New Tattoos!

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New Tattoos!

Hello everyone! As promised, today we’re going to peep a couple of the new tattoos I got during my last tap out session with my amazing tattoo artist and friend, Emily. Tap out sessions are eight hours straight of getting tattooed and I can’t wait to go back in mid April to get the rest of the things that we didn’t have time for done. 😀

It has been a fat minute since my last tap out because of COVID and also just winter in general. It’s not like anyone was going to see my new work so I held off. However, after Johnny got one of his hands tattooed and a couple of his fingers, I had to follow suit because I was so jealous lol. During my session I got my palms touched up as well as tattoos on my hands and fingers and I am loving it! Check it out:

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I have wanted to get my hands and fingers tattooed for so long but always held off because I had so many other pieces to complete. After getting them done, I don’t know what I was waiting for because I am obsessed! They are so cute and really tie together my almost covered arms and shoulders. I also never say no to a touch up for my palms because they always need it – even if it is a bit unpleasant.

For my fingers, I have had “princess” in mind for forever because that’s what my name means in Hebrew. It took me a little longer to decide on what I wanted on my hands but I have always liked gemstone tattoos so decided to go from there. I went with an adorable heart surrounded by pearls on one and a diamond on the other. I am very partial to the pearl border and actually have that on two tattoos on my thighs.

As far as the pain level goes for these new tattoos, I am the wrong person to ask. I have an incredibly high pain tolerance so tattoos have never hurt me to get done. I will say, however, that the diamond was the most annoying of all of them. There was so much detail and by the time Emily was almost done my hand was SO swollen. It looked like a million bee stings!

While my hand tattoos are not complete yet because Emily needs to go in with more white once they are healed, it is an amazing start. I couldn’t ask for anything better!

Do you have any tattoos? Which one is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Be My Friend!

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Be My Friend!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to put a friendly reminder out there that I would love it if you guys were following me on my social media. 🙂 You can get at me at: Sarah Mushenheim on Facebook. And, after literal years of dragging my feet, I am on THE GRAM at: @lifewithlilred94 . On both of these pages, you will see content that didn’t quite make it onto the blog. And, on Insta you can see previews of content to come on lifewithlilred especially when it comes to OOTDs.

You can also reach out to me via email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . I am always looking for guest bloggers on my page so if you would like your work to be featured, shoot me an email with your pitch. Spring has officially sprung so I would really like some super fun spring themed guest posts! 😀

If you choose to give me a follow, make sure you leave me a comment so I know to give you a follow right back. You can never have too many friends! ❤

What is your favorite social media platform? Which social media do you refuse to get (Mine is Twitter!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Make sure you tune in tomorrow for a look at some of my new tattoos now that they’re not all scabby!

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Bath & Body Works March Freebie

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Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Hey! During my last trip to Bath & Body Works, I restocked my foaming hand soap supply and it was much needed. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to use my beloved soaps for the past week because I just got my hands tattooed, which you will all see later! That doesn’t mean that I can’t use their body wash, though, and I received this brand new scent as my freebie for March:

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Gingham is one of my favorite scents by B&BW and it is absolutely perfect for spring. It is as light and crisp as a spring day and it forever reminds me of going on a picnic even though I can’t say I have ever been on one. So, needless to say, when I saw Gingham Love, I flipped shit lol. I didn’t think that B&BW could improve on perfection but I was dead wrong because I fell in love with this new scent after just one whiff.

The original Gingham scent is fresh off the clothesline laundry with a bit of peach mixed in for good measure. Gingham Love takes that original fresh scent but rather than peach and clementine, pairs it with deep red berries and I am so there for it. I can almost taste the juicy raspberries as I type this and that is exactly what Gingham Love smells like, if that makes sense?

While I like to keep my hoard of travel sized freebies well stocked for add on gifts, this one is just for me and I cannot wait to use it. The day before I popped into B&BW, I just started a full size Pearberry and am so disappointed because I can’t use Gingham Love until it is done. 20/10 would recommend!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? What are your favorite B&BW products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Health Benefits Of Having A Dog

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The Health Benefits Of Having A Dog

Welcoming a dog to your home and making them a part of your life is a significant commitment, bringing many benefits. If you have friends and family members with dogs, you will know how much they dote on their pets and the joy they bring to their lives. This is because dogs are not only super cute but can also help to enhance your health and well being. Here are some of the benefits you can gain from bringing a dog into your life:

Companionship:

Loneliness is something many people experience at certain times in their life. Feeling lonely is not a pleasant feeling, and is something that can leave people feeling isolated and disconnected from society. Welcoming a dog into your life is an excellent way to beat feelings of loneliness. A dog is a constant companion, and you can enjoy many happy years in each other’s company. So, if you are looking for a friend to enrich your life and care for, then a pet dog could be the ideal choice.

Stress Relief:

Like loneliness, feelings of stress are something many people experience on a daily basis. Stress can have a negative impact on a person’s life and can impact both physical and mental wellness. Finding ways to reduce stress levels is crucial to prevent it from causing long term damage and developing into chronic stress. Many dog owners report that their pet helps them feel calmer and seems to intuitively know when they are feeling stressed.

Research has shown that both dogs and cats can help their owners to lower their stress levels. Studies have shown that pet companionship can help reduce cortisol levels, which is the body’s main stress hormone, and increase oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter most associated with feelings of love and bonding. So, there is scientific proof to back up what pet owners already know; owning a dog helps to reduce stress and helps them feel better.

Exercise:

Many people struggle to get as much physical activity as they should. When you own a dog, being physically active is no longer optional; it is essential. All dogs need exercise, and it is up to you to give them the physical activity they need to live a long life and thrive. Caring for a dog means you get the perfect opportunity to be more active without any excuses standing in your way.

Routine:

If you often burn the candle at both ends and have slipped into an unhealthy routine, becoming a pet parent can help you get back on track. Dogs require a routine to keep them healthy and happy. You will need to bring structure to both your and your dog’s day. Little things such as remembering to make frequent supermarket visits for Walmart pet food or vet appointments will bring structure to your day too. As long as they get fed regularly and receive the exercise they need, your dog is sure to be happy with their routine.

As you can see, our pet dogs truly take care of us too – could there seriously be a more perfect animal?!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Lil Red’s Book Club: Dry Heat By Len Joy Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Dry Heat By Len Joy Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Today, we are going to be discussing a thriller by Len Joy called Dry Heat and I really enjoyed it. And, as always, no spoilers will be given away! Before we get started, I am going to be placing a trigger warning on Dry Heat for general violence and abortion. Now, let’s get to it:

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Joey Blade is an all American football star at his high school and things seem to be falling into place for him when he graduates. He was awarded a football scholarship, has a new girlfriend, and a loving family. Of course, things don’t stay perfect for long in a thriller and things take a sharp downward turn at a bonfire to celebrate ringing in the year 2000.

When the bonfire burns out of control and the authorities arrive, Joey books it with his girlfriend, her ex, and a local drug dealer named TJ. Joey and TJ hop into the back of the truck and are speeding down the highway when they get into a race with another car. After a can of something not very nice gets thrown on Joey and TJ, TJ takes action and shoots at the windshield of the car. And, oh yeah, the people he shot at just so happen to be undercover cops.

When the police pull Joey’s get away car over, TJ runs away and leaves Joey to take the blame for the attempted murder of a police officer. Just like that, Joey’s dreams of greatness in college fly out the window and he is left dealing with the aftermath. He also learns during his time in holding that his father has connections to one of the most notorious gangs in the area, Vatos Locos, which is a whole other can of worms.

Desperate to restore his reputation, Joey seeks TJ out to come clean but is evaded by him once again. With all of his other options falling apart, Joey gets help from his new found connections with Vatos Locos to track TJ down but time is running out as his trial is looming right over the horizon. With his future on the line, will Joey be able to clear his good name? Read Dry Heat to find out!

When I first started reading Dry Heat, I admit that I wasn’t overly impressed. Then, the story started getting really intense really quickly and I couldn’t put it down to save my own life. The downfall of Joey Blade was swift and it was devastating to read about a young man with everything going for him having nothing at all.

As you all know, I love me a book that focuses on a trial and the court scenes were excellent. They were tense, well written, and left me shook. Especially because attempted murder isn’t the only thing that Joey was being charged with. This made his situation even more worrisome and I was rooting for him every step of the way because he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As far as main characters go, Joey was a great one and I loved his smarts and perseverance. I also really liked his parents, best friend, and the leader of the Vatos Locos gang. His high school sweetheart named Mallory was alright but didn’t make as much of an effect on me as the other characters.

My only qualm with this book was that there were a fair amount of typos and you all know that I am a huge stickler for that! But, overall, Dry Heat was a good one and I am going to be awarding it with seven out of ten stars. If it weren’t for the typos it would have gotten an eight! Dry Heat is a book that I would definitely recommend and I think that you will enjoy this fast paced read.

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

Creating A Healthy & Active Lifestyle For Your Family

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Creating A Healthy & Active Lifestyle For Your Family

One of the most important things you can do for your family is foster a healthy and active lifestyle. This means making sure that everyone in the family has opportunities to be physically active and eat nutritious foods. It can be tough to make changes in your routine, but you can create healthy habits for your whole family with a bit of effort! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for getting started:

Make physical activity a priority:

One of the best ways to get your family healthy is to prioritize physical activity. This means setting aside time each day for everyone to be active. You can go for walks, play tag, ride bikes, get active in your Feelnets, or do any other activity that gets everyone moving. If you make being active a regular part of your routine, it will become easier and more fun for your family over time. In addition to scheduled activities, try to be active as a family whenever possible. Take walks after dinner, play in the park, or go swimming. These spontaneous moments of activity will help get everyone moving and have some fun together!

Choose healthy foods:

Another vital part of fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for your family is choosing healthy foods. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It can be tough to switch to healthier eating habits, but with time and effort, you can do it! One way to make things easier is to plan out your meals ahead of time. This will help you stay on track and ensure you have all of the ingredients you need for nutritious recipes.

Another great way to get your family excited about healthy eating is to involve them in cooking. Let them choose which fruits or vegetables they want to include in a meal or give them their kitchen tasks (such as chopping vegetables). By making healthy eating fun and interactive, you can encourage your family to make healthy choices when it comes to food.

Be a role model:

As parents, it is so important to be a good role model. This means setting a good example for your kids by being active and eating healthy yourself. If you make physical activity and healthy eating a part of your everyday life, your kids will likely follow suit. It’s also essential to be optimistic about being active and healthy. Avoid making comments like “I don’t have time to work out” or “I hate vegetables”. Instead, try to focus on the positives of being active and eating well. For example, say things like “I feel energized after I work out” or “I love how fresh fruits and vegetables make me feel”. By setting a positive example and emphasizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you can help your family live a healthier life.

Getting started with the tips above will make it easier than ever to create lasting healthy habits for your family!

Featured Image By: Alexandr Podvalny

Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

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Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

In the US and many other countries, there are three main stages of education. However, children in the states can attend daycare settings from the age of just six weeks old. This can be quite common if the parents have to go back to work and there is nobody to look after the child.

It is important that you view childcare settings before sending your child to ensure they are safe and secure. Take notice of small things such as the classroom furniture being used and how the staff interact with the children. If you are unsure of when your child can attend school, then here is a list of ones available that may be suitable for you and your child:

Early Childcare:

Daycare centers can usually accept children from as young as 12 weeks of age until the age of 5. They will provide structured care and follow your set routine until the child is around a year. Once your child is over a year they will move to a different class within the daycare center. This is when they will start to follow the daycare’s routine relating to meal times and sleep times. However, you still get a say in how long your child naps for. These programs help ease the transition into preschool for your little ones. It might seem far off but it is never too early to start thinking about it. To begin researching preschools, simply enter a search for “preschool programs near me in Fallston, MD” (or your local area). Then you can adhere to enrollment guidelines way ahead of time.

If you want your child cared for in their own home, then look at hiring a nanny or an au pair. This can start and finish at any age and doesn’t have a cut off point when they start attending school. You can even hire before and after school nannies if you need to start work early or finish late. You might find that in home childcare is cheaper than what you would pay at a daycare. Enter a search for “how much does an au pair cost” and compare with your local childcare center to determine your best option financially.

K-12:

Once your child reaches legal school age, this will differ from state to state but is usually around the age of five that they will attend formal school. This is a legal requirement, however, you are well within your rights to home school if this fits in with your lifestyle.

Your child will be in elementary school from the ages of 5 to around 10, although some do go from the ages of 6 to 12. Be sure to check what your school is so you know how long your child will attend for. Here they will learn all the basics in the world of math, geography, English, history, art, physical education, and science.

Once your child reaches the age of around 11 they will attend a middle school, such as this college prep middle school, which goes up to the age of 13 and is where your child will learn more in depth about the previously mentioned subjects. This is such an important time for your child educationally, so you will want to make sure that you find them the best school possible in your area where they will be well-supported in both their learning and development This well surely set them on a good path for when your child is 13/14 and will start high school.

Finally, from the ages of 14 to 18 your child will attend high school. This is the most important and your child will be closely monitored with exams and internal markings to ensure they are on the right track for success after their education is complete.

Setting your child up for success in school from the jump starts when they’re young so it’s always important to plan ahead when it comes to their education!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer Review

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Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer Review

Hello everyone! Today, we are going to be reviewing the Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer that I got during one of my winter TJMaxx Hauls. After close to two years of using the Garnier SkinActive gel moisturizer, I was ready for something new and purchased the Olay moisturizer, instead. I have a very normal skin type so I don’t need anything too fancy when it comes to moisturizers and this one really did the trick:

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I had been planning on reviewing this moisturizer as soon as I started using it but other posts got in the way. And, that’s a good thing because I was hooked after trying it out just a few times! My first impression when starting this moisturizer was its lovely pale pink color and how rich and creamy it smelled. It has a baby powdery aroma but it’s not overpowering in the slightest, which is great because that scent is normally not my cup of tea.

After my first use of the Olay moisturizer, I quickly learned that a little bit of it goes a long way. The amount pictured on my hand fully covers my face and neck and even though I have been using it morning and night for a month, I still have half a jar left. It takes a hair more effort to get this moisturizer fully absorbed and it leaves my skin feeling oh so soft afterwards.

The Double Action of the Olay moisturizer means that it is a primer too and I never really realized that primers were a good thing to use until using this moisturizer. I wait for a half hour or so to apply my makeup after my skin care routine and my makeup sits so well on top of it. The makeup that I use looks bolder and brighter and every time I have painted my face, I have been getting compliments. It also helps prevent smudging and you can’t beat that!

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^^^ My makeup had been on all day in that picture and it still looked fire. 😀

I am so pleased with the Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer and would happily use it again, so good thing I have another jar handy!

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

 

Simple Ways To Support Your School Aged Child

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Simple Ways To Support Your School Aged Child

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child as they make their way through school. The years fly by quickly and, before you know it, they will be graduating and moving on to college or the workforce. You can do many things to support them throughout their school years, including the following:

Make sure they get a good night’s sleep:

This is crucial for their success in school. Most kids need around eight hours of sleep per night but it can vary depending on their age and individual needs. If your child is struggling to get enough sleep, try setting a regular bedtime and enforcing it as much as possible. You may also want to limit screen time before bed, especially if it is causing them to have trouble falling asleep. It’s also essential to make sure your child has a healthy diet and exercises regularly – both of which can help them get the rest they need.

Help them stay organized:

One of the biggest challenges for students is staying organized and on top of their work. This is where parents can help out. Give your child a place to study, do their homework, and provide them with enough storage space for their school supplies. You can also help them develop good habits when researching and completing assignments. For example, you can encourage them to start working on their homework as soon as they get home from school, rather than waiting until the last minute.

Find a tutor if they struggle in a subject:

If your child is struggling in a particular subject, it’s essential to get them help as soon as possible. A tutor can provide them with one-on-one instruction and help them catch up on the material they are struggling with. There are many different types of tutors like a Maths Tutor available so you should be able to find one that fits your budget and meets your child’s needs. Many schools also offer tutoring services for free or at a discounted price, but sometimes professional tutors can show the time and effort other individuals can’t.

Help them stay positive:

It can be challenging for kids to deal with stress and anxiety during their school years. This is where parents can step in and help out. Make sure your child knows that it’s okay to feel stressed sometimes but that they should always try to stay positive and focus on the good things. You can also encourage them to exercise, spend time with friends, and get plenty of rest – all of which can help them healthily deal with stress.

There are many things parents can do to support their children throughout their school years. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help them achieve success in all of their classes and stay positive!

Featured Image By: Karolina Grabowska

How To Advance Your Healthcare Career

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How To Advance Your Healthcare Career

It’s no secret that working in the healthcare industry is one of the best career choices that a young professional can make. After all, this is an industry that will always be in demand. If you take a look at the jobs that are expected to grow in the coming years, many of them are simply different ways of saying ‘nurse’ or ‘doctor.’ So there’s a lot of potential in this career.

However, while there’s plenty of potential, that doesn’t mean that success will automatically come your way. You’ll need to work hard to ensure that your healthcare career can progress in a way that you like. So how do you do that? In this blog, we’ll take a look at some useful tips that will keep you moving on the right path:

Always Learning:

You’ll have learned a lot when you were at college. But that shouldn’t be the end of your education. In many ways, it’s just the beginning. The healthcare field is always moving forward so it’s important that you commit to learning as much as you can, as often as you can. Equipment like Catheter Devices, monitors, and treatment devices and apparatuses are subject to change as technology advances. AI is also becoming extremely popular across all aspects of life but particularly in the medical field. Implementing tools like generative ai use cases in healthcare can improve patient outcomes as well as boost efficiency. There will be no shortage of courses you can take and qualifications you can obtain. If you don’t know which ones will be best for your career, ask your supervisor.

Making Connections:

Who you know can be just as important when it comes to advancing in your healthcare career. As such, it’s essential that you take some time to learn the art of networking. Just by making connections with others, you could open many doors for yourself in the future. You can connect with people in the healthcare facility in which you work and also in the wider healthcare community. Attending talks and courses is a great way to do this. You should also consider doing in-depth research for each healthcare facility you apply to in the first place – you’d have to do this with any career. For example, checking out the Care.com reviews before you start working to care for a doctor’s family will ensure that you gain the right role – one that works for you and your time.

Jump At Opportunities:

There will be a lot of opportunities available to you. But unless you look at what they are and then jump at the chance to make them yours, then you’ll struggle to progress. There are plenty of places to look at what’s out there. For example, you could get in touch with Cornerstone Medical Recruitment and see what positions they’re looking to fill.

…And Make Your Own:

It’s also important that you create your own opportunities, too. If you’ve been networking correctly, then there will be times when opportunities land at your feet. But you shouldn’t just wait around for them to come. You should make your own opportunities by showing initiative at work and taking courses without being prompted to do so. You can also forward your opportunities when you look the part at your job. For example, purchasing smart no slip shoes or finding the Best Quality Teal Scrubs For Nurses On Shift will show that you are invested in your career and take all aspects of it seriously.

Set Goals:

Finally, be sure to set goals and targets for yourself. This will help ensure that you never get too passive about your career or too comfortable in your position. You’ll always be working towards something bigger and better than what you currently have. You can create small goals like obtaining a raise or a position in a new department. Long term goals could include going back to school or getting a Public Health certification for the most up to date skills and knowledge in public health science. When you make goals dedicated to learning, who knows where your career will take you next?

The healthcare field is one that is never going to go away and with constant room for growth, it will always be a viable career option!

Featured Image By: Pexels