Tag Archives: family

Jun15

Happy Father’s Day!!

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Happy Father’s Day!!

Hello everyone and a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads, pet dads, and any other kind of dad out there! Today is the day to celebrate all of the fellas in our lives who make it so special. Whether you are spending your day grilling out, taking a hike, or my dad’s preferred desire for “peace and quiet”, I hope that it is the perfect day for you. While dear old dads should be celebrated each and every day, my wish is that you feel especially showered with love during your celebrations!

I am so incredibly lucky to have the best dad in the world and although he doesn’t care to celebrate his birthday or days like today, I just have to give him a shout out anyways! My dad is the most wonderful man. He is hilarious, kind, beyond skilled at gardening, and shreds on guitar. Not only is he my super dad, but he is the most loving PopPop of five and it is such fun to see him interact with my four nieces and nephew. It shows me what him and my mom were like when my siblings and I were little and that is a true gift to me. They were both the best way back then and they still are now. I love you, dad! Thank you for all you do each and every day. ❤

Happy Father’s Day!!!!

Jun10

How To Take Care Of Your Self-Sufficient Home

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How To Take Care Of Your Self-Sufficient Home

In recent years, more and more people have seen the benefits of living a more self-sufficient lifestyle. This way, you are able to live off the grid and still look after your family. You can save money and reap the rewards of your own hard work. Even better, you can live a greener lifestyle as a self-sufficient lifestyle is often a more sustainable way to live. Of course, there are different ways to be more self-sufficient. A lot of people still rely on outside infrastructure, but you might be surprised at how much you can do for yourself if you look after your home:

Feeding Your Family:

There are a few different lines of thought about how much land you need to feed a family. If you want to be completely self-sufficient, most sources recommend about five acres of land for a family of four. This includes growing vegetables, crops, and even livestock. As well as the food itself, you also need to consider infrastructure like barns or storage areas, buffer areas like fences and hedges, woodland for firewood, and extra areas for rotational grazing if you have different livestock.

However, most people might not manage to be completely self-sufficient, especially because it takes a lot of land, a lot of investment, and a lot of work to keep it going. But even with a smaller portion of land, you can still grow most of the vegetables that you might need throughout the year, as well as rearing chickens for eggs and meat, and even keeping bees for honey. This middle ground is a much more common option because it’s more manageable for most people. No matter how much land you have, it’s important to plan what you grow, where you grow it, and how much food that will provide. This will allow you to maximize the land you have.

Utilities:

As well as looking after your plants and crops, you need to look after yourself. For many people, it’s relatively simple to set up their utilities so that they’re mostly, if not completely, separate from the grid. Solar and wind power can keep your property running, and you can set up a generator if there’s an emergency. You also need to get batteries for storing the power so that, if you lose it for whatever reason, your home can still have electricity.

You can also use natural water sources like lakes, wells, and rainwater for your home. You can store it in cisterns and clean it before you use it. You will have to make sure that you check local regulations when using natural water bodies or wells. A septic tank can store any waste so your home doesn’t need to be hooked up to a sewage system. You will have to get regular septic tank pumping to maintain it and empty it when needed.

Decorating Your Home:

Once you have all of the practical steps covered and your home is self-sufficient, you can focus on making your house feel like your home. You can decorate the exterior and interior for that cottage-core feeling, making sure that you balance practicality with aesthetics.

Creating a self sufficient home is an exciting adventure and can prove that you are much more capable than you thought!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun9

Sweet Surprises: Random Money Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Random Money Edition

Hello!! This past week, I had a little moment on my break at work that simply tickled me and I just had to share it with all of you. I don’t know about you, but every once in a while I will see a post on Facebook about someone finding random money on their person. Unfortunately, I can’t relate because I am one of those people that rarely carry cash… Primarily because I want to spend it immediately! However, that statement is no longer true because that is what happened during my break time surprise and, I’ve got to say, it was just as delightful as I imagined it being.

After finishing up some work on the computer, I still had a bit of time to kill. So, I started reading a new book called The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers (Peep the Book Club review soon!). As I was reading, I reached in my purse for anything that could be used as a bookmark and pulled out the first thing that felt like paper. As per ushe, I was expecting a receipt that I didn’t need but wasn’t going to leave my purse until cleaning it out. Rather, it was a small envelope. You can only imagine my surprise when I opened it to discover it was Christmas cash from last year from my parents. I must have stuck it in my purse with the intention of spending it, it got lost in the black hole that is my handbag, and I straight up forgot about it.

When I made this discovery, it seriously felt like getting a hug from my mom and dad. Yes, the cashola was nice but it was even better to have a Christmas surprise in June! I immediately called my mom to announce my findings and what I thought would be a short call turned into a ten minute gab fest and that was the cherry on top. I was already having a great day but this made it an excellent one and it really is the little things in life that make it so much sweeter. ❤

Like I said, as soon as I have cash – I want to spend it! I used it to buy more leafy greens for the bunnies, a couple of dinner options for me and Johnny, and some super yummy dill pickle trail mix too. Dinner and snack time for us and the bunnies were proudly sponsored by mom and dad. I just love them!!! :*)

What is a little thing that made you happy recently? Have you found random money before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Fun Summer Activities With The Kiddos

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Fun Summer Activities With The Kiddos

Howdy!! School is almost out and carefree summer days are about to be in full swing. I am so excited to be able to have lots of fun in the sun with my nieces and nephew and am always trying to come up with our next big adventure. Keeping the kiddos occupied all summer long can definitely be a challenge so it’s a great idea to start planning different activities now. Here are some of the ideas I’m thinking to beat those lazy day boredom blues for a super fun summer for all:

Scavenger Hunt:

Whether it’s in your own backyard or on a hiking trail, scavenger hunts are a blast. I still remember a birthday party that I attended in grade school that was a neighborhood wide scavenger hunt and it was, easily, the best one I had ever been to! Create a list of objects or landmarks to find and get to stepping. The objectives can be as simple or challenging as you see fit and it is an awesome way to encourage your kiddos to be curious and observing. An incentive like a small prize or a trip to the ice cream parlor is the perfect way to celebrate once all of the goals on the list have been checked off!

Create Your Own:

Constantly restocking art supplies can be pricey and feel never ending. Why not create your own?! There are an infinite amount of recipes for bubble soap, sidewalk puff paint, slime, and play dough so hop on Pinterest and take a look. Chances are, you already have a majority of the ingredients you will need in your own home. These craft supplies will be just as fun to make all together as they will be to use and the recipes are simple enough that your kiddos could DIY depending on their age. They will also think that it is the coolest to have made crafts with supplies that they made all by themselves.

Cool Down:

In the same breath, summer treats are just as fun to make as they are to enjoy after a long day of play. We’re talking smoothies, popsicles, slushies, snow cones, fresh squeezed lemonade, and even homemade ice cream. No chasing after the ice cream man required! Tasty popsicles are as simple as getting the molds and filling them with your favorite juices. Homemade ice cream can be made in a zip lock bag. Got crushed ice, flavored syrup, and a blender? Instant slushie! Find recipes together, hit the grocery store, and you will have countless options for the perfect treats to cool down with.

To The Library:

Rainy or ultra hot days can mean being stuck inside. If this is the case, head to the library! Your local library is an amazing resource and not just for checking out books and movies. Plenty of libraries offer programs for kiddos like story hour, crafts, cooking workshops, and garden projects. If your local library is anything like mine, they also will have additional items you can check out. For example, my library offers pickleball kits, zoo passes, instruments, and tablets that you can rent for the week. The best part? Anything at the library will be free of charge and it doesn’t get better than that!

Parks A Plenty:

Going to the park is always fun but going to the same park every time? Not so much. Take the time to find different playgrounds within a radius you’re fine driving to and check them out! Their new favorite playground might just be a hop, skip, and a jump away and you didn’t realize it. You can also try and find new parks based off of activities that your kids love like a wading pool, splash pad, or great big slides. Some parks might also have shelters and areas to grill at so you can make a day of it with a picnic lunch. Your kids will love to explore a brand new place and they might even make some new friends too!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Gardening is not only an awesome summer long activity but an excellent learning opportunity. Your kiddos will learn how to plant and nurture all of the things that grow and will have an end result they can be proud of. Their garden can be as simple or elaborate as you see fit. Maybe it will be a small patch of flowers with a fairy garden. It could be a couple of pots with fresh herbs. Or, perhaps, a full fledged vegetable garden! Whatever it may be, it will get them in the great outdoors and you will have beautiful flowers and delicious veggies to show for it. Total win/win!

Summertime just got a whole lot sweeter with these ideas. Use some or all and enjoy!!

Do you have any big summer plans? What activities will you be doing with your kids this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

Happy Birthday, Brother!!

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Happy Birthday, Brother!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big brother, Andrew’s, birthday!! Andrew is my partner in crime. He is my best friend, my work out buddy, and an absolute gift to all who know him. Whether we are hiking, gaming, or just hanging out it is the best time because we are together. Andrew has an incredible sense of humor, is so caring, and always has a kind word to say. He is the first person who notices when I get my nails done or am wearing something new and you have no idea how much that warms my heart.

Being able to have built in besties with my siblings is such a special thing and Andrew and I are the dream team. Our personalities work so well together and there is nothing we can’t do when we have a plan in mind. Andrew inspires me to no end and is always striving to better himself, which is something that we can all learn from. He’s a hard worker, a loving son, and the most amazing friend I could ever ask for. I am so excited to be able to celebrate my big bro and am thankful for every minute we have together!! ❤

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!! I love you!!! ❤

May11

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

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Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Hello everyone and happy Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful moms, pet moms, moms to be, and every other kind of mom out there! I so hope that you can spend your day exactly the way you want to and feel celebrated and showered with love. There are so many amazing moms in my life that this day is special for and not a day goes by that I am not blown away by their hard work, dedication, and unconditional love that simply radiates. It is such a beautiful thing and should be appreciated constantly – not just one day of the year!

I am lucky enough to have the best mom in the world and she serves as inspiration in every aspect of my life. My mom is so fun, funny, caring, and loves fiercely. She is never without a kind word for any and everyone she encounters and can instantly turn a bad day around from just a phone call. I am my mom’s thirty year old baby lol and it is an absolute gift to be able to have that relationship with her. No matter what the situation is, my mom is always the person I want to talk to first for encouragement, advice, or a laugh. And, believe you me, we are always talking because we miss each other as soon as we part ways! It is the most pure love and I wish I could carry my mom around in my pocket all day every day!! ❤

To all of the moms out there: Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Apr17

Pet Bunnies For Easter – DON’T!

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Pet Bunnies For Easter – DON’T!

Howdy!! Easter is right around the corner and, for some reason, animals seem to be an extremely popular gift to give to kids in their Easter baskets. From bunnies and ducks to chicks and cuddly puppies and kittens, Easter has become synonymous with welcoming a new pet. And, sadly, a majority of these pets will be a favorite plaything for a while until they end up abandoned in the wild or a shelter. Am I the only one who finds this absolutely ridiculous?! As a proud bunny mom of two sweet angels, I am here to talk about all of the reasons why a pet bunny might not be the experience that you think:

A long commitment:

Did you know that a well cared for bunny can live up to ten years? That’s essentially equivalent to a family cat or dog and their care requires multiple daily commitments to allow them to thrive. From constantly cleaning up messes to visits to the vet, regular snack times, and ample time outside of their hutch to roam and play – bunnies are more work than you might have thought. They are not just sedentary creatures that are up for constant cuddles. Bunnies want to be on the go and your schedule must accommodate a lot of free roaming time. Can’t commit? Don’t get them.

A financial investment:

One thing is for sure about pet bunnies – they are not cheap! In a previous post, I did some bunny math and the amount I spend for two rabbits per month is roughly one hundred and fifty dollars. Chewy orders and trips to the grocery store for fresh veggies and the occasional fruit treat are constant and it will be that way for up to a decade. These little sweeties have expensive taste just like their mom lol and they are definitely a financial investment. All of the items needed for their care are essential and cannot be bypassed. Can’t commit to spending over one hundred bucks per month? Don’t get them.

Unique temperaments:

If you are under the impression that your new bunny will want to be constantly held by your kids, prepare for your worldview to be shattered. All bunnies have unique temperaments. My Melvin, for example, loves being pet and doesn’t mind being held but is ready to roam after ten or so minutes. Penelope, however, is incredibly shy. It took a lot of time and patience to get her acclimated to my touch. She adores her pets now (usually) but isn’t interested in being held in the slightest.

This very well could be the case for the bunny you bring home and if you try to force this kind of contact, you are going to end up traumatizing the bunny and it will be miserable. Every bunny’s temperament should be respected. This is something that can be hard for a child to grasp because, at the end of the day, they are going to want to hold them anyways. That can truly impact their pet’s quality of life in a negative way if the bunny is uncomfortable being held and that is unacceptable. If you feel that you or your child can’t accept that, don’t get them.

Safety first:

Safety for your bunny isn’t just trips to the vet. It means bunny proofing their roaming area so they can’t hurt themselves. This means eliminating anything that is dangerous for them to ingest, covering wall sockets, and getting any and all wires out of there. Their roaming area should be totally and completely free from anything that can harm them as well as any items you are attached to. Trust and believe, your bunny will find a way to chew them. Their quality of life and safety is paramount and if you don’t have a space in your house where they can safely roam freely, they are not the pet for you.

A pet as a gift in theory might seem great to you. In practice, it is a totally different thing and I hope this post will make you think twice on your Easter basket selections. Stuffed animals are a much better way to go!

Are you a pet parent? What kind of pets do you have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr8

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big sister, Kristen’s, birthday!! In case you haven’t noticed, springtime is a birthday jamboree in my family and it is so much fun to celebrate all of my favorite people. Having a sister is having a built in BFF and I am the luckiest gal in the world to have Kristen as mine. She is truly the best and I cannot wait to take her out on the town for her big day!

In my youth, I thought Kristen was the absolute coolest and my sentiments remain the same. In fact, even more so now. Kristen is the extraordinary mother of my three sweet nieces and they are a gift to their TT and Uncle Johnny. I genuinely have no idea how she does it all between her beautiful family, beloved pets, and work because she makes it look easy when it is anything but. Witnessing my big sis and brother-in-law blossom in their parenthood adventure is so special to me and it’s difficult to put into words how incredibly proud I am of them.

I wish that I could see my sister and her family every day and it is my favorite when we all get together. Whether it’s lunch at our go to Mexican restaurant, a trip to the park, shopping, or just hanging out, I cherish every second. And, of course, I cherish every second whenever I can get some solo time with my sister. Whenever we are together, it’s like we’re teenagers again! We listen to our oldie but goodie anthems, still frequent Taco Bell, and get told that we look exactly alike by a stranger at least once. It’s basically the best throwback ever and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even though Kristen would roll her eyes at this, in my heart of hearts I feel like she is my other half and that sister/BFF bond is stronger now more than ever. ❤

To the most amazing, kind, fun, and every other good adjective sister in the world:

Happy Birthday!!! I love you!!!!!

Apr6

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my dad’s birthday!! As per my dad’s longstanding tradition, he does not care to celebrate his birthday. Because of this old standby, his birthday post will be short and sweet because I know that’s what he would prefer lol. So, I will say this:

My dad is truly one of the best men to ever walk the face of this earth. Of course, he is arguably one of the funniest people I know but he is also so kind and shows unparalleled strength in even the most difficult of situations. His ability to keep moving forward while still trying to make the absolute best of any and everything is nothing short of inspiring to me. I am exceptionally proud to be my father’s daughter and I value his opinion, advice, and sense of adventure so much. My dad never shies away from learning something new and taking that challenge head on. IE: Johnny has been giving my dad guitar lessons, he practices every day, and he just keeps getting better and better. I think we can all learn from that go getter spirit – I know I most certainly have! ❤

Happy Birthday, Dad!!! I love you!!! ❤

Mar29

Birthday Fun!

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Birthday Fun!

Hello! This past Saturday was a glorious day because it was my adorable mom’s birthday!! She is truly the best and my sister, brother in law, sweet nieces, and I couldn’t wait to celebrate her with a birthday lunch. We hit up the most dynamite Mexican restaurant around, El Meson, for the festivities and it was the epitome of eat, drink, and be merry. And, believe you me, the emphasis was on drink lol! Check it out:

Whenever we go out for Mexican food, the tradition is the same. Step 1) Order Margaritas. Step 2) My mom will drink a thimbleful. Step 3) She is gone to the wind! This has been a standard in my family for as long as I can remember and it is nothing short of hilarious every time. In fact, some of my favorite “all together” moments have taken place in a Mexican restaurant lol. I, of course, expected a repeat of the same old for this birthday lunch and was SHOOK when my mom flipped the formula on its head.

Not only did my mom finish her small Margarita but… SHE TOOK A BIRTHDAY SHOT TOO!!!

Naturally, I had to let our wonderful server know it was my mom’s big day so the restaurant could break out the birthday sombrero. Usually at El Meson, the birthday treat is a dish of fried ice cream. So tell me why we were gifted with four shots of tequila instead for the adults at the table! When the tray of shots was placed before us, we were in stitches because what even. My brother in law and I were prepping to take our shots, then my sister and mom decided to go for it too. Waste not, want not amiright? We clinked our glasses, cheered to my mom’s birthday, and down the hatch the shots went. I was nothing short of impressed!

On our way home, I asked my mom if she had ever taken a shot before and she thinks she might have once lol. Could have fooled me! By the time we got home, my mom was ready for a birthday nap and was asleep on the couch as soon as she laid down. All I have to say is, you only turn twenty-one once!! I also have to say: Mom – YOU GO, GIRL!!!!!

What is your favorite restaurant in your neck of the woods? How are you celebrating your birthday this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah