Dec9

Wrapping Paper Palooza

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Wrapping Paper Palooza

Hello, all! I absolutely love Christmas shopping but wrapping presents? Eh… Not so much. Let me start off by saying that I start out strong for the first few gifts and then it all goes downward in a tragic spiral pretty quickly. HOWEVER, I did purchase some wrapping paper recently from the Dollar Tree that has made the process a lot easier. It doesn’t take much to blow my mind and this simple trick on the paper did. Check it out:

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The super cool thing about this wrapping paper is that on the inside of it are lines that you can cut on to make sure you’re making an even slice! This may seem like a little thing but for someone who got a poor score on their scissor skills in kindergarten, it’s a big deal! I was so tickled by this discovery and it seriously did make wrapping my presents go a lot more smoothly.

The Dollar Tree literally never ceases to amaze me because I got five tubes of really nice wrapping paper for five whole dollars. The images are cute, the paper is thick, and it offered a handy hack for the scissor challenged people in society. Like I said, little thing: big, BIG difference!

What are some of your present wrapping pro tips? How far along are you in the holiday shopping process? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec8

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

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It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Hello everyone! With annoying annoyances and the stresses of being a working adult, I just haven’t felt too much into the holiday spirit as of late. Of course, I’m excited for giving and receiving presents as well as quality family time but I haven’t felt that happy go lucky mood that comes with Christmas approaching. However, that all changed this past week when I enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree at one of my client’s homes. Check out our handy work:

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This particular client of mine is the literal light of my life. He is an older man with Down Syndrome and he is the physical embodiment of joy. It’s honestly hard not to get excited over small things that delight him and his smile and laugh are absolutely contagious. My friend loves the holidays and has been talking about us decorating the Christmas tree together since June, at least.

So, once I arrived at his house, we got to work. As the lights of the tree changed color we decorated with everything from bulbs and stars to tiny nativity scenes and birds. We played the Christmas music that he loves so dearly and took pleasure in the simple joy that comes with hanging a bauble in the perfect spot.

We decorated the tree for an hour or so and then sat back to admire our work and I have never felt more in the holiday spirit then I did right then and there. If that’s not the true meaning of Christmas, then I don’t know what is. ❤

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

Dec7

SO ANNOYED!

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SO ANNOYED!

Howdy!! I need to have a little vent sesh because oh my goodness am I annoyed! So yesterday morning, I get into my car to go to work and I turn my windshield wipers on because it was raining, only to find that they were snapped in two. I hauled ass to the nearest auto shop so I could get new blades which costed me over forty dollars and was halfway to work when I realized my back blades were stolen.

WHO DOES THAT?!

Like, seriously though. Who does that? Although it was annoying to have an unnecessary expense charged to my credit card, it wasn’t even about the money. Even though that was upsetting considering how hard I work to pay my bills and keep a bunch of frozen food on the table. But, it honestly just felt like a slap in the face. I have always felt comfortable at my apartment complex and to have that turned completely upside down by simply getting into my car to go to work was a huge punch in the gut.

This situation has definitely made me feel antsy and I am hoping that it doesn’t happen again because those windshield wipers aren’t cheap! I also hope that whomever did this got their kicks in ruining someone else’s day and has a nice meet up with karma when it comes to bite them in the ass. Je-sus!

Whew, do I feel better now lol I needed to get all of that off my chest. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk on The Case Of The Stolen Windshield Wipers. 😀

Has anything like this ever happened to you? Do you believe in karma? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

Where To Splurge And Where To Save When Decorating Your Home

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Where To Splurge And Where To Save When Decorating Your Home

Decorating a home from scratch can be really expensive, so it’s worth knowing the best places to save money and where it pays to spend a little more. Maybe you’ve just moved into a new place or perhaps you want to do up your existing home, either way, here are some places to save and where to splurge:

Splurge: Mattress

As humans, we spend a huge portion of our lives in bed. We might not all be lucky enough to get a full eight hours, but even if you’re only getting six that’s still a quarter of your day. A good mattress is essential for good health, it supports your back, hips, and neck. It keeps you comfortable and allows you to get the highest quality of sleep.

However, mattresses are expensive, and it might be tempting to look for a good quality second hand one – but it’s best not to do that if you can. Not only will a used mattress show signs of wear but it could also be hiding bed bugs which you’ll then bring into your home. Exterminators like Bed Bug Inspector recommend that you don’t purchase second hand items that could harbor these pests, as it’s a common way that they get into peoples homes and spread.

Save: Dining table

A solid wooden dining table will last you for a lifetime if you look after it well, and if you look around chances are you’ll find people selling old and antique tables simply because they do stand the test of time. Don’t be put off by old fashioned looks, as long as it’s in good condition you can always upcycle it. Sand down the top, add some new legs, and you could stain it or paint it and really bring it up to date.

Splurge: Dining chairs

Saving on a dining table gives you more money to spend on the chairs, and it’s often worth buying some more luxurious, comfortable dining chairs. Once you’ve upcycled the table you can go about choosing some nice new chairs that suit the overall look. It could be some modern fabric chairs, some cool perspex ghost chairs, an industrial style – whatever it is you’re going for.

Save: Accessories

Accessories make a house a home, but you don’t need to spend a fortune here. Some plants from Ikea, some vases from TJMaxx, some frames from the Dollar Store, and other little accessories from charity stores and boot fares can all come together really nicely.

Splurge: Sofa

A good quality sofa will cost you a fair bit of cash, but it will look great and last you for many years. If you don’t have the funds up front, lots of companies offer finance options allowing you to spread the cost. The best sofas will be made from good quality fabrics and materials so they won’t go saggy and uncomfortable after a couple of years.

When decorating your home, shop smart with the saving tips above so you can have more moolah towards your splurge worthy purchases!

Dec6

December 2019 Funky Time Jams

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December 2019 Funky Time Jams

Hello everyone! We are in the final stretch of 2019, which is so crazy to me! It seems like just yesterday that we were ringing in the new year. Now is the time to make your final holiday preparations, decide on your new year’s resolutions, and do what you can to finish up 2019 strongly. So, allow me to suggest some tunes as you work on wrapping up the month and year:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

This past month, my boyfriend and I watched the Motley Crue movie called The Dirt. Now, mind you, I have never listened to them before in my life but my man is a fan so I decided to give them a go. And, despite all of them being batshit crazy, their music sure is catchy! They actually just announced that they’re going to start touring again so if they come anywhere close to my neck of the woods, I think that Johnny and I are going to go!

And, speaking of concerts, we will be attending the Marilyn Manson and Ozzy Osbourne show in Pittsburgh this coming year, compliments of Johnny’s Christmas gift to me! I am so freaking excited because this will make it the third time I’ve seen Marilyn Manson perform and it never gets old.

Finally, I just had to pepper in some new years themed songs amidst all of the crazies listed above for your enjoyment. Happy last month of the year!

Are you attending any concerts soon? What is your favorite music based movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec5

Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

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Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

Hi everyone! Despite the chilly temperatures outside, I always enjoy outdoor winter activities… and then warming up inside with hot chocolate! Depending on your area, there could be a ton of exciting options for you and, lucky for me, there are a lot to pick from in my neck of the woods. Some of my favorites include:

Winter Lights At The Zoo:

On Thanksgiving weekend, my parents, boyfriend, sister, niece, and I went to the Akron Zoo during the after hours to check out their amazing holiday lights display. The whole property was lit up with gorgeous color. Some of the lights blinked, others flashed, and the bigger ones were timed to light up to the beat of Christmas carols.

Of course, it’s always fun to see the animals at the zoo but the light displays were just spectacular. I loved all of the lights shaped like different animals, especially the elephant whose trunk moved! Definitely check out if any of the zoos in your area do any special winter displays because it’s a wonderful option for all ages.

Outdoor Skating Rinks:

During the winter, I try to hit up an outdoor rink at least once. As a skater girl, it is such a good time to hit the great outdoors and show off a bit for the general public! 😀 I love the rink at Lock 3 that we have in downtown Akron, which now includes bumper tubes and ice bikes, if skating isn’t your thing.

A lot of the outdoor rinks will feature other fun activities like sledding, Christmas crafts, and holiday markets. And, did I mention the always delicious hot chocolate stands? Skating at an outdoor rink makes for a great date or hang out with your friends but try and go during a less popular time (morning or early afternoon), if you aren’t the most confident skater.

Toboggan/Sled Rides:

There is a toboggan chute in my area that I have been dying to try out and I would love to give it a go this year. It can reach speeds of up to 50 MPH, which is awesome if you are a thrill seeker, like myself. If this sounds a bit too intense for you, sled riding is another fun option and is a good one to take your children or nieces and nephews to. I am definitely hoping we can take my little niece, Valerie, down a baby hill or two this year!

Hikes Are Nice:

I always enjoy taking at least one hike during the winter time at one of the many amazing Metro Parks in my area. I think that it is so much fun to bundle up, pull on my boots, and trudge around in the snow. Not only is it an excellent work out, but I especially love to see all of the gorgeous snow coating the trees and feeling myself warm up just a little bit more with every step.

Playing In The Snow:

Playing in the snow is not just for children anymore, especially because boozy hot chocolate is definitely a thing! Gather up your friends during a fresh snowfall and relive your childhood with snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. Finish out your snow session with a bonfire to warm you up!

When there’s so many fun options for outdoor winter activities, you can create a memorable and inexpensive afternoon with your favorite people. Keep the spirit of the day going with Christmas movies and warm drinks after!

What is your favorite winter activity? What is your favorite way to warm up after a cold day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec4

Life Update

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Life Update

Howdy! It’s been a while since I’ve gave you an update on all of the new and exciting things in Lil Red’s world so I thought that I would take the time to fill you in. Let’s see, the first big news I can share with you is that I have a new nephew! My brother and his wife had their little boy, Patrick, at the beginning of November and we are all so in love with his darling tiny face and wispy blonde hair. Mom, dad, and baby are happy and healthy and I cannot wait to see them when I go to Georgia hopefully in January.

What else? Well, things with my boyfriend, Johnny, are going swimmingly and we loved spending Thanksgiving together with both of our families. We are both looking forward to the rest of the holiday season and I only have a few more weeks of pestering him to let me tell him what I got as his Christmas gift. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

Work is also going just swell and it was so nice to have three work days and the weekend off for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have been working my little tail off since the car accident so it was a much needed break and I feel so refreshed. But, is it bad that I’m already jonesing for my days off for Christmas? 😀

My niece, Valerie, and her mom and dad are also doing amazing. She is seriously the light of my life and it’s so fun watching her crawl around and hear her say “dada”. She loves to laugh and play with her toys and her two doggie big brothers and cat big sister. I can’t wait for her first Christmas and Christmas in general… did I mention Christmas?!

Despite the medical issues that I filled you in on yesterday, everything else in Lil Red’s world is, thankfully, awesome. I so appreciate all of your well wishes and I hope that all of you have the happiest holiday season!

What are some of your life updates? How do you celebrate for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec3

Accident Update

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Accident Update

Hellooo everyone! If you recall, in late September, my boyfriend and I were hit head on by a reckless driver and I was hospitalized. I was pretty banged up and went home with a catheter and a lot of pain. Since then, my shoulder area has never stopped hurting. There’s times when I wake up in the morning and I can’t even apply my makeup because I can’t lift my arm.

I assumed that this pain would go away on its own but, then, things began taking a scary turn when I was at work in mid October. My right arm went completely numb and my hand essentially stopped working. I couldn’t grip anything and was dropping stuff left and right. I immediately scheduled an appointment with an orthopedist and was given a cortisone shot with the hopes that that would help.

Unfortunately, a week later, the symptoms moved into my left arm as well as the right and my arms began feeling fuzzy and so heavy that lifting them was impossible. It just didn’t feel like my arms. I called the orthopedist back with the update and an MRI was scheduled and in the time of waiting for that to happen, the pain moved into my neck and collarbones.

The MRI results showed a lot of swelling in my right shoulder as well as an injury to the cervical spine and my doctor ordered physical therapy. I have to begin trying to strengthen these areas of my body for three weeks and if that doesn’t work, then I’m not really sure what happens next.

This whole situation has been extremely frustrating and inconvenient, to say the least, and I am just completely over it. Especially considering that it has been over two months now since the accident and I’m still experiencing symptoms that are quite scary. But, here’s to hoping that the physical therapy will help!

I have had so many people reaching out to check up on me and I appreciate it so much. Thank you all for the well wishes and I will update everyone once the physical therapy finishes up and I find out what happens next.

What have been your experiences with physical therapy? How do you stay positive during a difficult situation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec2

Making The Most Of The Space In Your Home

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Making The Most Of The Space In Your Home

One thing that most people tend to think when they look at their homes is that they wish they could have more space. Unless you happen to live in some kind of palatial mansion, pretty much all of us have thought about what we’d do if we could just make a little extra space here and there in our homes. Of course, for many of us, that’s simply not possible.  However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that you can do to make the most of the space that you already have in your home. Check out these ideas:

Keep things tidy:

One of the most common reasons that a lot of people feel as though they don’t have enough space in their home is that they simply have too much junk cluttering up the place. By keeping things tidy and getting rid of stuff that you really don’t need, even a small room can feel far more open and comfortable. If you’re constantly tripping over stuff and every surface is covered in clutter, it won’t matter how big a room is, it’s always going to feel cramped and tiny.

Use light carefully:

Light is one of the most powerful, and most underrated, tools in your arsenal when it comes to not only making your home feel bigger but also making it feel like a brighter, more vibrant place. The best place to start is with natural light. Try to see if there are any places in your home where natural light is being blocked and work to fix that problem. It’s a small thing but it can make all of the difference in the world to how a room feels.

Find storage solutions:

If you’re not in a position to get rid of a lot of the stuff in your home, then the best thing to do is to make sure that you have the right storage solutions. Being able to store things in a more convenient way can make a huge difference and free up a whole lot of space. Closet & Cabinet Experts can help you turn these areas in your home into a space that houses all of those odds and ends in an organized fashion. This can help fully rid your home of clutter and not being able to find the things you need most will be a problem of the past.

Your storage solutions can also be a great way to furnishing your home. A custom closet allows you to not only create the perfect storage solution but also create one that really improves your home’s style. Check out this post: How Much Does a Custom Closet System Cost? That way you can get an idea of if it’s something that’s right for you.

There are always things that you can do to bring your home more closely in line with what you want it to be. You’ve just got to be willing to put the work in. Sure, this can be a little difficult and stressful at times, though there are always things you can do to make it at least a little easier. However, the benefits that come from making your home a more enjoyable place to be in far outweigh the time and effort it takes to make that happen.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec2

Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

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Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

Hello everyone! It’s no secret that Lil Red loves the Goodwill – a spark which has burned brightly since doing a majority of my apartment shopping there when I moved in. Similar to TJMaxx, shopping secondhand feels like a treasure hunt. You literally never know what you’re going to find. Sometimes the shopping trip is fruitless and other times you walk out with a bagful of things you didn’t know you needed until you laid eyes on it.

For example, the last time I was at Goodwill, this amazing Jones New York dusty pink blazer dress was just hanging out on one of the end caps and it was instant love. With vintage vibes and a color I rarely wear, this purchase felt exciting and I am so looking forward to sporting it this holiday season. Take a look:

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The very cool thing about this little number, aside from the fact that it looks fresh out of the 1950s, is the options that it comes with. Yes, it could be worn as a dress, which I plan on doing for at least one holiday get together. But, it also can be thrown on as a trench style coat, which will look particularly becoming in the spring. Buying pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways helps the garment continue to feel exciting with every use and it always makes me feel like I’m getting a lot of bang for my buck.

I spent a whopping five dollars on this dress and I’m sure that the original price tag was at least twenty times that. And, that’s the beauty of secondhand shopping. For five dollars I got to treat myself with an old piece of clothing that feels brand new to me and there is really nothing better than that!

What has been one of your favorite secondhand finds? How do you shop secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah