Sep6

Choose Kindness

Posted on by
Standard
Choose Kindness

Helloooo! It seems like all one needs to do is turn on the news for a scary story to tell in the dark. Shootings, political unrest, and unthinkable crimes play on a loop and it can make this world feel like a terrifying place to live in. It seems like there is just no kindness left and it is something that we all need reminded of from time to time to take it upon ourselves to improve. That is why I am so happy that my mom picked out this amazing shirt for me that she found at a recent trip to the farmers market. Check it out:

kind1

My mom is the queen of sweet surprises and she picked out this shirt for me for a number of reasons like my love for learning languages, my work with people with special needs, and the fact that a friendly reminder never hurts. It is easy to get so wrapped up in your own problems that you don’t realize you might be coming off as rude to the people that you encounter throughout your day. And, with a kind word or gesture you have the option to completely turn a stranger’s day around as opposed to ruining it for them with a snarky comment or letting the door slam in their face.

Choosing kindness takes practice, as it seems to be second nature to always look out for yourself. But, once you get the hang of it, it becomes something that doesn’t need thinking about anymore. And, remember – you have no idea what a stranger is going through, so don’t make things any worse for them. Choose kindness today and watch the world around you change for the better. ❤

How do you choose kindness? What are simple ways to make someone’s day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep5

Groovy Movies: Walmart Haul Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Groovy Movies: Walmart Haul Edition

Hello! As soon as I get home from work and blogging needs and paperwork are complete, all I want to do is relax. Usually, my routine once I return home and complete the rest of my busy work is eat, practice my languages on Duolingo, pop in a movie, and read before bed. I am an avid movie fan and, because I don’t have any streaming services, I’ll purchase DVDs in store if I can find them on the cheap. The last time I was at Walmart with a client, they had a three dollar movie bin so I took home the following:

moviess

Lol, no surprises here that one from my selection is a scary movie! But, now I have both of The Conjuring films which I’m happy about. And, I just watched the second one this past week after a busy day. Despite my love of all things horror, I still need a laugh and my beloved Melissa McCarthy and Will Ferrell are just what the doctor ordered for that. Old School is one of my favorite comedies, other than Step Brothers, so it was exciting to have found it. And, although Tammy is the dumbest movie ever, it reminds me of when my sister and I saw it in theaters and we still quote it to this day – so I couldn’t not get it!

Discount movie buying is a nice little pick me up for when I need a treat and it provides me with entertainment for many evenings to come. For three bucks a pop, I’d say that these were all totally worth it. Movie night, anyone?

How do you treat yourself? What kind of entertainment do you enjoy after a day at work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest

Sep4

TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

Posted on by
Standard
TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

Salutations! Saying that I just “like” the dark and disturbing is a severe understatement because the creepy, spooky, scary, and weird is what I am most drawn to. I am a horror fan through and through from movies and literature to art and decor. My preferred activities for a night in would include a scary movie marathon or tucking in with a good Stephen King book. And, with Halloween on my mind, I couldn’t pass up these gorgeous skull embellished plates by Royal Stafford when I saw them at TJMaxx. Check it out:

skullskull1skull2

After giving a nod to British punk fashion in my latest OOTD, it should come as no surprise that I was eager to add my new plates into the cart after seeing the “Made In England” sticker. And also: skulls, lol! These plates are so beautiful to me and I love the sketch style skull on the more simple plates but the real piece de resistance is the ornate crowned skull. Sadly, there was only one of those bad boys, which was a disappointment because trust and believe I would have bought a few of them!

Do I plan on eating off of these plates? Absolutely not. They’re too pretty to me and I got them for more of a home decor purpose. Now, it’s only a matter of finding just where to put them, because my curio cabinets are already fully stocked with my trinkets and treasures. For the time being, my Royal Stafford dishes are resting safely on my air hockey table until I get a stroke of inspiration for where to put them.

Until then, I am just happy to have found such unique pieces that I find so much beauty in. These are the last items from my TJMaxx Fall Haul and I really think that I was saving the best until the end of this series. And, who knows, maybe I’ll find some more unique dishes by Royal Stafford during my seasonal shopping haul come winter. Fingers crossed!

How do you shop for fall and the changing of the seasons? What is a TJMaxx or secondhand store find that you are particularly proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep3

Making Sure Your Business Has All The Right Signage

Posted on by
Standard
Making Sure Your Business Has All The Right Signage

Having appropriate signage is an important step for your business. Effective signage can help your store’s marketing by lending to its visibility. It can also help you save money. Having proper signage will help inform customers and direct them, which you would otherwise need salespersons to do. There are various types of signage that your business will need to have. Missing some of them will create confusion and inefficiencies for your business. Here, we discuss some of the most important ones that every business should have:

Storefront or outdoor signs:

Your storefront sign is the first thing people notice about your store. It is the most important part of your business – it tells people what you are and what you sell. The exterior sign should have all of the information the customers need. It should have your brand name and your business’s logo displayed in an aesthetically pleasing way. You can work with companies that do banner printing in Edina, MN (or your local area) to create signage for your storefront that will pop to everyone passing by.

A storefront sign should be clear and not confuse shoppers about what you are selling. To do this, it needs to follow certain marketing and branding rules. The colors used should be consistent with your brand and product. Everything makes a difference, including the font you use. The quality of the storefront sign is also more important than all other types of signs. Make sure that your reliable signage supplier in Manila provides you with the highest-quality material and print. Your signs should last a long time and last through the tropical climate of the Philippines.

Compliance-related signs:

These are signs that your business must put up in order to comply with laws and regulations. These can include things such as warnings about allergens or signs that say that there are interpreters available. These can also include those about employees having to wash hands, as well as grades and ratings if you are a restaurant. Make sure that you have the appropriate signs on display; otherwise, you can face hefty fines. Some businesses take pride in their ratings, and they may choose to frame them and make them into a part of the overall display. Just because these signs are mandatory doesn’t mean that they have to be boringly designed.

sign1

Informational and directional signs:

These are the second most common types of signs that your business will need. These include banners, advertisements, and any information about ongoing sales or policies. These signs provide direction and clarity to shoppers. Informational signs can also include things that point out where the checkout is or where the bathrooms and fitting rooms are located. The best signs are large and clear and are placed in a prominent location. If you use symbols and imagery, they should be universally understood. Moreover, they ought to be disability friendly and available in colors accessible for everyone.

These are some of the most common types of signage that your business will need to have. If you want to, you can expand your range of signs to include various merchandising items such as carpets, mats, window stickers, and other decor items. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Sep3

The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Travel To In The Fall

Posted on by
Standard
The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Travel To In The Fall

Hello, hello everyone and welcome to a top ten travel countdown brought to you by one of my darling fall guest bloggers, Lexie. Miss Lexie is the author of Living Like Lexie, a blog focused on travel on a budget. And, as a baller on a budget myself, she is truly a woman after my own heart! Today, Lexie is going to talk about the most stunning places to travel to during the fall around the world. Read up, pack your bags, and head off on your next adventure!

The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Travel To In The Fall

Every season has its own unique type of beauty. The fall is when the air gets a little crisper, the trees start to shed their leaves, and all of the Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers come out. The fall can have a special look and feel to it based on where you are. There are so many beautiful locations around the world that bring a whole new reality to what the season of fall is.

Here are 10 of the most beautiful places to travel to that provide the ultimate “fall” experience:

1- Bavaria, Germany

The southern region of Germany is known for its rolling alps, the birthplace of Oktoberfest, and the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s palace. It’s a beautiful place to go to during any time of the year, but it’s especially stunning in the fall.

Imagine being able to take a train ride through the mountains while the foliage of the leaves changes color. It’s like a painting coming to life before your eyes. With all of the surrounding beauty, it’s also a great time to party at Oktoberfest. What could be a more appealing fall experience to have?

2 – Alberta, Canada

The Canadian National Park of Banff is flocked to by tourists at all times of the year. With its towering mountains, ever flowing forest, and emerald lake – it’s definitely a sight worth seeing. In the fall, this view is flourishing with color as the trees start to prepare for the winter months ahead. And a bonus: you can get out of the chilly fall air by taking a dip in the hot springs.

3 – Napa Valley, California

Fall colors and wine anyone? Going to Napa Valley during its off-season means that the hotels prices go way down, making it a great affordable option. You might not think of California as a top destination to view the warm tones of fall, but what you will find is that the already stunning wine vineyards are where the season’s colors appear. They display rows upon rows of the unique orange and red autumn colors.

4 – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is known for its Cherry Blossoms in the spring, but it is also a sight to behold in the fall. The red pagodas around the city are highlighted by the changing leaves of the season.

5 – Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

The Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place to take a road trip through. You can watch all the fall’s foliage pass you by like a movie. The landscape allows you to take in the incredible show that mother nature is putting on. The valley and hills present a new perspective at every turn, which will keep you captivated for hours.

6 – Paris, France

Paris is already romantic from the mystic it has surrounding it. The beauty of fall’s warm tones contrasting with the cool blue and gray tones of the city’s landscape give it a vibrant breath of life. Take a trip to the city of love with your love this fall to take in the city’s beauty in a whole new way.

7 – Iceland

Iceland is full of color for a land named after ice! There are many incredible sights to see in Iceland like its waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Blue Lagoon. These places become even more surreal with the accent of the fall tones. Make sure you bring a warm coat and your camera along to this breathtaking country!

8 – Scottish Highlands, UK

Calling all Outlander fans! The Scottish Highlands in the fall takes you on an incredible journey that will make you feel like you are living out the show yourself. The highlands are gorgeous at any time of year, but they have a certain vibrancy to them specifically during the fall.

9 – Duluth, Minnesota

The city of Duluth is located right on the tip of Lake Superior. Duluth is full of hilly roads, unique shops, and often the well-known Minnesotan accent, don’tcha know? If you’ve ever pictured what a chilly fall day would look like spent relaxing in a log cabin while overlooking the warm fall tones surrounding the largest lake in North America, look no further than Duluth, MN.

10 – New York City, New York

New York City is great for those that love the fast-paced life of the city, but still want to have the opportunity to walk through Central Park with your Pumpkin Spice Latte and chunky sweater on. The fashion capital of the world is the place to be if you want to rock the fall trends and take in the atmosphere; while admiring both the fall colors and NYC’s skyline.

Are you ready to take off to one of these ten stunning destinations this fall? To make sure you are prepared and have everything you need packed up, download this free Ultimate Packing Checklist!

About the Author:

lexie

Lexie DeVries is a full-time college student from Minneapolis, Minnesota who is seeing the world one trip at a time – and doing it on a budget! Her blog Living Like Lexie shares her travel journey, as well as the tips and tricks she has found to make travel affordable. She is passionate about inspiring others to make their travel dreams into a reality, as she knows what an incredible impact traveling can make on someone’s life.

I’d love to connect with you!

Thank you so much to Lexie for sharing her travel expertise with us and do be sure to check out her blog and give her social media a follow! Where is your top destination to travel to this fall? What are some other great travel locations this season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep2

Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater

Posted on by
Standard
Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater

Greetings! One of my favorite things about fall clothing is getting to break out knitwear again. From cozy cardigans to slouchy sweaters or a hand-knitted scarf, there is nothing better than being wrapped in something warm against the brisk autumn air. I am a huge lover of knitwear because, despite it being so damn comfortable, it always manages looking chic and appropriate for the season. And, the last thing that Lil Red does is dress for comfort, so being enveloped in something so soft and plush is an added bonus.

During my seasonal shopping haul at TJMaxx, I came across the tennis ball green Cynthia Rowley sweater seen below and thought that it was the ugliest thing that I’ve seen in my life. So, obviously, I had to try it on. And, surprising at it was, I fell in love with it as soon as I popped my head out of the turtleneck. Check it out:

cyr1

From the color green that looks like it belongs on the walls of a home back in the 60s to the crisp white squares adorning the sweater, this little number screams mod. Give me a Twiggy vibe and I am all in and this sweater definitely does that for me. What draws me to the clothes and accessories that I purchase is if I’ve never seen anything like it before and that is why I was so attracted to this sweater, even if it did look heinous on the rolling rack.

Before even trying my new Cynthia Rowley sweater on, I had a good feeling about it. Fifty shades of green is very flattering on me and I wasn’t expecting anything different from the chartreuse fabric. And, just one look in the fitting room mirror of the color against my red hair had me sold and infinite visions of styling possibilities washed over me.

I am so looking forward to creating a collegiate cool OOTD to shoot in the campus library of one of the nearby universities in my neck of the woods. School is back in session and I plan on schooling everyone in fall style by pairing this sweater with a smart pair of trousers or an A-line skirt with thick tights and a heeled oxford shoe. Mix in some tweed and a silk scarf around your neck and you’re bound to get an A in OOTD 101!

What is an “ugly” piece of clothing or color that you love? How do you style a back to school look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep1

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Woman In Cabin 10 Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Lil Red’s Book Club: The Woman In Cabin 10 Edition

Salutations! In the newest edition of Lil Red’s Book Club, we are going to be discussing the mystery thriller, The Woman In Cabin 10, by Ruth Ware. This author might sound a bit familiar to you, as I just recently reviewed another one of her books, In A Dark, Dark Wood. And, similarly to it, The Woman In Cabin 10 is another one that revolves around an unreliable narrator. Let’s discuss, without giving any spoilers away!

bookk

Lo Blacklock, a writer for a travel magazine is your classic “can we trust everything she sees” narrator. Following the usual formula of a heavy drinker while on medication, sleep deprived, as well as recently traumatized by a break in, Lo is… well, at a low point. Ba dum chhhhh. Anyways, very shortly after the break in happened, Lo sets sail aboard a luxury “cruise ship” that’s more like a yacht as a fill in for her boss on maternity leave.

The Aurora is welcoming a select few in the travel industry to board for a week, sailing around Norway, to get the hype built for their launch. The surroundings are swanky and the guests are even more posh – ranging from photographers to heiresses as well as journalists and models. This is a big break for Lo and, while she should be networking her little butt off, she ends up investigating a murder that she only heard, instead.

Enter The Woman In Cabin 10, a cabin that was supposed to be empty.  Lo spoke with the tenant one time after knocking on her door to borrow a tube of mascara and didn’t see her again that night at dinner. A dinner that she ended up getting WASTED at, by the way. So, who’s to say that what she saw was accurate when she claimed she saw a bloody smear on the glass divider on her balcony once she was back in her room? Or heard a huge splash that sounded like a body falling overboard?

The whodoneit begins, as Lo questions all of the staff with the help of the head of security and prying into just what the guests were up to after the dinner party. No one has seen the woman who she saw in the cabin and absolutely no one is ruled out as a suspect. Filled with red herrings and hidden intentions, will the murder get solved or remain a mystery at sea? Read The Woman In Cabin Ten to find out!

I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of In A Dark, Dark Wood and wasn’t expecting much better from The Woman In Cabin 10. But, I ended up enjoying it a fair amount. If I’m being honest, I am SO. Freaking. Sick. of the unreliable narrator angle. However, this murder mystery set at sea was too dishy and fun to not be a total page turner. The grand reveal at the end was also one that I wasn’t expecting at all and, normally, I am very quick to solve it on my own.

While I couldn’t stand any of the characters from In A Dark, Dark Wood, I quite liked the cast of players in this one. They all held my interest because all of their personalities were so different and it made for a fun reading experience to watch and study their interactions with each other. The finger pointing and guessing games between them kept me on my feet till the very end.

I didn’t love The Woman In Cabin 10 by any means but, I finished it in three days so that has to count for something, right? I’m going to give it a six out of ten rating and would recommend it for a quick summer read, if nothing else.

Who else has read The Woman In Cabin 10? What did you think about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug31

August 2019 Finishes

Posted on by
Standard
August 2019 Finishes

Yo, yo, yo! Can you believe that it’s the end of August already? Me either! I, for one, am ecstatic about it and have been waiting for summer to be over since it began. I absolutely despise hot weather and would rather experience the bitter cold than extreme heat. So, needless to say, bring on the fall baby! Although it definitely hasn’t been my favorite time of the year, August was good for using up a lot of products that I’ve been working on for a while and we all know how much I love when that happens. Check it out:

augaug2aug1

Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

Jergens Lotion: I purchased this big bottle o’ Jergens when I first moved into my apartment in April and I finished it halfway through this month after once weekly full body uses. I like that this lotion wasn’t heavily scented and it felt rich and creamy on my skin without feeling greasy or leaving residue. I used my lotion after my weekly shaving extravaganza and I think it definitely helped my shave last longer and my skin felt really healthy and hydrated after each use.

Softsoap Body Wash: I have never been one to believe in purchasing expensive or fancy body washes. My three dollar bottles of Softsoap suits me just fine, thank you very much. The pomegranate and mango sent was delicious and invigorating in the morning, it lathered well, and it didn’t dry out my skin. One bottle lasted me for one month with daily use and a weekly bubble bath.

TBS Facial Oil: I absolutely love the Oils Of Life serum by The Body Shop. It is so rich and leaves my skin feeling well loved but it somehow manages to absorb quickly and sits perfectly beneath makeup. One bottle lasted me at least three months with daily use and I wish I could use it all of the time throughout the year. I noticed visible differences in the brightness and fine lines on my face and I highly recommend this product!

Garnier Micellar Water: I have been using the Garnier micellar water for well over a year now and have never felt the need to use anything different. I happily shelled out close to seven bucks a pop monthly for a new bottle without complaints. So, you can imagine how excited I was to find an industrial sized bottle of it at Target for ten dollars! The big mama bottle lasted me for THREE MONTHS and I can definitely get down with that! 😀

B&BW Hand Soap: When I moved into my apartment, I utilized the five for twenty three dollar deal that Bath & Body Works was having on their foaming hand soap and I am so happy with that purchase. I freaking love that stuff and the Peach Bellini soap that I just finished up smelled divine. The soap never dried my hands out and really made them feel clean with its foaming goodness.

And, the best part is, one bottle lasted me a long ass time! I have had the same bottle in my bathroom since moving in and finally finished it halfway through August. Even when I was at the final dregs of it, the remainders lasted me for several more days. Highly recommend for your kitchen and bathrooms.

Garnier Cleanser: I am usually a big fan of Garnier products and, although I didn’t hate this cleanser, I don’t plan on using it again. It really was just your standard facial cleanser with nothing special about it. It lasted me about two months and I appreciate that but, I like something really crisp and refreshing in the morning when I’m washing my face and this one didn’t do it for me.

Drunk Elephant Cleanser: The Jelly Cleanser by Drunk Elephant was part of my Sephora birthday gift this year and I wasn’t impressed. And, this just goes to show you that sometimes the more expensive brands aren’t worth the money that you’re dishing out for it. The sample bottle lasted me for a little under two weeks, which was enough time to tell that I wouldn’t be using it again. It had no scent, it didn’t lather well, and my skin felt really tight after using it. No thank you!

Despite two no go’s on my August empties, I used up a lot of products that I am really happy with and would definitely recommend. I would buy all of the finishes that I liked again and I think that all of you would enjoy them too!

Which beauty products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the products above if you have used them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug30

3 Health Checks That Everybody Needs To Take Regularly

Posted on by
Standard
3 Health Checks That Everybody Needs To Take Regularly

The best way to treat most health problems is early intervention. But a lot of health issues don’t display symptoms until they are more developed, so you might have a serious health problem that goes unnoticed for a long time. That’s why health checks are so important, especially as you get older. There are certain checks that can pick up the signs of a serious health problem so you can start treatment before it causes you any serious issues. These are some of the health checks that you should have on a regular basis:

Blood Pressure Tests:

Changes in your blood pressure can be a sign of all sorts of health problems and if you have high blood pressure, it can be a cause of serious issues like heart disease and strokes. Most of the time, you won’t see any symptoms from high blood pressure but around a third of people suffer from it. You can get a blood pressure test from your primary care doctor, so book an appointment and get it checked out on a regular basis. If you are found to have high blood pressure, you will be asked to come in for further tests. If the readings are consistently high, you will be given advice on changing your diet to lower your blood pressure and you may be given medication to manage it as well.

As you make major life changes to improve your health, it is so important to have a good relationship with your doctor. You want someone that you can go to with confidence and be able to share comfortably about the areas you struggle with. If you are interested in changing your practitioner to find a better fit for you, that is okay! Just be sure to go to someone with expert knowledge and excellent reviews. You can often learn more about the staff at a facility from visiting their website like this Sloane Street Surgery that features bios of each doctor. There is nothing wrong with shopping around until you find the best fit!

Hearing And Eye Tests:

As you get older, your eyesight and your hearing are likely to suffer. But a lot of people just accept it as a part of aging and don’t do anything about it. The thing is, if you catch it early and treat it, you can preserve your hearing and your eyesight. If you want to preserve your auditory health and maintain good eyesight, you need to have regular checks. If you have a problem, you can get hearing aids and glasses early on, and you can slow down the progress of these conditions. Losing your hearing and eyesight can have a big impact on your lifestyle so anything that you can do to preserve them is very important.

Sometimes your eyes will need more than just glasses or corrective lenses. If you are a candidate for laser eye surgery, you might have a lot of questions about the procedure and the price. You can search for something like “laser eye surgery melbourne prices” (or wherever is local to you) to help you get a rough estimate on how much the procedure will cost and what it entails.

Cholesterol Tests:

High cholesterol is very common, especially if you don’t eat a good diet. Having high levels of cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, so it’s important that you manage it properly. A lot of people don’t realize that they have a problem and they continue with the same unhealthy lifestyle choices, and that puts their health at risk. That’s why you need to get a test with your doctor and they will be able to tell you whether you have healthy levels of cholesterol or not. If you don’t, they can give you advice on how to change your diet to reduce your cholesterol. They may also offer you medication to help bring the levels down.

Taking these three tests on a regular basis will help you to stay in good health and avoid any serious problems so schedule an appointment with your doctor today!

Featured Image By: Pixabay CCO License

Aug30

Fall Haul: Camo Velvet Heart Top

Posted on by
Standard
Fall Haul: Camo Velvet Heart Top

Hello!! One print that I happen to like a lot but don’t own any of is camouflage. I’ve always loved the idea of finding a great pair of camo skinnies or a jacket but I just have never found the one that works for me. So, when I came across this little button up number by Velvet Heart during my TJMaxx Fall Haul, I had to give it a try. And, despite my mom and sister not loving it, it came home with me and I am very much looking forward to sporting it during the last days of summer and throughout the fall. Check it out:

camocamo1

To me, the camo print is so edgy despite it being quite utilitarian and I like that because it means I have lots of options when styling it. While the warm weather is still among us, I plan on just wearing this top tucked into jean shorts with my Peter Grimm strapped hat for a safari chic OOTD. But, when the temperatures drop, I can totally layer it over a tight fitting sweater for extra warmth while sacrificing none of the cuteness.

Camo makes a statement, but it doesn’t completely make the outfit. And, nothing will look better with the deep green palette of my new button down then some… you guessed it: CHUNKY GOLD JEWELRY! More specifically, my cheetah embellished gold chain from yesterday’s post. It will fit snugly beneath the collar with the cheetah popping out of the green leaves just like in its natural jungle habitat. Pair it with some chic black ankle boots and skinny jeans and you’re ready for a look that will turn heads despite the camo’s purpose of blending in. Now, that’s an outfit!

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