Oct28

Setting Up Your Home Music Studio

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Setting Up Your Home Music Studio

Do you have a passion for music? If so, then you likely know just how costly such a hobby can be. It’s fair to say that it’s often quite expensive to develop a love for music, as finding the cash to be able to afford to pay for professional studio time might cost a lot more than you have to spend. However, this doesn’t have to dampen your creative spirit. In fact, there’s an excellent solution: why not build your own home music studio? You’ll be able to record and edit your own tracks for a much smaller fee all in the comfort of your own home!

Having your own music studio can certainly take your music career to new heights, and it truly couldn’t be any simpler to begin designing and building your home studio today. So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to discover more, then check below to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you can utilize to create the most amazing music studio before you know it:

First Things First: Prioritize Soundproofing:

The first and most important aspect of a home music studio is top quality soundproofing, as the last thing you want is angry neighbors knocking at your door. Having to deal with complaints day in and day out will certainly block your vibe and ruin your flow, so it’s a risk that just isn’t worth taking.

Investing in top quality soundproofing will help you to avoid this issue, as well as improve the end product of the tracks you record in your home music studio. Good soundproofing can easily block out any noises from outside of your recording space, so things like passing traffic won’t be heard in the background of any of your songs. Sourcing the correct soundproofing for your unique space is key, so take your time to look around for the best fit.

Find Quality Equipment:

When you’ve laid the foundations of your music studio with top soundproofing, it’s time to invest in a range of quality equipment that you can use to record and edit your tracks…

It’s fair to say that many artists start off with nothing more than a laptop and a pair of headphones, so if you have a limited budget then don’t worry about trying to splash out on anything more. Whenever you do have the funds, investing in a quality microphone and speaker set should be your next priority. If you wish to take your home music studio to a whole new level, then you can take the opportunity to source a variety of instruments, amps, and more to allow for all manner of musicians and artists to record in your space. Whenever you do decide to buy some instruments, make sure you get musical instrument insurance – just in case.

Once you have your soundproofing and key pieces of equipment, it is up to you to design and decorate your space. You can also add some color changing LED lights to your home music studio, as this can take the atmosphere to a whole new level!

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Oct28

What Have We Been Watching? Scary Movies Edition

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What Have We Been Watching? Scary Movies Edition

Hello!! Johnny and I have been watching scary movies pretty much exclusively since the last week of September to prepare ourselves for spooky season. Of course, we do make exceptions for Lego Masters, Impractical Jokers, and Last Week Tonight! This month long scary movie marathon has been a hoot and I thought I would share a few of the ones that stood out for good or bad if you plan on watching some horror flicks this weekend. Now, let’s get to it:

Scream:

Very surprisingly to my husband, I have never seen the original Scream before and it was a really fun watch. This is the perfect flick to turn on for people who aren’t huge scary movie fans because, although it is a slasher, there is so much humor incorporated into it. Scream straight up makes fun of horror franchises as Ghostface does his thing and it achieves a nice balance of scary and silly. I would say Johnny and I watched more of the Scream movies but literally every single one BUT the second was on streaming services. *Face palm*

Old People:

This is a German Netflix movie that I put on while Johnny was taking a snooze and it was pretty good. As you can surmise, the old people are the villains and this was an interesting twist since it’s almost always a youngster lol. I can’t say that I would watch it again but it was worth the watch for what it was. Some parts were freaking nasty so be wary!

Nobody Sleeps In The Woods Tonight:

The plot of this Polish horror film on Netflix intrigued Johnny and me. In the summary, it says it’s about a group of technology addicted teenagers who go on a retreat where no cell phones can be used. The movie was about this for maybe ten minutes and then it turned super weird thanks to two ogre looking men who were transformed by a meteor. The first one was good and we were excited that there was a sequel. Don’t bother with it, however, because it sucked on ice and we turned it off before we even finished it.

Random Acts Of Violence:

Shudder is a streaming service that only has horror movies and TV shows. Random Acts Of Violence is a Shudder original and it was one of mine and Johnny’s favorites. Basically, a comic book writer begins to notice similarities of real life killings inspired by the serial killer in his books. The movies on Shudder can be hit or miss so we were surprised by how good it was. The artwork was also amazing and we loved when it would go from real actors to comic book style animation.

Dreamcatcher:

Dreamcatcher was another movie that we watched on Shudder and it was a bust. Actually, let me restate that. It was alright until the grand reveal began unfolding and *then* it was a bust. Long story short, there is a killer amongst a DJ, his management, and his fans. For a while, we had a good enough time trying to figure out who it was. Then, we did find out who it was and it was so stupid lol don’t bother with this one.

Last Shift:

This movie was on Netflix and it was one that actually scared me and Johnny. It’s about a rookie cop who is working a late shift alone at a rundown police department. What should be an easy night turns nightmarish when the lights go out and a cult leader and his followers appear to be making a comeback. This one was a wild ride and I would definitely watch it again.

The Collector/The Collection:

The Collector series is your basic booby trapped setting film but it’s done so well and Johnny and I have watched these movies a few times. Is the Saw-esque style the most original? No. But, the overall plot was good, the visuals were insane, and we also love Josh Stewart a la Criminal Minds who plays the main character. If you’re looking for a more fast paced horror movie and aren’t scared of some gore, then this is a great option.

Creep 1 & 2:

The Creep movies are on Netflix and Johnny and I are HUGE fans of them. It isn’t a jump out and scare you movie but it is so unsettling. In a found footage style, it covers whomever the “bad guy” feels like being on a given day and the person he hired to film him. Part hilarious, part plain weird, the Creep franchise definitely lives up to its name and we wish there were more of them!

Johnny and I have watched so many scary movies this month that I have forgotten some of them lol. However, the ones above were the first ones that stuck out to me for this post as a green light or a cautionary tale to not watch. Regardless of what you choose, enjoy your movie night!

Have you seen any of the movies that I mentioned? What did you think of them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct27

Make Game Day Even Better With These Tips

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Make Game Day Even Better With These Tips

Do you love sports? Do you love spending time with your friends? If so, then you’re going to want to read this blog post! This blog will discuss a few tips for having an awesome sports-watching experience. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just there for socializing, it has got some great ideas to make game day even better. So grab a few drinks and some snacks, and get ready to enjoy the big game:

Make sure your viewing setup is ideal:

Your viewing setup should be comfortable and conducive to socializing. That means you’ll want plenty of seating for everyone, a good view of the TV, and easy access to snacks and drinks. You might even want to consider setting up a stereo system so you can listen to the game commentary. Comfort is key so be sure not to overcrowd the room so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Dress the part:

Wearing your favorite team’s jersey is a great way to show your support. But you don’t have to stop there! If you really want to get into the spirit of things, break out the face paint and body paint and go all out. You could even set up a painting station so everyone can show off their team pride.

Snacks & Drinks:

No game day is complete without snacks and drinks! So make sure you have plenty of both on hand so everyone can have their fill. And if you’re feeling generous, you can even make some homemade snacks to share with your friends. Appropriate snacks include chips, pretzels, popcorn, and anything else that’s easy to eat without getting your hands too messy. As for drinks, beer is always a popular choice, but you can also have soda or water on hand for those who don’t drink alcohol.

Add Some Healthy Snacks:

Now, snacks and drinks were already mentioned, but healthy foods deserve to get some attention too! It’s easy to default to chips and dip for game day, but having a variety of snacks, including some healthier options, will keep everyone happy and feeling good. Veggie trays, fruit platters, or even some gourmet popcorn can add a little something different to the spread.

Big events like the Pegasus World Cup, led by visionary Belinda Stronach, show how much a little extra effort can elevate the experience. Those posh sorts of games are all about posh food, which just so happens to be healthy (no pretzels and hotdogs here). But healthy foods still have magic, even on game day, just without the stomach aches.

Place bets on the game:

Placing bets on the outcome of the game is a great way to add some extra excitement. For example, you can bet on who will win, how many points will be scored, or which player will score the most points. Your group of friends can try out Free Sports Picks to add an extra level of fun to your game day experience. Just make sure you agree on the terms of the bet ahead of time, so there’s no confusion later on.

Play some games at halftime:

If you’re looking for a way to keep your guests entertained during halftime, why not play some games? Games like cornhole, Cards Against Humanity, or charades are always popular choices. Or, if you want something that’s more sports-related, you can try your hand at fantasy football or video games.

Have a post-game celebration:

No matter whether your team wins or loses, it’s always fun to celebrate with your friends after the game. You can head to a nearby bar or restaurant or just keep the party going at home. And if your team happens to win, make sure you have a victory dance ready!

Sports are meant to be enjoyed all together so invite your friends over for the next big game and have a blast!

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Oct27

Getting A New Pet? Tasks To Complete Beforehand

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Getting A New Pet? Tasks To Complete Beforehand

Hello! Johnny and I will soon be bunny parents to the adorable Mel and Penelope. I can’t freaking wait! It has been a long while since I have had a pet that was truly my own and I almost forgot how much preparations had to be done beforehand. All of the following should be completed before you bring your pet home so you can both fully enjoy the experience:

Research:

You cannot go in blind for the care of a new pet so step one, most importantly, is doing your research. How long does your pet live for? What does it need to eat? Are there any health complications specific to your pet? Can you afford the extra expense? Will you have the time to spend with your pet? These are all necessary things to explore beforehand so you don’t find yourself in a situation down the road where you can’t adequately care for your pet. Having a firm understanding of everything that this new pet entails will best prepare you for providing the best care.

Doing your research will also help you when it comes to purchasing pet supplies…

Supply Shopping:

Much like the arrival of a new baby, you will have to do some stocking up on necessities before your pet comes home. I, for one, went freaking HAM on Chewy and Amazon and had an endless stream of boxes coming in daily for my bunnies. They are going to be so spoiled! These are just some of what you might need for any new pet:

  • Cage or pet bed for a comfortable place to sleep
  • Playpen for exercise
  • Pet food, food and water dishes, or a water bottle
  • Treats and toys
  • Fresh fruit and veggies
  • Cleaning supplies for cages, accidents, etc.

Find A Vet:

Animals need a doctor too and finding the right vet for you will assist in providing the best care for your pet. You can get recommendations from friends or online or continue on with a vet you have used before. Remember, you might have to find a vet outside of your immediate area if you are a pet parent to farm animals, reptiles, or various small animals.

Make A Pet Friendly Home:

Your home should provide adequate space for your pet to move about freely and safely. When you are doing your research, be sure you are looking into ways to pet-proof your place. This could include moving houseplants to a different area, securing electric cords, and keeping human food out of reach. Having a comfortable place that is conducive to your pet’s health and wellness should be a top priority.

A new pet is so exciting but it is a lot of work. I’m ready for it, though, and I can’t wait to bring my bunnies home!

Do you have a pet? How do you provide the best care for them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct26

Hosting Halloween? Try These Ideas!

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Hosting Halloween? Try These Ideas!

Hello!! It is almost Halloween weekend and I am so excited for it!! On Friday, Johnny and I are going to have a scary movie night with one of our friends (my bestie and her husband had to reschedule) and then passing out candy to trick-or-treaters in my parents’ neighborhood on Saturday night. Whether you are hosting a huge bash or a small get together, these ideas will be sure to be a hit for major Halloween fun:

Food & Drinks:

Let’s all be honest here, one of the most important aspects of a holiday party is the food and drinks! You could do a potluck style situation and have everyone bring a drink or snack. Or, you could go the route that I planned on doing and preparing things yourself. Since my party of five will be a party of three on Friday, I will be keeping things fairly simple – tacos for dinner and apple cider cocktails while the movie night commences.

There are so many amazing recipes for cocktails (nonalcoholic too) and spooky snacks on Pinterest. Just don’t stress yourself too much! Perhaps you make an amazing soup but your sweet treats leave a lot to be desired. If this is the case, you could outsource dessert with a custom cake bakery like https://www.sweetesbakeshop.com/collections/all-cakes (or a similar one in your local area). A beautifully decorated and delicious Halloween cake will make a fabulous focal point on your table! Here are a few more ideas you can try at your party:

  • Caramel apple bark
  • A trail mix station
  • Apple butter or pumpkin cheesecake
  • Cupcakes or cake pops
  • Crockpot dishes like soups or dips
  • Themed cocktails – Bloody Marys, anyone?

So Many Activities:

Movie nights are an easy way to go for a Halloween party. To keep things fair, have everyone write down what they would like to watch and draw from a hat to leave things up to chance. If you’re looking for more “active” activities, you could incorporate any of these ideas:

Costume Contest: What good is a Halloween party if everyone isn’t dressed up? You could create a makeshift runway, have your guests model their look, and vote on which costume is the best. A goodie bag of candy or a small Halloween decoration could be the prize for the winner.

If you would like to shake up a costume contest, I have an idea! With plenty of time in advance before the party, you could assign each guest a pair of way cool costume contacts from Abracadabranyc.com. Then, each guest can create a costume that ties in with the contacts they were assigned. Think Poison Ivy for bright green contacts or a zombie for a pair of yellow ones. The most creative takes all!

Pumpkin Carving Or Painting: Decorations are always a must for a party and you could all make your own with a pumpkin carving or painting station. How cool would it be to have your whole front yard lit up with jack-o-lanterns that your guests created? This is also a great activity to do outside if the weather is nice and it’s still light out.

Dance The Night Away: If you have space to allow for some dancing, then go for it! Of course, you will need a fantastic spooky playlist. Johnny and I recommend our main jams of the Monster Mash, Alice Cooper, and Ghost.

Scavenger Hunt: A nighttime scavenger hunt would be so much fun! You can hide clues throughout your yard and home and have a prize for whomever completes the task first. Be sure to supply flashlights if this is going to be an after dark activity.

Set The Space:

Any host with the most knows not to leave preparing your party space for the last minute! You might have to move furniture around or have additional seating depending on how many people are attending. As long as you can accommodate your guests comfortably, then you are good to go. If you are going to be watching movies, make sure you have lots of extra blankets or pillows or have the party-goers bring their own.

Do Good:

A get together during this time of the year is perfect for doing some good as we are quickly approaching the holiday season. The “buy in” for your party could be a donation to a homeless shelter, animal rescue organization, or charity of your choosing. This is a simple but effective way of giving back!

With these tips, your Halloween party will be the talk of your friend group for years to come. Now, can Johnny and I get an invite or…?!

What are you doing for Halloween? What will you be dressing up as? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct25

What To Prioritize For Child Development

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What To Prioritize For Child Development

If you are a first-time parent, you’ll find a lot of responsibilities to juggle. Along with the apparent need to provide food, clothing, and shelter, you’ll also be in charge of your child’s safety, health, and well-being. You will also want to lay a foundation that sets your child up for success in school and life. So, what should you prioritize? Below is a list of five areas experts say are essential for child development:

Safe Home Environment:

The first and most important priority for parents is to provide a safe and secure home environment for their children. This includes ensuring there are no home hazards that could injure your children, such as sharp edges on furniture, poisonous chemicals within reach, or unlocked cabinets. Childproofing your home is essential to keeping your kids safe.

In addition to physical safety, you’ll also want to create an emotionally safe environment for your children. This means being supportive and responsive to their needs, providing love and affection, and setting consistent limits. Creating a safe and secure attachment with your child is critical for their development.

You should also create a routine for your family that includes regular bedtimes and mealtimes. This will help your child feel secure and reduce stress. Lastly, you’ll want to have a support system in place during an emergency. This might include having a relative or friend you can call if you need help or know where to find resources in your community.

Health and Nutrition:

Being healthy doesn’t just mean feeding your child a nutritious diet that meets their growing bodies’ needs. It also includes regular medical checkups, immunizations, and dental care. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment to help your child develop healthy eating habits. Instead, focus on making meals together a positive experience. Serve various foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and limit sugary drinks and snacks. It’s also important to encourage your child to be active. According to the CDC, children should get at least an hour of physical activity daily. This can include playing outside, going for walks or bike rides, or participating in organized sports.

If you have concerns about your child’s diet or level of activity, it is so important to book a pediatric visit with their doctor as soon as possible. There could be underlying factors if your child is lacking energy or feeling sluggish. They also might be missing out on important nutrients if they have a picky diet which will need to be addressed.

Emotional Development:

As your child grows, you’ll want to help them develop emotionally by teaching them how to express their feelings in appropriate ways. It also means helping them develop empathy for others and teaching them how to resolve conflicts peacefully. You can encourage emotional development by reading stories together and discussing the characters’ emotions. You can also model emotional regulation yourself by talking about your feelings.

Education:

Developing your child’s education includes reading to them regularly, teaching them numbers and letters, and taking them to the library or museum. You can also enroll them in a high-quality preschool program as well as look for the best universities when it is time for them to go. Looking into the American International University of Kuwait reviews will guarantee you know whether it is the right place of education for your child.

Research has shown that preschool children are likelier to do better in school and are less likely to need special education or be held back a grade. As a result, it will be necessary to look into high-quality British international school admissions. Those universities can be ideal for your child’s development, making it a top priority. They’re also more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.

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Financial Stability:

Last but not least, you’ll want to prioritize financial stability. This means having a budget and saving for your child’s future. It also means teaching your children about money to make smart financial decisions when they’re older. You can start by setting up a savings account for your child. For example, you can give them an allowance and have them save a portion of it in their account. It’s never too early to start teaching your children about money. Doing so will help them develop good financial habits that will last a lifetime.

While it’s essential to focus on all development areas, some may be more critical than others, depending on your child’s individual needs. Remember to always keep your child’s best interests at heart as you make decisions about their care and development.

Oct25

Hip Hop Hurray!

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Hip Hop Hurray!

Hello!! I have wanted pet bunnies for pretty much forever now and it just never worked out. My old apartment was small and that was before Johnny even moved in! Then, it was doubly cramped and the temperature was difficult to control. It was always either way too hot or way too cold, which was so uncomfortable for us let alone a pet.

Moving into our new apartment was a huge upgrade for Johnny and I. We have plenty of space, a functioning air conditioning unit, and windows that open. We are very well settled and happy and now seemed like the perfect time to finally welcome some bunnies into our home. So… we are! Meet Penelope (brown and white) and Mel Kenda (black and white):

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For the past month, I have been scouring PetFinder nonstop to find a pair of small rabbits. This was counterproductive because I didn’t even have any supplies or a hutch lol. After a while, I felt like I was just spinning my wheels and then my brother-in-law tagged me in a post on Facebook. His neighbor was looking for someone to adopt lionhead bunnies from a surprise litter after her and her partner adopted a rabbit from an auction that they didn’t know was pregnant.

My bunnies’ current parents are so wonderful and have been working diligently to get each rabbit spayed, neutered, and adopted to a good home. And, one of the homes is mine! The stars definitely aligned and within a day, I had a date to pick my new babies up and endless orders from Amazon and Chewy on the way. Johnny and I are just waiting on the hutch to arrive – I can’t wait!!

Also, can we just talk about how fantastic Chewy is really quick? The litter pan that I ordered was way too big and when I contacted their customer service they refunded my money, waived shipping for a smaller pan, and told me to donate the other one to an animal shelter. The new one arrived the same day and this interaction alone makes me a loyal customer. Highly recommend!

I am beyond thrilled to finally have rabbits of my own after daydreaming about it for so long. Keep it posted here on lifewithlilred to officially meet Penelope and Mel soon!

Have you had pet rabbits before? Do you have any advice for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct24

Trying Something New: Sports

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Trying Something New: Sports

It can be tough to begin a new hobby from scratch. This is especially true if we’re a little older and feel that the things we wanted to do, we’ve tried. But life is so much more than what we’ve had the good fortune to be near, it’s also what we choose to go out and explore. It’s never too late to start up a new hobby you care about or are at least curious in. In many cases, satiating that curiosity can help you grow as a person. That said, sometimes, it’s understandable to feel hesitant. Are you really going to join a five-a-side football team if you’ve barely kicked a ball before?

Where are you supposed to begin? It’s important to consider that. In this post, we’ll discuss a few methods you can get around that worry and play with vitality. After a few short weeks or months, you’ll most likely wonder what you were so worried about to begin with!

Go To An Amateur Game:

Seeing amateurs playing for the local team can be a great time. It helps you meet a community and may even let you see what local facilities are available, such as the local football pitches you might be able to practice on at classes there. Moreover, it will let you have fun viewing a sport, which is often the first step towards taking part in it or at least understanding its rules.

Look Up Online Advice & Take Part In The Community:

With amazing online advice, such as that offered by acevolleyball guide, you can more easily learn the basics of equipping yourself, the coherence of the game, and make use of a community should you find a good forum or social media group. Taking part is the most important thing, so don’t be afraid to step out and try it. Here you get to ask all of your silly questions as a beginner, learn how to properly stretch before and after a game, and will learn about the training classes that might take place near your home.

If you want to really improve your skills while getting involved in the local community, it’s often useful to take after the likes of Ashley Roberts Tampa Police and start practicing with different and new people. Very often, just doing that is going to mean that you get much more involved and that you learn a lot more. Before you know it, you might be getting into a new sport in no time, and probably really enjoying it too.

Try Training Classes With Someone You Trust:

A training class can be a great way to get started. Here you can learn beginner form, practice drills, learn teamwork, or just enjoying yourself in practice. Often learning the rules and principles behind a sport can be just as exciting as knowing the activity itself. Bringing along a friend can help you settle those basic nerves and also feels like a tremendously fun time to keep up with. Heading to a hockey class with a friend can help you make memories that will be long lasting.

It’s always nerve-wracking to try something new but it’s how we grow. If you’re interested in playing a sport, then go for it. It never hurts to try!

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Oct24

Attracting & Keeping The Best Talent To Your Company

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Attracting & Keeping The Best Talent To Your Company

In order to maintain a successful company, it is essential to have the best talent working for you. The best way to attract and keep top talent is by implementing policies and practices that appeal to them. In this blog post, we will discuss four ways that you can keep your employees happy and engaged. By following these tips, you will be able to reduce turnover rates and improve productivity in your workplace:

Offer a competitive salary and benefits package:

In order to attract top talent, you need to offer a competitive compensation package with other companies in your industry. This includes offering a fair base salary and providing benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off. Employees will be more likely to stay with your company if they feel they are fairly compensated.

You should also consider offering perks and bonuses to attract and retain employees. These include flexible work hours, stock options, or employer tuition reimbursement services. Employees appreciate being rewarded for their hard work and these types of perks can help you stand out from other employers.

Promote a positive work/life balance:

The best employees are those who are happy and engaged in their work. To promote a positive work/life balance, you should offer flexible work hours and the ability to telecommute. This will give your employees more control over their time, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction. Ensure your employees have access to quality childcare and eldercare resources. This will help them feel supported in their personal lives, and they will be more likely to stay focused on their work when at the office.

Create high-quality skill development opportunities:

The best talent wants to be challenged and given the opportunity to grow. If your company can provide employees with opportunities to develop new skill sets like with ITIL 4 certification, you’ll be more likely to attract top talent – and keep them. One way to do this is to invest in employee training and development programs. These range from formal courses and certification programs to on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities. By giving your employees a chance to learn new skills, you’re making your company more attractive to prospective talent and increasing employee engagement and retention.

Foster a positive and supportive company culture:

Your company culture should promote positivity, collaboration, and respect. Employees should feel like they are part of a team and that their contributions are valued. If your employees feel like they are in a toxic or damaging environment, they will be more likely to seek employment elsewhere. Make sure that your company values are evident in everything you do, from how you treat your customers to how you interact with each other. Promote a culture of open communication and respect and encourage employees to give feedback.

Implementing these four policies will result in a happier and more productive workforce. By following these tips, you’ll be able to reduce turnover rates and ensure that your company has the best talent working for you.

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Oct24

Lil Red’s Book Club: Thinner By Stephen King Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Thinner By Stephen King Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Today, without giving any spoilers away, we will be discussing Thinner by Stephen King. There is never a bad time to read one of the kings of horror but it just hits differently during spooky season. I have been on a huge King kick as of late and have recently enjoyed Carrie and Fire-Starter. Thinner was a fun, quick read and before we get started, I will be placing a trigger warning on it for violence and disturbing content. Now, let’s get to it:

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Billy Halleck is a family man who is living the good life. He has a beautiful wife, beloved daughter, expensive home, and a great job as a lawyer. From this standpoint, he is the picture of success. Then, you look at the man who is being discussed and find out that he is very overweight and cruising dangerously to the heart attack zone. Constant binge eating has brought Billy’s weight to roughly two hundred and fifty pounds. Sure, he might say he’s on a diet but the empty snack wrappers and soda cans tell a totally different story.

Billy’s success in his small Connecticut town is a double edged sword. On one hand, he is making lots of money. On the other, his ins with judges and police officers helped sweep a crime that Billy is culpable of under the rug. Due to a bout of distracted driving, Billy ran over a wanderer whose caravan was camped in town. Instead of serving jail time, Billy got a slap on the wrist and his life went back to normal… So normal that he almost forgot about the ringleader of the fortune tellers and performers. His nose was suffering from necrosis and he touched Billy gently and whispered “thinner” to win justice for the victim.

Soon, Billy began to lose weight despite eating more than ever before. At first, it was nothing major and his scale stayed comfortably in the 240s. Then, the weight loss became rapid and within a few short weeks he lost forty pounds. Trips to the doctor and multiple tests confirmed that nothing was “wrong” with Billy medically. But, then again, a curse doesn’t show up on a blood test.

As Billy continues to go from dangerously overweight to dangerously thin, other strange phenomena is happening to the people involved in Billy’s courtroom coverup. The judge has inexplicably began growing scales and the chief of police has sprouted oozing, weeping pimples all over his body. They, too, were cursed by the caravan leader.

Time is running out and Billy has lost well over one hundred pounds in two months. He knows he will not find a cure at a medical facility that his wife insists on him checking into. So, he begins a road trip along the Northeast coast to track the wanderers down and get his curse lifted. Will he find them before the emaciation and arrhythmia in his heart kills him first? Read Thinner to find out!

Like Carrie and Fire-Starter, I had a great time reading Thinner. Was it my favorite Stephen King book that I have ever read? No. But, like all King books, it was a campy and fun page turner. I have always enjoyed King’s books not just for the horror but because of the humor! Stephen King has such a dry, silly sense of humor and so many lines in Thinner made me and Johnny laugh out loud.

Thinner wasn’t as much of a jump scare read as it was plain disturbing. “The Incredible Shrinking Man”, as Billy calls himself, is such a simple yet terrifying punishment. Most chapters in the book were marked by Billy’s new weight and reading his deterioration into a gaunt, skeletal man almost made me happy to have some areas of my body with extra padding lol. 

While I liked the story line, I didn’t care as much for Billy as a main character as I have in other King books. He seemed to play the blame game for his situation a lot instead of taking full responsibility for running a woman over. And, although he didn’t serve time in jail like he should have, he let the whole issue slip his mind almost completely rather than feel any guilt for it. Not a good look!

I am going to rate Thinner with a seven out of ten stars. This is a perfect and fast paced read to get you into the Halloween spirit. Although it wasn’t as groundbreaking as other King books, I still recommend it!

What are you currently reading? What should I read next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah