5 Ways To Better Animal Health During Winter

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5 Ways To Better Animal Health During Winter

Animal health during the winter is just as vital as our own. As an animal or pet owner, you have a responsibility to care for any animals at your home or farm. Staying active with animals always helps, but you can also keep an eye out for local wildlife that might need help as well. Take a look at some tips to keep your pets healthy all winter long:

Keep Up with Medical Treatment:

Like humans, animals require medical treatment to stay healthy. If you have any pets, then you will be well aware of the medical problems they can get and the effects these can also have. From simple eye infections to kennel cough and worms, dogs are susceptible to all kinds of issues. Yet even strong horses are also prone to worms, so products like Questplus dewormer are highly recommended during winter as worms occur mostly during December and January.

Stay Active with Your Pets:

Pets need lots of exercise, and this can be easy or challenging, depending on what pet you have. For instance, a rodent will go all day if you provide a wheel for exercise. Yet a dog has no such amenity. You must walk your dog and ensure they get the exercise they need, even in winter. This is harder, of course. But you can bear it with some reliable winter clothing. You can also get some clothing for your dog. This looks amazingly cute but will also help keep them warm.

Shelter Provides Animal Health During Winter:

Almost every animal needs shelter, from mighty elephants to rodents. Livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens (which are common in backyards) need somewhere safe from the elements. A warm and durable shelter is so important year round, but is critical in the winter. You can click here to learn more about safe shelters for chickens and other small animals if you raise them to promote health and happiness during cold spells. The number of deaths from poor shelter during extreme weather runs into the hundreds of thousands every year. This can be avoided with adequate shelter for the animals you keep. Ventilation, dry bedding, and enough feed are also essential for maintaining animal health.

Help Local Wildlife Stay Safe:

You may or may not have pets. But what you will have is local wildlife. From frogs in the pond to birds, badgers, and foxes visiting your garden, there is abundant wildlife almost everywhere. And every now and then, they need a little help from us. For instance, there are toxic gasses that can build in frozen-over ponds, so check that there is always a hole for these to escape. You can also help birds find food with bird feeders. And be careful of hibernating animals when clearing debris.

Be Aware of the Human Dangers:

Winter is a savage time for humans in some places, and we need ways to get through it. Just maintaining your car can be a nightmare. But it can also be deadly to animals, especially cats. Ethylene glycol, the main component of antifreeze, is sweet, and cats are drawn to it. So, store it correctly and clean up spills. Antifreeze can also leak from your car, so be sure to check underneath the vehicle and clean up any residue that could possibly be an antifreeze solution.

Avoid winter health conditions for your beloved pets with the tips above and stay warm!

Featured Image By: Pexels

New Steve Madden Winter Accessories

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New Steve Madden Winter Accessories

Helloooo!!! Yesterday, we took a look at my new favorite dress purchased from my last shopping trip to TJMaxx. That wasn’t the only thing I got, however, and today we’ll be checking out the super fun New Steve Madden Winter Accessories that came home with me too. I have a huge collection of hats, scarves, and gloves for the cold weather and it is safe to say that I am a little bit obsessed with winter accessories. They are such a great way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank! The selection at TJ’s was excellent and I walked away with an adorable pair of earmuffs and a knit balaclava. Let’s get to it:

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^^^ Peep the original price tag for the earmuffs. I purchased them for ten dollars. SCORE!!

This was a rather exciting accessory haul for me because I don’t own earmuffs or a balaclava. That is the beauty of TJMaxx – you never know what you’re going to find to spice up your wardrobe! The first thing that my eyes locked in on at the accessory wall was the smiley face earmuffs. How cute are those?! They were over the top, vibrant, so much fun, and oh my goodness were they comfortable on. They fit just right without being too tight and my ears were so toasty and warm. I knew that these would make a vibrant addition to the grey days of winter and the price I got them for was a total steal. 😀

The next thing that spoke to me was the knit balaclava, which is something that I knew existed but have never seen before in store. My new balaclava was something that was instantly appealing to me. I only own one jacket with a hood on it and it isn’t warm enough for winter wear. This was not only a fashion purchase but a practical one. There are some days when I have to go to work really early to get a client to work and it is always freaking freezing when I get in the car. Now, I have a balaclava to help with that – do you know how much heat we lose through our heads?! Not only will this help in the warmth department, but it is such a bold statement piece. Balaclavas are most chic and my new one will add a touch of sophistication to all of my winter coats!

I have no intention of buying a new coat this year and I love that I will be able to freshen my winter wear up with these fab new Steve Madden accessories. TJMaxx, you always continue to surprise me! ❤

What is your favorite winter accessory? How do you update your winter wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New 7 For All Mankind Dress

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New 7 For All Mankind Dress

Hello!!! This past Tuesday, I spent a wonderful afternoon shopping with my mom at TJMaxx. We went with the intention of holiday shopping but, of course, we had to pick out some goodies for ourselves too!! My mom walked away with two adorable new sweaters and I had a fun haul with some new winter accessories and the 7 For All Mankind dress that we are discussing today. I was very happy to have found this dress because I had an upcoming event (on Friday the 10th) with a local celebrity thanks to this OOTD. I wanted to go all out for it fashion-wise and I knew that this dress would wow:

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At the end of the day, I could have worn something to my Friday event (Which you will hear more about later!) that I already own. But where is the fun in that?! This was going to be my first time rubbing shoulders with someone famous for more than one minute and I wanted to look my best. Our gracious host is a HUGE deal in Ohio and I wanted the pictures I was going to take to not only speak to that, but my fashion too. After piling my shopping cart full of Christmas prezzies, it was onto browsing the clothing department for anything that spoke to me. I couldn’t believe the stroke of good fortune from the fashion gods themselves when I laid eyes on my new dress! There was only one in my size and it was drop dead gorgeous.

My New 7 For All Mankind Dress is everything that I love when it comes to clothing. Snakeskin is my favorite pattern, I live for faux leather, the shape was flattering, and it was an all around unique piece. I knew for a fact that no one at the event would be wearing something similar and that in itself was good enough for me. But, was it going to look good on me? Thankfully and obviously, the answer was YES lol! As soon as this dress was on, I was sold in a heartbeat. The tea length A-line skirt offered so much playful movement and the pattern was to die for. It looked amazing against my hair – especially with the navy in it. OOTD ideas began swirling through my head at a rapid pace and I always know that I have found a winner if I am being inspired that much in a TJMaxx fitting room!

I will leave my outfit musings out because you will all be seeing the end result very soon and I want it to be a surprise. Keep it locked here on lifewithlilred for all the deets on my celebrity schmooze fest coming this week!

How do you know if a piece of clothing is something you want to buy? Have you ever met a celebrity before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Holiday Shopping – It’s A Wrap!

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Holiday Shopping – It’s A Wrap!

Hello!! One thing that I simply pride myself on is getting my holiday shopping done early AF. I have just a handful of prezzies left to buy, but I am pretty much as good as done and I am thrilled about it. To me, there is nothing better than being able to go into December with nothing to do but relax and wrap gifts up in my apartment workshop. And, let’s be honest, who really wants to go into a store as the holidays approach? They’re all madhouses and the selection is always picked over. If you need a bit of inspo to complete your shopping, here are a few of the things I purchased this year:

Art Gifts:

My nieces and nephew have plenty of toys, so I wanted to steer away from that. Other than just a few toys from TT, I bought some sand art and painting kits for the kiddos that are old enough to do them. Both my older niece and nephew love doing crafts and this was a perfect compromise of something fun that isn’t a new toy to add to their collection. Craft kits aren’t just great for children, but for adults too. There are paint by number kits, rhinestone art, or even supplying the goods for a wine and paint night. No matter your age, it’s exciting to make something by yourself so this is an excellent route to go if you’re in need of ideas.

Gift Cards:

To some people, a gift card is considered a “thoughtless” gift and I say FALSE. Gift cards are the bomb and I am totally fine with giving and receiving them. Don’t let the idea of it being a not well thought out gift deter you from using them because I literally don’t know anyone who isn’t happy to get one during the holidays. Gift cards make a wonderful add on or main gift and it is so nice to be able to treat someone to dinner, a movie, or a shopping trip compliments of you.

Ornament Kits:

During my last shopping trip to TJMaxx, I knocked out a lot of the remainder of my shopping. I was most excited to find ornament kits including one for your pet and one for baby’s First Christmas. If you have a proud pet owner in your life, this would be a really sweet gift for someone to be able to commemorate their fur baby with a paw print ornament. The baby’s First Christmas one was also an awesome find because it will be the first Christmas for my new niece. Thoughtful, effective, done and done.

Books:

The world is filled with an infinite number of books so use them! I purchased quite a few books for this holiday season and I know that they will be a hit with my giftees. Even if the person you’re gifting for isn’t a huge reader, coffee table books on one of their favorite things can make for a unique gift. Or maybe your giftee loves to cook? Pick out a new cookbook and a gift card to their local grocery store for ingredients to cook with! Books are a cool gift because you can add another gift that might fit that book’s theme for a really thoughtful surprise.

Food Gifts:

Food gifts always go over well and I was psyched to have found some nice chocolate gift sets at TJs for my clients’ families. A food gift could be a gift set, sure. But, it could also be a home cooked meal, a mason jar with ingredients for soup or cookies, a gift card to a favorite restaurant, or a meal delivery service. Everyone has to eat and I know your giftee would love a gift basket filled with their favorite ingredients, snacks, or candy!

The holidays are fast approaching and it honestly gives me anxiety that a lot of people aren’t done with their shopping yet lol. I hope these tips will better assist you as you continue to check people off of your shopping list!

When do you start holiday shopping? Are you an early or last minute shopper? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Akron Comicon Haul

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Akron Comicon Haul

Hello!! Akron Comicon this past weekend was a blast and I spent the best afternoon with Johnny and my brother. We came, we saw, we shopped and each walked away with a bagful of goodies featuring all of our favorite things. I wasn’t able to attend the Con last year and Johnny surprised me with all kinds of gifts to decorate our apartment with. It felt so good to be able to participate this time around and I am loving all of our new swag! Check it out:

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^^^ The last three posters were made by Vile Consumption and the Wolfman was painted and autographed by Drac of Transylvania Tonight!

It was SO hard to exercise self restraint at the Comicon because there was a ton of merchandise from my favorite fandoms to buy! We’re talking Demon Slayer, Assassination Classroom, horror flicks, Lego, and much more. The first thing I selected was my Funko Pop of The Little Prince. I had no idea that this Funko existed and my brother got it for me in exchange for paying for our tickets. I have countless tattoos from the book and it is a piece of literature (and film) that is very dear to my heart. Best believe it is proudly displayed on our knick knack shelf! ❤

Johnny also treated me to a few little prezzies including the V mini fig from V For Vendetta and the crocheted Plague Doctor. Like The Little Prince, V For Vendetta is another book/movie that is one of my all time favorites. And, also like The Little Prince, I have a buttload of tattoos from V For Vendetta too! The mini fig is perfect and I love that Johnny always knows exactly what I would like without consulting with me. We both fell in love with our tiny Plague Doctor friend and as soon as Johnny saw me give it a cuddle, it was as good as ours lol.

Finally, the Akron Comicon was an amazing place to gather more art for our expansive collection. While visiting with Drac and Countess Carita of Transylvania Tonight, we noticed that Drac had a new piece of his artwork on display: The Wolfman. This was a must buy because we already have all of his other movie monster prints from last year’s Con. Now, we have the Mummy, Dracula, Frankenstein, the Creature From The Black Lagoon, Doctor Jekyll, and the Wolfman all painted and signed by Drac! We also couldn’t say no to the posters by Vile Consumption because they are hilarious lol. I was geeking out over the Sister Act one from The Nun, it wasn’t even a question about the David Pumpkins print, and Trick R’ Treat was an obvious choice because it’s one of our fave Halloween flicks. SAM!!! 😀

The Akron Comicon was a GREAT SUCCESS and I am so happy with all of our fun purchases. I can’t wait to get our new artwork hung up around the apartment! 🙂

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

 

Different Ways To Use Metal Around The Home

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Different Ways To Use Metal Around The Home

Metal can have many practical and decorative uses around the home – including uses you may not have even considered. Beyond plumbing and beams, here are some of the different ways you can incorporate metal in your home:

Doors & Windows:

Wood and fiberglass are the two most popular options for residential doors, however metal is becoming increasingly popular due to its security advantages. Most modern reinforced doors have a steel layer in them, helping to keep burglars out. Handles and locks are almost always made of steel. Metal window frames are similarly very secure, and a lot more long-lasting than vinyl. Steel and aluminum are the two most popular metals used for window frames and can come in a variety of different colors.

Roofing:

Steel roofs are favored for their energy-efficiency, fire resistance, and longevity. They are also easier to maintain than many other roofs and relatively affordable to install. A downside is that they can be quite loud in rain or hail.

Cladding:

Aluminum panel cladding is often used to create cool accents on the exterior of modern homes. Black metal panels can look particularly stylish when contrasted against brick. They’re also waterproof, helping to protect your walls.

Railings:

Metal can be used in many railings ranging from balcony railings to banisters. It provides a very strong barrier, while also being quite light and easy to install. There are many styles of metal railing from decorative wrought iron railings to minimal chrome steel railings.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Tables:

Tables can be made out of various different metals to provide a sturdy and waterproof option. Cast iron tables are a vintage option that is very heavy, which makes them ideal for the exterior in very windy backyards. Aluminum tables have a more modern look and are much lighter, making them great indoor pieces that can be easily moved around.

Bed frames:

Why choose a metal bed frame? Metal frames are typically much longer lasting than wooden frames and can take a lot more weight. They can also be lighter than wooden beds. You can buy metal single beds, double beds, and bunk beds.

Sink basins:

Stainless steel is a very common material for kitchen sink basins because it’s durable and very easy to clean. Copper can also be used as a kitchen sink material for an alternative vintage look. This looks fantastic when paired with a copper pull-down faucet.

Bath tub:

The majority of bathtubs are made from acrylic, but metal can be great for a stylish retro look. Metal can retain heat longer, resulting in baths that stay hot for ages. For those that don’t like the look of a steel tub, there are steel tubs coated in a white enamel finish as an alternative. Copper freestanding slipper baths meanwhile have a luxurious golden look.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Kitchen countertops:

Professional kitchens typically use stainless steel worktops because of how hygienic and easy to clean it is. Some homes incorporate stainless steel countertops in their kitchen for the same reason. For those that don’t like the commercial look of steel, copper may be a more stylish alternative.

Light fittings:

Metal is used in many light fittings. Popular styles include pendant lights, sputnik lights, and metal chandeliers. Chrome steel is one of the most popular modem options, but brass can be used for a vintage look, while black wrought iron can give off a charming industrial vibe.

Incorporating metal into your home is a unique, chic choice and is sure to wow your guests!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Cute At Comicon OOTD

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Cute At Comicon OOTD

Helloooo everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday, I attended the Akron Comicon with my big bro, Andrew, and Johnny. We had an absolute blast and I cannot wait for next year’s Con. I have to admit, that I didn’t really know what to wear to this event. I don’t cosplay and I don’t have any clothing pertaining to a fandom except for a hoodie with Michael Scott on it. I also had no idea what the temperature would be like at Comicon – it was boiling at the Brick Convention! So, I just put together something cute and comfy with some help from my brother. The end result? Being told I look like a Pokemon gym leader so I think I won! Check it out:

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^^^ It was hard to get lots of pics at Comicon because it was jam packed!

Who? What? Wear?

Black Clover T-shirt: This is my brother’s and it’s from Hot Topic

Distressed Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Fire Boots: Dolls Kill, Cape Robbin

Comicons are all about repping your favorite fandom and I was SO happy that Andrew let me borrow his Black Clover T-shirt to wear. Black Clover is one of my all time favorite animes and I have been dying for a new season! Although I didn’t see as much memorabilia from it as I would have liked, everyone sill definitely knew the show I was sporting on the T. Andrew pulled through in the clutch because I actually did have on my The Office hoodie at first, but I just wasn’t feeling it.

Knowing while I was at home that I could change into the Black Clover T when we picked up my brother helped me style the rest of the look. Since the T-shirt was going to be big on me, I went with my super distressed skinnies from American Eagle. There’s nothing wrong with a baggy T, but I wanted to be able to show some skin to break up the bulk of it. These jeans helped balance things out and offered a pleasing silhouette between the oversized top and super skinny bottoms.

Since this was my first Comicon, I had no idea about the size of the facility and really wasn’t trying to wear a crazy pair of heels. At the Brick Convention, I made that mistake and it was one I deeply regret because my dogs were barking by the end of the day! For cute and comfort’s sake, I chose my amazing boots from Dolls Kill by Cape Robbin. These boots are absolutely insane and I am SO there for it. They give me Elton John in an anime vibes and I can’t think of anything better than that! My boots are over the top and oversized and their bigger shape gave cohesion with the T-shirt. This outfit would have looked kind of silly with a pair of skinny heeled stilettos. Picture it in your head and you’ll see what I mean!

Akron Comicon was the best and I loved the outfit I put together. It was simple, but effective and I was getting compliments left and right. Here’s to many more years of Cons with my two favorite guys!

What is your favorite fandom? Do you have any merch from your favorite shows or movies? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Akron Comicon

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Akron Comicon

Howdy!!! This past Saturday was super fun because my brother, Johnny, and I went to the Akron Comicon. I have been looking forward to this event since last year as I wasn’t able to attend, but Johnny and Andrew had a blast and I couldn’t wait to join in the fun too. We all walked away with SO many goodies and although my wallet was protesting, my heart was very full lol. You can see my purchases later this week so keep it posted for that! Now, let’s take a look at some pics and have a chat:

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The Akron Comicon was full of vendors, fans of fandoms, and minor celebrities both local and from afar. Other than being in TJMaxx, I had never seen so many things that I wanted to buy from my favorite shows, movies, and animes. Also, huge shout out to my big bro for letting me borrow his Black Clover T-shirt because I had no anime gear to wear. Although I like to think my boots with the flames on them more than made up for the fact! During our afternoon, we schmoozed, we shopped, and we enjoyed being in the presence of so many people who shared our interests.

As far as celebrities went at the Con, it was a bit of a mixed bag. There were a few ladies who were in literally one scene from Scream, the guy who played Timmy from Lassie? haha and the voice actors from a few seasons of Charlie Brown who played Lucy and Charlie B. The most exciting people we met was our hometown hero from Akron, the Son of Ghoul who hosted a public access horror show. It was also very exciting to get a peck on the cheek from him! We also got to meet Drac and Countess Carita who host Transylvania Tonight, another horror show. Johnny and I have Drac’s artwork hanging up in our living room so it was SO nice to hang out with them for a bit and buy a new addition to our movie monster portraits. They were all nice as can be and I am thrilled to have spent some time with them!

The Akron Comicon was such a hoot and it was wonderful to finally be able to experience it with Johnny and Andrew. I can’t wait for next year’s Comicon and maybe get another smooch from the Son of Ghoul! ❤

Have you ever met anyone famous before? Have you ever attended a Comicon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Navy & Grey Nails

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New Navy & Grey Nails

Hello!!! I don’t know about all of you, but I had an excellent weekend! I got my nails done on Friday and my bestie girl came over and on Saturday I attended the Akron Comicon. You will see much more about that this week – it was a hoot. 😀 I couldn’t wait for my appointment at Elysian Nails after my work day on Friday because my nails were looking pretty rough. They were lifting and outgrown and I always know that it’s time for a fill when my acrylics poke through the gloves I wear to clean the bunnies’ litter box. So gross lol.

Thankfully, my tech got me right and the timing couldn’t be better – I’m attending an event this Friday that I am beyond excited about. It’s a surprise, but you will all be informed soon!! Check out my New Navy & Grey Nails:

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During the fall and winter, I always gravitate towards bold, rich nail polish paired with a lighter hue. It creates a gorgeous contrast and I think it looks so chic and sophisticated. After oxblood and beige nails during my last fill, I wanted to get away from warmer hues and delve into something more icy and cool. I have been obsessed with all things navy since adding the shade into my hair a few months ago and needed more of it! I selected a deep navy and softer heather grey for my colors and love how it turned out. They make me feel like a total ice queen!

Normally when I get my nails done, I opt for a first thing in the morning appointment. That didn’t work out this time around, but it was pretty nice to wrap up my week at the nail salon. Closing the work day out by getting pampered was most relaxing and, as always, my nail tech crushed. She got my janky nails looking brand new again. They feel so secure and sturdy as if some of the nails hadn’t been lifted at all. The shape is exactly how I like them, the colors are divine, and I can’t wait to show them off this Friday at a shindig with a local celebrity. 😀

There is nothing like a fresh fill to get your girl back to feeling her damn self and I can’t stop looking at my new nails. And, yes, I already booked my December appointment in October lol. Make sure you get your beauty appointments scheduled while you still can for the holiday season!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? When during the day to you like to schedule your beauty appointments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

More Halloween Pics

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More Halloween Pics

Hello!!! Johnny and I had so much fun on Halloween and this has been my favorite spooky season celebration we have had yet. I loved my costume, we watched all of the scary movies, and enjoyed a bonfire while we passed out Trick or Treat candy with my family. Normally, it’s like pulling teeth to get Johnny to take a “nice” picture with me. (He has a knack for subtly flipping the bird in most of our pictures lol SMH!) On Trick or Treat night, however, he was ready for his close up and willingly took these shots with me. I think he rocked it!

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It is a joy to celebrate any holiday with Johnny, but Halloween just hits different. It’s not a season – it’s a state of mind and while we keep it spooky year round, Halloween weekend is like our Christmas Day. Johnny and I were so excited to get dressed up and jam packed our schedule full of activities. The best part was definitely helping out with Trick or Treat and we were thrilled that my family got involved in it too. We just love to spread that Halloween spirit and our bonfire was awesome. We had a powder to make the flames change colors and it looked amazing! 😀

Trick or Treat night was also great because Johnny finally took pictures with me. In fact, when I asked him if he would take “nice” pictures with me, he replied with “Of course I will. It’s Halloween!” Lol, he is so ridiculous but he was serving LOOKS in these shots. He was working his hodge podge vampire costume like nobody’s business and I was so proud. I have pictures of us together from every Halloween we have celebrated as a couple and I really treasure them. I think the pics we took this year was our best work yet. ❤

I didn’t have one piece of candy all of Halloween weekend because we ran out. But, I have countless happy memories from it and that’s good enough for me! ❤

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