Tag Archives: life

Six Ways To Help Your Mental Well Being

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Six Ways To Help Your Mental Well Being

With all of the craziness of today’s world, it’s easy to let your mental health slip. But, there are always steps that you can take to help improve your mental well being, like the following:

Speak To Your Loved Ones:

It’s always good to speak to others when you’re feeling low. Social connection is something we need as humans to function. Going without speaking to anyone for a long time can definitely take its toll, and when you’re not feeling yourself, that feeling can be even worse. Communicating is important, and we all have those individuals, whether they’re friends or family, who we can trust to speak openly about anything.

Surround yourself with people who you feel comfortable with and can talk to, rather than being around people who might bring you down or make you feel like you can’t be open about certain things in your life. Pick up the phone or see them in person, whatever form of communication you use, make sure you’re doing more of it when you can.

Learn To Forgive Yourself:

There’s a lot in life that we can end up regretting, things happen and mistakes are made. However, when it comes to focusing on what we’ve done in the past, we tend to reflect more on the negatives and less on the positives. Looking at what we’ve achieved is more important than those things in life that we’d rather forget. There are also times in life where events might happen that are simply out of control. A lot of heartbreaking situations like an abortion procedure or having to deal with a difficult breakup are just a few examples where we have to learn to forgive ourselves. It’s important to understand that these things happened, and forgiving yourself is the first step to accepting it.

Of course, learning to forgive yourself can be far easier said than done and no one needs to go through this process alone. Talking to a therapist can be most helpful or a mental health treatment center can benefit those who need more intensive care. To find a center that is the right fit for you, simply enter a search for “Mental Health treatment in Woodland Hills, CA” (or your local area). Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even schedule a tour to see if their options suit your needs.

Focus On What Makes You Happy:

As you go through life, you start to understand what makes you happy. There are certainly things that you might have done in the past or you will do in the future that you feel could have been handled differently. As long as you’re learning from these experiences and putting your own happiness before others, that’s all that matters. We spend a lot of time making sure everyone else is happy but spend a fraction of that time making sure that we are happy. Self-care is a word that’s thrown about a lot nowadays, and it’s an important one. It’s important to spend more time on yourself to help give your mental well being a boost when it needs it.

Have A Healthy Work-Life Balance:

Work-life balances are something that can be difficult to perfect, and we’re all different in how we see a career. For some, work is simply a way of earning money to spend more time enjoying life. For others, it might be something that they love to do and sacrifice other areas of their life, perhaps being less sociable, for example. However, it’s important that whatever your attitude is towards work and life, it’s good to try and balance it when you can. For all of the work you do, it’s important to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The same goes for your lifestyle and that in order to have a good one, you need to work and be able to support yourself independently, even with a partner.

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Take A Digital Detox:

Digital detoxes are something that many are considering to be very important nowadays. We spend so much time on social media and technology that it can be exhausting when we don’t switch off from it. As far as your mental health goes, it can be very difficult to not compare yourself to others online. We all want to share the very best version of ourselves and not so much of the negativity. However, what that does is show a reality that’s not actually always a positive one. It can be easy to compare yourself in a number of ways to others online, whether it be to do with your looks or the amount of success someone might be having in their life compared to yours.

It’s good to take a digital detox every now and then when you can. Whether it’s a day or two, a week, or even a month. Switching off from social media can be refreshing but will also help you refocus your own ambitions and goals in life.

Consider Your Diet & Exercise:

Diet and exercise are important to stay healthy in life, but for some, it can be difficult to manage. Even with all of the hours in the day, it can be hard to exercise if you don’t have the motivation. It’s even harder when you’ve not found something that you enjoy when it comes to fitness. The same can go for your diet and enjoying food that is healthy without it being something you don’t actually like. Try to find ways of improving both where you can because eating the right foods and exercising regularly can contribute to better mental health and well being. Find sports or exercise you enjoy and try new foods to see what you like and don’t like. Don’t feel guilty for indulging every so often either!

Helping your mental health is important, and it’s something you certainly need to do a lot more of. Use these tips to help spend time on your well being and do them more when you’re struggling. See friends, keep a priority on your happiness, and take a detox when needed.

Featured Image By: Pexels

How You Can Feel Your Best, Every Single Day

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How You Can Feel Your Best, Every Single Day

There are some days when we wake up and we’re just raring to go. Then, there are the days when we wake up, and bleh, not today. At some periods, it feels like more or less like every morning fits into the latter category, when we really want the former feeling. While there will always be times when life isn’t all that enjoyable, there are things you can do that’ll help to nudge things in the right direction. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some tried and tested tips that’ll hopefully have you feeling your best, every single day:

Limit the Vices:

There are some things that are socially accepted but aren’t all that good for us. Take alcohol, for example. It’s so commonplace in society, yet it can have a negative effect on our overall well being. If you’re continually waking up feeling a little lackluster and without energy, then you may want to look at your alcohol intake. A couple of beers or glasses of wine a night might not sound like a lot, but they can have an accumulative effect. Try giving it up for a few weeks and notice the increase in your energy.

Start the Day Right:

You should start as you mean to go on, is what they say. If you’re starting your day chaotically, then it’ll be little wonder if you’re not feeling so great throughout the day, will it? While it can be tempting to get as much sleep as possible, there are benefits to rising early. If you have an additional hour each morning, then you can go for a run, prepare a nice breakfast, read, and leave the house feeling like you’ve already had some goodness in your life. It can be tough to make this transition (that is, to get out of bed), but after a few days, you’ll know that you’re onto something good, and will keep it part of your routine.

Handle Any Problems:

While we’d like to hope that our days will be filled with nothing but good times, this just isn’t the case, not always. There’ll be times when problems present themselves. It’s not the problems that’ll dictate the day, however, but how you respond to them. There’s a solution for everything! It’s all about being prepared. If you have the right medication with you, then you’ll be able to wrestle back control from the things that threaten to derail your day. So make sure you’re prepared. You can get chlamydia treatments online, buy some aspirin, and have anything else in your bag that you think will make your day more comfortable. When those problems present themselves, you’ll have the remedy that’ll have you back on track in no time. 

Moments of Joy:

You won’t be feeling your best if all you’re doing is going through the grind, and doing all the things that you have to do. They should be taken care of, of course, but they’re not the only things that should make up your day! There are always ways to incorporate moments of joy into your day, even when you’re just going to the office. For example, could you park a little further away from the office, and take a pleasant stroll before work? Could you treat yourself to something nice on your lunch break? These small joys might not seem like much, but adding them to your day can shift your life in a more positive direction. 

Work up a Sweat:

Sometimes, we think that all we want to do is curl up on the couch and watch Netflix. And sometimes, that is the case. But if it’s becoming the default way for you to spend your day, then it might not be doing all that much good for you. Our bodies feel good when we use them. If you’re ever feeling a little low of energy and uninspired, then one of the best things you can do is put on some running shoes and go for a jog. Fifteen minutes is enough, so long as you’re working up a sweat. You’ll feel great once you’re back and showered!

Meditation and Slowing Down:

Finally, take some time to slow down. Life can be chaotic, and if you’re not taking steps to protect yourself, then you’ll only get caught up in the chaos. Meditation is perhaps the best way to keep a sense of calm and serenity. Give it a try, and you’ll see. 

Use the tips above to keep you feeling tip top every day!

Featured Image By: Pexels

June 2020 Funky Time Jams

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June 2020 Funky Time Jams

Hello! Wow, everything sucks. But, the end of June will be an exciting time because my family is going to have a little mini vacation to North Carolina. Now, this by no means will be a normal Mushenheim Family Vacation where my dad plans a perfect week full of activities and restaurants. Rather, it will be a more chill time of relaxing in a nice house and eating takeout. The best part? Finally meeting my new baby nephew and having my boyfriend join us on a vacation. 🙂

To keep going with a vacation mood, let’s all go to a happy place in our minds with the following:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

Feel good music has been a big part of what keeps me sane during the stressful times that we’re all currently living under. During all of the driving I do for work, I use my time in the car to get my mood back to a happy place with a few funky time bangers. And, who doesn’t feel like they just had an afternoon at the beach after hearing “Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow or “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys?!

If you find yourself getting anxious with today’s uncertainty, put on your favorite jam, take a vacation in your head, and get yourself back to baseline. ❤

Which songs make you think of vacation? What are your plans for the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Caring For Your Senior Loved Ones During Lock Down

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Caring For Your Senior Loved Ones During Lock Down

Lock down has been tough for many of us. As the days and weeks roll on, life has become rather mundane, and in some ways, quite stressful too. Not only do we need to find new things to do with our time (after binge-watching the entirety of Netflix), but we have had to cope with the mental effects of lock down too.

Times are hard indeed, but if they are hard for us, they will be especially difficult for our senior loved ones. If they are living independently, they might well be suffering from the effects of loneliness and stress themselves. So, consider what you might do to care for your aging parents or your grandparents. Here are a few suggestions:

Ensure they have health support:

If they need support with any health-related issues, now is the time to make sure your senior loved ones have everything they need. It might be that you need to collect any prescriptions for them or you might need to contact their doctor to refill them. Specialist home care services, such as those provided by Serenity Home Health, can offer support to the elderly, so get in touch if your loved one hasn’t yet accessed such support. And speak to your loved one’s neighbors, and ask those that can be trusted to keep a socially distanced eye on your family member.

Stay in touch:

If your senior loved one is living alone, you should make an extra effort to get in touch with them. A daily phone call might make their day, although you could also use Skype, Zoom, or social media to stay in touch with them too. And when you talk to them, be reassuring. The last thing they might need is your stressed-out tones if you’re worrying about lock down, as they might have similar worries themselves. Instead, be encouraging and reassuring, and do nothing to exacerbate their fears. Let them talk to your kids, share stories that will make them smile, and answer any questions they might have if they do share any concerns with you.

Offer practical support:

We have already suggested picking up their medications, but there are other ways to offer practical support too. You might arrange food deliveries for them, for example, or you could take food parcels to them. Maybe you can help them stay on top of their garden and you could drop off books, DVDs, knitting supplies, and anything else that will give them something to do while they’re restricted at home.

If you aren’t in a position to offer practical support hands on, there are still other options. Sarah Care, for example, or Care.com can be most helpful in finding you a helper. You might also want to consider chelseaseniorliving.com/locations/new-jersey/sparta/ if your loved one has more critical needs that can’t be met through drop ins.

Share ideas with them:

If your senior loved ones are unable to exercise outside, share these 10-minute chair exercise ideas with them. If they are experiencing anxiety, research breathing exercises, and go through them with your loved ones on the phone. And if they have any other needs that could be met through your research, do what you can, and provide them with the solutions to the problems they are facing.

Your extra care to your elder family members is just what they need right now. Use our suggestions and research other ideas online to meet their particular needs during this crazy time.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

The Hidden Dangers Of The Daily Commute

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The Hidden Dangers Of The Daily Commute

Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the economy, many of us used to travel to work. (Do you remember those days?) But even back then, the subject of the commute was a thorny one. Employers expected you to spend large parts of your day sitting on buses and trains to get to the office. And they didn’t usually pay for it (even if it was a necessary cost of the job).

The commute, though, could be more dangerous to you than you think. It’s not just a matter of getting to and from work and the time you lose. It could also be taking its toll on your health.

It Is Hazardous:

Getting on the train to go to work seems like a perfectly normal and safe thing to do. After all, workers have been alighting at railway stations ever since the Victoria era. Trains, though, are hazardous. Accidents are waiting to happen around every corner.

Research suggests, for instance, that the average worker faces risks around 32 times every week when they use trains to get to work. Being packed into a tin can with dozens of other people and having to navigate the step down to the platform is dangerous. The chances of a slip or fall are high, especially when workers are in a rush and their minds on other things. Data from the UK suggest that 1.7 million people have to take time off work every year because of injuries they sustain while commuting.

The risks are even higher than that, though, in some cases. One of the worst New York city derailments of all time, with more than 200 people sustaining injuries, occurred in Union Square in 1991, proving that accidents can still happen on the railway.

It Could Damage Your Body Clock:

Evolution designed humans to wake up with the rising sun and go to bed soon after it sets. Modern working lives, however, disrupt this natural process. We’re no longer in a routine. Instead, we organize our lives around our shift patterns – and they’re not always healthy.

The commute may actually make things worse. When you get on a brightly-lit train or bus in the morning or evening, you send signals to your body that it is day time, and you should wake up. Suddenly, your body releases a flood of hormones designed to perk you up and give you a buzz. When this happens in the morning, it is healthy. But when it occurs at night, it is anything but. You wind up fizzing all evening, and when you hit the sack, you can’t sleep.

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It Could Affect Your Cardiovascular System:

Finally, commuting to work could harm your cardiovascular system. The combination of sitting still for a long time with the added stress of being around so many people can lead to increases in blood pressure. When your body goes through this daily, it can lead to conditions like hypertension, which are risk factors in more severe diseases. Standing up more on transport may help.

Stay aware during your commutes to work and keep yourself and those around you safe.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Tips On How People Can Protect Their Health During COVID-19

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Tips On How People Can Protect Their Health During COVID-19

The coronavirus has changed life as we know it with a number of people terrified to go back to work or school. Protecting your individual health is essential in keeping your family and those you come into contact with virus-free. There is a myriad of guidelines that have been set out by the CDC along with other medical experts. Below are tips to protect your health during this global pandemic:

Avoid Those Throwing Social Distancing to the Wind:

There are those that are practicing social distancing but still seeing members of their family. Avoiding these people is not essential, for the most part, although it might still be wise. The people that are constantly on social media at some sort of large gathering weekend after weekend should be cut out of your social life for the time being. Footage has been taken around the country of celebrations of the end of lock down with huge gatherings. The last thing anyone wants is a few more months of lock down so be smart in your decisions.

Understand How Your School or Workplace is Preventing the Spread:

The tough choice of going back to school on campus is a reality for many students at this current juncture. Looking into the preventative measures taken to reduce the chances for the virus spreading is crucial. Coronavirus cleaning for schools is available, which is something a school will publicize if they have invested in it. Lack of restrictions or dedication to distancing might make the decision for you with you opting for online classes.

The workplace is far more complicated, as you might not have a roof over your head if you do not go into work. The chance to work remotely is available for some people but it is not an option for all. Wearing a mask can be done if you have to deal with people face to face or work in a tight office environment. You also might want to introduce your employer to Unigloves so that he or she can stock up on the best disposable gloves for your work setting. The decision to go into work is one that will have to be made at one point or another. Make the decision when you are comfortable doing so, as many employers are being flexible in this uncertain time.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home:

Doing a deep cleaning and disinfecting of your home weekly during this time is important. You have extra time to clean so use it to make sure the virus cannot spread. You do not want to get sick so a dedication to making sure hands are washed and areas like railings are disinfected is important. Most of the time a person’s home could use a little extra cleaning especially in tough to reach areas, anyways!

The importance of being proactive when it comes to washing your hands and practicing social distancing cannot be stressed enough. Wearing a mask is not required in many areas but it should be done just in case. The last thing you want is to contract the virus only to pass it to a family member that is elderly or has health complications. Once you get into the right routine this will become second-nature until things go back to normal.

The Strange Effects Of Social Distancing On Your Emotions

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The Strange Effects Of Social Distancing On Your Emotions

When the government announced that it wanted people to stay in their houses and not leave for a few months, most agreed with the idea. A dangerous virus was on the loose, and that seemed like an excellent way to stop it from spreading.

A lot of scientists, however, warned that social distancing would have knock-on effects on people’s mental health and should be kept to a minimum. The government couldn’t just bar citizens from going around to each other’s houses until 2021. The consequences for human health and happiness would be just too high.

For many of us, social distancing has had a profound effect on our emotions. It is a strange experience staying indoors every day, only able to communicate with friends and family via text. If you feel a little odd, you’re not alone. Science actually has quite a bit to say about how isolation affects your well being and why it is vital for all of us to get on with our regular social lives when it’s safe to do so.

Higher Levels Of Insomnia:

The scientific research on the effects of social distancing is relatively limited, owing to the fact that there have been so few pandemics to study over the last 100 years. Even so, there is evidence from the 2014 Ebola outbreak that social distancing can exacerbate insomnia and lead to bad dreams.

Being away from other people appears to affect the way that our unconscious works. When we’re surrounded by people we love, we feel safe and can fall asleep quickly, no matter how busy our lives are. But when we are on our own, our brains sense danger, it can become more challenging to brush off.

The pandemic is also an intrinsically dangerous thing – and our minds aren’t ignorant of that. This phenomenon is leading to more extreme dreams and less restfulness while asleep – again impacting our ability to recover.

Loss Of Ability To Socialize:

You’ve heard the expression, “use it or lose it.” Well, it appears that that might be a real thing when it comes to socializing. People who spend a considerable amount of time by themselves might lose necessary social skills once they finally come out of isolation.

Fortunately, we live in a world full of unprecedented communication technologies. In the past, social isolation meant spending week after week by yourself without interacting with people. But now, you can text whoever you like, whenever you want, and immediately get that social interaction you crave.

Disease mitigation technology is also progressing leaps and bounds, according to COVID Guard. If you visit their site, you’ll see how face mask technology is advancing as entrepreneurs get to grips with mitigating the disease.

The psychological fallout from COVID-19 still isn’t clear, but there are good reasons to feel optimistic. Many people hunkering down together feel a sense of solidarity and strength in their efforts to help their communities. People are developing new cultures, methods of dating, and getting more exercise. Positive lifestyle changes are coming out of this phenomenon if you know where to look!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Searching For The Sun In Quarantine

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Searching For The Sun In Quarantine

Hello! As the crazy times dealing with coronavirus continue, I have encouraged all of my readers to have a go at creating guest content for lifewithlilred. It gives you an afternoon of entertainment, publicity for your page, and it helps me keep daily content coming. Believe you me, it’s very hard under these stay at home circumstances!

Luckily, some very kind and talented guest bloggers have answered my call to action, including the lovely Sheryl Rose of Sheryl’s Light. She is literally the sweetest ever and her blog is filled with great content to get lost in for the evening. So, do be sure to check it out and give it some love. Now, find out how Sheryl keeps things on the sunny side during these trying times:

Searching For The Sun In Quarantine:

The last few days here in Vermont have been quite warm being in the ’60s. Growing up in California as a young girl and later on a young woman I loved to sunbath. Having a nationality of Black Irish and Cherokee Indian all the hours spent in the sun would result in a deep brown tan which I loved. As I grew older, I spent less and less time in the sun becoming more aware of skin cancer and harmful UVB rays. Plus, since moving and living on the East Coast, there is way less sun.

Since this COVID-19 started I had started counseling. I was feeling depressed because of how badly I missed my family and old friends. This was before the outbreak. I went to one session instantly bonding with my new counselor. He has a very kind face. I trusted him immediately. Shortly after, this nasty little virus came to light prompting stay at home orders. I was bummed that we couldn’t continue our meetings so he suggested video chat, instead. I was so happy. Trust me I’m getting to the point of this post.

Sure enough on Thursday at noon, I get the awaited phone call from John to let me know he sent me the link for our video chat. I click on it, put my name in the on-screen box, and presto, we were at my session. As we are chatting away I notice my little screen of myself in the corner and my face is what I think a deadly white skin tone. Yesterday, I went over to where the apartment complex storage area is and retrieved my lounge chair, bringing it upstairs. Then the clouds came suffocating that idea.

I spent some time on Amazon researching sun tanning equipment and aside from the cost, they weren’t quite what I was looking for. I looked at the spray tan kits that came with a six foot tall tent. Where would I put that?! I even looked at the tanning creams which, from experience, don’t work all that well with the streaking and darkened elbows and knees.

I decided that tanning for free with only the cost of baby oil (which I already have) was the way to go. Today looks pretty good so I’m going to give it another try outside. I took a big plastic bin out to the trash this morning so I know it’s already really warm and it’s only nine AM. I need color. REAL color and, if nothing else, getting outside will definitely be a big plus!

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This is not me, but reminds me of how I looked when I used to sunbath complete with painted toenails and anklet. Plus I dreadfully miss the beach.

About The Author:

Hello, my name is Sheryl Rose. I have three grown children, a husband of fifteen years all together who I met online, two grandsons ages three and four, and a baby hamster named Zoey. My husband and I live in Vermont. We have lived here for six years moving from Maine. I miss Maine, the seafood, and ocean. My children live out of state. One daughter in California, middle daughter lives in Florida with her life partner, and my son who is married to his wife and two sons live in Texas. My deal is, despite the trials and tribulations you can still come up smelling like a rose. Get it!? My vision is to share my journey helping others like me. Life is love. Life can smack you around but you still can rise above it all and be kind. Life is a lark, as I’m fond of saying. Let’s have some fun.

Thank you so much again to Sheryl for her charming guest post! How do you keep a positive attitude amidst uncertainty? Who always helps to cheer you up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Having A Great Day, The Safe Way

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Having A Great Day, The Safe Way

Hi! While in quarantine, there have been many special occasions that have came and passed, including several birthdays in my family and Mother’s Day. Although it would have been nice to have big birthday blow outs and celebrations, that just isn’t possible right now. However, my family always seemed to manage to have a good time, despite the obvious set backs.

For example, for my sister and dad’s back to back birthdays, Johnny and I ordered pizza and we made an evening of it at my parents’ house. And, for my brother’s birthday, we hit up a local ice cream stand and brought that deliciousness home to enjoy. We also took the dogs (and ourselves) for a walk around the neighborhood, too!

While these are, admittedly, tame ways to celebrate someone’s big day, it worked perfectly for the current circumstances. Good food and company was shared between all of the people I love and it doesn’t get much better than that. Also, Pizza Hut… Need I say more?

Although your get togethers might not be picture perfect right now, you can still make a great day with the options that are safely available. My boyfriend’s birthday is a week before mine and, while I have gifts at the ready compliments of Amazon, I am also making him something special for dinner. AKA I’m getting him Outback Steakhouse so he can have that for his birthday dinner and watch WWII documentaries a la Parks & Rec. Like I said, work with what you’ve got given the circumstances!

Enjoy your low key celebrations for now and plan for an even bigger and better bash next year. Stay safe and have fun. ❤

How are you celebrating special occasions social distance style? What is your favorite takeout treat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Just Something Nice :)

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Just Something Nice :)

HELLO! So, this quarantine has been lots of fun… I mean not the quarantine itself, everything kind of sucks. But, hanging out with my boyfriend at home when I’m done at work has been a hoot. Johnny and I have binge watched series after series and played countless hours of Animal Crossing to help us pass the time and, although it’s boring, I wouldn’t want to be quarantined with anyone else. :*)

One of my favorite nice Johnny stories that I never shared was from after I attended a wine and paint night with my best friend and some of the bridal party for her upcoming wedding. I came home with my tail between my legs because I thought my painting turned out like BOO BOO:

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But, the first thing Johnny said when he saw my painting was that he liked it and it looked like a Christmas card. Now, I have the painting proudly displayed in the living room. He always knows how to turn something I see negatively into a positive which I suck at doing and I always feel happy when I look at my masterpiece now.

Another thing that never fails to put a smile on my face is when I notice that Johnny has put my little artist’s wooden body model into a different position:

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^^^ It’s the little things, right?! 😅

Although things are far from awesome right now, I get to spend my excess free time safely tucked away in our goofy apartment world and I am so thankful for that. Especially when such fun surprises are scattered about if you know where to look! 🙂

Who has helped make this time in quarantine more tolerable for you? What is a silly tradition between you and someone your close with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah