Tag Archives: happy

Everything’s Coming Up Daffodils

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Everything’s Coming Up Daffodils

Hello! The last time I went to my mom and dad’s house, I was completely amazed by all of the lovely yellow daffodils lining their driveway. I had been there two days ago and there wasn’t a single bloom – then, out of nowhere, there was color everywhere. Yellow flowers always put a smile on my face because they remind me of my grandma and the daffodil surprise felt like a special hello from her. Check it out:

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The Daffodil Day was, indeed, a glorious one with temperatures in the seventies and it put me in a hopeful, happy mood. I have been enjoying my time outside so much after being cooped up all winter and have already been making the most of the nice weather with photo shoots with Johnny, going on walks with my brother, and playing at the park with my niece and sister. All of the beautiful flowers blooming is an added bonus. 🙂

I hope all of you are experiencing mild temps and flowers and here’s to a wonderful and safe spring!

What is spring weather like in your area? What is your favorite outdoor activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Sunshiney Day

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A Sunshiney Day

Hi! I had a random day off this past week and it just so happened to be on the most glorious spring day with weather in the seventies. The only thing on my agenda other than writing was dropping off some laundry to my sister and, instead of going to her house, she suggested we meet at the park so my niece, Valerie, could play. This sounded like the perfect plan to me and I was counting down the hours until our meeting because I knew it would be fun!

In the greater Akron area in Ohio, there are countless places to enjoy the weather when it’s nice out like Metro Parks for hiking, lakes for swimming, and playgrounds for the little ones. My sister, Kristen, and I actually ended up taking Val Gal to one of the parks that we used to play at all the time when we were kids and it hit right in the nostalgia. With Valerie and Kristen’s senior foster dog, Baby, in tow we spent over an hour at the park running around, swinging, sliding, and teeter-tottering.

Being an aunt is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I treasure any time that I get to spend with my lil niece. I love watching my sister be the amazing mom that I knew she would be and we are both constantly in stitches together over Val and her “goofball” ways, as Kristen always says.

Just one hour in the park and sunshine with my sis, Val, and Baby put me in the best mood and it was such an awesome way to welcome the beautiful weather. Whenever I am feeling blue, I always remember that Val can say “Hi, TT” to me now and it instantly makes everything better. My sister and her daughter are my number one BFFs (And my mom, of course!) and I am so lucky to have them and am so thankful for the wonderful time we spent together at the park! ❤

How do you enjoy the outdoors in your area? What was your favorite thing on the playground when you were little? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Our Engagement! Here’s How It Happened

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Our Engagement! Here’s How It Happened

Hi! On March 13th, Johnny and I got engaged and it was the surprise of a lifetime because I had NO idea. As you all know, Johnny has been helping me photograph my Reimagine Your Wardrobe series and even agreed to be my model every now and again. He suggested that once the weather was nicer, we could go to downtown Cuyahoga Falls AKA the Riverfront and take some pictures together for a day date and I was ecstatic to go on a safe outing – one of our first since October of last year.

It was a beautiful day on Saturday with a clear blue sky and warmer temps so after hanging out in the morning, we got ourselves all done up and stepped out in our OOTDs. We spent an hour or so exploring different areas along the shopping plaza and the Cuyahoga River and were having so much fun taking pictures, pretending to be photographers and models, and enjoying the weather and each other’s company.

You can get all of the details for our outfits tomorrow as well as additional pictures but here is a little preview:

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Throughout our photography adventure, we were struggling with the timed setting on the camera and for our last pictures together he said we should just take a video and save our favorite screen grabs from it. That sounded much easier to me than having to run back and forth between the camera and where we were standing under a stone archway so we got ourselves situated and began posing while a video was being taken.

Johnny told me I should face the other way for a few shots so I turned around thinking he was working the camera right along with me. Then, he told me I should turn towards him and he was on one knee! You could have knocked me over with a feather – it was absolutely amazing. And, yes, I have watched the video of our engagement a million times since then. 🙂

After the proposal, we sat on the patio of our favorite bar, The Cashmere Cricket, to have drinks and celebrate. This also just so happens to be where we had our first date. How sweet is that?! On Saturdays, The Cricket makes their drinks with dry ice so our beverages were smoking and bubbling like a science experiment as we sipped on them and grinned from ear to ear every time Johnny delightfully exclaimed that he “got me”!

Once we finished up on the patio, we went back to our place and a few of our friends in our “COVID bubble” stopped by for an hour or so. Then, Johnny and I snuggled up on the couch to listen and sing along to some music together. We ended the night with a dance party while we watched Grease and it was simply perfect. ❤

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for our Engagement OOTDs and keep checking back in for more on my ring, which needs resized!

How did you get engaged? Where did you and your partner have your first date? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

4 Benefits Of Greenery In And Around Your Home

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4 Benefits Of Greenery In And Around Your Home

It’s said that nature can be beneficial for our health and well being in a variety of ways. It not only adds beautiful color to your home but can lift your spirits as well as improve your air quality. Here are four benefits of greenery in and around your home:

Nature Makes You Happy:

As humans, there are core connections that we need. One is that we need human connection with others in order to feel content and fulfilled. Whether that’s being a social butterfly or simply connecting with others over the internet or with a small family unit. The other thing is that nature and being around nature can also help make us happier on the inside. There’s something about seeing a flower blooming or that stark green color on a leaf that can improve our mood for the better.

That’s why it’s good to have plants in all of your rooms, especially in places where you need that little bit of extra life, perhaps the bedroom where you’ll wake up feeling tired or sad from a dream you’ve had. Seeing something so colorful and alive can be uplifting.

It Keeps The Air Cleaner:

Whether you’re working with a bud trimming machine in your job or doing some casual gardening outside in your backyard, having greenery around you can impact the quality and cleanliness of the air. Plants and flowers help to purify the air, making it healthier for us humans to be able to breathe in and out. It’s important to incorporate a lot of greenery in your home and around it to help contribute to this science that’s proven to help with your health on the inside.

Helps Improve Mental Health:

Gardening is an amazing activity to take up if you struggle with your mental health. It will feel so good to get outside in the sunshine, breathe fresh air, and help something grow. Gardening is a true testament that if you nurture and care for something, you will achieve beautiful results – much like tending to your own mental health. A new hobby also helps fill excess free time and will provide a deep sense of accomplishment when your first flowers begin to bloom.

You’re More Productive:

Productivity or a lapse in productivity is something that most of us will tend to experience on a daily basis. Sometimes we’ll have good moments of productivity and others, slightly less to none at all. It’s always good to find ways of inspiring and motivating you whether it’s in your personal life or work life. Plants and flowers can help bring that productivity, sending good vibes to your brain to stimulate it. So if you’ve been feeling a lack of it recently, then be sure to invest in a few more plants for your home.

The benefits of greenery in and outside your home are proven to be helpful in creating a happy environment so use these tips for yourself this spring!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Guess What?!

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Guess What?!

Hello everyone! I have got some big news for all of you so I am going to get right to it… JOHNNY AND I ARE ENGAGED!! He proposed to me on Saturday the thirteenth and I am still floating on cloud nine. You guys will have to tune in tomorrow for the full proposal story but here’s a little sneak peek of our day:

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I am, truly, the happiest, luckiest girl in the universe and this past Saturday was one of the best days of my life. I just melt every time I think of how Johnny proposed and we are so excited to share our joy and story with all of you. See you tomorrow! Much love. -Sarah

Spring Has Sprung!

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Spring Has Sprung!

Hello! While there is an actual calendar date for the first day of spring, it has already sprung for me because of the bulbs and flowers popping up in my parent’s yard. My dad is an incredible gardener but, unfortunately, just had surgery for a dislocated shoulder and broken arm which means he will have to sit this gardening season out.

My family has all agreed to step in to tend to the yard and garden this spring and summer under my dad’s watch and I’m excited! I used to love helping out in the garden when I was younger and this past week as I walked around the backyard, I was delighted to see some flowers already poking out from the dried grass and leaves. Check it out:

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This has been a crazy past few weeks for my family with my dad’s injury on top of other personal matters and seeing these sunny little flowers during a beautiful day made me feel hopeful. Yellow was my grandma’s favorite color and one of mine too. She also loved planting flowers, herself, and catching sight of my dad’s crocuses and his “buttercups” as he calls them was like getting a special hello from her.

Despite the much needed transition into warm weather, things still feel so dark right now due to the pandemic. However, stepping out into the sunlight and having the first flowers of the season there to greet me put a smile on my face. It made me feel genuinely happy and I am looking forward to spending time outside with my family in the nice weather. My gardening skills might not be up to par with those of my dad but I’ll give it my best shot so he can still have his yearly flowers and veggies during his recovery. ❤

When do you feel like spring his sprung? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What A Guy!

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What A Guy!

Hi! Last week was a particularly stressful one and, due to a family emergency, I arrived home from work a lot later than usual on Wednesday. Thanks to Aunt Flo hanging out I was exhausted, had cramps, and was freaking starving. However, after literally one step into my apartment once I arrived home, all of that extra irritability and tension dissipated immediately. Johnny was at band practice so I knew I wouldn’t hear a video game or documentary when I walked in. Rather, I heard the dishwasher running and saw a bag of Taco Bell waiting for me on the stove top:

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My heart absolutely fluttered upon both of these discoveries and I, honestly, felt like a princess – which I texted him right away, of course. I am a woman of simple pleasures and it really doesn’t take much for me to feel spoiled by someone and, in this case, I felt spoiled rotten. After a long day I didn’t have to cook or clean – I just had to sit down and enjoy my food while watching Demon Slayer. It was perfect. Also the Taco Bell was A++++++ 🙂

My Johnny is simply the best and this sweet surprise is a shining example of how thoughtful he is. How did I get so lucky again? What a guy, what a guy, what a heck of a guy! ❤

What is your favorite fast food? When do you feel spoiled? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Valentine’s Day Celebration

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Valentine’s Day Celebration

Hello! On Valentine’s Day this past Sunday, Johnny and I didn’t do too much of anything because there really isn’t much to do! But that’s A-okay with me since we both still had a great day. Our Sundays have always been what we call “Lazy Sunday” and, as you can guess, we just stay in our pajamas all day and catch up on all of our TV shows or watch a couple of movies. This particular Lazy Sunday which Valentine’s Day happened to fall on was relaxing, as per usual, and a huge treat for me because Johnny got us Taco Bell for lunch which is literally all I wanted since we had already given each other our gifts the week before.

We spent our Valentine’s Day watching the new Saturday Night Live, King Of The Hill, Demon Slayer, and Mad Max: Fury Road at Johnny’s request. We were both so full from lunch that I don’t think we would have done anything even if it was safe to do so! Mad Max was pretty good, despite it just being a two hour long car chase (lol), and Johnny thought it was the funniest thing every time I would yell or gasp about an explosion or close calls with the main characters. I couldn’t help it – Even though it was definitely not my kind of movie, it was still intense AF!

Prior to mine and Johnny’s lazy day, I also got to see my parents, brother, and my lil niece who they were babysitting. I had such a wonderful time making masterpieces with dot markers with Valerie and have her handy work proudly displayed on my fridge. We also had a blast dancing to our favorite songs from Moana, spinning around on our bums on the kitchen floor, and practicing colors and animal noises. My Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without seeing my Val Gal, after all. ❤

Last year’s Valentine’s Day when Johnny and I spent a weekend in Marietta, Ohio while Johnny’s band played a show was, obviously, a lot more exciting. But, despite the circumstances this year, we both still had an awesome day gorging ourselves and getting to know all of our streaming services even better, haha. Any time spent with him is my favorite thing whether it be watching his band play live or just watching an action movie on the couch. Lazy Valentine’s Day was, in our opinion, still a huge success and I am so thankful for every holiday that we celebrate together!

How did you spend Valentine’s Day? What is a typical Sunday like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Great Day

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A Great Day

Hello! Whenever Johnny and I ask each other how work went for the day, our usual response is “it was day”. Lol, not bad not good… Just day. With the monotony of pandemic life, it has been a while since either of us have had a day that really knocked it out of the park. However, this past week I had a Grand Slam of a day and I am still thinking back on it with a big smile.

To start with, as soon as I got to work in the morning, my client asked me “Can I call you a name?” I replied with, “Well, it depends. Is it a nice name or a mean one?” With a grin he told me, “I wanna call you Lucille Ball… or the Pink Panther” and my heart basically exploded. It was the first time he acknowledged my new hair since I got it done and I know for a fact based on his new nicknames for me that he loves it. 🙂

I was still in a great mood when I arrived home from work so I did not think it was possible to feel any better but I was wrong! Johnny and I never sit on the same couch because both of ours are way too small to comfortably seat both of us. However, that night, we snuggled up on one of the couches together and talked for hours. It reminded me of when we first started dating and it was such a lovely flashback to have.

For the grand finale, Johnny picked up his guitar and played old country songs while I picked up our Guitar Hero guitar and strummed along, lol. After a while, I even picked up his other guitar and tried to match what he was so expertly doing. We also did a charming duet of “Bye Bye, Love” and it was just so much fun that we hadn’t even realized that over three hours had passed!

With the struggles of pandemic life, my Great Day felt like a lighthouse in a never ending streak of the same old same old. It also makes me appreciate the tiny sunshine breaks even more and I will not be forgetting my day any time soon. ❤

What was your last great day like? Can you play any instruments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Holiday Haul: Sister & Family Edition

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Holiday Haul: Sister & Family Edition

Hello!! My sister, Kristen, her SO, Ramon, and sweet daughter, Valerie, are my best friends and I love being their fourth wheel more than anything. Being able to share so many holidays with Kristen and Ramon and now their daughter is always going to be special to me and this past Christmas was no exception. Miss Val made out like an adorable little bandit this Christmas and she was even able to unwrap some of her own gifts this year! Her “TT” had quite the haul herself, though, and I am so excited about the gifts I received from Val and her amazing parents. Check it out:

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Kristen texted me earlier in December asking me what I would like for Christmas and I told her that some new face masks to try out would be much appreciated. She took this idea and ran with it, gifting me two face masks by Formula 10.0.6. I am eager to test both masks out – particularly the self-warming clay mask. I used to get a self-warming mask from The Body Shop back in the day and it was one of my favorites. Speaking of favorites, I also got an awesome GUDETAMA lip balm and he is my favorite, lazy egg in the whole world. Don’t believe me? Check out my Facebook posts where I am constantly replying to people with Gudetama themed stickers! 😀

When my sister texted me, I didn’t tell her that I would really like a new pair of Express leggings too but she knows me well enough to have gotten me a pair, anyways. Kristen gifted me with leggings from Express last year and they are simply the best. I am so happy to have another pair because I wear my old ones literally all the time and, although they are still in great condition, it will be nice to have the option to alternate.

Pre-COVID, going to my favorite bars with Johnny and Kristen was always a treat and nine times out of ten, you could catch me drinking a Moscow Mule. I love them! And, with new copper mugs from Kristen and her fam, I’ll be able to make them at home with my go to recipe and not have to put them in coffee mugs like usual, lol. Great success!

Now, you might be wondering why in the heck Kristen gave the game of Guess Who? to me and Johnny and I’ll tell you why. A few months ago, we were all at chez parents and Kristen happened to bring her copy of the game over. We had many rousing rounds with my brother, Andrew, and it was a hoot. I also love the much more culturally diverse update of Guess Who? too! I think Johnny and I will get a kick out of playing it when we are stuck in the doldrums of feeling like there is “nothing” to do. 🙂

Kristen and her family were so generous this Christmas and I really am touched because these gifts are absolutely perfect for me. My sister knows me like the back of her hand and knew that the majority of what she gave me were things that I would like but never buy for myself and that, in itself, is the best gift of all. ❤

Which store has the best leggings? How do you make drinks from the bar at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah