Almost Autumn OOTD

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Almost Autumn OOTD

Hi! Mother Nature has been playing sick and twisted games in the good ol’ A-K-ROWDY and has been flip flopping on a dime between pleasant cool temps and hot AF. This has been majorly killing my vibe because in my head fall starts when September hits lol. I just want a nice, crisp day damnit! Dressing for this weird limbo season has fluctuated from fall fits and booty shorts and there is literally no in between. On the bright side, I did get to bust out this Almost Autumn OOTD on a breezy day which sent my soul soaring. Check it out:

Button Down Top: Truth By Republic, TJMaxx

Bodycon Skirt: Originality, Dry Goods

Wedge Heels: BCBG, TJMaxx

Lock Necklace: Michael Kors, TJMaxx

The brooch style earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

I recently purchased the army green Truth By Republic button down at TJMaxx and was so eager to wear it as soon as the weather allowed. I have the same top in navy and it is one of my favorites! The Truth By Republic tops fit me like a glove and I love being able to wear pieces that are more form fitting without the sensation of being too tight. They are the perfect little somethings to pair with a smart pair of jeans or sweet skirt and option B was what I went for. With the top pre-selected, this outfit really did build itself!

In the skirt department, I chose a darling bodycon by Originality that just screams fall! The pattern reminds me of retro wallpaper and the burnt orange that is primarily featured is my most beloved hue of autumn. The skirt and top were truly a match made in fall color heaven and I was able to pull from the small amount of sage green in the skirt to form cohesion with the button down. I wore the top tucked in to form a pseudo dress for a result that was both chic and sassy. I always like to show a little leg! 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. I kept with the green theme for my heels and went for a cool pair of cutout wedges by BCBG. Like the skirt and the top, the green wasn’t a perfect match but it was close enough and the combo definitely makes the eyes dance between all of the different shades! For accessories I opted for a pretty pair of brooch style studs because I loved the neckline the top created and didn’t want to deter from it. Rather, I enhanced it by adding on a gorgeous Michael Kors necklace in blingy gold. With that, I was ready to enjoy a little taste of fall weather!

I can’t wait to style ALL of the fall OOTDs and share them with you. Stick around for so much more seasonal fashion fun! ❤

Have you updated your wardrobe for fall? What is your perfect fall temperature (Mine is fifty-five degrees!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Groovy Movies: Buddy Edition

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Groovy Movies: Buddy Edition

Hi! Prior to dating Johnny, I wholeheartedly admit that I was a horror movie snob. I was all about the atmospheric, moody, psychological thriller scary movies and nothing else would do. I didn’t care for silly slashers, couldn’t be bothered with creature horror films, and turned up my nose at anything remotely campy. All of these examples, however, are exactly what Johnny loves and I certainly changed my tune after he took me to school on all of his favorites. I recently saw Buddy with a friend, which is a comedy horror that checked all of the boxes of Johnny’s scary movie must haves. This movie was not great but I don’t think I would have slightly liked it without my further education from Johnny! Let’s discuss in a spoiler free setting, as always, but first I’ll be placing a trigger warning for gory violence and disturbing content. Here we go:

^^^ As always, I have no rights to this video!

It’s Buddy! is a Barney style children’s show featuring a huge orange unicorn named Buddy. At his playhouse it is fun and games, dance parties and songs, and learning lessons like apologizing or being brave. When all of the kids participate and smile, it is an excellent day at Buddy’s. If they don’t comply… not so much. After a little boy refuses to learn a dance routine, Buddy snaps and the remaining playmates are terrified. Freddy, Oliver, and Hannah thought that Buddy loved them. Was he lying this whole time? One thing is for sure, the kids need to get to the real world and fast.

In the real world, we come across a perfectly normal family. A mom named Grace, her husband, and their two sons. There is something bothering Grace, though. Something that feels missing and she can’t shake it. Deep in her being, Grace believes that she has another child out there and takes matters into her own hands by hiring a psychic. The psychic insists on contacting the spirit in the house that is plaguing Grace but it isn’t a pesky ghost or poltergeist at all. It’s Buddy and he needs a new friend.

Grace knows that Buddy is behind her missing child and when he invites her into the television later that night she joins him as the new clubhouse nurse. The kids and Grace only have one chance to get back to the real world and danger lurks at every turn. Buddy is intent on closing this horrific episode out with a song and it is up to them to stop it. Will Grace’s family become whole? Will the other children get to return home too? Watch Buddy to find out!

I feel a bit torn about Buddy because there were parts of it that I liked and parts that dragged and I consider that difficult to do in a barely hour and a half flick. Buddy’s clubhouse was uber fun with nods to Barney and Pee Wee’s Playhouse that I deeply appreciated. What dragged, in my opinion, was the repetitive and relatively tame nature of the film. There were parts that literally felt like we were just watching an off brand Barney episode and that’s a massive bore for a room of adults. In fact, it was almost painful until more major plot points were introduced like Grace and her family.

Buddy did provide laughs and a couple of jump scares but it was overall a very average flick. I actually REALLY liked the plot but I didn’t like the execution of it and there were parts that were just plain weird AF. If you watch Buddy, you will know exactly what I’m talking about! Was this a movie worth seeing? If you’re looking for a very different, semi horror comedy then I guess? I left the theater feeling neither here nor there either way but was definitely glad that it was a short movie!

I am going to rate Buddy with a three out of ten stars. I don’t think this is one to go see in the theaters but it could be a laugh if you are watching at home!

Did you see Buddy? What did you think about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Groban Gal OOTD Bloopers

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Groban Gal OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Groban Gal OOTD! Seeing Josh Groban’s Stage, Screen, And Symphony concert was, indeed, the highlight of mine and Johnny’s summer and we have been singing our praises for the experience regularly ever since. It’s hard not to live in the past when we got upgraded to the best seats in the house for free – right in front of the stage!! Josh Groban was simply miraculous from start to finish. These pics? Not so much! Let’s take a lookieloo:

The desire for seeing Josh Groban in concert all stemmed from a one minute video from Tim And Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job called “Groban Sings Casey”. In this video, Josh Groban sings a compilation of songs in his classic style including hits like Choo Choo Train (I Want To Ride), Hamburgers And Hotdogs, and Time Travel. It is ridiculous, hilarious, and opened our eyes to the glory of The Grobes. So, when we saw he would be on Blossom Music Center’s summer concert lineup, those tickets were as good as ours.

In our ideal concert fantasy, we were going to yell “play Hamburgers And Hotdogs”, Josh Groban would hear us, and perform it with the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. However, as we made chit chat while waiting for the concert to start, we met someone whose husband was singing in the choir that took the stage with The Grobester. He ended up coming by to join the conversation before he had to be backstage and we told him about Groban Sings Casey and it turns out he was already hip! In fact, one of the other members of the choir was going to bring it up to The Grobeman but got sidetracked and they talked about goats instead. I like to think that the fire that burns in mine and Johnny’s hearts for Groban Sings Casey burns the same for The Josh, though!! ❤

Best concert ever? Best concert ever. Thank you to Blossom, J-Grobes, and the Akron Symphony Orchestra for the most amazing time!!

What is your favorite Josh Groban song? Are you aware of the life changing properties of Groban Sings Casey? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Groban Gal OOTD

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Groban Gal OOTD

Hello hello and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today we’re going to take a look at the lil fit I wore to see Josh Groban for his Stage, Screen, And Symphony tour at Blossom Music Center. This concert was truly one for the memory books as we got upgraded from standing on the lawn to being four rows away from the front of the stage! Blessings and riches eternal for the Blossom employees who literally made our lives and turned us into Josh Groban super fans. Johnny and I are so proud to call ourselves Groban Gals now after being transformed by his incredible voice! We already talked about the show in the linked previous post so let’s get into the fashion:

Crochet Top: Bozzolo, TJMaxx

Trapeze Pants: Patrons Of Peace, TJMaxx

You can’t really see the shoes but I wore a funky pair of platforms from ModCloth.

The earrings are Lucky Brand and the necklace was purchased close to two decades ago at a vendor sale!

When it comes to dressing for a show at Blossom, the name of the game is always cute and comfortable. There is a lot of walking involved to get from parking to the venue and if you have lawn tickets you are standing all night. That has never stopped your girl from wearing heels, though! The weather was absolutely perfect the night of the show with temps in the low seventies and a pleasant breeze so itty bitty short shorts were not required. For that reason, I started styling this look in the middle with a gorgeous pair of trapeze pants by Patrons Of Peace. The pattern screams tropical paradise, the wide legs are so retro and cool, and I just love swishing with every step!

Next up was a top to go with it and I selected a darling little crochet crop by Bozzolo. This is one of my go to tops in the summer because it goes with everything, is insanely comfy, and keeps me cool. The buttons down the front are too sweet and the peek a boo pop of bra serves some sass. Although this piece is a neutral and fairly basic, it was just right with the loud trapeze pants to form a cohesive look instead of confusing.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. I opted for one of my favorite pairs of platforms from ModCloth for the occasion and they were definitely needed. The pants are so long! Even though you can’t see them, they feature a 70s style pattern in burnt orange and navy which worked really well with the deeper shades of the pants. In the accessories department I chose a pretty pair of three tiered turquoise earrings by Lucky Brand which were a gift from my mom. I also added a beautiful feathered handmade necklace for good measure as I had some open real estate on my chest. With that, I was ready to start swooning over Josh Groban’s crooning!! 😀

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from this look coming soon and another concert review will be on the horizon. I can’t wait to see Billy Idol next!

Did you go to any concerts this summer? Who did you see? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Amazing Autumn Guest Bloggers Wanted!!

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Amazing Autumn Guest Bloggers Wanted!!

Oh hey!! As you know, I will be vacationing in Italy in the near future and I am beyond excited!! This trip of a lifetime will be enjoyed by me, Johnny, my parents, and brother and I can’t believe it is right around the corner. It will be very special to go on this adventure with my family and it will also serve as a pseudo honeymoon for me and Johnny as we never went on one after getting married. It’s always a thrill to go on a trip but it’s also a tad stressful because there are a lot of I’s to dot and T’s to cross before it’s go time!

Blessedly, my biggest concern has been tended to: Care for the bunnies while we are away! Johnny and I assembled a super team of three who we trust implicitly to be with them morning, afternoon, and night and that is a huge weight off of my shoulders. They are our babies, after all! The next step in my prep will be ensuring that I have posts scheduled to rock and roll for my social media management job (Be sure to check that out!). I plan on visiting a lot of installation sites interspersed with office visits before my trip to handle that and it might just be in a new (used) car! More on that later when the purchase actually happens because the Little Red Love Machine has been causing me a lot of grief. 😦 *Bawling my eyes out*

Last but certainly not least on my checklist is maintaining my daily content streak here on lifewithlilred. I have been posting every day for seven years and counting and I will be a monkey’s uncle if I ever let that massive achievement fall by the wayside! I have been blogging every chance I get to schedule posts but I also wanted to open lifewithlilred up to all of you in an Amazing Autumn Guest Bloggers Series. This is your chance to interact with my viewers, get to know me better, and have some fall fun too!!

If you have a fabulous fall OOTD, tasty recipes, autumn inspired MOTDs, cool costumes, or spooky seasonal decor that you want to showcase, then let me at it! You can reach me by email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com and I truly can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s ring in autumn together and celebrate everything that makes this season so magical! ❤

Did you go on vacation this summer? Where did you go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Summer Highlights

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Summer Highlights

Hi! I know summer isn’t “technically” over yet but it’s September and in my head it’s fall lol. So I thought I’d go through my summer highlights today, fall calendar date be damned! This summer has been jam packed with so many activities right from the jump as mine and Johnny’s birthaversary kick starts the month of June. We started this summer by hosting friends and family for a super fun party and the events and hang outs felt nonstop since. Johnny and I are definitely trying to take it easier on our schedule this fall but this summer was certainly one to remember! Especially my personal favorite occurrences:

A few weeks ago Johnny and I had the best experience ever at Blossom Music Center seeing… Josh Groban lol. Yes, we laughed about this too but what started out as attending for a joke turned us into complete super fans. Johnny and I purchased tickets for the Stage, Screen, And Symphony tour because we love Josh Groban’s comedy but the jury was out on his music. After pre gaming, we posted up on the lawn of Blossom for the show and didn’t have the best view but could see the jumbotron well. Josh Groban took the stage promptly at seven to open his set with “Pure Imagination” and after that song something magical happened!

Post Pure Imagination, a Blossom employee came up to us and offered us seats in the pavilion. We assumed we would be in the back or the middle but were moved up to the fourth row in front of the stage. It was SO awesome!! From our upgraded seats we had a perfect view of The Grobes and our initial laughter subsided instantly because we were completely mesmerized. Josh Groban truly has the voice of an angel and it was such a treat to hear him perform beloved classics from the best view in the house. We couldn’t believe our good luck and are now so proud to say that Josh Groban was one of the most excellent performances we have ever seen. What a night!

Johnny and I were totally and absolutely overjoyed to take part in an engagement party for my best friend, Lea, in early August and my heart simply flutters whenever I think about it! After the proposal at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Lea’s fiance organized a party at a brewery with family and close friends to celebrate. It was the most lovely time and it really was an honor to be there for my best girl. I am so excited to help in any way I can for her wedding and beyond thrilled for her happiness. She deserves nothing less. ❤

I don’t know about all of you, but I love me some mini golf! I enjoyed going to many indoor and outdoor mini golf courses this summer with Johnny and my brother and it is always such a laugh. Whether we are doing good or bad doesn’t matter because it’s just the most fun to hit some balls around lol. But the answer is: Yes, I did come in last place pretty much every time! Although there are some pretty good outdoor courses in my neck of the woods, we have a few indoor ones that totally take the cake. We love visiting Alien Vacation and Glow Sticks which are both fabulous!

Glow Sticks is an indoor eighteen hole course that revolves around music from the 1950s to the 2000s. Each room features a different decade with murals of the most prominent artists of the time and obstacles that match the theme IE: A giant Rolling Stones tongue. My musician main squeeze was living for it as was I! What a unique and cool little spot! Alien Vacation is also ultra cool with wacky murals and an immersive walk through experience. There are animatronics, obstacles that move, and the neatest themes like an under the sea, ancient Egypt, and jungle themed rooms. We have been to Alien Vacation several times and it is always a blast!

Johnny and I gifted each other with concert tickets for our birthaversary and seeing The Strokes at Blossom Music Center was my prezzie. They have been a bucket list band for me since I was ten years old and I could not let the opportunity to finally see them live pass by! We opted for pavilion seats as they were only slightly more expensive than posting up on the lawn and had a terrific view of the stage from our middle left position. The Strokes crushed and it was just amazing to hear all of my favorite songs IRL. We made friends with all of the people around us and formed a ragtag group of people that shared my sentiments too: That this was not a concert to be missed!

Johnny and I made so many beautiful memories this summer and I can’t wait to see what fall has in store for us!

What is your favorite memory from this summer? What are you looking forward to in the fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Modern Living Room: Essential Setup Tips For An Organized, Functional Home

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The Modern Living Room: Essential Setup Tips For An Organized, Functional Home

Your living room isn’t just another room; it’s the heart of your home, where all the good stuff happens. It’s where you kick back after a long day, gather the family for movie night, and host friends. Because it wears so many hats, it can easily become a magnet for clutter, making the whole house feel a bit chaotic. Creating a living room that works well and feels organized isn’t about being perfect. It’s about setting up a space that genuinely supports your daily life and feels truly relaxing:

Before you even think about moving furniture, take a moment to really consider how you use your living room. Is it mostly a comfy spot for your family to watch TV? Is it a more formal area for guests? Or does it need to pull double duty as a play zone for the kids or a part-time office? Your answers will guide every choice you make. A room meant for quiet reading will have different needs than one built for lively game nights. Be honest about your actual lifestyle, not the one you see in fancy magazines. This clarity will help you figure out what furniture and items belong.

Every well-designed room has something that catches your eye and grounds the space – a focal point. In lots of modern living rooms, the TV naturally takes center stage. But a mess of wires, a bulky media console, and competing gadgets can quickly turn that focal point into an eyesore. For a clean, sleek look, think about professional TV mounting. Getting your screen up on the wall not only frees up valuable floor space but also creates a smooth, integrated feel. Hiding those pesky cords inside the wall is the final touch that upgrades your entertainment area from cluttered to polished, letting your decor shine instead of your cables.

Clutter is the biggest enemy of an organized living room. The secret to winning this battle is making sure everything has its own designated spot. This doesn’t mean you need a giant wall unit. Instead, look for clever, multi-functional furniture.

An ottoman with a lid that lifts off can stash blankets, remotes, and magazines.

A coffee table with drawers or a lower shelf keeps surfaces clear.

Woven baskets are perfect for corralling kids’ toys or extra pillows.

Adding storage right into your existing furniture helps you keep essentials close by without them taking over the room. Even in smaller spaces, a little bit of professional organizer storage tips can make a huge difference in how open and airy the room feels.

How you arrange your furniture really changes how the room feels and works. A common mistake is pushing all the furniture right up against the walls, which can make a space feel like a waiting room. Instead, try pulling your sofa and chairs a few inches away from the walls to give them some breathing room. Arrange seating so it encourages conversation, usually by having pieces face each other. Most importantly, make sure there are clear paths to walk through the room without bumping into things. This creates a natural flow and makes the space feel more welcoming.

Lighting often gets overlooked, but it’s important for creating a warm and relaxing living room. A single overhead light is rarely enough and can cast harsh shadows. A well-lit room should have layers of light from different sources.

Ambient Lighting: This is your general, overall light, often from a ceiling fixture or recessed lights.

Task Lighting: This is focused light for activities like reading, such as a floor lamp next to a chair.

Accent Lighting: This highlights specific features, like a piece of art or a plant.

Mixing these three types gives you the flexibility to change the room’s mood instantly, from bright and energetic for a party to soft and cozy for a quiet evening. Good living room organization rules often mean thinking about things like light and flow, not just physical objects.

By focusing on your purpose, smart storage, and good flow, you can turn your living room into a space that’s both beautiful and perfectly suited to your life. A little planning goes a long way in creating a home you truly love living in!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Why Personalized Care Is The New Standard For Wellness

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Why Personalized Care Is The New Standard For Wellness

Your health needs are totally unique, just like your fingerprint. But for ages, healthcare often felt like a one-size-fits-all system. We’ve all been there: the rushed fifteen minute appointment where you leave with more questions than answers. Luckily, a new way of doing things is popping up, one that puts *you* right at the center of your own wellness journey. Personalized care means looking at the whole person, not just the symptoms, and building a real partnership with your health provider:

The old healthcare model was really built for seeing lots of people. Doctors often have to squeeze in a huge number of patients every day, which doesn’t leave much time for deep chats or planning ahead to prevent problems. This can work fine for simple stuff, but it often falls short when you’re dealing with ongoing conditions, big health goals, or just how your lifestyle subtly affects your well-being. People these days want more than just a prescription. They’re looking for a guide who truly understands their personal story, their goals, and their daily challenges. This desire for a deeper connection and advice that’s actually tailored to them is what’s pushing us towards personalized health management.

One of the biggest changes happening in personalized health is concierge medicine. This model completely reshapes how doctors and patients connect. Instead of the usual pay-per-visit system, some concierge practices charge a membership fee in exchange for additional access and personalized services. This is different from traditional primary care because it offers perks like same-day appointments, longer visits, and being able to directly chat with your doctor by phone or email. The membership setup lets doctors keep a smaller patient list, which is a key reason why more doctors are making the switch. It means they can pour more time and energy into each person, turning a regular check-up into a collaborative strategy session for your health. Think of it as a more personalized approach to primary care, where patients can receive ongoing support tailored to their individual health needs. This kind of relationship can make it easier to discuss concerns, monitor changes over time, and work with a provider on a care plan that fits their circumstances.

Having a doctor who genuinely knows you is a super powerful tool for better health. When your provider understands your family history, your work stress, and your daily habits, they can connect the dots that might otherwise get missed. This ongoing relationship builds trust and open communication, making you feel more comfortable talking about sensitive health stuff. A dedicated health partner moves beyond just fixing problems as they pop up and instead focuses on keeping you well in the first place. They can help you build lasting habits, manage chronic conditions more effectively, and catch potential issues before they turn into big problems. You’re not just a name on a chart anymore; you’re a person with a unique story.

Our minds and bodies are really connected, but the traditional healthcare system often treats them separately. A personalized care approach helps bring them together. With longer appointments and a trusting relationship, there’s more chance to talk about things like stress, anxiety, or life changes that can affect your physical health. A doctor who understands your mental state is better equipped to offer helpful support and resources. This all-encompassing view makes sure your care plan looks after your complete well-being. It recognizes that good health isn’t just about blood pressure and cholesterol; it’s also about feeling strong, balanced, and supported.

Finding the right healthcare fit is a very personal choice. If you’re thinking about a more personalized approach, start by figuring out what you really need. Taking time to make your health a priority can also help you think more intentionally about the type of care and support you need. Do you have a long-term condition that needs close attention? Are you focused on preventing problems and optimizing your wellness? Or do you simply want a doctor you can easily reach with questions?

Next, look into options in your area and consider the costs. While concierge medicine does involve a membership fee, some people find the value of better access and preventative care totally worth it. Read reviews, and if you can, schedule a consultation to see if the doctor’s philosophy clicks with yours. The main goal is to find a partner who makes you feel heard, respected, and empowered when it comes to your health.

Ultimately, personalized care is all about putting you back in charge. It’s an investment in a long-term relationship that supports your health goals and helps you live your best life!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Buc Off!!

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Buc Off!!

Hi!! You might have seen in the news or, in mine and Johnny’s case, on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver about the ongoing saga of Buc-ees suing small businesses with animal logos that don’t even resemble their own. It is absolutely ridiculous and is such a David and Goliath tale of big corporations screwing over beloved local staples. In a recent instance, Buc-ees turned their focus to a small town in Ohio called Beavercreek. As you can imagine, a lot of businesses there have beaver themed names and mascots since they’re… In Beavercreek? Lol, it makes perfect sense!! Buc-ees currently has their sights set on Beaver’s Mini Mart and, let me tell you, Ohio is pissed.

A majority of people in Ohio frequent and support local businesses every day. We love the comradery of getting to know the staff and regulars and in many instances for myself and Johnny included, we have made new friends. So for some big corporation with a busted beaver logo to pick a fight over a mini mart IN Beavercreek was infuriating. In support of the current lawsuit against the mini mart, people have traveled to make purchases, businesses changed their logos in solidarity, and fundraisers were created to assist with legal fees. Although we didn’t make the drive to Beavercreek, Johnny and I did purchase two matching shirts with twenty-five percent of the sales going directly to Beaver’s Mini Mart. Check it out:

^^^ You can purchase a shirt here to stand strong with the mini mart!

It’s no secret that it is hard and expensive work to own and operate a small business and Buc-ees’ insane lawsuits have rubbed countless people the wrong way. And it should!! This is truly a situation of “pick on someone your own size” and it just feels rotten that go to community staples are being targeted by a bunch of suits. We should all be supporting local but we have to protect local too. That means doing your part to patron small businesses and bypassing big box stores, use your preferred form of protest, and educate yourself and inform others. There is literally no reason why Buc-ees should have any say in any other business’s mascots but in Beavercreek, no less? Come the F on. *Massive eye roll*

This is a household that is proud of Ohio businesses like Beaver’s Mini Mart. We might not be in Beavercreek but we’ll be wearing our new swag all around Akron!! ❤

What is your favorite local business? Has Buc-ees targeted any businesses in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Mauve & Eggplant Nails

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New Mauve & Eggplant Nails

Hello! This past Tuesday was nonstop between content filming, a doctor appointment, and shifts with clients but you all know I still needed to make time to get my nails done! It was the most welcome reprieve in the middle of the chaos of the day and I was in heaven as soon as I sat down at my nail tech’s station. Even if you don’t have time for a full on nail appointment, it is so important to take a beat during a crazy day to recharge a little! And recharge, I did. I returned to work feeling like I just chugged a few coffees thanks to my break and fresh new nails! Take a look:

My sister and mom both look amazing in purple, mauve, and dusty pink. Myself, on the other hand? Not so much. I think I might have one lavender cardigan in my wardrobe and that is about it. Although I am not a fan of purple clothing on me, I do like pops of purple in my hair and nails. I am especially partial to deep purples like eggplant come fall and that is the color that immediately stood out to me in the nail polish book I was browsing. It might not be fall yet but it is never too early to manifest it with rich jewel tones! To compliment the eggplant, I selected a pretty mauve hue for a mix that isn’t quite fall but was good enough for me. When in doubt, just select a lighter version of the color you are already working with!

Pampering is my favorite form of self care and I enjoy every monthly trip I make to Elysian Nails. This time hit different, though. I had already had such a full day prior to my appointment and it felt so good to just sit lol. I literally could feel the previous shifts melt away as my nail tech and I chatted and was genuinely excited to return back to work with a newfound pep in my step. This was a straight forward fill with no repairs needed (Pat on the back for me!) but a first did happen for myself and my nail tech. As she applied my top coat, it went on really filmy and it seriously looked like fog on my nails. My tech would wipe it off, reapply, and it still happened so she deduced that the glossy top coat got cross contaminated with a matte one. This was not the most riveting story but there is, indeed, a first time for everything lol!

I’m getting my hair done next week and between that and my fill I’ll be acting brand new. Look out!!

How do you spend your breaks at work? Do you like to get seasonally themed nails? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah