Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Golden Wonder Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Golden Wonder Edition

Hello! I was so excited for my weekly bath time extravaganza this past week because I got to use part of my Christmas gift from the darling Kate of Live In The Nautical. Kate knows my affinity for Lush products and always treats me with bath and body care goodies during gift giving occasions. For Christmas, I was presented with the Golden Wonder holiday themed bath bomb and it was a sparkling, shimmering delight! Check it out:

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The first thing I noticed about the Golden Wonder bath bomb was the glitter! Just touching it left bright gold fairy dust on my hands and this made me so happy because the sparkly bath bombs put me in a mermaid state of mind, despite being in freezing cold Ohio! I was imagining a tub full of liquid gold during my first glance at Golden Wonder but it was so much better than that.

As soon as the bath bomb hit the water, it exploded with bursts of gold and green. Shortly after, the gift box shape broke in two and out came shooting stars of yellow, orange, pink, and blue. But the best part? The tiny jelly stars that were peppered throughout the water that gave ultimate hydration once rubbed on your skin.

I love when bath bombs put on a show and Golden Wonder definitely didn’t disappoint. I was mesmerized by the assortment of colors, the movement of the bath bomb, the swirling glitter, and the rich blue hue that my bath water ultimately ended up as. After watching the bath bomb fizz away, it was so nice to sink into the warm water and I ended my bath time feeling like a million bucks. Thanks, Kate!

I would absolutely recommend the Golden Wonder bath bomb and will rate it with an eight out of ten. It was festive for the season and being surprised when the box broke open and the colors came rushing out made for an exciting bath bomb show. 😀

What is your favorite Lush bath bomb? What is your favorite bath bomb color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Merry Christmas!!

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Merry Christmas!!

Hello everyone and a very Merry Christmas to all of you! No matter how you celebrate in the holiday season, I hope that it has been a happy time full of warmth, love, family, and friends. I have been looking forward to Christmas day for a long time now and I’m sure everyone else on my gift list has been too, so that I can quit badgering them to let me announce what I bought for them!! But, the time is finally here and I can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions to their presents.

Last Christmas, I was recovering from a horrible surgery gone wrong and couldn’t enjoy anything about the day. I was in an insane amount of pain and I may or may not have shit my pants while everyone was eating Christmas dinner… but that’s a story for another time. THE POINT IS, that this year I get to actually be mentally and physically present for one of my favorite days with my beautiful family and boyfriend and I am going to revel in every minute of it.

I am so thankful to be well enough to have a great day and my Christmas wish is that the same goes for all of you on your celebrated holidays or Christmas. As always, thank you for your continued love and support and happy holidays to all! Much love. -Sarah

6 Ways To Improve The Appearance Of The Front Of Your Home

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6 Ways To Improve The Appearance Of The Front Of Your Home

It’s relatively easy to stay on top of the interior of your home. That space, after all, is a place that you see again and again, and if something isn’t quite as good as it could be, then you’ll notice it pretty quickly. But the exterior of your home is a little different. While it’s a space that you see every day, we usually end up walking through the front door without looking around and inspecting whether it’s in as good of shape as it could be.

But there’s a lot of value in taking the time to ensure that this part of your house is in tip-top condition. Among other benefits, it can nudge your home’s value in the right direction. In fact, the home’s curb appeal is one of the first things that potential homeowners look for when searching for a house.

So if your home’s front isn’t quite as great as it could be, then what can you do? We take a look at a few tried and tested tips below:

Add Some Green:

Everything looks better with a little bit of color splashed on it, and that includes the front of your home. There aren’t too many spaces in the world where you’re able to add plants and flowers, so don’t waste the opportunity that your front yard presents. If you’re not an experienced gardener, then you can start small, perhaps by planting a couple of plants that are native to your area. A hanging flower basket over your front door will look especially good, and it’s easy enough to care for. There’s also a lot of studies that say plants can help boost your mood, so you might just be making your house a more joyful place in the process.

Upgraded Doors:

And speaking of your front door, it’s not just a hanging flower basket that can make it look better. You can change out the door itself, and improve the aesthetics of your house. They say that if you want to keep your home’s value intact, then you shouldn’t add too much of your personality to your property, but there are a couple of spaces where you’re able to add some sparkle – and that includes your front door. Look at switching it out to something new and improved; it will make the whole exterior of the house look better, especially if you choose a statement color.

Clean Windows:

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that windows are just windows, but this isn’t the case. While people tend to change them out for newer windows only when they have an obvious fault, such as when there’s a crack, it’s worth remembering that windows do need changing before it reaches this stage. If it has been some years since you’ve changed your windows, then look at upgrading them with a Window installation service in Frisco, TX or your local area. You will be surprised at just how much of a difference a bright and clear set of windows can make to your home.

Big Changes:

Just as with the windows, people seem to think that you should only make a change to the infrastructure of your home when there’s something obviously wrong with it. But it’s not the case, with the front of your house or the roofing. If your home is looking a little tired, then look at having it repainted by a professional company. It’ll make your home shine again. For your roof, you can work with a roofing company and get a replacement fitted. It’ll make your home look refreshed and modern.

Upgrading your roof is a big task to take on but it will pay off in spades. A refreshed roof is an instant face lift for your home, can boost curb appeal, and raise property value. With so many benefits at stake, you will want to plan, budget, and work extensively with a trusted team of experts. To begin researching the best company for you, simply enter a search for “Roofing Company In Mansfield, TX” (or your local area). This research stage can also be most helpful in finding an updated style that appeals to you.

Creating Privacy:

You’ll want your home to look good to your visitors, but that doesn’t mean that you should be showing off your house to the whole world, or at least making it easily accessible. A home with a front yard that’s too easily accessible loses something. So it’s worthwhile to look at making it more private. There are multiple ways to do this. You can make your home feel more cozy by adding a hedge or you can keep it on display, but not accessible, by adding a front gate.

Staying Symmetrical:

Finally, there’s one final rule that you should keep in mind no matter what you’re trying to do to your yard: keep things symmetrical. It’s a little trick that can make your house look a lot better. It’s one of those things that our eyes like to see, from people’s faces to buildings. Do we know why? No! But we like it!

Boost your home’s curb appeal by revamping its exterior – making it feel brand new again in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

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Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

Hellooo everyone! There is nothing better than purchasing a little pick me up from time to time and that rings true from when I *shockingly* only snagged one thing during my last trip to TJMaxx with my mom. The new headband that I got was only four dollars making that my least expensive TJs excursion to date! Let’s all honor this achievement with a brief round of applause…..

Thank you.

Anyways, I always love tiny wardrobe updates that can transform one of your outfits without breaking the bank. And, with super 70s vibes, this headband will make for a fun retro addition to my OOTDs. Check it out:

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I have become a huge fan of hair accessories this past year. From cute clips and barrettes to headbands and ribbons, I love the unique pop that perks up my do for the day. As soon as I saw my latest TJs purchase, I knew that I was going to need it. The deep gem toned palette along with the swirling pattern and knot on top makes it just right for a salute to the 70s.

This headband will be the perfect addition to an OOTD of a mini A-line skirt, tight sweater, cable knit stockings, and smart oxfords for a modern take on a retro style. I have already gotten so many compliments on my tiny treat and it is a great option for a lazy hair day when I don’t feel like straightening it. It instantly enhances all of my features because of the flattering colors and I go from “blah” to “BAM” in mere seconds!

Despite not having a major haul like usual when I shop at TJs, I was so satisfied with this purchase – which proves the power of a Tiny Treat Yoself. 😀

What is your favorite goodie to buy when you need a pick me up? How would you rock this headband? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Make Your Home Feel Like Christmas

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How To Make Your Home Feel Like Christmas

It’s winter, the days are shorter, and the feeling of wanting to stay inside and watch movies is getting stronger by the minute. Not to worry, most of us have had the winter blues at some point. Christmas is an excellent opportunity to get into the festive spirit, decorate your home, and invite friends and family over to enjoy the holidays with you. Here’s how to make your home feel like Christmas for your celebrations:

Make it smell nice:

Having Kindred Fires scented candles around the house can do wonders for getting you into the festive spirit. Feel free to change candles throughout the week, and try pine-scented candles as well as clove and cinnamon. Along with candles, if you have a real Christmas tree, the natural smell of pine will go beautifully with other Christmasy scents. Feel free to make your own candles if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!

Make warming recipes:

A delicious way to dine this Christmas is to create wholesome dishes that will keep you warm this winter. While you may want to save yourself for the big day, the Christmas period is a time for indulging so don’t feel bad for having a few extra treats. Recipes that taste particularly good when it’s cold include soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. Traditional recipes and comfort food can be enjoyed in abundance during this time. Try to cook this recipe for homemade chicken and drop dumplings, a delicious recipe that is both seasonal and harks back to grandma’s cooking.

Light it up:

Placing lights around your house will automatically give it a Christmas feeling. Keep the lighting warm and low, with soft lamps and candles rather than overhead lighting. Outdoor lights will go wonderfully in your backyard, especially when the sun has set and you look outside your window in the evening. There are many kinds of lights that you can go for, but consider using energy-saving lights, as the cost of lighting decorations and electric lights over Christmas can be very expensive.

Set up treats around your home:

Setting up bowls or jars around the house filled with Christmas goodies is a nice way to enjoy some sweet treats while also functioning as decoration. Cute ideas include filling these bowls or jars with candy canes, chocolate coins, and marshmallows. Having these treats on hand is great when you’re making hot chocolate, as you can grab a couple of marshmallows or chocolate pieces to add on top.

Blankets, throws, and cushions:

Staying cozy at home with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate or mulled cider automatically makes me feel Christmasy. Having blankets and throws on your couch adds a nice winter feel, especially if you are lucky enough to have a natural fire. Thick knit blankets and woolen cushion covers are both comfy and fashionable additions to your interior design.

Spending time with loved ones is the best way to enjoy Christmas. After all, that’s what the season is all about. How ever you choose to enjoy the winter period, keep it festive with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

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The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

Training your dog will not only help make your life significantly easier each day, but it’ll also provide your dog with the consistency he or she craves. Not everyone looks at it this way, but dogs benefit from good training far more than owners do, whether it’s done as a puppy or later in life.

If you’re about to embark on the journey of training your dog, it’s important to consider how to approach it and which factors will have the biggest impact on your pup. Find out more below:

Clear Rules:

Whether it’s for inside the home or when you’re out walking, it’s important that you have clear rules in place for how you want your dog to behave and that you communicate those rules as consistently as possible for the best outcomes. If the rules aren’t clear to your dog in some way, they’ll simply be ignored and that’s not what you want, either. Try to keep this in mind and consider the kinds of signals you’re sending to your dog.

Consistency:

Being consistent is another important factor as you go through the dog training process. If you’re not consistent and you don’t keep up the training methods, things won’t work out the way you want them to. You can’t expect your dog to learn from the whole training process if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort. The onus is on you to do this because you’re the one dictating the schedule, not your dog. Consistency will yield much better and much faster results for you and your pet.

Guidance from a Professional:

When you’re undertaking the training of your dog for the first time, it usually makes sense to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer. If you don’t know what you’re doing and you haven’t done any of this before, the guidance of someone who really does know about the process will make a big difference. They’ll be able to show you techniques that you would never have thought of and give you advice when things aren’t going completely smoothly. To get started, simply enter a search for “puppy training Newcastle” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed trainer. Pay close attention at their lessons so that you can utilize their methods at home for best results.

Rewarding Good Behavior:

Training can sometimes be difficult for your dog and they won’t always do the right things the way you want them to. That’s simply the nature of dog training. And it’s why it’s so important to reward the good behavior of your dog. When they do something that’s right, you need to reinforce that positive behavior so that they know it’s good and that they know to do it again in the future. That’s essentially how the training process works.

Clicker training is always good for when you’re teaching your pup a new skill or trick. Don’t forget to be liberal with the treats too, especially if your pup stresses easily. Whether they are partial to Beggin’ Strips or the private label treats you can find here (https://cbdoilmanufacturer.com/private-label-cbd-pet-treats/), have some at the ready for a job well done.

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SO. CUTE.

If You’re Training a Puppy, Use Their Name Carefully:

Some owners forget that their dogs don’t instantly and instinctively know what their names are the way humans do. That’s why you have to use their names carefully. If you use it too much it might become meaningless or they’ll come to associate it with other things, which is not what you want. This is especially important when you’re training a puppy for the first time. Use it carefully and sparingly so they can learn what that word means much faster than they otherwise might.

Using the Right Treats:

If you’re trying to teach your dog something, it’s vital to reward them when they do what you want them to. This kind of positive reinforcement is a huge part of what makes dog training successful. If you don’t get it right, they won’t understand when they’re doing the right thing and when they’re doing the wrong thing. You can use Tempo&Tails CBD treats or whatever kinds of treats they like most and will respond best to.

End Each Training Session on a Positive Note:

When each training session with your dog comes to an end, you should try to finish things off on a positive note. That kind of positivity can make a difference because in order for the training process to be successful, you need your dog to really enjoy it. That way, they’ll want to go back to it and their learning will be better and more complete, which is what you need. If you just keep going until your dog is fed up, that won’t create the positive association in their mind.

Training your dog is always a big challenge. There will be ups and downs throughout the process, but if you persist and keep in mind the things that we’ve discussed above, you’ll eventually end up with a well-trained dog. And the sooner you start with the training, the sooner you’ll achieve those outcomes.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

If The Shoe Fits: Sugar Thrillz Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Sugar Thrillz Platforms Edition

Hello! I have had my eye on the shoes that we will be discussing today from Dolls Kill for months now and I couldn’t pass up buying them during their Black Friday sale. These pink plaid, heart embellished beauties are so Cher a la Clueless and I am nothing short of obsessed. Am I a pink girl normally? Hell no. But these Sugar Thrillz platforms were way too sweet to not purchase. Take a look:

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As all of you well know by now, my personal style is far from “cutesy” and much more on the edgy rocker spectrum. So, what drew me to these cute as a button heels? I honestly couldn’t tell you – I just like them! The Clueless vibes just spoke to me and I loved the retro shape along with the heart chain links. They are so adorable but they also have the school girl sex appeal circa Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time”  that made for a perfect combination of sweet and sassy.

I cannot wait to pair my new Sugar Thrillz platforms with skater skirts and cable knit tights. But, I am most looking forward to wearing them with my yellow plaid skinnies from Target and red plaid blazer from Goodwill for an All Plaid Everything look that will be super funky and unique. To me, fashion is all about pushing the envelope and what could be more cool than fifty shades of plaid?! The answer is nothing, of course! 😀

What is your favorite style of shoe? How do you incorporate plaid into your OOTDs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Haulidays: Blogging BFF Edition

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Happy Haulidays: Blogging BFF Edition

Helloooo! Lil Red had a terrific day on Monday compliments of the United States Postal Service. I received the rest of my shoes from Dolls Kill AND a surprise Christmas present from the beautiful Kate of Live In The Nautical. I was so excited to see something from my Gemini twin and blogging soul sister, especially after a fantastic hour and a half FaceTime session the week before. :*)

Kate is an amazing gift giver and I was so blown away by the gorgeous bracelet by Emerson Victoria that it literally made me gasp when I saw it. And, a Golden Wonder bath bomb from Lush doesn’t hurt, either! Check it out:

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When it comes to gift giving, Kate always seems to know what you need before you do. I had no idea that a wrap around bracelet with silver skulls peppered in was my latest obsession until I’ve worn it every day since Monday! Whether it be a cute piece of home decor or a Harry Potter themed bracelet, Kate will manage to find something that is so personal to you because, like the wonderful friend that she is, she listens and pays attention to things like your favorite pattern or if you prefer gold or silver jewelry (Or black, in my case!).

I am incredibly thankful to have had Kate in my life for the past several years now and I’m so happy to have shared another holiday with her. Despite being in different states, we still can send each other holiday cheer and text nonstop, as per usual, and that is so special to me. I feel proud to have Kate as one of my dearest friends and am looking forward to another Blogger’s Conference hopefully in 2020! ❤

Who is your Blogging BFF? Have you ever met any of your blogging friends in real life? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Go Speed Racer Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Go Speed Racer Platforms Edition

Hellooo! I went a little shoe crazy on Dolls Kill during Black Friday but I am so not complaining. I normally have a few big shoe hauls per year and when I can get a bunch of pairs that I like for a great price, I don’t mind the splurge quite so much. The platforms seen below are different, to say the least, but that’s why I needed them! They’re fun, unique, and perfect to wear to a NASCAR event, if you’re in to that sort of thing, lol. Check it out:

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I was really looking forward to getting all of my shoes in the mail but I was pretty excited for this particular pair. I am always drawn to buying things that I’ve never seen anyone else wear before and these ones totally qualify under that category. I love the huge buckles, the checkered flag heel, and the lightning bolt pops of yellow. They are attention grabbing and quirky and I just like them!

I cannot wait for the warm weather to wear these open platforms and they will be so fun to sport with a loose fitting shirt and short shorts. The Go Speed Racers are also ideal for the “athletic chic” style that has become popular within the past few years. Throw these on with your favorite pair of leggings, an oversized hoodie, and a messy bun and you’re all set with a cool and trendy look for whatever the day has in store for you… Even if it’s not going to the gym. 😉

Where do you find the craziest shoes at? How would you rock these NASCAR inspired platforms? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

3 Top Concerns When Renovating Your Bathroom

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3 Top Concerns When Renovating Your Bathroom

When someone is keen to renovate a part of their home, the bathroom is often one of the first places they look to. There are many reasons for this, and one of the most important is that the bathroom is a small room, and therefore one that won’t take too long to renovate. As such, it can also act as a kind of practice for renovation more generally, or it might even be a chance to try and engage with a certain motif before using it in the rest of the home. Whatever your reason, you need to make sure that you are aware of the top concerns there are likely to be when you are renovating your bathroom. In this post, we will take a look at exactly that, so that you can be sure you are doing it right:

The Plumbing:

If anything should go wrong with the plumbing, it can mean that the whole project is a disaster. In the worst case scenario, you might even cause a considerable leak or flood in your home, or at the very least some kind of water damage. There are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to the plumbing. First, be sure to source good quality plumbing supplies from the likes of PlumbersStock. Second, hire a professional plumber to deal with that side of things as you renovate. This is not the time to test DIY skills as a bill for a plumber will be way cheaper than carrying out repairs for potential damage caused. To find a trusted professional, simply enter a search for “winnipeg plumbing services” (or your local area) to get the job done right the first time. Finally, ensure that you have this done first, so that you can then work around it, rather than the other way around, which is going to be much harder.

The Decor:

Your choice of decor is going to be especially important in a bathroom, as it is one of the smaller rooms in the home, and any decision will really be seen, and make a huge difference to the look of the bathroom overall. Make sure that you spend a long time on the decor, and that you know exactly what colors you are going to go for, for instance. It’s important that you like the colors, but also that they are going to work well together and as a whole, so make sure of that as best as you can as well. If you can manage that, the room has more of a chance of success.

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The Time:

You don’t want your bathroom to be out of order for any longer than necessary, so make sure that you are aware of that from the start too. This will be especially important if you only have one bathroom, of course, but even if you don’t it is still something to keep an eye on. It can take time to renovate even a small room, so look ahead, plan ahead, and you will be able to renovate your bathroom in style in no time, and to the look that you want for it.

Home renovations are a great goal to accomplish in 2020 so prepare your game plan, watch some HGTV, and get to it!

Featured Image By: Pexels