What Have I Been Up To?

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What Have I Been Up To?

Howdy! I will always be the first to say how much I miss pre-COVID life. I miss going on dates with Johnny, seeing all of our friends, and not worrying my head off every time I’m in public. And, as someone who works with very high risk families, nonessential outings just seem unimportant to me. So what in the heck have I been up to, then, if I don’t do much of anything in public any more? A whole lot of the following:

Reading:

I love, love, love to read and always have so ample at home time has meant finishing beaucoup books. I try to read at least two chapters or thirty or so pages depending on the book daily. Right now, I am finishing up the prequel to The Hunger Games called The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes and it is excellent! I have such a hankering now to go back and read the entire series and watch all of the movies, of course. 😀

The Sleeping Nymph by Ilaria Tuti is what’s on deck after my Hunger Games book. I am also always open to suggestions of your favorite books so be sure to let me know in the comments!

Duolingo:

Like reading, I try to practice all five of the languages I’m learning daily on Duolingo. I am currently on a twenty day streak of studying French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Czech and that is huge for me. The last time I had a streak that long was when I was recovering for a month from my oral surgery gone wrong.

I am very motivated to keep that streak going and I am so excited for Johnny to get me Duolingo Plus for Christmas so I no longer have to worry about having enough hearts to complete each practice session. I also plan on adding Swedish, Latin, or Greek into the mix next!

Video Chats:

My ultimate BFF, Lea, and I still see each other about once a month to have a social distanced drink at either one of our homesteads. Other than that, I do a lot of FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom to “see” all of the rest of my pals in my friend group. I love setting aside an hour block or so on the weekend to catch up with friends both near and far and it definitely helps keep me sane to chat even if it isn’t face to face.

Video Games:

Johnny and I are both in love with our Nintendo Switch and when I have some free time, I enjoy playing Animal Crossing. It is so relaxing and fun and I am always excited when the game updates so that you can catch new fish and bugs and participate in different activities like growing pumpkins or foraging mushrooms. I cannot wait to see what our island looks like for Christmas!

I also just beat Paper Mario: The Origami King last week and it was an absolute blast. Johnny got it for me for our one year anniversary and it felt so good to finally beat it. The game was insanely entertaining, visually beautiful, and it was challenging without ever being too too hard. I plan on buying a new Mario game for the Switch soon so if anyone has any favorites, please let me know. 🙂

Online Shopping:

Finally, there is nothing like a little bit of online shopping to help perk me up. I have so enjoyed all of my early Christmas shopping and I am very pleased to say that I am almost done buying for everyone on my gift list. Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t pick out a little something something for myself too – especially since I haven’t gone shopping in person since February.

I love ordering small pick me ups like face masks to pamper myself with and, when I really feel like splurging, I never say no to a new pair of shoes!

Are the activities I listed above the most exciting? Not by a long shot. But I value my safety and those around me much more than needing to be out and about right now. So, in the end, it’s not all that bad. ❤

What are your favorite at home activities? What do you miss the most from pre-COVID times? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Gourmet Instant Food You Need In Your Life

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Gourmet Instant Food You Need In Your Life

The words “gourmet” and “instant” don’t usually go together. But in our high-tech world of technological voodoo, that’s no longer the case in the realm of food. Today there are all sorts of instant gourmet options available. And it’s taking instant gratification to a whole new level:

Cheese Stuffed Burgers:

Why put cheese on top of your burger patty when you can put it inside, instead? That’s the idea behind cheese-stuffed burgers. As a home chef, you just cook the burgers as you usually would. Then when you bite into them, the cheese oozes out, and you get a massive dose of flavor.

What’s nice about these burgers is how runny the cheese gets when you cook it this way. The meat prevents evaporation, so you wind up with a sous-vide-style experience. These burgers tend to work best with semi-sweet sauces, like BBQ, but you can also pair them with coleslaw or onion rings.

Gourmet Calzones:

Call up your local late night pizza delivery services these days and they will probably offer gourmet options around the clock. Today, it is a completely different experience. Takeouts know that their patrons want quality ingredients and new taste sensations. The standard options are still popular. But there’s also a big market for the finer flavors.

Today, gourmet calzones are a big hit. That’s because you can fit more quality ingredients in them than you can a standard pizza. Goat cheese, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, and roasted peppers are all par for the course. And the taste experience is dramatically improved for foodies with sophisticated palates.

Specialty Ramen:

If you thought that ramen was just for students on microscopic budgets, think again. It turns out that multiple vendors are now making gourmet versions that harken back to the original Asian dish. With these meals, you’re getting much more than just some cheap noodles suspended in MSG-filled water. Many come with things like king shiitake mushrooms, wholefood glass noodles, sugar snap peas, black fungus, and marinated tofu. In fact, the number of options is quite spectacular. If you haven’t checked out the market yet, you definitely should!

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Mac n’ Cheese With a Twist:

This classic American dish is usually something you put in the microwave and enjoy steaming hot a few minutes later. But even this “plain” dish is going through a revolution.

The standard version is just a cheese sauce with refined macaroni pieces. It’s comforting, but it’s not healthy food. Today, though, people are discovering that they can create a better experience by combining flavors and using whole food ingredients. So, instead of using refined pasta, they’re using specialty wholemeal versions. And instead of using cheese sauce, they’re replacing it with cashew and nutritional yeast. A lot of budding chefs also like to char some broccoli with soy sauce before mixing into the main meal.

Bean Sausages:

Finally, we’re seeing the rise of bean gourmet sausages made with fresh ingredients. In these recipes, the base is always beans and wholemeal breadcrumbs. People are then adding their choice of herbs to create a variety of flavors to keep them interested throughout the month.

Is your mouth watering yet? Use the ideas above and transform your family dinner tonight!

Featured Image By: Pexels

2020 Approved Christmas Gift Ideas

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2020 Approved Christmas Gift Ideas

Hello! 2020 has been a crazy year, to say the least. And, until the COVID-19 pandemic gets under control, things are going to remain crazy. The coronavirus may have put a damper on your upcoming holiday plans. However, you can still be the best gifter of the bunch with these totally approved for 2020 gift ideas. Check it out:

Streaming Subscription:

If one of your giftees doesn’t have a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Shudder, or Amazon Prime, then this would be the perfect time to introduce them. Buy a subscription for them for a couple of months or, heck, the entire year! The gift of entertainment will certainly go a long way right now and it will give you someone new to talk about all of your favorite shows with.

Gift Cards:

To some, gift cards might feel like a cop out gift. I have never been under that impression and am never opposed to gift cards – especially right now! Gift cards are great because you can use them during online shopping so no visits to the store are required and your giftee can pick out exactly what they want. Safe, smart, and so simple.

Date Night In:

Staying in is the best thing you can do right now so why not create a date night in for your favorite couple? Try sending them a box from Blue Apron or Hello Fresh so that they can prepare a meal together and a new board game for the evening’s entertainment. The wine is optional but would not go unappreciated… For me, at least! 😀

Craft Kits:

Another fun idea for creating entertainment at home for your giftee is assembling a craft kit for them. Whether that be a wooden bird box and some paint for a nature lover, beautiful beads for a friend who makes jewelry, or a sketch pad and colored pencils for your favorite artist a craft kit is thoughtful and sure to be a success for your artistically inclined giftees.

2020 Care Package:

Honestly, everyone can use some help right now and a 2020 care package could be the biggest crowd pleaser of all. Fill a basket with hand made cloth masks from a local business, Purell, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Is it the most fun? No. Is it the most useful? Absolutely! It’s just like getting socks for Christmas – no one necessarily loves it but they are always needed! 🙂

If you are struggling with coming up with gifts for everyone on your list, use the tips above for the ultimate 2020 approved ideas!

Are you all done holiday shopping? What are some of your best gift ideas for 2020? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

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Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

Hello!! Normally, the holiday season is an uber exciting time to get together with the people you love most and celebrate. However, with COVID-19 still on the up and up, these next few holidays might feel more daunting than anything. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be different this year but different doesn’t mean bad so try getting more into the holiday spirit with these ideas:

Host A Food Drive:

It’s nice to remember how fortunate we are during the holiday season but it’s even better to think about those who have less than you. So, how about hosting a food drive with your friend group or family? Choose some of your local food banks or homeless shelters to help support and see how big your donation haul can get. Offer a small reward to the person who collected the most goods and turn a collection drive into a yearly tradition.

Mystery Gifts:

Due to COVID, it is much easier and safer to online shop for holiday gifts instead of going into the store. A fun way to recognize this would be to send mystery gifts to your friends or family. No names, no cards – just a Zoom meeting after all of the gifts are received to see if anyone can guess who sent them theirs. Set your own rules like a spending limit or if hints can be given and see how well all of you know each other by sending off surprise gifts!

Arts & Crafts:

Having an abundance of time at home is perfect for trying your hand at some holiday themed crafts. Whether that be creating hand print turkeys with your little ones or having a boozy Christmas ornament decorating sesh with the girls, a craft night is a perfect way to get together and try something new. Have a Zoom meeting all together or social distance appropriately and, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite hobby.

Countdown Memories:

Sadly, a lot of families will not be able to get together this holiday season and that sucks – for lack of a better word. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in one of the most loved holiday activities – reminiscing on holidays of past. Create a slideshow or presentation of your top holiday memories complete with pictures, videos, or goofy memes to help better describe your favorite times. Send them off to those you hold dear and enjoy hearing about everyone else’s most treasured holiday memories.

Sponsor A Family:

The holiday season should, ideally, be a magical time for everyone but, unfortunately, that is not the case. If there is a family in your community that you know is struggling, lend a helping hand. Leave a surprise donation of toys, gift cards, food, and anything else that you think they would need to better enjoy their day. You might be able to make it the best holiday yet for someone who needs it the most.

How do you get into the holiday spirit? What are some of your favorite holiday memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Are You Ready To Move In With Your Partner?

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Are You Ready To Move In With Your Partner?

So, you’ve met the perfect person. They make you happy in so many different ways and dating them is a dream. Sure, you’ve got your ups and downs, but nothing so far has been a deal breaker. If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to take the next step – moving in together – then take a look at these four key signs that you can start apartment-hunting:

It’s something you’ve already talked about:

If you aren’t talking about your future, then it might not be the right time to spring a conversation about moving in together on your partner. Not only is it healthy to keep communication lines open with your partner about what your expectations are of the relationship, but it will also indicate that you both want the same things and are prepared to take that next step together.

It’s not about “fixing” things:

You should avoid taking steps in your relationship because you’re expecting them to fix things. Moving in together won’t patch up a rocky relationship – that needs to come before you pick up the keys. Moving in together is a big deal, but it won’t suddenly mean your S.O. becomes a better communicator overnight, or more ambitious, or any other little annoyance that you’ve been ignoring up to now. If that’s your expectation, it might be time to put on the brakes.

You mostly agree:

Okay, we’re not saying you have to agree on everything – that would be pretty boring. But there does have to be a bit of common ground. If everything you’re looking for in an apartment is different, then that’s a reason to pause for thought. Are they interested in buying an apartment off the plan, but it’s not something you want? Or they’d prefer to be further outside the city whereas you want the nightlife? There should be an overlap of what you both want in the place you decide to cohabit. Of course, there will be points of compromise for both of you down this path, but that should make your relationship strong, rather than be a point of contention.

You’re okay with loosing some of your independence:

Again, this isn’t something that you’ll lose entirely. It’s usually a sign of an unhealthy relationship if you’re too dependent on each other. But at the same time, you will be giving up some of your own space and time for someone else. Rather than focusing on anything practical, like whether or not your lease is running out or you spend most of your time sleeping over at each other’s places, think about the emotional side of cohabiting. Is this person who you want to wake up next to every morning? Share meals with? Go through the ups and downs and life stresses with? If there’s a question mark hovering over those things, then you might be rushing into it.

Don’t downplay how important moving in together is – it’s usually the first steps towards a bright future for you and your partner. Just make sure you’re going in with your eyes open before you start picking out bedroom furniture!

Featured Image By: Pexels

New Blue Grey & Glitter Periwinkle Nails

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New Blue Grey & Glitter Periwinkle Nails

Hello! If you have been following Lil Red’s saga at the nail salon, then you will know that the past three times around, I had a nail tech that caused me a lot of grief. During my last appointment, my real nail got cut into and it hurt like the dickens. After that, I said enough is enough and requested someone new for my next appointment.

I am so glad that I did because 1) My experience this fill around was fabulous and 2) Getting my nails done is really the only “outing” that I do other than grocery shopping because I work with so many high risk clients and families. When I get my nails done, I want to fully enjoy my time at the salon because, otherwise, I don’t go out. And, believe you me, enjoying yourself is hard when the tender skin around your nails is being cut multiple times per visit.

I am proud that I stuck up for myself because, usually, I am a very go with the flow kind of gal and only complain when it’s absolutely necessary in a salon situation. This fill has been the first time in three months that I truly felt pampered and I am obsessed with the results. Check it out:

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Despite it being shockingly warm for November in Ohio, I wanted to do a winter wonderland inspired palette. While driving to the salon, I decided I wanted to do a light, sparkly purple along with a shade of grey. I fell in love with the shimmery periwinkle I picked out and, even though I’ve never seen Frozen, it made me think of Elsa!

Once the purple was decided, I found a stormy ocean blue grey to toughen it up. My nails turned out exactly how I wanted them to and the shape that my new tech improved on looked divine after he cut them down and sharpened them up. The best part, though? No cuts, no ouches, and absolutely NO discomfort the entire time. I am one hundred and fifty percent satisfied and I already am looking forward to my next appointment. 🙂 ❤

Have you ever had a similar situation to my previous woes in a salon? How did you handle it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick Swatch In 9 To 5

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Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick Swatch In 9 To 5

Howdy! Today, we are going to be talking about the last product from my hand me down haul from my sister. It is last but certainly not least, though, because the lipstick we’re swatching today is definitely my favorite of the bunch. In this post, we are going to be talking about Smashbox’s Be Legendary lipstick in 9 To 5 and it sure is pretty! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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First things first, can we please talk about how freaking ADORABLE this lipstick’s tube is?! I have never seen a lippie packaged like this before and it makes me wish all of my lipstick tubes featured poppy colors and fun patterns. This alone made me excited to open up the tube and check out the color and I was not disappointed!

Back when I was a full redhead without my blonde patch, I never would have dreamed of wearing a punchy pink shade. The bright pinks just didn’t look good so I stuck with my red lippie and nude hues pretty exclusively. Now, a whole new color palette has opened up to me and I am obsessed with the watermelon punch 9 To 5.

All I can think about when I see this color is spring time, floral dresses, and a swiping of 9 To 5 on my lips. The texture of this Smashbox lipstick is so creamy yet is long lasting and I am so thankful to my sister for bestowing it onto me. Working 9 To 5 has never been so sweet and sassy with this lippie and I can’t wait to rock it when I actually have an occasion to, lol!

Which makeup brand has the best packaging? Did makeup shades that normally didn’t work for you look better if you have ever changed your hair color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Creating The Perfect Bedroom

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Creating The Perfect Bedroom

Every now and then, we get a little bored of our bedrooms and decide it needs a makeover. We have got some small and large tips to get your bedroom looking brand new. Check out our suggestions below:

Declutter:

Marie Kondo your room by getting rid of unwanted items that no longer bring you joy. You will notice how much stuff you have accumulated over the years. Decluttering and making room will help clear your mind too.

Choose a color to stick to:

There is a whole rainbow of colors to choose from, so decide on primary colors that go together and start from there. Don’t forget to choose what color wood compliments your chosen colors the best. And always have a theme in mind, there are many websites you can draw inspiration from.

Rugs:

Whether you have carpet or hard floors, a rug can really pull a room together. Get one that’s large enough to place under your bed but protrudes evenly out on either side. Think plush and cushy fabrics for underneath your feet when you first wake up!

Think about built in wardrobes:

Opting for built-in wardrobes can make your room appear bigger and less cluttered. Find a good place to tuck them away and, to make your bedroom look even more spacious, go for mirrored doors to bounce the light.

Redecorate the walls:

Over time our walls gather marks and fingerprints and are in need of a fresh coat of paint. If you don’t want to change the color, you can repaint your walls the same shade, this will make your room look clean and fresh. For a more bold change, either paint or wallpaper one wall to create a feature wall.

Incorporate mirrors:

As said above, adding mirrors into your room creates light and the illusion of more space. If you haven’t opted for mirrors on your wardrobe doors, find a place for a statement mirror.

Hang art:

Hanging a large piece of art above your bed can be eye catching for anyone who enters. If paintings aren’t your thing, then select a photo and get it enlarged and framed or you can create a collage full of your favorite images.

Choosing your bed:

If you found that decluttering didn’t clear as much as you hoped for, then changing your bed to an ottoman or dividend bed can help. It has handy storage underneath to keep all of your rarely used bits hidden away. If you have managed to declutter, then that queen size bed is all yours and it will be an amazing upgrade to your space and sleep. If you are feeling grande, then why not opt for a four-poster bed? So luxurious!

Decorate the bed:

You can’t go wrong with decorating your bed with the most comfy cushions and throws. Don’t go mad taking up half the bed with cushions, you don’t want it to look overcrowded. Instead, have a maximum of six or fewer.

We hope we have got you excited about creating your perfect bedroom by just incorporating a few of these ideas! For more home tips, check out Getting Your Home In Shape For Cold Weather.

Featured Image By: SHOP SLO® on Unsplash

Women’s Golf, Is It Time To Increase Its Popularity?

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Women’s Golf, Is It Time To Increase Its Popularity?

Golf club managers have a lot of questions about Millennials. However, we must not forget that there are still too few women in the field. According to our statistics, approximately 75% of the millions of golfers who use our software are male. This proportion is enormous! If women’s attendance equaled men’s, our bookings could increase by 47%. Golf is not a sport physically inaccessible to women so why are so few playing? Rather, the problem lies in the culture of the golf community itself and within the media. Changing your club culture is no easy task, but there are several steps you can take to gain the interest of women:

Organize camps and lessons for young women:

The earlier and the younger the players start playing, the better. Learning is through teaching and instruction. Setting up training camps for young women is the perfect way to get more girls to play golf, besides giving parents a break during summer vacation. During camp planning, take the time to find inspiring leaders. It is more motivating and interesting for young girls to refer to a female model. Your young golfers could be marked for life by the teaching of a strong and talented woman.

If you have an interest in golf from a young age, then this hobby should certainly be nurtured. Remember, that nurturing a hobby doesn’t mean buying the most expensive equipment as you can easily find Used golf drivers from top brands. Brand new gear could be a great reward as their skills improve! Rather, allowing a hobby to grow into a passion means showing support, finding new opportunities like summer camps, and encouraging practice at a comfortable pace.

Host an event to celebrate Women’s Golf Day:

If you didn’t know, Women’s Golf Day is an internationally successful initiative celebrating current and future golfers. The event is repeated every year in June. Normally, this celebration lasts about four hours and is divided into two: two hours are spent on golf and two more on networking. The first half can consist of playing a nine-hole game, taking lessons, doing practice sessions, showing new product demos, offering freebies like golf balls and gloves, or just practicing on the driving range. After golf, participants are encouraged to socialize over a drink or a meal. In some cases, golf clubs invite speakers and promote business networking.

Golf clubs that have organized an event to celebrate Women’s Golf Day have said they have witnessed an increase in their female clientele. Some participants continued with the lessons, and others even bought an annual membership! There is certainly a shift in the sports industry when publicity is used to its advantage. The media are responsible for the success of many marketing campaigns, and with sports becoming a more intrinsic part of our lives, for fitness and pleasure, it is certainly important to look out online for all the newest news and information relating to women in the industry. It’s a great way to promote women’s sports proactively.

If you are interested in attending a Women’s Golf Day event, simply enter a search for “public golf courses in twin cities” (or your local area) to see if any nearby courses will be participating. These events are a great way to have fun, meet new friends, and network. If no courses are offering an event, perhaps you could help plan one! Women’s sports should be celebrated and hosting an outing for Women’s Golf Day is a perfect way to do so.

Get Fashionable:

Sports clothing has become much more fashionable recently. We appreciate the comfort and the style of sportswear, and it has been incorporated into our everyday life. When women play golf, there is no reason to say that they can’t look dazzling in their apparel. Ladies golf clothing is now better than ever. Golf fashion is timeless, elegant, and a real must-have on the golf course.

Hit the green with more girl power than ever with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Ayesha

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Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Ayesha

Hello!! The swatches from my hand me down haul from my sister just keep on coming. Today, we are going to be chatting about Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Ayesha. I have never used her products before, I don’t exactly plan on it, and I am also not the biggest fan of the shade we’re swatching. However, just because it wouldn’t look flattering on me doesn’t apply to everyone and some of you might love it! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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My first impression of this lippie after opening the tube was the smell of it. At first, I thought it smelled really creamy – kind of like opening up a big tub of ice cream or a fresh gallon of milk. But, unfortunately, as I kept smelling the product while applying it, I realized it smelled faintly rotten as if the milk had gone sour. So, trust and believe I was more than happy to put a heart on my hand to see the color instead of putting it on my lips!

As far as the color goes, I don’t hate it but it would wash me out completely as it is much too purple for me. If I want to rock a shade in the mauve family, it absolutely needs to have pink undertones. Maybe next Halloween I could use it if I went as something undead but for normal use? Forget about it, lol.

My last comment on Kat Von D’s Liquid Everlasting Lipstick was that it did stay on very well! It smudged a little after it was dry but other than that the lippie didn’t budge and I had to scrub at it fairly hard with soap and water to remove it completely. So, it’s nice to know that if you do want to experiment with this product that it does have a lot of holding power. 🙂

Would I recommend this lipstick? Not necessarily. I am glad that I got to try it out from the comfort of my home, though, so big ups to my sister for giving me something new to me for all of us to learn more about!

What is your favorite shade of lipstick to wear? Which shade doesn’t look the best on you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah