Are You Ready For A Pet?

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Are You Ready For A Pet?

Owning a pet is special because the animal becomes a huge part of your life. Welcoming a pet into your home is like bringing in a brand new family member. Still, pets don’t work out for everyone. Sometimes, things get in the way and stop the special bond from occurring. The good news, is that you can tell if you’re ready or not. All you have to do is ask these questions and consider your answers. If all goes well, then congratulations are in order. If not, maybe put off going to the pound for now. And, as always, lifewithlilred supports the “Adopt, don’t shop” point of view and PuppyWire has an amazing article to help prep your home for your new rescue dog!

Do You Have The Time? Firstly, there are animals which need a whole lot of love, and that means spending quality time together. Dogs are the main culprits, yet they aren’t the only ones. For those of you with busy schedules, there might be a gap that is hard to bridge. Unless you’re willing to change your lifestyle, a pet isn’t going to work for both parties. Even animals like cats, which are a lot less high maintenance, require a bit of effort. Plus, what is the point of having a pet if you only see it for a few hours in the evening? It’s a waste of time and money, and it’s unfair.

Can You Commit For The Long-Term? Figuring out whether you have the time isn’t just about the present or the near future. It’s about the long-term outlook more than anything. Most animals have a long lifespan. Turtles, for example, can even outlive humans. So, getting one today and then getting bored with it after a couple of weeks isn’t an option. It’s like the cliché saying, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas (and it’s so true). Anyone that wants a new addition has to ensure that they will be there for the long haul. Otherwise, it isn’t a savvy move for all parties involved.

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Aww :*)

Do You Have The Money? Regardless of the animal, you will need a decent sized budget. Let’s take a look at dogs for a moment. They need basics such as food and water, but they also need everything from healthcare to an inside bed and toys. And, as http://www.pawcastle.com points out, doggy beds do not come cheap. Plus, there are the extras that no one thinks out beforehand. For example, the dog will need to be warm in the winter, which means that you’ll use the central heating more. As energy prices rise, this could cost a fortune. It’s wise to cover every base that’s necessary for your new pet before committing.

Is It A Family Decision? You might be totally on board because pet lovers can be extreme. In fact, www.wired.com thinks that some of you even love animals more than humans (I know I do!)! However, the pertinent factor is whether everyone else in the house is okay with a new pet. They live there too, so their opinion is just as important. Sure, the kids will probably jump at the idea of having a dog to play with, but that doesn’t mean that your partner will feel the same.

Getting a new pet should be treated as a big deal because it is. Ask yourself all of the above questions before committing and be ready to provide the loving home that your new furry friend so deserves!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Buying A Meaningful Gift For Friends Who Have Everything

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Buying A Meaningful Gift For Friends Who Have Everything

There are always some people in our lives that are tricky to mark off of the gift giving list. They have everything that they could possibly need and giving them something isn’t practical, which means that the gift is pretty forgettable – and no one wants that! Here are some gift ideas for the friends that you think have it all for the next present giving occasion that arises:

Summertime: The best gifts for the warmer seasons are something that will come in handy when they go on holiday. It should be something that they will enjoy, whether it be sporting equipment, protective skin care, or travel books for their vaca. This particular gift for the season, has got to be something lightweight, easily storable, able to last for a while, and reusable even if it’s not summer.

Male Gift: Rimless sunglasses are something that he can use and can instantly increase his style points when walking around the beach. The rimless designs were designed for wear near the water and the lack of a rim allows the droplets of water to trickle down and under the lens. This means the vision of the wearer isn’t obscured. On top of this, the polycarbonate material the lenses are made from eliminates the haze or blur as the sunlight squeezes through.

The shield style is more rugged than the rimless and at first glance, you can see why. It normally features thick frames, made for use while engaging in a sporting activity. The lenses are rectangular, although a little contoured around the inner edge near the nose bridge. This style works great for the man with the larger-sized head, as the weight and sleek bulky design will stand a better chance of looking in proportion with his facial features.

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Shades always come in handy!

Female Gift: Having soft, supple skin is something that most women aim for, and that means that constant care and maintenance play a role in their daily routine. Darphin Soleil Plaisir SPF 30 is a luxurious sunscreen that’s the number one go-to product for women who want to take on the sun in a one on one battle. It contains biologically researched skincare ingredients that aren’t normally found in other sunscreens. It protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and offers oils from India that strengthen and fight the cracking of skin under the hot sun. The product is very beauty-orientated and designed for women who want to get a gorgeous tan on the beach, but not suffer sunburn in the process. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave behind embarrassing white marks. It feels and acts like a luxury moisturizer, but lasts long on the surface of the skin while you lounge on the beach.

Experiences Of A Lifetime: If somebody you know isn’t much for the physical gift and doesn’t care for materialistic appliances, go above and beyond such trinkets of monetary value and give them an experience, instead. Book them a thrilling escape that will have their hair standing up on end. Pay for a day out where their family or friends can accompany them on an adventure where their skills will be tested and memories will be pleasantly gained.

Book them a hot air balloon ride, where they’ll float into the atmosphere and see the world from a unique viewpoint. They’ll be as high as the birds with the wind in their hair, and they’ll have the best panoramic view of the landscape that no amount of iPhone accessories could hope to match!

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Tomas Castelazo Image

Whitewater rafting is one of those adventures that will require bravery, physical strength, and ultimate teamwork for the best ride of your life. After strapping on a life jacket, the instructors give the paddlers a demonstration of how to get down the rapids in the fastest time. They’ll learn about the ebbs and flows of the waters they ride on. Possibly the most exhilarating, fast-paced, heart-stopping experience of your life. The water crashes up against the rocks and thunders at and over the boat with the occupants drenched in the cold of the river water. They’ll be a lot of shouts, communicating what side of the boat needs more steering and the line that should be followed down the drops for the quickest and safest route. Whitewater rafting will give you a workout, excite your animal instincts, and test your teamwork, all at the same time.

Food, Glorious Food: If your friend has always rambled on about their favorite cuisine and how they wish that they could have a bag of treats to get them through the working day, you could shop at an ethnic food store. Buy them the treats that they love and, perhaps, reminds them of a dining indulgence that they encountered at a restaurant.

For Japanese cuisine lovers, spicy edamame is a potent little snack that hits the craving for the spices from the land of the rising sun and vegetables with a chewy texture. Coated in a spicy garlic miso, it’s a great low-calorie, healthy snack that’s a splendid mix of peppery spices and pungent garlic. With little fuss and mess, they can enjoy this little snack at the office or wherever they work.

Italian cuisine is known the world over for its delicious antipasti. Fried olives are superb for those with the urge for something a little sour. Olive all’ascolana is green or black olives that have had their pit removed, stuffed with a little chunk of cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, rolled in breadcrumbs and then fried in olive oil.

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YUM!

For lovers of Asian food, Indian cuisine is very popular in the West, and sometimes you just can’t wait until after work to order a takeaway curry. However, there are cold snacks which you must try, such as the samosa. Samosas are a thin pastry with vegetable or meat filling that are fried in sunflower oil. There are vegetarian varieties that have mashed potato with spices and peas as filling. The most popular recipe is the chicken bhuna, which is little shreds of chicken that have been cooked the same way as bhuna curry would be, then stuffed into the pastry which has already been outlined with rice.

It’s Tricky: Sometimes it’s no use; you simply won’t be able to find them something they can use or like. In that case, sometimes just cash in hand would be fine, but that seems a little insincere and tacky. Give them an option of buying their own gift at their favorite store, because there’s more online at Cards2Cash.com than you might think. All manner of gifts are available including some that can help improve the home, cater for the needs of pets, buying a favorite food type in bulk, or allow an individual to go on a general shopping spree. Sometimes it’s best to take the recipient of the gift shopping with you, allow them to pick something out, and make a day of it!

Personalized Jewelry: You’d be surprised how much a personalized gift can mean to someone. It’s a proud torch shining bright, displaying your friendship and how much they mean to you. Buying a piece of jewelry with their name engraved on it is a very bold statement. It’s something that will last for decades and only be relevant to them, specifically. It’s a little piece of the universe that’s theirs, and such a gift will be seen as a symbolic gesture of their importance and the impact that they have on your life.

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Pretty!

For the friend who has it all, gift buying can be a total pain in the you know where, but with this guide, you will be sure to provide a lasting and thoughtful gift to your BFF!

Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

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Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Today is a special day because it is my fellow Gemini darling’s 27th birthday! K.M., the author of the wonderful, fantastic, amazing blog, Ankhor You, is one of my literal favorite people on the planet. Not only is she immensely talented and a beautiful fashionista, but she is sweet, kind, and freaking hilarious. I am SO lucky to have such a lovely lady as a friend and it has been so much fun getting to know her better during our almost weekly FaceTime dates and frequent texting. I hope that all of you will join me in wishing K.M. a very happy birthday and I just know that 27 will be her best year yet! ❤

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday Update: HELLLLP Edition

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Monday Update: HELLLLP Edition

Hellooooooooooooooo everyone and happy Monday! I hope that everyone had a super fabulous weekend! Okay, so I’m gonna keep it real with you guys: I NEED HELP. I am really trying to get more likes on lifewithlilred’s Facebook page and I would be so incredibly happy and thankful if all of you could click the like button! And, of course, I’ll help you right back. If you have a Facebook page for your blog, comment me the link and I’ll send a like your way. If not, I’ll follow your blog, instead!

I promise you all that I don’t spam my Facebook page with constant posts, either. In fact, I got a notification from Facebook today saying that I wasn’t posting enough! So click that like button, leave me a comment saying if you want me to like your FB page or follow your blog, and I will happily oblige! Much love. -Sarah

THANKS!!!!!!!!! ❤

^^^ #obnoxious

Organizing Your Teen’s Eighteenth

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Organizing Your Teen’s Eighteenth

Your child turning eighteen is a big deal not only for them, but for you, as well. No matter what country you live in or what culture you live by, the eighteenth birthday is important. It is a sign that your teen is well on their way to full blown adulthood (yikes!). It is a sign that their childhood is behind them. Basically, it’s kind of a big deal. And because it is such a big deal, you need to ensure that you do all that you can to celebrate it properly. And to celebrate it properly, you need to organize it properly. Below, you can find a few hints and tips on how to do so:

First of all, you need to get your teen’s presents sorted. And if this is something that you are apprehensive about, then remember that you will always be able to find a gift for someone, no matter who they are… even if they’re a moody teenager on the cusp of adulthood. Try getting them something that is personalized; you can never go too far wrong with this approach. It shows them that you know them well enough to know exactly what it is that they like. It also gives them something to save as a keepsake from this very important birthday and look back on it in years to come.

But, as with a birthday for anybody of any age, it’s not just about the gifts. It’s about the party you host for them, too. And when it comes to hosting a party, there are a number of things that you have to consider. One thing that must be given thought is the fine balance between childhood and adulthood that is taking place. This is a party that cannot be made up of goody bags, bouncy castles, and clowns. But it is also not a party that can be made up of the more adult things of life either — whether eighteen is the ‘coming of age’ threshold in your country of residence or not. So, you need to find a balance.

One way to induce this balance is by letting your teen invite their friends over to your home and allowing them to take free-reign of what it is they get up to. However, you should always remain in the house in order to ensure that this free reign that you have given them isn’t being taken advantage of. Click here for more ideas on how to host the best eighteenth birthday party for your growing teen.

The most important thing to remember when organizing the essentials of your teen’s eighteenth is that a balance of childhood and adulthood must be procured. They are not quite mature enough to fully revel in the world of adulthood, like, say, somebody celebrating their twenty-third birthday would be. But they are not celebrating their thirteenth birthday either, which means that they are not going to enjoy or appreciate childish things. Think dinner parties, an ice cream social, or a garden party in a spacious back yard and watch your teen have the most fabulous birthday yet!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Designing A Home Office With A Quirky But Professional Vibe

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Designing A Home Office With A Quirky But Professional Vibe

Today, more and more people are opting to work from home, instead of working in commercial office environments. In the US alone, 43 percent of workers work from home at least some of the time, with around 30 percent of workers working at the home front the entire time. Over the past 12 years, the number of home workers in the US has risen by 103 percent, which shows that every year more and more people are choosing this satisfying option.

Working from home is becoming an increasingly popular trend, but it’s not suited to everyone. If you are going to effectively work from home, you not only need to be a self-starter, able to motivate yourself, and good at timekeeping, but you also need to have a dedicated work space in your home. Sure, you could work from your sofa, but if you want to ensure that you are as productive as possible while working, having a dedicated space is a must.

When it comes to designing your home office, you want to create a space that has a unique look and feel to it. You want your home office to have a quirky, elegant, and professional vibe. To help you achieve this, below are some tips for designing the perfect home office. You can also browse these ideas for a home office to gain more inspiration. Your office is all about being personal to you so take a look at plenty of sources to see what speaks to your own aesthetic!

Call In The Experts: Not too keen on DIY? Then call in the professionals! You want your home office to have the right look and feel to it, so it’s important to get the interior design plan just right. If you don’t feel like you’ve got the skills to do that yourself, it could be worth calling in the experts. Even if you already have ideas for the space, you can still use a professional interior design service. That way, you can combine your thoughts with those of the experts. All that matters is that you end up with a beautifully designed space that is a perfect fit for your needs, so if that means working with a professional designer, then it’s worth it.

Now, what if you don’t have the space to create a home office? One trend that interior designers are loving right now are backyard home offices. Office sheds or pods are the perfect solution if you cannot give up a room in the house dedicated to your job. Although this might seem like an easy project, it is quite involved and shouldn’t be handled alone. With a professional, you can create an office space just right for you in your own backyard.

The professional services you will need for your home office aren’t just limited to the appearance – you still have to work in the space! This means having an excellent computer, security software, and fast and reliable internet. To find the best internet plan to fit your needs, simply enter a search for “isp las vegas” (or your local area) so you can work in your beautifully designed office with efficient and dependable internet access.

Focus On Comfort & Aesthetics: However you decide to go about designing your home office, one of the most important things is to focus on comfort and aesthetics. While you want your home office to be a comfortable space to work in, you also want is it to be an aesthetically pleasing space. When it comes to selecting the features to incorporate, make sure to think carefully about both aspects – comfort and aesthetics. In terms of combining the two, it’s usually a case of picking furniture designs and styles that are chic and smart as well as comfortable. Incorporating office plants or terrariums can also assist in enhancing the space by adding some greenery to the mix. As long as you remember to water them, that is!

Personalize The Space: One of the major benefits of having a home office is the fact that you can personalize the space, so it’s vital that you take advantage of that. In a commercial office, you can personalize your desk to a certain extent but not in the same way that you can with a home office. It’s important to take advantage of this and use accessories and other features to personalize your home office while ensuring that it remains a professional space. It’s all about getting the balance right, is all.

If you’re working from home, a savvy office space is a must. Now, it’s up to you to create your dream space to buckle down and get to work!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

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Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

Helloooo everyone and happy Sunday! Okay, so yesterday I got the prettiest shirt in the history of ever and the best part (other than it being gorgeous) is that I got it for: FIVE DOLLA HOLLA. My mom and I went to Kohl’s last night to get our shop on because we had coupons for days and wanted to make good use of them. It was difficult to tear myself away from binging on Orange Is The New Black, but this shirt was well worth it. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s romantic, dreamy clothing. Which is kind of ironic considering that black is my favorite color and I prefer to dress in punk/grunge fashion. But, alas, the heart wants what it wants. Lol, seriously though, I love the contrast that flowy, girly style clothes has with my punk rock princess appearance thanks to my piercings, tattoos, and bright hair. It’s not often that I find a beautiful dreamer piece of clothing that I totally swoon over, but it’s pretty magical when I do!

This Lauren Conrad top combined all things fairy princess into one cohesive look. The creamy color, gauzy material, draped sleeves, flowy shape, and embroidery in one magnificent top is something straight out of the fairy tales and I am obsessed. My mom and I joked that this pretty little number looks like the modern day Puffy Shirt a la Seinfeld and I actually think this makes me love it more considering that’s my favorite show.

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^^^ Me.

Describing this shirt is weird because it’s one of those pieces that actually makes me feel pretty. Don’t get me wrong, lol I always think I look fabulous in the edgy, confident, badass way but I don’t have a lot of clothes that make me feel boho princess worthy. And the fact that I scored this wonder top for a whole five dollars? GET OUT!

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^^^ Elaine is my spirit animal. ❤

I can’t wait to wear this LC number throughout the summer with black short shorts and a peekaboo black lacy bra underneath to add that necessary touch of badassery to the look. A killer pair of platforms or wedges are also a must to toughen up the ensemble and make it feel a bit more Sarah. And as it gets colder? Swap the shorties for skinnies and you’re off!

So there you have it, my Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy! How would you describe your personal style? How do you score the best deals while out shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Build The Ultimate Home Workshop

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Build The Ultimate Home Workshop

So many people aren’t using their garages for any particular purpose, and when it comes to what you should do with all of that space, there are obviously a lot of possibilities. Today, we’re going to look at a suggestion for those who love to build things; we’re going to explore the possibility of turning your garage into a workshop. This can be a great option for both hobbyists and business owners alike. Here are a few tips for going about a conversion in the right way:

Professional renovation? If you don’t fancy taking a DIY route, then you could always hire renovation experts to do it for you. While this can be expensive, it also ensures that the project is being handled by people who have done this sort of thing several times before. The renovation team as well as electricians and plumbers will visit site for a consultation and work with you to help your vision come to life in the safest way possible. The problem with this route is that you might be underestimating yourself. Turning a garage into a workshop is nowhere near as complicated as it may sound. Plus, if you like building things anyways, then surely it would be pretty good to be able to say that you built the workshop with your own bare hands?

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Hopefully yours will be a little neater.

What You Need to Add: Of course, whether or not you should seek expert assistance may depend on how much you need to renovate your garage. A workshop is going to require more electricity than your average garage that’s only used for storage. And if that means that you need to do some rewiring, then you should definitely hire an electrician. To find a professional in your area, you can simply search for “electrician near me“. This is a task that you should not try to do alone, for safety’s sake. There is a lot that can go wrong and it’s best to leave it to the pros.

You may also want to consider the fact that new plumbing may be required, because you’ll want some sort of water flow going into the shop for safety reasons. You can get tips for hiring the right person at http://www.homeadvisor.com/. But when it comes to shelving, storage, the workbench, the flooring – all of these elements are things that you can do yourself.

Equipment: So what kind of work are you going to be doing? It’s best to figure this out now, instead of being vague about what it is that you want. This will allow you to build the most appropriate workshop with the proper tools. (Knowing what tools you’ll need will help you when it comes to planning storage and safety measures.) For example, if you’re going to work with metal, then you may want to look into decent welders; you can read more at https://pickwelder.com/. And if you know that you’ll need a welder, then you’ll know what sort of workbench that you should build, as well as what defensive measures you should be installing to avoid spark risks.

Not only will you need the proper equipment for your workshop but you will need furnishings as well. This can include storage options, a desk, a comfortable chair, a sink or basin, and perhaps a speaker or two so you can rock out while you work. Companies like Dura Ltd (or a similar one in your local area) specialize in workshop specific furnishings. This is a smart thing to look into as it will fit in your workshop seamlessly without modifications.

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If it can fuse metal, you should probably be careful with it. 😉

Safety: There are a few other things to consider when it comes to safety. Assessing the risks of an average workshop is the best way to go about this. You’ll probably want to install something that will help clean your eyes or any wounds or burns. First aid kits are also essential. You’ll also want to give a lot of thought to the floor. Your best bet might be to use epoxy floor paint; you can instruct yourself on this at https://www.familyhandyman.com/. Epoxy floor paint helps protects you from falls and it’s also much easier to clean up spills.

Another excellent flooring option you could consider is aluminum chequer plate sheets for its durability. It provides a great metallic sheen to keep the space feeling fresh and is easy to clean. If this is the route you would like to go, a good place to start is with https://www.chequerplatedirect.co.uk/ (or a similar company in your local area). You will have the best looking workshop on the block!

Whether you’re an expert crafter or just need somewhere to clear your mind, a garage workshop could be an amazing addition to your home!

New Black & Navy Nails

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New Black & Navy Nails

Hello everyone and TGIF!! I hope everyone has super fabulous weekend plans on the horizon – I most certainly do! My boyfriend is up from North Carolina for my birthday so he has some weekend surprises in store! AHHH! So yes, I’m way excited and all of the girly things. And speaking of all of the girly things, I got my nails done yesterday and they look gorgeous so take a looksee and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty! :*)

It wouldn’t be my birthday week without treating myself to getting my talons filled and sharpened. As always, my darling nail tech, Steve, did a beautiful job giving me the princess treatment. As we were chatting while he worked his magic, I told Steve that I don’t think I’m ever going to not get my nails painted black. I have enough anxiety picking out my accent nail color for two nails let alone all ten!

Black is my go to color for literally anything because I’m never going to not like it, lol. Like, I’m never going to be disappointed with the color black and it saves me the hassle of having to analyze outfit choices if I were ever to venture away from sweet sweet noire. Long story short, it’s the best. And, believe me, I totally am aware of how redundant these nail posts are considering they legit look the exact same EVERY THREE WEEKS but they’re so pretty that I just can’t help myself! :’)

So there you have it, my New Black & Navy Nails! What color do you have on your nails right now? What is your go to polish color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

THANK YOU!!!

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THANK YOU!!!

Hello!!! I just wanted to write a quick post to thank each and every one of my darling readers for all of the happy birthday wishes. I had an absolutely fabulous 23rd birthday yesterday and am looking forward to continuing my celebrations with friends and family throughout the rest of the week.

I got to spend my birthday morning with my beautiful sister (who got me concert tickets to see my favorite band, AFI, at the House Of Blues!!), my afternoon with my boyfriend who drove from North Carolina to make it for my birthday, and the evening with some of my best friends at my favorite bar, the Cashmere Cricket. Today, one of my girlfriends is taking me out for lunch and then I get to spend the evening with my beau. Tomorrow, I’ll be celebrating with my family. And finally, over the weekend, my boyfriend has a bunch of birthday surprises for me! So, obviously, I have a really good rest of the week in store!

I am so thankful to all of my friends and family who reached out to me with well wishes whether it be on the blog, Facebook, text, phone call, or email and all of you truly helped make my 23rd birthday a special one! I LOVE YOU GUYS! ❤ -Sarah

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