May27

May 2017 Finishes

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May 2017 Finishes

Hi everyone and happy weekend! If you can believe it, we’re already at the end of May, which means that it’s time for my monthly beauty finishes post! This month has been somewhat of a drag and a waiting game. My boyfriend is coming up to Ohio from North Carolina at the end of this month for my birthday so the entire month of May has literally been spent wishing for the days to go by faster! This month didn’t even bring me a lot of beauty empties to look forward to getting through so, needless to say, it’s been a pretty blah May (despite thoroughly enjoying all of my used products!). Take a look at this month’s finishes and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Country Apple body spray: YES
  • The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow mask: YES
  • Angie’s Bath & Body Goat’s Milk moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Spray: As I’m sure that all of you know by now, the Country Apple body spray from Bath & Body Works is one of my favorites. I love anything apple scented – lotions, shower gels, you name it. To me, apple is the perfect fruit fragrance. It’s crisp and refreshing and has the perfect balance of a sweet and tart bite, which results in a clean, freshly picked from the orchard scent. This B&BW spray is no exception. I always purchase a half a dozen or so of these sprays when they’re marked down to THREE DOLLARS during B&BW’s summer sale. It takes me about five or so months to finish one bottle, which is a cost of a whole sixty cents per month. Such a steal!!

TBS Mask: I absolutely LOVED the Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow mask from The Body Shop!! I purchased this for fourteen dollars when The Body Shop that I live by closed down and it was worth every penny. Seriously, I wish I bought ten of these bad boys so that I could have a year’s supply! I am obsessed with all things charcoal so I just had to give this mask a try and I am so glad that I did!

The first time that I used this cool, invigoratingly scented mask, I noticed a difference on my skin. As you all know, I am constantly battling blackheads on my nose next to my five piercings, and this mask annihilated them in ONE USE. Not only that, but it left my skin feeling tingling, soft, and totally radiant. I cannot recommend this product enough and I would definitely use it again! It took me about one month to finish this mask.

Angie’s B&B Moisturizer: My dear friend, Angela, the owner of the Etsy shop, Angie’s Bath & Body, gave me a sample of this moisturizer in my last order and I thought that it was fabulous. First of all, it smelled AMAZING. It had such a rich and creamy scent and it was such a delight to put on every morning. Second of all, it was effective. This moisturizer left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated and it looked peaches n’ cream perfection. And finally, a little bit of this moisturizer goes a long way. It took about two weeks to finish the sample pod and I used it every morning on my neck and face, so I can only imagine how long a full sized jar of this would last!

Although I didn’t finish too much this month, I really liked all of the products that I used up. I was happy to use old and new favorites, alike, and all three empties left me feeling nice and pampered. I am confident in recommending all three of my finishes this month and am looking forward to using more from my beauty hoard in June!

So there you have it, this month’s May 2017 Finishes! What beauty products did you use up this month? Has anyone ever used any of my empties before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

5 Important Considerations Before You Sign Up For That Online Course

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5 Important Considerations Before You Sign Up For That Online Course

Are you thinking of signing up for an online course? Maybe you have your eye on one already, or you just think that this would be a good option for you instead of going to night school or taking a part time course. Online courses can be a brilliant option for certain people, but they aren’t right for everybody. Here are 5 important considerations you need to make before you sign up:

Will You Get Support?

You don’t want to sign up for an online course only to be left completely in the lurch when it comes to asking questions. You don’t necessarily need direct contact with the person who created the course. A simple forum, speaking with other students could be a great way to clear up any confusion that you have about the work ahead of you. In some cases, you may get direct support with the course creator to ensure that you get the most out of the course. Make sure that you know what the support is like before you sign up.

Do You Get A Real Qualification?

Some online courses can give you great information, but you don’t actually get a real qualification at the end of it. Consider whether you need a real qualification. If it isn’t important, then it won’t matter so much. However, if it is, you need to make sure that the qualification is legitimate and that you can do something with it afterwards. Doing an online hospitality degree is a popular option, as you get a real qualification once the course is over.

Will This Bring Value That You Can’t Find Elsewhere Online?

The internet is vast and full of resources that just about anybody can use to learn to do anything. Some resources are more in depth than others. Once you’ve found a course, you need to consider whether this will bring value that you can’t find elsewhere online. For instance, if you want to learn how to build websites, this isn’t information you necessarily need to pay for. You can learn this using YouYube videos and other resources, and by practicing yourself. It’s not something that you need a qualification for to be good at, although you will need to make sure you’re good at it to make money from it!

How Well Do You Learn In Your Own Time?

Some people just aren’t good at learning in their own time. They like to watch TV, read a book, relax…they just can’t find the time to sit down and do the course they’ve bought. If they have the course forever, it often gets put off until they realize that they bought it years ago. If you’re a person who can motivate yourself, then this could be a great option. If not, you may be better off signing up for a night course!

Is It Good Value For Money?

Courses can vary wildly in price all over the internet. A cheap course doesn’t mean it’s bad and an expensive course doesn’t mean it’s good. You need to be sure you’re getting value for money, whatever your budget is!

Ready, get set, learn…online!

Featured Image By: Flickr

May26

Warby Parker – ROCI N’ Roll

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Warby Parker – ROCI N’ Roll

Hi everyone and TGIF! I hope all of you are having a fabulous day so far! So, if there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, its sunglasses. From my beloved and battered frames from when I worked at PacSun almost three years ago (yikes!) to my Chanel pair randomly given to me by my nail tech, I truly treasure my sunnies. I probably have over twenty pairs of shades for any given occasion and, yes, I’m totally aware that that’s a little excessive!

But, guys, hear me out: sunglasses are seriously the best accessory on the planet. Not only do they shield sensitive eyes (like mine!) from the harsh sun, but they instantly transform an outfit. Whether you’re covering your face with oversized frames because you decided not to wear makeup or you want something bright and fun to wear while lounging by the pool – there’s a pair of sunglasses for you. From “don’t look at me” diva shades to a pair of crisp aviators or even a cat eye if you’re feeling saucy, there is a sunnie style for you to fit your mood (or moods!) that day.

And guess what? Cute, chic, throw your face back at the sun you emblazoned goddess sunglasses can all be found if you shop with Warby Parker. Warby Parker, the little brand that could, developed from the brain blast of college students who were sick and tired of paying a pretty penny to replace their glasses and sunnies every time they got lost. Hey, I feel it – you know that your girl is constantly ballin on a budget!

Anyways, fast forward to present day, about seven years after the brand first launched and you will find that Warby Parker is up to a world of good. Did you know that one billion people worldwide lack access to prescription glasses? That’s why with every pair of Warby Parker frames sold, a pair goes out to someone in need, thanks to collaborations with non-profits like VisionSpring.

Oh. And did I mention that another part of Warby Parker’s world of good comes with the fact that their glasses and sunnies are seriously cute? Yeah. Let’s get to that. Warby Parker has just launched their summer collection and I am in love. We’re talking 1960’s mod inspired shapes with a bright but slightly sun faded color palette to give you dusky hues in an array of gorgeous shades. Hello, fun in the sun.

Along with Warby Parker’s summer collection comes a fabulous collaboration with artist, Robert Rauschenberg. A legendary artist, in his own right, Robert Rauschenberg is known for his creative spirit and a life dedicated to activism. He truly is the perfect person to pair up with Warby Parker for a limited edition collaboration. Drawing colors found in one of four paintings from Rauschenberg’s ROCI (Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange) project, the “there for a short time only” frame is available in four different colors. And the name of this stunning brand new collaboration, you might ask? ROCI, obvs! Take a look:

With stained sea glass hues sweetly contrasting from the frames to the sides, it’s no wonder why the ROCI collection is a major hit! The muted yet vivid tones of these frames will pop beautifully against a summer tan as you strut your stuff on the boardwalk or beach. Or, if you’re sporting the pasty pale look, like me, all summer, you can wear your new ROCIs while jamming in your car to AFI as you’re on your way to a sold out show at your favorite venue. House Of Blues, anyone? That’s how I ROCI N’ Roll.

It’s a no brainer to see why I simply adore the new ROCI collab with Warby Parker and Robert Rauschenberg. Art truly has met fashion with this limited edition collection, which is nothing short of inspiring. So, now, let me inspire you with some of my favorite frames from the Warby Parker summer collection so that you can start day dreaming about your next summer fun adventure:

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Seen From Top To Bottom:

  • Laurel in Espresso Tortoise
  • Clementine in Espresso Tortoise
  • Nancy in Coral

When I shop sunnies, I normally always opt for a darker colored frame. With bright red hair and red lips, a colorful pair of sunglasses can be, well – a bit much. That is why I am totally in love with the Espresso Tortoise hue seen above, particularly in the Clementine frame. Black, browns, and tortoise shades make up a majority of my sunnies collection and the Clementine frame just speaks to me as something that I love enough to want to wear on my face!

So, if I love dark colors on my sunglasses so much, why would I choose the Coral colored Nancy frames? Well surprise, surprise I actually really like that shade! Once long ago I had the most gorgeous circle shaped pair of sunnies from Aerie in almost the exact Coral color as the Nancy frames. I wore those sunglasses everywhere and I loved how chic and elegant they made me look. After years of wear and tear, my beloved shades finally fell apart and I miss them every day. The Nancy sunglasses from Warby Parker’s summer collection would be the perfect replacement for my fallen friend. Revel in this, because this is the only time I’ll admit to liking a color other than black!!

Are you drooling yet? I think it’s high time that you head over to Warby Parker’s website to start some shopping of your own! What is your favorite frame from their summer collection? How many sunglasses do you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

Reclaim Your Home Privacy

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Reclaim Your Home Privacy

Don’t you just hate it when your home doesn’t feel private? Perhaps, you’re overlooked by a home behind yours or maybe you just constantly find people staring into your windows. It’s annoying, intrusive, and it can feel quite unpleasant. As such, you might be interested in ways to make your home a little more private. If so, here are some of the best possibilities to help achieve that:

Screener Trees: Screener trees are great because they can be planted around the edge of the property and are perfectly designed to stop people from looking in. It’s particularly useful if you have a garden that is, unfortunately, completely overlooked, as is often the case in modern home developments. The other advantages of these trees is that they grow fast and thick. They’re often evergreen, too, and this means that you won’t lose your privacy once Autumn rolls around.

Garden Fence: You might have property at the front of your home that isn’t closed off. It might be completely open and perhaps even on the other side of the road. This could be the case if you have bought land to extend your property. The problem here, is that onlookers might have no idea that the land is privately owned. As such, they could decide to sit on it, play on it, or just walk all over it. This can be particularly annoying for homeowners who spend a lot of time and put considerable effort into making their garden attractive. The solution here is a Northland Fence, which will be installed by experts in a variety of styles to best suit your property. When you own a property, you really want to make sure that only people who have your permission are using it. A fence is the best way to do this and, unfortunately, it might be the only option if you have an open lawn.

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Maybe not a white picket fence, but still.

Electronic Blinds: It’s possible that the thing you hate the most is people staring into your home. Like it or lump it, the windows of your home are exactly that. They aren’t just a way to look out. But they could be, and if you want to make sure you can see out without other people seeing in, one-way glass is the answer. Incredibly, you can buy this for your home windows, and you can certainly see the appeal of adding this to rooms like the bathroom.

Of course, if that seems too expensive and over the top, you can also consider getting electronic blinds. That way, you can block the view that other people have of your home whenever you feel like they are getting a little too up close and personal with your living room window.

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Bye bye Peeping Toms!

Automated Gates: Finally, if you want to make sure that people stay away from your home altogether, an automated gate might be the best option. Responding only when you open it, this gate will stay firmly shut to intruders, ensuring that you have complete privacy. Some people will deem this to be overkill, but it might be exactly what you want if you’re tired of people walking all over your property. It could also make a burglar think twice about breaking in.

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Pixabay Image

Chez Vous is where you should feel most comfortable, so if not having enough privacy in your neighborhood is an issue, then maybe some of these solutions will be for you!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May26

7 Steps To Maximizing The Profit Potential Of Your Home Business

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7 Steps To Maximizing The Profit Potential Of Your Home Business

Running a small business from home has become a very popular option for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. By removing the need for commercial offices, you can significantly reduce the overheads involved. In turn, this can remove a great deal of pressure and buy a little more time as you look to turn the operation into a profitable one.

Reducing the overheads is a positive starting place. However, it’s only worth doing when you couple it with maximized profits. Otherwise, those savings will be counterproductive. In turn, this will prevent the company from achieving its full potential. Thankfully, you can achieve those great results by mastering just seven key factors. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started:

#1. Learn: There’s nothing wrong with starting your business almost immediately. However, it’s equally important to appreciate the fact that you don’t know it all. While improvements will come with experience, you should also appreciate the need to learn as you earn. First and foremost, you should be open to the possibility of formal education. Many entrepreneurs feel that there is no need for this as they aren’t looking to boost their hopes of securing a better job. But knowledge is power and enhancing your wealth of business-related info will serve you well. Meanwhile, it’s imperative that you conduct the necessary research into your business. From working out the costs to knowing what else is on the market, that knowledge will enable you to make far smarter decisions.

Of course, there might be some skills that you are struggling with and that is okay! That is what outsourcing is all about so you can focus on your strengths while professionals handle what you need help with. For example, you might be a whiz at accounting but graphic design completely evades you. This is when a SEO web design team could step in to ensure that all of your pages are performing and functioning as they should. If there are areas of your business that you feel uncertain about then the best thing you can do is find help!

#2. Build A Work Space: The thought of working from home is a dream for many, especially when you remove the need for commuting. However, separating work from leisure is the hardest challenge facing any home-based worker. Fail to establish those boundaries, and any success will remain limited.

If you have a home office space, that’s great. If not, it’s probably time to transform a guest room or the garage. Either way, your home office should be built for business rather than just working. Given that you could be spending long periods in this area, choosing an ergonomic chair is essential. Meanwhile, it’s imperative that all internet facilities and tech items are reliable, too. Sadly, if they go wrong, you could be set for a nightmare.

Building this working environment isn’t only important for you. It’s equally crucial for your family. If you’re in the office, you’re working. If you’re not, then they’ll know that you’re ready for family time.

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So snazzy!

#3. Focus On Teamwork: All business owners require the support of a winning team. When running the operation from home, the chances are that you won’t have people actively working in your home. But that doesn’t mean that you should ignore the importance of embracing employees. The recruitment process will vary from the traditional ideas. However, hiring remote workers and freelancers can enable you to make your staffing budget work far harder. Meanwhile, you won’t need to worry about providing them with the necessary equipment. In turn, this can only send profitability through the roof.

Working from different locations shouldn’t be an excuse to ignore your responsibilities, though. Regular perks, good salaries, and a sense of empathy and understanding should be considered essential. After all, you need to trust that they’ll be working in the right manner.

#4. Think About Your Presence: Regardless of the industry, customer perceptions are imperative for success. Failure to make a good first impression will harm your hopes of achieving sales before you’ve even started. Unfortunately, some customers will be put off by the fact that you operate from a residential address. Acquiring a physical address in a prestigious location instantly provides a better company image. Meanwhile, it’s important that your website and other tools display contact details in a clear manner. Otherwise, it can give consumers a reason to feel that you’re hiding something.

A strong SEO game will boost your web visibility to further enhance the initial responses. That helps the company plant a seed of interest into the client’s mind, which can only bring positive impacts for future sales figures. If this has gone way over your head, you are not alone! That is why marketing agencies like Justified Media offer SEO services to help give your business the visibility it needs to succeed.

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Pixabay Image

#5. Do More: Ultimately, you need to show that your business is the best solution for the client. One of the best ways to do this is to offer something that your competitors don’t. If yours is a localized service, you could make it mobile by visiting clients in their homes. Whether it’s hairdressing, accounting, or selling clothes doesn’t matter. Removing some of the hassle will give them another reason to choose you over competitors. On a similar note, accepting more payment types can have a positive influence on proceedings. On the one hand, those gestures are made for the benefit of customers. On the other hand, though, you should have pride in offering the best service, anyways.

#6. Find A Great Marketing Strategy: Branding is a crucial element of any business, as it provides the company with an identity. Your home-based venture shouldn’t be any different. In addition to logos and slogans, you should think about attention-grabbing ad campaigns.

Given that you don’t have a store, embracing online opportunities is pivotal. In addition to strong SEO, you should look to blogging, video campaigns, and interactive tools. Not only are those ideas far more cost-effective than traditional methods, but they additionally encourage participation. And when the clients are actively interacting with the brand, they’ll be far more likely to respond in a positive manner.

Just remember that you must express your personality at all times. If they can relate to the people behind the brand, the customers will be far more likely to complete a purchase. Once again, it all comes down to that sense of trust.

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 Stats n’ stuff

#7. Excel At Customer Care: Getting your business to the point where it generates regular sales is no mean feat. So when you do reach this stage, it’s crucial that you find ways to encourage long-term loyalty. When you have customers that keep coming back for more, sustained success is assured. Good communication is always a solid starting point. For example, if you are using help desk outsourcing, you will want to ensure that the person manning the desk is friendly and patient. A positive attitude goes a long way when communicating with customers and clients.

You can also go one step further with small gestures like promotional freebies and special promotions. This can open up a whole new client base because everyone loves to save money and receive items at no cost. You could run pop up sales or exclusive deals to long term customers. Freebie items could include water bottles, bumper stickers, or coffee mugs. You could even look for canvas bags wholesale to print your logo on. Likewise, running loyalty programs can be hugely beneficial. Above all else, you should go beyond the call of duty when dealing with customer issues.

Essentially, showing that your commitment to the client doesn’t end with the transaction is vital. In addition to boosting those direct relationships, it could encourage them to recruit friends and family, too.

Featured Image By: Maxpixel

May25

Vaca Style Tips For Every Occasion

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Vaca Style Tips For Every Occasion

So, you’re a traveler? You love to jet off to new places and foreign lands and have a good time? That’s awesome, because there is nothing better than broadening your horizons and enjoying life. But, before you leave, you need to make sure that you’re ready. Nope, that doesn’t mean that you have your passport and visas in order, although that is imperative! In this sense, we’re talking about style. After all, you have to look good while you travel, or else that holiday romance might never happen! Hello, European boys!

Luckily, you can always turn heads while traveling with these tips:

Pack A Series Of Outfits: Naturally, there is never enough space when you start to pack. But, that isn’t an excuse! For centuries, travelers have been finding new and creative ways to jam things into their rucksacks, and you can do the same. Nay, you should do the same. If you’re away for a while, the outfits that you pack will get to feel weathered and tired. As a result, you might begin to develop the wardrobe blahs, feeling like you lack that little something something. By taking everything from sundresses to hot pants and all of the pieces in between, your wardrobe won’t start to feel boring while you’re away.

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Be sure to pack some sunnies!

Only Wear Casual Clothes During The Day: Another reason clothes start to feel old is because you are wearing them too much. While you’re away, you won’t think twice about wearing an evening outfit during the day. Indeed, it might be necessary if you haven’t got any clean clothes. The problem with this, is that they lose their shine a lot quicker as a result. The solution is simple: keep evening wear for the evenings. Then, when you get ready, you will have the same feeling like every other time you go for a night on the town.

Take Accessories: Just because you’re abroad, doesn’t mean that you can’t accessorize. In fact, you should do it more when you are in a foreign land. What do you know about accessories? Well, the first and main thing is that they are style enhancers. That means that they are the perfect side dish to making an okay outfit look great. Seeing as your outfits are bound to lose their appeal, a few accessories could help you step up your game. All you have to do is pack a handful that goes with most items. A word of warning: don’t go overboard and pack them carefully to avoid them getting tangled. No one wants to spend a morning in Rome undoing a necklace knot!

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Pretty!

Refresh Your Style: What you take with you isn’t what will come back. Most people throw things away and buy new things while they are on the move. And, it’s an excellent idea. Okay, there might not be an H&M on the high street if you’re thousands of miles from home. Still, the local markets always try and cater to the tourists, so there should be some cheap items that catch your eye. In fact, they’ll be dirt cheap if you learn how to haggle properly.

Style is important when you’re traveling in a new place. It will take you from the girl sightseeing to the sight that people are gazing at! Happy travels!

Featured Image By: Flickr

May24

Keeping Safe When You Are Traveling: A Complete Guide

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Keeping Safe When You Are Traveling: A Complete Guide

Who doesn’t love to travel? Whether it’s for a vacation, business, or to visit your family, travel educates and entertains. Unfortunately, some trips do not go well and are ruined by accidents or ill health. Here’s a quick guide to how you can keep healthy when you are away from home and what you can do if something goes wrong. But fingers crossed that it doesn’t, of course!

Be proactive and prepare before you go:

Be realistic about your health and your physical limitations before you travel. This is especially important if you have chosen to travel by air. There are some people who should not fly and they include:

  • Babies under 2 days old
  • Women who have passed 36 weeks of pregnancy
  • People who have recently had any type of surgery
  • People who have recently suffered a stomach, eye, or head injury.
  • People who have recently had a heart attack or stroke

If you have any sort of health condition it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you leave, just in case.

Plan ahead for injuries and illnesses:

You will be responsible for hospital and other medical arrangements during your trip so double check your health insurance and make sure that you are covered for the entirety of your vacation as well as the location you are traveling to. Should you be planning a longer stay, it is a good idea to enter a search for “health insurance quotes florida” (or your vacation destination) in case a medical emergency arises. No one wants to imagine anything going wrong on a trip, but it is far better to be safe than sorry. In addition, think about where you will access treatment if you become ill or injured. Compile a list of USA emergency dentist locations and hospitals in case something goes wrong. This will cut down your stress levels if you are in need of treatment while you are away, as you will already have a place in mind.

Take your own first aid kit with you for minor emergencies. Stock it up with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and cotton wool so that you can treat cuts and scrapes. Include any prescribed medication and some pain killers. Some basic first aid knowledge is essential so have a read up on what you should do in an emergency. You also need to know when you should call a doctor. In general terms, you need to call medical assistance if you have diarrhea AND a high fever, have been bitten or scratched by an animal, or have been in an accident and are seriously injured.

Let your friends and family know when you will be going, where you will be going, and when you intend to return. Always carry details of your next of kin and your medical requirements with you. You can store these in a mobile phone or in card form in your wallet. Steps like sharing your location gives everyone much needed peace of mind so be sure to drop a pin to your family while you are traveling. Remember that some areas have spotty reception so it might be a good idea to have a personal hot spot with you so you can always be connected. Share the resources you are using like the rental service you are working with should you check out our go to cabin spot in the mountains as well as important contacts like the property manager or local police and hospitals. All of this information will hopefully not be needed but it is crucial that you pass it on.

Look after your health while you are away:

It is easy to get carried away on holiday and take risks that we would not take when we are at home. Some sensible precautions will go a long way towards making your trip a safe one. Limit your alcohol intake and use sunscreen when you are in hot and sunny climates. Be especially careful if you are on the coast or in the country as there are additional hazards. Be aware of your surroundings and think about the dangers that you might face and how to avoid them as necessary.

Vacation is meant for fun, not catastrophe. Have a back up plan in place for peace of mind while you have a good time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May24

Bollywood Style Target Haul

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Bollywood Style Target Haul

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! I had a shockingly really nice day yesterday – I got a lot of work done and managed to squeeze in a Target shopping trip, which instantly turned the day from pleasant to fantastic! Oh, Target. The store notorious for people going there to get one thing and leaving with a cart full of so called “necessities”. AKA, my life every time I walk through those sliding doors.

I don’t think people realize just how much Target has improved in this past decade because honestly, their clothing and accessories used to suck eggs. But now, I can’t remember the last time I went into Target without trying something on in the dressing room or modeling a new pair of shades in their accessory shop. But hey, it could be worse. I could be going into Target and leaving with nothing! 😉

For the most part, I’ve been really impressed with Target’s summer line of clothing and yesterday was no exception. I was taken aback by the taste of Bollywood style that some of the pieces invoked and as soon as I saw them, they were basically as good as mine. I absolutely ADORE Bollywood inspired clothing. The jewel tones, the fine attention to detail, the flow, and flare. UGH. I love it all. Take a look at my latest indulgences and let’s discuss:

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As you guys know, ten out of ten times, I’m going to prefer black clothing. But, when I venture into color, jewel tones are where it’s at. My pasty pale complexion is such a blessing because it allows me to wear the deep, dazzling colors that I love. Emerald green, cobalt, mustard yellow, shocking magenta, and deep shades of wine. My skin tone turns into a blinding fifty shades of pale and enhances the color of the clothing tenfold. That is why I was so attracted to my new maxi dress and bralette top.

I’ve been on the prowl for a maxi dress since the weather began to warm up because I don’t own one. I have some fun high low dresses but no straight up, down to the floor maxis. I’ve tried on a few and some were nice but none of them spoke to me on a spiritual level. Then, I found this mustard yellow gown yesterday and yes, it moved me.

Mustard yellow is my color. Granted, it hasn’t always been that way, though. Before I began dying my hair red and was still wearing my hair in its natural shade of medium brown, mustard yellow looked ghastly on me. It was so sad because I wanted it to look good on me so badly but it was just very blah. Fast forward to when I became a red headed vixen (ayyy!) and it became all mustard yellow everything. Many people have told me that mustard yellow really is a red head’s best color and they are so right. I have never met a red head, real or fake, that that color hasn’t looked good on. It truly is an anomaly how simply changing your hair color can open up a whole new clothing color palette to you, but I am so not complaining. #blessed

In summary, this dress is fabulous. The way the fabric crimps, the silhouette, the color, the detailing in the bodice, the emphasized waist line. Holy moly. I love when I see pieces of clothing that I just know will look good on me and that’s how I felt about both of my new purchases. Sometimes, I find that maxi dresses can really overpower a petite gal, such as myself. But not this one. The way that it was designed with the slit down the bottom middle, the embellished bust, and the detailing on the waist line was genius because it broke the dress up. It turned what could have been a dress that looked like a potato sack into a gown with a distinctive top and bottom, which makes the eye dance around because there’s more to look at than a floor length window curtain. #greatsuccess

And, lord god have mercy, don’t even get me started on my new bralette. I love, love, love, love, LOVE this top. Crop tops are my number one BFF in my wardrobe when it comes to showing off my tattoo arsenal because five of my six are on my side and back. And best believe with my latest tattoo addition, that I’ve been wanting all of the crop tops to show it off!

This top is just stunning. The muted magenta color, the embroidery, the mirror decal embellishments. Omg. Just pure, modern, Bollywood fun. The best thing about this bralette is the possibilities that come with styling it. You could wear it with a:

  • Maxi skirt
  • High waisted/normal shorts
  • Jeans
  • Harem pants
  • Underneath a blazer/cardigan

I mean, seriously, the possibilities are endless. I feel like I am going to have so much fun incorporating this top into my outfits and I already have so many ideas in mind! When my MAN comes up at the end of the month for my birthday, I plan on wearing this with black shorts, my black, oversized boyfriend blazer, and my olive green platform heels for a sexy cool summer look. Dress to impress much?

Target hit the nail on the head with these pieces and I am so happy to have them in my collection as we head into the summer months ahead. My wardrobe is not the most accommodating to summer clothing because I thrive when I’m styling things for the cooler fall, winter, and early spring. It’s going to be fun to try something new and go into summer not feeling like I don’t have anything to wear!

So there you have it, my Bollywood Style Target Haul! How do you style a bralette into your outfits? What style of dress do you prefer for summer (maxi, mini, midi?)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May23

The Decisive Blogger

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The Decisive Blogger

If you’re starting a blog, you have a lot of work ahead of you. Though you may not have realized it when you started, it’ll soon become evident that starting a blog is a lot like starting a business. Only, instead of a product, you have yourself and your content. And, instead of customers, you can gain some wonderful followers and friends. But, the logistics are the same. As with a business enterprise, there are a lot of decisions to make. Bear in mind, that you don’t have to get everything right on the first go around. Some bloggers take years to be happy with their following. Here a few of the things that you might need to consider, and a look at how to make choices that work for you:

What’s Your Topic?

Without a topic, you can’t get your blog off of the ground. The chances are that you already have something in mind. You wouldn’t have started this journey otherwise. But, you may be afraid that your topic won’t work. Or, you might worry that you won’t have enough content. For the most part, a blog does need an angle. Your audience needs to know what they can expect from you. But, the topic may not be as rigid as you think. Say, you want to be a beauty blogger but are worried about running out of beauty tips. That’s okay. Give it a go and see where you get. You may find, once you have an audience, that the occasional blog that isn’t beauty related will still get good feedback.

Just be sure not to limit yourself. Step out of your comfort zone or topic niche and try something new. You never know where it might take you!

To Photo, Or Not To Photo?

Blog posts need photos. It’s a good way to break up the text and make things more visually appealing. At the end of the day, none of us internet trawlers like big chunks of text. We want easy to read, accessible posts. And, something about the inclusion of photos enhances that. So, this isn’t a debate about whether to use photos at all. In short; you should. This is more of a debate about whether to use photos you’ve taken, or stock photos. This comes down to personal taste. Both have their benefits and downfalls. If you take your pictures, you know that they’re unique to you. You can tailor them to your image. But, if you’re not skilled with the camera, your posts could end up looking unprofessional. Stock photos have the bonus of giving you options. But, there’s also a risk that a lot of other bloggers are using them. Why not try both and see which you prefer? Play around and experiment and you are sure to find or create an image that works for you.

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Okay, book, camera, and glasses: Say cheese!

Get Guest Bloggers On Board?

Some bloggers decide to publish guest posts from other successful blog owners. There’s nothing wrong with this, as long as you disclose the fact to your audience. In truth, this could be a fantastic way to share readers with the other blogger. You could also write a post on their site. Again, though, this is a personal decision, which you need to make. Do you want to keep your blog for your posts only or are you willing to let other people in? I personally love having guest bloggers on my site. With every season, I try to offer a new guest bloggers series – like my Salute To Summer series, coming soon at the end of the month!

Blogging can be an amazing hobby/career/online journal. It’s up to you to how much or little you put into it but be aware of the decisions that you are making and how they can affect your overall blog image.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May23

Panty Palooza

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Panty Palooza

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! If you guys have been following my Panty Problems series, then you’ll know that we left off on a good note – a Silver Linings PantyBook, if you will. My online order to Aerie finally arrived over the weekend and I am so happy to say that all seven panties that I paid a whole $27.50 for were winners!

You guys have no idea how badly I needed this panty win after so many underoo trials and tribulations. I honestly don’t know what I would do if I opened my package from Aerie and hated every single panty that I ordered. At that point, I would probs just set fire to my entire panty drawer AND the rain, while I’m at it. Luckily for all parties involved, that wasn’t the case. Take a look at my Panty Palooza purchases and let’s discuss:

palooza1palooza2palooza

^^^ PANTY PARTY!

So, yes. Thanks to Aerie’s staggeringly better selection online as opposed to when I went to visit them in stores, I was able to replenish my panty drawer. I got me some boyshorts, cheekies, a thong for good measure, and a new pair of period panties (it should be obvious which one that is!). I’ve grown increasingly fond of the boyshort as of late so I’m really excited about all three of my new pairs of those! They are so cute and comfy and I cant wait to wear them as a set with a pretty bra or under an oversized T for when I go to bed. The panty possibilities are endless!

After evaluating my seven new panties and relishing the purchase, which proved to be satisfactory, I began the task of organizing my panty drawer. I’ll be honest with you guys, I am a complete and total clothing hoarder. If I have that whisper in the back of my mind that says “you might be able to wear that four years from now” you best believe that I’m going to keep whatever that article of clothing is. Even panties.

My panty drawer is something that I rarely go through because I never really think of it. Especially considering that I have my favorite pairs of panties and everything else just becomes kind of forgotten in my panty plethora. This had to change. I emptied out my panty drawer, organized my underoos by color, and parted with some dearly beloved panty friends.

It was sad to see some of my fallen panty warriors end up in the trash, but I was happy to be reminded of all of the panties that I had forgotten about by picking favorites. A solid clean through of my panty drawer left me feeling like I had way more than seven new pairs to pick from, because of all of the ones that I wasn’t even aware that I had – so that was a major plus!

Although this journey began with some major Panty Problems, all’s well that ends well, because it was a straight up Panty Palooza this weekend! Three cheers for sweet little underthings and also three cheers for me for finally getting the panty revamp that I so desperately needed.

So there you have it, the Panty Problems series conclusion: Panty Palooza. I am so BLESSED that my panty odyssey had a happy ending and now, you guys can rest assured that you won’t read the word PANTY on my blog for a very long time! Where do you love to buy lingerie from? What store has the best selection? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Panty P.S.: Have any of my readers shopped Adore Me? I’m intrigued and I want to know if it’s worth the hype before making a purchase! Thanks! ❤