Tag Archives: family

Dec21

3 Thoughts Everyone Has On Christmas Day

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3 Thoughts Everyone Has On Christmas Day

The big day is nearly upon us, a day that many of us have been counting down to for the last three months. Some of us have even been counting down for the past 12 months, such is our joy of Christmas and the festive fun and celebrations that it brings. Christmas is inherently unifying, and despite celebrating in many different ways, we can all find ourselves thinking surprisingly similar thoughts on Christmas Day itself. Which of these do you recognize?

“Can I sleep more?”

Christmas Day, without exception, makes everyone feel exhausted — even if you hadn’t done much. A quick pre-dinner nap is an essential… and an after-dinner one, too, if you can sneak it. It’s undeniable; for most of us, Christmas is about two things: sleeping and celebrating.

“I can’t possibly eat anything more.”

This is then usually followed by: “oh yes, turns out I can”. Christmas Day is a day of gluttony, the one day of the year where it’s possible to just kick back and relax. The word “calorie” doesn’t even enter our vocabulary. So we’re merry as can be, our stomachs are full, and then someone offers us a slice of chocolate orange and suddenly we find our appetite again.

“When are we watching a movie?”

What would Christmas Day be without a festive movie or two? It’s the perfect way to unwind after a big meal, so make sure you plan what you’re sitting down to. Do you prefer to stick to an old favorite or would you opt for this fantasy movie idea?


Infographic Design By Sunny

Dec20

Looking After Ageing Parents: Day Care VS Companionship

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Looking After Ageing Parents: Day Care VS Companionship

If you’re in the position where you are having to face the daunting reality of looking after your ageing parents, it’s understandable that you might feel like you have the weight of the whole world on your shoulders; not only do you have to manage your own work/life balance, in addition to taking care of your family, you now face increasing pressure to take care of your parent or parents.

Indeed, taking care of elderly parents can be a real struggle; Not only must you find a solution that tends to their medical, physiological, and practical needs but also their social and emotional needs, as well. One would imagine, at this juncture, that all you want to do is take care of your loved ones in their old age, but there’s a limit to how you can protect them from the inevitable pitfalls of ageing. You’ve weighed up the pros and cons of trying to care for them yourself. You’ve been through a thousand Care.com reviews to check if they’d be a good fit for some in-home care. You’re trying to explore every single option you can find to make sure your parents have the support they need. But it can be a losing game. No matter how hard you try, you’re unlikely to be able to take care of the full gamut of your parents needs – but there is an area, that is often overlooked that you can play a vital role in.

This area is that of tending to their emotional and social needs. One of the core problems elderly people face is loneliness – this sense of loneliness can be much more debilitating than any of their physical ailments and it’s totally avoidable. Again, you’re unlikely to be in the position to be a full-time companion, and it’s important that you don’t give yourself a hard time for this… as there are ways of caring for their social needs without you needing to be at their beckon call. This article explores three options that you have available to lighten the load:

Paid Companionship:

It might feel like a strange notion to have to pay someone to offer companionship, but given the level of patience and the complexity of your own emotional experience in looking after an elderly patient; an external companion can provide great relief for both you and your parent. You should check out services like the senior companion program that use senior companions to provide genuine companionship from a place of authentic like-mindedness, people who are truly able to relate with their companion as a peer; rather than a disinterested person intending to make ‘easy’ income.

The important thing when searching for a companion, therefore, is a genuine connection that leads to natural rapport. There are plenty of elderly people that wouldn’t fancy the idea of having a companion, in this way, out of pride or perhaps fear that they don’t want the awkwardness of having to interact with someone they don’t really know or trust; therefore it’s of critical importance you find someone that can relate on their level – and the natural choice would be a similarly aged peer.

Daycare:

There are many daycare options available, where people get to interact with their peers, however something to be mindful of is that just because someone is elderly doesn’t mean that they want to be put on a coach and force fed bingo sessions. It’s important you find a daycare center that is aligned with your parent(s) interests and natural character.

Assisted Living:

Should your loved one need more care than regular pop ins from you or a daycare, you might want to consider assisted living. These spaces are often specific for people who need memory care or have difficulty completing daily household tasks safely. To ensure your parent is receiving the best quality senior care, schedule tours at several different locations. Pay close attention to how the staff behaves and if the residents seem happy and as healthy as they can be. Do be sure to try and visit as frequently as you can to verify that your parents’ needs are being tended to in a loving and timely manner.

In summary, you really want to find something suitable for your parents that naturally aligns with their character. Most people value developing a deep and meaningful friendship with a person rather than several superficial acquaintances; but both options lend themselves to this. The most important thing to remember is that it’s your parent who should be deciding how they spend their time and one of the greatest gifts you can offer is your patience, understanding, and flexibility in meeting their needs rather than your own.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec18

Monday Update: Christmas Excitement Edition

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Monday Update: Christmas Excitement Edition

Hey everyone and happy Monday! As of today, there are only SEVEN DAYS left till Christmas! That’s one week and that’s one very happy Sarah!

SEVEN DAYS OMGGGGGGG!!!

It’s so crazy, because it feels like Thanksgiving just happened and now Christmas is a single digits amount away? Where in the world has the time gone?! That’s okay, though, because I don’t know about you guys – but I’m ready for a cozy morning with my family opening presents and cooking a great big dinner.

I’ve always loved Christmas. The food, the gifts, the family time. I am so lucky to say that all of my holiday memories have been fond and happy. And, despite a lot of setbacks this year, I know that the big day next week is going to be filled with tons of good cheer and fun.

As you guys know, I completed all of my shopping very early this year, because it was a possibility that a loved one was not going to be home in the holidays. So, I’ve been sitting with boxes full of prezzies in my room, ticking off the days till the 25th like a madwoman! I love buying and presenting my family and friends with presents and all I’ve wanted to do since mid-November is to shove gifts into everyone’s hands and make them open it! But, self control has gotten the best of me, and there will be presents (That have been waiting over a month to be opened!) under the tree for all!

Although the family Christmas tree has been up all year, the Christmas Excitement is so real! How do you celebrate during the holiday season? What is on your holiday wish list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec15

It’s Time You Learned To Relax!

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It’s Time You Learned To Relax!

Life can be stressful. That’s probably not going to be the most controversial statement that you read all day, but it’s certainly true. Most people end up feeling incredibly stressed out and tense, simply because that seems to be the standard mode of operation for people in the modern world. Between work, family, chores, hobbies, and trying to maintain some kind of social life, most of us have so much that we’re trying to do that it can be overwhelming. With that in mind, it’s that you learned how to relax! Here are just a few ideas for how you can finally start to kick back and let the troubles of the world roll off your back:

Take Time For Yourself:

Most people have a lot of responsibilities that they have to honor throughout the day, and many of those can consist of doing things for other people. Helping others and being there for the people in your life is incredibly important and is something everyone should try to do as much as possible. However, if you’re helping other people so much that you lack time to focus on yourself, then you’re going to end up exhausted. Every once in awhile, get the kids and your partner out of the house, put your phone on silent, check out some of the best dry herb vapes at DopeBoo, and just spend some time focusing on yourself.

The reality is, that if you can’t take care of yourself, then you’re never going to be able to take care of anyone else, either! Pencil in time for relaxation and self care. It could be as little as a five minute meditation or perhaps something like booking an afternoon at a spa. To find the best places to pamper, simply enter a search for “swedish massage in North Wales, PA” (or your local area) and you will be ready to unwind!

Learn To Say No:

When there are people in your life, whether it’s at work or at home, asking you to do things, it can be tough to tell them no. In fact, most of us are trained from a pretty early age to never turn someone down if they ask us to do something. You end up feeling as though your friends will be angry with you if you don’t help them or that you’re going to pay for it at work if you don’t take on every single task that your boss asks you to. But the truth is that you’re well within your rights to say no to things if you don’t feel like you can handle them. As long as you’re polite and you explain yourself properly, no one can get angry at you for not taking on more than you can properly deal with.

Stay On Top Of Tasks:

One of the most stressful things in the world is knowing that there’s something hanging over your head all of the time that you haven’t yet dealt with. It can make it so that even the time you spend trying to relax is nearly impossible because you’re just thinking about all of the things that you’ve yet to do. That’s why staying on top of all of the tasks that you need to do is so important. Rather than putting things off, make sure that everything, from bills that need paying to DIY jobs that need finishing, or work tasks that need to be completed, is dealt with right away without putting it off. Otherwise, you’re just going to end up swimming is unfinished tasks and you’ll never be able to relax.

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Organizers are a great help!

Reach Out For Support:

It’s okay to need help from time to time. This is something that a lot of people seem to have completely forgotten. Sure, there’s something nice about being able to say that you pulled yourself up by your bootstraps and never needed anyone’s help, but the truth is that you’re going to be much happier if you let the people around you lend a helping hand. Reaching out to friends, family, your partner, and even your employer for some support can take huge amounts of pressure off of you and make your life much more pleasant and simpler to deal with. Sure, you don’t want to be dumping everything on other people, but if you try and handle it all on your own, then you’re almost certainly going to end up feeling incredibly stressed out and you could even be at risk of burning out.

Take a deep breath, take some time for you, and walk back into your life feeling totally recharged and able to take on the day!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec14

Top Cat: Keep Your Feline Feelin’ Fine

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Top Cat: Keep Your Feline Feelin’ Fine

A lot of people choose cats as pets because they are independent and don’t require as much direct care and attention as dogs. But there is plenty that you can do to ensure that your feline friend stays at their healthiest. Getting into good daily habits with your cat is important, just as it is for your own health. So, let’s talk about a few of the ways that you can help your cat to live a happy and healthy life.

Brush Them Every Day: Brushing or combing your cat on a daily basis will help to cut down on the number of hairballs that develop in their digestive tracts. If you find it difficult to get your cat to cooperate with the brushing process, you should try combing them before a meal so that they will always associate it with a treat. Get into a regular routine and your cat should begin to accept brushing rather than fighting against it!

Don’t Give Them Too Much Dry Food: Cats rely on meat as the foundation of their diets and this should always be included in their main meal of the day. Dry food which contains a lot of carbohydrates is not usually good in large quantities as it can lead to them becoming obese and increasing their odds of developing conditions like type-2 diabetes.

Remember: Cats DO Get Thirsty: While cats may not have the same level of thirst as dogs, you still need to be aware of when they need liquids. Cats tend to get a big percentage of their fluid supply from their food, but you should always ensure that they have access to fresh water so they can drink whenever they need to. Elderly and nursing cats tend to need more water than others, and you should watch out for symptoms including lethargy, sunken eyes, and panting.

Keep Them Flea-Free: If your cat is scratching, chewing their skin, or seems restless, chances are that they have fleas. Watch for any signs of movement in their fur to make sure. There are plenty of products out there that you can use yourself if you think that your cat has fleas – visit this website for some of them. Make sure to de-flea your home as well to prevent a full-blown infestation.

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Prettyyy

Train Them to Use a Scratching Post: To protect your cat’s nails and your furniture, train them to use a scratching post. You can’t expect to put one in your home and your cat will know what to do instantly, so put it in the center of your room and try balancing some treats on the top. Once your cat is used to it, you can then move it to a less obvious position.

Choose a Feline-Friendly Vet: Developing a lasting relationship with your vet is important for your cat’s health, so make sure that you choose one who is experienced in dealing with cats rather than one who specializes in dogs.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec14

Oh, Christmas Tree

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Oh, Christmas Tree

Hello everyone and happy holiday season! My family is…eccentric to say the least. We have our quirks and distinctive personalities and I’m confident that people would pay to hear our daily banter. One of our infamous “parlor tricks” is leaving our Christmas tree up for just a little bit longer every year. First it was March, then June, then July…you get the drift. And now, our tree has just been up all year because, apparently, we like it too much to take it down. Take a look:

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My family, especially my father, loves ornaments. On vacations, I normally treat my dad to a new one as a special surprise from our travel destination. Our tree is filled to the brim with lights and baubles and it has become such a statement piece in our home that no one really questions it anymore.

Not only has our tree been up for a year now, but we decided to decorate it for the different holidays, as you can see by our Easter bunnies and eggs that are still up. We revel in our ornaments from organizations that we donate to, and we can’t pass up a good bargain. For example, the speaker that you see by the figure skater ornament (Compliments of when I competed in New York!), is attached to a four dollar strand of Rudolph themed ornaments that sing holiday carols. We were all pretty pleased with that one!

The never taken down tree in our living room has truly become a Mushenheim staple and I think that it’s hilarious. Much like a collector of coins or stamps, we take pride in our ornament collection and have it proudly displayed for the world to see…all year round. Lololol. #ohchristmastree

What is one of the quirks that you and your family share? What is the longest that you left your Christmas tree up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec8

Top Gift Ideas For The Whole Family

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Top Gift Ideas For The Whole Family

If you want to find a gift that the whole family can enjoy, then you are not alone. Every single year, people try and find gifts for a group of people rather than buying gifts for them individually and this can cause real problems. This is especially the case if the family members in question don’t share many common interests. Thankfully, there are plenty of ideas out there for you to choose from and you’d be surprised at how easy it is to find something that matches your family perfectly!

Family Mugs: A lot of people feel a relentless sense of anger when they find someone else using their mug. We all have a favorite mug, one that we use to get us through those cold winter nights and even those long nights after work. If you want to put an end to those mug-wars then why not consider buying a family mug set? You could personalize each one with the name of the person and even a cartoon picture of them, as well. You can also create one for any guests that come to your home, so there will be no more arguing or bloodshed when the time to make coffee approaches.

Customized gifts like a coffee mug, wine glasses, or tumblers are always sure to please. It’s a useful gift with that little bit extra! You can extend custom options to anything that you please as your selection is vast. Custom Fridge Magnets are perfect to organize the fridge art of kiddos and grandchildren and could be customized with their picture. A dufflebag for the gym could be embroidered with the initials of your giftee. No matter which route you go, it will be a thoughtful gift that they will love!

Ice Cream Machine: An ice-cream machine is a must-have in the summer months. The best thing about having an ice-cream machine is that they are very easy to use and they are also good for the kids to use, as well. All you have to do is add the mixture to the machine and turn it on. The machine will then chill the ice-cream over time and when it’s ready, you can scoop it right out of the machine. This is way better when compared to making it yourself because you don’t have to worry about putting it in the freezer or even blending it properly. You can then add your own flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!

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YUM.

Family Bucket List: We all have things that we want to do before we kick the bucket, so a family bucket list is really fitting if you know that everyone has a mental list of what they want to do. It’s actually possible for you to buy kits that give you the chance to do this, and each one comes with a container and a list of slips for you to write what you want to do on there. Everyone can see the list going down as feats are accomplished, and it’s ideal for those who have adventurous family members!

Games Consoles: A gaming console is a brilliant way for you to get the whole family involved. You can buy quiz games and you can also buy family-fun games as well. If you have a family of console-lovers or even mobile app gamers, then games such as Final Fantasy 15 are great for this. You can even buy in-game extras and this can include currency and so much more, so it’s ideal if you want to give them a head-start.

Family Charades: Charades is quite possibly the game that causes the most arguments in a family. It is incredibly fast-paced and it is also very fun. When you do play charades, you will be given something to act out. It could be a movie, an actor, or anything else. You can get the kids involved with this and it is a great way for you to make sure that everyone is included. These sets don’t cost much, either, so if you want to have something that the kids can play then this is a good option for you.

Sweets Basket: Who doesn’t like sweets? Sweets baskets are the easiest way for you to get something for everyone without breaking the bank. They show that you thought about the recipients and you can put tags on the individual sweets, too. On top of this, you can add extra goodies to the gift basket. This could be a mug or it could be a selection of coffee. You can make something for each family member or you can make a joint one. Either way, this is ultimately the easiest way for you to appeal to everyone and you can do the whole thing yourself with bows, ribbon and more!

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 YUM again!

Finding the whole family a gift is relatively easy and there are plenty of ideas above to get you started. Happy holidays!

Dec8

Taking Control Is A Leisurely Stroll

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Taking Control Is A Leisurely Stroll

Feeling as if you don’t have control over the events going on in your life can be very frustrating. If you’ve lost your job, aren’t earning what you’d like, or are simply struggling to use your time well, it can be hard to feel like you’re a true adult. In reality, everyone has a hard time with these parts of life, and the way you handle them can make a real difference. To make this nice and easy, this post will be exploring all of the little areas which you need to take control of when you’re first starting out in adult life:

The Little Things:

The Modules Of Adulthood: Buying a home, having a family, and achieving your other goals will seem very daunting when you think about them together. To make this a little easier, some simple splitting can help you a lot, as this will give you the chance to handle each piece on its own. This makes the big jobs little, giving you some breathing room and a chance to think at each stage. When thinking about this approach, the Agile development methodology can be very helpful to use as a template.

Using Outside Support: When you’re doing something for the first time or when you don’t have the skills, it almost always benefits you to hire a professional. An experienced moving company, for example, will have a much better chance to achieve a home move successfully than you will on your own. There are loads of professionals out there, making it easy to find someone to help you with whatever you’re struggling with.

Time Management:

Why Is It Important? Being able to follow the passage of time accurately without looking at a clock takes many years, and a lot of people will struggle to be able to do it. Of course, when you’re working, at school, or dealing with other adult commitments, you’ll have to make sure that you have a tight hold on your time. One of the best ways to achieve this is through some strict routine. As time goes on, it will become a lot easier to follow your preferred cycle, and a lot of people will find it becomes habitual.

The Constant Battle: When you’re trying to control a busy life, it can be hard to make sure that you have enough time for all of the jobs that you have on your plate. To solve this for you, it can be a good idea to start looking for some ways to assess your workloads. For a lot of people, the biggest problem is underestimating the time something will take. So, as a backup, having some extra time can always be a good idea, even if you don’t end up using it.

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 Daunting tasks turn easy when you break it up!

The Bigger Picture:

Your Career: Being stuck without an idea of what you’d like to do with your life can be very hard. Along with this, finding yourself in a job that won’t go anywhere can also be unpleasant to live with, and a lot of people will strive for the chance to have a fulfilling career. One of the easiest ways to achieve something like this is through planning. Right up until retirement, you should have an idea of where you would like to be at each stage in your life.

Your Family: Unfortunately, there are some parts of life which can’t be planned, and your family will be one of them. Most people never set out to find their partner or to have children; these things are surprises. To make them easier when they come, it can always be very helpful to have some preparation in place. Money is what you’ll need the most to fuel a growing family, so it’s a good idea to save up long in advance for this part of life. Along with this, having some knowledge under your belt can add a lot of ease to your job as a parent or partner.

Your Other Goals: Finally, it’s time to think about the other goals in life, and how you’re going to find ways to achieve them. Unlike the time you spend on your career, your hobbies and interests will need your spare time, making it hard for a lot of people to get the chance to indulge in them. This is a shame, though, as making time for something like this is often a simple matter of using time currently dedicated to something like TV.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start working harder on the time you put into the control you have over your life. When you feel like your destiny is out of your hands, it can be hard to feel safe and secure in life. Thankfully, though, it doesn’t have to be this way, and most people have the skills to make the changes that they need all by themselves.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec4

Fashion Forward Fido

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Fashion Forward Fido

Howdy! This is a guest post written by my friend, Mat, over at WileyPup.com. Mat and I both share a love for man’s best friend and his post is going to teach you how to give your pooch all of the pampering it so deserves. Take a look:

Fashion Forward Fido

Not everyone associates dogs with style…but you may find that a little investment in your furry friend’s looks goes a long way to complimenting your own personal style and adding a whole new level to your four legged friendship!

Great Grooming: Like basic hygiene for people, great grooming is the bedrock of a good look for pooches. If you decide to groom from home, be sure you have the right gear:

Clippers – If you have a canine with long growing hair like a Poodle or Maltese, then you may be spending lots of money at the groomer. If you invest in quality clippers and a little time to learn trimming basics, you could get the job done at home and reap big savings.

Nail Grinder – A good look must include a manicure! If you have had trouble keeping up with your pup’s claws using a traditional nail clipper, give a grinder a try. They are easy to use and unlike the scissor style nail trimmers, you won’t nip the quick. Ouch! Plus, you get a perfectly rounded edge rather than a sharp nail tip. Pretty and practical!

Dog Bath Tub – If you have a petite pet, you might be lucky enough to be able to give your little buddy a bath in the sink. If not, you are probably used to bending over and fussing with trying to give a bath in the tub. Invest in an elevated dog bath to take the chore out of this necessary grooming activity.

DIY Couture: If you are crafty, your dog is a blank canvas waiting for you to create a couture masterpiece! Think of your pooch as an opportunity to showcase some accessories that highlight your own personal style.

Sewing – There are tons of great fashion ideas for pups that involve very basic sewing skills. Whether you want boho-chic, hipster, or high fashion, a new look is just a trip to the fabric store and a few stitches away. Pinterest is a great starting place for inspiration!

Knitting – Regardless of your knitting skills, you can find fantastic patterns for your furry friend in any size. If you want to go simple, try a doggy muffler (AKA The Snood). It is as simple as knitting a tube in your favorite colors that slips over your dog’s head. Want to really showcase some knits and pearls? Try a cabled sweater custom made just for your buddy.

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D’awe!

Upcycled – One of the biggest trends in DIY fashion of any kind is the huge potential to repurpose the fabrics and notions from worn or outdated clothing. You will be surprised at how easy it is to craft a custom sweater or jacket from some simple modifications to clothing that you are already done with.

Doggy Decor: Our canine friends can add some clutter to our indoor spaces. If you like a more finished look to your home, there is plenty of opportunity to create a dog friendly interior design that fits your decor style. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Feeding Station – Rather than kicking around loose dog bowls on the floor, consider building or buying a feeding station that is a custom fit for your kitchen decor. Bonus: Getting your pup’s food off of the floor has potential health benefits like preventing bloat and irritation of the esophagus.

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So cute!

Custom Crates – If your furry friend is crate trained, then you may have one of those unsightly metal wire crates in one of the corners of your house. Consider making a design upgrade with a custom cloth cover to match your decor. Or, if it is in your budget, check out the latest crates designed to look and function as furniture for a completely finished look. Etsy has some great examples if you are looking for something handmade.

Upcycled Dog Bed – The dog beds available at most large pet shops tend to look tattered and worn within a few months. Even at their best, they don’t add much to the ambiance of a room. However, there are great ideas that require few skills and tools to build a simple bed frame to create a neat and tidy look in any style. Think suitcases, dresser drawers, or end tables for a quick and easy transformation of your canine’s sleeping quarters.

Have Fun! We hope this article has given you some bright ideas for updating your doggy style. Make sure to keep it low pressure and high fashion. Your pooch will appreciate the extra attention and compliments they get on being a Fashion Forward Fido!

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Author Bio: Mat Coulton has worked with dogs for just under a decade and is the founder of WileyPup.com, a doggy lover’s website that provides great tips and advice for pet parents everywhere.

Thanks, Mat! ❤

Nov23

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hi everyone and happy happy Thanksgiving! I will keep this post short and sweet so that all of you can get back to enjoying quality time with your friends and family. Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite holidays, mainly because I love to eat! BUT, I also love being able to prepare a big meal with my family and friends and sit down at the table to enjoy it all together. Then, my family always concludes our Thanksgiving feast with movies or games afterwards, which is a total blast because the Mushenheims are a competitive people!

Thanksgiving is an all around fun day. Everyone at home is in a great mood, the house smells amazing from all of the delicious food being cooked, and we even opt to use the fancy dining room table to eat our meal at. In fact, Thanksgiving is the one holiday that I can always recall enjoying throughout the years and I have every intention of adding another exceedingly pleasant holiday to the books today.

I hope that all of my wonderful friends, readers, and followers on lifewithlilred have a beautiful day today! Enjoy yourselves, your family, and your loved ones and EAT ALL THE FOOD! How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving? What is the best Thanksgiving side dish? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Featured Image By: Pinterest