Tag Archives: enjoy

Jul9

Summer Fun Q & A

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Summer Fun Q & A

Hello everyone and happy Monday! Can you believe we’re already one week into July?? Summer has really been in full swing lately, especially with scorching temperatures and summer holiday celebrations. So, now it’s time to recap the season so far with a little Q & A that I concocted! Feel free to spread the fun on your page, too! Let’s get to it:

Q & A:

What is the most summer-like activity that you have done so far? I have been on many a hikes in Ohio’s wonderful Metro Parks and I’ve also gone swimming in one of the lovely lakes that they offer. That was a lot of fun, minus the sunburn!

What is the hottest that it has been in your neck of the woods? It was 96 degrees a few days ago in the A-K-Rowdy, but it had a “it feels like” temperature of 109! Gross.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip, but it has to be the green kind!!

What is your favorite beverage to cool off with? I love the Very Berry Hibiscus refreshers from Starbucks but, if we’re talking alcohol, then I love me a Moscow Mule so very, very much.

What is the perfect temperature for a summer day? I friggen HATE the heat, so I would be really happy with a day in the low 70s.

What are you still looking forward to this summer? My family’s North Carolina vacation, even though it isn’t until October. 😦 😦 😦

What would your ideal summer day look like? Sleeping in past seven o’clock, hitting up my favorite outdoor shopping mall called Crocker Park, and enjoying dinner and drinks in the air conditioning!

What is your favorite thing about summer time? My birthday! I turned 24 on June 7th and I always have loved having a summer birthday. There is nothing better than getting drinks on the patio of my favorite bar during an early summer evening to celebrate.

Does the way you eat or drink change during the summer? I would say somewhat. I definitely prefer cold teas over my normal water when it’s hot out. I also think that I enjoy lighter foods like salads and flatbreads more in the summer. Because I don’t like the heat, I’m really just looking for my food and drinks to make me feel refreshed!

What happens when you get too much sun? Pardon my French, but I burn like a motherfucker. I burn, and I burn, and I burn some more. But, now I have a secret weapon up my sleeve: Aloe Vera. That stuff is the best, and I can’t believe that I haven’t used it sooner. It literally got rid of my sunburn after applying it three times a day for TWO DAYS! So amazing!

How would you answer some of the above questions? What are some of your summer time questions for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Face Mask Festivities. Today, we are going to be discussing Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask. Delightfully reminiscent of Lush’s Don’t Look At Me mask, this blue baby definitely was a hit and was a fraction of the cost at only $3.29. Plus, no refrigerator to keep this mask fresh is required! Check it out:

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If there’s one thing that the ballin on a budget lifestyle has taught me, it’s that drugstore brands are equally, if not better, than name brands. This mask by Freeman’s was essentially the exact same thing as Don’t Look At Me by Lush for so much less. And, this made me enjoy it even more, because I felt so pampered completely guilt free.

Using Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask was the perfect treat after a long day of working and getting caught in the rain during a hike. I ran a bath, applied the mask, and was instantly transported to Relaxation Station. This mask smells awesome, for one. It is so minty and invigorating with the slightest touch of an ocean breeze, thanks to the dead sea minerals in the formula. It also was the perfect texture. It wasn’t too light or too thick, but right in the middle, and it didn’t over dry when my bath took longer than the wash off time.

Because this mask didn’t over dry, it left my skin feeling amazing after washing it off. My pores felt like they got deep cleaned and all of my blackheads were removed, to boot. Once my face was nice and clean, I applied my Vitamin E Sleep Mask from The Body Shop and drifted off into the Land Of Nod feeling like I just spent my evening at the spa. Except this spa costed me less than ten dollars to enjoy, and I can definitely swing that!

What is your favorite face mask to use? How do you create a spa experience at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

Enjoying A Coffee Maker At Home

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Enjoying A Coffee Maker At Home

So you like having an instant coffee at home or at your office because it’s easy to make? Just open the jar of grounds, put a tablespoon or two of coffee into a mug, add some sugar, and pour in hot water. Stir and you’re all set for a quick cup of coffee. You can try adding some cream or leave it black depending on your taste. You don’t have to grind beans or wait for the coffee to brew. Nothing gets easier than this right?

But, do you know you’re missing out on great tasting coffee because you don’t brew it? You’ll never know that brewed coffee could taste so much better and smoother than instant coffee until you buy your first coffee maker! You’re going to love your coffee maker once you experience the difference of taste between freshly brewed coffee and an instant coffee.

If you enjoy the taste of brewed coffee from your favorite coffee shop, you can do so from the comfort of your own home with the help of a coffee brewer.

Two of the most popular types of coffee makers are drip coffee makers and cold brew coffee makers. The former brews smooth and delicious cups of hot coffee and the latter is, of course, for a cold cup of joe. BUNN makes great drip coffee makers. You can read the reviews for the BUNN coffee maker and cold brew coffee maker found on Amazon.

Now, let’s find out the benefits that a coffee maker can provide you:

1 – They help save money:

You’re going to have to spend some cash to buy your coffee maker, but in the long run it’s such a wise investment. You’re going to save a lot of money by having a coffee brewer at home compared to buying cups of coffee at your local cafe.

Espresso can be hard to make and it would seem to be a better option to grab a cup of espresso at a coffee shop, but an espresso machine can help you with that too. Espresso machines are a lot better these days at making great cups of coffee as well as saving your hard earned money.

Note: I would advise you to learn how to make espresso coffee at home before you choose to do so!

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The breakfast of champions!

2 – A coffee maker brews fresher and smoother cups of coffee:

Preparing instant coffee is more convenient than brewing coffee, but a brewed coffee is far more tasty and the flavor is concentrated better. Freshly brewed coffee has a distinct aroma compared to instant coffee, because it is made directly from the coffee beans. Once you taste a cup of freshly roasted coffee you will never be able to go back to instant!

3 – Brewed coffee is better for your health than instant coffee:

Freshly brewed coffee from the coffee beans release healthy oils that contain antioxidants and nutrients that are very good for your body. The caffeine concentration is better in a brewed coffee than in an instant coffee, as well. Brewed coffee can help prevent heart diseases and cancer of different types because of the antioxidants. Just be sure not to drink too many cups of coffee in a day since the caffeine concentration is much higher in freshly brewed coffee.

4 – It is fun to brew coffee:

You can surprise your family and friends by playing barista in house. You can find tons of coffee recipe videos on YouTube. Check them out if you’re thinking about brewing Starbucks-level Cappuccinos, ice-cold Frappuccino’s, or Mochas/Lattes. Then, host an afternoon get together to show off your coffee concocting skills.

Here’s a YouTube video on cold brewing coffee to get you started:

This site has very good reviews on the best coffee makers, check them out.

Coffee might not be everyone’s cup of tea but, if you enjoy it, then you can’t go wrong with having a coffee maker in your home!

Featured Image By: Products You Can’t Refuse

Jul4

Hand Mask Hullabaloo: Lush’s Golden Handshake Edition

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Hand Mask Hullabaloo: Lush’s Golden Handshake Edition

Helloooo and happy Hump Day! In this post, we will be talking about my last birthday goodie from Lush, a hand mask called Golden Handshake. Before my darling friend, Kate, gifted me with this, I had no idea that hand masks even existed – but here we are now! I really enjoyed using this product and, what’s even better, is that I got to pamper my mom with it, too. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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To use the Golden Handshake hand mask, you boiled water and then swirled the product around in it until it melted and changed the H2O consistency into rich, creamy lusciousness. I used a baking pan for my concoction, which was a good move because it was big enough for both mine and my mom’s hands. It was initially a long process to get the mask to melt, so we opted to break it apart, which helped speed it up immensely.

From getting Golden Handshake ready for use to applying it and letting it sit was a totally unique and indulgent pampering experience. First, I loved the way that this product smelled. It had a rich, nutty aroma to it, which is one of my favorite scents for bath products. I also thought that the light dusting of gold glitter was a lovely touch! And, most importantly, Golden Handshake felt so soothing on my hands and left them feeling soft and moisturized. They still feel as smooth as ever even after my shower and multiple hand washes.

Another nice thing about this hand mask is that it’s reusable. My mom and I poured the water through a sieve so that we could catch the chunks of product before it went down the drain. We then put the remainders of the mask in a little container and let it harden in the refrigerator so that we can use it again during our next pampering session. I can’t wait!

What is your favorite way to pamper yourself? Have you ever used a hand mask before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul3

July 2018 Funky Time Jams

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July 2018 Funky Time Jams

Hellooooooo! How is everyone doing today?! It’s July now, which is crazy. But, that means that it’s time to explore my Funky Time Jams for the month. Listen up and, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos:

The past few weeks have been about exploring old favorites of mine. I’m sure that’s glaringly obvious, considering that a majority of the songs seen above came out close to a decade ago! In late June, my car needed new breaks, so I had to drive my mom’s car for the better part of a week until I could get it fixed. Unfortunately, her car was not compatible with my AUX cord, so I had to play my music just through my iPod instead of through the car speakers. It was hell!

Upon getting my car back, all I wanted to do was to drive with my windows down and my music loud. After a week without the Little Red Love Machine, I didn’t have time for songs that weren’t my favorite, and the above list came into being. And, let me tell you, there’s nothing better than blasting these bangers on a hot summer day for all of the world to hear while I zip past in my little red car!

What are your summer anthems? Do you play your music quiet, medium, or loud in volume? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun27

Bath Bomb Blitz: Secret Arts Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Secret Arts Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of Bath Bomb Blitz! This amazing Jelly Bomb from Lush is called Secret Arts and it was part of my birthday gift from the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You. Kate knows me all too well, because only a true best friend would gift me with a bath bomb that turns the water black! Check it out:

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When I first popped Secret Arts into the bath tub, I was so pleased to see the water turning into an inky black, because bathing in black water is one of my emo kid fantasies. And, as the bath bomb began to dissolve, it revealed a deep magenta core that spiraled out into the water. It actually looked a lot like a Golden Snitch from Harry Potter… except not golden at all, but you get the point.

As I made my way into the tub, I noticed a layer of film over the water that didn’t look like anything I’ve seen before while Bath Bomb Blitzing. Little did I know, I was using a Jelly Bomb, and it transformed the water into a rich, creamy gel. It actually felt a lot like butter and it definitely felt a lot like magic. A coincidence from my BFF who also loves Harry Potter as much as me? I think not!

After making the discovery that I had a skin treatment included in this bath bomb, I took the time to rub the body butter film all over myself and it was so delicious. It moisturized my skin so well that I didn’t even need to apply lotion upon exiting the tub but, of course I did anyways to revel in the full bath time experience.

The only negative about this product was the clean up afterwards. It left a slippery, black residue in my tub that needed serious elbow grease to remove. It literally looked like an oil spill took place in my bath tub. So, if you’re not interested in a heavy duty tub scrubbing after your bath, then Secret Arts is not for you. But, if you don’t mind it, then it will be a magical bath time, indeed.

*Cue Harry Potter theme music*

What is your favorite bath bomb from Lush? What color do you like your bath water to turn? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Over & Over Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Over & Over Edition

Hello! This past weekend, I finally got to enjoy a nice, long soak in the tub with one of the bath bombs from Lush that I received for my birthday. I was feeling so worn out, so I decided to go with the Over & Over bath bomb, because of its bright yellow and orange color to see if it might help energize me. And, after watching it take off in different directions in my tub like a little rocket, it surely did! Take a look:

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This is so bad, but my first thought when this bath bomb hit the water was “great, it’s going to look like a tub full of pee”, because of the initial pale yellow color. But, shortly after, I was proven wrong, because the pink coloring from inside the bomb began fizzing out in full force. So much so, that it literally made the bomb whiz off in the opposite direction of the tub like a shooting star. It. Was. Awesome.

From then on, the bomb began fizzing its vivid yellows, oranges, and hot pinks for a solid ten minutes, all the while it was filling my bathroom with a scent that was like freshly squeezed pink lemonade. The swirling colors left the final shade of the water a really pretty sunset orange and it felt like laying in a bubble of sunshine once I finally got into the tub.

Not only was the bath bomb display gorgeous but, because it’s made with cocoa butter (My favorite!), it left my skin feeling so hydrated and good – especially after shaving the Woolly Mammoth legs! 10/10 would use this bomb Over & Over again!

What is your favorite bath bomb from Lush? What is your favorite non bath bomb product from there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Cleveland Zoo Fun

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Cleveland Zoo Fun

Hello! Last week, I got to enjoy some time at the Cleveland Zoo and it was such a blast. This zoo offers at least five major exhibits including the Asian Highlands, Australian Outback, African Savannah, and so much more. There is also a separate building that mimics a tropical rain forest for you to explore. It’s so cool! Here are some of the pictures that I snapped throughout the day for your viewing pleasure:

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It is always so amazing to take a trip to the zoo, especially a big one like the Cleveland Zoo, so that you can see all of your favorite animals up close and personal. I am a lover of all creatures big and small, but when I am at the zoo, I am incredibly partial to the monkeys because they all have such distinct personalities. It was a hoot to see one of the monkeys passed out in a cat nap and the tiny black one licking his fingers after a yummy treat. But, the orangutans will always be my number one favorite.

Orangutans are such fascinating creatures to me, and I could seriously watch them all day. You can genuinely see such human like traits in their eyes like empathy and humor and I would give anything to be able to interact with them. The baby orangutan seen in the last two pictures above definitely stole the show, though. You could tell that he or she was having the time of its life just monkeying around and making us humans laugh. He was doing yoga-like poses, snuggling with his mom and dad, and playing dress up with the burlap sack. It doesn’t get much cuter than that!

What is your favorite animal to see at the zoo? Do you have a zoo that you like to frequent 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

May31

Gift Ideas For Your Best Friend’s Milestone Birthday

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Gift Ideas For Your Best Friend’s Milestone Birthday

You and your best friend have been close for many years and you have never celebrated a birthday without being by each other’s sides. Reaching those milestones together has been a ton of fun and you can’t wait for her big birthday to approach. You are always giving the best gifts to each other and this year will be no exception. You want to make sure that she has one to remember and that means going bigger and better than ever before. Grab some inspiration from here and light up her eyes with glee as soon as she receives her perfect present:

Beautifully Blooming:

A bunch of bright and beautiful flowers are bound to brighten up anybody’s day, especially when they are turning a year older. Make their day even better by organizing a flower delivery straight to their home or workplace. In the personal message you could include a special clue about what their evening ahead might entail. You can choose from an array of colors, species, and sizes too, so make sure you pick their favorite. From lovely lilies to perfect poppies you are bound to bring a smile to their face.

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 So pretty!

Happy Holidays:

Celebrating a milestone birthday can bring a sense of panic to anybody, so why not whisk them away and allow them to forget about their troubles? Choose their favorite holiday destination and book them a lovely trip away so that they can truly relax and celebrate their birthday. Whether they’d love an Australian adventure down under or a sun soaked beach holiday in Spain, book their tickets and join them for the trip of their lives!

Picture Perfect:

A picture is always going to be one of the most personal gifts that you can give to somebody. You could create your very own collage book filled with memories of your friendship. Allow them to travel back in time and smile to themselves as they flick through the personalized scrapbook that you created just for them.

Excellent Experiences:

Instead of a physical gift, you could take your friend on a day out to celebrate their birthday. There are so many experience days to choose from, no matter what your favorite activity is. You could go for a wine tasting afternoon at a fancy bar or take a trip to the theater and meet the cast at the end of the show. How about taking a road trip to take in the sights and visit new eateries? You could get restaurant inspiration based on your bestie’s favorite type of food by entering a search for “italian restaurant soho” (or the area you are visiting). A road trip definitely checks all of the boxes of an excellent experience gift! Think carefully about what your friend would really like to do and make it happen for her; you will never forget the huge smile on her face when she realizes what you’re doing together.

Whether your friend believes flowers are fabulous or a holiday would make her happy, be sure to go with her individual preferences. No matter what the milestone is, make sure it is one for her to remember forever. You might find that a combination of these gifts would make the ideal offering, so don’t be afraid to go all out and choose a few. Her birthday is going to be unforgettable, so splurge on something special and share the happiness on her big day.

May29

100+ Beauty Tag Finale

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100+ Beauty Tag Finale

Hello! Today is the grand finale for the 100+ Beauty Tag as I answer the remaining twenty or so questions left! If you choose to complete the questionnaire, do tag me in your post or comment it to me so that I can see all of your answers. 🙂

Which cream or moisturizer is your favorite? The Vitamin E moisturizer by The Body Shop, and I also like their Vitamin C one a lot, too.

How many times do you use a moisturizer? Just once in the morning. I really should start taking my makeup off and using a night cream, though.

Have you ever tried using natural beauty products? Oh yes, that’s the best way to go.

Which natural beauty product is your favorite? Literally anything from The Body Shop.

Which fashion magazine do you read for styling and beauty tips? I’m not a huge magazine reader, because all of the fashion magazines feature clothing that is so unattainable price wise. And I have all of the beauty tips that I need right there, thanks to all of the amazing beauty bloggers on WordPress!

Which three beauty tips would you recommend? 1) Invest in a lipstick that makes you feel awesome. 2) Style your makeup and clothing in a way that makes YOU feel good. And 3) Try to make a statement with every look that you create.

Do you believe in using anti-ageing creams? Sure. I’m not at that point yet, but I would definitely use them later on down the line.

Do you choose your foundation according to your undertone color? I don’t wear foundation – but isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?

Skincare or makeup? Which is more important? SKIN CARE. You need a clean slate to apply your makeup on and that can only be achieved with good skin care.

What makeup tools do you use while applying makeup? Q-tips, lol.

Which makeup tool is always in your handbag? None.

What was the worst color that you dyed your hair? Black. I used to want the jet black, almost blue hair so badly and my hair just never took to it. It always looked dull and dusty after a few weeks and it was so disappointing.

What is your favorite eyeshadow color? Bronze, gold, and green.

A heavy makeup look or a natural one? I like somewhere in between.

Do you use a pencil eyeliner or liquid? A pencil. I do not have the steady hand for a liquid liner!

What is your experience with pigment eyeshadows? Lol, what is a pigment eyeshadow?

What is your favorite contrast color for eye shades? I love when my hazel eyes choose to be green for the day and I use a purple-ish eye pencil or shadow. It really makes my eyes pop!

Suggest a thing that makeup lovers should never miss? A good sale! 😀

All Done!!

How would you answer some of the above questions? Do you have any other beauty questions for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah