Simple Steps To Improve Your Well Being

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Simple Steps To Improve Your Well Being

If you want to have a better quality of life, you should look for ways to increase your sense of well being. Well being is a much easier way to arrive at the position you want to be in rather than focusing on a mood, like happiness. Well being is far more loaded too. Instead of being a single thing, it is about your quality of life and all of the individual things that go into that. Let’s find out how you can increase your level of well being:

Get Organized:

A lot of stress in our lives comes from being unorganized. This can mean a lot of different things, like always forgetting dates and times of things; it can mean that your house is untidy and cluttered. It can even mean getting in control of your finances. All of these things can have a huge power to bring down your quality of life. Clutter makes it difficult to find anything, among other things; always forgetting things can cause you a lot of emotional stress from other people as well as yourself. And your finances can ruin your whole life if you keep getting into debt. To get organized, start by decluttering and tidying the home. Then, buy a calendar and write things down on it as well as set reminders on your phone. If money is an issue for you, see a financial advisor and start getting your life in order.

Fix Things:

Having a massive to-do list is not great, especially if it’s consistently getting longer, not smaller. A lot of broken things around you is not conducive for your well being. Not only is it depressing, but constantly trying something that’s broken puts you right back to the initial stage or realizing that it’s broken. This can raise your blood pressure and seriously annoy you. It is in your best interest to fix things. Some issues you will need to get professionally sorted, like getting a Honda windshield repair. However, a lot of smaller issues you may well be able to fix yourself. Look online; YouTube has a lot of DIY videos you can use, for example. The sense of satisfaction you get from learning and fixing something broken will be an awesome reward!

Exercise:

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to increase your sense of well being. It has so many benefits. Clearly, it is good for your health. It can reduce your fat mass and tone you up. It can make you feel happier as it increases the happy hormones in the brain, like serotonin. It is a great way to drive out toxins. It can reduce your stress levels, boost your immunity, and generally make you feel a lot better. If you haven’t exercised in a long time, perhaps have a word with your doctor first. It is best to start small and slow and build up to more intense exercise.

During the frigid winter, it’s easy to lose the sense of well being you had during months of fun in the sun. Start with the simple steps above to get your wellness back on track!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

New Joie Knit Blazer

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New Joie Knit Blazer

Hello! My favorite piece of clothing is, easily, a good jacket. I freaking LOVE them and it never ceases to amaze me just how much they can transform an outfit by throwing one on. If I had to go more specific into which style of jacket is my favorite, then I would say: The blazer. Blazers are awesome and they can be anything that you want it to be. All business? Perfect. Business casual? Done. Date night? Easy. Running errands? Sure! From sleek and chic to sexy and sassy, blazers can be made to fit any occasion and there is really something to be said for that versatility. I have way too many blazers than I care to admit but couldn’t resist two more during my TJMaxx shopping trip! Check out the first of the two with this little number by Joie:

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It’s hard for me to describe my personal style because I don’t like to limit myself to just one kind of clothing. The fun of fashion comes from trying new things and shopping at TJMaxx gives me the opportunity to be adventurous. At first glance, this new blazer is probably something that you guys wouldn’t have picked out for me to wear. And, honestly, at first glance I wasn’t completely sold on it, either. However, it never hurts to try clothes on no matter what the result ends up being because you can learn from it.

I wasn’t expecting to like this piece as much as I did prior to trying it on but it was such a game changer when it was actually on me and not on the hanger. From the way it’s made in the double breasted shape to the pattern and knit material, this Joie blazer is so unique and I have never seen anything like it before. My main fear was that the houndstooth pattern in nontraditional colors was going to look super old lady. BUT, it’s the periwinkle blue and black popping against the tawny background that make it quirky with a sweet retro touch.

The knit material of this blazer is also very cool. It offers the classic blazer shape without its sometimes unforgiving rigidity. Whether I had it buttoned or not, I could tell that it was still a blazer but just felt like a cozy knit cardigan. Can you picture settling in an armchair with a good book and a hot coffee at a cafe in this baby?! This blazer looks like going to a library or bookstore and I am so there for it.

I am excited for this new addition to my wardrobe because of all of the styling possibilities that come with it. I can picture it with a simple A-line skirt, tights, and heels for a holiday get together. I can also see myself sporting it with black skinnies and ankle length booties for work or running errands. This Joie blazer was the only one I could find in the store and I feel lucky to have gotten my hands on it! 😀 

What is your favorite piece of clothing? What is something unique that you have in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Philosophy Sweater

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New Philosophy Sweater

Hello! While I love to get pampered with my monthly fill and trips to the hair salon, my favorite form of spoiling myself is with some good old fashioned retail therapy. This past week, I did just that at TJMaxx after tricking myself into thinking I was only going to go there to pick up some more skin care. I knew that that was a bust as soon as I walked into the store and couldn’t help myself from at least taking a peek at the clothing selection. And, here we are now three jackets and one sweater later lol. But hey, I figured I deserved a treat too after just completing my Christmas shopping! Check out the first item from my TJMaxx Haul – a gorgeous little striped sweater by Philosophy:

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I have to admit, my winter fashion game during the work week is totally different than what you see in my cold weather OOTDs. Besides two or three short shifts with other clients, I am mainly working at my parents’ home Monday through Friday and I can tell. I basically only wear hoodies to work! Part of it is the cold and the other part is sheer laziness/lack of desire on my part lol. For these past few months, fashion has been far from my mind because things have been hectically awful in Lil Red’s world. However, a recent upswing has put myself back in the mood for actually getting dressed for work and I was happy to find some new clothes to reflect that. Of course, there is nothing wrong with dressing casually for work or literally whenever, but I do feel my best when I put at least some effort into my appearance and I was severely neglecting that.

I wasn’t planning on going clothing crazy at TJs but when I saw this darling sweater by Philosophy, I was already too far gone to turn back! My first thought was that it would be perfect to wear for work and would still be something comfortable to wear without being lounge ware. I loved the bold, colorful stripes against the black base and the poppy colors bring a smile to my face, especially considering the dreary and grey December weather.

The fit of this sweater is also VERY NICE and it has just a touch of additional wiggle room, which I like. It is form fitting enough without being too tight and this was appealing to me because the clothing racks seemed to be swimming with oversized options. This Philosophy sweater hit right at the waistline of my jeans but was by no means cropped and it was really flattering. I mean, obviously, lol I wouldn’t have bought it if that weren’t the case! 😀

Although my mental health is still not the best at this moment in time, your girl is still trucking. My new twenty dollar sweater (Total steal!) made me feel encouraged to put my fashion armor back on and bring some Lil Red style back into the work week. I consider this money well spent!

How do you know when you’re in a rut? What helps you get through it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

 

Winter Proof Your Home With These Tips

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Winter Proof Your Home With These Tips

Looking after your home is harder in the winter because there are more threats to comfort and security that come with the cold weather. However, with preparation prior to the cold months, you can have peace of mind and plenty of comfort throughout the festive season and into the New Year. Be sure to winter proof your home with these tips:

Fix the Roof:

Some people put off having their roof repaired in the winter. It’s an extra expense and they might assume that roofers don’t work in the winter anyway. This is a misconception. A roofer can work in the winter and there and several reasons why it’s a good idea to have work done. Along with the obvious benefits of repairing leaks and damage to the roof for the onset of the winter weather, you can also benefit from lower prices in the winter months. Roofers still work in the winter but tend to charge lower fees because there is less demand for roofing services. If you are interested in discussing winter pricing deals or require roof repair or replacement before the freeze comes, simply search online for a “Roofing contractor in Dallas, TX” (or your local area) to see what services a reputable roofer can offer. 

Check the Boiler:

Boiler checks are highly recommended in the winter. According to the best advice, a home should have its boiler checked once a year, but twice a year or more is ideal. Checking a boiler requires a professional call out, so make it at the start of the winter season. A boiler engineer will look at your boiler and check that everything is working mechanically; they will also check the pipes for any residual soot that might compromise the system. Following a boiler check, you can have peace of mind that the system is operational and reliable for winter.

Be sure to schedule an appointment for a boiler inspection with the professionals at plumboxcambridge.co.uk (or a similar company in your local area) well in advance. If you are calling at the last minute when winter weather has already hit, they might be backed up with other clients and you could be waiting a while to be seen. It also doesn’t hurt to ask if you can schedule an appointment for the upcoming year as well when they are checking out your boiler. That way, you will be in the books and won’t have to deal with any last minute panic.

Protect the Pipes:

When the water pipes burst in the winter, your home can flood. This will end up costing you huge sums of money and you might have to take time off work or away from your family at Christmas. Water pipes can burst in the winter because the water in them freezes and then expands, splitting the metal. Water pipes are one of the easiest things to protect in the winter; all you have to do is buy a foam tubular from the hardware store and cut a slit down one side of it. Wrap the foam around the pipes and secure it with a tie wrap. If you did this last year, double-check the foam quality to see if it needs replacing.

Remember that it is always easier to prevent burst pipes than to take care of it after the fact! It is smart to have references for a Plumber in Perth or in your area who you can call on if this should happen to you. Due to the season, you will want to have several options as it will be a busy season for plumbers.

Check the Drains:

When the drainage system on your property gets blocked, you will notice flooding and debris in the garden and driveway. This is not a good thing to have to deal with in subzero temperatures! Unfortunately, dealing with blocked drains is more common in the winter months. Having your drains checked by a Blocked Drain Company is one of the best ways to clear them out after the fall and before the winter to avoid expensive and inconvenient repairs.

Use Insulation:

Don’t forget to use plenty of insulation options throughout the winter; not only will this keep you warm and comfortable in your home, but you will also protect the property from dampness and damage. Insulate walls with cavity insulation and the rooms with curtains and draft excluders.  

It’s freezing outside but the same doesn’t have to be true inside of your home. Check off your winter proofing chores and enjoy a nice and toasty winter in!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

4 Tips For Setting Up A Veterinary Clinic Abroad

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4 Tips For Setting Up A Veterinary Clinic Abroad

Setting up a veterinary clinic abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience for those passionate about animal care and medicine. Not only does it offer the opportunity to work with animals in different cultures and settings, but it also provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about animal welfare worldwide. However, establishing a clinic overseas is not as straightforward as running one domestically. There are many factors to consider before taking this step. Here are four tips to help you successfully set up a veterinary clinic abroad:

Research Your Location Thoroughly:

Before deciding on your location, thoroughly research the local laws regarding veterinary practices in that country or region. It is essential to ensure that you meet the necessary legal requirements and regulations to practice, especially regarding animal welfare. Speak with local veterinarians and other professionals in your target country or region, as they can provide valuable advice on what you need to know.

You should also understand the local cultural norms and values surrounding veterinary practices. This is important as they may differ from other countries or regions. For instance, animal welfare regulations might be different in certain parts of the world or there might be certain beliefs that influence how veterinarians can treat their patients. Knowing the local culture and values can help you provide the best care for your patients. And, of course, it is helpful if you speak the language of the country you are working in. However, if you are still learning then you will absolutely need the services of an English to Spanish Interpreter (Or whatever language you need!) to ensure that your patients are receiving the most accurate information possible. Even if you are using an interpreter, do practice the language as much as you can so you can interact freely with those who come into your office.

When setting up a veterinary practice, it is also important to research the economic climate in your target region or country. Understand the costs associated with opening a practice, such as rent, insurance, staff wages, and equipment needs. Moreover, look into potential sources of income and ways to generate revenue from your practice. Finally, learning about the local veterinary market landscape is another important aspect of researching your location. Research the competition in the area and potential partners or collaborators who could help you create a successful business. This will give you an idea of what services and products need to be offered to meet your customers’ needs.

Secure Funding:

Once you have decided on a location, securing funding is essential for setting up a successful veterinary clinic abroad. Consider applying for grants from organizations such as the World Veterinary Association or Animal Welfare International, which are dedicated to supporting veterinary practitioners worldwide. Additionally, many countries offer incentives for foreign investment – research those available in your chosen location carefully before making any decisions. You will need to factor in costs associated with purchasing medical equipment, supplies and facilities, and staff salaries. Additionally, many countries have specific laws regarding animal welfare and may require that your clinic meets specific standards before opening its doors.

Choose Your Staff Carefully:

Hiring qualified staff is key when setting up a veterinary clinic abroad – so choose wisely! When interviewing potential team members, check that they have the qualifications, experience, and language skills. You also must consider cultural compatibility; you want to be sure that all of your team members are committed to the same values and principles that will drive your clinic forward.

When putting together a team, look for diverse skills. Veterinary professionals with experience in different areas can bring valuable insights and knowledge that can contribute to the success of your clinic. Additionally, having a team with diverse backgrounds and cultures can enrich the clinic’s environment. A team with different perspectives, ideas, and experiences will create a welcoming atmosphere in your clinic.

Find Reliable Suppliers for Medical Testing Equipment:

When setting up a veterinary clinic abroad, reliable suppliers for medical testing equipment is a must. Without the right products and services, your clinic won’t be able to provide effective treatments. Research potential vendors before making any commitments; look into their reputation, pricing structure, customer service, and availability of products.

A crucial medical testing equipment to consider is a veterinary hematology analyzer. These instruments measure the red and white blood cells in animal samples, which can provide diagnostic information about various diseases and conditions. It’s important to find suppliers for this equipment because they can provide service and support for the instrument, including warranties and repair services. When researching suppliers, the price may not be the best indication of quality – look for those certified to manufacture or distribute genuine products and have a good reputation among other customers.

Setting up a veterinary clinic abroad is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about animal care and medicine. With these tips, you can confidently set up your veterinary clinic and impact the global animal welfare community. Remember that while the process may seem daunting at first, your clinic will thrive with careful planning and a commitment to excellence!

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Hello! After reorganizing my work bag, I realized that I had a ten dollar rewards certificate from TJMaxx due to my expert spending this year lol. I couldn’t have stumbled upon this at a better time because I was running low on lots of my skin care staples and decided to take a TJs trip during a free afternoon. As always, I told myself that I was only going to look at beauty products but that was just a lie to make myself feel better because you all know I got some clothes too! Take a look at what should have been my only purchases during my shopping and keep it posted for what I treated myself with:

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Prior to the pandemic, I would say that I was going to TJMaxx at least bimonthly and would restock my beauty products as needed. This worked for me at the time but my shopping process has certainly changed since 2020. Now, when I make it to my beloved TJMaxx (It has been over three months since my last visit!), I stock up on what I need so that I don’t have to keep returning back. An all around restock was definitely what I needed this time around and all of the products seen above will last me close to four months. I consider this a blessing because it will keep me away from all of the temptations of winter clearance! 😀

My skin care routine is a fairly simple one that includes a scrub, cleanser, micellar water, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. I use most of these products twice daily and it is easy to see why I would go to TJs in shorter intervals because some of the items can get used up rather quickly. I am used to finishing a product like a serum or moisturizer every month but I had a revelation while writing my November 2022 Finishes post: Sometimes, bigger is better. This past month, I finished up a gigantic tub of moisturizer that lasted me close to a month and a half. It really blew my mind and I thought that I would incorporate my discovery into this skin care restock, as you can see by the huge bottles of serum! I was disappointed that I couldn’t find any similar sizes of moisturizer to the Pearlessence one that I used and loved but what can ya do?

There are lots of new to me products in my skin care haul that I am excited to try out like the eye cream and Neutrogena cleanser. I actually just used the SpaLife serum with the beads in it and it was pretty good. Yes, I mainly bought it because it looked cool! But I digress. I am most looking forward to trying the Dope Dreams sleeping mask by ELF. I have used a CBD moisturizer before that I wasn’t too impressed with but this mask intrigued me. Keep checking back for a new Face Mask Festivities about it soon!

I am obsessed with skin care all year round but it just hits different in the winter. When I saw my go to products running low, it was off to TJs I went and I think I should be pretty well stocked until spring! 😀

What is your winter skin care routine like? What is your favorite skin care brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

A Short Guide To Winter Wellness

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A Short Guide To Winter Wellness

Winter wellness is an important way to maintain your health and mental sanity throughout the festive season. Most people wait until the New Year before making positive lifestyle changes, but why wait? Maintain a healthy weight, look after your skin, and support your immune system throughout the winter, and you can create a holiday to remember. Read on for some more simple ideas:

Practice Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is a simple and effective route to wellness and happiness. In the winter, you might be lacking some wellness due to the changing light conditions and the lower temperatures; you might feel claustrophobic in the house or flat and you might find that you are putting on weight. There are many easy to practice mindfulness techniques for well being. Some of them involve bringing your attention to the breath, while others have you paying attention to your body. For a quick start to your mindfulness practice, try the three-minute meditation to access joy in the present moment.  

Eat Plenty of Fish:

Gaining weight in the winter is normal because the body stores fat naturally when the temperatures plummet. However, since you are unlikely to be stranded somewhere in the wild, the extra weight can be uncomfortable and unhelpful for the season. Eating plenty of fish can reduce your weight and improve your winter health. Fish contains high levels of protein that helps to burn fat-based calories; fish also contains many of the core amino acids the body needs to function. Find the best wild caught fish for tasty winter meals.

Limit Screen Time:

What you expose your mind to or think about shortly before going to sleep at night can influence the quality of your sleep and your well being in the winter. Chances are you will feel more tired during the day because of the light and temperature changes, so support better sleep at night. Avoid using a digital screen up to an hour before going to bed; this will prevent the blue-screen glare from affecting your sleep quality. Instead, try to read a wholesome book or listen to some soothing beats to relax your brain and promote deep nourishing sleep.

Self Care Strategies:

Self care strategies are especially important during the winter months. Make time for warm baths, skin care routines, and meditation sessions to maintain healthy chemical balances in the brain and support a better quality of life in the winter. If you have a range of self care routines, that’s a great start, but don’t be afraid to experiment with less familiar ones. Anything from taking a short walk every day to taking a ten minute doodle or dance break to get through the afternoon slump all can help!

The dreary, frigid days of winter make it easy to want to stay in bed until spring. Unfortunately, we can’t hibernate so use the tips above to keep you energized and healthy all winter long!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Stay Warm At Home With These Winter Tips

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Stay Warm At Home With These Winter Tips

A warm, cozy environment in your home will turn it into the place to be this winter. And, this is what we should strive for, considering the amount of time spent indoors when the weather takes a turn. Turn your house into the ultimate oasis from the cold with these tips:

Test Your Heating System: 

One of the most important steps to a warm home is to have a residential hvac company test your heating system. Your boiler will provide you with both heating that warms your property, as well as hot water that you use inside your shower, bath, and sinks. Experiencing any kind of fault with your boiler when the cold weather is in full swing will certainly impact on your health and happiness. No one wants to have a cold shower during the winter, nor would you want to be able to see your breath while you relax around your home, so test your heating system before it’s too late! There are lots of different experts that you can get in touch with to come out and test your heating system, including residential hvac repair and installation services. With any luck, if a fault or problem is found while they test your heating system, then they should be able to fix it then and there with whatever expertise and tools that they have on them.

It’s a good idea to schedule a check up on your heating system well in advance as you might not be able to get an appointment immediately as the weather gets colder. A company like Woolley Home (or a similar one in your local area) will be able to see if your system is functioning properly to avoid a frigid home when the temperatures drop.

Of course, problems with your hvac or boiler system can arise even after you had it inspected well before the winter months. The best thing you can do in this situation is to not panic and look into same day emergency repair services. In fact, you should have a few numbers of local experts already handy in case an immediate repair needs to be made. To get started, simply enter a search for “London emergency boiler repair” (or your local area) so you can have a trustworthy team on standby to restore heat to your home.

Stock Up Your Cupboards:

The last thing you’re going to want to be doing when it’s icy, snowy, and treacherous outside is traveling back and forth to the shop to get basics, as you could be putting yourself in danger each time. Instead, it’s much more efficient and a lot safer for you to stock up your cupboards with one large trip before the cold winter weather makes itself known. Head to your local grocery store and buy lots of different food items, including canned food, dried, preserved, and frozen food. These have a much longer shelf life, staying fresh and edible for weeks or even months on end. It’s also going to be helpful for you to stock up on a few other household essentials, such as cleaning products, hygiene products, and flashlights and candles that you can use if your power goes out. If you’re not sure about what items you should be filling your cupboards with then do not fret, as there are so many different resources online that you can utilize as inspiration.

Wrapping Up Warm:

Regardless of if your home has heating through Bumgarner Oil and Propane (or a similar company in your local area), it can still be chilly inside on especially cold days. Take the opportunity to dress yourself in some of the warmest clothing that you can find. You’ll be amazed at the difference your outfit can make to your body temperature and how warm you feel. One of the best investments that you can make is a dressing gown or other similar housecoat, as these feature selling points such as a soft yet thick material for ultimate warmth, along with a knee or even ankle length to make sure none of your body falls victim to the cold. You should also treat yourself to some fluffy pajamas and a few pairs of bed socks too, especially if you have a lot of hard flooring in your home. Tiles and wood can feel like ice beneath your feet when you don’t wear the right socks, so search for a cozy pair that can keep your toes nice and toasty!

With extreme weather events becoming more and more common, it would seem that severe winter conditions are slowly but surely evolving into the new normal. Knowing how to protect yourself and your family throughout the harsh winter months doesn’t have to be difficult. Get started with these steps and you can stay as warm and cozy as ever inside your home!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Black Rose Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Black Rose Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Bath Bomb Blitz compliments of Christmas gifts from my darling bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical! Kate spoiled me with lots of goodies from Lush and I couldn’t wait to pamper myself after a long work week. On Friday, I used the Black Rose bath bomb and it was an absolute delight. It turned the water an inky black, which spoke to my soul, and it felt so good to sink into the water and let my troubles soak away. The Black Rose bath bomb put on an amazing show that lasted a solid five minutes and here are the highlights of the process:

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^^^ I also shaved so beautiful Amy Winehouse no longer looks like a bearded lady. Also, peep those sweet slipper socks from one of my clients. They are SO comfy!

Lush bath bombs are so fantastic and no other similar products on the market even come close to comparing. It has been a long while since I have used a Lush bath bomb and that made the experience of the Black Rose one even better. As soon as I put it in the water, it began to work its magic and filled the bathroom with the gorgeous scent of lemon rose to uplift and soothe. I invited Johnny to watch the bath bomb fizz and he even commented about how good it smelled and found the process to be “fascinating” lol.

As the Black Rose fizzed, it traveled around the tub at lightening speed and within a minute or so, the water had transformed from clear to a midnight sky black. It was lovely! I, honestly, would have been happy with just the black water but Lush always throws a surprise into their products. About halfway through the fizz out, the inside of the rose opened up and revealed a magenta center. Johnny and I both agreed that it looked like the wings of the Golden Snitch from Harry Potter. Once the bath bomb fizzed out at about five minutes, the swirling magenta and cream against the black water looked like a huge slab of colored crystal. It looked stunning and it almost made me sad to get in the water and mess it up!

I spent close to forty-five minutes enjoying my bath and, as always, I was amazed by how hydrated my skin felt afterwards. It felt like I had just put lotion on even though I hadn’t and that was especially nice after shaving for the first time in forever lol. I will admit that I was a tad worried about the tub being badly stained from this bath bomb and I am happy to report that it left no ring or residue whatsoever. If this is something that put you on the fence about purchasing Black Rose, then you have the Lil Red Guarantee that your tub will not suffer. 🙂

I am going to rate the Black Rose bath bomb with an eight out of ten stars and I highly recommend it – especially if you, too, have a love for the dark and mysterious. The only reason that I didn’t give it a higher rating is because the scent dissipated rather quickly and it would have been nice if it lingered a bit longer. Overall, it was still VERY NICE!

What is your favorite Lush product? What is your favorite way to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Lil Red’s Book Club: Lucy By The Sea By Elizabeth Strout Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Lucy By The Sea By Elizabeth Strout Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Without giving any spoilers away, as always, we will be discussing a fantastic novel by Elizabeth Strout called Lucy By The Sea. I devoured this book in three days and my only regret is that the two hundred and eighty-eight page read wasn’t longer. I wish it could have gone on for forever and it is, easily, one of my favorite reads of 2022. It. Was. Excellent. Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on Lucy By The Sea as this book has a primary focus on grief including, death, miscarriages, abuse, and mental health issues. Now, let’s get to it:

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The time is winter of 2020 and Lucy lives alone in her apartment in Manhattan. She is once divorced with two adult daughters and now freshly widowed after the passing of her beloved David. Lucy’s childhood was anything but picture perfect and her and her siblings grew up incredibly poor and suffered at the hands of their abusive mother. She drew inspiration from her sad beginning and became a famous author who just finished yet another book tour.

Once Lucy has settled back into her apartment, she learns she must leave. Her ex-husband, William, is a scientist and is deeply concerned by the Covid-19 pandemic. He insists on Lucy packing a bag and coming with him to a home rented in coastal Maine, all in the name of saving her life. He instructs their two daughters, Chrissy and Becka, who also live in the city to get out of town as well. At first, Lucy doesn’t understand why William is panicking but she learns soon enough.

Very quickly, the world as Lucy knew it begins to turn upside down and she no longer recognizes the streets she once called home when she sees the ghost town of New York City on the news. Her panic attacks and icy relationship with William also do nothing to help her settle into her new life in Maine. Lucy walks. Lucy sits. And Lucy worries. She fears for her daughters, each privately suffering in their own way. She fears for herself as she grows older and starts feeling like she is losing her mind. And, she fears for the state of the world as the pandemic continues to spiral.

Despite the impending sense of doom that blankets Lucy, everything isn’t all bad in Maine. Through kindly Bob who William rented the home from, they both begin to make friends. Lucy takes solace in her walks and chats with her new companions. And, through the hardships of her daughters, she begins to grow closer to William after being apart for so long. She has finally grown to accept this “new normal” of a life and gains a deeper understanding of her own issues both past and present. After a lifetime of sorrow, is there a happy ending waiting for Lucy? Read Lucy By The Sea to find out!

I absolutely LOVED Lucy By The Sea and it was one of the most amazing, well written books that I have read in a long time. It was, truly, a step by step walk through of the Covid-19 pandemic that touched on several key focuses including the presidency, the murder of George Floyd, the protests, and the insurrection. Reading Lucy describe these events as they unfolded felt like going back in time and it was crazy to see so many of the conversations Johnny and I had at every turn of the page.

Combining this insane time with each character working through their own grief perfectly captured the overwhelming sorrow that I felt throughout the pandemic. Every day was a day of going through the motions while providing little more than to be alone with your own thoughts. It is easy to understand why mental health issues became exasperated because everything just seemed so much more difficult to bear. You could feel this rain cloud over each person in Lucy By The Sea and it beautifully put into words all of the despair I felt myself.

Although Lucy was about forty years my senior, I related to her so much. Not only did she have her own struggles with anxiety and depression, like me, but she also failed to see herself the way other people do. This is something that I have overcome but the feelings of not being good enough crop up from time to time. Reading how Lucy began to see herself in a new light despite all of the current hardships gave the glimmer of hope that everyone was waiting for during the pandemic. The transformation was stunning and the book ended with me weeping tears of joy for this unlikely heroine who I grew to love so much.

I am going to award Lucy By The Sea with the coveted ten out of ten star rating. If the material in this book isn’t too upsetting, then I cannot recommend or sing its praises enough. It is one of the most powerful, inspiring books that I have ever read and I think that you will love it too!

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