Aug21

Clip Clip Hurray! Pt. 2

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Clip Clip Hurray! Pt. 2

Hello!! Something that I have grown increasingly fond of lately as my hair continues to grow out are hair accessories. From barrettes and headbands to banana clips and pins – I am obsessed with all of it. I recently had a super cute clip haul from Dolls Kill and, after showing the spoils to my mom, she must have kept my new found love in mind because she surprised me with these pretty little babes by Wild Fable, a Target brand. Check it out:

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My mom is seriously such a sweetheart, because she’s constantly doing things like this for me and my family. Whether it’s a new book for baby Valerie or a potted plant for my green thumb dad, she’s always on the lookout for small surprises to show how much she cares. My new clips were in a bag for me in my “mail spot” at the family home where I can see what the good ol’ USPS has for me. And, let me tell you, this was so much better than seeing a credit card bill! 😀

Hair accessories are such a fun way to spruce up any style from just wearing it down to a high pony or messy bun. They add the perfect pop of sparkle and visual interest to create a more unique look and I just love them. I really don’t do much to my hair other than straighten it, so being able to stack a few barrettes on top of each other makes me feel like I’m actually doing something cool with minimal effort. I can’t wait to test out my new clips and special thanks to my beautiful mom for the sweet surprise! ❤

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

Aug20

How To Further Enjoy Following Sports Culture

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How To Further Enjoy Following Sports Culture

Not everyone is a fan of sports. Some might shrug when the Superbowl is on or when a particular country wins the World Cup. Some might groan when a pool game is being shown on television or they might avoid sports bars like the plague. But sports are so varied, vast, and community-driven that, often, to dismiss them outright is akin to saying you ‘just don’t like music.’ There’s something out there for you, even if you have yet to find it.

This means that, sometimes, going out of your way to find the sporting interest you enjoy can help improve your life. You don’t need to force it of course, but what’s the issue with potentially finding one more thing that can add value to your life? To us, that sounds wise. Who knows, this might even go further, such as deciding to run a PPH 247 operation or perhaps even getting involved in the sporting interest yourself.

Further following sporting culture can be a worthwhile and important adventure for you, and who knows? It might help you make new friends, too:

Consider A Wider Prospectus:

You might hate watching American football. You don’t like how the game starts and stops continually, the statistics that are continually read out, and how the players smash into each other and cause real injury. That’s fine. It might not be for you. Then again, football can be a lucrative sport to watch when you bet along with Online Football Betting with UFABET. There’s nothing wrong with earning a little extra money even if you don’t love the sport! Perhaps you’d be into something with more finesse like soccer (football), or perhaps even racing, such as formula one or drift rally competitions.

Maybe you prefer following one athlete rather than a team, such as watching golf, or even getting involved in the life histories and techniques of martial artists, such as through boxing or MMA. There’s a sport out there you haven’t considered, and sometimes attending a few events, even if they’re just local ones, can help you start to become invested in the sport. Don’t force it, but we would be surprised if your natural inclinations didn’t become just a little excited at this prospect.

Make Money From Sports:

One of the most effective ways to improve your relationship with sports is to make it a financially productive activity. You can do this in several ways. While visiting an online bookies list is the fastest, there are additional options like content creation and affiliate marketing. You can also do your research to boost your earnings, and this will be particularly important if you have chosen to begin betting. After all, you can’t just use guesswork if you want to make money! So, start by entering a search for the latest premier league betting odds or for whatever league you like can help get the ball rolling. Either way, you’ll find that you naturally absorb more of the sport while the financial boost will create an emotional link between sports and positive emotions. Plus, having some extra change could allow you to visit more games or even purchase some merch for your favorite team. Several platforms including Cryptorush offers online sports betting so do your research to find the best fit for you. Be sure to check out if there are extra perks for opening a new account too so you can get the most bang for your buck.

Finding a platform that aligns with your specific betting style is crucial for long-term success and enjoyment. While many people stick to the most well-known names, exploring reputable alternatives like 토토마왕 can provide a fresh perspective and potentially better incentives. These sites often prioritize user security and offer a streamlined experience for those looking to capitalize on their sports knowledge. By integrating these specialized platforms into your routine, you can develop a more comprehensive approach to sports wagering. This strategic variety not only keeps the experience exciting but also helps you stay informed about different market trends.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be quitting your job anytime soon, but even a little extra cash will boost your enjoyment of the sport. Not least because you can do it on your terms.

Watch With Friends:

While there are some who enjoy watching sports any chance they can get, there are others who simply enjoy the social aspect of it all. Inviting a few friends over for game day, heading to a stadium and having your face painted, or even placing a friendly wager between friends can be a fun idea to help you enjoy and get invested in the sport. You may never watch a game outside of these large events such as derbies or even the Olympics, but what matters is the fun you have.

Enjoying sports with friends is fun from a social perspective and it could also be a lucrative side hustle. Fantasy leagues, New York Sports Betting, and friendly wagers can help earn you money to splurge for pizza for your crew during the next big game.

Watch A Few Sporting Films:

There are many incredible films about sports out there. For example, Moneyball is a great movie starring Brad Pitt about the wonderful history of baseball and a particularly well-known story within it. Warrior, starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton is a story about two brothers who, through familial breakdown and hardship, end up fighting in the same MMA events. And we needn’t mentioned the Mighty Ducks, or perhaps even hilarious movies such as Space Jam. Sometimes, all that matters is your entertainment to develop a love for the game.

With this advice, we hope you are better equipped to follow sporting culture and gain a new hobby and friends along the way.

Featured Image By: Pexels-CC0 License

Aug20

Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

Hi! So, the first time I went grocery shopping, I was so focused on stocking up on ALL of the food that I forgot the sage words of my client’s mom to remember about cleaning supplies and things like garbage bags, plastic wrap, etc. Of course, I remembered this advice as soon as I got back to my apartment and had to turn around and go back to pick up things like zip lock baggies, sponges, and the like. And, we can’t forget about laundry detergent and dish soap! Here are just a few of my necessities when it comes to cleaning:

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It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all of the big must haves of moving that the little things like your cleaning supplies go unnoticed. Stocking up on these things is important and, unless you’re deep cleaning your place every day, they should last you for a good long while.

On that note, it’s a great idea to invest in a nice trash can. One with a flip up lid, preferably! You don’t want your garbage stinking up the place so do be sure to grab some high quality bags to line your bin with, too. I purchased a stainless steel one from Target and I have yet to have any issues with garbage odors. And, the steel makes it easy to clean in case of spills.

The next thing that I would like to purchase when it comes to cleaning is a Swiffer WetJet for my hardwood and tile floors in the apartment, because those are starting to look a little rough. And, I suppose a vacuum will come in handy, too. But, for now, the carpeted rooms aren’t frequented enough for that to be completely necessary just yet. Talk about adulthood, amiright?!

What are some cleaning necessities that you recommend? How do you keep your place fresh and clean? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug19

Apartment Must Haves: Entertainment Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Entertainment Edition

Hi! Being in my own apartment is, for the most part, a lot of fun. But, there’s a lot more that goes in to running a mini household than people might think. From your necessities to keeping a sanitary environment like trash bags, detergent, and cleaning projects to things to keep you occupied like a gaming system, books, or movies – we are going to discuss it all in this Apartment Must Haves series.

Today, we are going to chat about one of the big ones, for me at least, when it comes to an apartment and that is entertainment. Whether that be when you’re with your friends or just hanging out alone, it’s important to have things on hand that you enjoy to fight the boredom blues. I, myself, have a few shelves dedicated to preventing idle hands during my free time. Check it out:

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And, let’s not forget the new air hockey table! 😀

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Having my own little setup of easily accessible books and movies is an absolute must for me because I am an avid fan of both. Cracking open a good book or putting a movie on during a rainy afternoon is one of my favorite things to do. It’s relaxing and there’s nothing like being transported to another world for a few hours.

I also have a GameCube and am hoping to get a Wii or a Switch so that there are more options for my friends and I to do when they come over – other than getting wine drunk, of course. 😉 And, I would really like to invest in some classic board and table top games, as well, so I can start hosting game nights once a month or so. Good, clean fun is important and being a hostess with the mostess when company is over will make your place the ultimate hangout when you want it to be!

This is why I had to snag my air hockey table when I found it at the Goodwill. Seriously, what’s more fun than that?! There is nothing wrong with having drinks with friends at your place, but I don’t want that to be just what my apartment is about. And, having good entertainment, whether that be hosting a movie night or a game night is a great way to add some variety into your apartment hangs.

What are your favorite board games? What type of games or gaming systems are worth investing in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Fall Is In The Air

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Fall Is In The Air

Okayyyy okay, so fall technically isn’t in the air yet but that doesn’t mean that my apartment can’t smell like it! Because my dumbass thought that burning cigarettes out into some of my candles was a good idea, I needed to restock because none of them will light now. But, lucky for me, Michael’s was having a three for ten dollar deal for their fall scented candles. And, at six dollars apiece originally, I just couldn’t pass that deal up! Check it out:

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I never quite understood people’s obsession with candles until moving into my apartment. And, now, I can definitely see why because the first thing I do when I get home from work in the evening or have a free afternoon is light one up. There is just something about the soft glow of the flame, the delicious scents, and the general atmosphere that is so relaxing when combined with your quiet time reading a book or watching a movie.

I always thought that giving a candle as a gift was kind of basic but OMG would I love to get all of the candles as prezzies now. But, until gift giving season is upon us, these fall scented delights from Michael’s will do just fine. I like all three fragrances that I picked out but the Butterscotch Spice is divine and I’m looking forward to having it lit on my coffee table as a scary movie plays and the crisp autumn wind howls outside.

What is your favorite fall scent? What is one of your favorite “basic” presents to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug17

Accessory Story: Claire’s Haul Edition

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Accessory Story: Claire’s Haul Edition

Helloooo everyone! This past week, I took a client to the mall to do a little shopping and, unfortunately (but not really), I was the one who ended up buying something AS PER USHE. But, I just couldn’t help myself, because I got an amazing deal – six pretty accessories from Claire’s for a whole eighteen dollars thanks to clearance shopping and a buy three get three free deal. I am super happy with my new earrings and headbands and I know that without the promo and marked down prices I would have paid well over fifty bucks for everything I got. So, I guess it isn’t all bad! 😉 Check it out:

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^^^ And, yes, the flower headband DOES light up!!

Buying accessories like earrings and headbands is usually pretty low on my fashion priority list. I have a few of each at home that I wear exclusively and that’s about it. I don’t know if it’s the price of them that bothers me or what, but I’d always rather buy shoes… obviously lol. So, when I found such a good deal for some new treats, I couldn’t pass it up.

I love, love, love my new earrings and am looking forward to wearing all of them, especially the gold circle ones – I think those are so cool! I’ve never owned a pair of feather earrings, either, and the black ones spoke to me, no surprises there. And, the cherries were too cute and the drop ones with the translucent pearls were too classic to not add those to the bag, too.

Although I adore the earrings, I am most excited about my headbands! I haven’t bought new headbands since high school I think, so that was definitely a purchase that had a long time coming! The light denim faux suede with the embroidered flowers is SO pretty and it will be a great way to accessorize a collegiate chic OOTD come fall time.

And, can we PLEASE talk about the light up floral one?! So. CUTE! I had no idea it lit up until the girl who was ringing me up told me and that just made the find even sweeter because it’s basically the coolest thing ever. I have never seen anything like that that I would actually want to wear and I cannot wait to style an OOTD and MOTD around it.

Was this little haul necessary? Not necessarily! But, I got a great deal and found some pretty little things that I wouldn’t have bought otherwise. Plus, there is nothing like refreshing your outfits with some new odds and ends that didn’t break the bank!

Where do you like to accessory shop at? How do you refresh old outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug16

Make It Work: 3 Things To Note When House Hunting With Your Spouse

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Make It Work: 3 Things To Note When House Hunting With Your Spouse

Sometimes, house hunting is fun. But most of the time, it’s such a pain in the neck. What makes it particularly stressful is when you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye on what you want your next home to be. Perhaps you want a big house just outside the city, but your partner prefers a small condo unit at the heart of the central business district. These small differences can blow up into big arguments, which could delay your move. So, what do you do when you can’t agree with your spouse in your house hunting? Take these steps:

Create your own home essentials list:

Since fights almost always come from what each of you thinks your family house should be, this is the first thing you should address. Here, the best approach is to make a list of your wants and needs in a home – separately. You want to do this independently so that at the end of the exercise, you’ll see the things you share in common. These similarities validate that these features are indeed important to you. But at the same time, don’t neglect the differences. Those are points for discussion. Make your case as to why these things should be in your home. Negotiate and be patient in expressing your concerns. But more importantly, listen. If your spouse has a point, be willing to concede.

A complete list of must haves and nice to haves can be especially beneficial if you are working with a real estate agent like those at Bradbourne Property or a similar business in your local area. Your agent will be able to narrow down options that meet your needs so you are not wasting your time or energy on properties that won’t work in the long run. Be sure to think about factors outside of the home as well. This includes proximity to schools, doctors, and your job if you are commuting so your agent can find homes in a comfortable distance.

Consider your budget:

All discussions should be framed in the context of how much house you can afford. When both of you have this perspective in approaching matters, it will be far easier to compromise. Those pretty countertops or furniture will be easier to resist. Now, if you don’t have a financial game plan yet, sit down and decide on it immediately before hitting the property market. Compare different quotes from lending agencies. When doing the math, make sure that your monthly payments on mortgage won’t take more than 25% of your take-home pay. Otherwise, you’ll be house poor in the next months. Once you’re able to settle on a budget already, stick to it. Inform your real estate agent about it. You may want to include this house and lot for sale in Cavite, which might fit your budget.

Cease and desist:

If you find yourself getting into a big fight over your next house, it’s wise to take a step back from the conversation or the house hunting process altogether. A nice home isn’t worth it if it’s going to split you up in the end. So give yourself a week break. No house-related matters over dinner. No budget-related talks on your dates. Use that time of ‘silence’ to ponder about your house-buying decisions separately. Your goal is to have a fresh, renewed mind once the break is and you resume the talk. Hopefully, that time of meditation will make you more understanding of each other and your priorities.

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Have you been struggling with the home search because of your couple fights? Fight no more. Prioritize your relationship through and through and the house will come when the time is right.

Aug16

The Raconteurs Concert

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The Raconteurs Concert

Hello hello my darlings! On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to be able to see my beloved Jack White for my second birthday concert in a row with The Raconteurs at Stage AE in Pittsburgh. As we all know, I love Jack White more than I love myself most days so when The Raconteurs came out with their first album in eleven years, Help Us Stranger, going to see them was an absolute necessity when they announced their tour.

As luck would have it, they ended up playing in one of my favorite cities (Pittsburgh), at one of my favorite venues (Stage AE) so my parents treated me to two tickets for my 25th birthday. For the past several years in a row, I have attended a concert with my sister for my birthday outing with her and it always ends up being one of the best nights of my life. I am so thankful to Kristen because even if she doesn’t like the band or is unfamiliar with them, she will go with me and words can’t describe how appreciative I am for that.

So, off to Pittsburgh we went to get re-antiquated with Stage AE, where we went to see Marilyn Manson two years ago and Jack White who we saw last year. Stage AE is such a fantastic venue because you can get so close to the stage, and we ended up being in the front row like how we were for Marilyn Manson. And, being that close to some of your favorite musicians is an experience that everyone should have.

Now, you’re probably wondering “where are the pictures?”. And, unfortunately, I have none. Jack White is quite strict about his “no phone” policy at concerts so Kristen and I just left ours in our car. However, the people who did bring theirs with them had to put them in a bag that was sealed with a security tag like they use at clothing stores and could only be removed by security after the show.

I understand this rule and I don’t. It is definitely nice to fully experience a concert without your phone in hand. However, not being able to snap a few pics or take a video is disappointing – especially since we were so close to the stage. I just feel lucky that when I saw Jack White at X-Fest last year, he was performing with other bands so the no phone rule didn’t apply and I was able to take pictures and videos to my heart’s content.

Speaking of other bands, Ex Hex opened for The Raconteurs and they were very good! The all female alt band really held their own nicely on stage and performed songs from their new album It’s Real. Ex Hex hasn’t been on my radar since my PacSun days so it was nice to see them evolve musically and I enjoyed their performance. They wouldn’t necessarily be who I would pick to open for The Raconteurs but it set a good vibe for the amazingness that was to come.

The Raconteurs came out swinging, opening with Bored and Razed and following up with a much loved favorite off of Broken Boy Soldiers, Level. They played a solid mix of nine songs off of Help Us Stranger with nine other tracks from Broken Boy Soldiers and Consolers Of The Lonely peppered in for good measure.

I would have loved for them to throw in more of their heavy hitters from the albums, because a few of their choices were a bit too slow paced for my liking. This is especially due to the fact that a lot of their more mellow songs are sung by Brendan Benson with Jack White only accompanying on vocals. Don’t get me wrong, I do like the songs. But, Jack White has an undeniable presence and Benson just didn’t have that. It was also difficult to hear him throughout the concert.

It was awesome hearing a majority of the album Help Us Stranger, though, and their strong points were definitely with Don’t Bother Me and Somedays (I Don’t Feel Like Trying). Shine The Light On Me was another especially powerful one off of their new album. The lighting was also very cool throughout the concert, going between green, red, and a lovely pale yellow which looked awesome on stage.

The highlights for me during the concert were when they brought back songs off of their first album, Broken Boy Soldiers. Their performance was really strong during these songs and it was amazing to hear them close with Broken Boy Soldier, because that’s my absolute favorite song by them. The instrumentals paired with the shocking green light made for an unforgettable version of it and that is what I immediately think of when replaying the night in my head.

Thankfully, they encored with SEVEN MORE SONGS because the first half of the show just wasn’t enough. And, it was a spectacular ending when they concluded with a long version of Blue Veins set to moody midnight lighting and, of course, ultimately bidding their farewells with Steady, As She Goes – as to be expected.

Despite some qualms with not having my phone and a few song choices I could have done without, it was an overall fantastic concert. The gentlemen in The Raconteurs play off of each other so well and are such a cohesive group that watching them put it all together was nothing short of mesmerizing. Although they sounded great, Jack White definitely carried the weight of the show on his shoulders. And, believe me, I am so okay with this. But, it would have been nice to have seen the other guys step up a little more because they are all extremely talented, in their own right.

My fourth concert experience in Pittsburgh was an absolute success and I am looking forward to attending more shows with the best sister a gal could ask for. Sadly, Jack White didn’t notice me pounding White Claws in the audience, but there’s always next time, right?

What concerts have you been to this year? Who else is a fan of The Raconteurs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: NPR

Aug15

4 Overlooked Tips For Being At Your Best Each Day

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4 Overlooked Tips For Being At Your Best Each Day

Life has a habit of beating us down. The list of responsibilities and chores just seem to stack up and up, and there’s rarely anything that effortlessly comes along to relieve us. However, just because life will naturally move that way if we let it, it’s not like we have to accept it, and we definitely don’t need to let it have a negative impact on our lives. There are things we can do to push us in a positive direction, each and every day. Below, we take a look at four helpful, yet often overlooked, actions that’ll make your day better:

Start the Day Right:

You’ve got to start the day as you mean to go on. If you have a terrible beginning, then it’s much more likely that things will continue to go in the same direction. On the other hand, if you take steps to make sure that your day begins well, in peace and tranquility, then you’ll be ready to step up the moment you walk out of the front door. So what does this look like exactly? It’s about not being in a rush. If you wake up early, go for a short run, take a cold shower, and then have a leisurely breakfast, you’ll find that you’re on Cloud Nine, and all before 9 AM.

Look Your Best:

If we’re going to be at our best, then we need to be confident, and if we’re going to be confident, then we need to look and feel our best. There’s real value in putting together a routine that leads towards looking your best! Take a look at hair and makeup routines, for example, and choose the ones that are suitable for you – and which you can do each morning. On the wardrobe front, it’s all about those stylish and comfortable tops for women. With a new and improved rack of clothing, hairstyle, and makeup routine, you’ll walk out of the front door confident and ready to take on the day.

Make the Commute Fun:

It’s understandable that people grow tired of the boring old routine when they have such a soul-destroying commute to the office. However, who says that the commute needs to be quite as miserable as everyone says it is? This is one of many areas where it’s better to do your own thing, rather than follow the crowd. Make the most of your time by yourself! You can listen to podcasts, sing, talk with friends, or anything else, and why not? If it’s bumper to bumper traffic that’s bringing you down, then look to see if there’s an alternative route. Even if it takes a little longer, you’ll enjoy it much more if it’s a scenic journey and there are far fewer cars.

Get Outside:

Finally, make sure you’re spending some time outdoors. Studies have shown that being in nature gives us a natural happiness boost. It’ll also provide a little breathing room between your state of mind and whatever is trying to push it down.

Every day isn’t going to be perfect, but these simple tips above can certainly make them a little better!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug15

More Pretty In Punk OOTD Pics

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More Pretty In Punk OOTD Pics

Hello, hello! Yesterday, you bore witness to a punk inspired OOTD that I am very proud of and I wanted to be able to share more pictures with you. This has definitely been my favorite shoot and OOTD to date and just one post dedicated to it is not enough. So, take a look at some more of my photography and style adventure and be sure to consult yesterday’s post if you want to know more about the outfit and the shoot:

 

 

 

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Believe it or not, there used to be a time when I would shy away from getting my picture taken. Shocking, I know. I just wasn’t happy with myself or my appearance and the last thing that I wanted was to be in front of a camera. But, now, there is nothing that I love more. Being able to showcase my form of art, which is all things fashion as well as my makeup, tattoos, and piercings is something that makes me proud. And, I’ve got to say, it feels amazing to finally be happy with the way I look, as it has been something that I struggled with for longer than I care to admit.

Each photo shoot that I do makes me feel more confident and I am so happy to have created a platform through lifewithlilred to share my journey of fashion, personal growth, Taco Bell, and everything in between with all of you! ❤

What makes you feel confident? How has your hobby helped build your self esteem? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah