Josh Groban Stage, Screen, And Symphony Concert

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Josh Groban Stage, Screen, And Symphony Concert

Hello! This past weekend Johnny and I had the best time seeing Josh Groban at Blossom Music Center for his Stage, Screen, And Symphony tour. Did we purchase tickets as huge fans of his music? Not necessarily. They were cheap and we got them for a laugh because we love when Josh Groban shows up in obscure comedies that we love like Tim And Eric’s Awesome Show Great Job. However, due to circumstances that I would only define as miraculous, we left the concert venue as super fans reeling from as close to a spiritual experience as I have ever had lol. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss mine and Johnny’s turn of good fortune:

Blossom Music Center is a venue that’s broken up into two parts. There is the covered pavilion where you can get close to the stage for beaucoup bucks or you can post up on the lawn beyond it for the low low. Unless the difference in price between both locations is marginal, Johnny and I always get lawn seats and did the same for Josh Groban. After getting a couple of drinks, we made our way to a primo spot on the lawn where our view of the stage wasn’t great but we could still see the screen really well. While it isn’t ideal, it is the best that you can hope for when you’re on the grass! Little did we know, our view was about to get so much better.

At seven o’clock sharp the show began sans opener and The Grobes took the stage singing Pure Imagination from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Not to mention that his concert was set to the music of the Akron Symphony Orchestra which was way cool! Although we just had a jumbo screen view, we were mesmerized by hearing Josh Groban perform because he truly does have the most beautiful voice and presence. We were then shocked out of our stupor by a Blossom employee asking us if we wanted to be upgraded to pavilion seats FOR FREE!!

Johnny and I happily accepted and assumed that we were gifted with back or mid pavilion seats. Not! An usher took our tickets and we followed behind all the way to the front. We started from the lawn and ended up four rows in front of the stage, giving us a perfect view of The Grobes in all of his glory. In all of our years of attending Blossom shows, nothing like this has ever happened before and we genuinely couldn’t believe it. It was like stepping into an alternate reality and all we could do was just sit back in our confusion and utter delight and enjoy the show.

As you guessed from the name of his tour, Josh Groban performed songs from the stage and screen set to a symphony lol. He performed charming renditions of songs like What I Did For Love, Skyfall, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, and On My Own just to name a few. The piece de resistance was seeing him tap back into his role has Sweeney Todd for The Barber And His Wife which was absolutely magical. It makes me even more excited for mine and Johnny’s Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett Halloween costumes this year! I wanted to see his run as Sweeney Todd SO badly and this was the best consolation prize!

Throughout his set, Josh (We’re on a first name basis!) shared stories, told some jokes, and sang his little heart out. Let’s be real, Josh Groban only has one lane – that being emotional ballads lol. He sticks to what he knows and does it oh so well! It was awe inspiring to hear him, of course, but it was just freaking crazy to be that close to him. Johnny and I were not fifty feet away from the guy we bust a gut over for Groban Sings Casey! When we were on the lawn, we didn’t plan on staying for the whole show. Once we were upgraded, we were glued to our seats until his encore of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. We made our way to the car as he sang the beloved tune and it was like being sent off into the sunset after an amazing Blossom adventure.

Johnny and I are still in a state of shock from our concert experience and are not fully convinced that it was real. You’re going to have to pinch us!

Are you a Josh Groban fan? Are you going to a concert soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Seasonal Changes And Home Preparedness

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Seasonal Changes And Home Preparedness

Each new season brings its own special charm to our lives and homes. Think of the crisp air of autumn or the vibrant blooms of spring. As the world outside our windows changes, so do the needs of our homes. Getting ready for these shifts means you can kick back and enjoy what each season offers without stressing about unexpected house problems. Taking care of your home proactively not only protects your property but also makes your living space feel more comfy and secure all year long:

The shift between seasons is the perfect time to hit the reset button and freshen up your home. It’s like a natural nudge to do those tasks that keep your house running smoothly. In spring, that might mean a good deep clean and throwing open the windows to let in fresh air. In fall, it’s all about getting cozy and ready for colder weather. By matching your home care routine with the calendar, you create a rhythm that stops little issues from turning into big headaches. This way of thinking turns chores into a satisfying ritual of looking after your space.

Keeping track of everything that needs doing can feel a bit much, which is why a checklist is truly a homeowner’s best friend. Having a clear list helps you tackle tasks step-by-step, making sure you don’t miss anything important. For instance, spring is perfect for checking your air conditioning and cleaning windows, while fall is the time to inspect your heating system and clear out gutters. You can find a great seasonal home maintenance checklist to help you get started. For even more detailed advice, this home maintenance checklist offers excellent tips to keep your property in tip-top shape for every season.

Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones who react to seasonal changes. Pests are also on the move, and your home can look like a five-star resort to them. In spring and summer, bugs like ants and wasps get busier, hunting for food and new spots to build nests. As temperatures drop in the fall, rodents and other critters start looking for a warm place to spend the winter. They often sneak inside through tiny cracks and openings. When these uninvited guests become a real problem, professional pest control is usually the most effective and lasting way to protect your home.

While some maintenance tasks are seasonal, keeping an eye on things all year round is key to stopping problems before they even start. One of the best ways to do this is to seal up your home’s “envelope.” Regularly check your home’s outside for cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes and utility lines, and damaged seals on windows and doors. Sealing these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping not only keeps pests out but also helps your home save energy. Simple habits like keeping your yard tidy, trimming overgrown bushes away from the house, and making sure water drains properly can also make your property much less appealing to pests.

You don’t need to be a home improvement guru to take simple steps that make a huge difference. You might even fall back in love with your home again! Adding a few easy habits to your routine can really cut down on the risk of pests and other household issues. Store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Wipe up crumbs and spills right away. Take out the garbage regularly and keep trash cans sealed. Fix leaky faucets and pipes promptly, because extra moisture attracts pests. Use screens on windows and doors, and repair any holes you find. Declutter storage areas like basements, attics, and garages to get rid of hiding spots.

These small actions really add up, creating a less welcoming environment for unwanted critters and giving you more peace of mind. Taking a few minutes each week to stay on top of these tasks can save you from dealing with a much bigger problem down the road!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Pajama Party OOTD Bloopers

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Pajama Party OOTD Bloopers

Hello hello and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Pajama Party OOTD! These pajamas were fresh from the Halloween collection drop at 5 Below and I have basically been living in them – they are the comfiest PJs in the world! And did I mention cute?! The costumed bears and little ghost patterns had me swooning from adorable. There is nothing better to me than when I can put my lounge clothes on after a work day or just stay in them all weekend long. My happy time has been made even better with these sweetly spooky PJs. These pics could use some improvement, though! Take a look:

When it comes to flavors, I am a savory girl and rarely eat sweets. I enjoy ice cream and chocolate from time to time but that’s about it. I hate the texture of cake and frosting, I only eat cookies if they’re fresh out of the oven, and most chewy candy has gelatin in it which I refuse to eat. A sweet tooth I have not but to the people that do – there are some candies that I have serious questions about lol. Let’s start with candy corn – is it tasty to eat candle wax? I think I only tried it once in my youth and am still scarred from eating the equivalent of a crayon. There is no denying that candy corn is uber cute but is it actually good? I need to know!!

Another few candies on my list include Necco Wafers and those weird wax things that look like a bottle of soda. I can remember getting them in the very early years of going trick or treating and they were always a hard pass! Necco Wafers taste like chalk and you already know my stance on wax from our discussion on candy corn lol. Although I am not a candy girl, I do marvel at how much candy has improved since then. Because I’ll tell you what, some of these classic old school candies are just not it and I genuinely want to know who is still eating them!

My candy corn plushie is all the candy corn I need and was a terrific Pajama Party guest!

Do you have a sweet tooth? What is your favorite and least favorite candy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

August 2026 Finishes

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August 2026 Finishes

Howdy y’all and happy September!! Even though it’s ninety degrees here (Yuck!) it is officially fall in my head because every day that passes is another day closer to Halloween. I am SO beyond excited to start shopping for mine and Johnny’s Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett costumes and can’t wait to share them with all of you. This is a couples costume that I have always wanted to do and I am thrilled that it’s finally coming to fruition! Before I get too ahead of myself with spooky season plans, let’s take a step back to yesterday and discuss my beauty finishes for August. There were only two but they are definitely worth chatting about! Take a look:

Would I Use Again?

ValJean Labs Radiant Glow Face Scrub: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why/Why Not?

ValJean Labs Scrub: I am an avid fan of ValJean Labs products and have yet to find one that I haven’t enjoyed. My favorite, however, has to be the Radiant Glow Scrub! This is easily the most gentle but effective scrub I have ever used and even Johnny uses it from time to time and loves it. The Radiant Glow scrub is cream based and hydrates deeply while the grit removes dry skin and imperfections like blackheads. Some scrubs leave your skin feeling scraped bare after using it and that is so not the case with the Radiant Glow. I used it every day for about two and a half months and exited the shower with skin that looked bright and felt soft as can be. Highly recommend and I will always purchase it if it’s available at TJMaxx!

Supergoop! Moisturizer: I bought the Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer for a TJMaxx price and am so glad for it because it is in the forty to fifty dollar range at Ulta or Sephora. I couldn’t imagine how mad I would be if I spent the full fifty bucks on the most lackluster moisturizer ever! The only thing the Supergoop! had going for it is that it was incredibly long lasting and it took me two months of twice daily use to finish the jar.

In that two months, there was nothing about this moisturizer that I liked and I was so happy to be done with it. The Triple Prep Moisturizer did not sit well on my skin whatsoever and it basically peeled off. It was miserable to be actually sweating and sweating moisturizer all at once during the hot summer months and it drove me insane. Of course, I had to see it through but I would NEVER get this product again even at a marked down price. This is one that can totally be skipped on!

My August Empties were 50/50 with one dud and one star and all I have to say is – it is SO nice to be using a moisturizer I actually like now! 😀

Which products did you use up in August? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

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Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

Hi! I had a delightful day this past Tuesday as my breaks from work included a coffee date with one of my girlfriends and some shopping! I lucked out at TJMaxx with a couple of gorgeous pieces for my upcoming trip to Italy and I am SO excited to show all of you. I got the funkiest matching set as well as a new top and my current happy place in my head is picturing me walking through the streets of Italy wearing them! Not only did I score big at TJs but I also needed to pop into Bath & Body Works for a reup on my beloved foaming hand soap. These fall scents are seriously out of this world and it is, easily, my favorite autumn collection yet! Check it out:

Green Pear & Apple: I absolutely loves me an apple scent and pear too and this fragrance is the most delicious combo of two of my favorites! The notes on Green Pear & Apple feature “fresh sliced pear, green apple, and cherry blossoms”. In other words, do you know what a pear smells like? Do you know what an apple smells like? Can you picture them both together? Lol, that is this scent in a nutshell and I am living for it!

Wild Blackberry Jam: In case you haven’t noticed, I am a fruity fragrance kind of gal and really enjoy a deep berry scent making Wild Blackberry Jam an obvious choice. With notes of “countryside blackberry, velvet fig, and amber woods” this scent is freshly crushed blackberries with the crisp scent of fall leaves for good measure. This scent is deep and rich but still smells sweet as opposed to musky with the notes of amber woods. B&BW’s fall collection seems to be a perfect pairing of classic fall scents with a fruity twist and it’s like it was made for me. 😀

Honey Wildflower: I am typically not a floral fragrance fan but Honey Wildflower is oh so nice and suspiciously smells a lot like B&BW’s classic Sweet Pea line. So much so that I’m like ninety-nine percent convinced that it’s just Sweet Pea with a different label lol. Honey Wildflower’s scent story includes “crisp pear, fresh wildflowers, and sweet honey”. I can definitely smell the juicy pear and the soft honey minimizes the wildflower scent significantly. If you are iffy on floral fragrances too then Honey Wildflower is just right and smells more fruity over flowery.

Whipped Honey & Vanilla: While I love fruit scents, vanilla fragrances are my all time favorite and Whipped Honey & Vanilla is a total dream. You can’t go wrong with classic vanilla but these notes of “honey drizzle, blossoming neroli, and whipped vanilla bean” are giving it a run for its money. Whipped Honey & Vanilla is so soft and light and almost smells like a shortbread cookie. It’s a fairly muted fragrance but one whiff has left me wanting more, more, more!

Pumpkin Apple: Although fall is my favorite time of the year, I am not big on classic fall fragrances. I don’t like pumpkin and cinnamon seriously makes me feel nauseous. Pumpkin Apple is as close to a true fall fragrance as I can muster and has a scent story of “red delicious apples, fall pumpkins, and clove buds”. To me, Pumpkin Apple smells like mulled cider and while it is nice for a one time use, I wouldn’t get it again. It just didn’t feel right not getting it because it’s such a fall staple scent!

I am incredibly happy with this hand soap haul and cannot recommend B&BW’s new fall line enough. You will want to dive right into it like a pile of leaves!

What is your favorite fall scent? Do you change which scents you use with the seasons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Terrific T OOTD Bloopers

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Terrific T OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Terrific T OOTD! Wearing jeans and a T-shirt is my standard throughout the work week. However, T’s rarely have a place in my weekend OOTDs as I love to get dressed to the nines. This outfit was an exception, though, because I just couldn’t wait to wear my Twilight “I ❤ Hot Dads” T-shirt from Hot Topic! It’s never not going to be funny to me and, honestly, it somehow felt so appropriate to the lunch date with Johnny I wore it to because it was the most subpar meal we have ever had lol. And these pictures? Rank even lower than subpar:

Obviously there are no good barbecue restaurants in Ohio but there is Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ which has somehow stayed open for years. Johnny and I drive by it several times per week and always have to take note of a beloved Cuyahoga Falls mascot: Their giant Sasquatch statue that watches over the premises. It once got stolen a few years back and finally got replaced to everyone’s delight! Out of nowhere a few days before our lunch date, Johnny suggested we try it. Although I am a vegetarian, I go hard on BBQ side dishes and sheer curiosity got the best of us so we locked it in the calendar.

After dressing for success and taking pictures, we made our way to Jimmy’s with stomachs rumbling. We were served quickly and couldn’t wait to dig in. And that first bite? Lackluster at best! Believe you me, Johnny and I weren’t expecting blow your mind BBQ but we weren’t expecting that. The meat was dry, my mac n cheese was watery, and the most noteworthy thing we had were the hush puppies. Credit where it’s due: They were bomb AF. Needless to say, we would never go to Jimmy’s again. BUT it’s always nice to support local, it made for a fun story, and we got to get up close and personal with Sasquatch. This situation was still a massive win and that’s saying a lot considering I take my mac n cheese very seriously!

Although our meal was disappointing, the company couldn’t be beat. Johnny and I can always make a good time out of anything!

What is your favorite local restaurant? Is there a restaurant you visited that didn’t live up to the hype? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!

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Happy Birthday, Best Friend!

Hi!! There was a very important birthday earlier this week – my best friend Lea was the birthday girl!! Between her recent engagement and big day, there has been so much to celebrate and it brings me an incredible amount of joy. Johnny and I loved being able to enjoy her post engagement party with friends and family and her and I shared a delicious Mexican meal at El Meson for her b-day. For the past eighteen years and change Lea and I have celebrated our birthdays together and I would say a hefty portion of our festivities took place at El Meson lol. It is the best! Regardless of how long we have been besties, it is always special to be together for our special days and I can’t wait for eighteen more years of summer birthdays! ❤

Lea makes life sparkle. She is one of the most vibrant, kind, hilarious, energetic, goofy gals I have ever met and being her friend is like having permanent sunshine. She single-handedly made high school not suck and all of the years that followed, for that matter. It’s kind of insane that we became best friends in freshman year of high school and have not had one fight that entire time. But that’s just what our friendship is. This sounds cheesy but we literally have a soul connection and have no care for anything but fun when we are together. Even during the hardships that life brings, we emerge from our hang outs feeling lighter because we have been laughing for hours on end!

My girl has accomplished so much in her life and is easily one of the hardest workers I know. It makes me unspeakably proud because even during struggles she still came out on top and is perfectly happy with where she is at. We all are too because she is going to make the most beautiful bride and I wish that her wedding was next weekend! The pleasure is truly all mine to be a part of her milestones and cheering her on every step of the way. Just like she does for me. ❤ I don’t know how I lucked out so hard to have a best girl like her!

To my darling best friend going eighteen years strong:

Are you celebrating any birthdays soon? How long have you been best friends with your bestie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Seasonal Decor Refresh: Easy Updates For Every Season

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Seasonal Decor Refresh: Easy Updates For Every Season

Changing up your home’s decor with the seasons is a lovely way to feel more in tune with the world just outside your window. A few simple swaps can totally change how a room feels, making it fresh and new without a huge effort. It’s all about making your space reflect the energy of the current season, whether that’s the bright, hopeful vibe of spring or the snug comfort of winter:

When everything outside starts to bloom, it’s only natural to want to bring that fresh feeling indoors. Spring decor is all about light, air, and a sense of newness. A great place to start is by swapping out heavy winter fabrics for lighter ones, like linen or cotton. Think pastel throw pillows, a light-colored rug, or crisp white curtains that let the sunshine stream right in.

Bringing nature inside is another big part of it. A vase of fresh tulips or daffodils on your dining table instantly brightens things up. You can also add botanical prints to your artwork or fabrics. This is also the perfect time to do a good decluttering, which helps create a more open and spacious feel. Looking at different seasonal decor ideas can give you tons of ideas, from color palettes to flower arrangements, helping you nail that perfect springtime mood.

As the days get shorter and cooler, create a warmer, cozier home with rich textures and autumn-inspired colors. Add chunky knit blankets, velvet cushions, faux fur rugs, and shades like deep orange, mustard, burgundy, and forest green. Use warm lighting and candles to create a soft, inviting glow. Layered textures and gentle lighting can make your home into a cozy retreat from the cold.

Sometimes, a simple decor swap just doesn’t quite cut it when your home needs a refresh. If you feel like a room needs a bigger change, you might think about updates that go beyond just accessories. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful things you can do. A new color can completely change the mood and energy of a space. Other small projects, like updating cabinet hardware in the kitchen or bathroom, or swapping an old light fixture for a modern one, can make a surprising difference. If you find your home needs more extensive work to truly feel right, you might start thinking about bigger renovations. These deeper updates can transform not just how your home looks, but how it functions and feels overall, making it a more enjoyable place to live all year round.

You definitely don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your home feeling current and stylish each season. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to spruce up your home decor. One of the easiest tricks is to focus on textiles. Instead of buying brand new decorative pillows, just grab new covers to slip over the inserts you already have. The same goes for kitchen towels, bathmats, and throw blankets. Thrift stores and flea markets are fantastic places to find unique decor items. Look for interesting vases, picture frames, or small decorative pieces that you can easily add to your space. And don’t forget the power of nature! A bowl of pinecones in the fall, a jar of seashells in the summer, or a few branches in a tall vase can be beautiful, free decorations.

Seasonal updates can be a mindful way to appreciate your home and the present moment. Once the changes are made, take time to enjoy how they affect your mood and daily routine. Small seasonal touches can keep your home feeling personal, welcoming, and comforting!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Lil Red’s Book Club: Ambush By Colleen Coble Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Ambush By Colleen Coble Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing a sort of thriller, sort of romance, sort of religious (Yuck!) book by Colleen Coble called Ambush. Had I known that Coble was known for Christian literature, I would have vetoed it from the jump. However, I was too far into the book to abandon it and saw it through. Ambush was a below average read that appears to be the first part of a series. Will I read the next one when it comes out? The jury is still out but let’s discuss anyways! Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on Ambush for sexual violence, graphic crime scene descriptions, and general violence. Now, let’s get to it:

Paradise has had a tough go in life. After losing both of her parents she was bounced from foster home to foster home, each one being worse than the last. The only high point in those years was her relationship with Blake which came to a crashing halt when his attempt to help her failed. The two high school sweethearts never spoke again afterwards but Paradise’s past is about to catch up to her fifteen years later. Since her and Blake’s falling out, she went on to become a vet specializing in wild and exotic animals. Although she loves her job, an almost deadly attack by a big cat has left her broken and she takes the first opportunity she is offered to get her groove back. She will now be the vet at The Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is exactly what it sounds like – a place for wild animals that were injured to roam, heal, and live the rest of their lives under expert care. It would be perfect minus the fact that Blake’s mother is the owner of The Sanctuary and he has returned in the wake of tragedy after the suspicious death of his father. Tensions are, indeed, high at The Sanctuary as the two former flames meet again but it is softened by Blake’s two younger brothers and his caring mom, Jenna. Paradise’s world at The Sanctuary revolves around caring for the animals and avoiding Blake at all costs. Soon, her avoidance of the man she has held a grudge against for so long will be the least important thing on her mind.

Since Paradise began her job, strange things have been happening at The Sanctuary and the surrounding properties. A body was found at a nearby ranch and angry activists have targeted The Sanctuary, committing break ins, arson, and shootings. The detective on the case feels no sympathy for Blake and his family and makes it clear that Blake and Jenna are his prime suspects in the murder at the ranch. With no help to be found for The Sanctuary from the police, the team decides to investigate themselves and that includes Paradise. As her and Blake work together to solve their own mysteries, they continue to grow closer and closer. If a flame is rekindling, it must wait until The Sanctuary’s problems are solved and Blake and his mom are in the clear. Will Paradise finally have the happy ending that she so needs and deserves? Read Ambush to find out!

In theory, Ambush offered a little bit of everything I like in a book. A juicy mystery, old love blossoming, and crooked cops. In practice, it was just very okay. My main qualm had nothing to do with the religious aspect of Ambush but had everything to do with the writing. Throughout the book, Colleen Coble made the decision to regurgitate the exact same phrases, words, and descriptions that had already been used several times over. It was verbatim and it drove me absolutely bonkers because lazy writing is the one thing I won’t stand for. There were countless times when it felt like I was rereading the same pages over again and it got to the point that it was laughable.

So the writing wasn’t great but what about the characters? Meh lol. Paradise as a leading lady was neither here nor there for me as she was extremely milquetoast. The personality factor was definitely lacking and she often read as bland and bored. Blake and his family, on the other hand, was too perfect and it was so unrealistic. I’m sure one would argue that god was on their side as they were ultra religious. What I mean by too perfect is that in the midst of all of this violence at The Sanctuary, no one got angry. Lives could have been lost and not one voice was ever raised. I don’t know about all of you, but I would be PISSED if I ended up being almost mauled by hyenas! Once again, I chalk this up to lazy writing to not even bother hinting at conflict within themselves and Ambush often read as a first draft as opposed to a published book.

Overall, I am going to rate Ambush with a two and a half out of ten stars. This is one that can certainly be skipped on but I’d be a liar if I said I don’t want to find out what happens in the next book!

What are you currently reading? What should I read next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Refreshing Your Space Beyond New Decor

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Refreshing Your Space Beyond New Decor

A home refresh is so much more than just grabbing new pillows or a trendy rug. It’s actually a fantastic chance to hit the reset button on your space, clear out anything that’s not serving you anymore, and create a home that truly feels like you. Often, the biggest changes don’t come from adding more stuff, but from really thinking about what you already have and getting rid of what you don’t need. This whole process might sound daunting, but if you break it down into smaller, bite-sized steps, it turns from a huge chore into a pretty exciting project. By focusing on clearing out the old before you even think about styling the new, you’ll build a solid foundation for a home that feels open, calm, and authentically yours:

Before you start tossing things or making a beeline for the store, take a moment to walk through your home with fresh eyes. Try to imagine you’re a guest seeing it for the first time. What do you genuinely love about each room? What makes you feel a little stressed or cluttered? Maybe your entryway always seems to be a mountain of shoes and mail, or a certain corner of the living room has become a magnet for random bits and bobs. Think about why you wanted to do this because your decor might need a refresh in the first place. Has your style changed over time? Or has the room’s purpose shifted? A dining room that’s now pulling double duty as a home office needs a different setup than one used only for meals. Just make a simple list of what’s working and what isn’t for each area. This first look is your personal roadmap for the entire project.

Every single item in your home takes up both physical and mental space. That broken lamp you keep meaning to fix, the stack of magazines you’ll never actually read, or the exercise equipment that’s somehow become a clothes hanger – they all add to a general feeling of clutter. All of this visual noise can make it really hard to relax and enjoy your home. Getting rid of these unused items is often the single most effective thing you can do to refresh your space. Letting go of things can be tough but try to think of it as making room for new energy and possibilities. For items that are just sitting there, consider if you can donate them or sell them. For bigger jobs that go beyond a few bags for charity, professional junk removal can be a lifesaver. They can quickly clear out old furniture, broken appliances, or all that accumulated clutter from a garage or basement. The main goal here is to end up with only the things you actually use, genuinely need, or truly love.

Once you have a clear idea of what needs to go and what you’re hoping to achieve, it’s time to make a plan. A little bit of structure will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and giving up halfway through. Start by setting a realistic timeline. You definitely don’t have to tackle the whole house in one weekend. Maybe you focus on one room per week or dedicate a few hours every Saturday. Next, figure out your goals for each space. Do you want the living room to feel cozier? The bedroom to be more peaceful? The kitchen to be more practical? Write these goals down. This will help you make decisions later on. Creating a simple mood board on Pinterest, or even just a folder of inspiring images, can help you visualize the final result and keep you motivated.

After you’ve sorted your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “toss” piles, you’ve got to deal with the aftermath. Smaller items are usually pretty easy to handle. You can drop a few bags at a local charity or list some things on a marketplace app. But what about the big stuff? That old mattress, the broken dresser, or a mountain of yard waste can be tricky to get rid of on your own. For these larger clear-outs, you have a couple of options. You could rent a truck and make multiple trips to the dump or a recycling center, but that can eat up a lot of time and be physically draining. This is another area where professional services can make a huge difference. They have the right equipment and know-how to remove bulky items safely and efficiently, and they often make sure things are disposed of in an eco-friendly way.

Now for the fun part: styling your newly decluttered space! With all the extra stuff gone, you can finally see the true potential in your rooms. The first step is to “shop your own home.” Try moving furniture, art, and decor from one room to another to see if they look better in a new spot. Sometimes just rearranging the layout can make a room feel completely different. Once you’ve made the most of what you already have, you can think about adding a few new pieces. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A new set of curtains, a colorful throw blanket, or a few healthy plants can really breathe new life into a room. There are tons of simple tips for a vibrant space that focus on small, impactful changes. Pay attention to lighting, different textures, and those personal touches that make the space feel like it belongs to you.

After all your hard work, take a moment to kick back and enjoy your revitalized home. You’ve created a space that not only looks better but also works better for your life right now!

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