Tag Archives: love

If The Shoe Fits: Lulu Hun Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Lulu Hun Edition

Hiii everyone and welcome to a new edition of If The Shoe Fits! Recently, ModCloth had a warehouse sale and everything in their markdown section was either forty, thirty, twenty, ten, or five dollars. It. Was. Amazing. When ModCloth has a sale that good, it’s hard not to buy anything and I ended up ordering three pairs of shoes for thirty dollars each. The best part, is that every single pair was well over one hundred dollars. Such a steal! Take a look at this darling heeled oxford pair by Lulu Hun and let’s discuss:

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It was such fun to open my package once it arrived and be greeted by the adorable design on the box. The retro pinup girl is too cute and the motto “Style starts with shoes” is one that I definitely concur with, considering I can’t stop buying them to save my own life. Although there were many gorgeous clothing options to pick from during the warehouse sale, the trick was that every item you bought was final sale and could not be returned. I don’t have the guts to purchase final sale clothes online so shoes, shoes, and more shoes it was! So not mad about it, though. 😀

As soon as I saw these stunning Merlot and camel heeled oxfords, I just had to get them. The color combination is divine and they are versatile, because they will be great for work or play. There is nothing better than pairing a smart oxford style shoe with sharp skinnies for a cool business casual look. And, they will look so sweet come fall with a sweater dress, blazer, and thick tights.

My only complaint about these shoes, is the quality is not the best. I say this, because while I was putting them back in the box after taking pictures of them, one of my nails went into the material and when I say went into, I mean went through. My acrylics are actually quite dull right now because it’s been a while since I got them filled and they still managed to pierce the colored outer layer completely. It’s a small blemish but I’m not thrilled about it and plan on being extra careful when I wear them.

Despite a minor hiccup, I’m still really happy with this purchase and the bargain price that I got it at. 10/10 would hit the ModCloth warehouse sale again and hope they bring it back soon!

Which stores or websites offer the best sales? What is your favorite thing to shop on ModCloth? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Clinique Chubby Stick Swatch In Super Strawberry

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Clinique Chubby Stick Swatch In Super Strawberry

Hiiii! One of my newest obsessions as of late are the Clinique Chubby Sticks. They are a moisturizing lip balm that add a perfect pop of color without having to apply a lipstick. I love using the chubby sticks while I’m working, because I’m basically talking all day during my job and I never have to worry about the balm smearing, getting on my teeth, or making a big red mess while I’m eating. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be a red lipstick girl but, when you’re on the go constantly, nothing beats a tinted balm.

During my last Sephora haul, I used my Beauty Insider points to snag another chubby stick in Super Strawberry FO FREE. I was yearning for a balm in a red shade and this one hits the spot. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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What I like about the Clinique Chubby Sticks the most is that you’re not just rubbing a sticky gloss on your lips. This balm is insanely hydrating, and that is exactly what I need during these frigid winter months, because my lips chap so easily to the point that they feel completely raw. This is another reason why I have been using these products more frequently than a normal lipstick during work, because nothing sucks away moisture like a lippie clinging onto your lips for dear life all day. The chubby sticks lock in soothing hydration on my lips while still making them very pretty and, the best part, is that I don’t have to constantly reapply it as if I were using a chapstick.

And, speaking of chapstick, this balm doesn’t create one of my biggest pet peeves – the white flecks that form on your lips while using a lip chap. I hate that SO much and I would constantly check if any of that filmy white goop was appearing if all I had on me was a chapstick to apply. Please tell me someone else knows what I’m talking about!

Anyways, lol, I love the Clinique Chubby Sticks and I pretty much want them in every color. That’s not too much to ask for, right? 😀

What product are you currently obsessed with? Who else is a big Clinique fan? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Daily Dose Of Adorable

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Daily Dose Of Adorable

Hello! My parents are seriously one of the cutest couples on the planet, and they always seem to be doing something sweet for each other. Just this past week, for example, my dad brought home the gorgeous tulips seen below for my mom to bring a little spring to her step despite the insane snowfall our neck of the woods was hit with. He also used a Precious Moments advertisement in the Parade magazine to make the most precious thing I’ve ever seen. Check it out:

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Every year, my dad plans an amazing summer family vacation. And, after my mom had read several books set at charming beach locations, she decided that the sea was the place to be. Coincidentally, my dad was thinking the same thing after many trips to the mountainous North Carolina region. So, he chose Hilton Head for the very first Mushenheim family beach vacation.

Shortly after this decision was made, I saw the Precious Moments ad hanging on our refrigerator with some adjustments to it in my dad’s handwriting. It was basically the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen and I think my mom agrees, because it has been displayed ever since. This, on top of the lovely bouquet that my dad bought for her is more adorable than I can bear and, needless to say, my parents are definitely #relationshipgoals!

What is something sweet that your significant other has done for you? What are your #relationshipgoals? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

January 2019 Funky Time Jams

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January 2019 Funky Time Jams

Hello everyone and welcome to the first Funky Time Jams post of 2019. One of the music related things that I’ve enjoyed the most for the past year is going to a vinyl record club at one of my local libraries. We play a record chosen by one of our members each meeting, talk music, and soak up each other’s company. Then, we often hit up a nearby bar after for the festivities to continue. It’s so much fun and I adore all of the new friends that I’ve made through the program. Seen below are some of the bands that I’ve had on repeat for the month and, who knows, maybe one of their albums will be featured at an upcoming record club!

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

This past month at record club, we had two very opposite artists featured during our biweekly meetings. I brought in AFI’s decemberunderground, as it was the band’s most commercially popular album and another member brought in a best of compilation of Aretha Franklin. And, that is the beauty of our little merry band of wanderers, because we get to hear such vastly different talent every time we have a get together. It’s fun to bring in an album that you enjoy so much and want to share with everyone and I was happy that decemberunderground was well received by my friends. I can’t wait to figure out an album for my next turn providing the entertainment for the evening!

What album would you bring in to a vinyl record club? Which songs have you had on repeat this month? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Matte Navy & Lavender Nails

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New Matte Navy & Lavender Nails

Hiiii everyone! Thanks to a fabulous new salon and nail tech, I had the most wonderful pampering experience after my month of recovery from surgery. It felt so good to get a much needed fill and have some time to get beautiful after feeling awful for such a long time. And, I even experimented with some new colors and a matte top coat. My new nail tech, Sam, did a bang up job and I am nothing short of obsessed. Check it out:

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The new salon that I have been going to is called Elysian Nails, and it is the most gorgeous and luxe salon I’ve ever been to. And, to make things even better, their prices are insanely low, despite such a posh atmosphere. I follow Elysian on Facebook, and I saw a picture of someone’s nails done in indigo matte and it looked so pretty that I just had to give a shade of blue and a matte coat a try.

I love navy blue and lavender together, so I thought that it would be a perfect color combo to go with as I venture away from all black everything on my nails. But, the matte finish looks so good that I told Sam that a black matte mani next fill just has to happen – no ifs, ands, or buts. I can’t wait!

Do you prefer a matte or glossy finish on your nails? What color of nail polish do you have on right now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Warm Fuzzies

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Warm Fuzzies

Hiiii everyone! We interrupt today’s scheduled post on the Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions palette to report some Warm Fuzzies bestowed onto Lil Red compliments of my beloved mother. As you guys know, I had some major surgery complications this past month and was a hot mess express for basically all of December. I was in a lot of pain and I’m just now feeling like I’m on the mend.

During the first day of my upswing, I spent it watching TV and reading in a big comfy armchair in my living room instead of being cooped up in my bed too groggy to move. My mom was home from work that day and sat on the futon next to me to fold some laundry.

While she was going through the clean clothes, I noticed a new towel that she scored through a JCPenny or Kohl’s Cash coupon FO FREE (A classic mom trick!). I had used that towel a few days ago after struggling through a shower and told her that it was nice and soft and that I liked the color, a dark heather grey. She told me that she liked it too and that I should have it in my bathroom.

When I woke up the next morning, this is what I noticed on my towel rack:

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I am in the worst pain of the day when I wake up and going into my bathroom and seeing the soft towel waiting for me made my misery slightly more tolerable. I was so touched by such a simple gesture and it can really only be described as the Warm Fuzzies. I love sweet little somethings like this so much and, despite hurting so badly, it made me happy. Moms always seem to know just what to do, even in the worst of times and I think my mom knew that one extra warm hug is just what I needed that day. ❤

What is something that gives you the Warm Fuzzies? How do you show kindness in simple ways? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Haulidays: Mom & Dad Edition

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Happy Haulidays: Mom & Dad Edition

Hi! In today’s Haulidays post we will be looking at some polar opposite prezzies from my mom and dad. This year, things were a little bit different becauuuuuuse *drum roll please* my dad actually picked a present out for me! Haha, my dad is notorious for the ol’ presents “from mom and dad” trick and I think that he’s always just as surprised to see what my mom picked out as we are. So, it was an extra special touch that I got the perfect daily calendar from my beloved dad! Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Daily True Crime calendar
  • Betsey Johnson gemstone snake wrap around necklace

My dad knows me all too well, because I couldn’t have asked for a better day by day calendar if I tried. He knows that I am an absolute horror junkie so I guess when he saw these daily factoids about crazy killers, it spoke to him. And, I don’t see why it wouldn’t, with a caption like “wife cannot recall cutting off his penis” on the front! My dad seemed very pleased with his purchase and, as morbid as it is, I’m flattered that this made him think of me. 😀

And, from my mom, came a gorgeous Betsey Johnson snake necklace that I’ve had my eye on from TJMaxx. I have a pretty sizeable collection of snake themed jewelry and I am so happy to be able to add this necklace to it because I freaking love it. It’s just beautiful! The dazzling colors and the slithering surprise of what the necklace actually is shaped as is so me and I cannot wait to break this baby out!

How do your parents buy your Christmas presents? What is one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this hauliday? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Your Checklist To Prepare Your Home For A New Dog

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Your Checklist To Prepare Your Home For A New Dog

Getting a dog and bringing it to your home can be a huge milestone for the entire family. From a new puppy to adopting a dog, there is so much fun and excitement that comes with a new pet for the family. The environment that you bring them home to is so important, though, and the first day that you bring them back is crucial, too. Your dog is going to be full of nerves and excitement, as they are brought into something so different than what they have been used to. So being able to make them as comfortable as possible is key. With all of that in mind, here are some things that you can do to make sure that the transition to getting a new dog goes well:

Prepare All Household Members:

If you have other family members in the home, even if it is just you and your partner, you all need to be prepared for the new arrival. If you have children at home, then it is a good idea to talk to them about what is going to be happening. It is also wise to assign out the expectations of welcoming a new dog into the home, as well. If you expect the children or teenagers to help with walking the dog, then they need to know ahead of time that it is what you expect of them.

Get The Right Equipment:

Before you bring the dog into your home, you need to make sure that you have all of the right equipment in to make things more comfortable for your dog. A dog bed, bedding, bowls, toys, and food is a must, of course. The food can be trial and error with a new dog but starting with something like TreeHousePuppies could be a good idea. Vitamins can be a good for your dog, too.

Puppy-Proof:

All dogs are going to react differently to different things and the new environment that they are going to presented with. But it can be made much simpler by making sure that you have done your bit to puppy-proof the home. It could be simple things like putting houseplants out of reach for your dog or moving things like roach traps out of the way, too. If you don’t want them to go upstairs, then getting gates for the stairs, much like baby gates, is going to be a great idea and using them right from the start is a must to avoid confusion.

Getting a vet for your dog is one of the things you should do once they’re all settled. This can be especially important if you are adopting a dog as you won’t know what the state of their health could be. But most of all, enjoy your time with your new addition to the family!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Helping An Elderly Relative With Their Medical Needs

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Helping An Elderly Relative With Their Medical Needs

Unfortunately, age comes for us all, and is coming for us right now. Some age like a fine wine in terms of health, while others struggle. Most have at least one issue they need to manage, and do so with care. However, as someone ages it can be harder to keep up this maintenance, as well as dealing with new issues that are sometimes natural, sometimes not depending on their circumstances. The best thing that you can do for your elderly relative is provide love and support in this time. Doing so requires more than words and smiles. Helping them manage conditions, even if you need to split the care giving throughout the responsible adults in your family can be a true blessing for them, and is always a beautiful thing to do for anyone, family or not.

Of course, it would be wrong to assume that you can help them with everything. In the following article, we hope to explore a range of systems or assistance you could give to help your elderly relative through this time. Consider:

Help With Medication:

Your presence or an extra helping hand from in home aged care services can sometimes be the most important thing depending on your family needs. This way you’re not forcing them to head to a retirement community, or bringing them to the doctor everyday. Simply having someone to quickly check in and help with their medication or wash themselves can be all the help in the world that they need, at least for the time being. Simply reminding them through texts or calls can be worthwhile. but it’s also likely that they’d appreciate some human contact, especially if they live alone.

Help With Living A Normal Life:

Living a normal life is completely subjective, but sometimes your elderly relative might not have the capacity to live how they might like due to a medical issue. Spending time with them, taking them out for the day, or baking with them might seem like a small act of kindness and joy to you, but it can make their entire week if you plan it right. The most precious resource anyone elderly has is time, especially if ill. This means giving them this is the most potent form of love you can gift them.

Another way that you can help your loved one is by seeking out activities, stores, libraries, and a doctors office nearby. Giving up independence can be a struggle for elderly people so things that they can get to on their own if they are able will give them a huge boost! Care professionals can also assist with adding normality back into your loved one’s life. There are resources like local aged care software that will help in-home carers update progress notes on your loved ones well-being, enhancing the overall quality of care they receive.

Finding The Right Family Medicine Practitioner:

Finding the right family medical professional might take a little time, but figuring out what you need can help. It might be you require the potential for urgent medical care, continual appointments, or someone who your relative trusts and enjoys being around. Search until you find this, and accept no compromises. This can truly help take the sting out of the care that is given and needed. A great family doctor can ease the burden so dramatically it can be hard to overstate.

With these tips, and the ability to never rule out medical community housing depending on your relative’s needs, you’ll be sure to find the best approach possible.

Featured Image By: Pexels

New (Short!) Glitter & Black Nails

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New (Short!) Glitter & Black Nails

Hiiii everyone! After a disastrous trip to LT Nails last month, I changed salons to Elysian Nails and had a most pampering few hours getting my nails worked on. And *gasp* they’re short! It was due time to give them a cut down and begin the growing out process again so now I have cutesy tiny daggers instead of my normal long claws. Annnnd, my new nail tech, Sam, convinced me to change my color palette up so check out my New (Short!) Glitter & Black Nails:

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Ahhh! So crazy, right?! Originally, I was just going to do a glitter nail for the accent color and my normal all black everything for the rest. But, Sam (Who is such a doll!) encouraged me to try something new. We both agreed that the glittery white is perfect for an Ohio winter, especially since it was snowing fairly hard out while we were tucked away in the salon. And, for good measure, Sam let me have a black accent nail on a different finger, no less! Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

Elysian Nails definitely proved to be worth the hype, because it got amazing reviews on Facebook and every opinion giving platform that I could find. The salon was decorated beautifully, it was spacious, and all of the nail techs were as nice as can be. The prices were good, the service was fabulous, and I can’t wait to go back next month. 🙂

What color of nail polish do you have on right now? How do you deck your nails out for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah