Nov18

Thanksgiving Checklist

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Thanksgiving Checklist

Hi! Thanksgiving is in one short week… Are you ready for it? Today, we’re going to check out a checklist to make sure that everything is in order for the big day. I, myself, have been fantasizing about Thanksgiving food since last Thanksgiving so I am very excited! Let’s get to it so your holiday meal with your loved ones happens without a hitch:

Prepare Your Menu:

Before going grocery shopping, it is important to prepare your menu in accordance to how many people will be at your meal and any dietary needs that they might have. For example, in my family there are three vegetarians so we never skimp on the side dishes! Doing a menu prep will also ensure that you are not cooking way too much or too little. Although, popping in an oven pizza if you haven’t cooked enough food isn’t the worst thing that could happen… I really like oven pizza lol.

Go Grocery Shopping:

Once your menu is in order, it is never too early to hit the grocery store so what you need isn’t sold out. Now would be a great time to get your turkey or ham, stuffing mixes, potatoes, cranberry sauce, beverages, and other cooking essentials like oil, flour, and milk. Veggies like green beans for the much debated green bean casserole (which I freaking LOVE) should be purchased a few days before Thanksgiving for ultimate freshness.

Clean Up:

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, then a deep clean is definitely in order – especially if you’re like my family who puts literally everything on the dining room table! Clean up the dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, and the living room so you have a comfortable space to relax after gorging yourselves. While everyone might be too full to play games after dinner, a movie screening in the living room will be much appreciated while you digest. I, personally, am hoping that my family continues with the tradition of watching Step Brothers after our Thanksgiving meal!

Early Food Prep:

There is plenty of food preparations that can be done before Thanksgiving day to make your cooking extravaganza easier on yourself. It is also an essential task for the perfect turkey. A day or two before Thanksgiving, you can work on cutting veggies and fruits if you’re having pie for dessert, baking rolls if you’re going the homemade route, and measuring all of the spices and seasonings you’ll need for each dish into a zip lock baggie. Anything that you can do beforehand will have you thanking yourself on Thanksgiving day since it will lighten your work load.

Get Your Outfit Ready:

I think it is so funny that people get super dressed up for Thanksgiving even though they are just hanging out at home but it is part of the tradition so a great outfit is in order. Plan out your OOTD ahead of time so you’re not left with the horrible feeling of having “nothing to wear” come Thanksgiving day. I already have a few ideas in mind so be on the lookout for an OOTD post of me straight stunting at the home front! 😀

Ease some of the stress that the Thanksgiving holiday can bring with the check list above so you can fully enjoy your day with family and friends. ❤

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Does your family have any Thanksgiving traditions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov17

Fun Activities To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

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Fun Activities To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Hello! Whether snow falls in your neck of the woods or not, there is no denying that the holiday season is approaching quickly. Now is the perfect time to finish up your holiday shopping and do some fun activities to help get yourself and family into the winter spirit. No matter the weather where you are, these ideas will always be a hit:

Have A Holiday Card Drive:

Sadly, many people celebrate the holiday season alone but there are a lot of different ways to include them in the holiday season too. How about organizing a holiday card drive for your local senior living center? An abundance of season’s greetings to open on their celebrated holiday is sure to put a smile on their face. You could also select a family in need to cook a holiday meal for or donate presents to. Don’t forget local homeless and women’s shelters or soup kitchens that you could donate or lend a helping hand to. Part of the holiday season is spreading joy to others and these ideas will help you do just that.

Whether you are volunteering in your local area or traveling abroad to a location like Bali to volunteer, you are going to Make a difference on your next holiday. The holiday season is a reminder that it is more important to give than it is to get. This is something that is true all year round, though, and volunteering can help shift your mindset to always give and do what you can. It really will change your life!

Movie Night:

If holiday movies are your favorite, why not make an event of it? Invite your friends and family over for a Hallmark marathon or a screening of Elf and let the good times roll. You could do a gift swap, decorate cookies, and set up a hot chocolate bar for everyone to enjoy. If you want to make a boozy time of it, you could play the classic holiday game of setting up a Santa hat on the corner of your TV and taking a drink every time an actor ends up “wearing” it. I, myself, have never participated in this but I think it’s hilarious lol.

Holiday Lights Tour:

Grown ups and children alike love seeing holiday lights so take a tour in the evening. Go for a drive and scope out all of the wonderful decorations that different houses have set up. Bring something warm to drink, crank the carols, and experience holiday magic from the comfort of your car. You could even leave a small gift on the doorstep of whichever home was your favorite to commend them for their hard work.

Get Crafty:

I had so much fun participating in a holiday themed paint night with some of my girlfriends a couple of years ago and would love to do something like it again. Have one of your artistically inclined friends walk all of you through how to paint a winter scene or you could find a YouTube video to instruct you how. No matter if you’re the next Picasso or not, it will be a great activity to do all together. Afterwards, you can take a vote and hand out awards for the best creation, honorable mentions, and not so muches!

Bake Off:

Decorating cookies is always a hoot so how about taking it the next step further and hosting a bake off? You and your guests can make an afternoon of baking (and eating) your favorite holiday desserts together. Cakes, pies, chocolate, and an assortment of cookies can be shared and it will give you new recipe inspiration for your own holiday dinner. While the treats are baking, you can decorate a tote or goodie bag to store the sweets in for your ride home.

The holiday season is such an exciting time and the ideas above will provide you with lasting memories for years to come. Happy holidays to all!

How do you celebrate the holiday season? What is your favorite thing about the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov16

Improve Your Mental Health Today With These Steps

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Improve Your Mental Health Today With These Steps

If you feel as though your mental health isn’t as good as it once was, then you are not alone. Due to the pandemic, many people are in the same situation as you right now, but there are things that you can do to try and turn things around. Take a look below to find out more:

Treat Yourself with Respect:

It is so important that you treat yourself with both kindness and respect. Make time for your hobbies and any favorite projects that you might have. This is the best way for you to try and broaden your horizon and it will also help you to focus on yourself more. Do a crossword puzzle, try and start your own vegetable garden, or sign up for dance lessons. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do something that makes you happy. If you can focus on the way that certain things make you feel, it’ll make it easier to seek out those enjoyable activities in the future.

Take Care of your Body:

If you want to be healthier, then you can start by drinking plenty of water. You also need to make sure that you exercise, as this can help improve your mood. If you don’t feel like you sleep enough, then you need to change this if possible. Lack of sleep can easily contribute to high levels of depression, especially if you are younger.

Surround yourself with Great People:

People who have strong social connections tend to be happier and healthier than those who do not have a support network at all. Make plans with your friends and seek out any activities where you might meet new people. If you can do this, then you will soon find your social circle expanding. This will help to boost your mental health more than you realize.

Deal with Stress and Find Ways to Relax:

You will never eliminate stress fully, but you can find new ways to deal with it. Try and spend some time with your pet or create a journal as this will help you to deal with your negative thoughts. Once a day, smile and see the humor in your life. Research has shown that laughter can boost your immune system and that it can also relax your body as well as reduce stress. You can also learn from the Eva Carlston Academy about ways to deal with stress through artistic expression, something which is very popular today.

Quiet your Mind:

Mindfulness, meditation, or prayer is a very good way for you to unwind and relax, not to mention that it can also improve your state of mind and your emotional outlook. Research has shown that meditation can help you to feel calm and more connected to yourself.

Break up the Monotony:

Routines can help you to be more efficient in the day to day happenings of your life. However, sometimes it does help to change things up. You can try something as small as altering your jogging route or as big as planning a road trip. Either way, if you focus on changing things up, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to support your mental health.

Seek Help:

Seeking help is a sign of strength and not a weakness at all. It is so important that you remember that you are not alone, and that people will always be there to help you if you need it. If you don’t feel as though you have anyone who you can talk to, then you should know that there are people online who specialize in helping those who are feeling down. If you feel like seeking counsel online isn’t enough for the problems you are facing, facilities like borden cottage (or similar programs in your local area) can be most helpful. Treatment centers offer a reprieve from your daily life so that you can focus on the most important thing, getting better.

If you have health issues, then make sure that you speak to your doctor. Your doctor will also be able to give recommendations for therapists to help as you navigate your illness. If you have a terminal illness, it may benefit you to seek support from Serenity Hospice Care. They can provide guidance and assistance with managing symptoms and addressing emotional needs. Seeking this type of support early on can help you and your loved ones prepare and cope with the challenges ahead.

The mental health treatment cost can be something that makes people avoid seeking help altogether. If finances are a factor in whether you get help or not, speak to your doctor and insurance for more viable options. When there is a will, there’s a way and it is so important to put yourself first if you are struggling.

Say No to People:

Sometimes the best thing that you can do for your mental health, is just say no. If you can say no to people who are asking too much from you or when you are just too tired, then this will help you to preserve your mental energy. It will also help you to feel more confident and it will increase your self-worth. If you say yes to people who always ask something of you, then you may find that your mental and physical energy ends up being drained. Saying no can be difficult, but if you want to start valuing your own time, then it is absolutely crucial.

Your mental health should be as much of a priority as your physical health and you can get started today with the tips above.

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Nov16

5 Factors To Consider When Buying Sports Equipment

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5 Factors To Consider When Buying Sports Equipment

When getting into a sport, there may come a point when you need to buy your own equipment. But just which equipment should you buy? Below are 5 factors to help you choose the right gear:

Cost:

First, you need to set yourself a budget. The price of equipment can vary a lot – brand new professional-level equipment will usually cost the most, while used entry-level equipment will cost the least.

Some sports are likely to be more expensive than others. For example, you can get into yoga with nothing more than a yoga mat. A sport like sailing, meanwhile, requires buying an entire boat. Most people end up hiring or sharing a boat until they get to a professional level as there’s often no point investing in one until then.

You should also consider seasonal factors. If you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding trip, you can visit a ski shop during spring, summer, or fall to get a better deal, especially as many stores will want to get rid of last year’s stock. As a beginner, you won’t be able to tell the difference, anyway.

Size/weight:

Equipment needs to be the right size and weight to match your body. This is important for performance and safety (it’s imperative that items like helmets are the right size – if they’re too loose, they won’t protect you). If you’re buying equipment for a child, it’s worth finding equipment targeted at their age. As they grow, you may need to invest in new equipment. This is something to keep an eye on.

Performance level:

In many sports, you can buy different types of equipment aimed at different performance levels. There’s no need to splurge on professional equipment if you’re a beginner. Unless you’re playing at a professional level, you won’t notice the difference between a basic tennis racket and professional tennis racket. Equipment aimed at beginners may even be easier and safer to use in some cases. For example, a pro-level bicycle may be more tricky to handle than an entry-level bike. Freddie Vasquez Jr. has been known for his expertise in assessing sports gear, which can help you choose equipment suited to your skill level, rather than jumping straight into higher-end options that you might not need right away.

Brand reputation:

Some official sports bodies may require you to buy a specific brand. If you’re not taking part in a sport that demands this, you have the freedom to choose from various different brands – but which should you choose?

It’s worth looking into the reputation of different brands to find something that is recommended by other users. For example, when choosing a ping pong table, it’s worth spending time looking at table tennis reviews. Don’t just focus on the most well-known brands as there are many lesser known brands out there selling top quality gear and it’s generally a lot cheaper than top brands. When looking at the reputation of the brand, you might also want to research if the equipment is approved by national leagues or sports associations. For example, these pickleball paddles made in usa are approved by USA Pickleball. This can give you peace of mind that you are purchasing a high quality product.

Condition:

If you’re thinking of buying used equipment, you’ll need to consider the condition. If equipment is heavily used and worn, there may be a greater chance of it breaking in the near future. Certain old or worn equipment may even be unsafe to use and is worth steering clear of.

Try to always buy used equipment in person. When buying online, stick to local selling sites so that you can pick up equipment in person and carefully inspect the condition. It’s possible to find a lot of used equipment online being sold cheaply that is still in practically new condition, which is the type of equipment you should be aiming for.

Like many other hobbies, playing sports involves some monetary investment. Shop smart with the tips above as you pick out your gear!

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Nov16

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hi! Johnny and I rarely take time off of work except for holidays and vacations so when he took a day off last week it was very well deserved. Although, it was painful for me to go to work when he was hanging out at home! Shockingly, my husband didn’t just play video games all day and I returned from work and getting my nails done to the best surprises ever.

As soon as I walked in the door, I was so happy to see that Johnny took all of the trash out (which I hate doing), did multiple loads of dishes in the dishwasher, and tidied up the living room. But wait – there’s more! After singing his praises, I asked him what he wanted me to make for dinner because I was starving and he told me that was already taken care of too. Johnny did his own version of cooking and by that I mean he ordered us pizzas which were en route!

Needless to say, I felt spoiled absolutely rotten by my husband and all of his hard work on his day off. It was so nice to have to do nothing but kick my feet up, relax, watch Criminal Minds, and wait for dinner to come to us once I got home. I love to cook so we don’t order out too often but whenever we do it is such a major treat. Not having to do any chores after work was the best of all, though. 😀

Johnny and I like to treat each other often with little gifts from the store but this surprise definitely took the cake. My husband gave me an evening off that was fit for a queen and I am so lucky to have him! ❤

What makes you feel spoiled? How do you treat your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov15

Lil Red’s Book Club: His & Hers By Alice Feeney Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: His & Hers By Alice Feeney Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Today, we are going to be discussing a thriller by Alice Feeney called His & Hers – without giving any spoilers away, of course. Before we dive right in, I will be putting a massive trigger warning on this book for gruesome murders and a graphic scene of sexual assault. If this is something that would impact your mental health, please skip on reading His & Hers. Now, let’s get to it:

Anna started from the bottom of the BBC news and worked her way up to an anchor when the former went on maternity leave. For two years, Anna had her dream job but that’s not to say that everything was perfect due to her severe alcoholism. In fact, she describes herself in the beginning of the book as being the “unstable narrator” to her life. Despite this, her career is going accordingly to plan until her predecessor returns from leave and Anna gets kicked off the news and back into the correspondent’s corner.

Anna’s first task as a correspondent is to return back to her small hometown of Blackdown to report on a gruesome murder that might be the beginning of a spree. The thing is, she knows the victim personally as does the detective, Jack Harper. Both have a connection to the victim that would put them at the center of the investigation if found out so mum is definitely the word, especially as the murderer continues killing.

These serial killings have put sleepy, tight knit Blackdown in disarray and just being there stirs up a lifetime of bad memories for Anna and Jack alike. The reminders of a former life are almost worse than the insurmountable amount of stress as they do their jobs because evidence is being planted on Jack and Anna’s mom is suffering from dementia.

As more victims are found, the culprit feels like they are slipping through the fingers of the law and everyone turns into a suspect. Will Jack and his team be able to solve the case? And just what about Anna’s past caused all of this to happen in the first place? Read His & Hers to find out!

I have very mixed feelings about His & Hers and am actually still trying to digest it because I was loving the book until a very difficult to read chapter. His & Hers featured everything that I enjoy in a novel with three different narrators (Anna, Jack, and the killer) and a grand reveal that I so did not see coming. Similarly to when I read False Witness, the story line was excellent but it was hard to look past the graphic nature of some of the scenes.

The murderer’s unveiling was, indeed, a jaw dropping one and just when you thought you knew for sure who did it, the rug would get swept from under your feet. The short chapters of the killer’s thoughts really could have belonged to anyone in His & Hers and massive kudos to whomever figured out their identity because I never would have guessed it in a million years.

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around this read because I enjoyed everything but one part so much. The plot, narrators, and ending were all awesome and I have never read anything like it before. Needless to say, coming up with a star rating is difficult but I am going to award it with: five and a half out of ten stars. Without one chapter, I had already planned on rating His & Hers with a ten but some things just leave too bad of a taste in your mouth to overlook.

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

Nov14

Treat Day!

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Treat Day!

Hello! This past Tuesday was full of treats for me and it made for a nice, albeit exhausting, day. For the first time in several months, I had a skating lesson in the evening after work and I knew that I would need an extra caffeine jolt to see me through until my arrival home. So, I decided that it was the day to grab my annual winter seasonal drink from Starbucks: The Peppermint Mocha!

I am ashamed to admit that I waited in line at the Starbucks drive thru for at least fifteen minutes for this drink but it was well worth the wait. The Peppermint Mocha is my absolute favorite seasonal drink from Starbies and I would drink it every day if I could. My taste buds would love it but my wallet… Not so much.

My treat drink from Starbucks was as delicious as I remember it being and my only regret is that I didn’t savor it more. It was completely gone by the time I arrived to my next client. Better luck next year, I suppose! Throwing the drink back or nursing it, it definitely did the trick because I still had a shocking amount of energy by the time I arrived at the skating rink for my session at almost five o’clock. And, from a permanently sleepy girl, trust me when I say that this never happens!

It felt so good to get back on the ice after a fairly long hiatus when my coach was on maternity leave and I am always pleased when I can pick up right where I left off from my last lesson. Of course, I felt dead tired the following day because it was a hell of a work out but #noragrets at all and I can’t wait to go back next week.

It is so nice to have something to look forward to during the work week but next time I will have to settle for coffee pot coffee instead of my beloved Starbucks. No one ever said the figure skater lifestyle was easy! 😀

How do you treat yourself? What is your order from Starbucks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov13

New Berries & Cream Nails

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New Berries & Cream Nails

Hello! My most recent fill at Elysian Nails was a fabulous one because my go to girl is finally back! My nail tech and friend, Gabby, is literally the best nail tech I have ever been to and she is the best company too. It was so nice to catch up and have girl talk and my nails look gorgeous. This is not to say that everyone at Elysian isn’t incredibly talented but once you find a nail tech or hair stylist that you like, it’s hard to have just anyone do your pampering! Check out these Berries & Cream beauties:

I have never been one for themed nails like red or green during the Christmas season or oranges and browns for Thanksgiving. However, I wanted colors that said fall without being obvious. Prior to hitting the salon, I knew that I definitely wanted a wheat color incorporated and thought that a deep berry would go beautifully with that. I hate to toot my own horn but *toot, toot, toot* because I was so right and I am in love with this color combination. I think that it is so sophisticated while still being a little edgy and it feels fall without being over the top.

After a long day at work, there is seriously nothing better than sitting in the salon chair and relaxing. Although my last few fills at Elysian were good when Gabby was out, they pale in comparison to this one. The shape of my acrylics is absolutely perfect and laughing and gabbing the entire time made the experience even better. Nothing makes me happier than an appointment at Elysian but time spent with my favorite nail tech trumps that completely and that’s really saying something! ❤

What color of nail polish do you have on? What are your favorite fall colors? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov12

Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night?

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Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night?

It’s important that your dog gets a good night’s sleep, but just where should they hit the hay? Are certain sleep options healthier than others? This guide explains it all:

Should I get a dog bed?

A dog bed can provide a cozy place for your pooch to curl up. If you’ve got hard floors, it is essential to set up a dog bed. This could be an improvised bed made of pillows and blankets. Alternatively, you could buy specially engineered dog beds from a company like Pawpedics to provide ultimate comfort. It’s important that any dog bed is large enough for your dog. Dog beds should be regularly washed to keep them nice and clean.

When looking for a new dog bed, make sure you find one appropriate for the size of your dog. A large dog bed, for example, would be great for a Golden Retriever. Or, of course, a tiny dog diva who wants lots of space to lounge on. Hey, we all need our beauty sleep! Other than the size of the bed, you should consider if your pup needs extra support when lounging on it for therapeutic needs. To find the right dog bed for your pet, simply enter a search for “dog bed singapore” (or your local area). From there, you can read recommendations from other pet owners, explore your options, and look at sizing charts too,

Should I get a dog crate?

Dog crates are often used for training puppies to stay in bed at night so that they don’t wander about and cause mischief (or hurt themselves) while you’re asleep. Crates can also provide a sense of security for older more anxious dogs, providing them a private place to escape to.

As with a bed, a crate needs to be the right size. Make sure that they can stand up and lie in it comfortably. Be wary of buying a small crate for a large breed puppy as they may quickly outgrow it. You shouldn’t be locking your dog up in a crate for hours on end during the day. Crates should be used only for helping dogs to sleep – not as a method of keeping your dog contained while you go out for work (you’re better off hiring a dog-sitter).

Can the dog sleep in my bed?

Some people allow their dog to sleep in their bed. There’s nothing wrong with it, just understand that once you start allowing this, it will be very hard to train the behavior out of them if you change your mind. Allowing a dog to sleep in your bed can strengthen your bond, plus they can provide great cuddles. However, you’ll need to get used to your bed being covered in dog hair. Larger dogs may also take up a lot of space, which could lead to a disrupted sleep.

While the correct answer to where a dog should sleep is always in your bed or on the couch, there are other alternatives too for a good night’s sleep for your pup.

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Nov12

Fun & (Video) Games: Animal Crossing Update Edition

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Fun & (Video) Games: Animal Crossing Update Edition

Hello! One of my favorite hobbies to help me relax is playing Animal Crossing, which I’m sure you all know because I talk about it enough lol. At the beginning of the pandemic when Johnny was furloughed, he played Animal Crossing so much that he could no longer do it and I have taken over on our island ever since. Unlike my husband, I have yet to grow tired of island living and play every chance I can get – especially since the game just got a huge update!

Us devoted Animal Crossing players have been waiting for this update for months and, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. There are so many new things to enjoy from this update and after raving about it to Johnny, he even admitted that he might have to start playing again. Yeah, it’s that good.

The biggest things that helped to bulk up your island experience include Brewster’s Cafe, exploring islands with Kapp’n, an outdoor market at Harv’s Island, all of the gyroids, and cooking recipes in your kitchen. Not only can you cook but you can also grow crops other than pumpkins like potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, wheat, and sugarcane. You can even come up with tasty recipes when you go fishing, which makes catching endless amounts of black bass not completely useless.

What I am most excited about from the update is the outdoor market at Harv’s Island. The property behind his house will feature stands for Leif, Kicks, Jolly Redd, Katrina the fortune teller, and much more. Each stand will cost a steep 100,000 bells to activate and, sadly, you can only donate once per day so time traveling will be in order if you want all of the stands quickly. Right now, I only have Leif and Katrina but Jolly Redd is definitely next on the agenda so I can continue growing my art collection.

Another cool thing that the Animal Crossing update offers is 9,000 new items to decorate your home and island with. I am especially partial to the new goodies that you can buy with your Nook miles and have already blown almost my entire savings on my purchases. My haul included a Ferris wheel, balloon stand, carnival games, and train to create the ultimate amusement park on my island. This redecorating is going to take a considerable amount of time to do, though, because I have So. Many. Flowers. to dig up. *eye roll*

If you are new to Animal Crossing, then welcome to the party. And, if you are returning after a long hiatus, then welcome back. This update will have you logging into your island again and again just like the good old days before you abandoned your villagers completely! 😀

What is your favorite part of the Animal Crossing update? Which villagers do you have on your island? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah