Salutations! I’m sure that all of you know by now that my parents are kind of amazing. And, by kind of, I mean very. In their own way, they are constantly doing for their children, even though we are all grown ass adults now. For example, when I was in college, my dad would always have coffee ready for me before class in the morning. It’s always the simple things that mean the most to me and that particularly touched me and I’ve been graduated for three years now.
My mom is also an excellent surpriser and recently treated me to this gorgeous headband from TJMaxx. She ordered it online while doing some shopping of her own and I am in love. Check it out:
My mom is my shopping partner in crime and it has been that way for as long as I can remember. I wouldn’t want it any other way and it is so much fun enabling each other with our TJMaxx shopping hauls both in store and online. Because my mom has been with me during literally every shopping trip ever, she knows my style like the back of her hand so she is always picking things out for me that she knows I would like it.
This headband is no exception and my mom was spot on because she knows that I have developed a slight obsession with hair accessories. Clips, hats, veils, and ribbons I love it all and this headband just might be my new favorite. The thick woven texture and the perfect for fall color palette with the gold, cream, and olive green not only compliments my style, complexion, and hair to the T but will also be a fantastic add on to my autumn OOTDs.
I am so appreciative to my parents for their continued love and support for all I do in my life and Sweet Surprises like this make me feel even closer to them. So, thanks mom and dad for being you! ❤
What do your loved ones surprise you with? Who is your shopping partner in crime? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hellooo everyone! We all know that I love dressing for colder weather and one of my favorite things in doing so are the accessories. I love hats, scarves, fingerless gloves, and faux fur to keep myself cute and cozy all fall and winter long. I adore my knitwear and there’s no denying that but there is also something so very chic about a silk scarf tied in a knot around your neck while sporting your best peacoat. So, I was very excited when my dad bestowed some of my grandma’s (his mom’s) scarves onto me. Check them out:
I have plenty of hats from my mom’s mom but I really have nothing like that from my dad’s mom, so I was incredibly happy to have something of hers that I can wear. These vintage scarves will be the perfect accessory with blazers and moto jackets to add a unique touch as well as making me feel like I’m getting a hug from a loved one all day.
My favorite scarf above is definitely the last one with the flowers in bright, springy colors to bring some sunshine during the grey winter months. You’re talking to the girl who wears black ninety-nine percent of the time BUT, even I’m not opposed to some pops of color every now and then! I am so thankful to have these scarves in my collection and am looking forward to wearing them all very soon. 🙂
Do you have any hand me downs from a loved one? How do you sport a silk scarf? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Being able to give your kids the best start in life is important to any parent and, with that, their education and the life experiences they have growing up is essential. Activities for your kids can help keep them engaged and on a successful path. There are plenty of reasons why after-school activities are important to take part in for your children, like the following:
New Experiences:
As a child, you remember everything, and that’s both the good times and the bad. The experiences you get through life help you become who you are when you reach adulthood and, even then, you’re still learning! After-school activities will provide your children with new experiences that they may not get in the school itself. Opening them up to more of this is only going to be better for creating the memories that will stay with them forever and that they may end up passing onto their children.
The Opportunity To Socialize:
Being in a group environment and meeting new people helps to build a child’s ability to socialize successfully. Being shy is nothing to be worried about as this is a personality trait, just like any other. However, it’s good that even someone who’s shy can still have a conversation with someone. Doing activities that involve sports or team communication are a great way to help speak to others and, more importantly, to find those friendship groups where they fit in. It’s often something we learn as we grow, but there’s no harm in finding those you know you’ll like sooner!
Helps Them Figure Out Their Passions:
With an afterschool stem class, there’s so much more that a child could be tapping into that they just don’t get in normal school timetables. This is where passions can be discovered, and it may end up helping them in figuring out what career they’d like to do when they’re older. Of course, as children grow up, their career aspirations dramatically change. However, there’s nothing wrong with encouraging that exploration into what brings them happiness and joy.
Builds Confidence:
Confidence is something that some are naturally gifted with and, for others, it’s something you gain and grow over time. Being confident can help push you to achieve what you want in life. As a child, being in a new environment can feel a little nerve-racking, but the more that they’re exposed to these activities, the more confidence you’ll see in them each time. As parents, it can be wonderful to see this confidence in your children. To see them be determined or to not let anything get in their way is one life lesson that’s certainly worth learning for everyone.
After-school activities contribute to giving the best start in life for your child. Find some classes or groups that they might have interest in and watch them grow!
Creating cards and letter writing is a lost art. Taking the time to make something with care adds personality to your crafting, something that cannot be replicated when buying cards from a store. That’s actually where most of the fun comes in, making a card that is entirely unique and took incredible patience and skill. If you’re just teetering on the brink of getting started and buying the various equipment you need, then take a look at these examples where card making becomes the perfect craft:
A mark of professionalism:
What if you could make your business card yourself? If you had the freedom, what kind of design would you use? When it comes to card making, it’s not just the normal greeting cards that you will be able to make, but business cards too. Right from scratch, you can decide the material so when someone touches it, they get a unique sensation. A business card made out of foam, for example, is much more memorable than typical card stock. Being able to make your own 3D designs so again, anyone who is rubbing their finger over it gets a different feel. And, rather than the typical rectangle business card, how about curved edges? Any colors, fonts, dies and materials, the choice is yours.
A bespoke wedding:
Wedding cards are, perhaps, the most difficult to choose. It’s not like a birthday that comes around every year, weddings are once in a lifetime. People who have been invited to the wedding will often fret whether or not their card looks extravagant enough and does it warrant being saved by the couple. Usually the married couple will only choose a select few cards that they’re going to save for the rest of their life along with all of the other wedding day memories. To make your card worthy of being kept and valued, you’ll need to make it yourself using Sizzix dies. These dies are some of the most detailed in the crafting world and there are plenty of them to choose from. Characters, letters, houses, animals, patterns and jewelry designs, for starters.
For your wedding card, you may wish to use thinlit dies, which are intricate patterns that are used to cut out the frontal design of your card. This allows the cover to be see-through and show a bit of what’s inside without opening it. The festive repeats, floral, seasonal, and mystical dies would go great for celebrating a moment of love and happiness.
Celebrating a milestone:
Normally, people get into crafting because they want to make a brilliant birthday card, which is fine. But you can use your crafting skills to make a card that marks a special milestone. This could be something like giving your parents an anniversary card for their 20 years together. It might be giving your daughter a card for her promotion at work. A moment in time where an achievement of perseverance and struggle is documented, acknowledged, and celebrated is perfect for making a personalized card.
First, you need custom dies which you can very easily order online. But what kind of dies would you need? For a promotion, how about the logo of the company they work for? For an anniversary maybe a picture from the photo album? Anything that relates to the focal point can be made into a 3D design with a custom die. Next, you should use materials and colors that match the event. Again, you could use corporate colors for the promotion card or the favorite colors of the couple. Ribbons and flowers are a great addition to personalized cards as a change of material and adds depth to the card.
Making a children’s book:
Children will one day grow too old to be read bedtime stories but, while you have the chance, make them a personal bedtime story. You can make up your own characters and story line to reflect the kind of teachings you want them to learn. With using the dies, you can make a 3D book which has lots of opportunity for interactive storytelling. Popup books are popular because they have moving parts, so you might want to incorporate that into your crafting skills, as well.
Handcrafted cards are incredibly personal and will instantly be recognized for the hard work you have put in. Start crafting a card and make something special for someone you care about!
Hellooo everyone! In case you haven’t noticed, body modifications are my thing and have been important to me for well over a decade now. I love piercings, tattoos, and dyeing my hair. All of my body mods make me feel confident and beautiful and I always seem to be planning which tattoos I want to get next. But, until I get some new ones, hopefully in the next few months, I thought that I would give you guys a run down on some of my older ones. Take a look at one of my favorites, that had my mom and dad rolling their eyes so hard:
^^^ Don’t mind the fact that it needs touched up! 😀
I have always been a huge fan of the American Traditional style tattoos and knew that I wanted to give my parents a shout out with one of them. And, upon the grand reveal to my mom and dad at my birthday dinner this year, both of them said “oh god” at the exact same time – it was hilarious! My mom has since embraced my commemorative heart to them while my dad would prefer it if I didn’t have any tattoos at all, lol. But, I think that he loves it deep down. 😉
My mom and dad are my literal favorite people in the world and I wanted something to make it feel like they’re always with me. I love the contrasting red and yellow from the heart and the scroll and it looks so nice underneath my Pan’s Labyrinth half sleeve. As per ushe, my tattoo artist, Emily, knocks it out of the park every time and, although my parent appreciation tat is fairly simple, it is one of my all time favorites.
How many tattoos do you have? Which one is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Greetings! Quite a few of my clients love shopping at second hand stores like the Goodwill and Abbey Ann’s. So, within the past year and a half, I have ended up in these treasure troves countless times during our outings. I have to admit, I used to not be very keen on second hand shopping because I am quite the germophobe. But, I would say that I have kicked the fear of thrift shopping in the bud, considering ninety percent of my apartment was furnished from second hand shops.
We’ll call it ninety-two percent, because I just purchased an air hockey table at the Goodwill a week or so ago! 😀 Check it out:
When I saw this beaut at the Goodwill for a staggeringly cheap thirty bucks, I just had to purchase it. Honestly, there’s not much to do at my place other than drink when I have friends over and I don’t like that that has become such a frequent thing. I am hoping to get my gaming systems set up as well as purchase board games for good, clean fun when I have company. But, for now, my favorite table top game stationed in my back room will do.
The only issue I’m having, is that there is no lighting in that room, as you can tell from the grainy photos above! So, if anyone has any suggestions to fixing that issue, do let me know, because I don’t think tiki torches are going to fly in there, lolol. 😅
Other than that minor problem, I am seriously SO excited about this Goodwill purchase. And, I am very appreciative to my client’s mom and dad for helping me transfer the table to my apartment because my dumbass honestly thought that it was going to fit in my tiny hatchback, smh. They are like my second family, though, and were happy to help so now they have the honor of having the air hockey table be named after them. It’s truly a win/win for everyone! Any challengers?
What are your favorite board, video, or table top games? Which ones do you think I should invest in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi! There is a special place in heaven called the Rainbow Bridge where all of our beloved pets go when they pass. It is a beautiful place where the weather is warm, treats are plentiful, and the playing and romping amongst our sweet companions never ends. I know that all of my family’s fallen angel dogs are enjoying their time making new friends and spending joyous days in the sun while they eagerly await the time when we are reunited again.
And, I know for a fact that my family’s beloved Golden Retriever, Gem, who passed away on July 11th is having a ball. Here’s how I know:
While driving to one of my client’s houses the day after Gem crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I was behind a license plate with her name right on it: GEM and then some numbers. Shortly after, I was behind another car with a bumper sticker that read: “Paws and enjoy life”. Which is quite the coincidence considering all of our pets are buried at a cemetery called Paws Awhile.
I just know that this was my sweet girl saying hello to me and that she was safe, happy, and no longer suffering. My mom and dad also got a similar greeting from her when they drove past a bumper sticker the day of Gem’s passing with the slogan “Golden Retrievers make me happy”. And, later on in the day at the grocery store, my dad was rung out by a young man named Rusty which just so happens to be the name of the Golden we had before Gem. So, it’s safe to say that she has already met her brother.
My family and I are heartbroken by the loss of our Gem but we are so happy to know that she’s okay and I have a feeling she’ll be popping by frequently to check in on us. It’s not the same as petting her soft fur and getting a great big doggie kiss from her but, it will do until we meet again. ❤
Do you have any stories similar to mine about a beloved pet or person that has passed? What kind of pets do you have at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello, everyone. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of my family’s sweet doggie angels, Gem. After a brave fight with cancer, Gem had a peaceful passing on July 11th. We are absolutely heartbroken and miss our darling girl so much. However, we are so thankful that she graced us with seven weeks of extra time with her after she recovered from being at her worst. That was truly a gift and I think she knew that we all needed it.
Gem was one of the sweetest, most empathetic dogs I have ever met. She was always by my mom’s side when she was having her own fight with cancer and she seemed to know when I needed her badly, too. I will never forget a time a year or two ago when I was working at the computer while crying hysterically and Gem kept nudging my arm until I pet her and was looking at her, instead of focusing on what was upsetting me.
It has been so difficult going to work at home and not being greeted by Gem at the door but we know that she is up in Doggie Heaven playing with her brothers and sisters who passed before her. And, I’m sure she is up there making friends with all of your parted angels, too. ❤
LGBT parenting is no different from that of heterosexual parents. That is, except for the prejudice that they are subjected to from different sectors of society. Biases on sexual orientation that separates them from the rest can be so significant that it can hinder them from bearing children or becoming adoptive parents. LGBT issues can mar discussions in a way that denies an otherwise capable and qualified individual to custody and parental rights.
How LGBT people can become parents:
Adoption is not the only way LGBT people can become parents and raise a child as their own. A couple can apply for and qualify as foster parents. Other ways to assume parenting roles include surrogacy, kinship care, from becoming a donor for insemination, and by raising a child from a heterosexual union in the past. If you are considering a third-party reproductive journey, experts like those at Ally Escrow Management can help you every step of the way and can ease a lot of stress. While this is an exciting journey, it can be a daunting one and you will want the right team in your corner.
A gay or lesbian person may want to be a parent as a single individual. The stresses and complications of single parenthood may be expected and should be dealt with accordingly. Couples may be thinking about exploring these options on how they can have children together.
Hurdles along the way:
Members of the LGBT community may be allowed shared parenting duties from a custody agreement between the birth parents. These days, LGBT adults are consulting with divorce lawyers in Albuquerqueand family law practitioners to learn about their rights, and to determine how to overcome hurdles preventing them from raising a family of their own. There are many variables to consider, and members of the LGBT community should consider carefully the potential issues that may arise if they embrace the role of parenting a child.
If you have a shared custody arrangement, it is important to turn to reputable sources of information amidst the pandemic and read a few of their recent reports on seeing children who do not live with you all of the time to help keep everyone healthy.
Relevant issues associated with raising children:
The biases associated with preconceived gender roles can mark the experience of children growing up in an LGBT household. Parents who are members of the LGBT community want their children to be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, pervading beliefs circulate, and children who are otherwise living in harmony at home may encounter prejudice elsewhere. Contrary to popular belief, children being raised by LGBT parents do not experience sexual identity issues.
These children undergo expected patterns and are no different from children of similar age raised by heterosexual parents. Some studies reveal clearly that children in same-sex households do not necessarily suffer gender identity confusion. Also, gender-role behaviors observed in children with LGBT parents are still within convention and conformity by typical limits.
LGBT parenting in America:
In the United States, the number of LGBT couples raising children has increased in the past two years. Raising a child together is a dream of couples who have pledged their lives to each other. Without a progressive point of view, and due to a lack of acceptance, members of the LGBT community who have the potential to become great parents miss out.
There are no significant differences between heterosexual couples and same-sex couples who have chosen to become parents. A child would grow up to be healthy in mind and body if he or she grows up in a supportive, loving, and nurturing environment.
Weddings are truly busy and stressful, considering what the couple has to go through just to make sure that one special day goes smoothly. But after all that is done and the vows have been accepted, you as a couple deserve to have your own time and moments together to enjoy the finer things in life as husband and wife. Sure, there’s the mandatory honeymoon, but there’s much more you can do that will surely help your mind and body recover from all the stress and strain of wedding preparations:
Relax and Unwind:
It goes without saying that you need to rest your body first since you have a whole life ahead of you. All that time and effort looking for suppliers and managing the event to make sure that it all goes well can give you a lot of stress. After the wedding is your opportunity to enjoy your well-deserved relaxation time.
There are many possibilities on what you can do, such as get a facial treatment in Manila, go to a beach or resort, or go enjoy the beauty of nature by hiking or mountain climbing. These will surely help you to relax and enjoy quality time with your new spouse.
Reap the Benefits:
One of the things that you’ll get from your wedding is gifts and lots of them. These presents are oftentimes given to help the bride and groom with their start on married life. Home appliances are common choices and are very helpful because you won’t need to go shopping for them.
Some people also gift their newly married friends and relatives with discount vouchers or tickets for them to use on a cruise or a fancy restaurant. Don’t hesitate to use them, especially if they have expiration dates. These presents are meant for you to enjoy and use to your advantage as the married life will present you with new challenges every single day.
Go on Get-Togethers:
You’ve only just accomplished a monumental event in your life that was full of hectic plans and schedules, so you may think that it’s best not to go out for a while. However, your family and friends are still part of your life, and you’ll need all the help you can get from them. The occasional get-together will be good for letting them know how well you’re doing after the nuptials as well as strengthen the bond between in-laws. You can do it either at home or in places such as restaurants or hotels.
Living the married life will surely put a lot on your plate, may it be good or bad. But what’s important is for you to focus on what’s positive and expect to face the bad times together with your partner. Your relationship doesn’t end once the wedding day is over; instead, it’s the start of a lifelong journey with the best partner in life you’ll ever have. So, take the time to relish that moment and unwind!
lifewithlilred 