Moving On Up: Keurig Edition

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Moving On Up: Keurig Edition

Hi! I, admittedly, am not the biggest coffee drinker in the world now post surgery. I am much more of a tea type of gal. But, a Keurig was definitely an apartment necessity for when I’m extra tired in the morning or am entertaining guests. I planned on ordering one for myself off of Amazon, but my parents beat me to it and got me a little red Keurig. Check it out:

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I am really happy to have a compact Keurig that won’t take up a lot of room in my kitchen, because I don’t have a lot of counter space. This design is just what I need and having it in red was an obvious must! Of course, a Keurig isn’t complete without k-cups, which I purchased at Target.

I got a deal on the Archer Farms brand which made each pack of k-cups seven dollars if you buy two or more so I picked out three delicious sounding flavors in Buttery Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. These will be tasty hot or cold and I can’t wait to serve a cup to my guests!

How do you drink your coffee? What is your favorite k-cup flavor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Moving On Up: Bed Bath And Beyond Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: Bed Bath And Beyond Haul Edition

Hi! Preparing for my move has been a very positive experience for me. In fact, I just hired movers yesterday to help me out during the big day. Thank you, Two Men And A Truck! 😀 I am feeling good, because I pretty much have gotten all of the big stuff that I need to take care of out of the way. Including setting up my internet, electric, the movers, and getting all of the furniture I need. Now, it’s all about the little odds and ends, like some of the following that I picked up from Bed Bath And Beyond:

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I got my dad a salt lamp for Christmas this past year and I liked it so much that I had to get one for the apartment. The lighting in my place isn’t the best, so I’ve been on the hunt for floor and table lamps to help brighten things up. I think that my new salt lamp will look perfect on the vanity I got for my bedroom and will be a great night light, too.

I also picked up some supplies for my bathroom, a toothbrush holder and a value pack of toothbrushes to go with it. I didn’t even know Bed Bath And Beyond sold toothbrushes but they don’t call it Bed Bath And Beyond for NOTHIN! And, finally, my drinking buddies! I bought this pack of drink markers from TJMaxx for my cousin, Laura, who microblades my eyebrows and we both loved them. So, I was insanely happy to have found a pack for myself at BB&B. These cute pool boys will help keep me company in my apartment and will be very handy during my housewarming party. Nobody better pocket theirs, though! 😡

With every shopping trip, I feel more and more prepared for my own place. My credit card is on FIRE but, at least it’s racking up points on Amazon so I can get more stuff! 😀

Which stores offer the best credit card or rewards program? Do you have any silly drink markers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Moving On Up: Mall Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: Mall Haul Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to the next haul in my Moving On Up series. Shopping for my new apartment has been an absolute blast. So much so that any type of stress that I have been feeling about the move has literally melted away. Talk about retail therapy, amiright?! In this haul, I picked up some random essentials at a few different stores in the mall including Bath & Body Works, Party City, and Spencer’s. Take a look:

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I love, love, love the foaming hand soaps from B&BW and I knew that I wanted to have those in my place for the kitchen and bathroom. I took advantage of the five for twenty-three dollar sale and picked out some real winners. The lemon scent will be perfect for the kitchen, but I am most looking forward to using the Peach Bellini and Blueberry Crumble, which both smell insanely delicious.

I also found the darling “Welcome” sign from Party City, which I am really happy with. I spent ten bucks on it and I feel like I got it for a steal! I love the colors, the flowers, and the cursive print and it will look so charming with the hard wood in my apartment. And, finally, no twenty-something’s pad would be complete without shot glasses from Spencer’s! Peep those Step Brothers ones! 😀 #turndownforwhat

I enjoyed this shopping trip to the mall a lot, because it was fun stuff that I picked out. Shopping for the bigger, more expensive things can be kind of a lot so it was nice to purchase all of the little items that felt like treats and will be well loved at chez moi.

What is the decor like at your home? What is your favorite hand soap scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Preparing For Dog Life: Are You Ready To Be An Owner?

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Preparing For Dog Life: Are You Ready To Be An Owner?

Whilst you might be prepared for ‘dog life’ on an emotional level, there’s a logistical side to preparing for life as a dog owner, too. They say a dog isn’t just for Christmas, but plenty of dogs end up in rescue homes because their owners weren’t actually prepared to look after a puppy. If you want to make sure that you’re ready to be an owner, then here are some pointers to help you prepare for dog life. This should help you to ensure you’re well-versed in terms of your duties:

Research your breed of dog:

It’s vital to do this before buying a dog. You need to know everything about the specific breed of the pup you’re getting because every breed is different. Different canines have different nutritional needs and require different levels of exercise. There might also be different requirements from dog to dog in terms of the training or medical treatment needed. It can all come down to the individual situation of a particular dog, so you really have to get to know a specific dog before welcoming them into your home. Dogs from rescue shelters might have more traumatic backgrounds, for instance.

Make sure you talk to the seller and a vet so that you know everything possible about a particular dog before you adopt it. You need to make sure you get the right kind of food for them in terms of their size and other requirements they might have as a result of their breed. You need to take the age and history of the dog into account, too. Make sure you train them as soon as they enter your home because you need to make sure they don’t form bad habits. Essentially, the first preparation is to prepare yourself for the responsibility of dog ownership.

Stock up on supplies:

The next step is to stock up on supplies. Much like humans, dogs have plenty of needs. They’re not wild creatures. They’re domesticated and enjoy the same comforts as we do. They need a comfy bed for support whilst they sleep so that they can stay physically and mentally healthy. They need chew toys so they have something fun to use when they’re playing in the house. You might also want to check out waterproof quick release dog collars. It’s important to have a durable collar for your puppy. You also need to puppy-proof your house. Dogs aren’t used to human surroundings when they’re first introduced to them, so it’s crucial that you move dangerous things out of reach (much as you would with a baby).

Make sure you have enough time for them:

Finally, you need to be emotionally available for your dog. We’re talking about more than finding dogs cute; we’re talking about you actually having the time for your puppy. Make sure you, your partner, or other family members are in the house a lot of the time. Dogs get lonely, and they shouldn’t be left to their own devices for too long from a safety standpoint, either. They are family, so treat them as such. ❤

Featured Image By: Free Images

Moving On Up: Five Below Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: Five Below Haul Edition

Hello everyone! With my big move getting closer and closer with every passing day, the major hauling continues. We all know that I love to shop more than I love myself sometimes. And, I really think that because of this passion, the initial stressors of moving have faded away and it’s becoming more fun than anything. However, I am really trying to stick to my ballin on a budget lifestyle by choosing bargain and secondhand stores and being mindful of the best deals when shopping at Target or TJs.

So, it’s no surprise that I ended up at Five Below during my shopping extravaganza. And, I’m glad that I did, because I got all of the goodies seen below for under forty dollars! Check it out:

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An apartment wouldn’t be an apartment without two huge wine glasses that hold an entire bottle of wine in it! Lol, those were definitely a must. And, I loved the gallon glass dispenser so that I can make a big pitcher of cold tea or sangria during the summer months. I also chose two mini water fountains, one for my office and another to put on my TV stand for the ultimate relaxation experience… maybe while sipping from my holds one bottle of wine glass? 😀

While shopping, I also picked up the beautiful book “I Love You, Mommy” for my sister to read to my sweet niece, Valerie. I read it in the store and seriously almost cried seven times. The words are so touching and the pictures are gorgeous and I just know that Kristen is going to get a good cry out of it. In fact, I read some of the passages to my mom and cried so I highly recommend this one to literally anyone. It’s awesome!

And, finally, I grabbed some cute new ribbon hair ties to wear to the skating rink as well as my little sloth pal. One of my clients helped me pick him out to match the one that she got, so he will have a very special place in my apartment. ❤

Overall, this haul was really successful. I got some fun miscellaneous items that will make a big impact in my space and thirty-nine bucks for all of it was definitely the right price!

Where is your favorite bargain store to shop at? What other stores should I go apartment shopping at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Moving On Up: TJMaxx Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: TJMaxx Haul Edition

Hi! As you all know, Lil Red is Moving On Up! So, this means that some shopping has been in order for my new apartment. Over the weekend, I visited TJMaxx and Target to begin the task of gathering my home essentials. I have been having a blast picking out new furnishings and knick knacks but I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t a little stressful. But, hauls full of new stuff makes it a bit more tolerable! Like the following:

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*Not pictured: A full length mirror because it’s impossible to take a good picture of a full length mirror!*

Grand Total: $95

At TJs, I picked up quite a few kitchen utensils as well as an adorable and appropriate little red toaster. I also grabbed a suction cupped caddy for my shower, which is a must to hold my charcoal face bar, scruffy, and smell goods. To continue on with keeping things clean, I chose a new hamper for twenty bucks that I love because it has a lid on it so that I can keep all of my dirty laundry in there. And, to top it off, I got myself a full length mirror to help style my OOTDs in my bedroom.

I felt like I got a solid amount of stuff for what I paid for in this haul and it took care of a lot of essentials that I will need in my apartment. Granted, I still need a ton of bigger items to furnish my place with but the little things are important, too, and I’m glad to be taking care of it! 😀

What are some apartment essentials that I am going to need? Where is your favorite place to shop for home goods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feel Useful With These Career Choices

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Feel Useful With These Career Choices

If you ask workers across the world what they want from their job, there are a few things that crop up pretty routinely. One that you hear a lot is that people generally want to feel that what they are doing is useful. People want their work to matter, to make a difference to something, and when this is not fulfilled it can quickly lead to some unhappy people stuck in satisfying jobs. If you know this feeling, and you are looking for some kind of a change, you are clearly not alone. But it’s hard to know where to begin, and the prospect of changing jobs can be remarkably stressful even at the best of times. Primary amongst your concerns is probably the question of what job you are actually going to go for. How about one of the following?

Doctor:

While this is not the kind of work that you can slip into from another field, it is worth mentioning here as it is known as being one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. Doctors come in all forms, of course, and there is a world of difference between a surgeon and a GP. But, whatever area you get into, you can be sure that being a doctor enables you to feel like you are doing something very useful. If you are in a position to start doing the relevant training and education, and you want to make sure you spend your life helping others, then this is one of the best options you are going to have open to you.

Nurse:

Nurses might be paid considerably less than doctors, but their job satisfaction rates are frequently very high, and for that reason it is a job worth considering if you want to feel that you are doing something worthwhile with your time. That being said, they are paid fairly well, but you will also be expected to work some long hours – and it is known as being one of the most stressful jobs that are out there. If you feel that you have the resolve for it and the patience to see it through, then it’s well worth thinking about as a potential career choice for someone who really cares about others.

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Therapist:

A therapist or counselor can get into their position with much less training than you might assume. You don’t need any medical expertise and you don’t need to have an undergraduate degree to do it. Instead, all you need is the time to partake in a short course – sometimes even as short as one year, although the better ones are longer than this, up to three years or so. More than any training, you need a particular skill set: the ability to listen, empathize, appreciate possible solutions for individual problems, and to exercise a great deal of both patience and reserve. Being a therapist is hard work, and you will have to be skilled at not taking on board the problems of others – otherwise you might not survive such a job emotionally.

Being a therapist offers the ability to have sessions online, making it highly convenient for your schedule. Since the pandemic, online therapy has really taken off and could be a great route to go for your practice. You can also expand your career even more when you learn how to rank on google for online therapy.

Teacher:

Another powerful way to help people lead more fulfilling lives is to become a teacher. The best teachers are those who are able not just to teach their students, but to encourage them to live in a way which is wise, compassionate, and eager to learn more every day. You will need to undertake some training and it is best if you also have a degree in something relevant but, most of all, you will need the passion to teach children in a way which might bring about a better world. Whether you are thinking about getting into something subject-specific which you have a talent for or just some cross-curricular teaching, this is going to be a great job for feeling useful.

An exciting part about being a teacher is that there is always more to learn for you and your students. There are countless resources available like The Teaching Couple to assist in finding innovative ideas for your classroom. You will surely be the favorite teacher at the school!

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Who was your favorite teacher?

Charity Worker:

People are often a little unsure about working for charities. Clearly, the charity system is far from perfect, and that is a shame because there are plenty of organizations doing some great work out there, regardless. If you want to get into charity work, the most important concern will be to make sure that you thoroughly research the companies you are considering working for. You don’t want to put all of your kind efforts into a business which is not actually doing much, or – worse – which is entirely corrupt. That being said, most charities do some good work, and if you want to take on a job which doesn’t require much in the way of qualifications, then you should make sure that you are considering this.

Architect:

Being an architect is truly fascinating. Not only do you get to design buildings however you like, but you will usually be able to travel the world in the process, and that is certainly a nice thing to have as a perk for your job. Of course, to be an architect requires a lot of education and training, and you should be prepared for that if you want to follow this particular line of work. But, as such, there is no reason you should not be able to make it work, and you will also find that it is quite rewarding as a kind of work to get into.

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Climate Scientist:

There has never been a better or more pressing time to get into the science of climate change. The world is burning up as we speak, and globally we are far behind on our goals of reducing the temperature of the planet. It might not sound drastic for the planet to heat up by one or two degrees over a hundred years, but it is. If you would like to do something about this, then becoming a climate scientist could be the way to go. You will get to research the effects and causes, and you might even be the person who comes up with a strong solution.

Politician:

Most of us have mixed feelings about politicians, but the truth is that you can easily get into politics in a positive and engaging way. In fact, most politicians are genuinely just trying to make the world a better place when they start out, although there is a great deal of corruption and so on which ends up taking place. But if you want to make a difference to the world from the top-down, then you might want to think about getting into politics. It can be a noble and true profession, and at its best you will find it enormously satisfying and rewarding, as you go about changing things for the better.

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There are so many different worlds you can get into if you are hoping to lead a life which is truly useful in some way or another. Any of the jobs mentioned above would be a great way to make yourself feel valued and to feel as though you are doing something rewarding and worthwhile.

Featured Image By: Pexels

March 2019 Finishes

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March 2019 Finishes

Hiiii! With yet another month of 2019 drawing to a close, it is time to discuss the beauty finishes that I had for March. This month, I finished up a lot of travel sized products, as well as a new and old favorite. Sadly, the new favorite is from TJMaxx and I don’t know if I will ever see it again. So, if any of you have some intel on where I can get it, please leave me a comment! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

IGK Leave In Conditioner: I sampled this product from a Sephora Play! box that I got over the summer and, within the week or so of using it, I realized that I couldn’t live without it. The Mistress balm by IGK leaves my hair feeling nourished and healthy while looking so shiny and I use it every single day. It sinks completely into your hair, which makes it feel touchable and easy to manage without any stickiness. And, one tube lasted me about six months, making the twenty-nine dollar price tag well worth it.

Evoluderm Micellar Water: I never understood the big deal that French people made over micellar water, until I tried French micellar water. This product by Evoluderm was simply life changing! It somehow felt thicker than the water I normally use by Garnier, if that makes any sense. But, it hydrated my skin so well and it made for such easy makeup removal without scrubbing. The month that I had with this micellar water was not long enough so if anyone knows where I can get more, then PLEASE let me know!

Essano Micellar Water: I was out of micellar water after my Evoluderm success and my dear sweet mother picked this travel sized bottle up for me at TJMaxx, as it was the only micellar water they had. It definitely wasn’t as good as the previous product but it was okay. It took me a little over two weeks to finish the bottle.

Travel Size Lotion: As per ushe, I enjoyed my B&BW lotions and the random Hempz freebie that I had, too. I got a full body and a half use out of each bottle and all of them were so nice to put on post leg shaving. I wasn’t too fond of the B&BW scents of Magic In The Air and Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte, but the Hempz Pomegranate smelled really good. 😀

Danielle LaRoche Moisturizer: This product took me over a month to finish and I liked it a lot. I am a fan of any skin care with gold in it, which made the Danielle LaRoche moisturizer an obvious choice when I was picking it out. I would use it again in a heartbeat, because it was really moisturizing without being too heavy and it sat well under my makeup. It smelled so rich and creamy, too, which I love!

March was a very successful month for all of my finishes and I would happily use all of them again. It felt good to clear out some clutter by finishing up my travel sized products and I love when I can finish up something that I’ve been using for a while, like my IGK hair balm. 10/10 would recommend all of these products.

Have you used any of the beauty care items seen above? What were your thoughts on them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What Makes One Want To Live Abroad?

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What Makes One Want To Live Abroad?

The prospect of living abroad can be daunting, especially if you believe that there is no sweeter place than home. But, we all come across the story of a friend, a distant relative, or even the friend of a friend who has decided to move away from the motherland to explore what the world has to offer. It can be difficult to understand how they can live a happy life while being so far away from their loved ones.

But, as many will tell you, it’s not a matter of what you lose. It’s all about what you gain. This lifestyle provides a new angle in the exploration of self. Most people who call home a distant location, far away from the place where they grew up, have found something that their old country couldn’t give them. They tap into undiscovered traits, strengths, and emotions that they never experienced in the homeland. Indeed, you don’t live abroad to move away. You live abroad to move closer to your true self or maybe for some of the following reasons:

You fell in love during a vacation:

Falling in love can take you by surprise. A lot of expats agree that they were not ready to fall head over heels for a country, its people, culture, and language. They had planned for a long trip and found themselves not wanting to come back. Thankfully, a long-term adventure had the advantage of preparing you to sort out your affairs. Your home and income are covered for the time being so that you can take the time you need to decide whether you want to stay or come back home. And, if you do choose to stay, things can be easily sorted out with removal experts such as https://www.chessmoving.com.au/, for instance.

For many expats, the decision to let the long adventure continue was easy to take as, in consideration, they had already prepared for a temporary life abroad. They found their people, their favorite local hangouts like delicious restaurants, coffee shops, or a cool cocktail lounge in Mayfair, and might have even applied for a handful of different jobs. If you are traveling and find yourself wanting to stay, fully immerse yourself in the country and make long term plans to start your next adventure on the right foot.

You studied or applied for a job abroad:

Moving overseas during your study is not only a creative way to explore a new culture, but it also ensures that your skills are relevant to the local market. If you’re still going to college, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of study abroad programs that let you travel to Europe, Asia, or South America for one or two semesters. As a result, many students start to work at the end of their studies and realize that they don’t want to leave.

You’ve got itchy feet:

Last, but not least, nomadic professionals are independent millennials who want to make the most of the resources available. They use their skills to build a unique career that supports their travel needs. Whether they choose to develop their career through digital tech or whether they live their passion in the wild – as you can see on https://www.professionalnomads.org –, the new generation in the workforce combines travel and work successfully. They live in many countries and every bed they sleep in is home.

Ultimately, the question is not how to become an expat. But it’s all about understanding the triggers and aspirations that drive people to leave their comfort zone and build a home abroad.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Moving On Up

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Moving On Up

Hi! So something very exciting happened this past Friday… I put down a security deposit for an apartment! That’s right, in the middle of April, Lil Red will be leaving the nest and moving into her own space. I picked out a two bedroom loft in the Timbertop apartment community, which just so happens to be down the street from my old neighborhood. It is also where my sister and her family are located.

This spot is perfect, because I didn’t want to move too far away from any of my clients and where I am now is basically a central location between the eight of them. I am so looking forward to decorating my place and furnishing an office where I can get all of my blogging and paperwork done comfortably. In fact, I started the haulathon the day I put my deposit down by going to TJMaxx so you’ll definitely see all of the apartment goods I got in a future post.

These aren’t the best pictures of my new place, as I took them quickly when I was seeing it for the first time. But, still:

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Pretty cool, right?!

I am literally in love with my apartment and can’t wait to keep you all updated on the moving process. In the meantime, what are some apartment essentials that I will need? Where is your favorite place to shop in store or online for home products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah