can be relatively inexpensive and easy. This includes your door handles, any hooks you might have on cabinets, light switches, pull cords, faucets, etc. These small details might seem insignificant, but a simple upgrade can be really impactful and give your kitchen a new dimension.

Workstation Sink:

A workstation sink isn’t a normal sink; it’s a sink that has much more space and is multi-functional. It can have additional features such as a chopping board, drain boards, flexible taps you can move around to help ease prep work and cleaning, etc. The more features your sink has, the easier it will be to clean up and get jobs done without taking up too much space.

When it comes to updating your kitchen, it’s not always about ripping everything out and starting again. It’s about finding upgrades that will enhance your kitchen, benefit your life, and add value to your home.

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Feb27

DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

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DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

Who says your home office has to cost an arm and a leg to look stylish and work-friendly? Your office space can be lovely and easy on your wallet. No makeovers, no logos, just a bit of creativity, a little budget advice, and some patience. Here are some tips on how to give your office a new face for a fraction of the cost:

Start With What You Have:

Stop for a moment and take a good look around your house. What is it that you currently have that can be used to make your office work? Oftentimes, your best furniture is in your own possession. Paint it a new shade, change its hardware, and make sure your old furniture is new all over. Organize that bookshelf, move a lamp, and see a difference. It’s unbelievable how a fresh perspective can change a room.

Develop A Realistic Budget. Stick To It:

Budgeting isn’t exactly fun. Yet, it’s necessary. You don’t need a ginormous budget in order to have a stylish home office, but you must have a plan. Maybe you’ll budget a little extra for a snuggle-up chair just for the sake of your back’s comfort, and that will be worth it. Or maybe you’ll budget for some awesome lighting since doing your job in the dark is a total downer. Before buying, write down what you need, what you want, and what is optional. This keeps your mind in focus when temptation strikes.

Thrift and Secondhand Stores are Treasures:

The real magic is in thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. Don’t overlook non-traditional options. For example, a sewing cabinet can be a creative office fixture and double up for your hobbies, adding a splash of personality and functionality. Such an item typically contains inbuilt compartments, perfect for keeping office supplies organized without extra mess.

Adding Personality With DIY Decor:

Personalize your workspace. Add framed prints, a corkboard, or a gallery wall. Consider adding plants for some greenery. Plants can give a room new life, too. Low maintenance options such as pothos, succulents, or snake plants can provide a pop of color for minimal price. Fresh flowers can majorly brighten your day or you could hang a bird feeder outside the office window to appreciate nature’s beauty.

Lighting Makes a World of Difference:

If your screen is giving you a headache, it’s time for a change. Natural light is ideal, so position your desk in a window, if possible. Utilizing natural light can be a game changer in your home office and is a good thing to focus your budget on. Take the time to find a Glass Company in your local area for repairs or installation and let the light shine in. No harsh overhead lights or lamps required! If you don’t have a window, that’s okay because the ideal stylish lamp can make a big difference. Scour thrift stores for vintage lamps in hip designs, or replace your current fixture with a dimmable bulb for malleable moods.

Cushioning is Important:

The throne of your office. Comfort is not an optional commodity here. Ergonomic chairs, though, can be pricey. So, in this case, how do you find a balance between cost and comfort? Try secondhand first. You’d be amazed at all of the great chairs that go on sale on online marketplaces. If you end up being stuck in a not-great chair, however, a seat pillow or lumbar pillow is an excellent investment.

Make The Best of Wall Space:

Walls in an office home are prime real estate. Make the most of them. Floating bookshelves can hold books, plants, or prints. Wall grids can hold reminders, a calendar, or motivational sayings. If you want to be bold, paint a solitary wall a fun color. Accent walls give a room excitement without overwhelming it. Accent walls provide an affordable, potent means of adding personality.

Cables and Technology – Organized and Practical:

Nothing kills a mood faster than a snarled mess of cables. Organization of cables is not a sexy phrase, but it is a lifesaver. Velcro straps, cable organizers, and stick-on clips keep everything organized and in place. Place your router, your printer, and other electronics in inaccessible locations. Consider a cordless keyboard and a cordless mouse to maintain a clutter-free space. An organized workspace is a productive space.

Make Your Space Yours:

Your home office should be an expression of who you are. But there is a fine line between personal and distracting. Be intentional. Add a few personal, thoughtful touches – a treasured family portrait, a book, a piece of art. Make your working space a source of inspiration rather than stress. Simple touches make it personal, though functionality is paramount.

Additional Ways of Uplifting Your Space:

A wonderful, cost-effective solution is multi-purpose furniture. One can have an ottoman as a secondary place for visitors to sit, in addition to a location for supplies. Likewise, a folding desk extension can be inserted when there is a need for more room, perfect for busy days when multitasking is a must. Such convenient extras make your office flexible and cost-friendly.

Your home office can be a place that makes work a little easier, a little cozier, and more productive. With some creativity, time, and smart budgeting, you can create a space for work that you’ll enjoy – without it costing a fortune.

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Feb15

Random TJMaxx Haul

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Random TJMaxx Haul

Hello! I had an absolutely crap day earlier in the week. It was one of those days where I wanted nothing more than to go home and crawl into bed with every passing second. However, I powered through because I had a job to do. My brain genuinely felt like mush and I decided that instead of working through my break, I should actually take a break instead. I still had plenty of Christmas gift cards to TJMaxx and I was planning on making a trip there soon anyways so that was the move. Even better, my mom joined me for the retail therapy and that was so appreciated. We haven’t gone shopping together in forever and I needed some fun! As well as my traditional holiday gift card skin care restock, I ended up with these random finds too:

Other than replenishing my skin care, what I really needed was a new pair of black skinny jeans. Unfortunately, the clothing selection was abysmal this time around and there was not a single pair of black jeans in my size. So, my mom and I browsed the rest of the store with nothing else on our To Buy List. However, that is when the TJMaxx magic happens because if you listen to the store, it will tell you exactly what it is you need lol.

As we wandered around, I began remembering the mental notes I made of things that I need more of. Socks were on there and that brought us close to the sleepwear department. For pajamas, I typically wear a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie and I can’t remember the last time I bought new actual PJs. The better/together sleep set caught my eye because it was just so pretty! It is still bitter cold in Ohio, but I have had spring on my mind something fierce and I loved the idea of wearing this set to bed during the warm months ahead. The colors and pattern are delicate and comforting and I think that was why I gravitated towards it. After the day I had, I needed some sweetness.

Beyond the sleepwear section is the home goods and that is where we went next. Another brain blast reminded me that I should finally get some new dryer balls. Johnny’s aunt got us some a few Christmases ago and almost all of them have gone missing. Do they make a major difference in the drying process? Maybe? Lol but I like the idea of them and the set with puppy faces that I found so into the cart it went! I also grabbed some K-Cups for my morning caffeine boost and we completed our rounds at the seasonal decor.

As a proud bunny mom, I have found that Easter is the greatest holiday of all. Not because of jesus but because of all of the bunny decor available in stores. I really am a crazy pet parent and consider Easter to be my time to shine. Since Melvin and Penelope’s homecoming, I have to get at least a few bunny themed pieces of decor every year. My first purchase to kick start bunny decor season was the cutest felt, fuchsia statue that I just fell in love with. The bright color and sentiment put the biggest smile on my face and it was a wonderful high note to end this impromptu shopping trip on. ❤

I can’t say I feel better about the situation that brought me down, but retail therapy with my mom definitely helped ease the blow. And, because gift cards, the blow to my wallet was nonexistent and you can’t beat that!

Have you had some retail therapy recently? Where did you go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov5

Reduce Stress With These Kitchen Upgrades

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Reduce Stress With These Kitchen Upgrades

Renovating the areas you use the most is an exciting process. It means you can add the things you need and make your life much easier. The kitchen is the most used room in the home, and there are numerous upgrades you can do to make it the most loved room in the home too. Like the following:

A Pipe and Plumbing Refit:

Ripping out an old kitchen comes with many opportunities. Of course, you can design the kitchen you want. But you also have the specific advantage of being able to have the piping and plumbing inspected. What would be the point of a brand new kitchen built around old and failing pipes? Reliable plumbing services will work with you to have your pipes installed and running as smoothly as possible. This gives you massive peace of mind to move forward with the plan.

Finalize the Kitchen Design:

It can be a dream come true to design your own kitchen, especially if you love to cook. However, it isn’t cheap, so you may want to consider the budget you have to work with. Whether it is large or small, there still needs to be a plan. A finalized design means there is little chance of something going wrong. Yet it will also keep you within budget and cultivate a healthy relationship with contractors. Most also offer 3D designs today, so you can design exactly what you want together.

Electrical Kitchen Upgrades:

Even if you don’t cook much, modern kitchens are a gathering space for the family when designed in a specific way, such as open-plan. It can also be a relaxing area for adults to take five and catch up on the day’s events. But with modernity comes the need for power. The average family home has around eleven kitchen appliances, not including mobile devices. So consider USB sockets in your new kitchen.

How You Will Use the Space:

A modern kitchen isn’t only used for cooking. Today, the modern kitchen space is multi-functional and used for gathering families. Yet, the main reason for a new kitchen is indeed for cooking. And we all cook in different ways. Think about how you use the space and you can design a new kitchen around your needs. For example, you can have pan racks and knife strips placed where you need them. This helps protect your expensive set of Globals for smooth food preparation!

The Storage Space You Will Need:

Even when you redesign a kitchen, you are still going to be working with limited space. With everything you might need, such as spice racks, pan space, and utensils, it helps to think about storage. You can work with your contractor on the design of the cabinet work, adding in extras as you go. Modern cabinets come with tiers for efficient use of space, lighting features, and even under-cupboard storage such as wine glass holders and utensil hooks.

Create your dream kitchen with the tips above and enjoy your new, remodeled space!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct16

Exterior Upgrades For Your Home

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Exterior Upgrades For Your Home

There are a number of ways that you can upgrade the outside of your home to get your property looking its best. Boost your curb appeal and let your house become the talk of the town with these projects:

Paint:

Painting the outside of your home is one of the fastest ways for you to freshen up your property if it is either tired or dated. Whether you are applying the same color as the paintwork you have right now or are trying to make a more drastic change, it’s very easy for you to give your home an immediate face lift. The cost of painting the exterior of your home will vary depending on its size and shape. It’s always a good idea to speak with the local paint experts in your area so you can better determine which colors will make your property pop.

Driveway Upgrades:

Another thing you need to do is look into driveway upgrades. If you do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to freshen up your home’s exterior. Driveway upgrades can mean laying down a new drive or perhaps installing a new gate. If there is anything you aren’t quite sure about when it comes to getting a new drive, then you can always ask your local driveway gates builder for advice. They can then inform you on a range of materials, including wood, aluminum, and timber.

Repointing:

Repointing brickwork is a big job, but at the same time, it’s one that you should be trying to get done. If you repoint an entire home, then you need to take into account the size of the area and the accessible walls. Rendering is also worth considering. This is when you cover the exterior wall with a rendering substance. This is usually made out of either sand or cement. It also contains lime or resin. When you render your home, you will be able to transform its whole appearance.

Cladding:

Cladding is a very popular choice for homeowners and it adds a fresh look to your property. If you want to add or replace cladding, then you need to look into the different types available and you also need to understand the benefits of each one too. Also make sure that you are taking into account the cost of maintenance. The main types of cladding used in modern architecture are stone, brick, metal, and wood. You also have UPVC, which is good if you would rather go for a more interesting color. If you can keep this in mind then it will help you out a lot, as it gives you way more freedom when the time comes for you to update your home.

Make the exterior of your home just as inviting as its interior with these upgrades!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct1

Halloween Haul

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Halloween Haul

Hello!!! In my neck of the woods, Marc’s is a beloved staple. It is a discount grocery store (with lots of random odds and ends) and my family visits it fairly frequently. Around this time of the year, all kinds of Halloween goodies find a home in their “closeout aisle” (that features said random odds and ends). As soon as this happens, my dad always notifies me so I can get first dibs and it never fails to leave me feeling #blessed lol. This past week, I made a Marc’s run to see if there was anything noteworthy and there sure was! I am officially done with my Halloween (all year round) decor shopping from this fun haul. Check it out:

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Surprisingly, the first thing I clocked on the shelves wasn’t any of the bigger treats. It was actually the teeny tiny salt and pepper shaker shaped like The Count from Sesame Street. I literally clutched my pearls when I saw it because I knew Johnny would love it. In his youth, one of the Halloween costumes his mom made for him was of The Count, his favorite character. He looks back on all of the costumes crafted by his mom most fondly and he couldn’t believe my fifty cent find. Unfortunately, it was the only one left so a set wasn’t possible, but I think this lone shaker was meant to find a place on our spooky shelves!

I also added a few tiny treat yoselfs to the mix too. I have desperately needed a new travel tumbler so I can sip on water throughout the day. All of mine are too small and constantly need refilling which is inconvenient, but I never cared to spend an arm and a leg on a new one because they can be rather expensive. I scored the ghost adorned tumbler for three bucks and it is the perfect size and matches all my spooky vibes. The jack-o-lantern tights were also a three dollar addition and I am obsessed. I have seen this design of tights before and never bought them for myself so I can’t wait to break them out with skater skirts this season.

After going through the smaller odds and ends of the closeout aisle, I browsed through the bigger pieces of decor. There, I walked away with the most adorable light up vampire and a walking and light up turtle skeleton. Yes, these were partially for Johnny and I BUT I knew our eldest niece would be delighted by them. She is a huge fan of our Halloween decor and Halloween in general and we are so unbelievably happy for it. I know for a fact that she will want to use the vampire as a nightlight during our next slumber party and will, without a doubt in my mind, make the skele-turtle chase her Uncle Johnny! We have instilled a love for Halloween in her since she has been born and it is the absolute best to share in the season with her. ❤

With that, My Halloween shopping is complete and it couldn’t have ended on a cuter note. As always, discount stores for the win!!!!

How are you decorating for Halloween? What is your favorite Halloween candy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep27

Spooky Surprises

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Spooky Surprises

Hello!! Halloween decor reigns supreme in my household all year round and Johnny and I add a few new things every year when the stores shift to spooky season. For the past two years, my contribution were snow globes with a Halloween twist. I really liked the idea of getting one new snow globe per year as a tradition. During our date day, we made a visit to TJMaxx and, unfortunately, their snow globe selection left a lot to be desired. We did, however, find this ultra cool skull that I am obsessed with! Check it out:

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As we made our rounds through spooky decor, everything was pretty picked over. There were a few things that we took note of but nothing worth buying. That is, until the red skull with blinged out devil horns caught my eye. It was the very last one on the shelf and as soon as I saw the ten dollar price tag, it was immediately added to our cart. We are seasoned pros when it comes to Halloween decorations but I had never seen anything quite like this before. This skull is so different from anything we have and its brilliant shade of red speaks sweet nothings to my Lil Red heart. It certainly makes a statement on our many spooky shelves!!

One final little treat I purchased for myself was a pair of Betsey Johnson spiderweb tights. They were expertly placed in the catch all aisle as you are waiting to check out and that really is where TJMaxx gets you! I am a huge fan of all things Betsey and these tights are just what I needed for fall. Literally every pair I have is riddled with holes and while these are holey, they are purposeful lol. Patterned tights are an amazing way to shake up sweater dresses and skater skirts. They also look so edgy and cool when worn under shorts. I cannot wait to break my spiderweb pair out to add some spooky flare to any OOTD. 😀

These Spooky Surprises were the perfect, cost effective little somethings to bring home during our date day shopping trip. The best surprise, though, is the fact that Johnny asked me to go to TJMaxx in the first place!! 🙂

Do you and your partner like to shop together? What are your favorite stores to visit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep13

“New” Vintage Lamps

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“New” Vintage Lamps

Hello!!! Very much like our own personal styles, the decor in mine and Johnny’s apartment is… eclectic to say the least. We have Halloween everything up all year round and the furniture was almost all secondhand in some way shape or form. Seventy-five percent was thrifted and twenty percent was given to me by friends and neighbors. The remaining five percent? Those came from the funeral home that my grandparents so lovingly ran. As you can see, we clearly aren’t defined by one or two specific styles and the end result is what I like to call “funeral home chic” with a heavy handed pour of Halloween flare.

Obviously, Johnny and I revel in secondhand treasures and we got to add to our collection at the Labor Day cookout we enjoyed at his parents’ house. Johnny’s mom is in the process of a huge clean out, which is where I acquired my amazing stash of vintage gloves and clutches. Her latest offerings were three stunning lamps that belonged to Johnny’s grandma and I am in love:

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As you can see, these lamps definitely need a healthy dose of TLC but they sure are beautiful! I am extremely partial to the funeral home vibes of the first dusty rose lamp. However, the robin’s egg blue and gold deer adorned lamps take the cake and to make things even better – they came in a pair. I was so curious about the deer lamps and I ended up finding the exact same ones from a seller on Etsy who said they were made circa the 1950s. How cool is that?!

Unfortunately, tabletop space is something that Johnny and I don’t have a ton of at chez nous. We are both avid collectors of oddities and when our respective collections combined, all of our shelves became instantly full. That’s not to say that I don’t want to put these lamps somewhere special – but where, indeed?! For now, my plans are to get them cleaned up, acquire shades that will do them justice, and store them away safely. Inspired by his mom’s haul away mission, we will be doing some autumnal spring cleaning and I am hoping to find the perfect spot for them yet.

These lamps remind me so much of my own grandma and I just know she would have loved them too. Her funeral home is never far from my mind and I am sure she would be happy to know that that style still influences me to this day! ❤

How is your home decorated? What do you like to collect? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug25

Sweet Surprises: Halloween Decor Galore Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Halloween Decor Galore Edition

Hello!! Whenever Johnny and I are running errands, we like to pick up little tokens of affection if we see something that reminds us of each other. It could be a new record, a book, or even a candy bar to share for dessert. Whatever it is, it’s always exciting to return home and say that we have a surprise. This past week, Johnny stopped at Marc’s which is a discount grocery store in our neck of the woods. He had a few odds and ends to pick up as well as this silly little something that was hanging up at my work station once I got home:

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As soon as I saw this wine related sign on my computer chair, I couldn’t stop laughing because I knew exactly why Johnny got it. Yes, I do love wine lol. However, the deeper meaning behind it is a nod to one of our favorite Saturday Night Live skits. Long story short, a family is celebrating a special occasion. The children and husband present the mom with wooden signs that have phrases on them. Think “Live, Laugh, Love”. As she continues to open the presents, the phrases get more and more ridiculous. For example, a sign about wine devolves into “I’m a mess and love drinking alone”. We are constantly quoting these segments and Johnny was so pleased to have found something similar and for only a dollar to boot!

This truly goes to show that it doesn’t matter how much you spend on anything, rather it’s the thought behind it. For one dollar, Johnny found spooky decor that reflected one of our running inside jokes and makes me smile every time I see it. My husband was chomping at the bit for me to get home and placed it in a prime position for maximum effect. He knows my routine of going right to the computer after work and had it waiting just for me. As far as I’m concerned, this Sweet Surprise was worth a million bucks because it made me feel like it. I am the luckiest gal. ❤

I didn’t need wine to focus on writing this post, but I sure appreciate the sentiment anyways. Shout out to Johnny for always being the absolute best!

Do you have any signs with funny phrases at home? What is your favorite Saturday Night Live skit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah