Tag Archives: great success

May21

Setting Small Goals For GREAT SUCCESS

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Setting Small Goals For GREAT SUCCESS

Hello! I am one of those people that like to get things done immediately and do it well. However, in this current juncture of my life, everything has been overwhelming and I barely got things like cooking, cleaning, or self care done at all. After over two months of running myself ragged and being disappointed by things that I couldn’t do because I had no time or energy, I decided to make a change. Rather than attempting to do everything and doing nothing instead, I began setting small, achievable goals for myself to meet throughout the week.

This has been a most helpful change and I have had GREAT SUCCESS already. Although the pace I am getting things done at is leisurely, I am now getting them done and I feel great about it. Here are some of the ways that I have switched things up:

Cooking:

When things were falling apart, cooking was the first thing that plummeted. This was no good for me because I love to cook and DoorDash is expensive! I knew that what I was doing wasn’t working and set the goal for myself to make easy meals on the days that I am home early. Yes, I was tired once home but eating actual food is important and I found that I had more energy once I was done cooking because I was finally enjoying myself. Now, I am making dinner at least three times a week with plenty of leftovers for off days and I am really proud of that! There is also nothing better than seeing how happy Johnny is whenever I’m in the kitchen and eagerly asking what I’m making. ❤

Cleaning:

In my perfect world, I would be able to dedicate an entire morning and afternoon to cleaning the apartment. However, I simply don’t have the time to do that. So, I started small. I have begun texting Johnny in the mornings about his designated chores he could do when he gets home and I take care of everything else that needs done throughout the week. I now have Wednesday as my set morning to do laundry, cleaning toilets on Thursday (just like my mom’s chore schedule lol), and using spare time to declutter in sections. Breaking the chores up into a manageable schedule has really helped to turn the apartment around and it feels good to return home without immediately spotting glaring issues to clean!

Leisure:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnny and I used to love doing things on week nights. Dinner out, going for walks, or catching an early movie at the theater. That seems so long ago, but it was so nice to have fun things to look forward to during the work week. Together, we decided that now would be a perfect time to get back into this habit – especially since the weather is beautiful! We don’t plan on going crazy with plans and like the theme of this post, we are starting small. I suggested a hike at least once a week in one of the many Metro Parks we live by and having the occasional dinner on our balcony. This is a change we will be implementing this week because Johnny worked crazy overtime hours last week. I’m excited to go out and do things with my husband again and a hike seems like an easily accomplish-able way to start.

Although everything still kind of sucks right now, I am feeling much better by setting goals and reaching them. By breaking tasks up into smaller pieces, I have been doing more of the things I love and the things that are necessary. It’s a minor change, but one that I am so pleased with and will be sticking to from now on!

How do you make adulting more manageable? What is something that you are proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar18

A Trip To The Periodontist

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A Trip To The Periodontist

Hello! At the beginning of 2019, I had my wisdom teeth removed and got gum grafting done. Unfortunately, what should have been a pretty routine surgery went horribly wrong and I was limited to a liquid diet for over a month. I still shudder at the sight of Ensure! After this mishap, I refused to go to any type of dentist because I was scared and my oral hygiene deeply suffered from it. This went on for over a year until I finally agreed to make an appointment with the periodontist who my mom recommended and promised was really nice. She was right!

Since 2020, I have gone to my periodontist several times for regular cleanings and deep gum cleanings to repair the damage that had been done. I tried my best to go along with their recommendations, but ended up falling short of expectations every appointment. It was very disappointing, to say the least. During my last appointment this past October, I had to get X-rays taken of my teeth to prep for my next deep cleaning. The process was long and uncomfortable and after that appointment, I threw my hands in the air and said “screw it”. Then, I went to the store and bought floss picks for the very first time in my adult life.

After that fateful appointment, I flossed morning and night like my life depended on it. I was so sick and tired of lackluster results and knew that some of the fault was my own at this point. At first, the flossing hurt like a mother and don’t even get me started on using Listerine afterwards because that was about a bitch too lol. However, it did get easier and less painful as time went on. I just didn’t know if it was enough to finally get the stamp of approval from my periodontist.

This past Wednesday, I had an early morning appointment to get a deep gum cleaning and I was nervous AF. Not for the cleaning itself because it’s not that bad, but for what would be found when my gums were examined. I informed my periodontist that I started flossing and he took a look at what was going on before prepping for the cleaning. Within ten seconds, he told me that they weren’t going to do anything and that I could go home. You could have knocked me over with a feather!!

Thanks to the new step in my oral hygiene routine, the pockets around my teeth started to shrink and went down over two sizes. This was the first time in FOUR years that I had not just good results, but excellent and I was beyond thrilled. The entire team at the office was so proud of me and, damnit, I was too. I couldn’t stop smiling all morning because of my GREAT SUCCESS and the fact that the smile I was flashing was a healthy one.

Although flossing was a better late than never situation for me, don’t be like me lol. I was absolutely traumatized from my surgery gone wrong and it made me stubborn. Had I done what I needed to do in the first place, my oral hygiene would have been in a good place years ago. Listen to your healthcare professionals because I promise you they know what they’re talking about and the small changes to your routines can really help!

Do you have a fear of the doctor or dentist? What helped you overcome it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb4

Bath & Body Works January Freebies

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Bath & Body Works January Freebies

Hello! I got two freebie coupons from Bath & Body Works last week for a full and travel size item and I couldn’t believe my good luck. Free full size product coupons are a rarity from B&BW and I couldn’t wait to cash them in. Tuesday afternoons are usually when I run errands so I stopped in to pick out some goodies and ended up walking away with twenty-three dollars worth of completely free product. It was awesome! Check it out:

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I decided to go for a shower gel for my full size product because I recently bought a few lotions from B&BW on the cheap. I was in the mood to try a new scent out and was instantly drawn to the dreamy packaging for one of their new fragrances called Among The Clouds. I loved the sparkle and sunset colors – it just looked so sweet and girly and I knew that it had to smell good. And it did! Among The Clouds features fragrance notes of wild berry and whipped vanilla and it is divine. It kind of reminds me of the Mixed Berry Lip Smackers from back in the day and I think that it will be a perfect scent for the spring and summer. I highly recommend giving it a shot!

For my travel size item, I chose a hand cream in Gingham, which is one of my favorite B&BW fragrance lines. I have used the Bath & Body Works hand cream before and I can’t say that I was overly impressed by it. Their hand creams are fairly greasy and don’t absorb well. However, you can’t beat free and I suppose it doesn’t matter all that much when I only use it before bed!

As I was driving home with my free mini haul, I was blown away by the coupons from B&BW. In total, Johnny and I probably spend less than one hundred dollars per year at Bath & Body Works for our hand soaps and wallflowers. The rest of the products that I get are free nine times out of ten and I receive a coupon for more at least once per month. A monthly free travel size product coupon results in over one hundred dollars of free per year. Essentially, B&BW matches what I spend with freebies and I am so there for it. 😀

This coupon cash in session was one of my best yet at Bath & Body Works and I was riding the high of twenty plus dollars of free my whole way home. I can’t wait to go back next month because I think that I will definitely be getting more Among The Clouds products!

Which stores offer the best coupons? How do you save money on your must have products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan30

Oven Pizza Success!!!!

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Oven Pizza Success!!!!

Hello!! At chez moi, my refrigerator and cupboards were almost completely bare and a curbside order was most definitely in order. When picking up groceries, I always schedule it for when Johnny is getting home from work. Then, he brings the groceries in and I put them away. Our process runs like a fine tuned machine! This past time, however, my day finished earlier than expected so I got my order ahead of time and carried the entire haul up to our second floor apartment and put it away all by my lonesome. After all of that hard work, the last thing I felt like was cooking! But, hey – that’s what oven pizzas are for amiright? And, after the massive failure of the last Red Baron pizza we tried, things really turned around with this pie:

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Lol, I know that I said yesterday that lifewithlilred is not going to become a pizza review blog and I still stand by that… After this post! I just had to share this GREAT SUCCESS with all of you. 🙂 Have you ever noticed how even the simplest meals can taste amazing if you are hungry or tired enough? Because that was definitely where I was at when digging into the Red Baron Brick Oven cheese pizza and it was so satisfying both on an emotional level and in the taste department.

The crust of this pizza was way thinner than the previous Red Baron catastrophe and it was a welcome change of pace. The sauce was sweet, the cheese was poured with a heavy hand, and it was the friggen bomb. Johnny and I have had this pizza several times before but I never appreciated its majesty so fully and completely until now. Was I dog tired and hadn’t ate since breakfast? Yes. Did this affect the way the pizza tasted? Probably. Am I going to buy it again to experience it through fresh eyes? Abso-freaking-lutely!

In my youth, my dad was the king of oven pizzas and fostered my love of mine and Johnny’s go to lazy day meal as an adult. With friends like the Red Baron and Digiorno, who needs enemies? Or however that saying goes!

How often do you grocery shop? What do you make when you don’t feel like cooking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec7

How To Make A Sudden Career Change Successfully

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How To Make A Sudden Career Change Successfully

Making a career change can be a daunting task. It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make and, if done incorrectly, it can be very costly. This blog post will give you some tips on how to make a career change successfully and cover things like how to assess your skills and interests, how to research new careers, and how to network with professionals in your desired field. So whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’ve been stuck in the same job for years, read on for advice on making a successful career change:

Assess Your Skills and Interests:

The first step to making a successful career change is to assess your skills and interests. Consider what you are good at, the kind of work you enjoy, and the industries that align with your values. This process will help you narrow down potential career paths and determine which ones best suit your strengths and aspirations. To get started, make a list of your skills, interests, and values and review any past feedback you’ve received from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors to get a better sense of your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps you are amazing at web design. You might have excellent organizational skills. Or you could have been a whiz at calculating the market share formula for the last company you worked with. These are all great things so don’t sell yourself short!

Research Potential Career Paths:

Once you’ve assessed your skills and interests, it’s time to do some research. Begin by exploring potential recession proof jobs that align with your list. Look up job postings for positions that match what you are looking for, read up on industry news and information, or even talk to people in the field who can provide insights and advice. This will give you a better understanding of the kind of work involved as well as potential opportunities available. In addition, research organizations and companies in the industry you would love to be in. A career change could be the perfect open door to your dream job. Note any areas that they specialize in, job opportunities they offer, their corporate culture, and any literature that could be helpful. For example, someone interested in piloting a plane might find this guide from P6 aviation as a great stepping stone to learning more about the field. All of these tips will help you determine if a particular career path is right for you.

Get Qualified:

Once you’ve identified a potential new career, it’s time to get qualified. Depending on the field, this may involve getting additional certifications or qualifications, taking classes or workshops, gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work, or simply doing more research to become familiar with different aspects of the field. You might also find that certain career paths have programs that host seminars, like the ones offered on https://www.exodusdispatchingandtraining.com/. These can be especially helpful as you will have professionals on your side right from the start. Are there any roles where your past experience could be beneficial? How can you make your transition smoother? Brainstorm ways to apply your existing skills and experiences in a new context.

There are multiple ways to become a more qualified candidate, and you don’t need to attend a full-time course to do it. Age of Learning can be a great option for this, as are countless other online learning possibilities. While you’ll still need to put the work into actually getting qualified, it’s more than worth the effort.

Network and Build Connections:

Making connections with people who are already working in the field is an important step towards making a successful career change. Building relationships with these individuals can open up opportunities for collaboration, advice, or even job openings. Start by doing some research on LinkedIn and other social media platforms to find potential contacts. Then, reach out to these people via email or a phone call to introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in their particular industry. Ask questions about their experience and what advice they might have for someone looking to break into the field. Finally, don’t forget to offer your own skills and expertise in return.

Make a Plan:

Making a plan is essential for any career change. This will help you stay focused on your goals and ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to reach them. Start by breaking down each of your larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Then, create an actionable timeline with deadlines for completing certain tasks or reaching certain milestones. As you work towards making your career change, review this plan regularly to make sure you’re on track and adjust it as needed along the way. Finally, be sure to factor in time for self-care while making your transition. It can be easy to get overwhelmed during this process. Schedule activities that will help you stay motivated and energized, such as exercise or creative pursuits.

Take Action:

It’s easy to talk about making a career change, but the time has come to take action. Start by applying for any relevant job positions or internships that have come up in your research. Make sure you are taking advantage of networking opportunities and building meaningful relationships with people in the industry. Also, don’t forget to promote yourself! Create an online portfolio showcasing your work and experiences, create social media profiles that show off your skills and qualifications, and update your resume and CV. You could have all of the qualifications in the world, but a poorly crafted CV can be off putting to potential employers. If this is something you could use some extra help with, services like those provided on https://cvexperts.com/ can be most beneficial and could give you a better chance of scoring an interview. These steps will help you stand out as potential employers review applications.

Making a career change can be stressful. However, with the right planning and preparation it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By assessing your skills, researching potential paths, and building connections in the field, you can make a successful and satisfying transition. With careful reflection, dedication, and perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to pursuing the career of your dreams!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov22

Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In

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Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In

Hello! It has been snowing in Ohio for the past couple of days so, as far as I am concerned, winter is officially here. While it is always fun to have a night out, the cold weather makes me want to stay in until spring! Those winter nights gives the perfect opportunity to host the ultimate girls night in because why leave the comfort of your own home if you don’t have to?! Call up your besties and find your comfiest pajamas because it’s time to plan a GNI so good that it will make you scoff at a night on the town:

So Many Activities:

While nothing pleases me more than a good old fashioned girl talk, a night in begs for some fun activities to do together. This could be anything from pulling up a YouTube tutorial and having a wine and paint night to baking and decorating holiday cookies. How about making your own pizzas together instead of ordering delivery? Or putting together an ice cream sundae bar? Hey, a girl has gotta eat!

Spa Treatments:

A girls night in staple is, of course, getting to pamper yourselves. We’re talking face masks, painting nails, and aromatherapy – the works! Have your best girls bring their favorite products and turn it into a swap so that all of you can try something new. You could even create your own face masks and hair treatments with ingredients in your kitchen. Who knows, your girls night might turn into your first small business meeting with your skin care creations!

Snuggle Up:

What is a good girls night in without some chick flicks? Pop all of the popcorn and pop the champagne! Movie time means snuggling up, getting cozy, and unwinding so lots of soft blankets and fuzzy socks are a must. You could even order matching PJs if you want to be super extra! On the subject of blankets, fleece throws are super easy to make and can be added to your growing list of activities.

Cocktail Creations:

If you plan on indulging in the drink, how about creating a girls night signature cocktail (Or mocktail!)? Wine or champagne is always a good choice but it will be a blast to shake things up literally and metaphorically. Get inspiration for cocktails on Pinterest and put your own twist on it. You or your friends might just find your new calling as the best bartender ever. 😀

Playlist, Please:

Having awesome music on as you craft, eat, and talk the night away is so essential. Even more important is your selection, which means no mopey ballads! Girls night in means girl power anthems, one hit wonders, and beats that get you in the spirit for an impromptu dance party. And, what is a girls night in without Queen Bs, Britney Spears AND Beyonce? The answer is: NOTHING!!

If the winter weather has driven you to hibernation mode, you might as well have some fun. Your girls night in will be a GREAT SUCCESS and you could turn it into a tradition with a different host every month. Now, where’s my invite?!

What are some girls night in essentials? What is your favorite night in snack or drink? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct16

Pumpkin Patch Party OOTD Bloopers

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Pumpkin Patch Party OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Pumpkin Patch Party OOTD! While I love to show off the great pictures from an OOTD shoot, part of me likes posting the bloopers even more because it humors me. I am a firm believer in the phrase “waste not, want not” and I suppose that applies to terrible pictures, as well! Lol, check them out in all of their glory:

Spreading my wings and soaring

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!

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Lol, there is this one strand of hair that stands up in Every. Single. OOTD. Shoot. -_-

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Gathering up some leaves for the classic “throw in the air” shot…

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Severely missed the mark because I look insane!!

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Trying out what the kids call “flossing”

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That face you make when you have a leaf on your butt and your husband doesn’t tell you

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Adjusting my front…

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And my back!

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GREAT SUCCESS to the kid who was making monster noises at the pumpkin patch!!

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As you all know, Johnny takes what feels like a thousand pictures in under ten minutes per OOTD shoot. Sometimes, I am model level WERKING and the bloopers are minimal. Other times, it feels like a majority of the shots taken are bloopers! It is such a mixed bag and the Pumpkin Patch Party outfit gave me a solid half winners and half total losers lol. Either way, it makes for a good time going through the end results. 😀

Johnny’s proudest picture from our time at Heritage Farms was, easily, the leaf on my butt. Once I pointed it out to him, he spent about ten minutes looking at it, laughing, and then repeating the process. He also made it a point to zoom in on this faux pas to really show off his handiwork. He claims he “didn’t notice it at all” but I am thinking otherwise *Face palm*. Regardless, he is the best blog husband so I can’t be too mad. ❤ 😉

It is a breath of fresh air to poke some good old fashioned fun at myself after talking up an outfit and pictures. Remember, for every good pic an influencer posts, there are probably twenty like the ones you see above!

What is your favorite segment on lifewithlilred? What is your ideal fall date like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

How To Take Control Of Your Career

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How To Take Control Of Your Career

Your career is like a marathon, not a sprint. A successful career requires long-term planning, dedication, and effort. It’s not something that magically happens; you must work for it. Whether you’re just starting out in the world of work or looking for a new challenge, staying on top of your career is essential. With dedication and commitment from you, this could be the catalyst for the next step in your career. This blog post will give you valuable insights into taking control of your career no matter what stage you are at in your professional life:

Determine your career goals and timeline:

Knowing where you want to go in your career and having a deadline for each of these goals is essential. This is the only way to track what you have achieved and where you need to improve. It could be that you want to become a manager by the time you are 30 or maybe you want to start your own business by 40. Whatever your goals are, make sure you have an exact date in your mind when you want to achieve them. You should also keep an eye on the current socio-economic climate, as this can significantly impact your career goals.

Creating goals also means accountability and it can sometimes be difficult for people to follow through with their aspirations. If this is the case for you, you might want to consider trying out Singapore Career Counselling (Or a similar practice in your local area). You will be able to work together to clearly define your goals as well as the steps to achieve them to take your career to the next level.

Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom:

Starting at the bottom is not a bad thing. Many successful people have started at the very bottom of the career ladder. This can be a great way to gain experience, find out what you don’t like doing, and learn from the people around you. Some people call this “getting your spurs,” but it’s a great way to get experience, network, and start working on those career goals. If you’re a graduate and have no relevant experience, don’t worry. You will soon get opportunities to start working in your chosen industry and can use that as a springboard to get yourself to the next level.

While it can feel scary to start something brand new, think of it as the first step of a new adventure. If you have dreams of being a pilot, think of researching different flight schools like Nationwide Aviation (or a similar one in your local area) as your first step to soaring in the clouds. Pace yourself with what feels comfortable to you. This could be taking baby steps or throwing yourself into the process whole hog. When you end up with your dream job, you will be so happy you pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Network, network, network:

Getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people at social events, conferences, or online will be hugely beneficial. It will help you to progress your career by:

Learning about new opportunities: You never know where or when you might find an opportunity to move your career forward. Being out there and meeting people like Michael Fraas Professor from different industries makes you more likely to come across these opportunities.

Making connections: By building your network, you increase the chance of getting a recommendation or making a connection that can help you progress in your career. Search often for expos, conferences, and learning opportunities within a travel distance you feel comfortable with. For example, Channel Partner hosts conferences about the AI revolution and offers online learning too. You never know who you will meet by attending just one networking event.

Finding mentors: Having someone to turn to for advice and guidance can be invaluable when starting out. Mentors can help you learn what you need to do to move your career forward and will be a wealth of knowledge and advice.

Finding agents: If you are striving for a career in the creative field, you will surely want to connect with an agency that specializes in artist representation. Of course, you can fill our applications online but there is nothing better than meeting in real life. Immerse yourself in the world you want to be in by attending plays, galleries, fashion shows, and workshops. You never know who is going to be there and these events give you the opportunity to meet someone who could give you your big break.

Don’t stop learning:

To progress in your career, you need to keep learning. Knowledge is power, whether through a training course or by reading up on new skills. You must keep learning and improving your skills because of the ever-changing work landscape. Some skills will be more relevant than others in the future, so keeping up to date with the latest developments and trends is a must. This will help you secure a job and show future employers that you are an asset to the company.

There is no correct way to succeed in your career. Your path may look different than your friends and colleagues, but that doesn’t mean it is the wrong path. The most important thing is to stay focused and dedicated. Keep your eyes on the prize and work hard!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul30

July 2022 Finishes

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July 2022 Finishes

Hello!!! It’s about that time to discuss my beauty finishes for the month of July and it was a good month, indeed. I got to try some new to me products, used up some of the ones that took forever, and revisited some old favorites. It was a GREAT SUCCESS so let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Spray: Omg, did this spray take forever to finish lol – at least half a year of almost daily use! This is fine by me, though, because I love anything apple scented and B&BW always delivers. The Country Apple is the perfect mix of sweet and tart and it is the perfect pick me up before leaving for work. I would definitely use it again but am fine with not using it for a while!

SkinLab Cleanser: I love SkinLab products and the Lift & Firm Daily Gel Cleanser was amazing. After about a month and a half of daily use, my skin looked more supple and felt smoother. It was invigorating to use every morning and also removed remnants of makeup really well. Although, I have to admit that it’s a bit sad to be moving onto products that Lift & Firm lol.

B&BW Shower Gel: Normally, the travel size shower gel from B&BW lasts me three weeks of daily use. However, this month I used up two of them because Johnny helped me out after he ran out of his shower gel. We both smelled awesome for the month of July and I adore the Gingham Love scent. It has all of the fresh, crisp feels of the original Gingham with juicy berries thrown in for good measure. Although I think it’s super cute that Johnny used my shower gel, I’m bummed out that I’m all out of Gingham Love!

Tatcha Moisturizer: This moisturizer was a freebie during my last Sephora Haul and it was nice but I wouldn’t use it unless I got it as a free item again. I love a water cream formula, especially during the summer and this one was delightful. It absorbed so quickly while still leaving my skin feeling ultra hydrated. It took me four days of twice daily use to finish the sample jar.

Lanocreme Moisturizer: I purchased this moisturizer during a winter haul at TJMaxx and finally got around to using it towards the end of June. Although it absorbed well, it was a bit too thick for my liking during the summertime. That’s not to say that it wouldn’t be great for fall and winter use, though! This moisturizer was rich, creamy, and left my skin looking and feeling peaches and cream perfect. It took me about five weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar.

Hope Soap Lotion: This is the second lotion that I’ve used from Hope Soap, which is a local shop in my area. I received both of them as a gift and the first one that I finished in June wasn’t my favorite because its texture was so runny. The Vanilla & Fig was the polar opposite, however, and had the consistency of a normal lotion which I liked much better. It also smelled awesome! As nice as it was, I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it for myself but it made a wonderful gift. It took me a little under two months to finish the jar.

As you can see from all of these empties, July was a month full of pampering. Whether the product was good or bad, I am glad to have used them up and am ready for lots more finishes come August!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul24

TJMaxx Haul: Zara Top Edition

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TJMaxx Haul: Zara Top Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to my favorite and final piece of clothing from my TJMaxx haul! The past several shopping trips that I’ve been on were not fruitful in my need for more tops in the slightest. This time around, however, I walked away with three different tops that I am so in love with. It was a GREAT SUCCESS and I now feel content with the top department of my wardrobe. Let’s check out this fabulous little number by Zara to wrap things up:

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As I mentioned in my pro tips for shopping at TJMaxx, I utilize a two rounds throughout the store method. There is just too much to see in one go and I often find some of my favorite things the second time around. Like this Zara top, for example. Maybe someone was standing in front of it on round one because I can’t believe I didn’t notice the huge sheer puff sleeves on my first trip! It was also the only one like it in the entire store. 😀

In terms of shirt sizes, I am a solid small or medium and this top was an extra small. Like my new Nicole Miller pants, I was thinking “please fit” when trying it on because I liked it so much! Thanks to a side zipper, button up back, and the fact that Zara clothing runs bigger, I was in luck. This top fit perfectly and I love how the tighter fitting bodice makes the puff sleeves seem even larger than life.

I have grand plans for this newest addition and I cannot wait to shoot some amazing autumn OOTDs with it! Pair it with a little navy skirt? Yes, please! I would also really like to find a good pair of navy or red slacks to go with it. I know, it’s shocking to me too that I’m branching away from my standard black skinny jeans lol. Now, all I’ll need is a killer pair of white platform loafers and we’re in business!

Tomorrow, tune in for the skin care portion of my haul and it will be onto a brand new OOTD and July finishes. See you then!

How would you style this top? What are some pieces that you would like to have in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah