Tag Archives: new

One By Chapter One Jogger Pants

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One By Chapter One Jogger Pants

Hello! I had a few dollars on a TJMaxx gift card left from Christmas and I wanted to make a quick trip before work to buy some add on prezzies for my sister’s birthday. Little did I know before entering the store that my beloved TJMaxx in Chapel Hill was closing down because a new one is opening in Stow. While I’m excited for the shiny new TJs to open, I will miss the Chapel Hill one dearly and have many a fond memory of shopping there with my mom and sister.

Most of the store was already pretty picked over when I went and I wasn’t able to find anything that I liked for my sister. However, I did find some stuff that I liked for me! Check it out:

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^^^ These joggers look so bad hanging up lol.

Tomorrow, you can peep these One By Chapter One joggers in a brand new OOTD but I thought that we would discuss them first! I have wanted pants like these for forever and when I saw them hanging up on the rack, I didn’t expect to like them as much as I did when I tried them on. I love the idea of printed bottoms but I have never found just the right pair. Some patterns are too loud, others make me look bottom heavy, and most of them wouldn’t go with anything else that I own.

I liked these joggers when I saw them hanging up because they were more like slacks than your traditional pair of joggers and I had an abundance of tops that would work with them. When I tried them on, I was sold by how comfortable they were and how well they fit. My new joggers are a straight leg fit and they have a bit of bagginess to them without looking like parachute pants!

The pattern against the pewter grey background is bold without being too much and provides lots of options for what can be worn on top. For my OOTD, I went with an oyster shell colored cami but you could wear burgundy, light pink, taupe, or black on top and get away with it. When it comes to patterned bottoms, you might only have one or two pieces in your wardrobe to make it a cohesive look. Thankfully, I have plenty of choices to wear with these pants and I wouldn’t have bought them if that wasn’t the case. I am so happy with them! 😀

Be sure to tune back in tomorrow for a new OOTD featuring these joggers and then we will move on to two more purchases from my TJMaxx trip. See you then! ❤

What is your favorite pattern to wear? How would you style these joggers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Face Mask Festivities: instanatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: instanatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Face Mask Festivities! It has been a while since I tested out a new face mask so I was very excited when my mom gifted me one by instanatural. This past week, I tried out lots of new skin care compliments of my last Sephora haul and I wasn’t loving the way my skin looked after the fact. I think it was too many new products at one time and my face looked dull and clogged by the time the week was out.

Thankfully, the Exfoliating Glycolic Mask by instanatural did the trick and this is a mask that I would happily use again. Let’s get to it:

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Upon opening the new mask, my first impression was how happy I was that a little spoon was included to ladle out the product. I think this is such a nice touch and I love when companies do that! When I opened the jar, I could see why it came with a spoon because the mask was fairly thin and runny in texture. As a side note, it also smelled exactly like the gingerbread cake that my mom makes which was a nice bonus lol.

I used about three spoonfuls to cover my face and neck and let it sit for a little under fifteen minutes before washing off. I really enjoy using masks with exfoliating properties because it feels like getting a double treatment. I was eager to see the results when I got out of the shower and I was very impressed.

This instanatural mask not only scrubbed all of the yuck from the past week away but it left my skin looking so much brighter and radiant. It was such a huge difference from the way my skin looked prior to using it and it also felt soft and smooth to the touch. I am writing this post about an hour after using it and my skin still feels tingly, cool, and invigorated. It was like a mini spa treatment right in my apartment!

I’m excited to use the instanatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask again and it is one that I would definitely recommend. This mask was gentle despite the intense exfoliation it provided and I am loving the results! 😀

What is your favorite face mask? How do you pamper yourself at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Six Reasons To Buy A Newly Built Home

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Six Reasons To Buy A Newly Built Home

It can be hard to decide whether to buy a newly built home or an existing one. The decision will depend a lot on your personal tastes and needs for amenities, features, and location. If you’re considering a newly built home, here are some of the best reasons to go for it:

1 – It’s brand new:

When you buy a new property from someone like Harvest Curve Rockford Homes, nobody will have lived there before. Nobody will have ever used the appliances or the shower, left stains on the carpets, or made small holes in the walls. There won’t be anything to clean when you move in, as everything is brand new.

It’s also an empty, blank canvas. You can start from scratch when you decide on decorating or choosing where to put your furniture. Nothing will have been left behind that you need to arrange and there’s nobody’s hideous wallpaper left behind for you to cover up. Because everything is new, you can also just choose to do nothing. All you need to do is unpack. Often, quick delivery new homes will have features such as garages, porches, or a sleek kitchen with an island – depending on the build. Buying a quick move-in home is a great way to save time, and is often more affordable than a new construction home.

A newly built home also offers the prospect of a brand new location too. For example, maybe you and your loved ones will build family homes in Houston, TX to accommodate a new job or a change of scenery. The possibilities really are endless!

2 – You can help design the look:

When you work with Southdown Homes, for example, you and the experts design the space together to make a home that is perfect for your family. Some builders will offer bespoke packages for upgrades when you buy a new build, which will allow you to choose some of the fixtures and fittings, such as your kitchen cabinets, your appliances, or the bathroom tiles.

3 – Peace of mind:

Most new builds will come with a standard structural guarantee with a house building insurance company, so if anything does go wrong in your first few years of owning your new build, you can get help to put it right at no cost to you. Check if you have a guarantee before making any decisions.

The latest standards will apply too so your security and fire system will be as up to date as possible, and so will your appliances. This is another source of peace of mind in your new home.

4 – The green choice:

A new build is usually more environmentally friendly than an older property and is often much cheaper to run too. Modern houses like the ones built by SK Builders (or a similar company in your local area) tend to be better insulated and should have more efficient appliances and boilers. There shouldn’t be any drafts around doors and windows yet, and the heating should be easy to use and efficient. This is all good for your wallet and the planet.

5 – Support for buyers:

Schemes to help first time buyers often apply to new builds, so if you’re buying your first home, it’s well worth seeing what help could be available to you if you choose a newly built property.

6 – Designed for modern living:

New homes tend to have more than one bathroom, often have a basement, and open plan layouts, which work much better for families. They’re also built with modern demands in mind, so should have plenty of power points for all those devices you need to keep charged. To view examples of the amenities that a typical modern home offers, enter a search for “new homes in Delaware” or your local area to get started. During this process, remember to keep a list of “must have” and “nice to have” features for your own home!

Living in the modern world means that you deserve a modern home too, which is what you will get with a freshly built property!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Face Mask Haul

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Face Mask Haul

Hello! One of my favorite ways to relax in my free time is by trying out new face masks. Whether they’re good or bad, it doesn’t matter all that much to me because I’m spending some me time pampering myself. It has been a while since I had a big face mask haul so when I was at Target, I just had to pick up a variety to enjoy on those snowy nights in. Check it out:

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I don’t venture to my favorite stores very often anymore, which is so sad to me. In fact, the last time I went actual shopping at TJMaxx was months ago! So, I was surprised by the huge variety of face masks that Target had to offer. Originally, I thought that I would just purchase one or two but I ended up with six and if I didn’t contain myself, it probably would have been more like ten lol!

Since it’s winter, I picked out a couple of masks specifically to hydrate and combat dry skin, which will be most useful. And, of course, I never say no to a brightening or charcoal mask, either! While all of these masks will be fun to use, especially the glitter gel mask, I am most excited to try out the lip mask. My lips have been SO dry as of late and nothing that I do seems to help. Fingers crossed that the BioRepublic lip mask will perfect my pout so I’m not feeling like Napoleon Dynamite all winter long. 😀

Be on the lookout for lots of new Face Mask Festivities posts these next few weeks, starting off with the much anticipated lip mask!

Which products do you like for dry lips? What is your favorite face mask? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fun & (Video) Games: Animal Crossing Update Edition

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Fun & (Video) Games: Animal Crossing Update Edition

Hello! One of my favorite hobbies to help me relax is playing Animal Crossing, which I’m sure you all know because I talk about it enough lol. At the beginning of the pandemic when Johnny was furloughed, he played Animal Crossing so much that he could no longer do it and I have taken over on our island ever since. Unlike my husband, I have yet to grow tired of island living and play every chance I can get – especially since the game just got a huge update!

Us devoted Animal Crossing players have been waiting for this update for months and, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. There are so many new things to enjoy from this update and after raving about it to Johnny, he even admitted that he might have to start playing again. Yeah, it’s that good.

The biggest things that helped to bulk up your island experience include Brewster’s Cafe, exploring islands with Kapp’n, an outdoor market at Harv’s Island, all of the gyroids, and cooking recipes in your kitchen. Not only can you cook but you can also grow crops other than pumpkins like potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, wheat, and sugarcane. You can even come up with tasty recipes when you go fishing, which makes catching endless amounts of black bass not completely useless.

What I am most excited about from the update is the outdoor market at Harv’s Island. The property behind his house will feature stands for Leif, Kicks, Jolly Redd, Katrina the fortune teller, and much more. Each stand will cost a steep 100,000 bells to activate and, sadly, you can only donate once per day so time traveling will be in order if you want all of the stands quickly. Right now, I only have Leif and Katrina but Jolly Redd is definitely next on the agenda so I can continue growing my art collection.

Another cool thing that the Animal Crossing update offers is 9,000 new items to decorate your home and island with. I am especially partial to the new goodies that you can buy with your Nook miles and have already blown almost my entire savings on my purchases. My haul included a Ferris wheel, balloon stand, carnival games, and train to create the ultimate amusement park on my island. This redecorating is going to take a considerable amount of time to do, though, because I have So. Many. Flowers. to dig up. *eye roll*

If you are new to Animal Crossing, then welcome to the party. And, if you are returning after a long hiatus, then welcome back. This update will have you logging into your island again and again just like the good old days before you abandoned your villagers completely! 😀

What is your favorite part of the Animal Crossing update? Which villagers do you have on your island? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The End Of An Era

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The End Of An Era

Hi! For those of you who don’t know, I have been using the same slide up keyboard phone for the past several years and have never owned a smartphone. For taking pictures and using the internet when WiFi is available, I relied on my iPod Touch and never really had a problem with this set up until recently.

When I first moved into my apartment, I could make phone calls and send text messages from anywhere inside. Fast forward to the spring of this year, and slowly but surely I began having lots of trouble doing any basic functions on my phone. It went from not being able to talk on the phone upstairs and mild difficulty sending texts to not being able to make or receive phone calls at all when I was at home.

As you can imagine, this was wildly inconvenient and I had to resort to using my husband’s phone if I had to make a call for work. However, I still held on to my old school phone because, at the end of the day, I freaking loved it. Until last week, that is.

I don’t know what clicked in my head but I finally said “enough is enough” and purchased an iPhone 12. Talk about an upgrade! I have to say that it is so nice to text and talk on the phone freely when I am at home but that wasn’t the main reason for my switcheroo. I’ll be the first to admit that the pictures on my blog weren’t the best and I was sold on getting a new phone for the better camera.

This is my first experience with an iPhone and I am definitely still getting used to it. I miss my little keyboard more than words can say as I don’t like typing on a touch screen. But, the pictures that this phone takes are great and I do love being able to send Bitmojis to Johnny constantly!

^^^ How cute is that?!

My iPhone skyrocketed me into the twenty-first century and it isn’t all that bad. I am excited to be able to take lots of OOTD pictures and selfies on it rather than having to use Johnny’s phone constantly. And, maybe if I’m lucky, I’ll be more comfortable using it by next year lol! 😀

What is your favorite thing about the iPhone? What is an old school piece of technology that you have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

LEGO Hogwarts Whomping Willow Set

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LEGO Hogwarts Whomping Willow Set

Hello! Johnny and I recently had a huge LEGO haul with three new sets to build. He also gifted me with an additional Harry Potter set for our two year anniversary when our haul arrived in the mail. You would think that we wouldn’t need more LEGO for a while but, on the contrary, we always need more LEGO!

This past week, I went on a Target run with my brother and mom and had to peak in the LEGO aisle to see what they had. I really didn’t plan on buying anything but when I saw the Whomping Willow set on sale, I just had to get it:

I have wanted this Harry Potter set for a while now because it serves as a connector to the Clock Tower and Great Hall which we already have. It is one that I have held off on buying since Johnny and I usually like to splurge on bigger sets but it has stayed in the back of my mind – just like the million other LEGO sets that we want!

I got my flu shot at Target and since the price was right on the Whomping Willow set, I decided that I deserved a treat. This purchase was the adult equivalent of a child receiving a sticker after a doctor’s appointment and I have no shame in admitting that lol. Too much LEGO ain’t enough LEGO as they say! And by they, I mean me.

Building LEGO with Johnny is one of my favorite things to do and I can’t wait to complete the three Harry Potter sets we have on deck together. This past weekend, we started working on our Attack on the Burrow set so be on the look out for pics of the end result once we finish it!

What do you like to build with LEGO? Which sets are on your wish list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference

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Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference

When people think about home renovation projects, they often think big with HGTV worthy remodeling. While this will definitely make a huge impact on your property it is not feasible for everyone as it is a huge expense. Today, we are going to discuss some renovation projects that you might not have ever considered. These ideas might not be as big as a full fledged room makeover but they still pack a punch, all the same. Let’s get to it:

Exterior Projects:

Boosting your property’s curb appeal begins from the outside in because the exterior of your home offers the first impression to friends, neighbors, and strangers. Make their first impression a great one with these projects:

Driveway Repairs:

You might not think much about your driveway but it is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Cracks and potholes are inconvenient as well as unsightly. Repairing these issues is a definite must for boosting your curb appeal. You might also want to get driveway sealing before winter to better protect the road to your castle.

Porch Perfect:

Your porch, patio, deck, or any other outdoor seating area can be a huge selling point for your house. The front porch is one of the first things people notice about your house so you want to make sure it is putting its best face forward. Replace rotting or splintered wood and don’t forget that a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.

While you are working on your front porch, consider your front door too. A brightly colored door is sure to catch attention. Shades of blue, red, and yellow all look especially charming.

Outdoor Accessories:

Every great outfit is not complete without the right accessories and the same goes for your house! Outdoor accessories are not so much of a renovation as it is placing objects but it sure is a fun way to showcase your personality. Bird baths, fountains, swings, solar lights, and even garden gnomes can offer a playful touch to any home’s exterior.

Interior:

Tile Backsplash:

Creating a tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom is an amazing way to add color and patterns into the room. It is relatively cheap and can also be done on your own. It will feel great to see something so pretty in your place and knowing that you did it all by yourself.

Something Extra:

Do you ever feel like a room is missing just that little extra something to make it pop? We’ve got you covered. Although this is a somewhat tedious and minor project, have you ever considered changing out your door knobs and cupboard handles? There are countless different options for you to look into. For a touch of glam, how about diamond handles for your dresser? Or even colorful square knobs for something different? A little change, yes, but swapping out hardware accessories can be a fun way to add something new.

Floating Shelves:

If an area is feeling cramped with a bulky shelving unit or dresser, you could consider having floating shelves installed. These are an awesome way to display all of your favorite treasures while taking up a fraction of the space. Floating shelves will turn your wall into an instant work of art – no painting required!

Mini renovations can still make a huge impact and will help keep the exterior and interior of your home fresh as well as visually appealing!

Fall Haul: T-Shirt Time Edition

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Fall Haul: T-Shirt Time Edition

Hi! I wouldn’t say that I wear T-shirts super often but ever since Johnny and I purchased matching Impractical Jokers Ts, I have been much more willing to incorporate them into my wardrobe. During our shopping trip to TJMaxx, I found two T-shirts that I absolutely could not pass up and I’m sure you can all see why:

Step Brothers is, hands down, my favorite comedy movie EVER and I can’t go a day without quoting it at some point. When Johnny and I were browsing through the men’s section at TJs, this Catalina Wine Mixer T went into my hands as soon as I saw it. This T-shirt speaks to me on nothing short of a spiritual level and I am proud to represent Dale and Brennan! I also cannot wait to snuggle up in my Step Brothers blanket while wearing it:

When I am not sporting my Catalina Wine Mixer T, it will be all about Queen B! Britney Spears has been both mine and my sister’s favorite pop star since we were little. Like many, our hearts broke over the abuse that she suffered under her conservatorship and we want nothing but the best for her. Britney has inspired my sis and I our entire lives and the oversized T I purchased is a tip of my cap to her excellence, talent, and character. We love you, Britney, and have been rooting for you then, now, and always! ❤

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the last of my Fall Haul and keep it posted for an OOTD to introduce some of my purchases as well as my brand new hairdo!

Who is your favorite pop star? What is your favorite comedy movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Pikin’ & Grinnin’

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Pikin’ & Grinnin’

Hello! First of all, major props to whomever got the Hee Haw reference of this post title! Second of all, I have been absolutely loving the waterpik that I purchased after my visit to the periodontist last week. During my appointment, I was so pleased to learn that my dental problems had remained stable during my long stint of no check ups thanks to the pandemic. To continue improving the issues, I bought a waterpik as soon as I got home as per the recommendations of the professionals:

I am still getting used to using my new waterpik and literally every review I have read on them was right – it is very messy at first! I have had to resort to laying a bath towel around the sink because the water just gets everywhere. I know that these mini flash floods in my bathroom will come to a halt once I get better at using the waterpik, though, so that is not a deterrent in the slightest.

I also read on the reviews for the waterpik that I bought that it was incredibly noisy but I haven’t found that to be true at all. It has the noise you would expect from a product like this – nothing more, nothing less. Even if it were obnoxiously loud, you can’t beat the price of this waterpik (about seventy dollars) for how well it works and all of the different accessories that comes with it.

This waterpik included five different tips which will help in different ways:

  • Plaque seeker tip: This one needs no further explanation
  • Toothbrush tip: Neither does this one
  • Tongue cleaner tip: Or this one
  • Orthodontic tip: This one is good for people with braces
  • Pik pocket tip: This is the one that I use as it gets deep into the periodontal pockets for an intense clean

I have been using my waterpik with the pik pocket tip every morning and night and my gums have already started to feel better. They are not as tender and I feel them getting healthier with every use. Dare I say it, I am almost looking forward to my next appointments with my dentist and periodontist because this is going to improve my oral hygiene tenfold and I think that they are going to be proud! 😀

Do you use a waterpik? How do you feel about going to the dentist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah