Tag Archives: adulting

Mar3

Labubu Or Lafufu?!

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Labubu Or Lafufu?!

Hello! It’s so amazing how quickly trends come and go. Less than a year ago it was all Labubu everything and I feel like they are nonexistent now! When Labubu came out, I would be a liar if I said I didn’t covet one. They are truly the textbook definition of “ugly cute” and I do love me a collectable. During the Labubu craze, I visited a store that sold them and walked out when I saw the eighty dollar price tag. That was that, I suppose lol. For Christmas, my husband offered to buy me one and I politely declined as I just can’t justify a purchase like that. I had honestly forgotten about them until I returned home from work last Thursday to a surprise:

When I walked in the door, I immediately clocked what I am ninety-nine percent confident is a Lafufu clipped to Johnny’s backpack. I literally gasped! He ceremonially removed it from his bag and proudly handed it to me. As soon as it was in my arms I hugged it to my chest like a kid! One of Johnny’s coworkers bought them in bulk and offered one to him which he gladly accepted as he knew how much I would love it. How right he was because I just can’t get enough of this fuzzy little something. I burst into a smile every time I see it. 🙂 ❤

I’d like to go back and retract my statement of being ninety-nine percent confident that this is a Lafufu to one hundred percent sure. I gave it a quick cuddle in between typing this and one of its little hands fell off lol. I’m SO sure that a real Labubu doesn’t have that problem! You know what I have to say about that? Who cares? Certainly not me! Real or fake, I finally have one of my own. It might not have the official QR code or sturdy hands and feet but it is mine and I think it’s perfect. I know my nieces will want to take my Lafufu home with them when they see it but this lil buddy is staying safe and sound at chez moi! 😀

I was going to ask all of you to chime in on the Labubu/Lafufu status but I answered that question myself. So, in conclusion – YAY because it is the best Lafufu in the world!

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

Feb20

Early Signs Of Hearing Loss Every 20 Something Should Know

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Early Signs Of Hearing Loss Every 20 Something Should Know

Anyone can lose their hearing. No matter how old you are or how healthy you feel, your hearing can be affected by your day to day activities. Too much loud noise at home, in the workplace, or coming through your headphones and you could be dealing with a lower level of hearing. And for some people, genetics play a role in causing hearing loss at a younger age. It’s a complex thing, and it’s something to keep an eye out for so you can act in time. As such, here are some of the most common early signs of hearing loss that you should know about as a young adult:

Everything Needs Turning Up Higher:

Have you started needing to turn the volume up on your phone, tablet, or TV much louder than you used to? Say you always had the volume set to fifteen and that was fine, but these days you need it at twenty and above. Dialogue just doesn’t feel all that easy for you to parse anymore. It could be an issue with the device itself, of course. It could also be a problem with the way the sound was recorded for whatever media you’re watching. But it could also be a sign your hearing has been impacted.

People Keep Saying You’re Being Loud:

Are you noticing that more and more people are saying you’re talking quite loudly, but you didn’t even realize? That could be a sign of hearing loss, especially if no one really said anything like this to you before. Or alternatively, you think you’re speaking at a normal volume, but everyone’s suddenly telling you that you’re being really quiet. Both of these things can, in fact, be a sign of hearing loss. And when it comes to difficulties in general conversation, a trip to the audio doctor is the next best thing to plan. After all, you could be in need of hearing aids. And if you do, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of different styles and options to suit your ears, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Plus, your audiologist will be there to walk you through choosing a set that’s right for you.

You’ve Stopped Noticing Background Noise:

It’s hard to notice when you’re not noticing something – that’s why it’s called ‘background noise’. But if you’re never noticing when there’s some sound going on around you, it could be another sign you’re dealing with a form of hearing loss. Maybe cafes aren’t as loud as they used to be, as you haven’t really heard much chatter going on around you? And what about when you’re on the bus to work – does the sound of the bus sound as loud as it used to? The next time you get the chance, focus on the background and see what you’re picking up.

Hearing loss can creep up on you, and it can happen at any age. Pay attention to signs like these to prevent the problem from getting worse!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb17

Don’t Trip Up: Business Trip Mistakes To Avoid

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Don’t Trip Up: Business Trip Mistakes To Avoid

A productive business trip requires plenty of planning ahead. Besides thinking about how that important meeting or sales pitch is going to go, you need to consider all of the fundamentals like how you’re getting there, where you’re staying, and what you will pack. Below are just some of the blunders that could trip you up if you’re not careful:

Ignoring your company travel policy:

If you’re the boss, you get to set your own travel policy. But if you’re an employee, it’s possible you may have to stick within a strict budget and potentially stick to certain providers when it comes to hotels, flights or even restaurants. Review any company travel policy rules before you book anything so that you know what your limitations are.

Booking last minute:

Unless it’s an emergency business trip, you should avoid booking accommodations and flights at the last moment. While you can sometimes access last minute deals by booking late, you may be stuck with limited hotel options and awkward flight times. Start looking into this at least a few weeks in advance so that they’re all sorted.

Choosing the wrong type of accommodation:

Not all types of accommodation are going to be fit for your stay. While a hostel could save you money, it might not give you the comfort and privacy you need when preparing for a presentation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you don’t want to overspend on a plush hotel for a visit that may not even be that important. Don’t forget to consider short term rentals – some of these may be better suited to longer stays and they’ll give you more privacy.

Overlooking time zone differences:

It’s easy to forget about time zone differences and end up arriving later than planned. If you’ve got an early morning meeting, make sure that you’re not flying in late at night. If you have to communicate with people back at the office, make sure to also consider the time back home before calling.

Forgoing buffer time:

Consider allowing some ‘buffer time’ within your trip – this is extra time allowed for delays such as cancelled flights, late trains, heavy traffic, or accidentally arriving at the wrong building for a meeting. Arriving early before any business interactions are due and giving yourself plenty of time to get from A to B will allow you to stay relaxed and could avoid any late arrivals to important meetings.

Not packing these items:

There are a few key items that could be useful to bring on your business trip. These include:

  • Portable power bank: Bringing a portable power bank will stop you from running out of battery on your devices if you can’t find an outlet.
  • Portable Wi-Fi router: If connection is spotty and you need to conduct a presentation, a portable router could save the day.
  • Travel adapter plug: When traveling abroad, outlets may be different and will require an adapter.
  • Travel iron: This can help you to keep your clothing crease-free on the go.
  • Backup documents: In case you lose your phone or run out of battery, consider bringing paper copies of flight information, hotel bookings, or business meeting details.
  • Business cards: Useful to have for networking.

Not researching into cultural differences:

Finally, consider that there may be cultural differences – especially if you’re traveling to a different country. This could include different business customs. For example, in Japan, it’s common to use a bow instead of using a handshake and to offer a gift during business meetings. Punctuality attitudes can vary around the world too – in some countries, arriving five minutes early is advised, while in others arriving a half an hour late is not frowned upon.

With these tips, your business trip will go without a hitch!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan15

3 Things To Consider When Looking At Your Finances

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3 Things To Consider When Looking At Your Finances

When it comes to finances, we know that it can be hard to keep yourself on the straight and narrow. There are so many unknown elements to factor in. Will you get a raise at work? Will one of your kids need to go to the ER for stitches? What should you spend on and what should you save for? The answers to these questions are not black and white. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at three of the things that we encourage you to consider:

Finances Won’t Stay The Same Forever:

We’re going to kick things off by saying that your finances are not going to stay the same forever. If you’re struggling financially at the moment and you’re finding it really hard to keep pushing forward, then you need to remember that the situation can improve. Things will get better, the tide will turn, and there will come a time when managing your finances doesn’t make you feel like tearing your hair out. If your budget isn’t stretching as far as you would like it to, or you feel as though you’re constantly behind where you should be, just remind yourself that it’s all temporary, and your time will come soon. For now, you just need to do your best.

Ensure Your Taxes Are Done Correctly:

Another thing that you’re going to need to do is make sure that your taxes are done correctly. Taxes are complex, and it’s always advisable to have an accountant on your side helping you with them. We understand that this seems counterproductive to some as you’re just adding another expense to your list, but it actually does help. This will ensure that you get all of the breaks and deductions that you are entitled to. It’s worth looking at an individual income tax service for yourself, seeing what is out there, and watching how much it benefits you. We’re not saying that you don’t need to know how to do your taxes though, as it’s still an important life skill, just that help is available.

Saving Is Your Best Friend:

The last thing that we want you to consider is that saving is your friend. Yes, it’s hard to save money, and yes, you may feel as though no matter what you can’t save. If that’s true, refer back to the first point that we mentioned and keep pushing forward. If you can save and you’re just choosing not to, that’s a whole other issue. Take a look into all of the options for saving, and see what you think would work best for you. At the end of the day, budgeting is a skill and you cannot improve if you don’t practice.

A new year is a brand new opportunity to better manage your finances. Get started with these tips!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec18

Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

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Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

You usually have two roads to travel down when you want to buy a car:

  • Buy it outright with your own money
  • Seek some sort of financing option

Most people can’t use 100% of their money to buy a car so they go down the financing route, though this also throws a fork in the road:

  • Buy your car using an auto loan
  • Buy your car with dealership financing

Both are very viable options, but which one is better from a personal finance standpoint? Let’s take a closer look at them and see how they compare:

Car Loans Explained:

A car loan is one of the most straightforward auto financing options available. You approach a lender, apply for a loan, and receive enough money to cover the full cost of your purchase. Deposits/down payments are required – and this is usually a secured loan, meaning the car itself is collateral. In essence, if you fail to repay the loan, the lender can repossess your vehicle.

A very simple idea that comes with some massive benefits:

  • You own 100% of the car straight away
  • Car loans tend to come with lower interest rates, making them less costly
  • You gain the flexibility to buy your car from any dealership or brand

There are only a couple of downsides to a car loan, particularly when compared with regular dealership financing. It normally requires more effort to find a suitable lender and apply for your loan – and lenders are strict when it comes to accepting applications. Still, if you’ve got a great credit history, then there’s no need to worry about approval.

Dealership Financing Explained:

With dealership financing, you normally approach a car dealer and buy a vehicle from them, using their financing product. You pay a deposit, and then the dealer charges monthly payments based on the vehicle’s value and how much you already paid. The interesting thing here is that you’re normally locked into a 1-4 year deal. When your term ends, you either pay a balloon payment to own the car or take out a new deal on a new vehicle.

Dealership financing is popular for a couple of key reasons:

  • It’s fast and easy to set up
  • You normally get better deals than buying a car outright with a loan
  • It’s easily accessible
  • You can cycle through brand-new cars every few years

However, the main downside is that you do not own your car. The dealer will retain a majority share of your vehicle unless you pay the balloon payment at the end. This means you lack any flexibility when it comes to modifying your vehicle – and you’re also often forced to go to specific garages for servicing.

Which Is The Better Option Financially?

Speaking from a strictly financial standpoint, car loans are the better choice. You have lower interest rates, gain ownership of the vehicle right away, and have a longer term to split your repayments, making them more manageable. Truthfully, dealership financing only makes sense if you like cars and want to buy a new one every few years.

If you’re on the market for a new car, explore your financial options carefully and don’t rush into a decision you’re not fully comfortable with!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec1

Starting A Business Over 50 & Staying Healthy As An Entrepreneur

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Starting A Business Over 50 & Staying Healthy As An Entrepreneur

When most people think of entrepreneurs, they usually envision people in their 20s or 30s. Maybe people in their 40s, too. But, that doesn’t mean starting a business over 50 isn’t a possibility. It could just take a bit of an adjustment. It doesn’t have to be as complicated as you’d think, though. Focusing on a few startup tips should be more than enough to help with this moving forward. Three of these should have a significant impact on your startup’s success, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t help you moving forward:

Leverage Your Experience & Network:

You’ll likely start your business in an industry you’ve spent a significant amount of time in, as it’s where all of your skills will be related to. Your skills are far from the only area your business can benefit from. It can also benefit from your experience and network. You can use these to find opportunities to expand, new clients, and industry events that’ll help your company. Take advantage of this as much as possible from the start to fuel your initial success and kick start everything quickly.

Manage Your Risks:

Starting a business is always a risk, no matter what age you are when you start off. But, that doesn’t mean you should just settle for it being overwhelmingly risky. Implementing risk management strategies should help you minimize this as much as possible. You won’t be able to completely negate all of the risks, but you could avoid some as time goes on. At least, they shouldn’t be as major as you’d think. Proper financial planning is one of the most significant areas to focus on.

Balance Health & Ambition:

When you’re starting your business, you’ll be quite busy, but you shouldn’t push yourself too hard and neglect your health. Make sure you look after yourself so you can stay healthy while running your business. This could help you in more ways than one. If you notice any hearing loss during business meetings, for example, hearing aids could help make sure communication isn’t an issue. The same could be said for more than a few other health and lifestyle aids.

Starting a business over 50 feels like an uphill battle at the best of times. But, this is usually the case no matter what age you are. It’s just a matter of making sure you’re taking the right approach for you and your business!

Featured Image By: Caden Norcott from Unsplash

Nov18

Finding Balance In How We Play

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Finding Balance In How We Play

Everybody needs time to switch off. For some, it’s exercise or cooking; for others, it’s gardening, reading, or spending time with friends. Play, in any form, gives your mind a break from the structure of daily life. It doesn’t have to be competitive or loud; it just has to be something that’s going to allow you to relax and recharge. Lately, people are rediscovering how play fits into adulthood. It’s no longer something to outgrow; it’s something to bring back in a different way:

Making Space for Leisure:

Setting aside time for play, even if it’s just small moments during the week, can make a big difference in how you handle stress in your life. It means meeting new friends online for shared hobbies. Reliable game server hosting has made it possible to stay connected even when you’re apart. You can turn short sessions into something that’s more personal. But gaming does not mean you have to spend hours on a computer; it could be a puzzle app on your phone, a trivia night with family, or a quick card game after dinner. The goal isn’t to be performing; it’s to be present.

The Joy of Slower Play:

Not every kind of play comes through a screen. Many people are finding comfort in things like tabletop gaming, board games, dice games, and anything that gets people around the table. There’s something refreshing about slowing down, laughing, and focusing on something really simple together. These moments don’t rely on technology or trends, and they remind us that a connection doesn’t always need to be from something like Wi-Fi. Sitting down with others, sharing a snack, and working towards a small goal are all kinds of breaks that bring balance to a busy life.

Small Habits Make a Difference:

You don’t need hours of free time in order to enjoy yourself; brief instances of play can help you reset your focus. Try putting aside some time one evening a week for something light and fun. It might be a simple game, a work project, or a creative project. The key is to be consistent. The more often you give yourself space to unwind, the easier it is to become separate from work and rest. You’ll find yourself feeling calmer, clearer, and better able to focus on what matters when it matters.

You are allowed to take time for yourself to do something that is just purely fun and doesn’t have a reason. Whether you are building something online with friends or shuffling cards on a table, you’re giving yourself permission to take a pause. That’s not a waste of time; that is something that helps you to have balance in your life!

Featured Image By: David Bartus

May7

A Car Repair Cautionary Tale

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A Car Repair Cautionary Tale

Hello!! My car, AKA the Little Red Love Machine, is my little pride and joy. She is basically me in car form and I worked very hard to be able to buy my dream car. It is so important to me to make sure she is running in the best, safest way possible and I always stay up to date on regular maintenance. I began going to a shop down the street from me for oil changes and have had a positive experience every time. Except for the last time…

After my last oil change, I was informed that my car needed some extra work and that the price was going to be steep – the bare minimum being around $1340. YIKES! Right away, my feelers went up because what they were recommending was something that I had gotten done before and for way cheaper. Rather than commit to anything right away, I called another repair shop I go to on occasion and got a quote from them. The price just on the phone? $960. That was much more like it! Better yet, when I took my car to get fixed, the true price when they called me was $820. That was even more like it and over five hundred dollars less than the original quote!

While I was doing the happy dance for a repair that was even less than anticipated, I was a bit peeved. Did the people at the first repair shop think I was stupid or something? In fact, after they high balled me, I got a text from one of the team members saying I could get a free oil change if I wrote a review and I’m pretty sure they knew I had their number lol. (And, no: I did not write the review as temping as a free oil change is!)

This is why I decided to share my cautionary tale. If you are getting a major repair on anything done and the price seems way too high, get a second quote from a different source. Hell, get a few! If the prices are similar across the board, then that’s okay. However, you might find yourself in a situation similar to mine and will be so glad that you called around. This might seem like a no brainer but it is definitely worth the reminder so that you can continue to get the most bang for your buck and find professionals that are trustworthy. You couldn’t pay me to go to the original shop I went to again!

I am pleased to report that the Little Red Love Machine is back in excellent condition and my savings speak for themselves. You can’t beat that!

Do you have a story similar to mine? How much money did you end up saving by getting additional quotes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

Moving Right Along

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Moving Right Along

Howdy!! One of the comments that I get several times a week from the people I see and talk to frequently is: “I don’t know how you manage everything”. I have three jobs that keep me very busy, but I like to think that I have my juggling act down to a science. This isn’t something that happened overnight, rather something that has been perfected over time as I have been self employed for over a decade. It can be a delicate dance when you have a crazy schedule to keep your head above water. However, once you have it down, you can do that dance backwards and with your eyes closed! Here is what helps me:

I love my jobs:

The most important thing is to love what you do for a living and I certainly do! I love working with people with special needs, I love my blog, and I love being a social media manager. If I was absolutely miserable in any of these positions, I wouldn’t dedicate so much time to them. It makes me feel good to be a boss lady, but boss ladies know when to take a step back. As soon as I start feeling like something isn’t a good fit, I make immediate plans to change it and follow through until that is accomplished. It’s what keeps my work exciting and makes each day a joy rather than a chore.

It’s all in the timing:

Of course, time management is the next most important step to making a hectic schedule work. Through trial and error, I created a schedule that allows for me to complete every single task and be done when I return home so I can enjoy my evening with Johnny. Making a perfect schedule for yourself is like assembling a puzzle and once you get the pieces right, there is nothing that you can’t do. For a long while, I would still work a bit once I got home for the day no matter how badly I wanted to sink into the couch. The last step in my master schedule was eliminating this and I feel even more capable because I’m using my evenings for what they were intended for – relaxing!

Listen to yourself:

No one knows you better than you and rather than push yourself, you need to listen to yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I avoided taking breaks or simply a day off and it did me no favors. It made me resentful, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Honestly, this is one of the major things I still need to work on but I am getting better at it. You can only push yourself so much until you break so don’t let yourself get to that point. If something is feeling off, don’t just brush it aside because it’s your mind and body sending you a message. Listen to it because burnout is a very real thing and you have all of the tools to prevent it.

Go with the flow:

It’s no secret that my schedule is god lol. I have to admit, that I do tend to get a little panicky when my day isn’t moving as it should. This is why I am really making an effort to implement a go with the flow attitude. Being high-strung all day is exhausting and I always have to make a conscious effort to remind myself that things might not go accordingly to plan no matter how much you plan. While I do still experience some anxiety during a not to the T day, it has decreased substantially as I have to remind myself that even the most well thought out schedule needs some wiggle room.

I am well aware that there are still things that I need to work on when it comes to my work week. Keeping all of the above at the forefront of my mind helps me and I hope it does the same for you!

Do you follow the same schedule every day? How do you improve your work flow? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec19

Working With Mental Illness

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Working With Mental Illness

Hello!! It is no secret that your girl suffers from her fair share of mental illness. I have PTSD and depression and it can be exhausting to deal with. And, unfortunately, the adulting world doesn’t stand still despite difficult days that feature a “flare up”. I work hard to continue improving upon my situation, but I also use a few pro tips that I have cultivated over the years to make thing easier on myself. With these tools, my days feel more tolerable and I am able to achieve success in my jobs. Let’s discuss:

Have A Schedule:

In terms of my mental illness, my schedule means everything to me. My schedule brings me a lot of comfort because even if the day goes a little haywire, I still have a general idea of what is going to happen next. I try to go to bed, wake up, eat, and take breaks at the same time every day and not only do I keep things running like a fine tuned machine, but I feel less anxiety throughout the work day. Of course, on the weekend, I revel in not having anything to do. But, Monday through Friday – my schedule is god.

Eat Something:

Between the medication I’m on and the light buzz of butterflies that is constantly fluttering around in my stomach, my appetite is sometimes not there. I used to follow the rule of not eating if I’m not hungry, but that rule sucks because a few hours later I feel miserable and starving. If you aren’t feeling hungry at your normal mealtimes, try to have just a little something anyways. A light snack can help stimulate your appetite so you can work your way up to a proper meal. Your body and mind need the fuel from food, so eat!

Go Easy On Yourself:

The anxious mind might be telling you to work, work, work, and god help you if you stop: Even if you are feeling off. If you are having a bad day, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to take breaks, self soothe, and return to the task at hand with a clearer head. There’s no gold star for pushing yourself through mental turmoil until you reach a breaking point. Listen to what your mind and body are telling you and respond accordingly. It can also be helpful to talk to yourself like you’re talking to a best friend. You would never tell your BFF that their need for a mental health break isn’t valid.

Avoid People Pleasing:

From one people pleaser to another, there comes a point when you have got to put yourself first. I have personally found that I tend to feel very resentful when I am catering to everyone other than me and that is a terrible way to feel. Part of looking out for you comes with saying “no” to what you don’t want to do – whatever reason that might be. You also have to be firm with your no because that establishes boundaries. This is not to say that you should just not help anyone ever. But, if you feel like you are spiraling and taking on way too much, you need to provide some leniency to your schedule.

Like anyone who is dealing with mental illness on top of all that adulting entails, I have my good and bad days. However, my days definitely feel more stable with the above advice!

Do you give yourself mental health breaks? How do you prioritize your mental health? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah