May17

InboxDollars Update

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InboxDollars Update

Hello! I have been visiting the website, InboxDollars, daily for years now and since posting about earning a thirty dollar Amazon gift card in mid January, I am already so close to receiving another ten dollar gift card. On InboxDollars, you can complete surveys, watch videos, play games, clip coupons, answer trivia questions, and more and it all earns you money. And who doesn’t like free money?

Although it can take a while to get started on the website, it is so easy once you get the hang of it and when you reach the ten dollar mark, you can select a gift card as your reward. The website also always seems to be updating to add new ways to earn some extra pocket cash through special offers and making searches online.

While survey websites are, usually, not a viable source of income, it sure is nice to be able to save some money with your gift card rewards! I spent my thirty dollar Amazon gift card when I buffed up my skin care hoard and got my moisturizer and eye cream FO FREE. And literally all I did to get my free product was open emails and answer trivia questions which takes about two minutes per day. Hey, I’ll take it!

Whether you are looking to kill time or make some extra spending money on Amazon, InboxDollars is a terrific little site to check in daily with. Just be sure to refer yours truly so we both get rewarded! 😀

What is your favorite survey website? How do you like to spend your free time online? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May16

Wedding Dress Delight

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Wedding Dress Delight

Hello! My nontraditional wedding dress was ordered online and I am in love! The best part about my wedding dress, however, was the time I got to spend with my mom in the process of getting it just right. Because Johnny and I are having such a small ceremony, there really wasn’t much planning involved that our loved ones could participate in. So, it was really important to me to have my mom and sister there for the things that didn’t require Johnny and I just sitting in our apartment talking lol.

My sister came with me for my makeup test run and it was wonderful to have her company and expertise. For my wedding dress, my mom came with me to every appointment at a local dry cleaner who also specializes in alterations. From getting my initial measurements taken to the actual alteration session and a final try on when picking it up, JANE was there for it all. This was incredibly special to me and it was really exciting for us both to see the end results of what we had been imagining for my dress all along.

The alteration aspect of my wedding dress is absolutely perfect in every way and I can’t wait to show all of you what it started from to how it turned out after Johnny and I are married, of course! However, there is still a fair amount of work to do because my dress is covered in completely heinous disk sequins that need removed. Had I realized that the sequins were a thing, I would have requested to not have them in my customization notes but they blended into the dress in the picture and were not visible. -_-

Lucky for me, the sequins can be removed easily but it is a very time consuming task! Over the weekends and on my days where I arrive home early from work, I plan on setting aside at least twenty minutes each evening until my dress is sequin free. In my first go at it, I was able to take off at least fifty sequins and the front bodice is already almost halfway done.

My mom will not see my dress in its sequin free glory until the actual wedding and I cannot wait to see her reaction to it because I know it’s going to be even better than she remembers! And I am always going to remember our time spent together to get my wedding dress prepared for my big day. ❤

What are some special memories from your wedding? What alterations did your wedding apparel need? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May15

Fun & Games: It’s A Snap!

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Fun & Games: It’s A Snap!

Hello! Johnny and I are both avid video gamers and have been looking forward to the release of Pokemon Snap on the Nintendo Switch for months. In fact, Johnny, myself, and my brother were literally counting down the days as the release date grew closer! I am about to age myself significantly, but I can remember renting Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo 64 from Blockbuster in my youth and have fond memories of playing it with my siblings.

Pokemon Snap for the Switch came out a few weeks ago on April thirtieth and it took me a while to finally play it. Johnny and I got the second shot of the Moderna vaccine on the twenty-ninth and we were both hit hard with side effects the following day. While Johnny played it for an hour or so, the nausea I was experiencing would not have sat well with the forward motion of the game as you cruise through different landscapes.

I was so eager to play our new game and trust and believe that as soon as I felt better it was ON! Johnny and I have already played Pokemon Snap for hours on end and are close to beating the main story line. In Pokemon Snap, you are basically a wildlife photographer for Pokemon and can make them pose and interact by playing music or throwing fruit and Pokeballs. As you gain experience and take more pictures, different levels and landscapes are unlocked and you never will play a course the same way twice.

Every time Johnny and I get to a good stopping point, it seems like we discover something new and it makes Snap so hard to put down because it’s exciting to see what will happen next. There is an abundance of courses to explore ranging from jungles and parks to caves, the beach, and snowy mountains as well as the opportunity to photograph during the day or nighttime. I am partial to the beach and jungle, myself, but each course is equally fun and unique in its own way.

The new landscapes to explore are, of course, insanely cool but my favorite part of the game is how the Pokemon activity changes as you level up. The higher your level gets in a location, the more Pokemon will appear to photograph as well as the option to take your vehicle on different routes. There’s nothing better than exploring a brand new location or level and seeing all of the new Pokemon to snap pics of for the first time. However, it can be a bit overwhelming because I always want to see absolutely everything in one go!

As soon as Johnny and I get home from work and have dinner, we have been playing Pokemon Snap until we wind down with a TV show and go to bed. We pass the controller off once the course is complete and for the entire level, we our constantly exclaiming our signature Snap catchphrases of “Woahhhhh!”, “That was a good one!”, and “Did you see that?!”

Pokemon Snap will hit you right in the nostalgia and it is both relaxing and extremely exciting at the same time. I can’t wait till my shift is over today so I can play more! 😀

What do you think of the new Pokemon Snap? What is your favorite Pokemon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May14

Bath & Body Works May Freebie

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Bath & Body Works May Freebie

Hi! Since being fully vaccinated, I have been more willing to run small errands and am, finally, able to start utilizing the Bath & Body Works freebie coupons that I get in the mail. This month’s coupons were especially good as I got to pick out a free full size bath and body care item and you know Lil Red always likes to add to her beauty hoard! The coupon would work for any product priced $14.50 or lower and I went with a shower gel in one of my favorite scents, Gingham. Check it out:

This past weekend, Johnny and I hung out with a friend in Kent and drove right by a B&BW on the way so I ran in to get my freebie. I actually chose a travel size shower gel in Gingham last month for my free item and it smells so good that I just had to get it as my full size gift too. I have been obsessed with this scent since Johnny’s mom gifted me with a shower gel of it last Christmas and it is one of my sister’s faves as well.

While Gingham has notes of peach, clementine, and freesia I think it smells just like clean laundry and crisp springtime air. It is so fresh and light and when I smell it, I immediately picture a full clothing line drying and swaying gently in the breeze. Gingham is the perfect fragrance for spring and summer and it has such a specific, lovely scent without being overpowering in any way. Highly recommend for yourself or as a gift because it is sure to please!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Which store has the best coupons and promotions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May13

4 Clothing Items Every Packing List Needs

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4 Clothing Items Every Packing List Needs

Everybody enjoys a good trip. However, selecting the ideal clothing items to take on your vaca without filling up several suitcases can be a daunting task. Although the pieces of clothing you pack for a trip are determined by the location and the season in which you travel, there are a few must-haves that you should include in your suitcase every time you are packing for a getaway:

Tops:

It is essential to include a couple of casual shirts for effortless outfits, despite your destination. Personalized t shirts work well with both skirts and pants, and they are unlikely to take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

Another travel must-have is a lightweight sweater. They are versatile because they can work well from day to night, ensuring that you are warm enough in cold conditions and comfortable when the weather gets hot. Make sure that you also throw in a couple of versatile blouses that you can wear on a special occasion during the trip, such as late-night rooftop drinks or an evening out.

Shoes:

The shoes you bring while traveling can determine your ability to explore the location of your trip. It is, therefore, essential to select wisely while packing. Carry a pair of chic sneakers when you travel to a destination where you are likely to walk a lot. Sporty sandals are a great alternative if you are exploring a warm area. Although they are currently not the trendiest item, they look good with anything from dresses, jeans or midi skirts, and are ridiculously comfortable.

If you plan on having a few dinners or brunches during your trip, it is advisable to carry a pair of walkable and comfortable block heels to pair with your sundress or some low wedges. Consider selecting the shoes in nude for additional versatility.

Bottoms:

Jeans can always work well as the ideal bottoms wherever you go. Carry a lightweight stretchy piece for optimal comfort and versatility. Remember that you might be sitting and walking a lot as you travel, and non-stretch jeans might make your experience more tiring and less enjoyable.

A great alternative to jeans is a chic midi skirt which you can wear with sneakers during the day or sandals, boots, or heels at night. It is also easy to layer to make it suitable for all seasons. Select a neutral color that can work well with various colors and prints of tops.

Another excellent option for bottoms is leggings, especially if your trip involves a lot of activity. Pack ones with a sleek look and comfortable material. Black leggings can allow for more versatility, and they are great to wear when you are traveling by air.

Some Comfortable Underwear:

While some lace panties or thongs may be the everyday preference that makes you feel confident and sexy, it is advisable to opt for cotton underwear as you travel. Cotton is a soft and highly absorbent material that can easily absorb sweat in warm conditions and keep you warm enough when it is cold. Carry enough pieces to sustain you throughout the trip so you don’t run out!

Packing for a trip can be exciting yet daunting. Include the above essential clothing items before you throw in some of your wardrobe favorites for the trip!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May13

5 Things They Don’t Tell New Dog Owners

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5 Things They Don’t Tell New Dog Owners

If you have your heart set on having a new canine companion in your life, no one will blame you. According to a recent survey, over 63 million people own at least one pet dog in the United States. Dogs are loyal, loving, and offer owners companionship and happiness.

You’re likely reading this because you’ve never owned a pet dog before, although you may have had a dog in the family when you were growing up, or perhaps you spend a lot of time with friends that have dogs themselves. There are some things that existing dog owners never tell people that are considering getting their first pet dog. It’s not necessarily that they’re deliberately withholding the information; it’s more they assume those people might already know this stuff:

1. Some Dogs Bark a Lot

It’s no secret that dogs have unique and individual personalities in addition to the traits of their breeds. With that in mind, it’s worth knowing that some dogs bark a lot whereas others seldom utter any noise! If you’re planning to get a smaller dog, it might be worth getting the best bark collar for small dogs to help keep noise levels down, especially if you need to leave your new canine friend alone at home sometimes.

2. Some Breeds Have Known Health Problems

You could be lucky and end up with a dog that seldom has any health issues during its time with you. Or, you might end up with a canine companion that spends much of their time at the vets. The fact is, some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to certain medical conditions. For example, greyhounds are well known for having dental problems, and others like dachshunds might have heart conditions. Keep this in mind when looking at purebred dogs.

3. Dog Toys Don’t Last Long

One thing you want to do is ensure that your dog is happy and has plenty of mental stimulation, so you’ll likely buy your new pet some toys to play with and chew. If you thought those toys would last a long time, think again! Dog toys aren’t indestructible, and if you end up with a pet that loves chewing everything all the time, you’ll need to buy new toys for them regularly.

4. Dogs Can Get Jealous and Protective

While some dog breeds are known for having a laid-back attitude, it’s typically the luck of the draw whether you end up with a chill dog or one that gets jealous and protective over you – especially if you are female. If jealousy and over-protectiveness become a big problem in your house, especially when you’ve got a family in tow, you could try engaging the services of a dog behaviorist to help you and your pet.

5. Dogs Can Be Fussy About Their Food

Lastly, don’t assume you can feed your dog any brand of dog food. Like humans, dogs have preferences over the food they consume, and if you give them something to eat they don’t like, they’ll end up being very hungry! Fortunately, it’s relatively straightforward to work out what your dog likes and dislikes at dinnertime.

Getting a pet dog is a huge commitment so do your research well and remember the above when making your choice!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May13

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Night Swim By Megan Goldin Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Night Swim By Megan Goldin Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Today we will be discussing a true crime thriller called The Night Swim by Megan Goldin – without giving any spoilers away, of course. It took me a while to get started on reading this book because these past few weeks have been super busy for yours truly. However, once I finally cracked it open I devoured it in less than one week and it was excellent. In fact, it has easily been one of the best books that I’ve read in a good long while.

Before proceeding with the review of The Night Swim, I will be placing a trigger warning on this book as the true crime aspects include rape and murder. Here we go:

Rachel Krall is the creator of the hugely popular true crime podcast called Guilty or Not Guilty. Love her or hate her, she is a household name who reached overnight celebrity status when she uncovered new information that lead to a man falsely convicted of murder to get out of jail in one of her seasons. Between investigating, writing, and recording for her podcast, Rachel is an extremely busy woman and is in crunch mode because the highly anticipated third season of Guilty or Not Guilty is about to begin.

While previous seasons of her podcast reviewed crimes and trials that had already happened, season three will be completely different as Rachel will be reporting in real time at the trial of Scott Blair – a teenage swimming champion accused of rape. Rachel travels to the sleepy, small town called Neapolis in coastal North Carolina, which is already incredibly divided about the case before the trial has even began.

Before reaching town, Rachel stops at a roadside diner for some caffeine and returns to her car to find a letter tucked under her windshield. Despite Rachel’s celebrity status, she has maintained anonymity and her fans don’t know what she looks like, making this delivery alarming. Even more shocking, however, are the contents of the letter from a fan named Hannah who grew up in Neapolis.

Hannah explains that she believes her older sister, Jenny, was murdered twenty-five years ago and wants Rachel’s help to uncover the truth. As previously mentioned, Rachel is a busy woman and her time in Neapolis is spent between investigating a current rape trial and a cold case from a quarter of a century ago. Will her skill and instinct lead her to new information to give closure to Hannah? What will be the outcome of season three of Guilty or Not Guilty? Read The Night Swim to find out!

Despite downright disturbing subject matter, The Night Swim was a captivating read and it really felt like I was investigating the cases right along with Rachel. The book went back and forth each chapter between Rachel’s detective work, letters from Hannah, transcripts from her podcast, and a play by play of the rape trial. It made The Night Swim completely unputdownable because it felt like I was Rachel’s partner and I was urgent for more information to try and solve the cases. While I didn’t get the grand reveal right, I was damn close and was pleased with how much I was able to piece together.

What I enjoyed the most about The Night Swim was how seamlessly it weaved together the past and present cases that Rachel was investigating. In Neapolis, everyone knows everyone and having information from twenty-five years past about current characters provided insight that you rarely get in psychological thrillers. And, of course, Rachel was an amazing heroine who you will find yourself rooting for the entire book.

If the subject matter of The Night Swim isn’t triggering for you, then I cannot recommend this book enough. To further confirm this, I will be awarding it with the prestigious ten out of ten star rating. I have never read a book like this before and I honestly wouldn’t mind reading it again. Megan Goldin is definitely an author to look out for!

What are you 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

 

May12

4 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Kids

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4 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Kids

While one breed of dog can never be considered the ‘best’ breed around, some are more suited to different situations than others. For example, if you wanted a security dog, you’d likely opt for an Alsatian over a Chihuahua! The same sort of logic applies to families that are looking for a pet dog. If you have children, you need dogs that respond well to these small humans. So, here are some of the top dog breeds for families with kids:

Labrador Retriever:

You can’t go wrong with a Labrador, and it is arguably the most popular family dog of all time. They’re playful, loving, and extremely loyal. Plus, they train really well and are extremely intelligent. The only thing to be wary of is that Labradors require a lot of exercise. So, keep that in mind if you’re welcoming one into your home. They grow to be large dogs, but not overly large to intimidate your kids. Honestly, they’re pretty much the perfect family dog.

Beagle:

Beagles have been in families for generations, and for a few good reasons. First, they’re a relatively small dog, so any intimidation is taken out of the equation right away. They’re also always up for some fun and love the outdoors, making them perfect for kids who like to go out and play all day long. Beagles are also one of the happiest and friendliest dogs around, getting along well with other breeds. Not only that, but they also get along with other pets, so they could be a great option if you have a cat in the home as well.

Too cute!

French Bulldog:

The French Bulldog is another small dog that’s suited to families with children. They’re one of the best around for families that live in the city and don’t have much backyard space. Frenchies are so easy to maintain and don’t require lots of daily walks at all. Plus, they’re one of the most accessorized dogs out there! You can find loads of Frenchie apparel online, letting you kit out your pup in many different safe items of clothing. Frenchies are also very playful and friendly, so they suit kids to a tee.

Pexels Image

Rough Collie:

A breed that was made famous by the movie Lassie, the Rough Collie is an excellent family dog. They are loyal to a fault and get on so well with kids. Honestly, in terms of dog-child relationships, the Rough Collie is probably the most kid-friendly dog out there. Again, they’re not too hard to handle, and their intelligence means they are one of the easiest dogs to train. A Rough Collie is typically seen as a medium-sized dog, so they won’t grow to be too hard to handle!

Smile!

Don’t worry if your favorite dog breed hasn’t made this list! There are loads of other breeds that can be suitable for families with children, these are just the top four to consider. If you don’t mind what type of dog you get, perhaps opting for one of these will make your life easier.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May12

Nothing To Smile About! The Risks Of Poor Oral Hygiene

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Nothing To Smile About! The Risks Of Poor Oral Hygiene

When we are looking to optimize our health with the right practices, we may not necessarily give as much attention to our oral health as we should. While we all know the importance of flossing and brushing our teeth, the reality is that if we do not look after our teeth properly, it could set us up for more problems down the line. If we have poor oral health, we will experience toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath, but if we neglect our oral health, we could end up with one or more of the following conditions:

Cardiovascular Disease:

If the gums are inflamed, the risk of bacteria getting into the bloodstream increases. There are many reasons that your teeth could allow bacteria into the bloodstream, even if you brush them properly. Misaligned teeth may hide a number of germs that you are not able to access. Furthermore, wisdom teeth that hide underneath the gum could also harbor bacteria. In order to prevent any form of the disease, cardiovascular or gum, proper oral hygiene is crucial. A winning combination of regular trips to the dentist, while also aligning your teeth with products like Invisalign or braces make sure that any hidden debris that is hard to access is greatly minimized.

Respiratory Infections:

Surprisingly, poor oral health can result in issues in the respiratory system. This is because any bacteria that stays in the mouth from infected teeth or swollen gums could be breathed into the lungs or travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. Bacteria in the lungs could cause breathing issues such as respiratory infections, COPD, and bronchitis.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney disease can cause havoc with blood pressure and affect the bones and heart. People with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can have weaker immune systems, which give them a higher likelihood of getting infections. People can potentially experience kidney disease if they suffer from poor oral health.

Diabetes:

While diabetics are more susceptible to infections, such as infected gums, it can work the other way. Periodontal disease can make diabetes more difficult to keep under control. People with diabetes have fluctuating blood sugar levels, which can be a direct cause of gum disease. Gum disease can cause higher than normal blood sugar levels, therefore, a person with poor oral health is at a higher risk of getting diabetes. However, this can be mitigated by having a healthy diet.

There’s a lot of risks associated with poor oral hygiene, including rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer. The best way to prevent any serious issues resulting from bad oral health is to practice good oral hygiene. It is all about simple things, including brushing the teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, avoiding tobacco products, as well as flossing. Healthy gums are, in many ways, a window to your general health. While it’s important to maintain good health practices, we also need to be aware of the risks of poor oral hygiene too.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May12

What Have We Been Up To?

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What Have We Been Up To?

Hello! When we’re not making preparations for our wedding, Johnny and I have been enjoying lots of new games and TV shows in our downtime. Once we are both home from work and dinner is made, we like to spend our evenings with video games or laughing hysterically to old and new favorite shows. We’ve been super into the following:

Stupid Deaths:

Johnny and I purchased the party game Stupid Deaths on one of our date days and I finally had the chance to play it with a lot of people when my brother and his family visited from Georgia. It was so much fun and super easy. The point of the game is to vote on if a unique death read from a card actually happened or not and to avoid the Grim Reaper on the board. Stupid Deaths was a hit with my whole family and, despite Johnny and I being downright awful at it, it was a blast and is sure to be a hit for your next game night. I want to buy Stupid Criminals next!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

Johnny recently purchased Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch and it quickly became our new favorite video game to play together. The race tracks are awesome, the character and car selection is massive, and the battle games are a hoot too! I consider myself to be highly proficient at Mario Kart 64 and Double Dash but Johnny gives me a run for my money every time we play Deluxe. It’s fun to get competitive and the first time we played it, we raced for four hours straight without even realizing it. Time flies when you’re having fun. 😀

The Promised Neverland:

While I am still looking forward to seeing the Demon Slayer movie in theaters, my attention has turned to a new anime as per my brother’s suggestion called The Promised Neverland. I just started season two and it is EXCELLENT. I can’t say much about it without giving the major surprise of the first episode away but it is a dark, fast paced show that is both gorgeous and exciting to watch. I have never seen anything like it and I just adore the kids whom the show revolves around. I have to laugh because, for the most part, I can’t stand child actors but anime children are just fine by me lol!

Schitt’s Creek:

My brother, Peter, and his wife, Megan, highly recommend Schitt’s Creek when they visited so Johnny and I decided to give it a try and I am so glad we did. It is absolutely hilarious and we were in stitches minutes into the first episode. We have only watched three episodes so far and I am itching for more. Eugene Levy and his son Daniel as well as the incomparable Catherine O’Hara are a match made in comedy heaven and it’s a trip to watch an uber rich family gone broke try to make it in the not so glamorous real world.

Ever since Daniel Levy’s amazing Saturday Night Live debut, Johnny and I have been interested in watching Schitt’s Creek. Peter and Megan’s recommendation was just the push we needed to begin watching what I have a feeling will be our new favorite comedy.

What have you been watching recently? How do you like to spend your evenings? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah