Tag Archives: anything and everything

What Are Some Of The Most Unusual Pets?

Standard
What Are Some Of The Most Unusual Pets?

If you want to bring a pet into your family, but are not interested in a cat or dog, then you might want to consider one of the more unusual animals. There are lots of different unusual species of animals that you can actually keep as a pet. Below, we will take a look at some of the different options to give you some inspiration for your new family pet:

Bearded dragon:

Yes, that is correct; you can own your very own bearded dragon. This is an animal that certainly lives up to its name, as it is very much like a dragon. It has an armor of reptilian scales, which are shiny. It also has spikes under the chin, which look like a beard, hence the name. The spikes underneath the chin will puff depending on the mood of the bearded dragon. You can find more @ beardeddragonguidance if you are interested in this pet and want to know the care requirements.

Tarantula:

A lot of people do not like the sound of owning a spider as a pet. In fact, for a lot of people, they can’t think of anything worse. However, giant spiders definitely can be pets, and they can make good ones. You do need to make sure that you consider your choice of spider species with care and consideration, though. Curly hair tarantulas and Mexican red knee tarantulas are excellent pets. They live on insects and they are certainly not advisable pets for anyone who is a bit squeamish.

Sugar gliders:

Another weird yet wonderful pet that you may want to consider is a sugar glider. Sugar gliders are also known as pocket pets. They are very small creatures that will add a lot of excitement and joy to your life. They can be taught a number of different tricks, they are very loyal, and they are extremely playful as well. A sugar glider is one of the most exotic pets out there today, and they are great for families, couples, and single people alike. One thing you do need to be mindful of, though, is that they are nocturnal by nature, which means they enjoy staying up during the night.

Pygmy goat:

If you have a large outdoor property, a pygmy goat could be a great choice. These pets are very active and fun. However, they are also high maintenance, so you will need to make sure that you are able to give the goat the care and attention they need. Although they may be very small in size, they can also be incredibly noisy. Loneliness is one thing that pygmy goats can’t stand, so if you are someone who is not home a lot, this probably is not going to be the pet for you. Make sure you have a lot of leaves, grass hay, and space if you’re going to purchase this type of goat.

Hedgehog:

Although they may have prickly spines on their back, hedgehogs are very friendly. They can also become very affectionate with their owners, which makes them the perfect pet if you’re looking for a loving animal that is a bit different from the norm. It gets better too, as these pets are very low maintenance and they are calm. Nevertheless, do keep in mind that when they are small, they are going to require plenty of attention. You will need to keep up this attention as they get older as well, although they won’t be as needy. There are a few other things that you will need to keep in mind. For example, a hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, and so this pet is only going to be suitable if you are a night owl. Another thing that you will need to consider is the legislation in your local area. You need to make sure that it is legal for you to keep a hedgehog as a pet.

There are lots of different unusual pets that people can own. We hope that this has helped to give you some ideas for the sort of pets that could be right for you. Of course, irrespective of the sort of pet you decide to bring into your family, it is important to consider this with care. You need to make sure that you are able to provide the pet with the love and care that is required so they can lead a happy and healthy life.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Wanted: New Year’s Guest Bloggers

Standard
Wanted: New Year’s Guest Bloggers

Hello! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to write more, then how about spending an afternoon guest blogging for lifewithlilred? I want everything from your 2021 goals, all of the “new year new me” posts, and things that you are looking forward to in the upcoming months. One of the goals of my page has always been to spread the joy of writing, which is why guest bloggers will forever be welcome in Lil Red’s world.

If you are interested in being a featured writer for the day on my page, then please email me your ideas to: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . Don’t forget to let me know which blog you’re coming from, too! Those who have continued to write through all of this madness should be proud of themselves and I would sure be proud to have you on my page, too! ❤

Happy New Year!

Bored At Home? Try InboxDollars!

Standard
Bored At Home? Try InboxDollars!

Hey! I don’t know about any of you, but there was a point in my life when I would do online surveys like it was my job. I tried a multitude of different websites but when I found InboxDollars, I stuck with it and have been using it for years. In fact, I just got myself a thirty dollar Amazon gift card from my earnings and was able to purchase all of my skin care for the next few months for a song.

If you are bored at home and looking to make an extra buck, then I can’t recommend InboxDollars enough. The best part about this website is that it isn’t just endless surveys. You can answer trivia questions, open paid emails, play games, clip coupons, online shop, and watch videos to get you closer to your ten dollar cash out goal. Once you have enough earnings, you can collect cash or gift cards to restaurants and online retailers.

InboxDollars is a great way to kill some time and I go on it once daily to at least open some paid emails and answer their daily trivia question. You can spend as little or as much time on it as you’d like and not only is it an easy site to maneuver but it’s fun, too! If you are interested in signing up for InboxDollars, please use my referral code and I can help show you the ropes. 🙂

https://www.inboxdollars.com?rb=78080190&ref_src=link

Which online survey sites do you use? What are your thoughts on InboxDollars if you have used it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ugh! Annoying Problems With Easy Solutions

Standard
Ugh! Annoying Problems With Easy Solutions

Have you ever had a problem that doesn’t bother you as much as just really annoy you? My prime example would be when I had a carpenter ant problem in my apartment last summer and was in a constant state of annoyance every time more ants appeared. What I thought was going to be a huge problem, however, was fixed quickly with traps and I was instantly able to breathe easier. Today, we’re going to a look at a few annoying problems and how to deal with them quickly:

Getting locked out:

Getting locked out of your car or house is the literal worst so it’s important to have the right contact info for help should the problem arise. Read reviews for the best professional locksmiths in the area or locksmith Toronto and save your choice in your phone. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

A messy house:

Do you ever look around your place and feel so blah at the thought of cleaning it? I know this feeling well but, I promise that you will be so much more annoyed when you have an even messier space to clean later. Take a deep breath, gather your cleaning supplies, and just do it. You will feel accomplished once the chore is complete and you will be able to relax much easier in a clean space.

Dandruff:

I am a human being and I will be the first to admit that I get dandruff. It was pretty bad a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t have any Head & Shoulders to help alleviate the problem. I did have olive oil, though, so I rubbed it into my scalp, left it for about ten minutes, and washed my hair afterwards and the following day. You could not imagine my surprise when I had a completely clear scalp the next day and my self-confidence instantly improved. Head & Shoulders, who?

Feeling bored:

Feeling bored is so annoying because you might have plenty of options for things to do but all of them seem less than appealing. If you feel like you need something to do and feel unimpressed with your choices, then grab a piece of paper and start writing. You might realize that you have a lot more on your mind or to say than you originally thought and it could turn into a really beneficial daily hobby. It also might make you feel less annoyed about other stressors so it’s a major win!

No matter how annoying the problem, there is always a solution. Remember that and all will be peachy keen!

 

5 Ideas To Fill Your Free Time With

Standard
5 Ideas To Fill Your Free Time With

It’s safe to say that, at the moment, we all have more free time than we ever have had in the past – especially if you are unable to work due to the restrictions that are currently in place or are on furlough. That’s a lot of free time to account for! Back in normal times, you may have spent evenings or weekends with friends and family, going to different events or meetings, or just being out and enjoying different activities. With all of those options depleted, we all need to be able to find new ways to fill our free time. Here are five ideas to inspire you:

1. Reading:

If you know that you usually spend a lot of time watching Netflix or different TV shows and movies, maybe you want to shake that up and choose to read, instead? Reading can be really relaxing, it can help you to expand your horizons, and it’s enjoyable too. It also allows you to have an adventure with the characters in your book!

2. Learning Something New:

Maybe you want to challenge your brain a little more? It could be that you would love to learn something new. Could learning how to speak French fluently be a goal for you? Or how about mastering a new piece of computer software that you have always wanted? This can be a fun and very beneficial way to kill time.

3. Furthering Your Career:

Being on pause from your job can be a bit strange and it can also leave you thinking about what else you want to do in life. If you’ve found that you don’t like where you’re currently at professionally, it will be nice for you to think about what you can do to try and change that or drive your career forward. Maybe you want to earn an mph degree online or learn new skills that will help you to apply for a new job? Sometimes, a career change could be what you need to fill your free time.

4. Something Creative:

It’s always fun to get more in touch with your creative side. So maybe you want to paint something, make something, or sew something? You don’t have to have been into crafts your entire life to turn to a creative pastime and really enjoy it. Why not pick up knitting, drawing, or cross-stitch? There’s no better time than the present!

5. Launching A Business:

It could even be that you’ve always been interested in starting a side hustle. So this could be perfect for you and just what you want to be able to change your career or start something new. Maybe you love baking? Or do you enjoy writing? Or you love the idea of consulting? If you have the time now, why not dedicate some of it towards this? You may find that you not only enjoy it, but it can really take your life in a new direction too.

Use the ideas above to help motivate yourself and turn your time away from work into something equally as productive!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Saving Energy: 3 Steps To A More Efficient Home

Standard
Saving Energy: 3 Steps To A More Efficient Home

Are you looking to cut down on your carbon footprint or do you only want to reduce the amount you are spending on household energy? If you want to increase your home’s energy efficiency, you need to do more than just reducing the amount of energy. You should figure out the areas that use energy, how it is wasted, and ways to use it more effectively and efficiently. It all starts with making simple changes around the house that would significantly impact the environment and your energy bills.

If you are unsure of where to begin, here are some tips that can guide you to make your home an energy-saving haven:

Improve your Home Insulation:

Insulating your home in the right way helps to preserve heat during winter and keep out the heat during summer, and serves as a great combined investment as you learn from CleanChoice Energy reviews. It also reduces the amount of fuel you burn to warm the house, reducing CO2 emissions into the air. Insulating your house is a cheaper alternative to using power-hungry air conditioning units.

If your home does not have proper insulation, much of the heat will get lost through the roof, walls, windows, and floors. Not only does it become expensive to heat, but it also becomes challenging to maintain the heat. You don’t have to spend much to improve your home insulation. Small home improvements can have a significant impact on your energy conservation.

For example, you can use spray foam to insulate your walls and prevent them from losing heat too quickly, saving you money while also reducing the energy you use. The correct spray foam insulation temperature should be around 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turn Down your Thermostat:

Reducing your heating is an excellent approach to reducing the amount of energy you spend every month. It may be a hard feat to enact during winter because of the extremely low temperatures. However, you do not have to overdo it. You can save a lot of money by just turning your thermostat to a few degrees lower.

If your house gets cold, throw on a sweater or a robe and invest in thermal curtains that you can use during the winter months. A smart thermostat can also help you save energy more efficiently since it allows you to heat only the rooms you are using and control the temperatures from your smartphone.

Avoid Leaving Appliances on Standby:

Appliances still consume electricity even when on standby, provided they still have a connection to the power source. This includes devices such as microwaves, printers, washing machines, TVs, and laptops. Once you finish using an item, switch it off by unplugging from the power source. It can help you save more than $30 every year on energy.

As you can see, you do not have to spend too much time or money to make your home energy-efficient. You can cut your energy bills by following the above simple steps. Remember, when your home is well insulated and energy-efficient, it will not only help you save on costs, but it will also lead to a cleaner and greener environment for everyone.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sweet Surprises: Starbucks Drive Thru Edition

Standard
Sweet Surprises: Starbucks Drive Thru Edition

Hellooooo! Once Starbucks busts out their seasonal drinks during the holidays, I have to stop by at least once or twice (or ten times) to get a Peppermint Mocha. It is my absolute favorite drink from there that isn’t iced coffee and I can feel myself getting more into the holiday spirit with each sip of essentially caffeinated hot chocolate.

About five years ago, a Starbucks opened up right down the street from me and it was pretty much the best thing that ever happened in my neck of the woods. The convenience is, obviously, amazing. But, what I love most of all are the delightful employees that work there. I have made many friends via the neighborhood Starbucks and I think it’s safe to say that I just made a new one during my last stop at the drive thru. Check it out:

AE10CE71-CC25-44B4-96B7-D40841B8F1E6

When I was younger and to this day, I love running errands with my mom. One of the big things that I can remember in my youth is how my mom made an effort to talk to the employees that were helping us. Whether it be chatting about their day or offering a compliment, I could always tell that the workers felt happy after talking to my mom and that inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Why not make someone’s day with a few encouraging words? When I worked retail, I was so appreciative of the customers who would go out of their way to talk to me so I know first hand how good it feels to have someone be kind while I was on the clock.

The past few times I went to the Starbucks drive thru, the same guy took my order and he was so nice – not just to me but to all of the customers. When he asked about my day, I could tell he was genuinely interested and it was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t not say anything and I let him know that he has made my day every time I stop by and that I really appreciate it. When I received my drink at the window, I was informed that there was a little note on my cup:

5FF47ADA-54B9-4D61-9DCE-F6EA2C31B32A

How sweet is that?!

Whenever you want to say something nice to someone, just say it. You have no idea what that person could be going through and it might help turn their entire day around. I was in a great mood all day from just one kind gesture and I think my new friend had a better day for it, too. The world needs more positivity right now so spread it in any way you can. As you can see, even the smallest things are super effective! ❤

What was the last Random Act Of Kindness you made? How do you like to make someone’s day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

2020 Writing Tips

Standard
2020 Writing Tips

Hello! lifewithlilred is known for having fresh new content every day and, other than a few rare occasions, I can say that I have posted something daily for the past six plus years of my blog’s existence. Mind you, this is no easy task and even I suffer from writer’s block – especially in 2020.

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to come up with content when there really isn’t anything to do safely, compliments of COVID. That hasn’t stopped me, though, and it shouldn’t prevent you from creating, either. If you’re struggling to post new content, take a look at some of the tricks that I use daily for a little inspiration:

Your posts do not have to be “groundbreaking”:

Just because it feels like you have nothing to write about doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to write about. Your posts don’t always have to be deep or profound. They can be goofy, short, and simple and people will still like it just the same. I find that my readers are happy to hear from me daily even if some of my posts are just a couple of paragraphs long.

Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to come up with content that could go viral or spark a huge discussion. All this will do is make you second guess the ideas that you have that aren’t as grand. We are all struggling through 2020 together and your readers aren’t going to like you any less if your content isn’t up to your usual standards. I promise, we all get it. ❤

Find inspiration in small things:

Johnny and I have been pretty much confined to our small apartment since March. Of course, it’s difficult to come up with posts when we are no longer going here, there, and everywhere. However, this has taught me to find inspiration in all of the little things to write about.

Did you watch a great new series on Netflix? How was your Zoom game night with your friends? Did you wrap any holiday presents recently? I promise that your small victories, struggles, or hilarious mishaps are all post-worthy. Big or small, your readers want to know what you’re up to. Don’t be so hard on yourself!

Have FUN:

I know this sounds lame but writing should be fun so have a ball with it! I love writing to music and once I’m jamming and getting into a good groove, I feel like I can’t stop writing even if I want to. Being a blogger is as fun as you make it and that should be encouraged on your page.

Host a question and answer session. Try a holiday giveaway. Do a top ten countdown of your favorite posts. There are plenty of ways to get feel good vibes on your blog but it starts with you. Don’t get discouraged – just put on your favorite songs and see what you can come up with. 🙂

I have been asked countless times throughout the COVID pandemic how I am still writing every day and I tend to answer with a combination of the tips above. I can’t wait to see what all of you come up with on the blogosphere!

How do you find inspiration for your posts? What do you do when you have writer’s block? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

Standard
How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

Winter is well and truly on its way. In fact, it’s pretty much here. And with what’s going on in the world right now, you may find that you really don’t want to be spending too much time on anything that’s strenuous or that takes your energy away. And if that’s the case, you will be reaping as many of the benefits that a winter hibernation can offer you. At this time of the year, we don’t always want to spend too much outside or on hard activities. Instead, we want to be able to slow down and make sure that we can get through to spring feeling fantastic. To help you to do that, you may find that the ideas below will inspire you:

Before shifting into hibernation mode, is everything on your winter checklist tended to? Garden furniture put away? Winter tires installed? Has an inspection of your heating system been completed? As the temperatures drop it is so important to get your HVAC or boiler system inspected to ensure it is in working order for the season. A company like https://heatsafeheatingltd.co.uk/ (or something similar in your local area) can inspect your boilers and repair any issues to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long. All that will be left to do is relax!

To start with, one of the best things that you can do here is to make sure that you’re letting yourself switch off as much as possible. If you’re always on the go or your mind is always racing, your time won’t be calm. So try to switch off from work or the online world for a little bit if you can.

From here, you might want to try and think about keeping your distance from negativity. This may seem like a strange thing to add in as a winter practice, however, it can be really beneficial for your mind. If you know that you have a lot of toxic people in your life as you’re choosing to enjoy a few calming months, it’s good to try and keep them at arm’s length. That way, you know that your tranquillity won’t be threatened.

winter3

Unsplash Image

The next thing that you might want to do is make sure that you are welcoming more calming practices into your life. You may find that you are able to feel a lot calmer throughout the colder months when you actively look to make this happen. Maybe you want to read instead of watch TV? Turn to something like Bloom Farms CBD instead of alcohol? Or quiet games nights with family rather than something rowdier? It all helps.

Treat yourself better:

Even if you think you already do this, you may not be treating yourself as well as you’d think. Are you resting? Are you looking after your body? Are you prioritizing your needs? If not, then you’re going to want to make sure that you change this. You’ll find it helps you to be a lot calmer and feel much better about yourself.

Enjoy the downtime:

Finally, you may find that it’s actually really nice for you to just enjoy more of the downtime. Winter isn’t always as fun, busy, and outgoing as summer – and it needn’t be. With winter comes the cold and dark and it’s not always the time of year that you want to be active. So just let yourself enjoy the calm and the slower pace. Do less. Relax. Be slow. Lap up all of the things you can do in hibernation before a glorious springtime comes back once again.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above and have a calm and safe winter!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

What Should You Expect From A Leading Estate Agent?

Standard
What Should You Expect From A Leading Estate Agent?

Would you build a house without using a reputable construction firm? It’s unlikely. So, why should your approach be any different when buying or selling a property? There are many people who overlook the services of an estate agency in an attempt to save themselves some cash. However, this could cost a lot more in the long run. Signing a contract without expert consultation could turn out to be a disaster.

Moreover, with an experienced estate agent on your side, you have more chance of striking the perfect deal for you. Knowledgeable estate agents can help in all aspects of sales and rentals, allowing their clients to benefit from their expertise when it comes to everything from negotiation, adding value to a property, and finding the right tenants. Property law can be complex, and it is ever-changing, which is why it is always advisable to have an expert in the field on your side. This eliminates the need to carry out extensive research and gives you the peace of mind that everything is being handled effectively and efficiently.

If you are in need of an excellent estate agent, simply enter a search for “Estate agents in Romsey” (or your local area). When you have made a selection after researching and seeking reviews and recommendations, the following pieces of advice should be expected in the service they are providing:

What to expect when selling your property:

With an abundance of experience, an esteemed position in the industry, and a constant appetite to stay up to date with the latest trends, you will have the help you need from an expert estate agency. A dedicated team will ensure that the process of selling your home is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. They will conduct a thorough valuation of your property, and when you are ready to proceed they will market it via both offline and online channels. Click here to see a good example. They will take professional photographs to show your property in the best light and combine them with an attractive description. They’ll conduct professional viewings whenever anyone is interested.

Buying a property with a leading agent:

If you’re looking to buy, then your agent will provide you with all the information on properties in your preferred area that fit within your price range, making sure the process of finding your dream home runs as smoothly as possible. Once you’ve found your dream home, there should be an evident commitment to providing an enjoyable purchasing experience. From liaising with solicitors and mortgage providers to answering any questions you may have about the progress of your purchase, your consultant will be on hand to provide information and advice on all parts of the property buying process.

Remember that you will want an agent that specializes in the specific type of property you are interested in. There are realtors for everything from bungalows to beach houses and this is just in your home state or country. If you are thinking of purchasing property overseas, companies like Simon Conn can assist in making what seems like a daunting task much easier.

Property rentals with agents:

Do you have a portfolio of properties you’d like to rent out? Perhaps you’re thinking of moving home and would like to make an income on your current place? No matter what applies, a leading agent should offer you an exceptional service for landlords. If you’re interested in renting a property out, a dedicated team will find the perfect tenant for you. They’ll market your property via numerous channels, using professional photographs and compelling content. Once they find someone interested in your property, they will conduct the necessary checks, including credit checks and references, while they will also put together tenancy agreements and all other required documents.

Don’t skimp on the importance of working with an estate agent when it comes to selling or purchasing property!

Featured Image By: Pexels