Tag Archives: ideas

Nov19

Arranging An Unforgettable Birthday For Your SO

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Arranging An Unforgettable Birthday For Your SO

We’ve all been having a tough year and most of us are looking forward to things getting back to normal, now that there’s some hope on the horizon. If your SO has played a big role in helping you get through the obstacle course that the previous year has been, then it’s only right that you want to give them the big birthday bash they deserve. If things are safe enough to really enjoy the day with a bang by the time the big day rolls around, here are some tips on how to do it:

A wake up to remember:

There really are few things as heartwarming as getting breakfast in bed or waking up to find a little gift lying beside you on the pillow. You can make their morning truly special with even the smallest gestures to show that, yes, you do remember what day it is and you want to celebrate it as soon as possible. It doesn’t have to be a huge spread. However, one thing you don’t want to do is to wake up your SO just so you can give them the birthday morning you have planned. Get things ready for when they usually wake up and then wait for them to start to stir. Otherwise, you shouldn’t be surprised if they start off grumpy.

Pamper them silly:

Some people don’t like spa-like stuff, but you might be surprised how well some people can take to it if they have never felt it before. Whether it’s going for a full spa treatment, spending some time at the sauna together, or even just preparing an extra lush bath for them at home. If you’re feeling more romantically inclined, then you might think to arrange for a couple’s massage. If your SO has been working extra hard as of late to keep things going smoothly, then letting them take the edge off is the perfect way to acknowledge that and to make it clear that you care about their well being amongst all of this.

Arrange a big night on the town:

If it has been an extra-long while since you have both been able to go out and to enjoy the nightlife, then it might be the perfect time to think about taking them out with your shared group of friends to really live it up. You can order some table service to make sure your loved one really feels like a VIP, then go dancing, partying, and getting into some trouble with one another. Of course, not a great option if your loved one is more of a homebody who likes their creature comforts, but a lot of us have been just waiting for the opportunity to kick things off. For a more low key option, brunch is always fun if a night on the town isn’t your giftee’s cup of tea. Charming spots like Greenroom are most welcoming for a boozy, birthday breakfast. Arrive ahead of time with balloons and decorations to make your meal even better!

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The big party:

Sure, it might be the traditional idea, but for some people, the big birthday party really works. If it’s a particularly big birthday, such as the 21st, the 30th, or any of the other multiples of ten, it’s often expected that a little extra bit of fuss is made over a person. If it’s a special birthday, you can also get their loved ones such as friends and family involved in making it a really big event. However, if your SO has said that they genuinely don’t enjoy parties in the past and they have meant it, don’t assume that they do really love parties deep down. That simply is not the case for most people who say that.

Make it a time to appreciate them:

Not every way of celebrating their birthday has to be some big thing. Instead, you can just as easily leave little touches throughout the day that show them how much you care about them. For instance, one great gift could be a jar of love notes that they can open up throughout the day and beyond to see reasons that you love them, are grateful for them, memories you share with them, or even the occasional blue message if you want to take things into the boudoir. You can make things even more fun and leave these messages with little bonus gifts (like their favorite candy) in places they’re likely to look throughout the day.

Sentimental gifts always go over well and there is a range of options beyond love notes. A beautiful bouquet of flowers, for example, is a lovely way to brighten your partner’s day. Or, perhaps, surprising them with wall art of the moon phase on your birthday or each of your birthdays for a personalized display in your home.

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Go somewhere together:

This isn’t necessarily an idea that’s exclusive from those above. However, if you’re able to travel, then it might be a great idea to combine one of the ideas above with the chance to enjoy getting away from familiar locations. A great romantic city break could be just what you need so that you can both feel like you’re being treated to something special on the big day. You can order food, enjoy hotel facilities, and take the time to explore something new together. It’s a great way to create brand new memories and a lot of us have really been missing the chance to explore outside of our own neighborhoods for the past several months.

Share an experience:

Sharing an experience together is always a great idea for a way to celebrate your SO’s big day. How about a day at the aquarium? An amusement park? Or, perhaps, a couple’s massage at the spa? If your partner is an adrenaline junkie, you could try your hand at skydiving, bungee jumping, or a ride for two in a Supermarine Spitfire. The rides provided by https://www.spitfires.com/ will leave both of you on the edge of your seat!

There is no particular event, expenditure, or organization that can make your SO’s birthday special. What is most important is that you think about what they would love and you do what you can to make it a reality. That’s the surest way to make them feel special!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov19

Lil Red COVID-19 PSA

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Lil Red COVID-19 PSA

Howdy!! Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still causing a lot of grief for everyone. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to better protect yourselves and your loved ones. Like some of the following:

Mask Up:

Whether you’re rocking a surgical mask or a homemade cloth one, it is so important to wear a mask if you are out in public. Yes, some people find them uncomfortable. But, you know what’s more uncomfortable? People getting sick and dying. Wearing a mask is a sign of respect to those around you, for yourself, and for your loved ones. It is the absolute least we can all do.

Social Distance:

If you are out in public, be sure to follow proper social distancing protocols by standing at least six feet apart from those around you. Many stores have handy markers on the ground to help keep everyone the appropriate space apart. Be aware of them, use them, and don’t be that person who is up in everyone’s space despite the PANDEMIC going on. Also, while in public, make sure you are using Purell or your preferred brand of hand sanitizer often.

Just Stay In:

As someone who works with very high risk people, I have been hunkered down since March to better protect myself and my clients. Would it be nice to continue to go here, there, and everywhere as if things were normal right now? Yes. But things aren’t normal right now and most outings like restaurants, bars, or large get togethers are completely unnecessary.

Order take out, have a wine night at home, or Zoom everybody in for a hang sesh in the evening. It has been so difficult for me to give things up that I love like ice skating weekly, seeing my friends, and in store shopping trips. However, I value everyone’s health and safety far more than all of my favorite activities combined.

If You’re Bored…

And, if you’re super bored, you are always welcome here on lifewithlilred as a guest blogger! Fill up some ample free time by emailing me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com and we can arrange for you to be my featured blogger of the day. The best part? lifewithlilred is about creating a family in the blogosphere and all of my previous guest bloggers will always have a home on my page when they want to have their work featured again. Stay in for an afternoon and become part of my ever growing blogging family! ❤

How do you stay safe in COVID times? What is something that you miss doing the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

4 Ways To Create A Low Maintenance Home

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4 Ways To Create A Low Maintenance Home

Even though you’re spending more time at home at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, you don’t want to be spending all of your time cleaning it! It’s nice to have a home that you can just sit and relax in without thinking about what jobs need to be done or being surrounded by clutter. It can sometimes feel like housework is never-ending, but that doesn’t have to be the case at all because with a little work up front now, you could create a very low-maintenance home. This would be like a gift to yourself and mean that you can sit and enjoy your home while doing things you like, such as reading and watching TV, knitting, or playing games with the family.

Choose Easy Flooring:

When you have flooring that has gaps or joint lines, you have a lot more dirt to clean as this type of flooring gives it a place for dirt to settle. Look into flooring services to find something that would suit your home and give you an easy life when it comes to cleaning, something that means you’ll only need a broom and a mop to keep it clean. There are plenty of options when it comes to flooring, so you won’t find it difficult to get something to suit your home, needs, and budget.

Keep Things Simple:

Keeping things simple not only makes your home look clean and tidy rather than cluttered, but it also helps you to keep it clean and tidy. When you have fancy moldings on your walls, they will do nothing but collect dust, protruding edges will attract spiders and webs, detailed light fittings will want dusting regularly, and blinds or shutters collect dirt. All of this creates more jobs for you; however, if you do like your home to be full of ornaments and trinkets, then put them in easy reach so that dusting is not an even bigger task.

Choose Stain Resistant Fabrics/Materials:

If you have children and often spend your time wiping up after spills, then choose furniture with materials such as leather or fabrics that are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. This way, you won’t have to spend your time scrubbing and trying to get pen marks or food stains out of furniture that you love.

Declutter:

When you have fewer things in your house, you automatically will have less mess, and when you have less mess, you have less stress. Having a clean and tidy house will make you feel calmer and more relaxed. If you declutter your home and donate or sell things that you don’t need or use anymore, then not only will your home look cleaner but there will be fewer things to clean. Total win/win!

If your house is feeling cluttered from larger pieces like furniture, you might want to think about storage solutions. That way, you will be able to hold onto these items while still having the space to roam freely in the house. Companies like Page Street (or a similar one in your local area) provide storage containers for rent so your items can be held in a safe space. Less furniture means less items to collect dust or be damaged from every day wear and tear.

Cut your cleaning time significantly with the tips above and get back to your Netflix marathons! 😀

Featured Image By: Wokandapix from Pixabay

Nov18

Top Tips For Looking Your Best

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Top Tips For Looking Your Best

When you look great, you usually feel great, which is a recipe for success and joyfulness. You can’t help but have confidence in yourself and hold your head up high. The dilemma may be that you’re not taking good care of yourself and are letting your self-care slip because you’re busy.

Make yourself and your wellness and beauty a priority, and you’ll be much happier about your appearance. Review the following tips so you can look your best and get back to living life to the fullest with a smile on your face. Have fun with it and enjoy the transformation when you’re in a better place:

Get Enough Sleep:

One tip for looking your best is to get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Sleep not only gives you more natural energy, but it’ll ensure you don’t have dark circles under your eyes too. Your skin will glow and have fewer blemishes, and you’ll find it’s easier to maintain or lose weight. Sleep is essential to you feeling motivated to achieve your goals and tackle your to-do list.

Take Care of Your Smile:

Another tip for looking your best is to take care of your smile. Smiling makes you feel lively and will help you give off a friendly vibe to others. Visit your dentist regularly and brush your teeth and floss at home to maintain white and healthy teeth. If you’ve lost any teeth due to injury or illness, you may want to consider dental implants. After this procedure, you can smile confidently and will no longer feel self conscious when speaking and interacting with others.  

Do Your Hair & Makeup:

Wake up each day and take a shower and get ready so you can feel and look your best. Commit to doing your hair and applying makeup, which will make you feel ready to seize the day. You want to leave the house feeling good about yourself and the way you look. If you roll out of bed with messy hair and no makeup, you might feel tired and lousy all day. If you’re in a rush, then find quick up-dos you can use for your hair and, at the minimum, put on mascara and lip balm to add some color to your smile.

Exercise & Eat Well:

You’re going to look your best when you’re at a healthy weight and are free from stress and anxiety. Two ways you can reduce your worry and get into better shape is to exercise and eat well. Find physical activities you enjoy doing, and that allow you to burn calories and break a sweat. Get in the habit of cooking for yourself at home and carrying healthy snacks with you to eat throughout the day. When you combine healthy eating with regular exercise, you’ll be setting yourself up to love the way you look, and you’ll feel energized and content inside your mind and body, as well. 

It’s hard to feel good when times are so crazy but the tips above will help get some pep back in your step!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov16

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide For Her This Christmas

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December is nearly here, which means Christmas is nearly here! Have you got your tree up yet? I know a lot of people that get their decorations out right after Thanksgiving. It is such a fun time of year, full of good food, laughter, family, and gifts. The latter can be a little stressful, though. Buying gifts can be tricky when you’re not sure what on earth they would like. We all know that one person that seems to be impossible to shop for, right? But you don’t need to look any further; I have the ultimate Christmas gift guide for you right here. Whether it is your grandma, mom, sister, daughter, or a friend, I have plenty of ideas for you. So grab a coffee and have a read through these suggestions. I hope that this is really useful for you!

For the Home: There are lots of great gifts that you can get for people to have in their home. It helps if you have been in their home and seen their style, though. But some gifts that work well for everyone are things like scented candles. I don’t think I know of anyone what wouldn’t enjoy getting these as a gift. Choose some seasonal scents and they can fill their home with the lovely scent of cinnamon and clove, for example. If you know that they already have quite a lot of scented candles, you could choose to get them some candle accessories. Candle holders, votive holders, or trays are a great idea. For larger jar candles, you can even get little ‘lampshades’ to put on top of them. It makes them look really cute and cozy, so perfect for a gift at this time of year.

Other things for the home could be throws and pillows. I think little items like this add such a touch of luxury to the home. They are also things that people might not necessarily buy for themselves. Thick, chunky knit throws are stylish at the moment and perfect for winter. If you are on a tight budget, you could even knit one. There are a lot of tutorials online of how to make one. And because they are so chunky, you don’t even need to use knitting needles most of the time. It will be an extra nice gift to give when it is a homemade one!

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 Love!

Storage Accessories: One of my favorite gift giving methods is getting a cute basket and filling it with goodies. You can make it as big or as small as you’d like so it works really well for all budgets. Grab a storage accessory that can be used after the gifts are emptied and get creative. To keep it cheaper, you could make some treats for them. How about some homemade jam or jelly? You could make some cookies to put in there, as well as some truffles or even oil infusions. Just go with what the recipient loves and you can make it specific to them. Another thing that I love about giving a little goodie basket as a gift is that you can make it completely unique for the recipient. If you’re short on time or your budget is a little more elaborate, then you could add in some wine or a bottle of chocolate liquor. Hello, spiked holiday hot chocolate!

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I would love that gift set!

Clothing Accessories: Another gift idea that I utilize often are clothing accessories. They aren’t as full on as a piece of clothing so it is easier to get it right. As long as you know their general style, it can be easy to pick something out for them. It could be a scarf or pashmina, for example. You can buy them in all sorts of colors and patterns these days so you can find something to suit every taste. You could even think about getting them a hat and scarf combo, too. Bobble hats are on trend for this winter so that could be a cute idea. If you are buying a gift for someone that is going through chemotherapy or suffers from hair loss, then a hat could be perfect for them – especially with such frigid weather. You could even look somewhere like Hats with Heart for lots of different styles.

Other accessories that I think work well for gifts are pieces of jewelry like necklaces and bracelets. The reason I haven’t mentioned rings is that you need to know someone’s ring size for that. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are generally all a ‘one size fits all’ type of thing so you will never have a problem with them not fitting. You could choose some chunkier style costume jewelry if that is more their thing or go for a classic piece or silver or gold jewelry. Just check on their style and the color of jewelry that they already wear. If they have a lot of gold rings, then they’d most likely want a gold one to match, rather than silver.

Technology: As much as I’m sure a few of us would like to buy our sisters or moms a brand new Macbook, we can’t all afford to do so. There are some options for technology and gadgets, though, for all budgets. A tablet or e-reader will still be on the expensive side, but cheaper than a computer. If you know someone that already has something like a Kindle, then you could get them a gift card to be able to download and read some new books. My boyfriend gifted me with a Kindle for our anniversary and I LOVE it! It is great for playing games, watching Netflix, and browsing the web from the comfort of a plush arm chair.

Otherwise, I think getting some accessories for their existing tech is a fun idea. There are lots of phone covers, laptop skins, or tablet covers that you can buy. So have a look out for what you think might be their style. Your grandma or mom might like a custom cover, with photos of the kids or grandkids on it, for example, which makes that gift a little bit more special and thoughtful. Personalized gifts can take a little longer to make and have them delivered so it is worth looking into something like that now. We are so close to Christmas once December comes around.

Headphones are also always a good idea, especially if you have a family member or friend that commutes or goes to the gym regularly. You can get wireless headphones now too, so they are a funky and modern gift.

Homemade Coupons: This works well if you still live with the person you are giving the gift to so a sister, daughter or mom, for example. You could put together a coupon booklet, full of things specific to them. Then they can redeem them throughout the year. It could be full of things like ‘good for one trip to the mall with me’ or ‘good for one back massage,’ as examples. If it was for your mom or grandma, it could be for a trip out for afternoon tea, or a night off from the kids, for instance. It could even be some more fun things like having breakfast for dinner on their chosen day or having a ‘treat pass’ which they can cash in for something like Starbucks or their favorite candy. The great thing is that you can make it completely personal. It is also an awesome budget gift idea which is perfect for when things are a little bit tight. It is sweet and thoughtful too, so your recipient will love it as it will mean much more than a store-bought gift.

Kitchen Gadgets: We all know a foodie, right? So there are several options that you can get for them to make their life in the kitchen easier. It could be something like a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Then they can make zoodles or courgetti to their heart’s content. A juicer is also a gift that will be super useful to a foodie friend. That, a blender, mini food processor, or stick blender are all good ideas, too. As a treat, something like a waffle iron or crepe pan would make an awesome gift (hopefully, one that you’d get to reap the rewards of)! Bakeware is also always a fabulous idea. How about some colorful silicone bakeware that is so on trend these days?

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Bathroom Treats: We all shower or take a bath (I hope!) so we would all make use of things like shower gel, shampoo, and bubble bath soap. You could get a little bathroom set for them, full of all things like lotion, perfume, bath bombs, or bath gel. It isn’t necessarily the most creative gift ever but it is a gift that will definitely be utilized and appreciated. You could choose more luxurious brands than they would choose for themselves, which then makes the gift a little fancier. Another gift idea could be something like an electric toothbrush. This would work well with a niece or daughter, especially if it was one of their favorite characters on the toothbrush.

Who has finished their holiday shopping already? Who is the most difficult person in your family or group of friends to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov14

Gourmet Instant Food You Need In Your Life

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Gourmet Instant Food You Need In Your Life

The words “gourmet” and “instant” don’t usually go together. But in our high-tech world of technological voodoo, that’s no longer the case in the realm of food. Today there are all sorts of instant gourmet options available. And it’s taking instant gratification to a whole new level:

Cheese Stuffed Burgers:

Why put cheese on top of your burger patty when you can put it inside, instead? That’s the idea behind cheese-stuffed burgers. As a home chef, you just cook the burgers as you usually would. Then when you bite into them, the cheese oozes out, and you get a massive dose of flavor.

What’s nice about these burgers is how runny the cheese gets when you cook it this way. The meat prevents evaporation, so you wind up with a sous-vide-style experience. These burgers tend to work best with semi-sweet sauces, like BBQ, but you can also pair them with coleslaw or onion rings.

Gourmet Calzones:

Call up your local late night pizza delivery services these days and they will probably offer gourmet options around the clock. Today, it is a completely different experience. Takeouts know that their patrons want quality ingredients and new taste sensations. The standard options are still popular. But there’s also a big market for the finer flavors.

Today, gourmet calzones are a big hit. That’s because you can fit more quality ingredients in them than you can a standard pizza. Goat cheese, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, and roasted peppers are all par for the course. And the taste experience is dramatically improved for foodies with sophisticated palates.

Specialty Ramen:

If you thought that ramen was just for students on microscopic budgets, think again. It turns out that multiple vendors are now making gourmet versions that harken back to the original Asian dish. With these meals, you’re getting much more than just some cheap noodles suspended in MSG-filled water. Many come with things like king shiitake mushrooms, wholefood glass noodles, sugar snap peas, black fungus, and marinated tofu. In fact, the number of options is quite spectacular. If you haven’t checked out the market yet, you definitely should!

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Mac n’ Cheese With a Twist:

This classic American dish is usually something you put in the microwave and enjoy steaming hot a few minutes later. But even this “plain” dish is going through a revolution.

The standard version is just a cheese sauce with refined macaroni pieces. It’s comforting, but it’s not healthy food. Today, though, people are discovering that they can create a better experience by combining flavors and using whole food ingredients. So, instead of using refined pasta, they’re using specialty wholemeal versions. And instead of using cheese sauce, they’re replacing it with cashew and nutritional yeast. A lot of budding chefs also like to char some broccoli with soy sauce before mixing into the main meal.

Bean Sausages:

Finally, we’re seeing the rise of bean gourmet sausages made with fresh ingredients. In these recipes, the base is always beans and wholemeal breadcrumbs. People are then adding their choice of herbs to create a variety of flavors to keep them interested throughout the month.

Is your mouth watering yet? Use the ideas above and transform your family dinner tonight!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov14

2020 Approved Christmas Gift Ideas

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2020 Approved Christmas Gift Ideas

Hello! 2020 has been a crazy year, to say the least. And, until the COVID-19 pandemic gets under control, things are going to remain crazy. The coronavirus may have put a damper on your upcoming holiday plans. However, you can still be the best gifter of the bunch with these totally approved for 2020 gift ideas. Check it out:

Streaming Subscription:

If one of your giftees doesn’t have a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Shudder, or Amazon Prime, then this would be the perfect time to introduce them. Buy a subscription for them for a couple of months or, heck, the entire year! The gift of entertainment will certainly go a long way right now and it will give you someone new to talk about all of your favorite shows with.

Gift Cards:

To some, gift cards might feel like a cop out gift. I have never been under that impression and am never opposed to gift cards – especially right now! Gift cards are great because you can use them during online shopping so no visits to the store are required and your giftee can pick out exactly what they want. Safe, smart, and so simple.

Date Night In:

Staying in is the best thing you can do right now so why not create a date night in for your favorite couple? Try sending them a box from Blue Apron or Hello Fresh so that they can prepare a meal together and a new board game for the evening’s entertainment. The wine is optional but would not go unappreciated… For me, at least! 😀

Craft Kits:

Another fun idea for creating entertainment at home for your giftee is assembling a craft kit for them. Whether that be a wooden bird box and some paint for a nature lover, beautiful beads for a friend who makes jewelry, or a sketch pad and colored pencils for your favorite artist a craft kit is thoughtful and sure to be a success for your artistically inclined giftees.

2020 Care Package:

Honestly, everyone can use some help right now and a 2020 care package could be the biggest crowd pleaser of all. Fill a basket with hand made cloth masks from a local business, Purell, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Is it the most fun? No. Is it the most useful? Absolutely! It’s just like getting socks for Christmas – no one necessarily loves it but they are always needed! 🙂

If you are struggling with coming up with gifts for everyone on your list, use the tips above for the ultimate 2020 approved ideas!

Are you all done holiday shopping? What are some of your best gift ideas for 2020? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov13

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

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Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

Hello!! Normally, the holiday season is an uber exciting time to get together with the people you love most and celebrate. However, with COVID-19 still on the up and up, these next few holidays might feel more daunting than anything. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be different this year but different doesn’t mean bad so try getting more into the holiday spirit with these ideas:

Host A Food Drive:

It’s nice to remember how fortunate we are during the holiday season but it’s even better to think about those who have less than you. So, how about hosting a food drive with your friend group or family? Choose some of your local food banks or homeless shelters to help support and see how big your donation haul can get. Offer a small reward to the person who collected the most goods and turn a collection drive into a yearly tradition.

Mystery Gifts:

Due to COVID, it is much easier and safer to online shop for holiday gifts instead of going into the store. A fun way to recognize this would be to send mystery gifts to your friends or family. No names, no cards – just a Zoom meeting after all of the gifts are received to see if anyone can guess who sent them theirs. Set your own rules like a spending limit or if hints can be given and see how well all of you know each other by sending off surprise gifts!

Arts & Crafts:

Having an abundance of time at home is perfect for trying your hand at some holiday themed crafts. Whether that be creating hand print turkeys with your little ones or having a boozy Christmas ornament decorating sesh with the girls, a craft night is a perfect way to get together and try something new. Have a Zoom meeting all together or social distance appropriately and, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite hobby.

Countdown Memories:

Sadly, a lot of families will not be able to get together this holiday season and that sucks – for lack of a better word. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in one of the most loved holiday activities – reminiscing on holidays of past. Create a slideshow or presentation of your top holiday memories complete with pictures, videos, or goofy memes to help better describe your favorite times. Send them off to those you hold dear and enjoy hearing about everyone else’s most treasured holiday memories.

Sponsor A Family:

The holiday season should, ideally, be a magical time for everyone but, unfortunately, that is not the case. If there is a family in your community that you know is struggling, lend a helping hand. Leave a surprise donation of toys, gift cards, food, and anything else that you think they would need to better enjoy their day. You might be able to make it the best holiday yet for someone who needs it the most.

How do you get into the holiday spirit? What are some of your favorite holiday memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov12

Are You Ready To Move In With Your Partner?

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Are You Ready To Move In With Your Partner?

So, you’ve met the perfect person. They make you happy in so many different ways and dating them is a dream. Sure, you’ve got your ups and downs, but nothing so far has been a deal breaker. If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to take the next step – moving in together – then take a look at these four key signs that you can start apartment-hunting:

It’s something you’ve already talked about:

If you aren’t talking about your future, then it might not be the right time to spring a conversation about moving in together on your partner. Not only is it healthy to keep communication lines open with your partner about what your expectations are of the relationship, but it will also indicate that you both want the same things and are prepared to take that next step together.

It’s not about “fixing” things:

You should avoid taking steps in your relationship because you’re expecting them to fix things. Moving in together won’t patch up a rocky relationship – that needs to come before you pick up the keys. Moving in together is a big deal, but it won’t suddenly mean your S.O. becomes a better communicator overnight, or more ambitious, or any other little annoyance that you’ve been ignoring up to now. If that’s your expectation, it might be time to put on the brakes.

You mostly agree:

Okay, we’re not saying you have to agree on everything – that would be pretty boring. But there does have to be a bit of common ground. If everything you’re looking for in an apartment is different, then that’s a reason to pause for thought. Are they interested in buying an apartment off the plan, but it’s not something you want? Or they’d prefer to be further outside the city whereas you want the nightlife? There should be an overlap of what you both want in the place you decide to cohabit. Of course, there will be points of compromise for both of you down this path, but that should make your relationship strong, rather than be a point of contention.

You’re okay with loosing some of your independence:

Again, this isn’t something that you’ll lose entirely. It’s usually a sign of an unhealthy relationship if you’re too dependent on each other. But at the same time, you will be giving up some of your own space and time for someone else. Rather than focusing on anything practical, like whether or not your lease is running out or you spend most of your time sleeping over at each other’s places, think about the emotional side of cohabiting. Is this person who you want to wake up next to every morning? Share meals with? Go through the ups and downs and life stresses with? If there’s a question mark hovering over those things, then you might be rushing into it.

Don’t downplay how important moving in together is – it’s usually the first steps towards a bright future for you and your partner. Just make sure you’re going in with your eyes open before you start picking out bedroom furniture!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov10

Creating The Perfect Bedroom

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Creating The Perfect Bedroom

Every now and then, we get a little bored of our bedrooms and decide it needs a makeover. We have got some small and large tips to get your bedroom looking brand new. Check out our suggestions below:

Declutter:

Marie Kondo your room by getting rid of unwanted items that no longer bring you joy. You will notice how much stuff you have accumulated over the years. Decluttering and making room will help clear your mind too.

Choose a color to stick to:

There is a whole rainbow of colors to choose from, so decide on primary colors that go together and start from there. Don’t forget to choose what color wood compliments your chosen colors the best. And always have a theme in mind, there are many websites you can draw inspiration from.

Rugs:

Whether you have carpet or hard floors, a rug can really pull a room together. Get one that’s large enough to place under your bed but protrudes evenly out on either side. Think plush and cushy fabrics for underneath your feet when you first wake up!

Think about built in wardrobes:

Opting for built-in wardrobes can make your room appear bigger and less cluttered. Find a good place to tuck them away and, to make your bedroom look even more spacious, go for mirrored doors to bounce the light.

Redecorate the walls:

Over time our walls gather marks and fingerprints and are in need of a fresh coat of paint. If you don’t want to change the color, you can repaint your walls the same shade, this will make your room look clean and fresh. For a more bold change, either paint or wallpaper one wall to create a feature wall.

Incorporate mirrors:

As said above, adding mirrors into your room creates light and the illusion of more space. If you haven’t opted for mirrors on your wardrobe doors, find a place for a statement mirror.

Hang art:

Hanging a large piece of art above your bed can be eye catching for anyone who enters. If paintings aren’t your thing, then select a photo and get it enlarged and framed or you can create a collage full of your favorite images.

Choosing your bed:

If you found that decluttering didn’t clear as much as you hoped for, then changing your bed to an ottoman or dividend bed can help. It has handy storage underneath to keep all of your rarely used bits hidden away. If you have managed to declutter, then that queen size bed is all yours and it will be an amazing upgrade to your space and sleep. If you are feeling grande, then why not opt for a four-poster bed? So luxurious!

Decorate the bed:

You can’t go wrong with decorating your bed with the most comfy cushions and throws. Don’t go mad taking up half the bed with cushions, you don’t want it to look overcrowded. Instead, have a maximum of six or fewer.

We hope we have got you excited about creating your perfect bedroom by just incorporating a few of these ideas! For more home tips, check out Getting Your Home In Shape For Cold Weather.

Featured Image By: SHOP SLO® on Unsplash