Tag Archives: fall

7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

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7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

With summer coming to an end over the next few weeks that can only mean one thing: the cold weather is just around the corner. Whether you love a bit of chill in the air or you’re dreading it, you need to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to looking after your house. Whether that means stocking up on cold weather essentials or investing in double glazing, the more you can do to protect your house during the winter the better. With that in mind, here are seven ways to look after your home during colder weather:

Keep The Heating On To Avoid Your Home Getting Damp:

Although it may be expensive to keep your heating on for the duration of winter, it’s one of the best ways for you to stay in good health as the temperature drops. Not only will keeping your heating on allow you to stay warm and cozy, but it will also ensure you do not experience damp throughout your home. For more information when it comes to the importance of keeping your heating on during winter, you can visit this site here.

Get Your Boiler Serviced Before Winter Starts:

Getting your boiler serviced just before the temperature drops will assure you that your heating will be in check all winter long!

Invest In Double Glazing And Keep Your Windows Shut:

If you haven’t already, investing in double glazing is another great way to help prevent your home from becoming damp. Whilst it can be expensive, double glazing will help keep the heat in and the cold out. If you don’t have double glazing or you’re considering updating your windows, you might want to consider a siding service.

Even if you do have double glazing, you also need to ensure you’re keeping your windows shut where possible. For a guide to keeping the cold air out during winter, you can visit the following site.

Insulation:

A drafty home is not a comfortable one! Sometimes providing extra warmth is as simple as swapping out summer curtains for a heavier fabric, adding thick and plush rugs, or doubling up on throw blankets. However, this is not a fix all as the chill is coming from the outside in. You might want to consider upgrading your home’s siding with the services from James Hardie Siding in Naperville (or a similar company in your local area). This is an energy efficient option to give extra insulation as well as boost property value and curb appeal. With improved siding, your home will be nice and cozy all winter long! Oh, and if you have a basement or attic, then these areas are particularly vulnerable and a professional attic insulation installation is probably going to be a good idea, too.

Stock Up On Cold Weather Essentials:

Another great way to look after your home during cold weather is to stock up on cold weather essentials. Whether that means drought excluders for your doors or blankets for your living room, get what you need to stay comfy cozy while the cold weather strikes.

Clean And Store Your Garden Furniture:

Although you may think that it’s just the inside of your home that needs looking after during colder weather, the outside is just as important. Autumn and winter can bring some horrible weather and if you’re not prepared, you may find that your garden furniture is prone to damage. To help prevent this from happening, you need to clean and store your furniture just before the temperature starts to drop.

Consider Your Roofing And Gutters:

Your gutters and roofing may be in good condition now, but the bad weather may cause them some damage. Get any problem areas repaired or at least have a professional from a roofing company give them a once over before the winter to make sure that they can handle some snow. It is so important to have your roof checked because the pros will be able to catch small problems before they turn into a bigger one. Research companies like Tyler Roofing or a similar one in your local area to see what services they can provide for you.

Signing off on the checklist above will help keep you and yours perfectly comfy cozy all fall and winter long!

Featured Image By: StockSnap from Pixabay

TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

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TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

Salutations! Saying that I just “like” the dark and disturbing is a severe understatement because the creepy, spooky, scary, and weird is what I am most drawn to. I am a horror fan through and through from movies and literature to art and decor. My preferred activities for a night in would include a scary movie marathon or tucking in with a good Stephen King book. And, with Halloween on my mind, I couldn’t pass up these gorgeous skull embellished plates by Royal Stafford when I saw them at TJMaxx. Check it out:

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After giving a nod to British punk fashion in my latest OOTD, it should come as no surprise that I was eager to add my new plates into the cart after seeing the “Made In England” sticker. And also: skulls, lol! These plates are so beautiful to me and I love the sketch style skull on the more simple plates but the real piece de resistance is the ornate crowned skull. Sadly, there was only one of those bad boys, which was a disappointment because trust and believe I would have bought a few of them!

Do I plan on eating off of these plates? Absolutely not. They’re too pretty to me and I got them for more of a home decor purpose. Now, it’s only a matter of finding just where to put them, because my curio cabinets are already fully stocked with my trinkets and treasures. For the time being, my Royal Stafford dishes are resting safely on my air hockey table until I get a stroke of inspiration for where to put them.

Until then, I am just happy to have found such unique pieces that I find so much beauty in. These are the last items from my TJMaxx Fall Haul and I really think that I was saving the best until the end of this series. And, who knows, maybe I’ll find some more unique dishes by Royal Stafford during my seasonal shopping haul come winter. Fingers crossed!

How do you shop for fall and the changing of the seasons? What is a TJMaxx or secondhand store find that you are particularly proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Travel To In The Fall

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The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Travel To In The Fall

Hello, hello everyone and welcome to a top ten travel countdown brought to you by one of my darling fall guest bloggers, Lexie. Miss Lexie is the author of Living Like Lexie, a blog focused on travel on a budget. And, as a baller on a budget myself, she is truly a woman after my own heart! Today, Lexie is going to talk about the most stunning places to travel to during the fall around the world. Read up, pack your bags, and head off on your next adventure!

The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Travel To In The Fall

Every season has its own unique type of beauty. The fall is when the air gets a little crisper, the trees start to shed their leaves, and all of the Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers come out. The fall can have a special look and feel to it based on where you are. There are so many beautiful locations around the world that bring a whole new reality to what the season of fall is.

Here are 10 of the most beautiful places to travel to that provide the ultimate “fall” experience:

1- Bavaria, Germany

The southern region of Germany is known for its rolling alps, the birthplace of Oktoberfest, and the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s palace. It’s a beautiful place to go to during any time of the year, but it’s especially stunning in the fall.

Imagine being able to take a train ride through the mountains while the foliage of the leaves changes color. It’s like a painting coming to life before your eyes. With all of the surrounding beauty, it’s also a great time to party at Oktoberfest. What could be a more appealing fall experience to have?

2 – Alberta, Canada

The Canadian National Park of Banff is flocked to by tourists at all times of the year. With its towering mountains, ever flowing forest, and emerald lake – it’s definitely a sight worth seeing. In the fall, this view is flourishing with color as the trees start to prepare for the winter months ahead. And a bonus: you can get out of the chilly fall air by taking a dip in the hot springs.

3 – Napa Valley, California

Fall colors and wine anyone? Going to Napa Valley during its off-season means that the hotels prices go way down, making it a great affordable option. You might not think of California as a top destination to view the warm tones of fall, but what you will find is that the already stunning wine vineyards are where the season’s colors appear. They display rows upon rows of the unique orange and red autumn colors.

4 – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is known for its Cherry Blossoms in the spring, but it is also a sight to behold in the fall. The red pagodas around the city are highlighted by the changing leaves of the season.

5 – Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

The Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place to take a road trip through. You can watch all the fall’s foliage pass you by like a movie. The landscape allows you to take in the incredible show that mother nature is putting on. The valley and hills present a new perspective at every turn, which will keep you captivated for hours.

6 – Paris, France

Paris is already romantic from the mystic it has surrounding it. The beauty of fall’s warm tones contrasting with the cool blue and gray tones of the city’s landscape give it a vibrant breath of life. Take a trip to the city of love with your love this fall to take in the city’s beauty in a whole new way.

7 – Iceland

Iceland is full of color for a land named after ice! There are many incredible sights to see in Iceland like its waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Blue Lagoon. These places become even more surreal with the accent of the fall tones. Make sure you bring a warm coat and your camera along to this breathtaking country!

8 – Scottish Highlands, UK

Calling all Outlander fans! The Scottish Highlands in the fall takes you on an incredible journey that will make you feel like you are living out the show yourself. The highlands are gorgeous at any time of year, but they have a certain vibrancy to them specifically during the fall.

9 – Duluth, Minnesota

The city of Duluth is located right on the tip of Lake Superior. Duluth is full of hilly roads, unique shops, and often the well-known Minnesotan accent, don’tcha know? If you’ve ever pictured what a chilly fall day would look like spent relaxing in a log cabin while overlooking the warm fall tones surrounding the largest lake in North America, look no further than Duluth, MN.

10 – New York City, New York

New York City is great for those that love the fast-paced life of the city, but still want to have the opportunity to walk through Central Park with your Pumpkin Spice Latte and chunky sweater on. The fashion capital of the world is the place to be if you want to rock the fall trends and take in the atmosphere; while admiring both the fall colors and NYC’s skyline.

Are you ready to take off to one of these ten stunning destinations this fall? To make sure you are prepared and have everything you need packed up, download this free Ultimate Packing Checklist!

About the Author:

lexie

Lexie DeVries is a full-time college student from Minneapolis, Minnesota who is seeing the world one trip at a time – and doing it on a budget! Her blog Living Like Lexie shares her travel journey, as well as the tips and tricks she has found to make travel affordable. She is passionate about inspiring others to make their travel dreams into a reality, as she knows what an incredible impact traveling can make on someone’s life.

I’d love to connect with you!

Thank you so much to Lexie for sharing her travel expertise with us and do be sure to check out her blog and give her social media a follow! Where is your top destination to travel to this fall? What are some other great travel locations this season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater

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Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater

Greetings! One of my favorite things about fall clothing is getting to break out knitwear again. From cozy cardigans to slouchy sweaters or a hand-knitted scarf, there is nothing better than being wrapped in something warm against the brisk autumn air. I am a huge lover of knitwear because, despite it being so damn comfortable, it always manages looking chic and appropriate for the season. And, the last thing that Lil Red does is dress for comfort, so being enveloped in something so soft and plush is an added bonus.

During my seasonal shopping haul at TJMaxx, I came across the tennis ball green Cynthia Rowley sweater seen below and thought that it was the ugliest thing that I’ve seen in my life. So, obviously, I had to try it on. And, surprising at it was, I fell in love with it as soon as I popped my head out of the turtleneck. Check it out:

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From the color green that looks like it belongs on the walls of a home back in the 60s to the crisp white squares adorning the sweater, this little number screams mod. Give me a Twiggy vibe and I am all in and this sweater definitely does that for me. What draws me to the clothes and accessories that I purchase is if I’ve never seen anything like it before and that is why I was so attracted to this sweater, even if it did look heinous on the rolling rack.

Before even trying my new Cynthia Rowley sweater on, I had a good feeling about it. Fifty shades of green is very flattering on me and I wasn’t expecting anything different from the chartreuse fabric. And, just one look in the fitting room mirror of the color against my red hair had me sold and infinite visions of styling possibilities washed over me.

I am so looking forward to creating a collegiate cool OOTD to shoot in the campus library of one of the nearby universities in my neck of the woods. School is back in session and I plan on schooling everyone in fall style by pairing this sweater with a smart pair of trousers or an A-line skirt with thick tights and a heeled oxford shoe. Mix in some tweed and a silk scarf around your neck and you’re bound to get an A in OOTD 101!

What is an “ugly” piece of clothing or color that you love? How do you style a back to school look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Camo Velvet Heart Top

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Fall Haul: Camo Velvet Heart Top

Hello!! One print that I happen to like a lot but don’t own any of is camouflage. I’ve always loved the idea of finding a great pair of camo skinnies or a jacket but I just have never found the one that works for me. So, when I came across this little button up number by Velvet Heart during my TJMaxx Fall Haul, I had to give it a try. And, despite my mom and sister not loving it, it came home with me and I am very much looking forward to sporting it during the last days of summer and throughout the fall. Check it out:

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To me, the camo print is so edgy despite it being quite utilitarian and I like that because it means I have lots of options when styling it. While the warm weather is still among us, I plan on just wearing this top tucked into jean shorts with my Peter Grimm strapped hat for a safari chic OOTD. But, when the temperatures drop, I can totally layer it over a tight fitting sweater for extra warmth while sacrificing none of the cuteness.

Camo makes a statement, but it doesn’t completely make the outfit. And, nothing will look better with the deep green palette of my new button down then some… you guessed it: CHUNKY GOLD JEWELRY! More specifically, my cheetah embellished gold chain from yesterday’s post. It will fit snugly beneath the collar with the cheetah popping out of the green leaves just like in its natural jungle habitat. Pair it with some chic black ankle boots and skinny jeans and you’re ready for a look that will turn heads despite the camo’s purpose of blending in. Now, that’s an outfit!

What are some of your favorite patterns? How do you style camouflage? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Natasha Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Natasha Necklace Edition

Howdy! I have become increasingly fond of jewelry as of late from beaded Buddhas to rosary style necklaces and big hoop earrings, I love it all. But, if I had to narrow it down, I’d say that I am a huge fan of chunky gold jewelry. I always prefer gold to silver when it comes to my accessories and that extra weight to it just takes it over the edge for me. I have never been a fan of delicate anything – my style is very bold. And, chunky gold jewelry has that street style edge mixed with chicness from the lux coloring and I adore that combination. So, when I saw this Natasha chain necklace below, it was an easy decision to add it to my cart during my TJMaxx Fall Haul. Check it out:

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Yes, I am extra enough that when I saw this bejeweled cheetah on gold chain links that I instantly had to have it. I don’t know why, but I freaking LOVE this necklace. Of course, the emerald and amber jewels on the cheetah are gorgeous but what I like most of all is the length. This chain link number is the perfect length for tucking beneath collars and leaving the cheetah visible as what looks like a cool fascinater on button up tops.

I have wanted a gold chain link necklace for a long time and, although it’s definitely not a boring piece of jewelry, the ones that I have seen never spoke to me. So, I guess all that needed to happen was putting a giant cheetah head in the middle of one for me to be all in. Lol, but seriously – this will be such a cool piece to spruce up business casual or more urban looks and I am so into it.

While doing my seasonal shopping, I am not so much interested in buying a whole new wardrobe (As nice as that would be!) as I am revamping what I already have. New accessories like purses and jewelry are the perfect way to do that with. I can’t wait to sport my new Natasha necklace with chunky cardigans and over turtle neck sweaters and it gave me just the right pick me up for my old clothing to feel fresh and brand new.

Do you prefer silver or gold jewelry? What is your favorite accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

It’s In The Bag: Chillx By LeMiel Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Chillx By LeMiel Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of It’s In The Bag, brought to you by my TJMaxx Fall Haul. I always thought that when it comes to accessories, I am a shoe girl through and through. But, as I venture out on shopping trips or online shopping escapades, I have come to realize that I hold a very special place in my heart for purses.

To me, a good shoe is what completes the outfit. But, now I find that your look is only as good as your best accessories. This has inspired me to branch out and invest in things like jewelry, hair accessories, and yes – purses. During my seasonal shopping hauls, I have noticed that I have bought a purse to fit the changing weather each time this past year. And, I’m so not mad about it, because I wound up with this little Chillx By LeMiel beauty. Check it out:

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For those of you who don’t know, I am a HUGE fan of mustard yellow and will never not purchase something that I like in that color. So, when this gorgeous cross between a hobo and messenger bag caught my eye, I was all in. The perfect for fall palette of mustard yellow and the chocolate brown strap was just too good to pass up. And, the burnished bronze stud and lock detailing took it over the top into a purse that I didn’t just want but needed.

Although the color is what sold me, the shape of this bag also had a big part in the purchase, too. I don’t own any purses that are shaped like this one and I love the idea of carrying it by the small top strap instead of the long one that was included for a collegiate cool look. And, while we’re talking about the shape – can we please talk about all of the compartments?! Yes, please. I am all for a purse with a bunch of different nooks and crannies to keep all of my belongings organized in. All of the zippers and pouches will come in handy for all of my random odds and ends and I am definitely looking forward to utilizing them.

And, speaking of compartments – can we please talk about the two extra goodies that were nestled into them? Yes, please. While emptying the paper filling from the bag, I found a matching wallet and a huge reusable bag. I had known about the wallet when purchasing the purse but it was so nice to have the freebie tote bag included – it will be perfect for taking to the grocery store with my new favorite purse in hand!

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

TJMaxx Fall Haul: All Of The Skin Care Edition

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TJMaxx Fall Haul: All Of The Skin Care Edition

Howdy! In case you haven’t noticed, skin care is something that is very important to me. I take my beauty routines seriously – everything from shaving to showering is well thought out by yours truly to accommodate my skin type. And, when it comes to my face, AKA: The money maker (lol!), I don’t mess around. Face masks, serums, eye creams, exfoliaters – I use it all and my skin thanks me for it by maintaining a smooth and creamy complexion.

My skin type is extremely normal, which is nice, because that means I don’t necessarily have to stick to one brand of skin care for forever. Rather, I play around and always end up purchasing a new skin care treat when I hit up TJMaxx. And, with colder weather coming in hot, it’s important to have a fully stocked supply of moisturizers and creams to keep your skin hydrated. During my TJMaxx Fall Haul, I took home the following:

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The Haul:

Each product that I purchased above are actually ones that I have used before, minus the SkinLab eye cream. I was so pleased with the performance of the moisturizers and coffee scrub that, instead of trying something new, I stuck with some old favorites. I absolutely loved using the SkinLab moisturizers – especially the gel one, which was nice during the summertime. And, I know that the cream based moisturizer will come in handy once the cold weather strikes.

Both of the moisturizers left my skin feeling hydrated without leaving any type of residue or making me feel greasy – which is really hard to do during the summer. I was happy to buy both of them again and am looking forward to trying out the eye cream. I am always on the hunt for a good one of those ever since The Body Shop discontinued my beloved Nutriganics!

The Wonder Therapy coffee scrub was also a major must because I am obsessed with it. I always exfoliate my skin before shaving and, until recently, I would use a gel scrub. I thought I was getting a close shave with the Satsuma and Strawberry scrubs from The Body Shop but, boy, was I mistaken.

The shave that I get with the cream based coffee scrub is unlike any other. It leaves my skin so smooth and hydrated that I don’t even need to apply lotion afterwards. But, of course I do anyways! The shave is so close that my skin remains smooth for at least three to four days before any stubble appears. Can your shaving cream or scrub do that?

I’m glad that TJMaxx had the products that I was eager to use again when I went shopping because sometimes it’s hit or miss. I’m definitely looking forward to using all of them in the future!

What is your skin care routine? How do you achieve a super close shave? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Fall Haul: K Cup Reup Edition

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TJMaxx Fall Haul: K Cup Reup Edition

Hello, hello! When I moved into my apartment, my parents gave me the most darling little red Keurig for my housewarming present. It’s basically the cutest and it also matches my little red toaster and general lifestyle perfectly, lol. But, with owning a Keurig means needing a supply of K cups, which I was running low on. Luckily, TJMaxx had my back with a delicious fall flavor. Check it out:

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I am and am not a big coffee drinker. I actually still have some K cups leftover from my initial moving in haul and that was way back in April. However, when I want my caffeine fix, I want it bad and it’s also so nice to have a Keurig when it comes to having friends over. And, can we all talk about how much better Keurig coffee is than the regular old drip in a pot coffee? Because it definitely is. 💁

I knew that I wanted a fall flavor for my next K cup purchase, but I didn’t want to dedicate a whole box of them to pumpkin spice. The Maple Brown Sugar that I went with sounded so good with the perfect touch of sweetness to it so into the cart it went. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good PSL from Starbucks more than anything. But, it’s not my favorite by any means and the Maple Brown Sugar will feel fall like without feeling like overkill. I can’t wait to try it out! 😀

What is your favorite K cup flavor? How do you make your coffee at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Is In The Air

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Fall Is In The Air

Okayyyy okay, so fall technically isn’t in the air yet but that doesn’t mean that my apartment can’t smell like it! Because my dumbass thought that burning cigarettes out into some of my candles was a good idea, I needed to restock because none of them will light now. But, lucky for me, Michael’s was having a three for ten dollar deal for their fall scented candles. And, at six dollars apiece originally, I just couldn’t pass that deal up! Check it out:

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I never quite understood people’s obsession with candles until moving into my apartment. And, now, I can definitely see why because the first thing I do when I get home from work in the evening or have a free afternoon is light one up. There is just something about the soft glow of the flame, the delicious scents, and the general atmosphere that is so relaxing when combined with your quiet time reading a book or watching a movie.

I always thought that giving a candle as a gift was kind of basic but OMG would I love to get all of the candles as prezzies now. But, until gift giving season is upon us, these fall scented delights from Michael’s will do just fine. I like all three fragrances that I picked out but the Butterscotch Spice is divine and I’m looking forward to having it lit on my coffee table as a scary movie plays and the crisp autumn wind howls outside.

What is your favorite fall scent? What is one of your favorite “basic” presents to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah