Nov1

TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 3!)

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TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 3!)

You know how they say that you shouldn’t shop when you’re feeling emotional? Kind of like how you shouldn’t go grocery shopping if you’re super hungry? I call bullshit. This past Friday proved that emotional shopping is actually the best thing ever. Saying that my mom and I had a rough day is the understatement of the century. By the time the evening rolled around we were totally over wallowing about what a shitty day we were having and needed to get out of the house.

Naturally, the first place that came to both of our minds was TJs. We had a ten dollar gift card burning a hole in our pocket and after a day of complete crappiness, an evening spent among pretty things was much needed. There’s just something about going out and picking yourself out something nice that makes you instantly perk up. Finding a gorgeous new pair of shoes or simply a new winter scarf gives you back that “yes!” feeling and has you ready to take on the day again. Or is that just me?

Anyways, my mom and I decided to venture a little farther into Fairlawn as opposed to our usual TJs stomping grounds in Cuyahoga Falls. The Fairlawn location offers a more high end selection while the CFalls one is more of a value store. Neither one is better than the other, though, because I have gotten amazing hauls from both of them as well as completely struck out before at both locations, too. Our little evening trip ended up being totally worth it because we both walked away with new shoes, new winter accessories, AND some Christmas presents for our beloved pups. :*) Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Leopard Print Booties: Circus by Sam Edelman
  • Tan Boots: Toms (My mom picked these out for herself! So cute!)
  • Pink Beanie: Kate Spade
  • Smiley Face Scarf: Nardi & Tagliaferri

I have been hooked on the idea of owning some kind of footwear with leopard print on it for a while. However, every boot, heel, or sneaker that I have come across always just ended up looking really cheap. I was pretty dead set on wanting to find a printed bootie since it isn’t exactly heels weather anymore so I was so happy when I came across my new pair of Circus booties by Sam Edelman.

I have always had a deep love for little black booties and have at least six pairs that boast various shapes, zippers, buckles, and styles. If I had to pick a favorite style though – I would have to say that I love buckles and a sharp pointed toe. My new pair of Sam Edelman’s offer all of that as well as a little peppering in of leopard print to help curb my current obsession.

If you ever come across a pair of booties in this brand that are similar to mine, I will say that they run quite big so I would go down at least half a size. I am normally a solid 6 1/2 and was really lucky that they had a size six. If not, I don’t think that I would have been able to purchase them because the 6 1/2 legit looked like clown shoes on me. Thank you for smiling on me, shoe gods!

The pair of Toms boots that my mom got were too freaking cute not to share, too! These boots were only THIRTY dollars which is crazy because I know that that brand of shoes costs a pretty penny. I love when my mom finds something new that makes her feel good and we always have the best time playing fashion show when we get home. That’s when I help her style outfits for work and play and if she’s feeling saucy she’ll even try and help me create a new outfit for school or work! So precious. ❤

And finally, my new winter accessories. The TJs that we were at had a gigantic section filled with gloves, scarves, hats, and earmuffs and all of them were unbearably cute. However, the problem was that they had a million of every single item that I liked. That is something that I really try to avoid because I like for all of my purchases to have a slim possibility of being worn by someone else.

So, I decided to utilize the technique that I employ quite often. It’s kind of like playing I Spy. You go through each row of items and you try and find something in there that doesn’t belong. Whether it be from someone shoving it in the wrong place or the fact that there was only one of the pieces left, it is a great way to find something that feels like it was there just for you. That is how I found my hot pink Kate Spade beanie as well as my Nardi & Tagliaferri (made in Florence!) scarf.

My mom and I are kind of in love with all things Kate Spade so when I found this hot pink beacon of a beanie popping out amidst a sea of creams and greys, I had to try it on. I actually don’t own anything hot pink because I’m just not that kind of girl but this hat is so darling! I love the bow on the top and it’s the perfect touch of girly among my normally all black outfits. Not only that, but it goes perfectly with my new scarf!

I only own one winter scarf and I have had it since freshman year of high school. (Eight years! Yikes!!) A new scarf wasn’t exactly a priority on my list of things that I want but when I was playing my I Spy game and found the cheeky smiley faces peeking out from all of the draping scarves, I knew that it was the one. I love, love, love heather grey and the scarf was the perfect mix between being too warm and not being warm enough. When I tried my scarf on along with the Kate Spade hat and the tan safari jacket that I was wearing, I felt so fall chic and fun that I couldn’t not get it! And of course, I love having things from Europe so the fact that it was made in Florence was a big plus for me!

Was this shopping trip to TJs with my mom absolutely necessary? I would say, YES. After such a successful haul as well as some quality time with each other, we were back to our chipper selves – just a bit more fashionable than before. Sometimes all you really need is an evening out with your mom at TJMaxx to shake away the blues of a bad day! Love you mama! ❤

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 3!)! Who has started their holiday shopping already? Where is the best place to get some amazing seasonal deals? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov1

The Young Millennial’s Guide To House Hunting

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The Young Millennial’s Guide To House Hunting

So, you’ve decided to break free from the family home. Perhaps you’ve had a taste of the freedom that is independent living while you were away at uni. House sharing is always an option. But do you really want to share your home with others who might create mess, be loud, and a general nuisance? It might be all fun and games at university in your early twenties but as you get on and start taking on adult responsibilities, it really isn’t. Who wants to be kept up until 5 AM by loud music when you have a shift that starts at 9? Who wants to return home to a questionable pile of washing up that nobody will admit is their own? But at the same time, do you really want to live with your parents until you’re 40? Here are a few things to consider when moving into a new place.

Who Will You Live With? As we’ve already mentioned, housemates can be an absolute nightmare. Everyone will have some sort of housemate horror story. So pick wisely. If you can afford it, why not live alone? This may not be for everyone but for the more self-sufficient out there, it may be the least stressful and most comfortable option. If you’re afraid of things that go bump in the night and enjoy some human company while you’re home, then pick your housemates very carefully. Opt for someone you know and trust. Be open about your habits before moving in with each other. Lay out boundaries when it comes to house rules as soon as you move in to avoid petty arguments later down the line. Save yourself the headache and secure yourself a happy tenancy.

Where Do You Want To Live? The location of your new home will make all the difference. It may be much cheaper to live out in the sticks but do you really want to isolate yourself like that? Home can be a lonely place when you don’t get visitors and there aren’t any events on around you. Can you handle the reality of living above a bar or busy restaurant? A rough area may see cheaper rent but will you feel safe walking home there when it’s dark? Make sure that you are completely comfortable in the location that you choose. Even if it means paying a little extra, it’ll be worth it.

What Is The State Of The Property? Always make sure you attend a house viewing. Estate agents can work wonders when it comes to taking flattering photographs of a property. You want to see what you’re getting yourself into before you sign any agreement. Will the landlord make essential maintenance repairs? From leaky to taps to home foundation repair, problems will need to be fixed quickly and your landlord should be up to the task. Is the property free from mold? Are the windows double glazed? You’ll thank yourself for checking when the cold winter months come. Don’t take on a flawed property if you don’t have the means to fix it up. You can end up landing yourself in debt.

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Nov1

Taking It Easy: Returning To Work After An Injury

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If you have been off work for an extended period of time due to an injury or illness, then there is much to consider. This can be an extremely difficult period of time for anyone. No matter what the nature of your condition is, there is a good chance that you are struggling to figure out how to best make the situation work. When it comes time to return to work, it can often be something of a shock, especially if you have been absent for a long time. To give you a helping hand, we are going to take a look at some of the key pieces of advice for someone in your situation. Bear these in mind when you are trying to decide what to do.

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Talk To Your Employer: It is important that you keep in touch with your employer at all times, not just when you are ready to return. Doing so is a sign of good faith towards your employer. This will make it much more likely that they will think favorably of you when you need to return. But that is not the only reason that keeping in touch with them is a good idea. There might be any number of things that they can do to help you. It could be, for example, that they can make your transition back to work easier by changing something in your daily work routines. But you can only find out if you actually talk to them so arrange to meet them at your earliest convenience.

Make Sure You Are Physically Fit: If you have suffered a serious injury which has kept you out of work for a long time, you might need to check that you are fit before you return. It is not necessarily enough to simply feel better. You need to at least get checked out by your doctor. They will be able to tell you whether or not you are ready to return to work. If they don’t think you are, then their opinion is the one which matters. You should also consider a rehabilitation center at this time. They will be able to help you get back on track physically in time for your return to work.

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Claim Whatever You Can: It goes without saying that being off work for a long amount of time due to injury is incredibly unhelpful. Financially, it can quickly prove to be a real burden. However, it is likely that there is some help which you can take advantage of. For example, it is worth looking to see whether there are any benefits which you can apply for. There is a good chance that you can apply to at least some, even if you are only off work for an injury. Of course, it all depends on your situation – and your locality. Nonetheless, it is worth considering if you want to try and keep afloat during this difficult time.

 

Nov1

Real Home Security Is About Combining These Four Strategies

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Real Home Security Is About Combining These Four Strategies

Home security is on the minds of a lot of people these days. We feel like we’re living in more dangerous times. Home invasions, particularly when a home is empty, are one of the more prevalent crimes, too. We want to keep our homes and our things as safe as they can be. But we can’t all afford a panic room. The answer isn’t all that expensive. It’s all about combining the following four strategies.

Deterrence: The truth is that most criminals are cowards. They don’t get into the business because they’re brave, but because they have few scruples. If they sense a risk, they’re likely to move on to an easier target. So you need to make sure you don’t look like an easy target. Instead, make it clear that no-one’s getting away unscathed. Setting up CCTV cameras that are visible and secure is one of the best ways of doing that. Some even set up fake CCTV cameras, but these have obvious flaws.

Alarm: The right tech is also going to make sure that your home remains vulnerable for as little time as possible. With tools like Vivint Home Security, you can do more than sound the alarm in the vicinity of your home. Smart home security systems might be more expensive than the run-of-the-mill ones. But that’s because they’re set up with operators on the other side. Operators who can get in touch with you and the authorities all the quicker to make sure the danger is gone as soon as possible.

An alarm is such a critical part of home security and is one of those things that you should have regardless of how much you hope it never needs to be used. Just the sound of the alarm can send burglars running and quick access to local law enforcement is paramount. To set up a consultation for a new or improved alarm system, simply enter a search for “home security experts in Salt Lake City” (or your local area). The peace of mind alone is going to be well worth it.

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Reinforcement: Making it harder to get any worth from your home is going to make your home a lot harder to rob, as well. Reinforcing all your entrances and exits is a start. Most important is the lock reinforcement. When breaking into a home, breaking the lock is how people will try if they’re looking to ‘brute force’ it. You should also be making your valuables harder to get, too. Whether it’s by hiding them in smart spots around the home or putting them in a safe. Even if they do break in, then, you won’t be losing anything too valuable to them.

Awareness: Information is just as important a part of keeping safe as anything else. If you’re in a new neighborhood, get to know everyone around you. Naturally, most of them aren’t going to be the criminals. It’s likely to be people from other areas. But if people know you, they’re more likely to keep an eye out for you. They’ll quickly recognize when someone who shouldn’t be at your home is there. Similarly, you can ask them to keep an eye out when you’re out of the home or on holiday. Similarly, let the police know when you’re on holiday, too. Trustworthy neighbors can be a huge help in home security.

Keep your home secure. Deter the bad guys. Reinforce and keep safe your home and valuables. Use modern tech to sound the alarm. Know the power of information. We hope the tips above on those four strategies help you feel a little safer in your own home.

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Oct31

Get The Body You’ve Always Wanted in 2017

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Get The Body You’ve Always Wanted in 2017

With 2017 just around the corner, it’s almost time for the annual outpouring of “new year, new me” Facebook posts. Most of these resolutions will be ancient history for most within a week but if you are serious about making some real changes in your health, keep on reading!

Get The Body You’ve Always Wanted in 2017:

As the year comes to an end, it’s a great chance to start reflecting and evaluating how things are going in our lives. Are you on track to achieving your goals? Are you happy? While any day is a good day to make a positive change, the promise of a new year can really give you the motivation you need.

So if things have gone a little off track, you’ve fallen into a rut, or things aren’t progressing the way you want- plan to start fresh in January. Weight and fitness are common resolutions and for good reason; there are few things more important than health. After an indulgent festive season, there’s no better time than to buckle down and do what you need to do. Here are some tips to scoring the body you’ve always wanted in 2017.

Start by Detoxing: After too much alcohol, sugar, saturated fat, and all round unhealthy indulgence over Christmas, starting off your healthy lifestyle with a detox is an excellent way to go. A few days of just fruits and vegetables can help to cleanse and replenish your system. It can ‘reset’ your appetite if you’ve been eating too much and generally provide your body with a massive boost of nutrients. Stock up on fresh produce (organic if possible) and consume it as juices, smoothies, or just as it is. After a few days, gradually introduce different foods back into your diet such as healthy whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy.

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YUM!

Adopt a Healthy, Well Balanced Eating Plan: Once you have finished your detox, start eating a regular healthy diet. We all know what we should and shouldn’t be eating- avoid fried, fatty, and processed foods and incorporate plenty of fresh and natural produce. Include a broad range of fruits and vegetables in your diet and drink plenty of water. Try kicking your caffeine habit or at least reduce it, using healthy foods to boost your energy levels instead.

Take Some Supplements: Supplements shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a healthy diet but they’re a great way to boost it. Even with a healthy diet it can be difficult to get every vitamin and mineral you need every day so good multivitamin can make sure you’re all covered. A probiotic yogurt drink can improve gut health by increasing the levels of ‘good bacteria.’

Used properly, a supplement such as Garcinia Cambogia can help to boost your weight loss if you are overweight. This is completely safe and natural and made from a tropical fruit. It can help to reduce appetite, block your body’s ability to make fat, and even keep in check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, too. There are lots of herbal supplements available in health food shops these days which help to target and improve different areas of the body. So it could be worth going in and having a look. For example, milk thistle is good for the liver, which is useful if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol over Christmas.

Get Serious About Exercise: The key to really improving your fitness is to find an exercise that you enjoy doing. If you know that you really hate sweating it out at the gym, your motivation is only going to last for so long. Before long you’ll be looking for reasons to skip it and might eventually stop going altogether. If you find something you enjoy and look forward to, you’re so much more likely to keep it up.

It could be a sport, an exercise class, or even working out from home. You could go swimming, to yoga, or to something more unusual like a circus skills exercise group. Try some new things and go on the search for something you love doing. Finding a reliable training partner is also beneficial. If you’re a bit self-conscious joining groups alone, you will have someone there for support. You can also motivate each other when things start getting a little harder later down the line.

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Oct31

Not Another Headache! Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Life To Keep The Pain Away

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Not Another Headache! Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Life To Keep The Pain Away

It is probably no surprise that millions of people get headaches every day. Whether it’s been a stressful day at work or an unhealthy dinner was eaten, it can lead to a sore head in the evening. A lot of people are fed up of relying on painkillers to help soothe their aching head. Therefore, it’s time to look at your life and see where you can make changes. After all, it’s often down to your lifestyle when you start suffering from headaches. Here are some simple changes you can make to your life to keep the painful headaches at bay.

Try and Stay Happy in Your Life: A lot of us get annoyed during the day. But when it becomes a regular occurrence, you might start experiencing tension headaches. After all, when you are angry, the muscles in your scalp and neck tense up causing a painful sensation! Avoid getting angry by making minor changes in your day to avoid annoyances. If it’s a particular person who makes you cross, limit the time spent with them during the day. Also, you need to find ways to deal with your stress if your kids or partner are causing you some grief. You might want to try breathing deeply which can relax your head and neck muscles so that you relieve some of the tension. And make sure you smile every day, which can help you gain some headache relief.

Avoid Excessive Worrying: There are many situations which cause us to worry in our everyday life. Whether it’s worrying about the kids or getting to a particular place on time, it can cause tension in our body which will lead to a headache. To relieve some tension, find a new favorite way to destress. It might be that you start exercising every day, such as going for a great run in the morning. Or you might want to go for some form of holistic therapy which can help release stress and provide some headache relief. Also, going for a head massage will help you to prevent headaches. You can read more about the benefits of massages in my previous blog!

Move Around During The Day: It’s hard to make sure that we are moving around enough daily. Especially when a lot of us are sat down at desks for work during the day! But if you are sitting in the same place for ages, it can lead to headaches. Poor posture causes tension in your neck and shoulders which lead to a headache. Try to make time to move around during the day. Even if it’s a quick walk around the block at lunch, it will help you to loosen up and avoid a headache! As this article says, try and take a break every 30 minutes to stay healthy.

You need to also make sure you clean up your diet. A lot of us are making unhealthy food choices which could be causing us to get headaches every day. Therefore, cut out some of the common food triggers from your diet which include sugar, caffeine, and processed food to improve your life!

Do Your Research: There are plenty of amazing neurologists that you can contact if your headaches do not subside. Do be sure to put some time and thought into who you end up going to see. Having a good bond with your doctor or specialist is important and it will make your journey to a headache free life a much more pleasant one.

In the meantime, before your appointment, you can check these videos out to help brainstorm some questions and concerns to express to your doctor. These videos cover common questions like what causes headaches, what type of headache do I have, and can migraines cause damage to the brain. Each video is short and sweet, but provides straight forward answers that can put your mind at ease and help you state your concerns pre-appointment.

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Oct31

The Great Escape: Pretty Expensive Panic Rooms

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The Great Escape: Pretty Expensive Panic Rooms

This is straight out of The Purge! Best believe I would want a panic room in that situation! 😉

The Great Escape: Pretty Expensive Panic Rooms

Home security and safety is a cause of concern for all of us. There are petty thieves out there who will jump on any opportunity to steal someone else’s things. There are also smart criminals out there who play the long game and know exactly when and where to pounce.

The best ways we can protect our home and deter criminals is with the use of a CCTV camera, security lights, and home alarms. But what about those billionaires out there who have sparkling diamonds and billions of dollars to protect? Well, you’d be surprised at how many of their magnificent mansions have secret panic rooms in preparation for a great escape. Curious to find out more? Read on to discover just how tight security measures can get.

What Is A Panic Room? Those that are the super wealthy among us demand tighter and better security options at every turn. And a panic room is one of those features that all millionaire’s mansions should have. A panic room is basically a safety bunker hidden behind a secret door in a home. It’s somewhere you would run to for safety if people are invading your home. This is why they are so appealing to the ultra high net worth individual and many a celebrity. Panic rooms are hidden behind bookcases, painting, wardrobes, mirrors, and more. This is nothing brand new – even medieval lords had safe rooms created in case they were under siege.

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Why Are They Useful? To the regular person, having a panic room may seem a little paranoid. But for those who are very wealthy or in the public eye, they offer added security and peace of mind. Secret chambers contain communication systems as well, so that once you bolt the door shut you can contact the emergency services. Does it all sound a little bit James Bond? Well, as we advance more and more with technology, it’s likely that they will become increasingly more common in homes. For the truly paranoid you can also add in smoke systems and have switches to lock down the entrance of your panic room with a reinforced door.

High Tech Panic Rooms: These billionaire bunkers are getting more and more high-tech as new technology comes on the market. The really high tech ones come with reinforced materials, sound-proofing, and gas masks and potassium iodine tablets in them in the case of nuclear or biological attacks. Panic rooms are also used if there is the threat of hurricanes or tornadoes. They may also contain weapons, surveillance cameras, and a fully stocked fridge.

Many panic rooms are there to hide expensive goods, rather than people. So they are like a big luxury safe. The wealthy among us may be trying to protect expensive art, opulent diamonds, or rare antique books. Those who work in secret services may be protecting computer hard drives and other information. And because keys could be misplaced or lost, panic rooms instead have interior deadbolts or retinal or fingerprint scanning as a safety precaution. All sounds a bit crazy? You probably wouldn’t think so if you had millions of dollars to protect!

Personally, my closet is getting a little too claustrophobic when I need some alone time so a panic room sounds just right! 😀

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Oct28

Ways To Wrap Your Mind Around New Technology

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Ways To Wrap Your Mind Around New Technology

Technology is at the center of everything. With new developments happening every day, it can sometimes feel as though gadgets are taking over. But when things are advancing so fast, how can we keep up? As soon as you get the hang of one new gizmo, there’s another one to get to grips with. There’s no denying that technology has made a lot of things easier, but what do you do when you can’t get the hang of it? There’s no stopping the pace of technology but you can at least take steps to help you get to grip with things a little faster.

Instructional Videos: Presumably, the computer is one thing you are comfortable with. You found this blog post, after all! It may seem crazy to use one form of technology to help with another, but it’s a good tip. A computer can help you with an abundance of things. There is a wealth of information on the internet so it would be silly not to use it. Watching videos is a fantastic way to get the hang of new technology. There are videos on just about anything. Whether you’re struggling with a phone, a camera, or a microphone, there’s sure to be a video showing you how to use it. These videos are fantastic because they’re easy to follow and you can see the steps to take. You don’t have to worry about understanding instructions when you can watch (and rewatch!) somebody show you how.

Product Reviews: If you’re struggling with knowing which product is the right match, reviews could be a great help. It’s worth checking out thesmartcave. They have some fantastic product reviews that are sure to help you navigate the technological minefield. From phones to thermostats, they’ve got you covered. Reviews are excellent at laying out in simple terms what features a product has to offer. You don’t want all the fancy lingo and sales pitches. You just want an easy to understand lowdown of what a product can do! That’s exactly what reviews offer you.

Ask The Kids: This might sound strange, but it works! Kids are growing up in this technological age where there’s a new gadget for them to play with every week. And what’s more, they’re picking them all up extremely quickly. Kids approach technology in an entirely fearless way. Even better, they are fantastic at using it. If there’s something you’re struggling with and you know some technically minded kids, then don’t be afraid to ask for their help. A kid who started using a smartphone before they started walking will be able to set up your new Sat Nav with ease.

The trick is not to let technology overwhelm you. Even if the instruction manual makes no sense, don’t let yourself get disheartened. There is always an easier way. Use old technology to help you understand new technology. Alternatively, use those who have grown up using these confusing gadgets. Either way, persevere. With a little effort, you’ll be a technological whizz in no time!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct28

Want To Look Gorgeous For Your Christmas Party? Start Preparing Today!

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Want To Look Gorgeous For Your Christmas Party? Start Preparing Today!

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is important to look your best. Work parties, family get togethers, bumping into everyone and their brother at the store – it is a time when it might seem like all eyes are on you. It may only be the end of October, but these tips will help you prep for looking your best this holiday season and all year round. Take a look.

Want To Look Gorgeous For Your Christmas Party? Start Preparing Today!

Work Christmas parties are often the highlight of the year and an occasion many people look forward to. It’s a chance for you and your work colleagues to let your hair down and enjoy yourselves after a stressful year. It’s also the perfect excuse to get dressed up and look your absolute best. While you understandably want to have fun, Christmas parties can help your career. If you stand out, network with others and impress your boss, you may have a promotion in your sights. So to give you the confidence to do this effectively, you need to feel good about your appearance.

Even though it might seem premature, there are things that you can do now to help you look gorgeous in time for your work party. Take a look at these tips to help you get prepared well in advance.

Get Style Inspiration: One of the benefits of getting ready for your Christmas party now is that you have plenty of time to find the perfect outfit. But before you hit the shops, you need to get some holiday style inspiration. To help you get started, talk to your boss and colleagues about the type of affair that the party will be. This will ensure that you choose an outfit that makes a statement while also being suitable for the activity. For instance, if you are going out for drinks at a local bar, a ball gown might not be appropriate.

So whether it’s a casual meal or a big holiday ball, you can start getting inspired by potential outfit ideas now. You can go on http://www.pinterest.com/ and look at fashion magazines and blogs. Social media is another resource you can use. You can also try on outfits at your favorite stores and boutiques to see how they look and make you feel. This can give you a clear idea of what suits you and what doesn’t. Don’t forget to look at possible accessories and shoes to accompany your outfit too!

Getting inspired before you start shopping can be extremely beneficial. It helps you find possible outfits that will suit your body type and colors that suit your skin tone. Knowing what kind of outfit you want to buy can simplify your shopping process and make it less stressful. You can also start planning how you want your hair and makeup to look. Don’t forget accessories too! Any holiday look isn’t complete without a touch of bling from paradigm jewelry. All of this information can make choosing a fabulous outfit for your Christmas party as easy as possible.

Whiten Your Teeth: A bright, white smile can make you seem more friendly and approachable to others. This is ideal if you plan to network and introduce yourself to others at your Christmas party. It can also make you feel more confident about your appearance which can make you feel amazing. So if you want to enhance your smile in time for your Christmas party, you need to whitening your teeth now. It can take weeks and multiple whitening sessions to get the results you want. This is why it’s always best to do this sooner rather than waiting till later.

The majority of dental surgeries now offer teeth whitening services to their patients. So contact your dentist to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can whiten your teeth by yourself at home. There are a number of kits you can buy that use either strips or mouth guards. These kits are easy to use and can give you excellent results but some are better than others. See http://TeethWhiteningAtHomeTips.com/ to find out which whitening strips are the most effective. It will be hard for you to stop smiling throughout the party when your teeth look so clean and bright.

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Smile!

Make an Appointment at Your Salon: As soon as the countdown to Christmas starts, hair and beauty salons will be overwhelmed with appointments. Remember that thousands of other people will be attending Christmas parties and want to look their best, too. To ensure that your hair looks beautiful for your party, you need to book an appointment at your salon now. This will ensure that you can have a consultation with your hairdresser beforehand to try out different hair styling ideas. You can also have your hair dyed, cut, and blow dried so it looks as fresh as possible for your party.

If you are unable to get an appointment for a consultation or cut at your hair salon, don’t panic. You can hire a mobile hairdresser to visit you at your home instead. But again make sure you make an appointment quickly as they too will get booked up.

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Start a New Skin Care Regime: When you are self-conscious of your skin, it can stop you from being confident and carefree. This is not how you want to feel when you celebrate the holidays. Instead of letting this continue, start a new skin care regime instead. This can help you get fresh and clear skin that makes you feel unstoppable. Makeup application can also be improved with clearer skin. It will go on more smoothly and stay in place longer. You also won’t have to wear as much because you won’t have blemishes or pimples to cover up.

It’s advantageous to start this regime as soon as you can to give your skin time to heal and adjust. Otherwise, you may not get the results you desire. There are countless products you can try to get glowing skin. But it’s vital that you create a regime with products that suit your skin type for the best results. Visit http://www.webmd.com/beauty/ or talk to beauty specialists to discover what your skin type is.

As part of your new regime, also get into the habit of cleaning your makeup brushes each week. Dirt, sweat, and old makeup can linger on your brushes and clog your pores. So using clean and hygienic brushes can benefit your skin significantly.

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Even though your Christmas party might be not be happening just yet, these preparations will ensure that you look gorgeous no matter what. The more you do in advance, the less stressful the getting ready process will be. So rather than leaving it till the last minute, start preparing for your Christmas party today. You won’t regret it!

What is your perfect holiday party look? What is your winter skin care regime? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Oct27

Joy Of Garlic

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Joy Of Garlic

I am sure that you guys gathered by now that I love food. I feel like I am constantly talking about cooking, baking, eating, or Taco Bell to someone! But one thing that I really love is garlic. I remember the first time that I had a super garlic-y food. My mom made my brother a snack of spaghetti and pesto when he came home from work about ten years ago and after trying a taste of the garlic filled sauce, I was hooked.

After my revelation of how freaking amazing garlic is, I began seeking out foods and recipes that would be filled with the stuff. When I cook, I use no less than an entire bulb of garlic in my meals despite the recipes only calling for about three cloves! When it comes to garlic, I mean bid-ness so when I was at a farmers market in Asheville, North Carolina at the beginning of summer and discovered the Joy Of Garlic stand, I truly believe that I died and went to heaven.

The Joy Of Garlic boasts, sauces, dressings, salsas, and spreads that are all dedicated to giving you the biggest blast of garlic imaginable. Their salsa is superb but after taste testing their Chipotle and sun dried tomato spread, I had discovered what it means to be alive – they are that good. Take a look on their website and you’ll see what I mean!

Upon returning to Asheville in October, my family bought three of each of our favorite spread flavors which will probably last about a month at most considering we put it on everything! Sandwiches, pizza, French bread, crackers, pretzels, you name it. The reason why it dawned on me to even write this post to begin with is because I had some for lunch today over top a microwave pizza! This spread literally transforms everything that you put on it and it turned my somewhat crappy pizza into instant deliciousness.

I also did promise the lovely woman who sold my family our garlic spreads both times that I would write a post about it on my blog. So if you’re reading this: THANK YOU!!

You can shop online for all things garlic at the Joy Of Garlic’s website and you can also learn how to sell the products in your area! If there are any local farmers markets in your neck of the woods, I cannot recommend starting a stand enough because I one hundred and ten percent believe that it would be a hit!

Thank you so much to the Joy Of Garlic for introducing me to my new favorite topping for literally any food and for also helping me keep vampires away with my breath! What is your favorite topping to put on your meals? Is anyone else super obsessed with garlic like me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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