Feb11

Lil Red’s In Store & Online Shopping Tips

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Lil Red’s In Store & Online Shopping Tips

Hello everyone! I consider myself to be an excellent shopper both in store and online. After a wildly successful winter haul with TJMaxx, I thought that today would be perfect for sharing my pro tips to make the most of your in store or online shopping sessions. These helpful hints have been curated as my personal style developed to turn each shopping trip into a GREAT SUCCESS! Now, let’s get to it:

Online – Know Your Measurements:

Prior to getting married, I had absolutely no idea what my measurements were. That, of course, had to change when I was ordering my dress online so my mom and I visited our local tailor shop to get that taken care of. I keep my measurement cards by my computer so that I can always have them available when online shopping.

Knowing your true measurements will eliminate the need to buy multiple sizes of one item because you can compare and contrast to the brand’s size chart. This used to be the norm for me when online shopping because I am in between a small and a medium and it’s so nice to now be able to get my size right the first time around!

Online – Do Your Research:

If you enjoy shopping with websites that offer multiple brands like TJMaxx or Poshmark, it is so crucial to do your research. We all know that women’s sizes vary drastically. For example, in my closet I have clothing in extra smalls and larges alike. A universal size chart, unfortunately, doesn’t exist so you will have to go to the original brand’s website to find out their sizing for yourself.

When shopping with TJMaxx, this has become my standard practice and is why knowing your measurements is so handy. Remember, take note about the features of the item you wish to purchase too. Does it provide room for stretch? Do the reviews say to order a size up? These are all things that should also be taken into consideration.

Online & In Store – Promotions, Please:

Apps, rewards cards, store credit cards, and special deals like a percentage off or free shipping plays an important rule in the shopping process. Although the constant emails from my favorite stores are annoying, saving money on your shopping is always worth it. If you have a particularly large order, you might want to consider applying for the store credit card. Typically, the store will offer you a percentage off of that purchase, which is awesome!

In Store – Dress For Success:

With the pandemic, I rarely do in store shopping anymore. However, when I do, I make sure that I am dressed and made up for success. Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on and off for dressing room efficiency. And, depending on what it is you need, it might not hurt to do your makeup accordingly. It’s hard to get the full picture of a dress you are trying on for a special event if your makeup doesn’t reflect it.

In Store – Try & Try Again:

Shopping in store gives you the luxury of trying on whatever you want and it should not be taken lightly. Expanding your horizons with styles, shapes, and colors that you might not normally wear will give you brand new possibilities. And, so what if it doesn’t work? Trying on a variety of different things will also help with your online shopping because you won’t be limiting yourself to “safe” options that you already know will work.

In Store – Have A Game Plan:

Hitting the mall or multiple different shops in the area can feel a bit overwhelming because of the endless options you’re seeing all at once. I recommend browsing for the items that you know you need first before beginning your window shopping. I don’t go to the mall too often but when I do, I always go to Victoria’s Secret for new undies and a bra and American Eagle for new skinnies first to get it out of the way. Then, when the “fun” shopping begins, I already know what I have spent for necessities and can budget my additional purchases accordingly.

Online & In Store – Shopping For Others:

I know some people who begin their holiday shopping for the next year as soon as their celebrated holiday is over to get the best seasonal deals. While you don’t have to go that extreme, it never hurts to get a little prep work done for holidays and birthdays when making your rounds. And, if you score a great deal on it, then it’s even better. We all have had that one gift that we were going to buy a little later only to find that it was sold out when we were ready to make the purchase!

With these tips, I hope that you have the best online or in store shopping session yet! They are my tried and true methods to the success behind all of my hauls and I’m sure that they will work for you too. ❤

What are some of your shopping tricks and tips? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

Common Issues You Might Come Across In Your Garden

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Common Issues You Might Come Across In Your Garden

For many, the garden is their sanctuary, so you want to enjoy it all year around. But, there may be times when you encounter problems in your garden that prevent you from enjoying it as much. Most of the time there will be a quick fix available. Take a look at the list below for some common problems you may come across.

Diseased Trees:

If you have trees in your garden, then you must look after these the best you can. If you don’t take care of them, then they may become diseased and you will have to get rid of them. If you suspect you have a diseased tree, your first instinct may be to chop it down. However, you could make it into a fantastic piece of art and keep it in your garden to admire forever.

Pests:

In the height of summer, this one may become a problem, winter not so much. Pests in your garden can really ruin the mood for you. You might be having a family barbecue and then a swarm of wasps suddenly appears to ruin your fun. Mosquitoes may also pose a risk especially if you are allergic to their bites. These tend to come out at night so if you are trying to enjoy the evening sun, then there could be issues.

Fear not, as there are always solutions to your pest problems and here are some recommendations: You can deter these types of pests by using scents they dislike such as citronella for mosquitoes and peppermint for wasps. If you have plants and flowers that smell like this, then it will help to keep them away. Alternatively, you can buy some scented candles to deter them from ruining your meal.

Water Problems:

If you live in a place with very little natural rainfall, you may need to use artificial water from a hose to water your garden. You might find your grass looking scorched due to the dry climate. This is nothing to worry about and will rectify itself if you keep watering it regularly. If you use a sprinkler system in your garden this can be turned onto automatic so your lawn is watered on a timer. This is an excellent option to consider if you would like to achieve lush, green grass. To get started, simply enter a search for “lawn sprinkler system contractor in Dallas, TX” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed professional to take on the job. Just make sure you aren’t out there when they come on as you may get an unexpected shower!

If you find yourself having problems with your sprinkler system, then contact your local irrigation system repair company to help sort this out as quickly as possible.

Moles:

One final problem that you may encounter in your garden is moles. If you don’t have this problem, thank your lucky stars as they are a nightmare! Once they are there they don’t seem to want to leave. Moles will burrow upwards and, unfortunately, leave quite a mess in their path. You will find your garden full of little brown mounds called molehills. In order to deter moles, you can get vibration devices that you stick in the ground and the moles steer clear of the movement.

Gardens are an amazing addition to any home but the problems above can prevent you from getting the full effect. As with any problem you are unsure of, it’s best to contact local experts so your summertime parties can be a huge success!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb10

Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

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Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

If you have just moved into a new house and are wanting to put your own personal stamp on the place, then here are a few ideas to help you. Maybe you don’t know where to start or what to change first. The answer is, whatever you want! It is important to try and match your decor to your furnishings so if you are thinking about changing those, then maybe do that first before reaching for the paintbrush. Or get started with these projects:

Flooring:

The first thing we would like to mention is the floors. In the kitchen and bathroom, you could make use of vinyl sheet flooring rather than actual tiling. If you are wanting to save money while also making your interior look stylish, then good quality vinyl is the way to go. If you opt for cheaper vinyl this can end up bubbling if it gets wet, and you don’t want that.

If you have carpeted floors, you can easily change to hardwood flooring. This is a great idea especially if you have pets or children. The mess that can get into the carpet is astounding, and you don’t notice it until you professionally shampoo them. Cleaning up hardwood floors is much easier!

Wall Art:

Like a fresh coat of paint, which we will talk about in the next section, wall art can go a long way in making a unique statement. You can find endless amounts of quirky wall art at thrift stores or even create your own. Whether you love sports, nature, or travel, you can find wall art to suit your passions. For instance, if you love American football, you might wish to have a Domonique Rodgers NC State photo on the wall. If so, do what makes you happy as it will enhance the personality of your interior.

The beauty of wall art is that it can be swapped out as often as you would like to fit your mood or the season. How cool would it be to have a revolving art gallery in your home? Your guests will see something new every time they visit and it is a quick and easy way to refresh your space. You could also treat your wall art as a vision board. If you have a desire to travel, you could decorate your home with art inspired by your dream destination. For example, the art on this site https://www.london-canvas.co.uk/ features scenes of London to admire until your daydreams come to fruition.

Coat Of Paint:

Once you know what your interior will look like and you know what furniture you are using, it is time to give the walls a bit more life. If the walls are looking shabby and old, then a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the room once more. Think about what you want on the walls. It doesn’t have to be paint, you could use some funky wallpaper. Paint is somewhat easier, though. If you are looking for a professional paint job, then contact your local interior painting services for help and guidance.

You could also have a feature wall. This is more often than not the wall that contains the television or the fireplace. If you are wondering what a feature wall is, then let us explain. It is a wall in a room that is different to all the other walls. For example, you might opt for a pure black accent wall and the rest be magnolia or white. Feature walls can also be used as a personal art gallery or a memory lane. You could adorn it with treasured family photos, cool modern prints from Printivart, or even shelves with potted plants and succulents. Whether with paint or decor, a feature wall will create a personalized touch to the space that your guests will rave about.

Windows & Doors:

One final thing that will really have an impact on the interior of your home is the windows and doors. These get tired looking over time, especially if they are old and worn. It may be worth investing in new ones to give you that new look once more. Occasionally, companies have offers if you buy windows and doors at the same time. You may just want to change the doors within your home. If they don’t match the decor, then you can of course do this. Wooden doors are sleek and contemporary and match with any interior decor.

Not only are renovation projects fun, making you feel like you’re on your own HGTV episode but they will help to boost your property value too!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb10

If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Platforms Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to the last post from my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today is another new edition of If The Shoe Fits where we will be talking about the most adorable pair of Barbie pink platforms by Marc Fisher. I love them so much and can’t wait to step out in them all spring and summer long! Let’s get to it:

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When online shopping with TJMaxx, I fell head over heels for these platforms and added them into my cart immediately. I was so charmed by the color and the shape is, easily, one of my favorite styles which made them a must have. While waiting for my order to arrive, I was already making grand OOTD plans with dresses and skirts come warm weather.

I couldn’t wait to try my new platforms on but that actually proved to be a huge challenge and they almost didn’t make it onto my feet. The way that they were carefully wrapped and stuffed with tissue made it really hard to get them unbuckled. I sat on my bedroom floor for a good five minutes trying to make it work but my efforts were ineffective because I was so worried that I would break a nail!

When I had given up, I brought the shoes downstairs to Johnny to assist and he had a tough go of it too! I had pretty much made up my mind that they would go in my return pile no matter how much I wanted them. A two person job to unbuckle them seemed excessive and I figured I would have issues getting them on. However, once Johnny triumphed in the shoe struggle and I got them on with no further issues, they became an instant keeper.

I seriously can’t get over how cute these shoes are. I wouldn’t say that I’m the most girly girl when it comes to my personal style and my new Marc Fisher numbers make a welcome addition to my shoe collection because of how different they are from anything that I own. They will add a feminine touch to an All Black Everything outfit but I am most looking forward to pairing them with floral dresses and a sun hat for a totally sweet OOTD.

I am so pleased with all of my purchases from my haul and am ready for winter to be over so I can wear everything without freezing my nads off! 😀

Have you updated your wardrobe recently? Do you have anything that you are looking forward to wearing when the weather permits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb9

Pros & Cons Of Apartment Living

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Pros & Cons Of Apartment Living

Whether moving into an apartment or renting or buying a home, there are pros and cons to each of these choices. It’s important, of course, to consider your budget and lifestyle as well as things like the location of the property in terms of your job or the school district. Today, we are going to look at some pros and cons of apartment living to help with your decision:

Pros – Having Maintenance Workers Available:

One of the huge pros of apartment living is always having maintenance workers available to fix issues with your apartment. Whether this be your air conditioner, appliances, or having a chain lock installed, it is so nice to simply make the call and have the problem fixed immediately. You can count on professionals to fix your Miele appliances. And, I myself, have called on maintenance many a time and have always been pleased with their great and efficient work.

While having maintenance at your disposal is a wonderful thing, you should request an inspection of the property prior to renting. Older apartments, for example, might not have the amenities or safety specifications that you are looking for. Perhaps you don’t handle the heat well and you need central air as opposed to a wall unit. If you are on a top floor of the building, are you capable to walk up the stairs if there is no elevator? And are the dry riser dimensions accurate in case of a fire emergency? You will want to know all of this before signing a lease.

Cons – Loud Neighbors:

In most apartments, unfortunately, the walls are paper thin. If you have loud neighbors on top of this, you are pretty much out of luck. Most apartment communities have a noise regulation after a certain time at night but this, often, doesn’t get followed which can keep you up. If you work from home, this can also be a major issue too and is worth talking to your potential landlord about so that you could be put in a less noisy complex. Once your lease is signed and you then find out you have loud neighbors, you are essentially stuck.

Pros – Neighbors:

On the flip side, you might have awesome neighbors and this is great! Having an endless supply of people you can shoot the breeze with is a fun bonus of apartment living. It’s nice to have a sense of camaraderie with the people that you live by and it makes for a much more pleasant experience. Whether it’s grilling with your downstairs neighbors or a friendly person lending you their shovel in the parking lot, this is a cool perk of being in an apartment.

Cons – Limited Space:

One of the major cons of apartment living is how limited your space is. This is even more so if you are living with a roommate. A two bedroom apartment could be ideal for just you but it could be really cramped if you add another person into the mix! If renting or buying a home is not in your budget, it will be crucial to be smart with your space. Your new digs might look super spacious until you move all of your furniture in and find that you barely have room to walk!

Apartment life is, admittedly, not for everyone. However, if the pros outweigh the cons for you, then it can be a great first step into something bigger and better!

Feb9

Efficiently Renovating Your Home

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Efficiently Renovating Your Home

The winter is an ideal time to work on home renovations because, chances are, you’re going to be home a lot more often as opposed to when the weather is nice. Despite seemingly endless time until the temperatures warm up in the spring, it’s important to work efficiently on your projects to make the space functional for you and your family. Let’s look at some ways that you can make your renovation process smoother:

Make Your Plan:

Before you can begin any type of project, you must plan accordingly. Making and changing decisions once the project is underway will only slow you down so having a game plan is essential. What do you want accomplished? Are you going to complete the project yourself or hire someone? What supplies do you need? Will the renovation work with your budget? Once you have answers to all of these questions and then some is when you can actually begin the work.

Should you be hiring a team to complete your renovations, it’s important to do your research first. To get started simply enter a search for “home renovation westminster” (or your local area). You will want to find a team that you are comfortable having in your space as well as brainstorming ideas with. Be sure to read plenty of customer testimonials to ensure that your renovations will be completed properly and efficiently.

One Stop Shopping:

Time is of the essence with renovations and you don’t want to spend several days at a million different stores to get everything you need. Choosing the Marshalltown building supplies is a good idea. Or any other home supply store in your area. Have a list at the ready so you can get in and out. Although you might not get absolutely everything in just one store, it can be a great first start to get the initial process going.

Create A Schedule:

Once you have workers on board or your supplies ready, create a schedule and try to stick to it as strictly as possible. Even if you are doing the renovation by yourself, it’s still a job and should be treated as such. Have an end date to complete everything by in mind and plan your days accordingly to achieve it. While you are planning your schedule, really think about the tasks at hand that you want completed. For example, if you are having Laminate Flooring installed and you want the room painted too, it’s a good idea to start with the painting first. Then, you won’t have to worry about scuffs and splatters all over your brand new floor!

Know Your Limits:

DIY is awesome and there are tasks that almost anyone can complete like painting the room or assembling furniture. However, people without all of the proper know how will find themselves in trouble pretty quickly when it comes to more skill based work like plumbing and electrics. A home renovation project is not the time to just “give it a try” it’s a time to do, so know your limitations. Saving money with things that you can do is great but a DIY gone wrong will end up costing you way more in the long run.

With the pandemic and cold winter weather, we are all at home a lot right now. Renovating your space efficiently with the tips above will turn your home into an even better place to be!

Feb9

If The Shoe Fits: Olivia Miller Chained Platform Boots Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Olivia Miller Chained Platform Boots Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of If The Shoe Fits compliments of my TJMaxx Winter Haul. I am proud and, somewhat disappointed, to say that I haven’t purchased a pair of shoes since my wedding so it has been a long time coming for some new ones! Today, we will be discussing a pair of platform boots by Olivia Miller that I scored for twenty bucks on clearance. And, tomorrow, you can tune in for the grand finale from my haul with a darling pair of Barbie pink platforms. Now, let’s get to it:

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When I first saw these shoes while scouring TJMaxx’s website, I wasn’t initially sold on them. However, I figured that for twenty dollars it wouldn’t hurt to at least try them out and return them if need be. As you can all assume, I absolutely loved the bold chain accent popping against the matte black boot but they didn’t necessarily fall into the “must have” category.

Upon receiving my order and checking out the Olivia Miller platform boots in real life, I was much more impressed because they looked way better in person. Online, they looked somewhat cheap but holding them in my hands made all of the difference. Everything about these boots spoke to me and I was enamored with the taupe stitching that I didn’t even notice during my online shopping.

Although I ended up keeping this pair, I actually did almost put them in my return pile before I got them on my feet. The back zipper was incredibly tough to coax down and I thought to myself that it was probably why they got marked down in the first place. I just had to try them on, though, and once I got the zipper down the first time, I had no further issues.

As soon as my boots were finally on, all of the styling possibilities started swimming in my head and I knew that they were a keeper. I would never wear these in the winter to avoid salt and water stains but come summer and fall it is ON! These little babies will be so fabulous with short shorts, fun socks, and a flowy top and I can’t wait to trudge through the leaves with them in the fall. 😀

When it comes to shopping, normally, my first impression will make or break whether I bother with something or not. In the case of these Olivia Miller platform boots, my first impression was not everything and I am so glad that I took a chance on them!

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is your favorite pair of shoes like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Feb8

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

Hello everyone and welcome to the last piece of clothing from my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we will be discussing a darling heart adorned cardigan by Marled Reunited Clothing – so perfect for Valentine’s Day. Then, we will dive into some brand new editions of If The Shoe Fits so keep it posted here on lifewithlilred! Now, let’s get to it:

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My mom loves anything and everything with hearts on it, which makes me especially partial to the same sentiments too. When I saw this cardigan in store when I was making my online returns, I knew that it was going to be coming home with me just in time for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t really plan on making any clothing purchases and was trying to limit my shopping to skin care and birthday prezzies. Well, that’s not entirely true – you know your girl always kind of plans on that and it was just this one cardigan, I swear!

This Marled Reunited Clothing cardi was just too cute to pass up. The oatmeal base paired with the bright pops of red hearts is oh so sweet and is certainly not limited to being only worn on V-Day. My new cardi is nice and soft but it isn’t super warm which opens it up to being a four seasons piece. It will be great for a brisk spring day or a chilly summer night having drinks on the patio of mine and Johnny’s favorite bar.

My cardi will, of course, be so charming paired with a skater skirt and tights but is also ideal for throwing on with my go to black skinny jeans with front pockets. I have already done this several times already and it really helped to spruce up a basic work outfit. Pair with some adorable red booties and everyone will feel love in the air!

What is your favorite pattern? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb7

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Japna Tie Back Top

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Japna Tie Back Top

Hello everyone and welcome back to my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we are going to be discussing a top by Japna that is, admittedly, not appropriate for winter at all but I can’t wait to rock it come warm weather. This new top is identical in shape to one of my favorite purchases from Altar’d State so I knew that it would be a winner when I saw it. And, if it wasn’t, it would have been no harm no foul because it was only seven bucks on clearance! Check it out:

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When first trying on a top like my new Japna one during my Altar’d State haul, I wasn’t so sure about it:

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My main fear about this kerchief style top was that it would be too much skin, too much bra strap, and that it wouldn’t be flattering in the slightest. So, imagine my surprise when I was in the Altar’d State fitting room and it worked perfectly. The tie back covered up the back of my bra completely, it wasn’t too revealing in the midriff, and best of all – it showcased all of the tattoos on my back that never get seen.

This top was one of my absolute faves to wear last summer and I have been on the hunt for more like it ever since. I never had any luck finding a similar top until my past TJMaxx haul and I was So. Freaking. Excited. about it. Not only was it the same shape but it was black and snakeskin patterned which made it EVEN BETTER! 😀

As you all know, I love snakeskin anything and everything so I felt like I won the lottery when I found this little Japna number for under ten bucks. As soon as warm weather hits, it is so on and I might just alternate between it and my Altar’d State top all summer long. Not really, but I am pretty stoked about it lol.

Pairing my Japna top with my black shorts from American Eagle Outfitters and my new Barbie pink platforms (Which you will see soon!) will definitely be the move. To accessorize, multiple bracelets, huge sunglasses, and a big tote bag are a must. Can it be summer now or?

What is your favorite animal print? What is your ideal summertime outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb6

Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

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Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

Hello everyone! We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming from my TJMaxx Winter Haul again because I have an exciting product to share with all of you! Today, we are going to be discussing my gorgeous new Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser by Organic Aromas. I have had it on nonstop in my apartment since I received it in the mail. In fact, it’s on right now as I write this post! Check out my unboxing and continue reading on for the review:

Peep this video to see it in action:

My Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser kit from Organic Aromas came with everything that I needed for soothing scents to envelope my apartment all of the time. Not only did it include all of the items that I need for cleaning it but it also came with two essential oils to get me started. I am currently using the Signature Blend essential oil, which is a lovely mixture of Elemi, Clary Sage, Cajeput, Chamomile, and Bergamot – it is divine and perfect to use when chilling at home. I also received the Peppermint oil, which will be great to help wake me up in the morning!

The amazing thing about this product is that it is pure scent particles coming out of the diffuser – not water. This provides the ultimate experience for all of your aromatherapy needs because the oils are not being diluted, giving you the full benefits of whichever essential oil you choose. As soon as I turn on my Aurora Diffuser with the Signature Blend, I instantly feel more relaxed, making it the ideal scent after a long day at work.

Not only are the products by Organic Aromas effective, but they are beautiful too. I love the pearl like shape of my diffuser because it reminds me of my engagement ring! The diffusers will enhance your home decor with their simple yet elegant designs. Some of the diffusers can even change colors with the LED lights so you can suit the color palette in your living room or bedroom.

I cannot recommend the Organic Aromas essential oils and diffusers enough. Treat yourself or someone else for a gift because you have the Lil Red Guarantee that it will make a much loved edition to anyone’s home!

What is your favorite scent? What makes you feel relaxed? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah