Tag Archives: family

Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

Hello!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my mom’s birthday!! My mom is my best friend in the whole world and, I hate to brag, but she’s the best mom in the whole world too. Every day she inspires me with her strength, bravery, and positivity and I am a better person because of it. People always seem to have a fear of turning into their parents as they age, but that is far from the case with me. As I get older and catch myself doing “mom-isms” of my own, I feel proud to be even an iota like her! Check out this stunning beauty:

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My mom fiercely loves her family, grandchildren, and pets and faces every single hardship with a smile on her face because of it. She radiates joy and it is impossible to be in a bad mood around her. And, if you are, you’ll forget about it after just a few minutes of being with her. Even at almost twenty-nine, a hug from my mom still serves as my favorite cure all and I always can’t wait to see her again as soon as our visits end. ❤

As I type this, Melvin and Penelope are out running around and I have my mom to thank for that. Watching her care for our family dogs and be an A+ pet parent all of my life makes me want to provide nothing less for my bunnies. As I type this, my watercolor flowers that we just painted together are still on my desk and I have my mom to thank for that too. By signing herself, me, and my sister up for a class this past summer, she gave me and her a brand new hobby to do together. I feel proud that she encouraged all of us to try something different and that we are still painting several months later.

Everything I love, I have my mom to thank for because she has been with me every step of the way with her endless support and unconditional love. Being her daughter is a gift and I love her so very, very much. Happy birthday to the best mom and I will see you later today!

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Mar20

Find Your Dream Home In 2023

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Find Your Dream Home In 2023

Searching for your dream home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, following a few simple steps can make the process much easier, and you can be well on your way to finding the perfect place for you! Let’s get started:

Determine Your Budget:

The first step is to determine your budget. It is important to understand how much you can afford to spend on a home. This will help you narrow your search to homes within your price range. You can also get pre-approved for a mortgage to better understand what you can afford.

Create a List of Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves:

Once you have determined your budget, the next step is to create a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This is most helpful if you are working with an estate agent like those at Wooster & Stock Estate Agents Camberwell (Or a similar company in your local area). When you provide a list of home must haves for an estate agent, they can focus their search on homes that meet your specific criteria.

Some examples of must-haves might include:

A certain number of bedrooms

A specific location

A certain style of home

Nice-to-haves might include:

A swimming pool

A large backyard

A gourmet kitchen

Chase The Dream:

If the kind of home you crave cannot be found by simply moving across town, then are you ready to chase the dream? Perhaps you want to be immersed in a big city. Maybe you want somewhere quiet in a wooded area. Or do you dream of sprawling land and livestock at Ranches in south Texas? Even if this big of a move isn’t possible right now, do not put it on the back burner. If a move to a new state is your goal, you would be wise to stay put and save until you can make it happen.

Start Searching for Homes:

After you have created your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, it’s time to start searching for homes. There are many ways to search for homes, including working with a real estate agent, using online real estate websites, or driving around neighborhoods to look for “For Sale” signs. You can also attend open houses to get inspiration for what you are looking for in a home.

Consider Your Home/Apartment Size:

Your home or apartment size is essential when searching for your dream home. For example, you may need a home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms if you have a large family. On the other hand, if you are a single person or a couple, a smaller home or apartment may be more appropriate. Looking into different shapes, like square apartments, may also be of interest to you. It’s important to consider your current lifestyle and any potential future changes when deciding the size of your home.

Schedule Visits to See Homes in Person:

When you find a home that interests you, schedule a visit to see it in person ASAP. This will give you a better idea of the layout, the size of the rooms, and the home’s overall condition. It’s also a good idea to take notes and pictures to compare homes later. If you are working with a real estate agency, this is something that we highly recommend. Your agent will be able to handle scheduling and alert you to houses that might not be listed online yet. They can also accompany you to home visits for advice in that very moment.

Make an Offer and Move Forward with the Home Buying Process:

Once you have found a home you love, it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you with this process, which involves submitting a written offer to the seller. The seller will then have the option to accept, reject, or counter your offer. If your offer is accepted, you will move forward with the home-buying process, including getting a home inspection, securing financing, and closing the sale.

Although searching for your dream home can be a long process, remember that it’s worth taking the time to find the right home for you and your family. Happy moving!

Featured Image By: cottonbro studio on Pexels

Mar13

Fun Aunt & Uncle

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Fun Aunt & Uncle

Hello!!! Johnny and I are firm on not wanting children and are very happy to be bunny parents. Another title that we take very seriously is the “fun aunt and uncle” to our two sweet nieces, Val Gal and Raya, and our nephew, Patrick. There is nothing better than raising a ruckus with our favorite little humans and then sending them back to their parents afterwards! This past Tuesday was an incredibly special day because Miss Val turned four years old! To celebrate, Johnny and I hosted a birthday slumber party on Thursday with all of her favorite things: Spaghetti and pesto for dinner, a vanilla cupcake and sprinkles for dessert, and lots of presents!

Val is so dear to Johnny and I because she was only half a year old when he and I started dating and she has grown up with us as a couple. We couldn’t wait to have her over for a party just for her and I thought that we had to be more excited than she was. However, we were proved wrong when Val decided she wanted to skip her dance class (Her fave!) to start the festivities early. And, believe me when I say, Val came to our apartment ready to rage lol.

Within minutes presents were ripped open and Johnny was on the floor being attacked by the Tickle Monster. I began the chant of “fun aunt and uncle” and it spread like wildfire between the three of us. Very shortly after, Val assured her mom that she could go home and our party continued with checking out some of her haul. Rather than the toys, Val was enamored with the music box I got her and was convinced it was magic when she shut the box, opened it, and the ballerina continued to spin. It was a hoot. 😀

With promises of birthday cupcakes after dinner, we settled in to eat and watch an episode of Sonic The Hedgehog as per her latest obsession. Johnny and I thought it was hysterical and we were snuggled up on the couch together in stitches. After a rousing round of “happy birthday” and cupcakes, Johnny assembled her new mobile pet grooming station and we played Pet Shop and Johnny’s favorite childhood board game of Uncle Wiggly. Val also got a surprise visit from my bunny baby, Melvin, who so graciously let her and I give him a cuddle before bed. 🙂

Once Johnny went to sleep, Val and I began winding the party down with a bit of TV and silliness. She wasn’t awfully fond of TT’s favorite game called “let’s go to sleep” but she did love jumping on the bed every time I turned my back. Hey, you only turn four once! Johnny and I had the best time celebrating our best girl’s big day and we are so lucky to be the Fun Aunt and Uncle to the coolest kids on the planet! ❤

Did you have a favorite aunt and uncle growing up? How did you celebrate childhood birthdays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar3

Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

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Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet baby bunny angels, Melvin and Penelope, for almost four months already! I honestly can’t believe it has only been that short of a time because it feels like I have had them for forever. The more time I spend as a very active bunny mom, the more I truly can’t understand why small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are given to children as pets. They are way more work than you could ever expect and it’s not fair to expect a child to meet the needs of pets that require a lot of care.

With the Easter season approaching, I wanted to share my thoughts on this as bunnies are as common to give to kids as candy for the holiday. However, a majority of these rabbits will end up in shelters within the year. Here is a brief summary of all that having a bunny entails before you make the decision to incorporate a new pet:

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Bunnies Need Exercise:

If your plan is to get a rabbit and confine it to a hutch all day every day, then let me stop you right now. For both the mental and physical health of the rabbit, they need plenty of exercise outside of their cage. Because I work from home a lot, I allow my bunnies to roam for six plus hours a day. Your rabbit’s exercise space will need to be fully bunny-proofed to prevent them from getting hurt or chewing on anything that they shouldn’t. And chew, they will – one look at our windowsill will prove it!

Bunnies Are Expensive:

There are so many supplies that you will need to have constantly at home for your small animal; Pellet food, veggies, Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and litter to name just a few. Individually, these things aren’t the most expensive in the world but it adds up when you have to replenish supplies often. On average, Johnny and I probably spend between sixty to one hundred dollars on Chewy per month. If this is something that your budget won’t allow, then let me stop you right now as these are all essential items to your bunny’s care.

Bunnies Are Messy:

After the arrival of Melvin and Penelope, I had to push my wake up time back to 5 AM so that I could care for them and still start online work in time. Every morning, I have to thoroughly clean their potty area including three litter boxes. While Mel and P are pretty good about using their litter box, they still are subject to accidents. Bunnies deserve a clean space and if you can’t set aside adequate time every day to spot clean and empty litter boxes, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Social:

Bunnies are very social animals and having a bonded pair is ideal. Like humans, bunnies can get depressed too and need stimulation to keep them happy. This means lots of toys, taking the time to pet and groom them, and interacting with them throughout the day. If you can’t commit to the highly necessary extra socialization for your bunny, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Usually NOT Cuddly:

If you are imagining a fluffy little something that the kids can hold and snuggle, then let me stop you right now. Bunnies, traditionally, are prey animals and they despise being picked up. Kind of like a cat, you really need to let your bunny come to you on their own terms. Penelope is very shy and it took a decent amount of time for her to warm up to me. Melvin, on the other hand, is very adventurous and never minded me too much! It all depends on the temperament of your bunny and forcing cuddles is only going to terrorize them.

Bunnies Are Awesome:

Melvin and Penelope are the absolute best and I love them so much. Before committing to wanting pet bunnies in the first place, I researched their necessary care and felt like I could provide that and more. It makes me happy that I can and it’s important to me that people know what they are getting into before taking a small pet home. It is incredibly rewarding, but a lot of work!

If you or someone you know is considering an Easter bunny, please consider this post before making any decisions. If you can’t meet all of these daily tasks for their care, then a bunny isn’t the pet for you.

What kind of pet do you have? Have you had a small animal as a pet before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

New Guitar Shelf

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New Guitar Shelf

Hello!! Johnny’s dad is an incredibly handy guy and has the gift of being able to fix and make seemingly anything. I love hearing Johnny’s memories of building Lego and pinewood derby cars with his dad when he was little and I love hearing his dad’s wisecracks about it even more!! For our housewarming/birthaversary party last year, we knew that we were going to receive a hand crafted gift from Johnny’s dad, but we didn’t know what. Until now!! Check it out:

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For our gift, my father-in-law made us a shelf using one of Johnny’s numerous beat up guitars that are still tucked away at his parents. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Johnny brought it in the other day and, at first, I thought he treated himself to a new guitar! It is, hands down, one of the coolest and most thoughtful gifts that we have ever received and I can’t wait until Johnny hangs it up in his man cave/music room. The good lord knows that we have plenty of knick knacks to fill it up with!

Johnny and I are so lucky because we both truly couldn’t ask for better parents and in-laws. We try to visit both sets as often as we can because we enjoy spending time with them so much. Ever since Johnny and I started dating, it was really special that we both essentially stepped into each other’s families without missing a beat. The guitar shelf that Johnny’s dad made is going to be perfect for housing trinkets from family vacations as well as hand me down decor from our fams. I can’t think of anything more appropriate to place in it and we will forever treasure this amazing gift. ❤

Huge shout out to both mine and Johnny’s parents for being awesome! Another shout out is also in order for my friend, Simon, for answering my Social Media Call To Action. Thank you so much and everyone please check out his page, Simon’s Space!

What is the best gift you have ever received? Do you play any instruments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb16

At Home Watercolor Painting Class

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At Home Watercolor Painting Class

Hey!! Way back in July of last year, I took a watercolor painting class with my mom and sister and it was so much fun. It was a blast to spend time together learning something new and we had a great teacher – the amazing Ana of Falcon Grove Studio. After a long and highly stressful handful of months, I decided that we could all use a treat. So, I had Ana come to the family home to teach a watercolor masterclass to my mom, Kristen, Val Gal, and me. We passed a wonderful afternoon getting back in touch with our creative sides as Ana guided us through some Valentine’s Day projects. Take a look at mine:

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For our class, we worked on painting roses which used a lot of techniques that were new to us. It has been a long while since I painted watercolor because the shit had hit the fan and I was definitely rusty, as you can see. BUT it was still really fun and it was cool to have the class from the kitchen table! Ana is such a knowledgeable, patient, and kind teacher and it was special to have her do a class just for us. Our roses might not have turned out the best, but everything was coming up roses all afternoon as we painted.

After finally painting watercolor again, my mom and I remembered why we enjoyed it so much in the first place. We are both looking forward to retrying our hand at the roses this week when I bring my supplies over during an afternoon off. I think it’s safe to say that we have a lot of room for improvement and it’s nice to feel motivated to give watercolor another go now that things have settled down a bit. Ana gave us the know how for watercolor roses and my goal is to make a painting of a bouquet after more practice. 😀

I am so happy that all of my best girls were able to participate in the watercolor class and it was the perfect Galentine’s Day/prebirthday celebration for my mom get together. Hopefully I will have a lot more watercolor paintings to share with all of you soon!

Have you ever taken an art class before? What makes a good teacher? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

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How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

A new pet can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to make sure your children are prepared for the responsibility that comes with it. Try these tips out to get everyone in your family fully prepared for the arrival of your four legged:

Teach them How to Look After It:

Before you get a dog, make sure your kids understand the basics of dog care, such as feeding, grooming, and exercise. For instance, explain to your kids what type of food the dog (such as using the best supplements for poodles) will need and how often they should be fed. You can also show them where the food and water bowls will be kept and how to measure out the appropriate amount of food. Take a trip to the pet store together and select some toys to keep your dog entertained and active. Your child will love picking out toys just for them to play with together!

Involve Them in Choosing It:

It always helps to take your kids along when you go to choose a dog. Let them help pick out the breed, color, and size of the dog they want. This will make them feel invested in the process and more connected to the dog. You can also research together. Before you go to choose a dog, look at different breeds and talk about which qualities would be a good fit for your family. This can help narrow down the options and give your kids an idea of what to expect from their pets.

Start with a Smaller Pet:

There are around 76 million domestic dogs in the USA alone. But if your kids have never had a pet before, consider starting with a smaller animal, such as a hamster or fish. This will help them learn the basics of pet care and they will feel more confident when it comes time to take care of a larger animal like a dog. This is because even with a small pet, it’s important to teach your child about the importance of caring for it by encouraging them to take an active role.

Teach the Kids Responsible Ownership:

It also goes a long way if you make sure your kids understand what is expected of them when it comes to caring for the dog. Together as a family, create a schedule for feeding, walking, and grooming and make sure your kids understand their responsibilities in pet care. However, this can be hard for younger kids to grasp. So, if your child is struggling to meet their responsibilities or if issues arise, take the time to address them in a calm and supportive manner as a caregiver.

Make Caring for the Dog Fun:

Getting a dog should be a fun and exciting experience for kids so encourage them to play with the dog. This can be as simple as walks or teaching them new tricks such as sitting, staying, and shaking paws. This will help them bond with the dog and create a lifelong friendship. Going for walks with the dog is not only good exercise, but it’s also a great way to bond with the dog. Encourage your child to come along on walks and get their exercise too.

As you focus on making caring for your dog fun and engaging, it’s also important to consider their safety. This is where looking into the Halo Collar can be very useful. Many dog owners have shared their experiences and reviews about the collar, highlighting its features. By reading these Halo Collar reviews, you can better understand how this technology might fit into your routine, ensuring your dog’s safety while out on walks or playing in the yard.

Every Dog (And Child) is Different:

Every dog breed is different. Research the one you’ve settled on thoroughly. Go to the experts like Great Danes of the Ozarks for info on Great Danes, and find professionals for other breeds. This way, you better understand what you’re getting into. And every child is different too. Some will take to the new dog quickly. Others might take some time. Just let them go at their own pace and stay flexible enough to accommodate their and the dogs needs.

Start your new adventure as a pet owner on the right foot with the tips above and encourage your kids to take an active role in the dog’s care. They will be inseparable soon enough!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb14

Valentine’s Day Chocolate

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Valentine’s Day Chocolate

Hello everyone and Happy Valentine’s Day! Last week, I spent a wonderful free afternoon making chocolate with my mother-in-law. This was the second time I have made chocolate with Johnny’s mom and it was even more fun and satisfying than I remember from our Christmas candy session. Johnny finally brought home the end results of our handiwork this past weekend and our Valentine’s Day chocolate came out perfectly, if I do say so myself! Check it out:

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Making your own chocolate can be as easy or intricate as you would like it to be. You can take your time and paint details into the molds or you could simply pour the melted chocolate in and call it a day. Johnny’s mom and I did a healthy combination of both methods and the most time consuming project was definitely the pretzel rods. The molds took forever to paint but they turned out so nice that I wasn’t complaining! They were also freaking delicious and are my favorite creation from the batch. 😀

Johnny’s mom is no stranger to making chocolate and used to have her own small candy business with a friend. And, I’m sure if she wanted to, she could open her own candy shop now with her stockpile of chocolate wafers, molds, and supplies. I was surprised to learn that all of her chocolate making gear comes from Mr. Bulky’s, which is a bulk candy store in our area, as the name suggests lol. I had no idea that her craft was so attainable and affordable and it makes me want to go out and buy my own supplies. However, I would much rather spend more time making chocolates together with Johnny’s mom, instead! ❤

I am insanely proud of how my chocolate came out and I am so looking forward to making Easter chocolate at chez in-laws next month. We will also have a special guest because my niece, Val Gal, is going to join us. I can’t wait for her to take part in the chocolate making fun too!

What is your favorite kind of candy? What kind of chocolate do you prefer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb13

The Importance Of Taking Interest In Your Child’s Hobbies

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The Importance Of Taking Interest In Your Child’s Hobbies

In a world where children are constantly glued to their electronic devices, it’s more important than ever for parents to take an interest in their children’s hobbies. Doing so can help foster a love of learning and exploration that will stay with them throughout their lives. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to take an interest in the subjects that are special to your child:

It shows them you care:

Taking an interest in what your children are passionate about demonstrates that you value their interests, hobbies, and opinions. This reinforces the bond between parent and child and lets them know they have the freedom to explore and pursue whatever interests them. In addition, it reminds them that you are always there to support them in their endeavors.

It encourages exploration and creativity:

By taking an interest in your children’s interests, you can encourage exploration and creativity by suggesting ideas or activities related to their hobbies. You can also provide resources for further research or offer assistance as needed. This allows for a better understanding of the hobby and provides an outlet for creative expression and problem-solving skills.

It keep communication open:

When parents take an active interest in their children’s interests, it encourages conversation and dialogue between the two parties. It is important for the parents to stay connected with each other and for children to feel comfortable communicating any issues or concerns they may have.

It helps them develop their skills:

As the adult, you can help foster the development of their specific skills related to their interests and hobbies. This could involve providing additional training or instruction, offering advice or guidance, or providing a space for them to practice and hone their talents.

It builds confidence:

When parents take an active interest in their children, it often helps to build a sense of self-worth and confidence. This is especially important during adolescence, where identity formation is critical; showing your children that you believe in them and their passions makes them more likely to engage positively with their activities, boosting their overall confidence level.

It helps them stay focused:

When children are passionate about something like collecting Kevin Burge Sports Cards, painting, or a sport, it’s much easier for them to stay focused and engaged in the task at hand. This is because they’re more likely to be motivated by their own interests rather than outside influences or pressures. Taking an interest in your children’s hobbies can help keep them motivated and on track with their goals.

Taking an interest in your children’s hobbies will show that you care while also helping them develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and a passion for learning. It also provides opportunities for parents and children to bond over shared experiences and memories. Take some time out of your day today to talk with your children about what they’re passionate about and get involved in their hobbies. You’ll be glad you did!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb13

How To Encourage Your Child’s Creative Side

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How To Encourage Your Child’s Creative Side

Children’s overall development depends on fostering creativity because it allows them to think critically, express themselves, and learn problem-solving techniques. A child’s imagination can be given a fun and interesting outlet through creativity, which enables them to enjoyably explore new ideas and concepts. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the ways you can encourage your child’s creative side:

Provide Art Supplies:

Giving kids access to a variety of art supplies is among the simplest ways to encourage their creativity. Items like paints, markers, crayons, paper, and clay can be categorized under this. Children can explore their creativity and think outside of the box by being encouraged to experiment with various materials and methods.

Imaginative Play:

Being able to create their own characters, worlds, and stories allows children to engage in imaginative play, which is a crucial aspect of childhood. You can provide props like dress-up clothes, toy animals, and a designated play area in your home to encourage this kind of play.

Read Books and Tell Stories:

Children’s imaginations can be greatly sparked by reading books and sharing stories with them. While storytelling enables children to develop their own interpretations of the stories they hear, books can introduce them to new concepts and worlds. Books are a great way to stimulate imagination and grow vocabulary. As an added bonus, you can organize crafts and activities based around your child’s favorite book.

Create a Craft Corner:

Give your kids a dedicated area for creative endeavors by designating a space in your home for craft activities. An inviting craft space that kids will enjoy using can be easily made with the help of a small table and chairs and supply storage.

Encourage Exploration and Experimentation:

In order to foster creativity, it’s crucial to let kids experiment and explore with a variety of tools and methods. This can entail experimenting with new art materials, trying out various techniques, or discovering fresh approaches to creating.

Attend Art Classes or Workshops:

Children can benefit from structured opportunities to explore their creativity in a safe environment through art classes or workshops. Their confidence can be boosted and their artistic abilities can be encouraged by working with other kids and learning from qualified teachers. These kinds of activities might take place at daycares near you too.

Take Nature Walks:

Children who spend time in nature can be more creative because they can experience the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world. Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt together and encourage them to observe their surroundings, which can help them come up with new ideas and engage their imagination.

Foster creativity in your children with the tips above and watch their imagination soar to new heights!

Featured Image By: PXHere