Tag Archives: anything and everything

Mar31

They Raised You, Now You Raise Them: Looking After Aging Parents

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They Raised You, Now You Raise Them: Looking After Aging Parents

It’s one of those things in life that we all need to do at some point. As we get older we become more aware of our mortality and it’s when we end up looking after our parents that we can truly realize just how precious life is. But when we are looking after our parents it can take its toll on us. Whether you decide to put them into a nursing home or you try your best to push through without any professional help you need to understand what it takes to cope with looking after them. What are the best things to consider?

The Right Professional Help:

You may feel that to truly make the most of the situation so you don’t feel bound by various pressures that you put them in a care home. And many can do it thinking that it will be a better outcome for everyone concerned. However, this is not always the case. It all depends on the home. But you also need to be aware if there is something untoward going on.

There can be elderly abuse, something no one really likes to think about, but it’s definitely worth considering. There are websites like Chony.org that can help if you’ve got to the point where you put your parents in a home and there is something untoward going on. Professional help will always be beneficial because you are are able to make the most of a difficult situation. But you still have to do your homework. If the worst is happening, the immediate first step is to get your parents out of that situation. Then, you must find a lawyer for nursing home abuse or neglect to ensure that they get the justice they deserve. Pay close attention when you visit your loved ones for any signs of injury or emotional duress as this is a major warning sign.

If you are going the care home route or considering moving to an assisted living facility, it is so important to research different options extensively. Schedule tours, seek out excellent recommendations, and try to get a feel for the inner workings of each place. Is their Facilities Management staff trustworthy? Is the food served nutritious? Do they have friendly and responsible caregivers? This will all give you and your loved one peace of mind so don’t settle for anything less.

The Sibling Situation:

It can be incredibly stressful coping with looking after your parents so you may feel that if you’ve got siblings that they can help, but this can cause a lot of issues. It could be to do with the inheritance or it could just dig up old sibling rivalries. On Psychologytoday.com there are some pieces of information to consider when dealing with siblings. It’s never an easy thing to navigate when you are are looking out for the welfare of your parents especially if you’ve got a sibling that is just waiting for their slice of the inheritance. Do what you can for the benefit of the parent, not anybody else.

Looking After Yourself:

Having some “me” time is easier said than done in these situations but it’s crucial for your own sense of sanity. Whether you are looking after them yourself or you are feeling the stress because you put them in a home, you have to remember that life goes on for you, especially if you’ve got people dependent on you. You have got to make sure that you are looking after yourself properly. This means that it’s not just about the financial aspects but it’s about giving yourself that breathing space when you feel that it’s all too much. Take that opportunity to step back when necessary and assess the situation. It’s a very stressful situation for anybody. And feeling that you have to push through won’t do you any favors a few months down the line.

Coping with aging parents regardless of the situation is never easy but it’s something that we all will have to figure out at some point. Make sure that you are coping with the situation, not just for your benefit but for the benefit of those that really matter.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar30

Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

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Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

Hello! Although times are crazy and the norm is now staying hunkered down to help ease the coronavirus, it’s important to find joy in nature more than ever. I, myself, take delight in seeing the blooms of spring flowers poking up from the ground and a few crocuses have made their guest appearance in my parent’s yard. I was so tickled to see the sweet, small flowers in yellow, purple, and white that I just had to snap some pics:

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When I see a tiny flower’s presence among all of the dead leaves and dry grass, it instantly fills me with hope. One little bloom struggled to get enough sunshine, rain, and nutrition to sprout up and say hello but it pulled through and now looks so beautiful. One little pop of colorful flowers makes me instantly feel like spring is here and that makes me happy.

The winter blues have went away and now it’s time for sunshine, rainbows, and all of the glory that comes with spring. Despite the unease that we all feel right now in the midst of the coronavirus, be sure to take notice of all of the exciting things happening in nature the next time you take a walk. I’m sure it will quickly put a fresh spring in your step!

What is your favorite part about spring? What flowers are blooming in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar25

3 Ways Editorial Makeup Is Different From Daily Wear

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3 Ways Editorial Makeup Is Different From Daily Wear

When you have a shoot for a magazine, newspaper, or another form of press, you want to look your best. If you’re on a solo shoot, you want to be the star of the show. On the other hand, for a group shoot, you want to coordinate with others but still stand out. Whether you do your makeup or hire help for editorial makeup Chicago Il or elsewhere, you should understand how it differs from your daily routine:

1. The Focus:

Makeup for an editorial shoot should highlight your best features. Whether you have amazing cheekbones or luscious lips, you want to show that off. An editorial makeup artist will know how to highlight those parts of your face while still showing you. There’s no need to use layers of foundation when you already have glowing skin. By focusing on what you have, you will still look natural and put together for your shoot.

2. The Purpose:

Editorial makeup doesn’t always follow the same trends you see online. It sticks to the same few steps that it has used for years because it has a specific purpose. Be it a magazine or another form of press, an editorial shoot usually has one goal: to get you noticed. Odds are, your daily makeup routine is relatively basic. You probably follow the same steps, but for an editorial look, don’t be afraid to do things a little differently.

3. The Artist:

Most people can’t afford a makeup artist for their daily look, so you probably do your makeup yourself. However, for an editorial shoot, you should consider a professional makeup artist. An editorial makeup artist will know what techniques to use to enhance your natural beauty while making you stand out for the shoot. Unless you have a lot of editorial experience, consider hiring someone to help you create the perfect look.

To some people, it might seem that there are few differences between editorial makeup and daily makeup. But the two styles have important distinctions that everyone should understand.

Mar25

Miracle Skin Care Product: Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 Edition

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Miracle Skin Care Product: Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 Edition

Hello! As all of you know, Lil Red takes her skin care seriously. So, I’m sure you can understand how I would be frustrated when I was dealing with a cystic pimple that literally would not go away. No joke, I have been trying to get rid of this thing since September and used every face mask and cleanser you could think of to no avail. Sometimes the swelling would go down but, for the most part, the progress in eliminating it completely was stagnant.

That’s why I am absolutely thrilled with the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10. After looking up the best treatments for cystic acne, I realized that this product with ten percent benzoyl peroxide was the way to go and the internet definitely wasn’t lying:

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Within two weeks of at least two to three uses per day, the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 has made the cystic pimple that I have been struggling with nonexistent. Of course, it has dried out my skin but that is a side effect that I am willing to deal with to finally conquer the problem.

I legitimately have never gotten so much as a pimple before so having one that just wouldn’t go away was a huge blow to my self esteem and I wish that I would have discovered the Persa-gel sooner. I am so thankful to have a blemish free face and plan on using the gel until I can’t feel the bump under my skin anymore. But, for now, the noticeable portion of the problem is gone and I could not be happier.

If you have a tough blemish, then I can’t recommend the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 enough and will continue to keep a tube handy at all times for emergencies!

What is one of your favorite miracle beauty products? How do you keep a clear complexion? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

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Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

Hello! Crazy times, amiright? And, amid all of this craziness, it is so important to keep yourselves safe and healthy. This means limiting your time in public as much as possible. And, you know what? That’s fine by me! I have been having the best time hunkered down with Johnny (my boyfriend) playing Rock Band, watching Band Of Brothers, and indulging in our new obsession of Magic The Gathering. As much as I enjoy an evening at the bar, a quiet evening in is definitely what I prefer.

I had to laugh at a meme that said something like “when you realize your normal lifestyle is considered a quarantine” because that holds quite a bit of accuracy to me! But, if you’re still struggling to find ways to keep yourself occupied, allow me to suggest the following:

Learn Something New:

Sure, you could spend your time in self-isolation binging TV… And, believe you me, I’ve had my fair share of America’s Next Top Model marathons. But, you could also use this time to learn something new. Take a virtual tour of a museum, which is now being offered through a lot of establishments. Try your hand at a new language. Give a craft on Pinterest a shot. You’ll be amazed at where you end up once the self-isolation recommendation has lifted if you chip away at a new skill every day.

Cook A Great Meal:

I am so thankful that I went grocery shopping a week before all of the closings started happening because my pantry is fully stocked. And, since going out for dinner isn’t possible right now, I have enjoyed cooking in my kitchen every day. I love making breakfast over the weekend for my boyfriend and revel in when I can have dinner ready for him when he gets home. It is never not satisfying to me to lay out a meal that I made.

Open up a recipe book and give a few new ones a go, cook an old favorite, or bake and decorate a cake. An afternoon helping mom or dad bake cookies always goes down well for the little ones, too!

Exercise:

Unfortunately, all of the skating rinks in my neck of the woods are closed so I cannot have my weekly skate sesh. This sucks but it also doesn’t mean that I can’t still be active, which is so crucial when you’re stuck at home and being more sedentary. Do some crunches during your TV time or lift some weights. And, although community hangs are frowned upon – going out for a brisk hike or walk around the neighborhood isn’t.

Rearrange/Redecorate:

If you’re beginning to feel the effects of cabin fever, try rearranging your home or the room that you spend the most time in. Switching out knick knacks, changing the position of the couch, or reorganizing your book or movie shelves can breathe a whole new life into a space. And, if you’re on the hunt for something brand new, order online and make sure you love it since you’re going to be seeing a lot of it for a while. 😉

Although things feel scary right now don’t let it get in the way of enjoying yourself as you try out the ideas above!

How has the coronavirus effected you? What have you been doing to stay occupied? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar20

Coronavirus Vibe Killer

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Coronavirus Vibe Killer

Hi everyone! In the midst of all of this coronavirus craziness, I hope that all of my dear friends and readers are staying safe, happy, and healthy as panic spreads and toilet paper runs scarce. Everyone seems to be quarantining themselves from work, school, and other commitments and gatherings at movie theaters, concerts, and the like have been cancelled.

Normally, I would be stoked on literal government permission to not leave my house. Believe you me, I fantasize about that on mornings where it’s particularly hard to get out of bed and get to work. But, goddamn gang, I am SO disappointed because all of the fun events that I have been looking forward to are dropping out like flies.

For example, I was supposed to see Jesus Christ Super Star twice within one week at Playhouse Square in Cleveland and when it got cancelled your girl was just devastated. I have wanted to see that show live since my youth and seeing it twice was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me… until it didn’t. -___-

My boyfriend’s band, The Outside Voices, was also supposed to open for Molly Hatchet in April, which got the boot amid this unnerving time worldwide too. Am I shocked? No. It’s the right thing to do to protect our vulnerable populations. Am I disappointed? You better fucking believe it!

Yes, I’m disappointed in my festivities being cancelled. But, damn, I’m the most disappointed about certain behaviors that I have seen manifesting during this difficult time. There is absolutely NO need to be stockpiling mass amounts of food and product, preventing those who also need some to be left empty handed. I have also been sickened to see that people have been selling their hoards at an extremely marked up price on Facebook marketplace to make a quick buck. It’s shameful.

I’m sick of the racist remarks, I’m tired of the selfishness, and I urge all of you to take a minute and reflect on everything that is going on and how you can help. Whether that be Purel-ing your hands constantly to stop the spread of germs or packing a lunch for children who might need it now that the schools are shut down. We are all in this together, so let’s start acting like it! Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

How have you been dealing with the coronavirus panic? How has your life been affected by it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar10

5 Ways To Look After Your Glasses

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5 Ways To Look After Your Glasses

If you’re looking for ways to look after your glasses but you’re unsure where to start, then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’ve just ordered your first-ever pair of glasses or you’ve been wearing them for years, you need to make sure to protect them. Luckily, there are lots of ways in which you can do that. From investing in insurance to keeping them in a case, the more you’re doing to protect your glasses the better. With that in mind, here are 5 ways to look after your glasses: 

Buy High-Quality Glasses:

One of the best things you can do when it comes to looking after your glasses is that you buy high-quality glasses to begin with. Although they will cost more, buying glasses that are durable and sturdy will be less likely to get damaged. If you’re on a budget and you need to buy a pair that is slightly cheaper, make sure you’re doing as much research as you can when it comes to durability. For a guide to the best glasses brands to buy, you can visit this site here. 

Invest In Insurance:

If you’re worried about breaking your glasses and whether or not you’ll have the money to buy a new pair should they get broken, you may want to invest in insurance. Although you will have to pay a monthly sum towards your insurance, it will save you from having to pay a large amount should they break. For tips and tricks when it comes to finding insurance for your belongings, you can visit this site here. 

Keep Them In A Case:

Another great way to look after your glasses is to keep them in a case when you’re not wearing them. Although this might not be often, ensuring you’re always putting your glasses in a case will reduce your risk of damaging them or losing them. If you’re putting them into your bag, you should always use a case to avoid scratches on your glasses lenses. 

Take Care Of Them:

It goes without saying that you should be doing everything you can to take care of your lenses. From cleaning them at night to keeping them in a safe place, the more you’re doing to care for them the less likely it is they’re going to get damaged. 

Replace Them Every Two Years:

Finally, you need to be sure you’re replacing your glasses at least every two years. Although you can replace them before that, two years is the suggested amount of time to have your prescription checked again. If you’re experiencing difficulties, you should go before. 

Keep all things in 20/20 vision by taking the best care of your glasses that you can!

Featured Image By: Free-Photos from Pixabay

Mar10

Giving Gifts To Be Cherished

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Giving Gifts To Be Cherished

Almost anything could constitute as a ‘gift’. That being said, we all know that gifting is a complex and often nuanced art. For instance, purchasing someone a new car, while amazing, does not necessarily make it better via expensive than something perfectly tailored to the person in question, thought of carefully, used as a means to illustrate a beautiful point. The gift’s worth is defined in presence of the particular giftee and gifter,  no matter the particulars.

Yet sometimes it can be that you hope to give a gift that will leave an excellent and positive mark upon the recipient, ensuring that they not only appreciate your generosity, but that they can return to the memory of said item as a truly beautiful thing to appreciate. To help you achieve that, we have some of the following advice:

Experiences:

It’s hard to shed the impression a wonderful experience can leave someone. Each of us only has a set amount of time on this Earth, and so spending that time within an experience that helps us learn, grow, and feel grateful can be truly fantastic. It might be that you bring a family member along for a cruise or that you head on a road trip with your friend to explore the best of what your coastline has to offer. What matters is spending time with those you most love and appreciate, as this generates memories all by itself.

Indulgences & Treats:

A small indulgence can make for a phenomenal gift, because not only are you giving them a wonderfully handcrafted treat from Eastern Standard Provisions, but you are granting them the chance to indulge in a treat they most enjoy. This also serves as the best approach to gifting, because it matters, and it provides them with that sense of comfort they may have been missing thus far. Small indulgences are not small, they are an example of the little things that make life worth living and plenty enjoyable.

A Particular Craft:

Crafting something yourself is perhaps one of the most interesting and satisfying measures you can enjoy. However, gifting said craft to someone you love or appreciate is a cherry on the cake. Don’t think this needs to be some otherwordly example of the craft makers art in order to be assured in this. Giving someone a small clay pot from a pottery course you took, a bouquet of flowers you have arranged yourself, a small knitted jumper for a nephew or niece, or even just a painting you have applied yourself to can all be wonderful. Don’t think that because you may not have spent hundreds acquiring said item that it’s worthless. Quite the contrary, it will have soul.

With this advice, you can leave your signature mark on what you gift your loved ones with in the future.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar9

Pocket Park: 4 Strategies To Raise Funds In Your Area

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Pocket Park: 4 Strategies To Raise Funds In Your Area

People in areas with plenty of farmland may not need parks because they have lots of wide-open spaces and plenty of greenery. But if you live in the city, parks are important. That little bit of oasis can help you maintain your sanity in the middle of a fast-paced city.

Unfortunately, land does not come cheap. Reports show that Sydney, the most expensive city, has land prices to match – a square meter of land is $1000. And, while Perth is much cheaper compared to Sydney, the area will cost you $700 per square meter.

If you still want to create a park in a farming community, your location will determine how much you spend on land. Some farmlands are as cheap as $41 per hectare, while others can cost you as much as $21,999 per hectare.

But whenever the cost is a challenge, you need to think outside the box. One way to get the park of your dreams is by opting for a pocket-park design. Such a plan will enable you to create multiple park attractions within a limited amount of space. But what if you don’t have the funding? Read on to find out more:

Your local business community:

Members of your local business community may be willing to help you raise the funding that you need to see that pocket park design come to life. After all, they also live in the area. They and their loved ones would benefit from having a park nearby, too.

You can reach out to the local business community and ask them for financial support to help build a mini-park. Those who choose not to pay cash can provide the materials or labor required to create the park. What matters is that it gets made.

You can also think of providing free advertising opportunities for businesses that help you get the funding. It could be plaques or free marketing from professionals in the area who donate marketing services as their contribution to the park construction.

Your local media platforms:

Many media stations in your area may be willing to help you create awareness of your initiative if you reach out to them. It would be part of their corporate social responsibilities. The free marketing that they do as well as the influence they wield can get locals on board and inspire them to donate time, energy, and money towards building your pocket park.

Online fundraising:

The digital era has revolutionized fundraising. Platforms like Kickstarter allow you to raise monies for a cause by appealing to the online community. You can also sell branded merchandise as part of your strategy to raise money for your park.

Local NGOs:

Community grants programs or local NGOs may be willing to sponsor the construction of your park. But this depends on whether your goals are aligned to theirs. For example, if you would like to build a pocket park whose design is meant to provide playing and sensory therapy to kids with special kids, NGOs that work with children with disabilities may be willing to help you out financially.

The lack of space or funding should not deter you from realizing your dream of creating a pocket park. All you need to do is think outside the box and find creative ways of getting the funding that you need. Then your local community can enjoy the benefits of your park for a long time to come.

Mar7

Taking Some “Me” Time

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Taking Some “Me” Time

Hello! As an owner of two businesses, it almost seems impossible to hunker down during a work day for some “me” time. Especially considering that when I don’t work, I don’t get paid. I can count on five fingers the amount of times I have cancelled with my clients that wasn’t due to my oral surgery mishap or the car accident that happened this past year. So, yeah, I’ve been feeling pretty burnt out!

This past week was a rough one for me. My stomach was nauseous, I was on my period, and I just felt so fatigued. Then, on Wednesday night, I had a lot of my tattoos touched up which wore me out even more. Come Thursday morning, I got up around six and felt so lightheaded and weak that I grabbed my phone, cancelled all of my clients and plans for the day, and went back to bed. I ended up waking up at 10:30! It was beautiful. :*)

By the time I woke up and was feeling much better, I was kicking myself in the ass for not going to work and debated on heading over to my afternoon client’s house. But, after realizing that I probably would have left shortly after arriving there, I decided to just stay home and relax.

During my day off, I was able to clean my apartment, work on hanging pictures for my accent wall, and watch at least five episodes of America’s Next Top Model before my boyfriend came home from work. It was great! In fact, it made me wonder why I don’t have days like that more often and then I remembered it’s because I wouldn’t get paid! Lol, whomp whomp.

I didn’t really realize just how exhausted I was until I had my me day and it taught me a lesson in listening to what my body needs and being more accommodating to that. Calling off of work definitely will not be a regular thing for me, but scheduling a random day off for myself every now and then is going to be on the agenda and I am already thanking myself for it in advance!

How do you take time for you? How do you relax after a long day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah