Going To Redesign? Do So In Style!

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Going To Redesign? Do So In Style!

Are you considering redesigning your home? You may be tempted by the need to add value to your home or, perhaps, turn it into your dream home. Regardless of the reason, you are now embarking on an amazing journey into the world of home design. It’s complex, exciting, historical, and lots of fun when you get into the swing of things. But, most of all it’s expensive! So you need to spend your money on designs that will actually give you a return. You need design features that will prove to be timeless and add real base value to your home. You don’t want to add designs that will fade away like any other trend. You want home design features that will make your home one of a kind and thus, acquire a unique (and high) price:

Swooping staircase:

Often called the plaza style, the swooping staircase is well-known throughout the world. You have probably seen the large staircases that look like a ribbon coming down from the first floor. They can be twin or single staircase designs, but the latter requires you to have a lot of space. Your foyer must be large and expansive so you can have this amazing wow-factor entrance to your home that many mansions have. The swing stairs are naturally curvy and they are usually only supported by one wall. Inevitably, this means that you need to build the staircase support upward and this can cost a lot. However, support structures and brick bases can be cheaper than steel structures that aren’t as flexible. You can also have a pantry beneath the stairs if you choose the former!

Patio on the hill:

If you have a home that has a great view, then you should build a patio that takes full advantage of this. Usually, we think of patios that offer us space outdoors but with privacy also. However, you can’t really have this if you want to enjoy a view; or can you? We believe that a patio on a hill, so to speak, would be a brilliant idea. Contact reputable home builders that are expert designers so you can begin talking about specific design options. You can have a patio on the first floor or even on the roof. You can also build up a ground-level patio, to have a better view than you do right now, simply by elevating the ground. Patios can also have privacy while having excellent views, you just need to manage the walls, height, and position of the patio inside the home or in the garden.

Patios really are the perfect place to step outside and enjoy the weather and company of good friends. It is an instant property value boost and they look great too. Moreover, patios are highly versatile and customizable. This means you can set up whatever style of patio furniture you wish, or you can find a Patio enclosure supplier in Sacramento, CA (or your local area) to fit an open space roof over your patio to shield you from the sun and rain, for example.

When you are planning your dream patio, don’t forget about how you are going to pave it as this can make or break the overall appearance. As you think through your options, remember that you could go drab with basic concrete or make it fab! Cool mosaic tiles or a stamped concrete patio will offer a unique design to tie the space together from top to bottom.

A spacious kitchen island:

You should consider having a detached kitchen island that has a lot of space. If you don’t have an open floor plan, you might think you should concede to the foggy fact that you can never have a spacious kitchen. But fear not! You can if you design your kitchen walls and island in conjunction with the spare space that you have around the room. If you have a kitchen that is connected with the staircase, could you use the pantry to store food rather than shoes? One can achieve this if you expand your walls where they can essentially engulf the space that is used for other rooms. Rather than take down the walls in your own home, you can expand the walls of your kitchen. Knocking down bits of the kitchen walls that are in the way, you can create a larger room that can fit an island and still be spacious.

Oval room:

You have heard of the oval room in the White House and you definitely can have an oval shaped room in your own home. But why? An oval room is connected to different rooms and to the hallway. It does have a pronounced shape that will be seen from the outside unless it’s right in the middle of your house. You could use the oval room as an office or a playroom for the children. It’s also good for being a swimming pool or jacuzzi room. An oval room will need extensive planning if you want to implement it. It will need to either knock down bits of the internal walls or take them down entirely. However, the result will be an even stronger structure, as the oval room supports many of the rooms that it is connected to.

How should you approach your home’s redesign? We think it should be adventurous while still practical and, of course, super stylish!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

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A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

Hello! I told you that I would be using some of the writing prompts that I suggested for all of you yesterday and here I am – surprise! Yours truly knows a thing or two about writer’s block and, honestly, the best way for me to combat it is to think of a ton of different post topics and go from there. So, as per my own recommendation, I am going to take all of you through a normal day for Lil Red, pandemic style. Here we go:

Morning:

I typically wake up to start getting ready for work around seven. It’s a bit of a mad dash for me because I need to shower, write, and do any other last minute preparations with the hope of leaving for a client’s house at eight fifteen. This may seem like a lot to cram into an hour and a quarter but I have been dedicated to this morning routine for years and it would be weird to change it up now. I also find that I am less likely to keep hitting the snooze button when I have a few things to accomplish before I even leave for work! 

Afternoon:

My afternoons are dedicated to my clients and trying to find fun ways to keep them occupied at home during the pandemic. I love my job so much and have been an Independent Provider for people with special needs for over three years now. The pandemic has definitely put a damper in a normal day at work as community integration is my specialty but I think that I am better at my job for it because I have had to get so creative with endless days at home. No matter what we do, I am always thankful for time with my clients and get home anywhere between three thirty and five during my work week.

Evening:

Once I get home from work, I still have a bit of paper and computer work to take care of before I can settle in with Johnny for dinner and an episode of whatever show we’re watching. Right now, we are working on three different ones: Castlevania, the Ken Burns Vietnam documentary, and King Of The Hill as our comedic palette cleanser. Johnny and I will sometimes play a few video games, as well. I am currently still working on Mario Galaxy and it is so much fun! I also like to incorporate some time into all of my evenings to read and practice the five languages I am learning on Duolingo for a mental work out.

My days have felt rather blah lately but after writing out a typical day in my life, I have realized that I actually do a lot even during the pandemic. I feel proud of myself for sticking with all of my routines and still trying to make every day a great one despite not feeling my best. Here’s to safer and happier times to come!

What is a day in your life like? Which shows are you currently watching? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Have Some Writing Prompts!

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Have Some Writing Prompts!

Hello everyone and happy February! Can you believe that we are already one month into 2021? I, personally, am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we are quickly approaching the one year mark of when the bars, restaurants, and salons first shut down in Ohio on March 19th, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Time really seems to be flying and dragging on at the exact same time.

This pandemic has done us writers literally no favors and I understand how hard it is to come up with daily content better than anyone. And, as we approach the one year anniversary (worst anniversary ever) of the coronavirus, writing can seem even more daunting as this limbo we are all stuck in feels never ending. If you are struggling to come up with content on your page, fear not! Lil Red is here to help with some writing prompts and I can’t wait to see what all of you come up with:

  • How have you adjusted to life during a pandemic?
  • What has been your favorite memory during the past year?
  • Valentine’s Day is almost here! Do you have any ideas for at home dates and gifts?
  • The pandemic has put many big events on hold. Did you miss out on any concerts or plays?
  • It’s never too early to start your spring cleaning! Any tips on the best ways to deep clean your place?
  • How has your personal style changed since the pandemic?
  • Working from home? What are the pros and cons, in your opinion?
  • Do any of your friends run a small business? Now is the time to support them by giving a shout out on your page!
  • What is the most binge worthy series you watched during the pandemic?
  • What is the most unputdownable book you’ve read this past year?
  • Where do you turn for inspiration when you are writing?
  • Describe a typical day in your pandemic life.

Believe it or not, this post is as much for me as it is for all of you because I will be using some of these prompts, myself! If you plan on using any of the above, let me know so I can check your post out. 🙂 Happy writing!

What do you do when you have writer’s block? What are you most looking forward to post pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Hair Selfies

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New Hair Selfies

Hello!! I am so in love with my new hair compliments of my brilliant stylist and Pulp Riot colors in Fireball and Blush. Saying I feel pretty in pink is a severe understatement because I have been feeling my damn self ever since I left the salon! So much so, that I just had to have a little selfie shoot to show off my new do. Check it out:

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Every time I see my hair in the mirror or pictures, I am always blown away at not only the brightness of the colors in my hair but how shiny and healthy it looks too. I am so thankful to my stylist because that is not an easy feat, especially considering how much we had to bleach my hair to get the colors just right. She truly is a hair magician but I value her friendship so much more and it delights me to reminisce about how much fun we have during all of my trips to the salon.

The color is beautiful, yes, and the haircut is phenomenal too! It has so much movement and I find myself constantly running my hands through my hair in mild disbelief that it’s actually mine. You can’t rock candy colored hair without a super fun cut and the combination of the two together gives me the ultimate Hayley Williams of Paramore vibes. Actually, it gives me all of the Lil Red vibes because my new hair is one hundred and fifty million percent me. ❤

How do you rock candy colors? Are you considering doing something different to your hair? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Preparing Your Home For Spring

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Preparing Your Home For Spring

The holidays already seem like a distant memory but it is not quite time for donning the summer wear just yet. Spring will be here before we know it, which brings with it the joys of spring cleaning and getting your place ready for the warmer months.

Deep cleaning in the early months of the year is a given and is perfect for creating healthy homes, removing dust, and eliminating any harmful bacteria that may be lurking. There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing how beautifully clean and sparkly your home is! But what about those forgotten aspects of our homes? What else could you be doing to make sure your home really is super clean and perfect for you and your family? Consider the following:

Air Conditioning:

Are you lucky enough to live somewhere that gets super hot during the summer months? If so, now is the time to act if you need to upgrade your air conditioning system. Air conditioning systems not only help you and your family to stay cool indoors but also offer many other benefits too.

Low-quality air intake can cause a range of health conditions and exacerbate existing conditions too, such as asthma and allergies. Air-conditioning units need regular maintenance and cleaning so it’s worthwhile to spend some time on this before the weather heats up. Imagine getting to the height of summer and it not working then!

Aside from spring time check ups, you should learn more about your AC system because there are, typically, noticeable signs that it might not be working properly. This can include higher electric bills, weird noises, and the machine having an unpleasant odor. Having a professional repair the system when you notice something off will prevent it from getting too out of hand, which can happen quickly.

Drains:

Something else that needs regular maintenance and cleaning is your drains, although they are often forgotten. Clogged lines, jammed sewers, and sinks that will not drain properly should not be ignored. They are more than just an inconvenience and could be indicative of further, more serious problems. These problems could even be hazardous to you and your family’s health. Stubborn clogs can be resolved by hydro-jetting or drain snaking, but it is definitely worth calling a drain specialist who will be able to advise you on the best method to look after your home’s drains. This is a task that should not be completed using the DIY route unless you truly do have the skill set. Even then, it is always good to have a second opinion. To find a specialist in your area, simply enter a search for “Guelph Plumber” (or your local area) to get everything in working order.

Guttering:

Clogged guttering is also something that can be more than just unsightly. Problems with gutters can cause substantial water damage to your home so it is a must to give your gutters some love prior to the heavy rainfall come spring. By preventing overflowing gutters or water from leaking into your home, you are likely to save considerable amounts of money in the long-term. Not only can gutter cleaning prevent leaks but can also help to prevent mold and mildew, rodents and pests, as well as woodwork damage.

While you could clean your gutters yourself, it is wise to call in a professional. With a Gutter cleaning service in Pace, FL or one in your local area, you will have peace of mind that the job is done well and safely. The pros will also be able to see things that you might not be keen to like areas in need of replacement, which can save you a whole lot of hassle in the future.

Outdoor Spaces:

Now that most of the severe weather is passing, it is the perfect time to pay attention to those outdoor spaces and get them prepared for the warmer months ahead. Using a jet wash will really help to clean spaces up and you could even start planning for how you would like to use the space throughout the summer. Consider your landscaping and furniture to create an awesome outdoor hang out for you, family, and friends.

Don’t forget the advice above as you begin your spring cleaning to keep all of your house in tip top shape!

Featured Image By: Valentina Locatelli on Unsplash

Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

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Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

Hello! Every day seems like twenty-four more hours of the exact same thing: Wake up, work, relax, repeat. It can be hard to spring out of bed every day with a pep in your step when things are so monotonous but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. Starting your morning out strongly means that you have a better chance of keeping the momentum going all day, which can definitely help improve a blah mood! To get your day going on the right foot, keep the following in mind:

Don’t hit the snooze:

No one is more guilty of hitting the snooze button than me but I really am trying to work on this bad habit! Hitting the snooze button, even for just five minutes will already be pushing your morning back which makes the pre-work rush even more frantic. As soon as your alarm goes off, shrug off your blankets and get yourself moving. If you are feeling sleep deprived, it’s better to go to bed earlier than bank on those extra five to ten minutes every morning that leave you scrambling around the house so you can leave for work on time.

Have something to eat:

Some people are just not breakfast people and that’s okay – no one is saying you need an elaborate breakfast spread every morning. But, it’s important to try eating a little something before you start your day. We need the extra energy to help get us through until lunch time and your morning is really going to drag if all you can think about is how hungry you are. Have yogurts or breakfast bars handy at home so you can have a quick bite before work. On the weekends, there is nothing better than brunch with friends. Quaint restaurants like The Black Penny make for a perfect spot to chat away and enjoy a great meal.

Complete your normal morning routine:

I’m sure all of our morning routines have changed drastically since the start of the pandemic since there really is nowhere to be that requires us to get spruced up. I, myself, have tumbled into an unending cycle of leggings and hoodies. But, there is just something about completing your full morning routine, even with nowhere to be, that hits different. This might mean applying a bit of makeup, styling your hair, or shaving. Whatever it is, give it a shot. It will bring back a touch of normalcy to your day and it will be nice to feel totally work ready again.

Prepare things the night before:

Whether this be making your breakfast or lunch, prepping your paper work, or readying your outfit, it’s always better to do these things the night before. Leaving all of these random additional tasks for your work morning will only add time and stress as you start your day. Plus, if you do everything that you can to already be ready the night before, then you can hit the snooze button without it having such a negative impact! 😀

The tips above are all easy changes that you can start incorporating into your morning routine immediately so you can always wake up on the right side of the bed!

Are you a morning or night person? When do you normally get up in the morning? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Why You Should Plan For Retirement Early

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Why You Should Plan For Retirement Early

Despite how important retirement is, a lot of us leave planning to the last minute. You might plan to get around to it soon, but ‘soon’ can easily become ‘next year’, and then it’s too late. Most people don’t know how much cash they will need to retire securely, and many don’t have a pension at all. It’s never too early to plan no matter when your dream retirement awaits you so get started with the tips below:

When Do You Want To Retire? When Can You?

Think about your ideal retirement and look at your finances to start planning from tomorrow. This will help you to work out if there is a distance between when you want to retire and when you actually will be able to. Are you hoping for mortgage-free living in retirement or will you live in a retirement community? Do you want to enjoy your retirement with travel and restaurants? Or perhaps you are interested in moving states and have been researching the best places to live in tennessee for retirees (or wherever strikes your fancy)? Try to work out how much you expect to spend each month.

By working out these things early, if you find you can’t reach your ideal retirement with your current finances and the rate you’re saving at, you can work out how much more you will need to set aside each month in order to actually reach your retirement goal. If you don’t get prepared, you could end up with a lot less saved up than you expected. Your goal of retiring at 60 could easily get pushed back to 65, and then 70.

Delaying Could Cost You Thousands:

If you start saving for your retirement at 30, you can save less money each year than if you start saving at 50, and still end up with the same amount in your retirement fund. Every year that you put off planning for your pension means that you will have more catching up to do later on, which is when you will likely have more outgoings, thanks to a growing family or a bigger mortgage. In the future, you won’t thank your present self for a lack of planning for your retirement. One of the best things you can do as you prepare is to find ways to make your savings gain more for you. This could include investing in stocks, finding the best fixed rate isa, or creating CD accounts.

Retiring Isn’t Always A Choice:

You might think of retirement as a milestone for later in life, but sometimes the choice of when you retire is not up to you. You might have to retire earlier than you wanted to due to poor health, a change in family circumstances, or a redundancy. There are lots of reasons that you might find yourself having to stop working earlier than you had planned to. If you don’t plan for changes of circumstances like this, there can be a lot of problems. Trying to support your family or pay your mortgage on a smaller pension than you had planned for would be a big issue. Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future. However, you can plan accordingly with services provided by DVI investment management winter park (or something similar in your local area). The team of experts will be able to build an investment portfolio so that your savings can expand and provide a cushion should you need it.

Planning early is important when it comes to your retirement, so get started ASAP!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

January 2021 Finishes

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January 2021 Finishes

Hello!! We almost have the first month of 2021 down in the books so that means it is time to discuss my finishes for January! This was a good month for empties, if I do say so myself, because I was able to finish up a few products that I’ve been using for forever as well as revisit some old favorites compliments of Christmas. Take a look at my finishes and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Body Wash: I have never used a Bath & Body Wash shower gel that I didn’t enjoy and the French Lavender & Honey is no exception. I am normally not a lavender girl in any sense of the word, however, this scent is so much more than floral. There is a delicious kiss of nectarine and rich honey mixed in making for a fragrance fresh from the most lush fields of flowers. The French Lavender & Honey is sweet without being overpowering and the nectarine gives it a fruity pop – I just love it and would gladly use it again! It took me over one month to finish the bottle.

Tree Hut Scrub: I have been working on finishing my Lemon Blueberry Tart Shea Sugar Scrub by Tree Hut for literally the past year and was so happy to finally finish it! Not because I didn’t like the product but because I have another Tree Hut scrub that I would like to use eventually, lol. This scrub rocked and I would use it every time I shaved for the closest, smoothest results. Not only did the sweet tart scent smell good enough to eat but it left my skin so soft and hydrated after shaving that I didn’t even have to use lotion after. A little went such a long way too, which is why I had been using it for so long!

TBS Moisturizer: This travel sized Vitamin E moisturizer came in one of my Christmas prezzies from my brother and I was so happy to use one of my Body Shop favorites again. The Vitamin E moisturizer is so rich and creamy and it always leaves my skin looking and feeling peaches and cream soft after each use. It also really is the perfect travel size as I got exactly one week of twice daily applications from the tiny jar.

And, finally, in case you were wondering why there is no lid on my SkinLab Lift & Firm eye gel, it’s because I dropped it while I was putting it back on and it bounced right into the toilet. I was so mad, lol, it was just one of those mornings, I guess! -_-

Which products did you use up this month? Do you have a favorite scent from Bath & Body Works or The Body Shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

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Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

If the last year has taught people anything, it’s that it really doesn’t take much for the wider population to panic about supplies. The recent Covid-19 outbreaks have caused people across the globe to panic buy items, with things like toilet paper being very hard to find in some places. Of course, while this may have been a little silly, the threat of shortages is something that it can be worth being prepared for. There are several key products that need to be considered with this, but this article will be going through them to show you how you can overcome shortages without having to empty the shelves at your local stores:

Power/Heat:

The ability to power and heat your home is something that many people take for granted. While it has only been the last 100 years or so that have standardized the environmental control many people have inside their homes, it’s hard for most people to imagine what life would be like without it. Looking for residential propane companies near me and other suppliers offering fuel is a good way to prepare yourself for the event that the mains are no longer usable.

Having a store of affordable fuels will put you in a good place should you need to rely on energy off the grid, employing the services of an expert in energy solutions such as Sunshine Fuels or similar local to you can not only provide you with a supply of cheap fuel but also the opportunity to invest in the installation of a generator which uses such fuels as your property, this way you have a backup source of power should you ever need it. Alternatively, you could switch to powering your home with a standalone generator and use affordable propane gas or heating oil as opposed to being reliant on a large energy provider to heat your home, as they will likely be the first ones to hike their prices during a future shortage.

Companies like https://www.gvpropane.com/ (or a similar one in your local area) offer propane delivery to both commercial and residential settings. They also offer tank installation and removal as well as solutions for temporary heating. Services like this can be a huge asset if you are using propane to heat your home and you can’t beat the convenience of having it delivered!

Water:

Water is essential to all life on Earth, but many countries around the world are facing shortages of this vital compound. In South Africa, for example, people often have to queue to get access to drinking water that is rationed by the government. Having your own water source can be a good way to overcome issues like this, with wells, rain collection, and even natural springs providing excellent ways to get your hands on the water you need to survive.

Essential Foods:

Food shortages are one of the scariest prospects for many people, especially when they have children to look after. Keeping a stock of essential foods like flour, rice, and dried meat can help to ensure that you are able to feed your loved ones if the shops ever close. Thankfully, most superstores have extremely robust supply networks, and this means that they are able to keep their shelves stocked in even the trickiest of situations.

Internet:

Much like the ability to power your home, most people take internet access for granted. This resource enables you to communicate with people from across the globe, while also giving you access to almost unlimited information. Mobile networks are very well-built in most places, and this makes them less likely to fail than the network that is wired into your home. Having mobile data plans or even a few hot spots can help give you peace of mind.

It can be easy to assume that the world will always keep turning, but it also pays to be prepared in case anything happens that makes life hard for you and those you care about.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

New Hair, Who Dis?

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New Hair, Who Dis?

Hello!! I have been hinting at a big change to my hair for a while now and I finally was able to see my stylist after over three months of going without. I don’t even want to talk about how bad my roots were but I do want to talk about how freaking amazing my Strawberry Shortcake inspired hair turned out! Thanks to Pulp Riot’s red in Fireball and pink in Blush, all of my candy dreams have come true and I am in absolute love. Check it out:

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Don’t get me wrong, I was feeling myself with my Pulp Riot red and yellow hair but this bubblegum pink with the fiery red just hits different. I feel like a fairy princess/cartoon character/super model all in one and, let me tell you, there is nothing better! Between the bleaching process to get the yellow out and my roots lightened as well as having to redye some yellow patches where the dye didn’t stick, I was at the salon for close to six hours and it was worth every single minute and then some.

I used to pride myself on my red boxed color but after several months of having Pulp Riot dyed hair, I refuse to use anything different. The cool thing about Pulp Riot color, other than the fact that it smells like Sweet Tarts, is that the dye is the exact same color out of the bottle that it ends up as on your hair. As soon as my stylist began applying the blush and red, I already had a solid idea of what my results would be and I just couldn’t wait for the color to sit!

I have envied bright, candy colored hair for years and I am so thrilled with how my take on it turned out. My hair is exactly how I pictured it and I can’t thank my brilliant stylist enough for executing it to perfection. We already have the color to replace the pink this summer picked out but I will definitely be enjoying my Strawberry Shortcake hair to the fullest until then. Make sure you keep it posted for new hair selfies coming soon! ❤

What is your dream hair color? How do you rock candy colors on your hair or clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah