Tag Archives: life

Aug13

Ways To Help Out A Loved One In Need

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Ways To Help Out A Loved One In Need

Hello!! This past week has been an awful, stressful time for yours truly. And, let’s be honest, these past couple of years have been an awful, stressful time for everyone. COVID, losing your job, and inflation are enough to make anyone go crazy! In times like these, we all could use a helping hand and these are some of the things that I have been implementing in my own family over the past week and change:

Cook A Meal:

When a crisis arises, one of the last things that people think about is having a home cooked meal. There’s nothing wrong with takeout or fast food but nothing hits quite as much as a meal made with love! Someone struggling could really use a good meal so why not bring one over? You could provide all of the fixings for a spaghetti dinner, tacos, or any of their favorite dishes. A meal that has plenty of leftovers is also one that will be much appreciated.

Clean Up:

Another thing that falls by the wayside during difficult times is housework. We all know that a cluttered and unclean environment can make things even more stressful and it is so easy for all of the household chores to start piling up. You don’t have to give a Merry Maids level clean but doing the dishes, taking out the trash, or the dreaded cleaning of the bathrooms will give the person you’re helping one less thing to think about.

Pet Care:

Pets definitely know when something is up because it effects them too. Something as simple as taking the dog for a long walk, playing with the cats, or cleaning cages can be a huge help. You can also keep an eye on their supply of food and replenish it as needed so they will never go without.

Spend Some Time:

Someone going through a lot will surely benefit from just having you as company. You could lend your ear, be a shoulder to cry on, or simply be around and not talk at all. Things like watching a funny show, doing a puzzle, or playing a game can provide some much needed relief when their focus is shifted to something else for a bit.

From big gestures to small, all of it will be so very appreciated. Please keep my family in your thoughts. ❤

How do you provide a helping hand? What helps you to feel better? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug2

4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

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4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

Feeling confident is key to success in any area of life. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your actions and the way you interact with others. If you’re looking for a quick confidence boost, try some of these methods:

Stand up straight and tall:

The first step to looking and feeling more confident is your posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. This will make you look and feel more powerful, which in turn will boost your confidence. If you’re not used to good posture, it may take some practice to get into the habit of standing and sitting up straight. But once you do, you’ll notice a difference in the way you feel about yourself.

Smile!

Smiling is another great way to boost your confidence. It makes you look friendly and approachable, two qualities that will help you feel more confident in social situations. If you’re not used to smiling, it may take some extra thought at first. But once you do, you won’t be able to stop. There is always something to smile about!

If you feel like your smile could use some work, consider visiting a Dentist. A professional cleaning and whitening can do wonders for your self esteem. Dentists can also help with other confidence boosting treatments, such as straightening your teeth or fixing minor imperfections. If you’re considering any type of cosmetic dental work, be sure to consult with a reputable dentist who has experience performing the procedure you’re interested in.

Make eye contact with people:

Making eye contact is a great way to show confidence. It shows that you’re interested in what the other person has to say and that you believe in what you’re saying yourself. If you’re not used to making eye contact, it may feel awkward at first. But the more you practice, the easier it will become. In addition to making eye contact, be sure to speak slowly and clearly when you can. Speaking too quickly can make you seem nervous or unsure of yourself. But speaking slowly and clearly will help you come across as confident and in control.

Dress for success:

What you wear can also impact your confidence. If you dress in clothes that make you feel good about yourself, it will show in your demeanor. So be sure to choose clothes that fit well and are comfortable to wear. You should also avoid wearing clothes that make you feel self-conscious. There is no point in that and it will show as you fidget and pull at your clothes throughout the day. When you look good, you’ll feel good – and your confidence will reflect that.

With a little practice at these four suggestions, you’ll be feeling more confident in no time! Why not give it a try?

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Jul27

How To Make Rural Life Easier

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How To Make Rural Life Easier

Living in a rural area is never an easy task, especially if you don’t have much experience with being far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Fortunately, figuring out how to thrive despite leading a rural lifestyle doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might imagine. This guide contains some of the most effective ideas that you can make the most of today so you can start to thrive in no time:

Have Home Experts On Speed Dial:

It is so important to have a range of experts on speed dial so you can call a professional if you find yourself in a tricky situation. For example, a number of rural homes which are not directly linked to utility services have their own septic tank, meaning you should certainly add an emergency septic company service to your contact list.

To add to this, you’ll also likely benefit from sourcing a trusted plumber, as well as a registered electrician. Making the mistake of not building relationships with such people could leave you in a terrible situation without access to electricity or hot water, or even stop you from using your toilet. Always take the time to read reviews beforehand so that you can locate the most trustworthy and reputable providers, as you need to be able to put your faith in whoever you call.

Always Stock Up:

When you’re far away from the grocery store, it’s always best to stock up rather than being left without the ingredients or items that you need. There are bound to be many items that you can stock up on to begin your journey to a constantly full pantry, starting off with dried foods. It’s likely that you and your family will eat things like pasta or rice at least once a week, so you can purchase these items in bulk to ensure you have enough for the next few months!

Dried foods generally have a really long shelf life and can be left in storage for many months or even years without degrading in any way. Canned foods are great to stock up on too, as canned tomatoes, beans, vegetables and more can also stand the test of time without going off very easily. When you can stock up properly, cooking becomes an easy task that you can genuinely enjoy, rather than a chore that leaves you worrying about your next restock.

Success in a rural setting means lots of planning ahead and having trustworthy people to help you when you’re in a bind. Use these tips to get started today!

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Jul19

3 Ways To Upgrade Your Life

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3 Ways To Upgrade Your Life

Sometimes you just know that you are in need of a change, even if it is not immediately obvious what the nature of that change should be. If that is the position that you are in right now, then there are a lot of potential things you might want to think about, changes which might be necessary for you to make in your life. In this post, we will take a look at some of the biggest kinds of upgrades that people commonly consider:

Move House:

First of all, you might want to consider moving home. This can often act as a very significant change to your life, and if you do it right it could be exactly the upgrade that you are hoping for. Moving home is a great way to make a big change in your life, especially if you also make a point of moving to a completely different area or even a different country. There is a reason that they say it’s one of the biggest life events you will ever go through, after all. If you want a big change, consider moving house at some point in the near future, and setting up a new life somewhere. It could be in a different country, the East Gate subdivision, or even one city over. It’s amazing how much of a difference this can make to your life, and how much it can help in general.

Of course, it is no secret that moving house can be stressful. This is why you will want to plan to the letter and have the help you need scheduled and ready to go. For example, HireFleet are experts at van hire to rent a vehicle for moving boxes and furniture should you opt to not use a moving team. Just be sure to enlist the help of friends and family too for the heavy lifting!

Remodel Your House:

Of course, you don’t always have to move home to get the feeling of being in a new home. You might want to simply remodel or use construction services to create an addition to the house that you currently have. This can be beneficial in a number of ways, including the fact that it can make you feel like you are experiencing a fresh start without having to actually move. Remodeling your house is a huge undertaking and one which you are going to need to have the right help for. Getting a home remodel by Distinctive Homes, for instance, will ensure that it is professional and that it’s working out as it should, so that’s something that you should think about while you plan.

Change Careers:

Are you stuck in a career that isn’t really suited to you? When you are in this position, it can be a very tough place to be, and you might find yourself feeling that it would be better to simply change careers. This is an option that you always have available to you, so it’s worth thinking about whether you want to do that. Changing careers in this way can help you to feel a fresh start, and that can mean that your life suddenly has a lot more meaning again.

Whether you take big steps like the ones above or small, we should always strive to continue upgrading our lives!

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Jul13

Yikes! A Summary Of A Terrible 9 Days

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Yikes! A Summary Of A Terrible 9 Days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul8

Downsizing Your Expenses: What Can You Do To Cut Costs?

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Downsizing Your Expenses: What Can You Do To Cut Costs?

In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your expenses. If you are finding yourself in a situation where you need to downsize your spending, don’t panic! There are a number of things that you can do to help ease the transition. In this post, we will discuss some tips on how to reduce your expenses without sacrificing too much quality of life. Follow these steps, and you will be on your way to financial stability in no time:

Take a Closer Look at Your Budget:

The first step to reducing your expenses is to take a close look at your budget. Where are you currently spending the majority of your money? Are there any areas where you can cut back? For example, if you are spending a lot on eating out, try cooking more meals at home. If you have a gym membership that you never use, cancel it and start working out for free at home or in the great outdoors! Once you have identified some areas where you can reduce your spending, it will be easier to make the necessary cuts.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Subscriptions and Memberships:

Another way to save money is to get rid of any unnecessary subscriptions or memberships. Do you really need that cable TV package with 500 channels that you never watch? Chances are, you can live without it. Ditch the gym membership that you never use and cancel any magazine subscriptions that you no longer read. These are all expenses that can be easily eliminated from your budget without having a major impact on your life.

Cut Back on Shopping and Entertainment:

If you want to save money, you will need to cut back on shopping and entertainment. Instead of going out to eat every weekend, try cooking at home more often. Go for a walk or bike ride instead of going to the movies. There are plenty of ways to have fun without spending a lot of money. Get creative and see how much you can save!

Save on Transportation Costs:

Transportation costs can add up quickly so it is important to find ways to save in this area. If you live in a city, try using public transportation instead of driving everywhere. This can save you a lot of money on gas and parking fees. If you live in a rural area, see if carpooling with friends or family is an option. There are many ways to reduce your transportation costs, so do some research and see what works best for you.

Moving to a More Affordable Home:

One of the most drastic ways to reduce your expenses is to move to a more affordable home. If you are currently renting an apartment, see if you can find a cheaper place to live. Looking into apartments for rent or finding a roommate to split the cost of rent with can be great ways to reduce your monthly expenses. If you own your home, consider downsizing to a smaller house or condo. This may not be an option for everyone, but it is something to consider if you are looking for ways to save money.

If you are planning a move, you will certainly be decluttering and this could be the perfect time to host a yard sale or donate to a local center. If you are donating, be sure to employ the use of a donation tracker so you can have this information available when you file your taxes. However you declutter your space could be a way to earn some extra money for the piggy bank!

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Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

These are just a few tips on how to downsize your expenses without a ton of sacrifice. If you are struggling to make ends meet, try implementing some of these suggestions and see how much they can help! Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving money.

Featured Image By: Andre Taissin on Unsplash

Jun27

Look For The Rainbows

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Look For The Rainbows

Hello! This past week was a bit of a doozy with a busy work schedule and lots of bad news. I was so ready for the weekend on Monday lol. Thankfully, I had the perfect little pick me up on Thursday morning that made everything a smidge better. And, oddly enough, it was on the rug at my mom and dad’s house:

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^^^ Never mind the dog hair! 😀

When I walked into the living room at chez parents, I almost didn’t believe my eyes when I saw the oval rainbow prism on the rug. I thought that I was really losing it lol but, alas, it was there and it was glorious! I had never seen a prism with that shape before and it blew me away. It truly is the small things, isn’t it?

Rainbows, of course, always remind me of better things ahead but they also make me think of my lil niece who lives for a good rainbow. It was just what I needed to see during the final few days of the working week when everything felt so difficult. I had accepted before my day even began that it was probably going to be a bad one and this prism turned that whole outlook on its head – I ended up having a great day!

Even if you don’t have a literal rainbow in front of you, whether it be an actual one or a prism, this is your Lil Red Reminder to always look for them anyways. The rainbow could be a text from a friend, feeling sunshine on your face, or a smile from a stranger. No matter your situation, there are always going to be rainbows for you to find as long as you know where to look. ❤

What or who encourages you? What is something that makes you happy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

Advice For A Fantastic Mid-Year “Tune Up”

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Advice For A Fantastic Mid-Year “Tune Up”

Any driver knows that from time to time, a full vehicle inspection is required. So, if we can do this with our vehicles, why can’t we do it with ourselves too? Sometimes, we might need the ‘tune-up’ that we give to our possessions. But surely you are the most valuable ‘possession’ you have in the first place! So, what plans can we make in order to optimize our approach here? In this post, we’ll discuss all of that and more:

See Your Dentist:

It’s quite amazing how fresh we feel after a visit to the dentist. A local dental clinic can help assess the entirety of your dental environment and make any recommendations that may be important. They can help clean your teeth, attend to any pain or problem areas you might have, and unlock your natural smile in the best possible way. For many this may seem like a pedestrian task, but regular visits can help you prevent long term dental issues that you may have otherwise had.

Take A Fitness ‘Inventory’:

It sounds quite sanctimonious to suggest you should sit down and consider how healthy you are. But the truth is, that it is a good thing to figure out where you are health wise and think about what you’ll do to better yourself. You also have to consider what you could actually do, not what you just think you should. This might involve losing that last couple of pounds, walking more in the mornings, or simply getting more vitamin D. It might mean trying to restore your flexibility after an injury you sustained. Your fitness inventory doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be right for you.

Update Your Style:

Updating your style is always a great thing! Otherwise, we can feel outdated and like we’re behind everyone else. This doesn’t mean you have to dress in the latest fashions, but it’s certainly health to consider the condition of your clothes and to improve them – to opt for a few fixtures like a nice winter coat or even having that watch repaired finally. A tuneup means being able to present yourself to the world with a renewed sense of confidence and appreciation. An approach like this can help you with that through and through.

With this advice, you’re certain to generate the best mid-year tuneup, ready for the best of summer and the onset of the colder seasons. 2022 is already halfway over, if you can believe it, so make the most of it!

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Jun14

Aggression: What Is It & How To Deal

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Aggression: What Is It & How To Deal

Aggression is a complex emotion to manage. Whether it is coming from yourself or another person, it can be overwhelming and destructive. In order to deal with aggression effectively, you need to understand what it is and how it manifests. You also need to have some tools in your toolbox to help you deal with the situation. Let’s discuss:

What is Aggression?

First, it is important to understand what aggression is. Aggression is an emotion that is characterized by feeling angry, frustrated, or violent. It can be directed at yourself or another person. When you are feeling aggressive, you may feel like you want to hurt someone or something. You may also feel like you are out of control.

Common Signs of Aggression:

If you can identify the signs that you are beginning to feel aggressive, then you can start to deal with the emotion before it gets out of hand. Some common signs of aggression include: clenched fists, gritting your teeth, feeling flushed or hot, sweating, fast heartbeat, and shortness of breath. If you notice any of these signs, take a step back and try to calm down.

Find Out What is the Reason Behind Your Aggression:

Sometimes the reason behind your aggression can be helpful in managing it. If you know what is making you angry, you can try and address the issue directly. For example, if you are mad at your boss, talk to them about it instead of bottling it up until you explode. If there is something that is beyond your control that is making you angry, try and find a way to let go of it.

Techniques to Deal with Aggression:

There are many different techniques that you can use to deal with aggression. Some people may find that one method works better for them than others. Experiment and find what works best for you:

Visualization:

One technique that can be helpful is visualization. When you start to feel yourself getting angry, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a calm place. This could be at the beach, in the mountains, or anywhere else that makes you feel peaceful. Try and picture every detail of this place in your mind – the more vivid, the better. Focus on the sounds, smells, and sights around you. Take some deep breaths and relax into the image.

Breathing Exercises:

Another common technique is breathing exercises. When you start to feel your heart rate increase and you get short of breath, stop and take some deep breaths. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold it for a count of four, and then exhale through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this several times until you start to feel calmer.

Alternative Methods:

There are many other methods that you can use to deal with aggression. For example, some people find that physical activity, such as running or hitting a punching bag can help them release their aggression in a healthy way. Others may find that journaling or talking to friends can help them understand and process their emotions. Or they find that using products like CBS can help calm them down. If you are interested in trying CBS, click on this link here. Finding what works best for you is all about trial and error but when you find it, you will definitely know.

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^^^ Photo by Jonathan Tomas on Unsplash

Everyone deals with their emotions differently and some are more difficult to handle than others. Use the tips above to help you get started for a more mentally sound you!

Featured Image By: Monstera from Pexels

Jun13

The Importance Of Personal Development

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The Importance Of Personal Development

It is often said that the key to success is personal development. This may be a cliche, but it is true. To be successful, you need to work on improving yourself constantly. Personal development has many benefits, including increased productivity, improved relationships, and greater happiness. It is a lifelong process that involves growing and improving one’s skills, knowledge, and character. It can be considered an individual or collective journey of self discovery, in which we strive to become the best version of ourselves.

This blog post will explore the importance of self improvement and discuss some tips for getting started:

Why is personal development significant?

Personal development is essential for several reasons. It can help you improve your skills, manage your time, and make more effective decisions. It can also help you become more self aware, set and achieve goals, and boost your confidence. Careskills Academy offers a range of personal development courses that can help you improve your employability skills and progress in your career.

If you’re looking to change your life, whether it’s getting a new job, starting your own business, or improving your well being, personal development can help you achieve your goals. It is an integral part of our lives and can benefit us in many ways.

The benefits of personal development:

In its broadest sense, personal development can be described as activities that improve self knowledge and identity, develop talents and potential, enhance the quality of life, and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations. At its core, personal growth and wellbeing go hand in hand. Striving for growth by investing in yourself can set you on the path to live a happier, more fulfilling and successful life. When you invest in your personal development, you take charge of your life and decide to improve.

How Can You Improve Yourself?

Self improvement and personal development are important because they allow you to improve upon your weaknesses, learn new skills, and become a better person overall. There are many ways to improve yourself, but some of the most common include:

Educating yourself: One of the best ways to improve yourself is to educate yourself. Read books, take classes, and learn as much as possible about the things that interest you. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to handle whatever life throws your way.

Setting goals: Another great way to improve yourself is by setting goals and working towards them. Whether it’s a short term goal like quitting smoking or a long term goal like getting a college degree, having something to strive for can help you stay motivated and focused.

Getting organized: Getting your life in order can also do wonders for your personal development. Taking the time to declutter your home, manage your schedule, and get rid of anything holding you back can give you a fresh start and a new perspective.

Practicing positive thinking: One of the most important aspects of personal development is learning to think positive thoughts. If you want to be happier and more successful, focusing on the good rather than the bad is essential. When you think negative thoughts, try to replace them with positive ones.

Making time for yourself: In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to make time for yourself. But if you want to improve your life, it’s essential to take some time each day to do something that makes you happy. Whether taking a yoga class, going for a walk, or reading a good book, making time for yourself is crucial.

Improving yourself is a lifelong journey and beginning to take small steps towards this will help you to become the best version of you!

Featured Image By: Alena Koval