Tag Archives: netflix and chill

What To Watch When You’re Bored Of Netflix

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What To Watch When You’re Bored Of Netflix

Finding it tough to find something to watch these days? We’ve all been there. You’ve binged your favorites in two days, and now you’ve got the big black hole of Netflix where you’ve either seen everything or nothing appeals. You can waste a lot of time flicking between menus and never really watching anything!

So what can you do instead? The good news is that there’s a whole wide world out there of film and TV to watch. Who knows, you might even discover some hidden gems! Ready to dive in? It’s time to step away from Netflix and try the following:

Go to the movies:

While not particularly innovative, going to the movies can feel like a rare treat in the post-pandemic world. With most new movies making their way on-demand either instantly or in a matter of weeks, a lot of people take to watching them at home. But while watching movies at home is convenient, there’s still something magical about watching them on the big screen.

Take a look at the most anticipated movies of 2022 and book your tickets to see something at the theater. Dinner and a show, anyone?

Discover TV and movies from overseas:

What’s great about platforms like Netflix is that they help you discover shows you never heard of before. Great TV shows and movies are produced all over the world, and there are a lot of platforms where you can find some incredible new content. If you’re into anime, you can get access to a range of content at https://clearvpn.com/blog/entertainment/best-anime-torrent-sites/, and perhaps fall in love with a whole new genre. Or if you prefer reality shows, you can find the new series of Biggest Liar in Ghana to get your fix. It’s fun to check out what’s popular across different countries and find some new shows that appeal to you.

Rewatch childhood favorites:

If you can’t find something new to watch, then why not discover some old favorites instead? Revisiting some of your top shows and movies from when you were a kid is a great way to reminiscence and even share your nostalgia with others. From classic Disney to the shows you watched on Nickelodeon, it’s time to go back in time and give your old faves another watch.

Explore other on-demand platforms:

There’s a lot more to on-demand than simply watching Netflix. There are a lot of streaming services out there to choose from, including Amazon, Disney, and HBO – all with a lot of content to help you make some new discoveries. Most on-demand services come with free trials, giving you the perfect excuse to try something new!

While Netflix is home to some incredible shows and movies, it’s nice to branch out once in a while to keep your viewing fresh. When it is time to return to Netflix, there are some fantastic hacks to upgrade your evenings that will help you get the most from your chill time. Happy watching!

Featured Image By: Unsplash under Creative Commons

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Netflix Top Ten Picks Pt. 3

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Netflix Top Ten Picks Pt. 3

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Today, we are going to discuss ten more of my top choices on Netflix. With the always expanding amount of movies to choose from on Netflix, sometimes it can feel impossible to pick which flick to watch. Luckily, you can choose from some Lil Red Guaranteed films below for movie night made easy:

  1. Return To Sender: I have to say, I am not the biggest Rosamund Pike fan. I find that all of her characters are exactly the same and her performances are very flat. HOWEVER, I didn’t completely hate Return To Sender. It was a pretty intense tale of a seemingly level headed woman taking total control of seeking revenge against her recently released from jail rapist. 7/10
  2. The Imitation Game: If you have not seen this movie and are a Benedict Cumberbatch fan, then SHAME ON YOU. This is actually one of my favorite movies. A true story about the closeted Alan Turing who cracked Enigma during World War II. Bursting at the seams with emotion and a riveting story line, you can’t go wrong with this one.
  3. I Love You, Man: This movie is easily one of my favorite comedies. Featuring an all star cast Of Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones, you get to live through the cringe worthy moments of man dates as newly engaged and friendless Peter tries to find groomsmen for his wedding. Freaking hilarious and oddly heartwarming, I Love You, Man is a definite crowd pleaser.
  4. Meet The Parents: This used to be one of my favorites when I was younger. Early Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro are a match made in funny movie heaven. There are definitely some cringey parts in this movie – like finding out that “Greg” is really named Gaylord Focker, but it’s a lot of fun with some early 2000’s flare.
  5. Sing Street: I LOVE THIS MOVIE. 10/10 WOULD WATCH SEVERAL TIMES. If you are a fan of Irish cinema, good music (The Cure, anyone?), and a heart wrenching tale of the younger boy falling for the mysterious older gal then, please do yourselves a favor, and watch this movie. You’ll thank me later.
  6. The Little Prince: This animated flick is nowhere near as good as the claymation one featuring Gene Wilder – I’m warning you now. But, The Little Prince is one of my favorite books and this sweet retelling still does it justice.
  7. The Prince Of Egypt: And, speaking of animated films, this is one of the BEST animated flicks of all time. Someone, please try and change my mind. I’m not even religious and I flipping LOVE this movie. A banging soundtrack, an interesting Bible story of Moses, and visually stunning, The Prince Of Egypt rules.
  8. Raw: Certainly not the best French movie I’ve ever seen, but definitely not the worst, either. A young vegetarian veterinarian hopeful discovers a taste for meat after a hazing event at school. Like I said, not the best but not the worst – but, I still enjoyed it. *Shrugs*
  9. Changeling: As a huge Angelina Jolie fan, this movie is pure perfection. In a too crazy to be true but based on a true story … I can’t give anything away! It is a longer movie than most, but if you’re looking for a sad, shocking, inspiring movie, then tuck in for the night with Changeling.
  10. Creep 1 & 2: Both the first and the second Creep movies were very good. I’ll call it a horror flick even though there’s nothing too “scary” about it in the something is going to pop out and kill you sense. Shot documentary style, a lonely man lures videographers to remote locations to film his wolf mask wearing weirdness. I wouldn’t call these movies scary – but, they are definitely creepy!

Your next movie night is a go, with my above top ten selections! Turn on Netflix, grab your popcorn and blankets, and enjoy!

What are some of your top picks on Netflix? Which of the above movies do you plan on watching next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Monday Update: Forgotten Netflix Top Ten Picks Edition

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Monday Update: Forgotten Netflix Top Ten Picks Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to another week here on lifewithlilred! I am an avid fan of Netflix, and couldn’t believe that I had forgotten some of my must watches on my Top Ten Picks recent post. Netflix has really stepped up their game lately and I have deeply enjoyed these additional flicks:

  1. Welcome To Me: This movie is Kristen Wiig perfection. The part of a borderline personality disorder patient turned millionaire turned talk show host was made for her. It’s quirky, hilarious, and heartwarming all at the same time. I LOVE this movie.
  2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: I finally watched this flick about a week ago and it was so funny! With an all star cast of Jason Segal, Mila Kunis, and the hunky Russell Brand, how can you go wrong? Throwing Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill in for good measure was just the cherry on top.
  3. Bedeviled: This cheeky horror flick was actually a lot of fun. It had the scare factor of a ghostly smartphone app with some very clever humor thrown in. It wasn’t the best, by any means, but it certainly wasn’t the worst, either.
  4. Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2: How could I forget this amazing series?! I watched these two Quintin Tarantino classics about a month ago for the first time and I was BLOWN AWAY. Is Uma Therman a badass or what?! Now how about a third one, please?
  5. The Polka King: This based on a true story Jack Black flick is a winner. It’s a humorous tale of just how far a man will go to chase his dreams of building an empire. Jack Black’s Polish accent is a trip and it is an all around great effort by all parties involved.
  6. Lion: I LOVE THIS MOVIE. Everything about this movie. The cast, the amazing true story, the cute as a button Sunny Pawar. Omg, what an absolutely mesmerizing tearjerker. I must read the book that Lion is based off of soon!
  7. V For Vendetta: One of my all time favorite movies and graphic novels. Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman are a match made in heaven and I could watch this movie on the daily. It’s an excellent pick for fans of The Matrix and justice. 😉
  8. To Kill A Mockingbird: An amazing book, an amazing movie. Gregory Peck is perfection. Need I say more?
  9. Dallas Buyers Club: Alright, alright, alright. A cast dreamed up by the movie gods, a true story, an inspiration. I loved this movie when it first came out and swept the award season and I still love it now. Definitely a tearjerker, but well worth the watch.
  10. Untraceable: It was crazy, because I watched this movie a month or so ago and a week later it was put on Netflix. This is a surprisingly gruesome mid-2000’s horror flick and I am a huge fan. And, hello, young Colin Hanks! Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for fans of Saw!

As you can see, I had no problem adding another ten movies to my Netflix must watch list. And, honestly, I could add a lot more – which I probably will! I have been nothing short of impressed with Netflix’s recent selections, and it deserves to be celebrated.

What is on your Netflix or Hulu must watch list? Shall I do another top ten post soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Upgrade Your Evenings In With These Netflix Hacks

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Upgrade Your Evenings In With These Netflix Hacks

Thanks to Netflix, nights in have gotten so much better. We now have a lot more options when it comes to finding TV shows and movies to watch. What’s even better is that it doesn’t cost anywhere near as much as a Sky TV package. Viewing some of the best movies and shows has never been so cheap! But did you know that your streaming could be so much better by using just a few simple hacks? Read on to find out more!

Upgrade Your Internet:

First things first, it is worth taking a look at your current internet package. If you are paying for just the basic package, it really is worth upgrading. That’s because your internet probably won’t be fast enough for top-quality streaming. It could make everything that you try and watch freeze or load really slowly. Not only that, but the picture quality probably won’t be fantastic.

So, buy some faster broadband, and you will notice a big difference in the quality of your streaming. You could even treat yourself to the best vpn for torrenting while you’re at it! If you do decide to look at some different internet service plans, make sure you shop around. Most companies tend to offer new customer discounts or special promotions for loyal customers. That way, you can be sure you are getting the best value for your money.

Download Movies And Shows For Offline Viewing:

Power cuts might be very rare these days, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry! After all, you never know when the next big storm might hit your home. And you don’t want to be left without power and things to watch on TV! So, download some shows and movies onto your tablet devices for those times tht you need to watch something offline. This is also a great idea for long journeys, too. Just give your kids your smartphone with a film downloaded onto it and you won’t hear a peep from them throughout the entire trip!

Add Another Subscription For Even More Choice:

Netflix has some really great choices, but let’s face it. It doesn’t have everything, does it? For instance, there are still a few of last year’s Oscar-nominated films that still aren’t on the streaming platform. So, it could be worth adding an extra subscription service, such as Amazon Prime or Now TV. That way, you can improve your choices and you will never run out of things to watch.

Remove Your Guilty Pleasures From Your History:

Your viewing history will help the Netflix algorithm figure out suggestions for you. Unfortunately, one badly chosen movie or TV show will ruin your algorithm and it could start recommending you a load of old rubbish! Thankfully, you can delete your history. And that also comes in handy if you have a fondness for watching guilty pleasures, such as romcoms. You can remove them so no one else will know what you’ve been watching!

Ready to take your Netflix viewing to a whole new level? Well, you can do just that with all of the great hacks above. Movie night, anyone?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Monday Update: Netflix Game On Point Edition

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Monday Update: Netflix Game On Point Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! Okay, so I have been Netflix and chilling with myself a lot lately. It has been cold and damp in Ohio this past week, which is the type of weather that makes me want to curl up in a blanket burrito and emerge brand new in the spring. But, since this isn’t an option, movie marathons have been a total must once I’m finished with work for the day.

As all of you know, I am a horror movie junkie and October brought an amazing list of scary movies to the Netflix lineup. Saw one through seven, Hostel, Silent Hill, the list goes on. This past week on my day off, I treated myself to a Saw movie marathon and Taco Bell and it was honestly one of the best days ever. I am so looking forward to seeing the new Jigsaw movie hopefully soon, too!

I have also been really feeling Rob Zombie movies as of late, so the Halloween season gave me an excuse to watch 31, The Devil’s Rejects, and the Lords of Salem. Are all of the aforementioned movies for everyone? Absolutely not. But, to me, there is nothing better than snuggling up on a grey day with not much to do and binge watching the hours away.

Not only is a veg out session fun and good for the soul but the process of selecting movies is enjoyable too. Recommendations from friends, reviews from websites like hellhorror.com, or streaming services like Shudder are all beneficial in finding must watch scary movies. However, when I’m not feeling like doing a ton of research for a flick, I just like to scroll through at random and watch what I land on. It can be hit or miss but it keeps things interesting!

Halloween and the amazing seventh season of American Horror Story have put me in the spooky spirit, especially since I didn’t get to celebrate until this weekend by going to a haunted house! My upcoming Netflix lineup includes rewatching the first season of Slasher and then watching the newly released second season. And, of course, breaking up the gore fest with I Love You, Man and other silly comedies is definitely in order!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Netflix Game On Point Edition! What is on your Netflix watch list? What other horror movies/TV shows do I need to see? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feeling Blah

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Feeling Blah

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! Is it just me or are any of you guys feeling totally blah lately? I recently started going to therapy at the beginning of October and it has had me in quite a tizzy. That, on top of the changing weather, the darkness that falls in the early evening, and the stressers of daily life has left me feeling completely lackluster.

Now, I get it, life isn’t always sunshine, puppies, and rainbows (I wish!) – but that doesn’t mean that having the blues doesn’t freaking suck! Everything in Lil Red’s world at the moment has just been that step below average. So the not good but closer to bad doldrums have hit me like a ton of bricks. And once those feelings make camp in your head, it’s so hard to shake them.

I try not to be a complainer and god knows I try to just grin and bear it, but boy is it exhausting. I have found solace in Netflix and chilling with myself in between my work schedule but I think that I have become wayyy too comfortable just sinking into the couch and trying to forget my worries in a binge watching session.

So how does one peel themselves off of their futon and start taking life by the horns again? Shit, I don’t know! That’s why I’m asking you guys! Lol, but seriously I need to take a deep breath, get up, and just go. Yes, it’s easier to lose myself in a Saw movie marathon but it would be better to do things that are good for me to clear some of the fog in my head. But, man is it hard sometimes!

What do you do to ease some of the blahs in your brain? How do you get yourself going again after a stint with depression? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest

Keeping Yourself Entertained On Vaca

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Keeping Yourself Entertained On Vaca

Are you one of the lucky ones heading abroad on your vacation this year? Whether you’re on the road, in a hotel, or on a cruise, there can be moments, particularly after a long day of exploring, when all you want is to settle down and relax. An evening in the hotel with Netflix or a good book can be just what the doctor ordered after you’ve been on your feet all day sightseeing. But staying entertained and ensuring that you don’t run out of things to do while you’re abroad isn’t quite so easy as when you’re at home. Here are just a few ways that you can make sure that, even in your downtime, you’re fully fighting the boredom blahs:

Don’t Rely On Books: If you love to get a jump on your summer reading list while on vaca, books can become far too cumbersome. Whether you read while you travel, relax by the pool, or just as you go through life, it might be time to invest in a bit of a technological helper. Rather than packing a book a day into your luggage, a Kindle is a cheap, lightweight, and easily transportable alternative. With literally millions of books to choose from, all accessible online, you’ll never be caught short without a book again.

Keep Some Entertainment Downloaded: Sometimes WiFi is obscenely slow, and sometimes *gasp* you just can’t connect at all. The worst thing in these situations is to have no backup plan. Keeping a few shows downloaded onto whatever device you’re using can be a real lifesaver in moments of boredom. Netflix has options to download now, as do many other video hosting sites. And be sure to double check that your Spotify Premium account is up to date before you set off so that you can still access all of your favorite music, even when WiFi isn’t an option.

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Netflix Is Your BFF: When you need some reassuring familiarity and an evening to yourself, it’s all about Netflix. Whether you’re entertaining young ones or just chilling on your own, being able to get a few of your favorite shows online is essential. While Netflix, ordinarily, won’t work abroad, using a VPN enables you to bypass that. Check out securethoughts to find out exactly how to do it. Then, all of your favorite shows are just a button-push away.

Portable Chargers Are Everything: We rely so heavily on electronic devices in this day and age, from smartphones to laptops and tablets to Kindles, that it’s not surprising that portable charging devices are growing in popularity. When you’re in an airport or hotel room, chances are that you’ll have access to power, but when you’re on the road, public transport, or walking around the city, it could be a bit more tricky. Keep a fully charged portable power supply in your handbag all of the time, and you’ll never find yourself caught with the power out again.

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Is your device fully charged??

Traveling the world doesn’t mean that you don’t want a few moments of R&R every now and then, and if they take the form of your favorite books or TV shows, it’s always best to be prepared. Happy traveling!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Take A Study Break: This Is How You Do It!

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Take A Study Break: This Is How You Do It!

I’m sure that many of us remember the pressure of studying for exams and I know that many of you will be doing just that right now. No matter if it’s university, college, or high school exams, they all bring with them the same pressure and tension.

It is so important to keep things in perspective at this time and to recognize signs of extreme stress in ourselves and in others. If things are really getting you down, then it is time to reach out and get the professional help that you need. If you just need some well-deserved rest and relaxation, turn-off the laptop, close up the books, and put the lids back on the highlighter pens for an afternoon or an evening. Here are some ideas on how you can relax after a major cram session:

Feed Your Body And Your Spirit:

When we are revising, we are all guilty of grabbing a snack here or there and all of our meals tend to be rushed because we feel under pressure to get back to our books. If we are sensible, those snacks will be something healthy such as fruit or nuts or we may crave the sugar rush of a candy bar (yum!). Taking some time to plan and prepare a lovely meal is good for your body and for your spirit. The process of focusing on a recipe and creating a meal calms our frazzled nerves and stress levels will fall.

Choose a meal that is quite complex and has several courses so that it requires your undivided attention. This is very therapeutic, as it stops your brain from jumping around from one thought to another. Make sure that it is packed with nutrients that your brain needs. Oily fish and dark green vegetables are perfect for a post study meal.

Lose Yourself In A Movie Night:

For the best movie night, you need to set the scene. Make yourself comfortable on the sofa, surrounded by all of the drinks and snacks that you could ever want (the more the merrier, I always say). If you have a cat or dog that you can plonk on your lap, it is even better – but they don’t always cooperate, do they? Now, pull up http://www.netflixupdate.com/4k-movies-on-netflix-list/ and put together a list of movies that will grab your attention and hold it for a few hours. You want all of the thoughts of exams, papers, and studying to be banished from your mind as you get lost in the plot. This will act like a spring-clean for your brain and give it time for all of your studies to settle into your long term memory. By the next day, you will be refreshed and ready for more.

Look After Your Body:

It is so easy to forget about our bodies when our brains are doing all of the work. You have to remember that if your body goes downhill, then your brain will too. Get outside, whatever the weather. Your body needs some sunlight to produce Vitamin D. When you get back in, do some gentle yoga or Pilates and then treat yourself to a long hot bath. Light some candles or incense, play some music, and take a little breather to clear your mind and relax.

Studying can be a total pain, but straight A’s for days will make your efforts totes worth it and your summer break well deserved!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Netflix Suggestions?!

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Netflix Suggestions?!

Hihihi everyone and happy Thursday! So the last time I Netflixed, I watched American Crime Story: The People VS OJ Simpson and it was so. damn. good. The acting was sublime, the real life plot was insane, and the length of the show was just right. But, as always upon finishing a show, I have no idea what to watch next.

I reached out to the world of Facebook to see what other people recommend and was left with over eighty comments of TV shows to sift through. Yikes! BUT, I realized that I never reached out to the blogging world, whose opinions are surely to be a bit more diverse considering the vast, world wide locations of such an amazing community. So before the suggestions come rolling in, let me bring you up to speed on the shows that I have watched. (I am also always up for movie suggestions, too! Particularly foreign films, but even more specifically: French ones, please!)

Shows I Have Watched:

  • Orange Is The New Black (multiple times.)
  • Wentworth (hella multiple times.)
  • American Horror Story (all seasons.)
  • Dexter
  • Slasher
  • Fargo
  • Breaking Bad
  • Parks & Recreation
  • American Crime Story: The People VS OJ Simpson (most recently.)
  • Making A Murderer
  • Locked Up: Women Behind Bars (clearly I like prison shows!)

^^^ Annnd I think that that’s about it!

ANYWHO, I am open to any and all recommendations and suggestions. But my personal preference leans more towards drama and horror based shows than comedies or dramadies, which should be obvious from my list!

What is your favorite series on Netflix? Which series should I watch next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home

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How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home

Everyone needs a great getaway spot in their home. Whether it be for hunkering down and studying for the next big exam or a place to chillax and binge on America’s Next Top Model – an at home hideaway is a must. This article will provide you with some pointers to making your den (or man or ladies cave!) perfect.

How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home:

As kids, who didn’t love building a fort with chairs and blankets and creating the ultimate hideaway? It was even better if you could decorate it with fairy lights and take in secret snacks too! But just because we’re grown-ups doesn’t mean we don’t still crave that little luxury hideaway where we can go and relax. And if you’ve got kids, even better. Why not create a den room where all of the family can chill? If you have a spare room that’s just being filled with clutter, why not convert the space into a family-friendly den? Below are some ideas on how to get started.

Think About The Space: If you’re using a spare room to make your luxury den, it’s probably smaller than your living room. First, take some time to think about how to use the space. Ask yourself what is important to you and the family? If it’s a place where you want to host movie nights and go to watch TV, then make that your focal point. If you would rather create a den that is made for reading and writing, then think about incorporating good lighting and storage for lots of books and notepads. Perhaps your den is going to be a playroom for young and old. If so, then consider investing in some drawers and cupboards so you can keep board games and card games organized and tidy.

Make It Cozy: A den is all about creating an environment that induces relaxation and fun. Invest in luxury throws and blankets so people can get down and cozy. A couple of oversized Sack Daddy’s will also give the space a laid back ‘den vibe’. Take a look here at www.sackdaddy.com/pages/cozy-sac to discover how these awesome extra large loungers will make your den the ultimate space for relaxation and respite. Bean bag chairs are also great for the kids, too!

If your den is going to predominantly be a reading room, then make sure you have bright overhead lighting. But if it’s strictly for hunkering down for movie nights, ensure that you have lights on a dimmer switch or the soft glow of side lamps. Fairy lights will add extra ambiance and create a magical feel. If you’ve got kids make them feel grown up by investing in a mini fridge where you can keep water and juices that they can get when they are with their friends. And if it’s adults only, you can chill your Champagne in here before settling down for a Saturday night movie! A den should be decadent but cozy. Somewhere you can kick off your shoes, put your PJ’s on, and totally unwind!

Décor Of the Den: If you’re making a family den, let everyone get involved in the decorating. Let the kids be in charge of one of the walls. This could include allowing them to paint the wall in their favorite color. Or perhaps adding oversized wall decor stickers of their favorite animals. Check out Amazon have some great ones right here: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wall+decor+stickers. Choose a color theme that exudes relaxation. Soft grays or warm shades of red will work well. Let everyone pitch in with decorating the room and make it a place where everyone will want to snuggle down for the evening.

I am absolutely obsessed with Despicable Me and my boyfriend got me minion wall stickers for my birthday! They are so cute and add the perfect touch of fun to my room. The stickers were surprisingly easy to apply and look as good as new after months of being on my walls.

What would be in your dream den? If you have a den or decked out basement in your house, what do you use it primarily for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pixaby