Tag Archives: friends

Oct15

How To Adjust To Life In A New Country

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How To Adjust To Life In A New Country

Moving to a new country can be an exciting but daunting experience. There are so many things to think about, from finding a place to live and getting a job, to learning the language and customs. It can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to adjust to life in a new country:

Learn the Language:

One of the most important things you can do when moving to a new country is to learn the language. This will make it much easier to get by on a day to day basis. It will also help you make friends and build a support network. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online like Bueno Spanish and in your local community. Many countries also offer language classes for immigrants.

Find a Place to Live:

Another big task when moving to a new country is finding somewhere to live. If you’re moving alone, you might want to consider renting an apartment or room in a shared house. This can be a great way to meet people and get settled into your new home. If you’re moving with family or friends, you’ll need to find somewhere that has enough space for everyone. Start by looking online and asking people you know if they have any recommendations.

Get a Job:

If you’re moving to a new country for work, then you’ll need to sort out your employment situation before you go. But even if you’re not moving for work, it’s still a good idea to get a job as soon as possible after arriving in your new home. This will help you meet people and make some extra money. Check out job websites and classified ads online or ask people you know if they know of any openings in their companies.

Get Registered:

You’ll also want to ensure that you can get yourself registered in the new country for anything you need. This means having the necessary documents readily available. Where possible, register yourself as a resident with the local authorities. This will help you get access to things like healthcare and other government services. Even look out for things like a Spanish speaking dentist or doctor so you can feel supported while adjusting to the new language and culture.

Make Friends:

One way to meet people abroad or in your own community is to join a club or take a class. This can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. Another option is to volunteer in your community so you can give back and also meet like-minded people. Finally, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you meet in everyday life. Whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or getting your morning coffee, taking the initiative to chat with those around you can help you make new friends in no time.

Moving in your own community can be difficult let alone a brand new country. Follow the tips above to help the process go as smooth as possible!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct10

Libraries Rock!

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Libraries Rock!

Hello! I have had the absolute pleasure of taking my sweet niece, Val Gal, to a couple of story times at one of the many local libraries in our area. It is seriously the cutest thing on planet Earth and I love having some extra TT time! During story hour, the kids listen to stories (Obviously lol), sing songs, learn dances, and do a craft themed around their topic for the day. The teacher also peppers in tips for the parents or family to help improve language skills. I have never been to a library story hour before taking Val and I was SO impressed by the librarians running the program.

When I first started my job as an Independent Provider for people with special needs, I was working strictly in the evenings. Prior to this, I used to think that libraries were just for using the computers and getting books. However, they are so much more than that, which I learned from taking my clients to the numerous programs held at the libraries.

Every month, I would scour the Events pages for the libraries in the greater Akron area for programs my clients would enjoy. And, every time, I was blown away with what was being offered. We would attend vinyl record clubs, movie nights, crafts, an escape room, and even a murder mystery night! The best part? Everything was always free!

Libraries in my area offer everything from computer courses and sign language classes to cooking clubs and concerts. And, I’m sure that the libraries in your neck of the woods probably have a lot of similar experiences for your community. These places are, truly, a gift and I wanted to shine a light on it. Not only can you expand your knowledge but you can make friends in the process too. This is very evident every time Val meets a new pal at her story times. 🙂

If you are looking for activities to do with your children or with a group of friends as the weather gets colder, then head to your local library. You never know what amazing things you will find!

Have you ever attended any library programs before? What were they? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul13

Yikes! A Summary Of A Terrible 9 Days

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Yikes! A Summary Of A Terrible 9 Days

Hello! This past week and change has been an absolute doozy and I sure hope that it has been much better for all of you. Two car accidents (Both not my fault), an injured toe, and spilled leftovers from dinner all over the porch of my apartment made for a very upset Lil Red. After this ordeal, fingers crossed that it’s sunshine and rainbows from here on out because your girl needs it!

It all started two Tuesdays ago when my beloved car got a major ouchie from a HUGE window cleaning van. While driving to work, my car got hit by someone not paying attention in the slightest when he was trying to change lanes. The Little Red Love Machine got hit smack dab in the middle and has been out of commission since then. I miss my car terribly and I cannot wait for the repairs to get done so she can be back in my loving arms once more.

Thankfully, no one was hurt from this mishap – except for my feelings, that is! 1) The driver who hit me was SO mean to me and that was charming, to say the least. And 2) When Johnny and I first started dating, we were in a major car accident when we got hit head on and it left me hospitalized. For the next several days after my car got hit, I was sore but mainly shaken up. Getting hit by such a big van had me feeling the trauma of the accident Johnny and I were in all over again and that was the most difficult thing.

Now, you would think that I wouldn’t be due for another accident nine days later so we can all be surprised by that lol. Last Thursday, my literal worst nightmare came to fruition when I was driving with a client and my car got hit. Once again, the driver was not paying attention and backed into my car at a red light while trying to change lanes. He claimed to have “not even seen me”, which is exactly what the last guy said too!

Thankfully, no one was hurt from this mishap, either. But, my client struggled and that upset me the most because it is my job to keep him safe. It was, honestly, the worst possible timing imaginable especially considering that we were barely ten minutes away from home. I was so proud of how quickly my client was able to recover from this situation but it just felt like one bad thing going on after another and I was really feeling the emotional pain from it.

The straws that broke the camel’s back, so to say, happened the following day on Friday. Yes, they were small things but it almost made me break down in tears. To start, I dropped our Nintendo Switch on my big toe and it hurt like a MOTHER. Then, when dropping off my brother and some leftovers from Hibachi Japan at my mom and dad’s, one of the containers slipped and fell all over my porch and stairwell.

I took my brother home and returned within fifteen minutes to clean up the spill and, to my surprise, Johnny had done it for me. This almost had me crying too because it was SO sweet of him. He saw what a tough time I was having and took it upon himself to take care of it. I knew I married him for a reason! ❤

Thanks to Johnny’s angel status on Friday, I was able to rally a little and enjoyed a hang out session with our friend, Ty. We got to break in mine and Johnny’s new TV with video games and a scary movie, which was a hoot. The following day, my amazing best friend Kate of Live In The Nautical and I had an all evening FaceTime date and that cheered me up even more. She is, truly, so wonderful and it was just the sunshine I needed to start feeling better again.

It can only go up from here, right?! As always, I am beyond grateful that nobody got hurt during the car accidents. I am also beyond grateful for my darling husband and friends for helping me get through these trying times. Now, I think I need a vacation!

What or who makes you feel better when you’re sad? What kind of self care do you do to help yourself feel better? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul12

Preparing Your Home For Guests

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Preparing Your Home For Guests

Summer is the perfect time to welcome guests into your home. People are on vacation from school or work and there is nothing better than sharing in warm weather activities with close friends or family. While you don’t need to do a whole HGTV level overhaul of your house to prepare for guests, there are a few things that you can do to make them more comfortable:

Dietary Restrictions/Preferences:

Before your guests arrive, it is important to ask if they have any dietary needs to accommodate. Are they gluten free? Do they prefer tea or coffee in the morning? Not only does this show that you care but you can also stock your fridge ahead of time to skip a mad dash to the grocery store. Planning accordingly also means that you can plan meals ahead of time as well as find local restaurants that have options for dietary needs.

Prep The Guest Room:

Your guest room does not need to be set to the standards of a five star hotel but a little effort can go a long way. If you want to go all out, Pinterest has great suggestions for decorating a guest room. If not, that’s okay too! Extra blankets, towels, and toiletries will always be appreciated. How many times have you traveled to realize you forgot your toothbrush or shower gel?

Make Necessary Repairs:

Before you receive your guests, it is crucial to repair any home appliance that needs it. Extra people in your home means more dishes, laundry, and meal prep so it’s good to get these appliances checked out if they are not functioning as they should. The last thing you want is to be waiting around for a repair person all day while you could be having summer fun!

Have Activities In Mind:

Of course, all of your days with your guest don’t need to be jam packed. But, it will be fun to show them around the area especially if they have never been before. Local attractions, restaurants, and boutiques are all part of what makes your neck of the woods special so show it off! For chill days at home, a BBQ and backyard or indoor games work just as well.

Summertime is even better when it’s enjoyed with good company. Follow the tips above and I’m sure your guests will want to come by next summer too!

Jun24

The Benefits Of Family Togetherness During The Holidays

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The Benefits Of Family Togetherness During The Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and celebrate. It’s a time for happiness, joy, and good cheer. But it’s also a time for reflection. A time to look back on the year that has passed and think about all that has happened. It’s a time to think about the future and what lies ahead. And what better way to reflect on the past year and plan for the future than by spending time with those you love most?

There are many benefits to spending time with family during the holidays. Although we’re nowhere near Christmastime yet, we are very close to Christmas In July so you can experience them early! This article will explore just a few of them and how you can make the most of this special time with your loved ones:

Strengthens relationships:

The holiday season is a special time when families come together to celebrate their traditions and strengthen their relationships. Spending time together fosters communication and bonding, two essential ingredients for any strong relationship. The holidays are also a time when families can relax and enjoy each other’s company, free from the demands of work and school.

In today’s busy world, finding quality time to spend with our loved ones can be difficult. But the holidays offer a perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and focus on what truly matters – family. By making the most of our time together, we can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Increases morale:

For some, the holidays can be a stressful time. There’s the pressure to buy the perfect gifts, cook the perfect meal, and create the perfect holiday experience. This stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But spending time with our families during the holidays can reduce stress and increase our morale.

Family togetherness helps us to relax and enjoy. We can laugh and have fun together. We can reminisce about past holidays and create new traditions. And we can show our loved ones how much we care about them. So if you’re feeling stressed this holiday season, take some time to spend with your family. It will do wonders for your morale.

Allows for reflection on the past year:

The holidays are a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends. They offer a chance to reflect on the past year and set goals for the coming year. For many people, the holidays are also a time to express their gratitude for what they have.

One of the best ways to show your loved ones how much you care is to spend quality time together. This doesn’t mean that you have to be together every minute of the day; simply being in each other’s company can be a great way to show your love and appreciation.

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Many activities can help promote family togetherness during the holidays. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Watching Christmas movies together:

Christmas movies are a staple of the holiday season. They offer a chance to escape the world’s reality and enjoy some good old fashioned family fun. So why not gather the family around the television and enjoy a few of your favorites? You can even make it a tradition to watch the same movies yearly.

Baking holiday cookies:

One of the best things about the holidays is the delicious food. Baking holiday cookies is an awesome activity for the whole family. You teach your children how to bake and they get to eat the cookies when they’re done. It’s a chance to spend time together and create yummy treats that everyone will enjoy.

Get professional pictures together:

Getting photographs together is a fantastic method to preserve the Christmas holidays memories. Hiring professional photographers can be expensive but might be nice to do every few years. Hiring a professional photo editor to edit pictures of your kids and family members might also be a good idea. This will ensure that the pictures are high quality and capture the spirit of the holidays.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. Make the most of your time together and enjoy all of the benefits of it!

Jun18

Best Friend Birthday Gift

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Best Friend Birthday Gift

Hello! I had a blast celebrating my birthday last week and had plans to hang out with people almost every night. Needless to say, I am exhausted and am done socializing for the next couple of weeks lol! On Friday, my best friend and her husband came over for a game night and I was gifted with this super thoughtful prezzie from Lea:

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Lea and I have been best friends since freshman year of high school, which is fourteen years of celebrating birthdays and holidays together. We absolutely love to spoil each other for special occasions and it has been that way for as long as I can remember. For my birthday, Lea outdid herself with a paint by numbers kit and a delicious looking bottle of blueberry moscato. Yum!

I have heard of paint by numbers projects before but have never tried one and I can’t wait. It looks like such fun and is a delightful nod to the many craft nights that Lea and I have shared together. In fact, several of the canvases on my apartment’s art wall are from said best friend craft nights and I can’t wait to complete and hang up my new painting… If it turns out good lol. And, of course, the bottle of wine is the perfect compliment to make it a wine and paint night – which we have also participated in together! 😀

Lea is one of the most incredible people and we have been there for each other through thick and thin. Boyfriends, college, new jobs, and marriage are all things that we have tackled together and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. Fourteen birthdays are almost officially in the books after her special day in late August and I can’t wait for fourteen more. I love you!!!

How long have you and your best friend been friends for? Have you ever tried a paint by numbers kit before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jun13

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

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Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a special, wonderful day because it is my best friend, Kate’s, birthday! Kate is the fabulous author behind Live In The Nautical and I am thankful every day for how we were connected through the magical blogosphere. Kate and I have been besties since lifewithlilred was created almost eight years ago and a friendship like this is why I started my page in the first place.

The crazy thing about mine and Kate’s best friend status is that we have only met each other in person once several years ago. However, when we are having our five hour long FaceTime dates and textathons, it is like she is right there hanging out in my new apartment. Blogging is so special because it gives you the opportunity to form friendships like this and that novelty has yet to wear off close to a decade later.

Kate is one of the most kind, thoughtful, hilarious, fashion savvy gals that I have ever met. While we both agree that birthdays should be celebrated all month long, she truly deserves to be celebrated every day. Her work ethic inspires me and, despite both of our crazy schedules, we are never too busy for each other and I know that I can go to her for anything. Although my Gemini twin spoiled me for my birthday, she is the best gift in the whole world.

I love you darling best friend and I just know that this will be the best year yet!!

Happy Birthday!!!!! ❤

May18

Happy Housewarming Gift

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Happy Housewarming Gift

Hello! My bestie, Lea, came by a couple of weeks ago to check out mine and Johnny’s new place. Even though it isn’t perfect yet, I was so excited for her to see it. I was also excited that Johnny would have his own room to hang out in where he could shut the door so we wouldn’t have to listen to his war documentaries lol. Oh, the perks of our new place!

Lea was so sweet and brought by a little housewarming gift and, I admit, I didn’t really know what to do with it at first:

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Lea got us a Turtle Vine for the new place and I have never owned a house plant before! In my old apartment, there wasn’t really a good place to put plants so I just never bothered. The great news, is that I haven’t killed my little Turtle Vine yet… In fact, it’s thriving! When Lea brought it over, the vines didn’t have any length to them at all and I can’t believe how much it has grown in a few short weeks.

My dad is the one with the green thumb in our family and I almost contemplated just having him care for it. But, I think I am doing alright! I love this plant’s soft leaves and the pot that it lives in is so pretty. Whenever Lea comes by, all she needs to do is bring herself and I’m happy so I was tickled by her thoughtfulness. I don’t think I’ll turn into a full on plant mom any time soon but, now, I wouldn’t be opposed to my Turtle Vine having a friend or two. 😀

The best housewarming gift that Johnny and I have is actually being able to host friends comfortably in our bigger apartment. However, this sweet prezzie from my best friend is a very close second! ❤

Do you have a green thumb? How many house plants do you have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr14

Have Some Fun: Visit A Local Hangout

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Have Some Fun: Visit A Local Hangout

Lots of communities have a local hangout where everyone seems to gather for a big game, trivia nights, or the company. This might be a bar, restaurant, arcade, or in some cases all three of these things in one. If you are in the mood to meet some new people, places like these are great to go to. It also offers these benefits:

You Will Have Longer Conversations:

It has been noted through research on the topic of socializing at pubs that people who sit at a bar and talk to other people tend to talk longer. While being in this kind of social situation, a person is more inclined to get involved in conversations with multiple people allowing them to converse freely. Being able to hold up a conversation is a great skill that not only brings its own happiness, but also helps you in daily life.

In your professional life, being able to talk, network, and hold your own makes people want to interact with you more and get to know you better.

You Will Get Involved In Sports:

Most hangouts have a dartboard or pool table and people are always crowded around it. Getting involved with a sport like darts helps you with your concentration, hand-eye coordination, control, and patience. All of these skills can only make your life better. Being a part of a team also makes you have a sense of belonging and community, which is a win for your mental health.

Whether it’s watching sports on TV and being among like-minded fans or joining the local sponsored sports team and getting exercise, visiting your local gathering place can introduce you to this world and help you meet new friends.

You Get Out of Your House:

Getting out of the house on a weekend night and being among people of various age groups and backgrounds always makes a person happier. When we are home and tucked away from the social scene we can develop feelings of isolation and loneliness. When we are out in the world socializing, those feelings melt away.

Even if it is only for one drink or two, sitting down in public and interacting with other people also breaks up the day and makes you feel as if you are part of something greater. The best thing that comes out of this is that you make new friends and discover new things about yourself.

You May Learn Something New:

A lot of bars and restaurants hold trivia nights in order to get more patrons in the front door for something fun and interesting. The best part of playing trivia games: you become a smarter person. Research has found that people who go to pubs and participate in trivia games are going to learn something new.

This also allows a person to show off their intelligence and how much they know in a public setting which boosts confidence and makes a person feel better about themselves and their abilities.

You Learn to Let Your Guard Down:

When you are in a social situation where everyone is talking to each other and having a good time, you are more likely to want to join in too. In order to do this, you are going to have to let your guard down. When you get into the habit of opening yourself up and talking, you will not feel so insecure to speak up and ask questions at work or with your family and friends. This kind of confidence will help you take control of your life and improve it.

You Will Feel More Relaxed:

When you go out and have a good meal, perhaps a drink, and time with your friends, you are more likely to feel relaxed. An evening of getting yourself out there and enjoying yourself is the best cure after a stressful week. It gives you the opportunity to leave your job at the office and focus on having a blast, instead.

Exploring the local hangouts in your area will give you the chance to connect with people and unwind. Plan an outing somewhere new with your friends and enjoy!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Apr12

Get Fit With These Inexpensive Outdoor Activities

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Get Fit With These Inexpensive Outdoor Activities

Now that the sun is making a comeback, most of us are keen to get back outdoors and enjoy fresh air, nature, and exercise. If you don’t have a huge budget and are considering ways to get fit that allow you to spend more time outdoors then these are some perfect options to consider:

Walking/Running:

What could be cheaper than walking or running? All you really need is supportive footwear but it doesn’t have to be expensive. You could run or walk just for exercise or you could switch car and bus journeys and you’ll actually save money. How about walking to and from work each day? Some people find it easier when they have a destination to get to and others prefer just getting out and about so do what works best for you.

If you have a dog, then even better! Getting out on long walks together can lead you to find new and interesting places in your local area. This is great for all fitness levels since you can choose walking or running routes that are either completely flat or those with hills and inclines. You can walk or run fast or slow, you can walk or run for a short distance or a long one, all depending on your starting fitness.

Cycling:

Cycling is another way you could get around instead of transport or just get out for fun exercise. Buying a bike initially can be expensive but is something that will last pretty much forever if you maintain it properly. Alternatively, you could pick up a used model from a local group for cheap or even free if you’re lucky. Once you have the bike and safety helmet, it’s free to exercise from then onward. Again, you could find some lovely places in your area that you’d never thought to explore before and it’s a fantastic all body workout which is great for toning and cardiovascular fitness.

Soccer:

You might not have kicked a soccer ball around since you were a child, so why not give it a go? You don’t have to be an excellent player by any means, just round up some friends and get outside on a sunny day. You could keep it very simple and just buy a ball. Or, if you want to kick around more regularly, invest in some goalkeeper gloves and goalkeeping tape for the person in goal. A little bit of friendly competition can be a good thing, time goes quickly when you’re having fun and you’ll burn tons of calories running up and down the field!

Basketball:

Basketball is another great team sport which is cheap to do outside as all you need is a basketball. Most towns and cities have basketball courts dotted around so have a look and see if there are any close to you. Even if you don’t have a team of people to play with, you could just shoot hoops instead. This is still a good workout and helps to tone the arms. It will also help you to practice your technique and can improve coordination.

Yoga:

Finally, yoga is a fantastic type of exercise. It can be done anywhere so when the weather warms up it can be really nice to get outside and do it. Find a serene setting like your garden, a beautiful meadow, or the beach. Put down your yoga mat and do some stretches and yoga poses. This can be good for both mental and physical health. Yoga can also be done any time of day, it can be particularly beneficial either in the morning to gently wake yourself up or before bed to help you to wind down.

None of these activities require any special skills, even beginners can try their hand with them at a basic level. You don’t need lots of equipment, a gym membership, or to spend lots of money. You can simply get outdoors, move your body, and have some fun!

Featured Image By: Pexels