Back To Normal

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Back To Normal

Hello! I’ll tell you guys what, getting back to work after the car accident was really hard. And I’ll also tell you guys what, getting back to work after the car accident after an additional week off from family vacation was even harder! My life went from having a blast with my family in North Carolina for a whole week to barely moving for a week in a matter of twelve hours, because the accident happened the day after I returned home.

Returning to work was definitely just as difficult as I imagined it to be. I was still experiencing aches and pains and my stamina was so low that not even my normal venti iced coffee from Starbucks could help me. But, like all things, it just took time. And, I figured if I could resume my job after a month and a half off from a surgery gone wrong, surely I could manage after two weeks!

However, I am pleased to say that things are finally on the upswing and I’d like to think that things are officially Back To Normal… as normal as Lil Red can get, anyways. 😉 Now, I can fully enjoy my favorite fall season and Halloween without a dull throb in my chest as well as revel in my time with my clients. And, for that, I am thankful.

The most difficult thing about this whole ordeal, though, was probably getting behind the wheel of a car again. I hadn’t drove for two weeks minus making a trip or two back to my family home, which is literally right up the street. So, diving completely back into it on my first day back at work was scary – especially because I was on the highway and it was rainy during my morning drive.

I would never say that I was a nervous driver before the accident. I have always been highly confident of my ability to drive and am usually quite relaxed in the Little Red Love Machine. And, while I still consider myself an excellent driver, I notice that I have become extra cautious post accident. I am even more aware of my surroundings than usual and I find that my red hot road rage has simmered down to a soft glow.

The car accident was easily one of the scariest things that I’ve experienced in my life and the last thing I want is for it to happen again. And, if that means tacking on some extra time to get to where I need to be without being in a rush, then so be it. A little more patience never hurts anyone and it could end up saving lives in the process. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

I am so happy to be back into the swing of things and I want to thank all of you again so much for your support during such a difficult time! ❤

How did you handle a scary situation in your life? How do you keep a level head while driving? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Few Vacation Pics

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A Few Vacation Pics

Hellooo! I didn’t take too many pictures during my recent family vacation to Asheville, North Carolina but, of course, I took a selfie or two and had my dad snap a few as well. My dad is a great photographer and usually does the majority of the picture taking when we’re on vacation. And, I was so busy enjoying my damn self that I guess I just forgot! Anyways, take a looksee:

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^^^ These pics were all taken at Altapass Orchard.

Now, you might find yourself wondering who that handsome man is in the last person and that is the one and only BILL CARSON. He is the owner and face behind the Altapass Orchard on the Blue Ridge Parkway and he is an absolute delight. The orchard in itself is gorgeous but the real fun happened shortly after we got there and a country trio began to play music in their gift shop.

In the gift shop was a stack of bumper stickers boasting the phrase “Honk if you survived a dance with Bill Carson” and I thought it was hilarious. I had no idea who he was at the time but I did know I wanted that bumper sticker for my car desperately. So, as luck would have it, Bill just so happened to be at the gift shop with his wife to enjoy the music and cut a rug on the dance floor.

And, dance we did. Bill and I shared a lovely hoedown to the country music and it was a complete blast. After our dance, my dad bought me the bumper sticker that I had my eyes on because I earned it, damnit. My family had a riveting chat with Bill afterwards about his life story as a NASA engineer and how his sister and himself came in possession of the Altapass Orchard.

Long story short, Bill’s sister purchased the land which developers were very interested in to build along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This was a massive “no no” though and the Carson family refused their offers to buy it. They have since had the land recognized by the National Parks of North Carolina so that it can never be built on and have its vast beauty appreciated forever.

Bill Carson was a joy and I loved learning his story and the hard work that was put in to keeping the Altapass Orchard afloat during the past five years of insufficient crops thanks to climate change. The orchard serves not just as that but as a sort of clubhouse where local music is played and anyone can get up and dance. And, if they’re lucky, they can survive a dance with local celebrity Bill Carson too!

Are there any local celebrities in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite fall activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

And In Conclusion…

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And In Conclusion…

Hello everyone! So I definitely laid some scary news on you all yesterday and I’m sorry for it but, oh my god, it was crazy. One of the things that I pride myself on as a blogger is not sugar coating anything. From my ongoing issues with mental health to everything in between, I try to keep it 100% real with all of you because, if not, then what’s the point?

I am so grateful to have been able to walk out of a severe car crash with the injuries that I had, which seem minor in comparison to breaking a bone, a bleeding cut, or worse. My boyfriend and I are both doing much better now but I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that it didn’t suck on ice. One person’s poor decision when it came to driving effected SIX other cars, people, and families. And, not only that, but he also had another major wreck at his own fault two years prior.

It honestly makes you wonder how that person ended up with his license in the first place, when he only seemed to leave destruction in his path. People could have been killed and, after the wreck, he still seemed unfazed – which is scary. I can only hope that the people in my neck of the woods are spared from having him on the road again and all I can do is urge all of you to be careful when you get behind the wheel. Not just careful for yourself but for all of the others around you, as well.

I always say when I’m in the car with my clients and they ask me if I’m afraid to drive that I’m never worried about my ability to drive, but for everyone else around me. And that definitely rang true the day of the accident. I am completely confident in my boyfriend’s ability to drive but that also didn’t prevent someone from getting into our lane and hitting us head on. So, all I can say is – be aware of your surroundings, wear your seat belts, and always be thankful when you make it to your destination safely.

What is something that you’re afraid of? How did you deal with a car accident if you’ve ever been in one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accidents Happen

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Accidents Happen

*Trigger Warning* This post contains details of a car accident and medical trauma.

Helloooo everyone! Those of you who follow me on Facebook will know that yours truly was in a car accident this past month that had me in the hospital. (And, for those of you who don’t follow me on Facebook, make sure you get on it at: Sarah Mushenheim!) It was a really scary, painful experience and I wanted to give you all the 411 on what happened because I have been so blown away by all of the well wishes and all of you deserve to know. So, let’s get to it.

It was a Sunday afternoon circa one PM when my boyfriend and I were driving to pick some things up from his house and then we were going to have a date day. I had just returned from vacation the night before so we hadn’t seen each other for a week and were eager to hang out. Unfortunately, that got cut short, because as we were at an intersection on a twenty-five MPH street, we got hit head on by a driver going at least forty-five.

How did this person end up in the complete wrong lane and effect not just us but SIX cars in total? I’m really not sure, because it happened so quickly. But, I am fairly sure he was trying to get around a person turning left and, in the process, swiped another car and ended up going head first into ours. This left the car that got swiped, our car, and the car of the guy who hit us totaled. And, I’m assuming the other three cars ended up in fender benders or the like from all of the commotion going on on the road.

The heavy blow to our car caused the air bags to go off and, oh my god, the pain was indescribable. Before the accident, I had my feet on the dashboard and when I saw the car coming I instinctively went into fetal position. This caused my skater’s legs to go wham, bam, thank you ma’am right into my chest. I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I just remember screaming bloody murder.

Thankfully, the first responders came quickly and, while we were waiting for them, I had to shimmy my way out of the driver’s side door because the accident prevented my side from opening. I can recall yelling “let me out, let me out” and that was also super scary because I already felt like I couldn’t breathe and then I felt trapped on top of it.

Once the police and ambulances came, everything was a whirlwind. The EMTs began to check me and my boyfriend and we ended up being transported to a local hospital. We were both experiencing pain in our chests and had seat belt burns and various bumps and bruises. I also had a horrible pain in the bottom left corner of my stomach.

When we got to the hospital, we were put in separate rooms and I was asked to give a urine sample. I hobbled my sorry ass into the bathroom and got my shorts and undies down to see that there was blood in them as well as blood in my urine. Once this discovery was made, I had to get a CAT scan done and a pelvic exam which hurt so incredibly badly.

According to the scan, there was an air bubble in my bladder. And, as the day went on, there was still blood in my urine and it was becoming increasingly difficult to pee. So, the decision was made to have me transferred to the ER in Cleveland with a trauma team to try and find out what was going on with my bladder.

By the time I arrived in Cleveland, it was already eight thirty at night and I was exhausted. I was in unbearable pain and, at this point, I couldn’t pass urine at all and was experiencing all the discomfort of an insanely full bladder. Another CAT scan was done as well as a bladder scan and a catheter was put in so that I could finally go to the bathroom. I also had to get an X-ray of my shoulder to make sure I didn’t have any fractures there.

When this was all said and done, it was around two in the morning and I was told that I was going to be admitted to the hospital. A room finally opened up around five AM and all I wanted was to sleep but the constant questions, poking, and prodding made that damn near impossible.

I spent the following day at the hospital being monitored and having different tests done and was able to go home around eight in the evening with my catheter still in. And, lucky for me, I got to have it taken out two days later because it was very uncomfortable and quite painful. Everything looked okay according to the urologist and I just had to keep an eye on the slight bleeding that was still happening.

Thankfully, nothing was majorly wrong other than the pain and the same goes for my boyfriend, as well. We both had to take the week off of work and were happy to return the following Monday. There were a lot of things to be grateful for in this situation. No one involved in the accident got severely hurt. The insurance company of the person responsible took care of everything thanks to the help of the Auto Accident Lawyer on the case. And, most importantly, we were in my boyfriend’s big station wagon. Had we been in the Little Red Love Machine (a tiny hatchback), this would have been an entirely different story.

I am so appreciative to my family, boyfriend, the first responders, and the staff at both hospitals for taking such good care of me. It was a horrible situation to be in, but it could have been a lot worse and I am so thankful that all is well for both me and my boyfriend now. And, thank you to all of you for the concern and get well soons. It didn’t go unnoticed and I love you all! ❤

What are you thankful for? Has anyone had a situation similar to mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Trail Blazers: Rrrruss Edition

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Trail Blazers: Rrrruss Edition

Salutations and welcome to the last article from my Trail Blazers series compliments of spending twenty dollars at a North Carolina Goodwill. The last blazer we will be discussing is a more simple one by Rrrruss. But, with the smart grey tweed and adorable chocolate brown elbow patches, this sweet little number is anything but boring! Check it out:

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Definitely a far cry from the slouchy, shoulder padded blazers we talked about previously, this fitted grey blazer is perfect for scholarly chic fall OOTDs. Everything about my new blazer just feels so collegiate cool and I have big aspirations to go full Blair Waldorf with it by pairing it with a mini skater skirt, cable knit tights, starched white blouse, and a fun silk scarf, tie, or bow tie to complete the look. And, we can’t forget one of her signature headbands!

Although I obviously love me a good boyfriend blazer, there is nothing better than a sharp, tailored to perfection one to create CEO level confidence by simply slipping it on. A well fitted blazer is a power piece, for sure, and it would behoove every single person on planet Earth to have one in their wardrobe. From work meetings to running woman on the go errands, my new Rrrruss blazer will give me Blair Waldorf vibes and a confidence that is all mine. ❤

How do you style a Gossip Girl inspired OOTD? What is your favorite power piece in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

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Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

Howdy! I honestly can’t think of a time when shopping has made me feel bad. Lol, I know such a shopaholic – but seriously. When I’m happy, I shop. When I’m sad, I shop. When I’m indifferent, I shop. But, hey, there’s a lot worse things that I could be doing and at least everything in my Trail Blazers series was from a Goodwill in North Carolina so it definitely didn’t break the bank!

I will admit, that I was not in my normal happy go lucky state of mind during this particular shopping trip. However, purchasing four blazers for twenty bucks in total perked me right up! Lol, check it out:

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Now, I am well aware that this olive green cheetah print number by Kasper is super old ladyish. Believe you me, I am the first to admit it. But, I just feel like I can do something cool with it especially because the color is divine. Because fifty shades of green is so flattering on me, it took the old lady element out of this jacket and turned it into a piece that’s quirky and unique compliments of the velvet animal print and slouchy fit.

If I wear this blazer before my boyfriend gets to it for a concert with his band, the plan is to keep things really young and fresh. So, I’m thinking of pairing it with shorts with tights underneath, a sweet crop top, and all of the chunky gold jewelry. And, of course, a cool pair of boots!

When shopping secondhand, it’s easy to just search for the things that are more suitable to your age and bypass all of the other options. Unfortunately, this means that you’re turning up your nose to eighty percent of what’s in the store. When thrifting, you have to use your imagination to turn something seemingly “not your style” into a new wardrobe staple. I felt like I could do that with this Kasper blazer and I’m looking forward to seeing how it works. 😀

Which sections do you love to shop in at your local thrift stores? How do you get creative while secondhand shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Three Simple Home Improvement Projects That Increase Market Value

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Three Simple Home Improvement Projects That Increase Market Value

Unless you’re a real estate pro, you might not know how to get the best return on your investment when the time comes to sell your home. For example, did you know that your home could sell for significantly more if you spend a little extra time and money on a few simple improvements? While it may seem counter intuitive to invest money and time into a home you wish to get off your hands, a couple of choice updates and additions to your property could give you a decent return on your investment:

Invest in Exterior Features:

While a home’s exterior features such as the garden, garage, swimming pool, roof, and gutters may seem less important than the interior, ensuring that these features are both operational and attractive to the eye is a great way to add value to your home. Keeping your garden and lawn well maintained will leave a strong impression on any potential buyers who turn up for your viewings. No green thumb? No problem! Professional teams like Calvin Landscape (or a similar company in your local area) can transform your yard for you.

There may be a lot of work on the exterior of your property that you can do yourself, like painting and cleaning gutters. Larger additions will need to be handled by experts who can ensure that installations are done according to spec. For example, a high-quality water tank can be a strong selling point. Tank Direct is a fantastic option for your water tank requirements.

A fresh and well-maintained exterior is a useful way to help a potential buyer imagine the lifestyle their family might enjoy, should they buy the property and move in. Family friendly property can include things like a fenced in yard, shady areas to cool off, and bigger selling points like amazing pool designs, a koi pond, or tree house.

Get Those Repairs Taken Care Of:

While you might imagine that getting your bigger projects done (like a bathroom remodel or retileing the kitchen backsplash) would be more attractive to potential buyers, it’s crucial to put these jobs on hold until any necessary structural repairs have been completed. These will make a tremendous difference when it comes time to put your property on the market. If you don’t, you risk your buyers being too distracted by the leaky ceiling or the odor of mold to even notice the fancy additions like new tiles. Before you get started on those more exciting beautiful additions to your home, make sure you sort out your repairs, whether it’s electrical, plumbing, or structural.

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Pexels CC0 Licence

Update The Heating System:

If you install a modern central-heating system in your house or give the existing system a comprehensive update, you’re almost certainly going to enhance your home’s value. Older properties such as Victorian houses are charming in many ways, but your potential buyer won’t be charmed by a chilly walk down the hallway as they try to imagine their life in their future home. Problems like chronically freezing floors can be improved with heated flooring too. If you are considering a renovation with a Bathroom remodeler in Murrieta, CA or your local area, this could be a great addition to those frigid tile floors in the bathroom!

Some newer homes come equipped with somewhat dated heating systems that don’t provide enough warmth, and can cost a lot to run. Updating the old system should prove highly attractive to a potential buyer. An extra bonus you get when you add a new heating system to your home is that if you don’t end up selling the property right away, you will save money and stay warmer while you wait for the right buyer to come along.

Whether you’re listing your property in the near future or you’re planning to sell one of these days, these updates are sure to boost the value of your house!

Featured Image By: Pexels CC0 Licence

Trail Blazers: Kasper Edition

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Trail Blazers: Kasper Edition

Salutations! We are on blazer two of four thanks to my twenty dollar haul at a North Carolina Goodwill, so let’s get to it! I used to be so weird about thrift shopping in the past because I was a pretty extreme germophobe. And, I’m not going to lie, I still have my quirks but I’ve learned to take a deep breath and dive right in when it comes to secondhand shopping because I’m not going to let my phobia get in the way of a real life treasure hunt! If I let my fears get the best of me, I wouldn’t have ended up with this menswear inspired number seen below:

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I quite like this Kasper blazer! Of course, the shoulder pads, grey scale palette with a hint of red, and the double breasted buttons are all very good. But, what I really like is that I get a very pajama style vibe from it and turning your sleepwear into streetwear is a huge trend right now! My new/old blazer has a more boyfriend fit to it but it still manages to feel constructed, which is a must for me. This is also all the more reason to love a good shoulder pad because it can add a unique structure to even the slouchiest of tops.

Because I am getting such a huge pajama chic vibe from this blazer, I plan on styling it with some comfy cool joggers or a more wide legged trouser for the ultimate stylish take on leisurewear. Keeping it fashion forward is the name of the game, though, which means a sharp stiletto heel is definitely in order as well as all of the bling to keep you looking modelesque as opposed to “I just rolled out of bed”.

How do you style a pajama inspired look? How do you dress for comfort while still looking chic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

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Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

Greetings! While vacationing in North Carolina, the home that we were staying in had a Goodwill right down the street. So, of course my mom and I had to stop in! We love us some discount shopping and I have had great success at the Goodwill this past year when it comes to clothing and making apartment purchases. In fact, two of my favorite blazers that I got recently are from there!

At the Goodwill in North Carolina, I ended up with FOUR blazers for a grand total of twenty bucks. You really can’t beat that. Did I need them? No. Did I like all of them? Yes! Especially this one by Criscione. Check it out:

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^^^ Peep those shoulder pads, baby!

I absofreakinglutely LOVE this blazer. It is pure and utter glam rock to the highest degree and I couldn’t be happier with this Goodwill find. From the rhinestones sparkling against the pitch black fabric to the larger than life shoulder pads, this blazer is everything and then some. I can’t get enough of the bejeweled buttons and I adore its length that hits right at my mid thigh for a more tuxedo jacket type feel. You truly can’t find clothing like this anymore and I feel like I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon this pretty little thang.

The beauty of this blazer is not just in its bedazzled flashiness but in the infinite styling possibilities that it offers. I, for one, am looking forward to pairing it with faux leather skinnies and my Union Jack platforms. But, I also love the idea of wearing it over a dress and knitted tights come cold weather for a look to slay all family get togethers. I’m clutching my pearls just thinking about it!

What has been your best thrift store find? What are your tips for shopping secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

Hi! To conclude my Lucky Brand Haul from the outlets in Asheville, North Carolina, we are going to discuss my new corduroy trucker jacket. I have always loved the idea of corduroy but, sadly, have never found anything in that material that I considered worth buying. That is, until my pretty rust hued baby came along. Perfect for fall and a great layering piece, this jacket will be everything come the chillier weather! Take a look:

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I was very excited to have found this style of jacket at Lucky, because I had recently ordered a snakeskin patterned trucker jacket from TJMaxx and it did nothing for me. It was just too big and boxy and even my favorite animal print couldn’t save it. Despite having a more boyfriend style fit, my new jacket still has a lovely little shape to it without just draping over me. This is great, because grossly oversized on a petite frame does nothing for my body type!

And, of course, give me anything in a rusty tan or orange hue and I am all in. One of my favorite colors to wear other than black, this shade does all of the right things for me. It makes my red hair pop, my pale skin look even more porcelain, and my hazel eyes sparkle. It is also beautifully reminiscent of the leaves changing color and will be one of my fall staples, for sure.

As I mentioned above, this jacket is an awesome layering piece because of its slightly oversized fit. This means that you can wear a more chunky sweater or turtleneck underneath and still get away with it without looking like a little marshmallow! And, because it’s a more lightweight jacket, you won’t be burning up with your heavier sweater on beneath it. Talk about a win/win. 😀

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