How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

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How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

Winter is well and truly on its way. In fact, it’s pretty much here. And with what’s going on in the world right now, you may find that you really don’t want to be spending too much time on anything that’s strenuous or that takes your energy away. And if that’s the case, you will be reaping as many of the benefits that a winter hibernation can offer you. At this time of the year, we don’t always want to spend too much outside or on hard activities. Instead, we want to be able to slow down and make sure that we can get through to spring feeling fantastic. To help you to do that, you may find that the ideas below will inspire you:

Before shifting into hibernation mode, is everything on your winter checklist tended to? Garden furniture put away? Winter tires installed? Has an inspection of your heating system been completed? As the temperatures drop it is so important to get your HVAC or boiler system inspected to ensure it is in working order for the season. A company like https://heatsafeheatingltd.co.uk/ (or something similar in your local area) can inspect your boilers and repair any issues to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long. All that will be left to do is relax!

To start with, one of the best things that you can do here is to make sure that you’re letting yourself switch off as much as possible. If you’re always on the go or your mind is always racing, your time won’t be calm. So try to switch off from work or the online world for a little bit if you can.

From here, you might want to try and think about keeping your distance from negativity. This may seem like a strange thing to add in as a winter practice, however, it can be really beneficial for your mind. If you know that you have a lot of toxic people in your life as you’re choosing to enjoy a few calming months, it’s good to try and keep them at arm’s length. That way, you know that your tranquillity won’t be threatened.

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The next thing that you might want to do is make sure that you are welcoming more calming practices into your life. You may find that you are able to feel a lot calmer throughout the colder months when you actively look to make this happen. Maybe you want to read instead of watch TV? Turn to something like Bloom Farms CBD instead of alcohol? Or quiet games nights with family rather than something rowdier? It all helps.

Treat yourself better:

Even if you think you already do this, you may not be treating yourself as well as you’d think. Are you resting? Are you looking after your body? Are you prioritizing your needs? If not, then you’re going to want to make sure that you change this. You’ll find it helps you to be a lot calmer and feel much better about yourself.

Enjoy the downtime:

Finally, you may find that it’s actually really nice for you to just enjoy more of the downtime. Winter isn’t always as fun, busy, and outgoing as summer – and it needn’t be. With winter comes the cold and dark and it’s not always the time of year that you want to be active. So just let yourself enjoy the calm and the slower pace. Do less. Relax. Be slow. Lap up all of the things you can do in hibernation before a glorious springtime comes back once again.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above and have a calm and safe winter!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

What Should You Expect From A Leading Estate Agent?

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What Should You Expect From A Leading Estate Agent?

Would you build a house without using a reputable construction firm? It’s unlikely. So, why should your approach be any different when buying or selling a property? There are many people who overlook the services of an estate agency in an attempt to save themselves some cash. However, this could cost a lot more in the long run. Signing a contract without expert consultation could turn out to be a disaster.

Moreover, with an experienced estate agent on your side, you have more chance of striking the perfect deal for you. Knowledgeable estate agents can help in all aspects of sales and rentals, allowing their clients to benefit from their expertise when it comes to everything from negotiation, adding value to a property, and finding the right tenants. Property law can be complex, and it is ever-changing, which is why it is always advisable to have an expert in the field on your side. This eliminates the need to carry out extensive research and gives you the peace of mind that everything is being handled effectively and efficiently.

If you are in need of an excellent estate agent, simply enter a search for “Estate agents in Romsey” (or your local area). When you have made a selection after researching and seeking reviews and recommendations, the following pieces of advice should be expected in the service they are providing:

What to expect when selling your property:

With an abundance of experience, an esteemed position in the industry, and a constant appetite to stay up to date with the latest trends, you will have the help you need from an expert estate agency. A dedicated team will ensure that the process of selling your home is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. They will conduct a thorough valuation of your property, and when you are ready to proceed they will market it via both offline and online channels. Click here to see a good example. They will take professional photographs to show your property in the best light and combine them with an attractive description. They’ll conduct professional viewings whenever anyone is interested.

Buying a property with a leading agent:

If you’re looking to buy, then your agent will provide you with all the information on properties in your preferred area that fit within your price range, making sure the process of finding your dream home runs as smoothly as possible. Once you’ve found your dream home, there should be an evident commitment to providing an enjoyable purchasing experience. From liaising with solicitors and mortgage providers to answering any questions you may have about the progress of your purchase, your consultant will be on hand to provide information and advice on all parts of the property buying process.

Remember that you will want an agent that specializes in the specific type of property you are interested in. There are realtors for everything from bungalows to beach houses and this is just in your home state or country. If you are thinking of purchasing property overseas, companies like Simon Conn can assist in making what seems like a daunting task much easier.

Property rentals with agents:

Do you have a portfolio of properties you’d like to rent out? Perhaps you’re thinking of moving home and would like to make an income on your current place? No matter what applies, a leading agent should offer you an exceptional service for landlords. If you’re interested in renting a property out, a dedicated team will find the perfect tenant for you. They’ll market your property via numerous channels, using professional photographs and compelling content. Once they find someone interested in your property, they will conduct the necessary checks, including credit checks and references, while they will also put together tenancy agreements and all other required documents.

Don’t skimp on the importance of working with an estate agent when it comes to selling or purchasing property!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Compliments of COVID, the 2020 holiday season is going to be a lot different. Family get togethers might be taking place over Zoom rather than in person or the celebrations could be pushed back until everyone can participate without crippling anxiety. No matter how you spend your day, I urge all of you to do it as safely as possible so all of your loved ones will be around to celebrate a *hopefully* normal Thanksgiving and Christmas next year.

2020 has been a wild ride and the craziness just reminds me of how thankful I am for all of the wonderful things about my life. A beautiful family, loving relationship, rewarding job, and fabulous friends both in person and online in the blogosphere are certainly nothing to sneeze at!

Thank you all so much for sharing in lifewithlilred with me because each and every one of you help keep me motivated to write each and every day. I am so proud of the sense of community that I feel on my page and I wish nothing but health, safety, and all of the good things for you and yours. ❤

Happy Thanksgiving!

Accessory Story: Meredith Leigh Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Meredith Leigh Necklace Edition

Hello! I don’t know about all of you, but COVID-19 has put me in the most “treat yoself” mood possible. Johnny and I literally never go out, we rarely order take out and have saved so much money that when I feel the urge to online shop I always can find a way to justify it.

Despite treating myself to all of the pretty new things like shoes and clothes, at the end of the day, it’s not like anyone is going to see me in them until a semblance of our social lives comes back. So, I decided I wanted to have something lovely and delicate to wear just for me. Especially since my normal fashionista OOTDs has slowly turned into leggings and a hoodie lol.

I thought that this Meredith Leigh necklace would be perfect to have on at work. Similar to the thrill some might find in wearing sexy lingerie and just knowing it’s on, I love having this simple but stunning piece of jewelry around my neck. Check it out:

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As soon as I saw this necklace while browsing on TJMaxx’s website, it instantly reminded me of my mom who loves hearts. The delicate gold chain with a small opal heart is a far cry from the normal chunky jewelry that I gravitate towards but it was exactly what I wanted.

The eighteen inch chain allows the heart to fall right between my collarbones and it looks so flattering in the blank space between the tattoos on my chest seen below:

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Of course, I can’t wait to show off my Meredith Leigh necklace when I have an actual reason to get dressed up. But, for now, having it under a hoodie or sweater to shield me from the Ohio cold is just right for me. It is a reminder of how things can still be beautiful despite all of the unideal situations we are currently faced with. Seeing the sparkling heart makes me smile and knowing it’s there and feeling it on my skin is a small comfort throughout such difficult times.

Do you have something pretty that is just for you? How has your style changed since COVID? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Guide To Social Media Etiquette

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A Guide To Social Media Etiquette

Over one billion people use social media daily, mostly for entertainment or business. For this reason, most people consider social media to be part of their daily life. Some users generate a lot of income and survive entirely on the money made from social media platforms. However, not everyone uses social media correctly as intended by the developers.

Over the years, employers have increasingly found it necessary to see if their candidate conducts themselves professionally on these platforms. With that said, here are the most common social media dos and don’ts:

Do – Spread positive ideas:

Social media never forgets. Have you ever seen posts that you deleted ages ago from the search results? It is difficult to wipe out everything about you on the internet. Therefore, whenever you feel like sharing your negative opinion, think twice. The consequences that come after may not be worth it.

Do – Have a visually appealing profile:

You need to complete your profile as required and update it frequently. Along with that, choose a theme for every one of your posts. You should also have a unique pattern that demonstrates your personality. Your personality and appearance can help you stand out among the millions of users. You can edit your photos, but don’t overdo it. You should also consider retouching jewelry to enhance the sparkle and help you demonstrate your sense of style.

Do – Post relevant content regularly:

Social networks are known to favoring active users’ accounts. Such accounts get more exposure than others. Their posts go viral and get more engagement in terms of comments, likes, and shares. While this may be tempting, resist the urge to post too much content. For some reason, some users might hate reading tens of posts from a single user in a day. It shows that you have nothing else to do even when you do.

Don’t – Spam:

Various social networks like Facebook have algorithms set up to flag spamming accounts. With all the privileges of an active account, you may not like yours to have any restrictions. Imagine being an influencer and missing out on huge deals just because you did not abide by simple rules!

Don’t – Repeatedly share posts:

Sharing a post multiple times can come off as a bit excessive. Solely focus on new content before sharing something already published again.

Don’t – Ignore your followers:

While it is humanly impossible to respond to every question and comment, try your best to respond to a few every time you log on. You may never know what you miss out on unless you spare some time and interact with your followers. Even worse off is setting up an auto-responding bot that lacks the special touch of your own personality!

Like every other activity in life, social media requires self-discipline for the best results. Most importantly, share content that you will look back and be proud of in the future.

What Is Your Business Missing Right Now?

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What Is Your Business Missing Right Now?

If you look at your business, can you tell that something is missing? Is there something that is sticking out like a sore thumb that you can point to and say ‘that’s what I need’? If the answer is no, then it might be a little more difficult to figure out why your business is lacking at the moment and, therefore, what you’re going to need to fix it. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the common problems that you might be facing, so keep reading if you would like to find out what your business could be missing:

The proper funding:

Having the proper funding is going to have the ability to make or break your business. We know that you’ve probably heard the stories about people who have started their business with no more than five dollars to their name, but this (likely) won’t be you. It’s for this reason that you must make sure the business is getting the proper funding. If you’re putting up the funds for the business, you’ve got to be willing to give it whatever it needs. How far are you willing to go to provide money for your business? That’s a question that you need to ask yourself. Or, if you are getting money from an investor, you may need to ask them for more. Show them the data, tell them why you need it and why it’s going to be worth it to entice them.

At the end of the day, you could have the best business in the world but it will fail if you lack the funding to get it off the ground. This is a hard truth but there are so many ways that you can raise funds to bring your dreams to fruition. From wise investments to using programs like Funded Futures Network to earn allocated funds to trade with, you can begin increasing your bottom line. Make smart decisions and take the time to really think them through before you confirm anything and your business will benefit.

An excellent team:

What is your team like right now? Are they dedicated? Do they do whatever you need them to? Do they want to see success for your company? Are they experts in their field? These are all important questions, some more so than others. While you don’t need experts, it does help to have this extra boost in some areas. For example, CFD Trading can be tricky to understand, but if you have someone who knows this topic inside out, your company is going to have a leg up. The same goes for having fantastic IT support, which is something that can make or break a business. Hiring a fractional cio might be just what you need if this is an area that you struggle with.

Having a dedicated team isn’t optional, though. Without this, your business will crumble because your team is the backbone of the business. If they aren’t doing their best, your business won’t be giving its best.

Great leadership:

Maybe what your business is missing is great leadership. It’s not nice to admit to ourselves that we may be the problem, but if you think about your leadership style, what can you say about it? Would you be happy to work for you? If not, then things need to change. Better leadership leads to better results and a much happier team working for you. Always remember that!

If leadership is something that you struggle with, it might be worth looking into some additional training. This will help both yourself and your team achieve optimal success. No matter what your profession, there is sure to be a class or program that you can attend in person or online. For example, you might find this Medical Leadership And Management Course beneficial if you work in a medical facility. Don’t forget that these courses are also a great networking opportunity, making it the ultimate win/win.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that your business could be missing right now. If it’s none of these things, then you’re going to have to put your thinking cap on and work out what it is. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Keeping Your Dog Happy, Always

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Keeping Your Dog Happy, Always

If you are a dog owner, you are probably always going to be concerned with ensuring that your pooch is as happy as possible. After all, that is the main aim of looking after them, and it’s something that you should spend your time and energy on if you are going to have a dog at all. But there are a lot of things to consider here, and you need to make sure that you are going to focus on them all if you really want to keep your dog happy. In this article, we are going to discuss just a few of the things to bear in mind, so that you can make sure your dog is the happiest in town:

Show them lots of love:

The most important thing for a dog is that they know you love them. Anyone who has ever had a dog will know that they are very needy when it comes to your love, and you need to make sure that you are showing and expressing this to them as much as possible. If they start to feel that you don’t really care, then that is the biggest way you can possibly upset them, and it can actually lead to some pretty negative consequences on the whole. So do whatever you can to show you love them – cuddle them, kiss them, play with them – and you will be keeping them so much happier for longer.

Give them some freedom:

Dogs still need to feel free to a certain degree and there are a lot of ways to do this. One is to ensure that you take them for their daily walk without fail – which obviously has a range of other benefits for their health, as well. Another is to install a dog door into your sliding glass door so that they are able to come and go into the garden whenever they want to. If you give them freedom in this way, you are going to find that they are much more likely to feel happy with their life, and you will see this in their behavior soon enough.

Keep them healthy:

On top of all of this, you also need to make sure that you are keeping your dog as healthy as possible too. If they are not healthy, then they are not going to feel happy, and you will find that they are much less likely to look as though they are fully enjoying life. This is something that you can always improve, so if you are not feeding them the best food or you know you could walk them more, you should make sure to do that as soon as possible. These changes are likely to make things so much better in the long run, and you will find that you are going to feel like a better pet owner too.

Give your four leggeds the best life possible with the tips above and give them lots of pets for me! 😀

Featured Image By: Pexels

If The Shoe Fits: Nine West Kitten Heels Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Nine West Kitten Heels Edition

Howdy and welcome to another new edition of If The Shoe Fits! Today, we are going to be talking about the most darling pair of kitten heels by Nine West. I have had my eye on these adorable mini pumps for at least a year on TJMaxx’s online store. However, every time I want to order them they never have my size. After what seemed like an eternity of sold out size sixes, I finally snagged a pair and I couldn’t be happier so take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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As you all know, I live for a chunky platform or wedge heel. I actually don’t care for stilettos on me so a kitten heel is the closest I will get to it! I think kitten heels are the perfect combination of sweet and sassy and these Nine Wests are a total testament to that. The sleek jet black adds the oomph while the rhinestone wrap around the ankle adds that little bit of sugar. Is that sweet and sassy or what?

I feel like these kitten heels would look amazing on anyone and they also come in a charming shade of blush pink. Easy to dress up or down, the mini pumps would look stunning with a shimmering New Year’s Eve party dress. They would also be just as flattering with a pair of skinny jeans and a sharp blazer for an evening drink with the girls… Post-COVID, of course.

I am ecstatic to finally add my Nine Wests into my always growing shoe collection because I have waited so long to order them! And, I actually only own one other pair of kitten heels so now my lonely solo pair has a companion. For forty dollars, these babies are a steal and I wouldn’t wait too long if you want to grab a pair for yourself!

What is your favorite shape for a heel? How do you take a look from day to night? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Vince Camuto Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Vince Camuto Platforms Edition

Hellooo! I am extremely close to finishing my Christmas shopping with only a handful of people left to buy for. And, after all of that shopping for other people, I decided that I needed a treat too. I had a TJMaxx ten dollar certificate burning a hole in my pocket so I went online and ordered a few pretty little somethings for myself. Like these amazing snakeskin pattern platforms by Vince Camuto:

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I have had my eye on these bad boys for a while but I just couldn’t justify their eighty dollar price tag. So, trust and believe when I saw them marked down to forty dollars, they went straight into the cart! I was very excited for these platforms to arrive because snakeskin is my absolute favorite animal print and I don’t own any shoes that are even remotely similar.

I ripped the TJMaxx package open with the gusto of a child on Christmas and, I’m not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I saw the platforms in real life. On the picture featured on TJMaxx’s website, the sepia and caramel tones looked straight up mustard yellow. What came in the mail was a really far cry from the image shown but I still love them just the same!

Despite the initial “well damn”, there is no denying that these platforms are freaking beautiful and they were a literal perfect fit when I slipped them on. Not only are these Vinny C’s comfortable as all get out but they are sturdy, well made, and super chic. I expected nothing less, of course, as Vince Camuto is one of my favorite brands when it comes to shoes and clothing.

I can’t say when I am going to be able to wear my new shoes as date nights and hang outs outside of the apartment with Johnny are nonexistent, thanks to COVID. But, I can say that when I am finally able to bust them out, my outfit is going to be fierce! Could you imagine these paired with a cozy sweater dress and thick tights? Sigh. A girl can dream, right?!

How far along are you on your holiday shopping? What was the last purchase you treated yourself to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What Have I Been Watching? Pt. 4

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What Have I Been Watching? Pt. 4

Hello!! With COVID cases spiking dangerously in Ohio, Johnny and I are more hunkered down than ever. So, obviously, we have been getting a lot of use out of our streaming services of Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Shudder. Here is the best of what we have been watching recently:

Ils (Them):

First things first, sorry to my mom if she’s reading this because this French horror movie scared her so bad but it is one of my favorites. If you have Shudder, then you can watch Ils too. This crazy twist of a home invasion movie is what began my fondness for foreign films. I can remember when I first started learning French and I would watch this movie to practice, as the dialogue is quite limited. It felt so good to watch this several years later, completely understand it, and enjoy it just as much as the first time I saw it. Highly recommend for horror fans!

Slasher:

Johnny and I recently finished up the Canadian horror anthology Slasher and it was very good! So far, there are three seasons all with a different plot but some of the same cast members (like American Horror Story) and a fourth season is currently in the works. Slasher is equally entertaining as it is bloody and disgusting, drawing inspiration from lots of different… Well, slasher movies! I will say that season one was my favorite followed by season two, then three. However, each season was unique in its own way and it is a must for horror fans.

Letterkenny:

Another Canadian show that Johnny and I absolutely love is Letterkenny. Named after the small, fictional town in Canada the show is based in, Letterkenny follows a group of pals and all of their nonsense. From getting hammered, getting in fights, and participating in talent shows and adult spelling bees, there is literally never a not hilarious moment in this show. Each and every character is so funny and likeable in their own way but I am particularly fond of Stewart, Jonesy, and Riley! #ferda

Dancing With The Stars:

Finally, I am still going strong on watching Dancing With The Stars. Back in the day, I was an avid fan of the show but lost interest and haven’t seen it in several years. But, when I heard that Johnny Weir (one of my favorite figure skaters) was going to be competing, I was happy to step back into the ballroom.

Although I am enjoying DWTS, I am ready for it to be over lol. Don’t get me wrong, I love the performing, music, and costumes. However, I just can’t stand Tyra Banks as a hostess – she is so awful! I don’t plan on watching the next season unless there is someone who I really like on – but I am looking forward to seeing who comes out on top this season!

Which shows have you been binge watching? Do you have any movie or TV recommendations for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah