Tag Archives: friends

Dec19

Hitting The Open Road

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Hitting The Open Road

There is something about road trips that gets people all excited. Perhaps it’s so alluring because anything can happen while you are on the road (new experiences) or you get to become a stranger in every new destination. No one knows you and something about that is freeing. However, as much as it can be unpredictable, you still need to plan before you hit the road if you want to have a perfect vacation:

Your destination and route:

The best way to pick a destination is to work out the time it will take you to get there. Ideally, road trips should not take longer than a day. Choose a destination that is only a couple of hours away so that you can make as many stops as possible to take in the views and tour new places. Once you have decided on a destination, pick the most scenic routes to that location. People can get bored easily on a road trip if all they see is flat grass and predictable scenery along the way.

Tune up your car:

Get your car checked thoroughly by a qualified mechanic. For example, get the oil changed, refill your windshield wiper fluid, and make sure that all of the lights are working correctly. You need cars that can carry all of you and your luggage without you feeling cramped inside. If your road trip will be long, then you will need to consider the mileage of your vehicle. Sports cars, convertibles, and SUVs are great for road trips. If you are bringing along more than two friends, then definitely go for an SUV.

Your expectations:

Your friends have different expectations and it’s up to you to bring up a discussion about those expectations. The point here, is for all of you to agree on what you should do on the road trip. For example, you need to decide where you will stop along the road and whether you will stay in hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs. If you decide to stay in a hotel, make reservations ahead of time. You don’t want an argument to break out somewhere in the middle of the trip about where to stop to eat or sleep.

The scenery and the new people you meet along the way are not going to be enough entertainment. So bring along your headphones, books, magazines, puzzles, DVD players, and more to keep everyone entertained and remember to have fun!

Dec15

Super Sweet Surprise

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Super Sweet Surprise

Hello! As you guys know, I recently had my wisdom teeth removed and it sucked on ice. The operation was done on a Friday morning and I had to go back to work on Monday. I was in a lot of pain and, unfortunately, I still am as I type this now. But, thanks to one of my amazing clients, I was able to perk up a little because of some Super Sweet Surprises! Take a look:

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Because I was hurting so badly, my client and her family decided that it was the perfect day to give me my Christmas gift, even though it was fifteen days early! They treated me to:

  • A festive headband
  • Holiday nail files
  • Mini liquor bottles
  • Three sets of holiday earrings
  • Three sets of fuzzy socks infused with aloe
  • A gorgeous homemade scarf

When I first received my present, I was honestly just blown away by how cute the packaging itself was. My client’s mom showed it to me and said that I could take it home, but I had to put it under my tree and wait until Christmas day to open it. I begrudgingly said “okay” and had every intention of taking it home and (in)patiently waiting until December 25th to open it.

But, about a half hour before I had to leave, everyone insisted on me opening the gift to help cheer me up for the rest of my work day. It was one of the sweetest things that I’ve experienced in a good long while. Each gift that I opened was just as good as the last and I was so touched by their generosity. Giving me a holiday gift is something that I would never expect of any of my families so, when it happens, I feel so spoiled rotten.

The cherry on top of the prezzie tower ironically came from the bottom box – the divine scarf that my client’s mom crocheted for me. Her color palette was on point and the detailing was simply marvelous. I was so moved that she took the time to create such beauty for me and the kindness that was shown to me that day definitely made the rest of my work day wonderful, despite any pain that I was in. So, I would say that their mission was accomplished! ❤

Have you experienced any Super Sweet Surprises lately? What is your favorite kind of gift to home make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

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Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Hiiii! There are less than ten days left until Christmas and that means that it is crunch time for all of the late holiday shoppers. If you haven’t finished your shopping yet, the anxiety definitely might be setting in, considering that most stores are well picked over by now and the shipping dates with online orders will be cutting it close. But, that doesn’t mean that you should throw in the towel just yet and hand over a card with cash to your giftee (Unless that’s what they really want!). So, here are some last minute gift ideas to help with your holiday shopping:

A Framed Photo:

Nothing is more sentimental and sweet than some of your favorite pictures of you and the giftee set in a beautiful frame. Purchase a photo collage frame or even make your own and give your loved one a reminder of your friendship and happy memories. This gift is well thought out, it’s easy to buy as most stores have frames to purchase and ways to print your photos, and it will surely be treasured by your giftee. Photos and memory books come highly recommended in this list for DIY holiday gifts for seniors but will be appreciated by anyone of any age as the memories are so special.

Add To Their Hobby:

So you’re in a bind to finish your shopping and your giftee has a hobby that they absolutely love. This is probably the best situation to be in, because that will make for a really simple purchase. Do they have a record player? Buy a few new records for them to jam to. How about a Polaroid camera? Get them some more film. Or maybe they love acting on stage? Grab them a few plays from the book store so they can discover a new monologue. Buying according to the hobby is a great way to go and it will always be well received because it’s so useful to the giftee.

The Basics:

We all know the standard Christmas gifts well. Booze, candles, fuzzy socks, knitwear, etc. But, they are staple prezzies for a reason, and are a fine way to go when you just need to finish up your shopping already. As an avid wine lover, there are some gorgeous bottles around this time of year with holiday sentiment on it, which will make for a lovely gift to enjoy during Christmas dinner. Throw in a few candles to light on the table and you’re done!

Family Fun:

Spending Christmas day with your family can seem like a daunting task for some, so maybe you can buy a gift that will spice things up a bit. Buy some fun classic or modern board games and have a tournament with your fam. Or maybe get some adult coloring books or art supplies and have a crafting contest. These gifts are wholesome and perfect for a day spent with your family – unless someone likes to cheat at Monopoly!

Sigh… Gift Cards:

Okay. You’ve been to every store and there is nothing left to purchase that’s even remotely close to what your giftee would want. You check all of the online sites and all of the shipping dates can only make it to your home in 2019. This is bleak, and it means that you might have to go for the gift card route. If you must use this option, make it a little adventure for the giftee. If you give them a card to their favorite clothing store, for example, tell them that you’ll come with and treat them to a coffee date beforehand for some pre-shopping fuel. Gift cards often lack any warm fuzzies behind them so add a little something something to make it a bit more special. 🙂

Christmas will be here ASAFP, so use the ideas above and, for the love of god, get your shopping done!

When did you finish your holiday shopping? How early into the year do you start your purchasing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec13

BFF Christmas Haul

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BFF Christmas Haul

Hiii everyone! I know it’s a bit early for some present posts but, my BFF and I did our gift exchange early this year because of our super different schedules. Lea and I have been best friends for over ten years now and on Sunday, she came over while I was recovering from my wisdom teeth surgery for some hang outs and holiday cheer. And, in all of the #bestfriendgoals, Lea and I are so alike that we each gifted each other with wine, chocolate, and candles as part of each other’s gift! So cute. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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During gift giving occasions, Lea takes a hint from the Lil Red Gift Guide, because she is all about the gift sets – which I love! Not only does she fill the package with lots of goodies, but the basket or box itself is always super cute, which is great because I never can have enough extra storage for all of my knickknacks. Lea gave me all of the fixings for a relaxing spa session with a bottle of wine that literally says “relax” right on it, a bath bomb, a huge Bath & Body Works Candle, and some chocolate for a soothing time in on a cold winter night. Love it! Thanks, best friend! ❤

What do you like to get your BFF for the holidays? Is your bestie hard or easy to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov30

Get More Involved In Your Local Community

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Get More Involved In Your Local Community

Whether you have recently moved into a new area or you are just keen to try and improve your current sociability, you will find that it is a great idea to try and get more involved in your local community whenever possible. Getting more involved is often merely a matter of doing more and getting out there as a way to have some fun, do good, and meet new friends. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the activities in particular you might want to consider if you are going to try and get more involved in your local community. Consider some of the following and you’ll be surprised at the difference that it makes:

Play Sports:

Playing sports is an activity that is offered in almost every community. The sport that you choose to play is up to you, but it might prove especially expedient if you go for one that is strongly team-focused, so that you can meet many more people. You will find that sports such as softball and baseball and so on are especially good for this. If there are no such groups out there, grab some softball lineup cards, find a place to play, and start one!

Take An Evening Class:

If there is some skill or ability that you have always wanted to have, you might want to consider taking some kind of evening class, instead. You are bound to be able to find some in your local area, and hopefully a few that spike your personal interest. The benefit of this, is that if you go and learn about something that interests you, you are bound to meet a number of like-minded people and, in doing so, you will find that you will soon become a real part of the community. This is one of the surest and swiftest ways to build up a strong network of friends, so it’s definitely worth considering. Take an evening class at your local university or college, and you will be able to get much more involved in your community in no time.

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Always invite your new friends to coffee!

Volunteer:

One of the more wholesome ways to get more involved in your local community is to volunteer somewhere. If you look around, you are sure to find opportunities for this, as there always are. Soup kitchens, church programs, the Special Olympics, and animal shelters are all great places to start. Doing good feels good and you will meet plenty of new people (Or pets!) as a result.

Getting involved in your community is a fun way to fill up your free time and, with the new friends that you make, you will be the talk of the town in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov22

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Thanksgiving is one of my most loved holidays, because it revolves around food and family, which are my two favorite things in the world. There is nothing like having friends and family over to share in a beautiful meal and just enjoy each other’s company, and I feel like that is what this day is all about.

Today, I am looking forward to cooking up some deliciousness in the kitchen with my mom and sister. I love to cook, and it is so fun and rewarding to be able to make a meal that everyone looks forward to year round (At least, I do!). I hope that however you spend your day today brings you a lot of joy, good food, and wonderful company.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? How are you going to spend your day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

3 Things All College Students Should Know

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3 Things All College Students Should Know

Being in college is often painted as being one of the easier times in life, but anyone who has actually been there will know that it is quite the opposite. It is often very hard being a student in many different ways and wanting some advice or help is absolutely fair and not a sign of failure. If you are keen to try and improve your own college experience, you might want to look into some of the things that you can do to make sure that it is as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the things that all college students should know if they are to both enjoy college and get as much out of it as possible:

There Is Always Help To Be Had:

Because it’s usually your first time away from home, you will probably find that you end up feeling a little alone at some point or another. A big part of this is the sense that you can’t really do anything to be helped out, and that you need to suffer or struggle alone. However, this is not the case, and if you want to get ahead in college you will need to remember that there is always help to be had, no matter what. Whether you buy essays to help you out with your work or calling home for a friendly voice, it is worth bearing in mind, so make sure that you remember that as best as you can.

Grades Can Be Improved:

In most cases, you will get the chance to take mock exams and submit early drafts of essays before you actually finalize them, and that is an incredibly useful thing to be able to do. Knowing that your grades can essentially always be improved means that you can hope to reduce any anxiety you might have around your studies, and put a little less pressure on yourself to get it right the first time around. Grades can always be improved in time for them to matter, so don’t worry so much and instead just try to do your best whenever you can.

There is also plenty of help to be had if you are struggling with your grades. Study sessions and tutors are usually available on campus so you can get a better grasp of your classes. There is also lots of resources online like this student research guide as well as sites like Grammarly if you have a hard time proofreading essays and even YouTube videos to help break down difficult math equations. These are all wonderful tools so use them well!

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Study up!

Friends Are Sustenance:

If you don’t manage to make many friends, it is much less likely that you will have a great and useful time at college, so it is definitely something that you should try to do early on. Making friends is an important part of the whole experience for most people, and it’s something that everyone is perfectly capable of if they know how. If you feel that you sometimes struggle with this, you might want to think about some of the things you can do to ensure that you are going to be able to make more friends in the future, so that you can hope to enjoy college life all the more.

College, although stressful, is a fun and exciting time so use the tips above and make the most of it!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov10

Holiday Gifts That Always Win

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Holiday Gifts That Always Win

Howdy! The holiday season is here, and there is no doubt about it. And, with this festive season, comes family gatherings, lots of food, and holiday shopping. I, personally, love holiday shopping. But, then again, I love any kind of shopping! And, if you’re like me, then you will want to complete your purchases nice and early this month. Or, perhaps, you like to wait until the last minute and hit the stores on Christmas Eve! No matter how you do it, the present ideas below are always sure to please:

Comfort Items:

Male or female, every person loves comfort gifts. Whether it’s a huge cozy blanket, slippers, or new flannel pajamas, you really can’t go wrong with this option. If you’re shopping for a man’s man, grab a fleece throw with his favorite sports team on it. Or get your best girlfriends a pajama set and a bottle of wine for your next movie night in. These types of gifts are also a great choice, because they are something that your giftee will actually use and they will be sure to think about you every time!

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Ingredient Jars:

A gift idea that I love but, have actually never made, are ingredient jars. You know, the mason or cookie jars that are filled with the fixings to make a delicious pot of soup or tray of sugar cookies. These are fun gifts, because they are activity based but, the giftee really doesn’t have to do anything other than follow the instructions on how to make the recipe. You can go all out and decorate the jar into a reusable masterpiece, too! Or, you can get a set of holiday mugs filled with the goods to make a perfect cup of hot chocolate – a definite hit around the office.

Hobby Based Gifts:

The bread and butter of my holiday shopping are hobby based gifts. When you are preparing your shopping list, think long and hard about the interests of your giftees and plan accordingly. Is she an amateur photographer? Sweet, because Polaroid cameras are making a total comeback. Does he love to garden? Some packets of seeds and some new gear for around the yard will do just fine. World’s biggest football fan? Check out these team jerseys from SoccerLord for them to root on their favorite team! Gifts that tend to the person’s hobbies are a great way to go, because you know that they will be well used and they will help to take the giftee’s passions further, which is a gift all in itself.

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Smell Goods:

Alright, let’s be honest here. Lotion, candles, body wash and all of that jazz are the most basic but effective gifts that you can give to someone. Girls love it and, hey, guys love to be pampered, too! But, just because this gift is given constantly, doesn’t mean that it has to be the same old same old. Create a gift basket for a bath time delight with bath bombs from Lush, bath salts, body butter, and bubble bath for the ultimate package for relaxation. Or, gift your guy with a fancy shmancy shaving kit to spruce his self care routine up. And, if you are unsure if which scents to go for, always go with something neutral like Shea or Cocoa butter, which is sure to be well liked by anyone.

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Home Decor:

The option of home decor is a really nice one to go with, because it’s going to be used year round or every year during the holiday season. Pick up some beautiful picture frames with some of your favorite photos of you and the giftee. Or, you could even craft a holiday wreath to hang on the door. Ornaments for the tree are also a hit, too! From centerpieces and vases to knick knacks and outdoor decor (Solar lanterns or wind chimes, perhaps?), decorative gifts are a crowd pleaser, because it’s something that the giftee might not necessarily buy for themselves. I love those types of presents!

Hopefully these gift ideas will put you on the right path to some successful holiday shopping. And, if you’re still having trouble, always remember that homemade gifts are an excellent and well received way to go, too!

What is your favorite type of gift to give? Who is the most difficult person on your list to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov8

Early Holiday Shopping Tips & Tricks

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Early Holiday Shopping Tips & Tricks

Hiiii everyone! If you’re like me, then you like to get your holiday shopping done nice and early. I’ll tell you what, there is nothing better than clearing off your Christmas shopping list in November so that you can relax and be merry all December long. I recently began my shopping for my friends and family and even buying for just a few people has let me breathe a huge sigh of relief.

But, sometimes, holiday shopping can seem like a bit much – especially if you have a large family or group of friends to buy for. And, believe me, I get it. I have a pretty substantial list of people to shop for and that’s why I ball on a budget more than ever during the holiday season with the following tips:

Make A List/Budget:

The very first thing that I do when I prep for holiday shopping is the obvious starter of making a list. I go through everyone in my head that I need to buy for from family to significant others of the family to my boyfriend, BFFs, and colleagues and then write them down accordingly. Then, I include some basic ideas of what to get for each person by their names.

Once I have a good idea of who I need to shop for and what I would like to purchase for them, I set a budget. Normally, I have a pretty set in stone price range that I would like to stay in that applies for everyone. But, there could be certain people that you might want to shell out more or less from depending on the situation. Are you surprising your parents with a holiday gift basket? Awesome, ball out. Do you have a white elephant gift to buy for the office party? Spend a little less. That way your budget will still end up balancing out in the end.

Shopping lists and budgets provide a great guideline for completing your present purchasing in a (Somewhat!) stress-free manner. But, don’t let the price points that you set make you go too crazy! Going over budget is fine if the item is worth splurging on and you know that the giftee will love it. Like I said, there are always deals and hacks to utilize to bring yourself back within your spending limit. Like the following:

Steals, Deals, & Freebies:

My number one rule of shopping is to always get something extra out of your purchases. Whether that be points on a credit card, a free gift, or a BOGO style deal in store, always always shop smart. Do your research on the promotions that your favorite stores are running in store or online. Is a huge Black Friday sale happening? Maybe wait on that big screen TV, then. Is the deal that you can get online even better than what you could get in store? Then you better grab it before it goes out of stock.

Being aware of what promotions that the stores are running is just half of the trick. A good way to go about whether to wait for Black Friday deals or to purchase now is to think about what sales the store ran last year. I worked four Black Fridays in a row and the stores that I worked at ran the same promotions every year and they still do now. So, if those deals are worth waiting for, hold off until Black Friday or Cyber Monday. If not, and a good sale is running already, buying it now is just fine.

The next thing that you should be concerned with, are the deals that you can get with your credit or store rewards cards. Sometimes, it’s worth applying for a credit card just to do your holiday shopping on it. For example, if you apply for an Amazon credit card and get approved, you get a free fifty dollar gift card to spend on the site. Other credit cards will reward you with points or store credit when you use them. Can your cash do that?

And, finally, always compare in store and online prices before you purchase! Some stores will price match if it is cheaper online. And, other stores, like Sephora offer deals that you could never get in store. I spent fifty dollars on their website and got free shipping, two free samples, and two free really nice gifts for spending a certain amount of money. You should try to get the most bang for your buck whenever you’re shopping and free gifts for yourself never hurts!

Ready, Set, Gift Sets:

Gift sets are the bread and butter of my holiday shopping. They are a crowd and wallet pleaser and they are so fun to assemble. Some stores offer stellar pre-made sets that have a lot of product for not as big of a price tag, and those are great, too. If a family member or friend has a more eclectic taste, gift sets are an excellent way to go, because you can give them an assortment of odds and ends that will speak more to their uniqueness than a gift card. Or, if you’re shopping for nieces or nephews, hit up a Five Below and create a goody bag on a dime. And, always remember, that a nice basket or container is part of the gift so pick something nice that can be used again. 🙂

What are your tips and tricks for holiday shopping? Who has their holiday shopping finished already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov4

Dollar Tree Deals

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Dollar Tree Deals

Hi! We all know that Lil Red loves to shop but, the trick is, is that I am all about the discount stores to save copious amounts of cash while I partake in my favorite hobby. In today’s post, it’s all about the Washingtons, because I began my Christmas shopping early at the Dollar Tree and got six fairly decent sized candles for a dollar apiece. Check it out:

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The beauty of discount stores, aside from the immense amount of savings from shopping there, is that no one is the wiser when they receive their presents. I plan on attaching sets of three of the above candles with a festive bow as part of gifts for friends and family and, for all they know, I could have gotten them at Target. Not only is the size of the candles relatively big for a dollar deal but, they smell amazing, too! The Pineapple Upside Down Cake is my favorite and I know that it will be a hit for my giftees. 🙂

What is your favorite discount store? Who has started their holiday shopping already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Gephardt Daily