Tag Archives: smile

Mar14

Spring Flower Surprise

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Spring Flower Surprise

Hello! The weather in Ohio these past few weeks has been crazy. It went from single digit temperatures and snow to a full fledged heat wave this entire week. Since Sunday, we have been experiencing blessedly warm temperatures in the high fifties and low sixties. It might even get up to seventy degrees this weekend! I have been loving it and it feels so weird to not be bundling up in a million layers every time I step foot outside. The sunshine alone has put a huge pep back in my step because my seasonal depression has kicked rocks and left me with plain old depression lol. But, hey, that’s manageable! 😀

Because the weather did a complete one eighty, spring flowers weren’t anywhere on my mind because it just seemed too early. However, I had an amazing surprise when I worked at chez mom and dad on Tuesday. My dad let me know that a patch of pretty yellow flowers had bloomed! Check it out:

When I visited the backyard before heading home, I was expecting to see a couple of flowers bravely peeking out of the ground. I was so shocked to see a huge patch of yellow flowers, instead! It took my breath away to see the petals dancing in the wind and was just what I needed after having a lot of recent stress. It felt so good to see these beautiful blooms, gulp down the fresh air, and have a big smile on my face. I think I could have stood out there all day. I always look forward to the first flowers of spring and these ones were there when I needed it most – I am so appreciative for that. ❤

I hope these flowers brightened your day as much as it did mine. Here’s to warm weather and all the spring flowers!

What is your favorite flower? What do you look forward to in the spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb26

Just Something Silly

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Just Something Silly

Hello! Johnny and I live right down the street from a Circle K and it is a beautiful, beautiful thing. Whether I am in desperate need of a Diet Coke, we’d love a snack, or a refreshing White Claw after work, we frequent our go to gas station several times per week. Because of our high return rate, we have a very friendly relationship with all of the employees and it is always nice to pop in and exchange pleasantries. In fact, sometimes Johnny plays music with one of the guys who works there. What can I say, Circle K is a community!

This past Sunday, we needed a new lighter and, of course, a Diet Coke for me so Johnny made a quick Circle K stop. He told one of our favorite employees who calls him “rock star” every time she sees him (So cute!) to surprise him with whatever lighter she wants – as long as it was a fun one. When he returned home, he showed me her selection and we had to laugh because it was the most random choice ever lol:

I honestly have no idea why this is the lighter our fave employee handed Johnny, but I am SO glad she did. Maybe it reminded her of me and Johnny as a couple if we lived on a farm and weren’t emo AF, maybe she just liked it. Regardless of why, I can’t help but have a chuckle every time I see it sitting on our coffee table. It really is the little things in life and we have vowed to have her pick our lighters since this fateful Circle K run. I genuinely cannot wait to see what we get next!

Whether it’s your favorite store, restaurant, or gas station, I truly believe it’s a special thing to go somewhere where everyone knows you and you know them. Our Circle K is that place for us and we wouldn’t have it any other way! ❤

What store do you frequent regularly? What is your favorite snack to grab from the gas station? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

Caffeination Station

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Caffeination Station

Hello! When I moved into my own apartment, my parents got me a red Keurig for my housewarming gift. At the time, I wouldn’t have called myself a huge coffee drinker but I liked to have it in case I needed an extra boost or I had company over. Then, in 2022 we experienced the Great Kitchen Flood and it ruined several of my countertop appliances, Keurig included. I never bothered replacing it because it’s not like I used it every day so it felt like an unnecessary expense.

Fast forward to this past year when I began getting up at the buttcrack of dawn (Three AM) for work and your girl instantly turned into a coffee fanatic thanks to the Keurig Johnny gifted me with for Valentine’s Day. Literally every day since he gave me my prezzie, I have enjoyed back to back brews Monday through Friday and I don’t know how I survived before lol. And, major shout out to my parents for coming in with the assist:

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I spend A LOT of time at my mom and dad’s house in a care giving role and I am more than happy to do so. That’s not to say that I am not happy to have a little treat, though, too! Every week, Giant Eagle runs a great promotion on specific brands of K-Cups for five bucks a box. Every week, without fail, my parents will get me a Green Mountain (My favorite brand!) blend when they do their grocery shopping. Is this something they have to do? Absolutely not! But the fact that they want to and it has become a part of their grocery routine gives me ALL of the warm fuzzies.

I’m not going to lie, having to get up so early for work blows lol. There’s just no better way to say it and I fantasize every morning about going back to sleep as soon as my alarm goes off. No one said adulting was easy! However, after I take care of the buns and take a shower, I know that it is coffee time! It sounds like a little thing, but taking out my box of K-Cups that my parents got me and using the Keurig that Johnny gifted me with gives me a bright start to the day, no matter how early. Every morning, I get to use gifts given to me by people that I love and by the time that first sip hits, I can take on the world that is mostly still asleep!

Thanks to Johnny and my parents, I start my days off right – with a smile and caffeinated!! The best combination!

How do you take your coffee? What do you use to make your coffee? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep18

Being The Hostess With The Mostest

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Being The Hostess With The Mostest

Howdy!! I have always worked in an environment that involves interacting with the general public. I started out working retail, then I became an Independent Provider for people with special needs, and now I work a lot of events as the social media manager for Tim Misny. All of these jobs require an outgoing, can do personality and that’s perfect for me as I like to think I have an outgoing and can do attitude lol. I have really enjoyed being at the events with Tim and Johnny and I agree that I come alive during them. I love to be a part of someone’s day being special so it’s no wonder why! With a substantial background in customer service, I have learned a lot about putting your best face forward. These are some of my pro tips that keep myself and guests happy as can be:

Set the Tone:

You know that song from Annie (I think?), “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”? It’s so true! The best way you can set the tone for work or an event is with your best and brightest smile. Even if you’re not feeling it, smile anyways because no one will be any wiser for it. A smile is not only friendly but it offers reassurance to whomever you are interacting with that you want to be there and are enjoying yourself. And who knows? It might put you in a better mood from smiling too!

The Name Game:

It might seem like a no brainer, but it is SO important to learn the names of everyone on your guest list. This is true even if people are wearing name tags so you can avoid any awkward gazes. Spend some time with the guest list, pull up social media profiles if you can and do what you can to put those names to faces. I always tend to find that greetings are so much warmer when you can address the invitee by name. Of course, mental slips can happen and all you need to do is handle that situation gracefully if it arises – perhaps with the old “you wouldn’t believe how much you look like my friend so and so”.

Compliments are Key:

Who doesn’t like to be complimented?! If you don’t have any key talking points, lead with a compliment! Remember, compliments feel just as good to give as they are to receive as long as they are genuine. You would also be amazed at how a conversation happens so naturally after something as simple as a compliment on a pair of earrings. It could turn into talking about your favorite local boutiques, the artist who hand made them, that they feature a favorite color, and so on and so forth. A compliment puts the ball in the recipient’s court and it is up to them to throw it back.

Relax:

Events or high interaction periods at work can be very stressful because there’s so much that could go wrong. So focus on what’s going right instead because you have to act like nothing is wrong. This can be easier said than done, but try and relax and focus on your own specific task at hand. Do your best and have a breezy air about you because it will put other people at ease too, despite any disruptions that might occur.

Fake it Till You Make it:

Sometimes you just don’t feel like talking and in that case, fake it till you make it baby! We all have off days and that’s totally okay, the trick is to keep it under wraps. Think about the fun that can be had with each interaction you have. It’s a chance to hear a hilarious joke, learn an interesting new fact, or simply shoot the breeze about the weather. After fifteen minutes or so of keeping up with the motions, you might find that you just needed to get warmed up!

These sentiments have served me well and continue to do so in my career. What works for me might not work for you, but it’s always worth a try! 🙂

What do you love about your job? What was the first job you had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov14

New Steve Madden Winter Accessories

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New Steve Madden Winter Accessories

Helloooo!!! Yesterday, we took a look at my new favorite dress purchased from my last shopping trip to TJMaxx. That wasn’t the only thing I got, however, and today we’ll be checking out the super fun New Steve Madden Winter Accessories that came home with me too. I have a huge collection of hats, scarves, and gloves for the cold weather and it is safe to say that I am a little bit obsessed with winter accessories. They are such a great way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank! The selection at TJ’s was excellent and I walked away with an adorable pair of earmuffs and a knit balaclava. Let’s get to it:

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^^^ Peep the original price tag for the earmuffs. I purchased them for ten dollars. SCORE!!

This was a rather exciting accessory haul for me because I don’t own earmuffs or a balaclava. That is the beauty of TJMaxx – you never know what you’re going to find to spice up your wardrobe! The first thing that my eyes locked in on at the accessory wall was the smiley face earmuffs. How cute are those?! They were over the top, vibrant, so much fun, and oh my goodness were they comfortable on. They fit just right without being too tight and my ears were so toasty and warm. I knew that these would make a vibrant addition to the grey days of winter and the price I got them for was a total steal. 😀

The next thing that spoke to me was the knit balaclava, which is something that I knew existed but have never seen before in store. My new balaclava was something that was instantly appealing to me. I only own one jacket with a hood on it and it isn’t warm enough for winter wear. This was not only a fashion purchase but a practical one. There are some days when I have to go to work really early to get a client to work and it is always freaking freezing when I get in the car. Now, I have a balaclava to help with that – do you know how much heat we lose through our heads?! Not only will this help in the warmth department, but it is such a bold statement piece. Balaclavas are most chic and my new one will add a touch of sophistication to all of my winter coats!

I have no intention of buying a new coat this year and I love that I will be able to freshen my winter wear up with these fab new Steve Madden accessories. TJMaxx, you always continue to surprise me! ❤

What is your favorite winter accessory? How do you update your winter wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov30

How To Treat Yourself To The Ultimate Makeover

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How To Treat Yourself To The Ultimate Makeover

We all deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while, and what better way to do that than with a makeover? Whether you’re looking for a new hairstyle, wardrobe, or skin care routine, there are endless ways to pamper yourself and feel like a new person. Let’s check out some tips on how you can treat yourself to the ultimate makeover:

Pick a Style Icon:

The first step to any makeover is finding some inspiration. Research your favorite celebrities or style bloggers and find someone whose look you’d like to emulate. Once you have your style icon in mind, you’ll have a better idea of the changes you want to make. Are you still trying to figure out where to start? Pinterest is always a great place to look for fashion inspo.

Update Your Hairstyle:

One of the easiest ways to change your look is by updating your hairstyle. If you’re feeling bold, why not try a brand new color? On the other hand, if you’re not ready for such a drastic change, ask your stylist for a cut that will complement your face shape. You’d be surprised by how much of a difference the right hair cut can make.

Invest in Some New Clothes:

Next up on our list is clothes. If your style needs an update, it’s time to hit the stores (or the internet) and find new pieces that speak to you. But beware – one of the pitfalls of shopping for a new wardrobe is spending too much money on clothes you’ll never wear. To avoid this trap, stick to buying items that can be mixed and matched with pieces you already own. This way, you’ll get the most bang for your buck and your closet will thank you for it!

Treat Your Skin Right:

Remember your skin! After all, what’s the point of having a killer outfit if your skin doesn’t look its best? If you need help figuring out where to start when it comes to skin care, try using products with natural ingredients or consulting with a dermatologist. And remember – just like with clothes, it’s crucial not to overspend on skin care products that might not work for you. Instead, start small and gradually add new products as needed.

Invest In Your Smile:

Finally, don’t forget to invest in your smile. A great way to instantly boost your confidence is by visiting a cosmetic dentist and having them whiten, straighten, or even reshape your teeth. With the right Cosmetic Dentist, you can have a brand new smile in no time and you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make in your confidence.

Go ahead and permit yourself to splurge – it’s close enough to the new year to invest in yourself for a new you. And just in time for the holidays to wow your friends and family!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov29

Beautifying Your Smile For The Holidays

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Beautifying Your Smile For The Holidays

The holiday season is here and that means family photos galore! However, this can be easier said than done if you feel self conscious about your smile. Let’s check out some simple tips to put a real smile back on your face just in time for the family and friends paparazzi:

Stay away from sugars:

Sugary foods and drinks like juices, sodas, and sugary candies are awful for your teeth and oral health. Foods that are high in sugars are the leading cause of tooth decay and other tooth-related ailments that can ruin your smile. When one tooth becomes infected, it can lead to a cavity or even a much more severe condition called tooth decay. This is why you should ditch sugars and try to pick up a healthy diet

Develop good dental hygiene habits:

To keep your smile looking great, you should try and develop good oral hygiene habits. It would be best if you always brushed your teeth twice a day and flossed once a day. Brushing your teeth is the most critical thing you can do to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Brushing your teeth removes bacteria and plaque that build up on your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is stubborn, so even if you brush your teeth, it is still essential that you floss daily to remove all of the plaque and bacteria from your teeth.

Developing good oral hygiene habits can feel like a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with best practices. A consultation with your dentist can be most helpful in showing you the routine step by step. To find an understanding, skilled dentist near you, simply enter a search for “best dentist near Lansdowne VA” (or your local area). Your oral hygiene is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of and a good dentist will be able to show you the ropes.

Receive dental work if needed:

If you’ve been brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day but still aren’t seeing the results you want, it may be time to get a professional evaluation. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and determine if any dental work is needed to improve your smile and health. Dental work can include crowns, dentures, bridges, teeth removal, All-on-4 Dental Implants, and more. Straightening your teeth can also be a viable option too, especially with invisible braces. No metal required! To find a practice that offers these services, simply enter a search for “Invisalign Clinics Cardiff” (or your local area) to start the process for a straighter smile. Depending on what is needed, dental work can make your smile look better and make you feel better about the way your smile looks.

Whiten your teeth:

Poor dental hygiene, genetics, and other factors can cause your teeth to look yellowish. Teeth whitening can make you feel better about your smile and it is a straightforward procedure. Whitening is a common cosmetic procedure that whitens teeth by removing yellow stains. There are various types of whitening systems available on the market. These include at-home whitening kits like those offered by Auraglow Gels UK as well as professional cosmetic procedures. The best and most natural way to whiten your teeth is to use a whitening toothpaste.

Drink water:

Water is essential for keeping your body and mouth healthy. It is also helpful for whitening your teeth. Drinking water daily will help you reduce plaque buildup in your mouth. Not drinking enough water can cause bacteria, sugars, plaque, and other things to build up on your teeth. This can make your teeth look dull and yellow. A water tracker is a great way to make sure you are getting enough water throughout the day.

Visit a dentist for regular checkups:

The best way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy is to visit your dentist regularly. Regular checkups allow your dentist to keep an eye out for any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. This way, your dentist can suggest preventive measures to keep your smile looking radiant. You should see your dentist regularly even if you do not have any issues with your teeth. Doing this can keep you from getting any oral ailments you are unaware of.

If you don’t have a regular dentist, it is well worth it to do your research to find one that you are comfortable with. Some dentists specialize in treating very anxious patients, while others might be highly regarded in corrective work like implants. Dental implants can be a life changing service. If this is something you need, simply enter a search for “dentist implants englewood” (or your local area) to find a reputable dentist near you.

Look into braces or retainers:

If you have crooked teeth, you can work towards improving them. This is done by getting braces. Braces have been proven to help improve the appearance of teeth by straightening them out. You can also use Invisalign with the guidance of a medical professional like Dr. Peter Brawn to help straighten your teeth without a mouthful of metal. Retainers are similar to braces, except they are used to keep teeth in place. Which treatment you choose depends on your specific needs and budget. Both braces and retainers can be expensive but they are worth it if they can improve your self esteem.

Follow the tips above and flash your pearly whites all holiday season long. You will be amazed at how much a smile suits you!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug30

Inject Positivity In Your Life With These Steps

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Inject Positivity In Your Life With These Steps

Life can be extremely difficult at times. Even when you’re absolutely flying, things can just fall out of your favor. You have to make sure that your mindset is one of positivity for as long as you can. This is because you’ll get the best out of pretty much any situation. Having a good attitude won’t necessarily solve your problems but it will sure make you feel more in control about them. Give your mindset a boost with these tips:

Get Up And Move More:

It’s amazing what your basic actions can do. Sitting around all day will make you feel insanely low. You might enjoy the relaxation for a little while, but then you’ll begin to feel useless. Your mind will start overthinking and you’ll regret the time wasted. If you’re exercising and moving around more, you’re going to feel so much more productive and healthier too.

Actively Look To Solve Issues In Your Life:

While it’s much easier to avoid problems and focus on other areas of your life, it’s actually a lot more beneficial to you to make sure you attack certain issues in your life. If you have an issue with your health, then perhaps it’s time to address that. Head to the dentist and get braces or head to the doctor to receive specific treatment. If you have a problem with someone, get in touch and face it. This will stop issues from hanging over you.

Do The Things You Love:

You have to make sure that you’re doing things in life that you care about and enjoy. Doing the same things over and over again or living life for someone else will only leave you miserable. You only get a certain amount of time in this life, so make sure you’re spending it wisely.

Surround Yourself With People Who Want The Best For You:

Your mind can be shaped by those around you so spend your time with positive people who will actively look to make your life better. Your life can be completely turned upside down by the wrong people.

Stop Consuming Negative Content:

It’s so easy to see negative news and comments – all you need to do is go on social media. Because it’s such a big part of our society now, it is very difficult to escape negative news, gossip, and behavior. Do your best to stop scrolling through social media because it will truly help your mindset. The more you see things you don’t wish to view, the worse you’re going to feel about yourself and life in general.

A positive outlook on life can help turn difficult situations into something manageable. Start every day with a smile and see where it takes you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug2

4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

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4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

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

Stand up straight and tall:

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

Smile!

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

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

Make eye contact with people:

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

Dress for success:

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

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

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun27

Look For The Rainbows

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Look For The Rainbows

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

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^^^ Never mind the dog hair! 😀

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

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

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

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