Tag Archives: something new

Aug9

Let’s Get This Bread

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Let’s Get This Bread

Howdy! While I absolutely love my apartment, the one thing I don’t like is the kitchen. It’s pretty small and counter space is incredibly limited. Even more so by the fact that we have several countertop appliances taking up room like our air fryer, ice machine, toaster, and Keurig. As you can imagine, this makes cooking really difficult and it’s frustrating because I love to cook so much! With cooking being a struggle, I rarely even think about baking and that is a shame because my mom and sister are absolutely excellent bakers.

My sister makes a mean sweet treat and I am still daydreaming about a blueberry cheesecake she made several years back. My mom is a genius in general and in terms of baking bread and I have the fondest memories of helping her knead the dough when I was little. I always fancied trying to bake bread myself but it would be basically impossible at chez moi. The only table we have is my work desk and it’s covered in all of my random odds and ends and I don’t think kneading the dough on the floor is a good look lol.

As it just so happens, I might be able to make bread yet. Just not in the way I would want to. I recently acquired a bread machine that a friend had and never used. I figured it couldn’t hurt to at least give it a shot and it’s super cute to boot:

As the daughter of a mom who always poo pooed a bread machine, I felt slightly guilty for taking my friend up on the offer. In fact, when I called my mom to tell her about my newest countertop addition, I prefaced it by saying “don’t be mad” lol! Of course she wasn’t mad in the slightest and encouraged me to give it a go. She also told me a lot of bread recipes she has that I love have an adjoining bread machine recipe for me to use. 😀

Although this bread machine won’t give me the same “kneaded with love” (My mom’s official slogan) effect, it will still provide one of the best things about baking bread… How freaking amazing it smells as it’s baking!! I promised the friend who gave me their bread machine that the first loaf I bake will be for them. The next one I plan on making will be used for grilled cheese sandwiches paired with tomato soup for my mom and I to share. I know it won’t be as good as my mom’s but I’m excited to try something new!

During my next trip to the grocery store, I will be buying all the goods for my first time baking bread with the machine method. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Do you have any pro tips for bread machine usage? What is your favorite bread machine recipe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun11

Birthday Partay OOTD Bloopers

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Birthday Partay OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Birthday Partay OOTD! Johnny and I had a banner birthaversary week and the good times are going to keep rolling. We recently went to see AC/DC in Cleveland which was phenomenal and we have another concert on the horizon in the next few weeks: Outlaw Fest where Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan will be headlining! We had so many amazing concerts lined up during the pandemic that we had to forego and we are certainly making up for it this summer. Let’s take a look at some yikes shots and discuss a lil funny from my last nail appointment:

Oh mylanta am I looking GOOD

What invoked this reaction is unknown but I sure look thrilled

Always ready for my closeup

A sultry gaze just for you

I swear to high I’m not god

How to pose 101

Don’t mind me getting electrocuted

In my head, all of the adults who I interact with are my age. However, there are instances when it becomes glaringly obvious that that is, in fact, not accurate lol. Take my nail techs, for example. Both of my go to girls are at least five or six years younger than me and you could have knocked me over with a feather when I made that revelation. As per ushe, I forgot immediately until my last appointment when we were discussing summer concerts. I was telling my gals about mine and Johnny’s lineup and mentioned that we were seeing Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan in a few weeks. I kid you not both of them replied “who?” at the exact same time and my worldview was shattered.

As a forever young thirty-one year old, I kind of assumed that everyone knew of Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. A movie about the latter just came out this past year! I rarely feel old but, in that moment, I felt ancient! Honestly, this concert is more for Johnny. I love me some Willie but do not get down with Bob Dylan in the slightest. So, I just tried to explain them the best as I could to my techs. My response was “Willie Nelson is a super old country artist and Bob Dylan is just folksy BS” lol. Despite my excellent description, it still didn’t ring any bells!

It was seriously the cutest thing and humored me so much because I find myself asking the same questions when they tell me about the musicians they love or concerts they are going to. Hey, we all learn something new every appointment! It’s never not going to be fun or funny to try and describe artists to each other that we have no idea about. I get to teach them about what’s old and they get to teach me about what’s hip (Omg do I sound old lol). It’s a beautiful win/win scenario and I can’t wait to fill them in on my old timers concert at my next appointment! ❤

This new generation is A-okay in my book and no matter what your age is, you can always ALWAYS learn something new!

What is your summer concert lineup? Who is a beloved artist that you can’t stand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar26

Floral Flounce OOTD Bloopers

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Floral Flounce OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Floral Flounce OOTD! I have had a bit of extra free time on my hands (I will explain eventually!) and want to make the most of it. This has involved a lot of housework and shooting a lot of content. I even made a TikTok and you can follow me at lilred6794 !! The OOTDs that I have created this past week have all been shot using a tripod. It is a process that I have been getting used to and it can be quite time consuming. Normally, I am done in five minutes when my blog husband takes my pictures! Despite being slightly annoying, it is fun to try something new and, of course, check out some yikes shots:

Lumbering back to redo the shot again

My arms were moving so fast they propelled me through the ceiling

The face of a woman who is FED UP with this process

Aw! That’s not so bad 🙂

This is lmaooo I look like Lord Voldemort!!

In case you couldn’t tell, I was genuinely pissed at this point lol

The Floral Flounce OOTD was the very first look I shot on a tripod in years. I think I might have done one or two tripod shoots a few summers ago when Johnny was out but you get the point. All I know, is that my conclusion after those shoots was that it sucked and that Johnny would take my pictures for forever lol. In the bloopers above, you can definitely see my frustration with the tripod process because it was annoying. That’s the only word I have for it: Annoying. Put the timer on the camera, run into place, strike a pose, evaluate the picture, rinse, repeat. And repeat, and repeat, and repeat. I must have done that at least fifty times and I was just done at the end of it.

But, you know what? It got easier! Since the Floral Flounce OOTD, I have shot two new looks with the tripod (Peep those soon!). The second outfit was still a learning process. However, I was ON FIRE with the third look. I hate to toot my own horn but toot toot! I had a plethora of shots to choose from in under ten minutes, I was able to place the tripod in the best position on the second or third try, and only had a few lighting issues to tend to. Not bad at all considering it took me a good half an hour to shoot the Floral Flounce fit. In fact, after my successful third tripod attempt, I found myself wishing that I had brought more outfits to shoot!

The moral of the story? Try and try again. I am stepping outside of my content comfort zone. The tripod experience is brand new to me and my own TikTok is something I never thought I would make. I’m having fun, though, and am proud that I decided to blaze a new trail instead of thinking of reasons not to!

Have you tried something new recently? How did it go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar23

Follow Me On TikTok!

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Follow Me On TikTok!

Hello to you!! Well, everyone, I finally did it… I made a TikTok lol. This is something that I truly had no intention of doing. As you all know, I am a word girl through and through. I always have been so when video content started to become increasingly popular, I simply had no desire to even think about following suit. So why did I make a TikTok? It’s funny you should ask…

While I was shooting an OOTD in Johnny’s guitar corner, the pictures were being taken “live”. I had an inspired idea to put one of the cords from his amp around my heel and pop my foot. In my head, I was SO amped up and thought it was going to be MAGNIFICENT. It wasn’t:

Magnificent? No. Hilarious? Yes. So, I decided to post it on my Facebook and it ended up getting over one thousand three hundred views. Is that a lot? No. However, it wasn’t bad for someone who literally never posts videos and that’s when I decided that it couldn’t hurt to at least give TikTok a try. I created an account, I filled it full of old videos, and am pleased to report that I have… FIVE FOLLOWERS!! Lol hell yeah. 😀

I’ll be the first to admit, it lightweight sucks starting a completely new page. Then, I started to see the merits of making a TikTok for myself and that’s what inspired me to keep going with it. It’s kind of cool that I can give all of you a further glimpse into what you are reading about here on lifewithlilred. Whether it’s food or product reviews, a peek at the bunnies zooming about, Johnny playing guitar, or OOTD shoots, I am viewing TikTok as a way for people to get to know me better.

I’ll also be the first to admit, that I am by no means a videographer lol. Once a word girl, always a word girl. But, if you want to hop on my TikTok train – please give me a follow at lilred6794 because I can’t wait to get to know you better too!

What is your favorite social media platform? What is your favorite kind of content to view? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb5

Tabletop Gaming: A Guide For Beginners

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Tabletop Gaming: A Guide For Beginners

Tabletop gaming is a lot of fun. It’s something we’ve done since time immemorial and it’s something we’ll continue to do for years to come. After all, all you need is an idea of something to play and a place to play it – you don’t even necessarily need anyone to play with you either! One player TTRPGs are super common nowadays, and just having some time to dedicate to the session is the one requirement. But when you’re new to playing tabletop games, the whole tabletop scene can be a bit daunting. If that’s the predicament you find yourself in, here are some things to keep in mind about getting started:

Try Out Various Genres:

The variety you can find in the tabletop genre is genuinely astounding. It’s not just Dungeons and Dragons or Warhammer – there are hundreds of genres you can dig into and try out. If you find a typically popular tabletop game isn’t for you, you don’t have to keep playing it just because loads of other people do. You’ll be more than able to find something else to try that is likely to be a lot more fun, and suit your tastes better.

Buy a Dice Set:

When you have your own dice, you’re set. It doesn’t matter where you are, who you’re with, or what game you’re playing. You’ve brought an essential bit of kit along with you, and if there’s not enough to go round, you can pull your D20 Dice bag out of your pocket and be the hero. Aside from that, dice sets can get pretty creative. Many of them are made to look extra special and fancy, and you could even learn to make your own from home. Buying dice in colors and designs you love will only stoke the fires of your tabletop passion.

Don’t Be Afraid to Play with Strangers:

Heading down to a board game bar or cafe for a gaming night might sound quite intimidating, but it’s genuinely a lot of fun, even when you’re a beginner. Game nights like these bring the local gaming community together, and if you never give it a go, you’re unlikely to find other tabletop lovers outside of your select friend group. They’re strangers for now, for sure, but they won’t be for long! If you truly don’t enjoy the session you can leave whenever you want, and you don’t have to come back, but giving it a try is usually worth the time and energy. Plus, you can head online to find gaming forums and strike up conversations there too.

If you want to try tabletop gaming, get started with these tips. Try as many games as you can, get involved with any local gaming communities, and make sure you’ve got the right kit on your side too!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug22

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

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Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Howdy!! When it comes to finding new recipes for dinner, I have been in a rut. I did away with Pinterest a while ago because I was sick and tired of pinning recipe after recipe and never making it lol. So, I decided on a different approach and have just been Googling dinners I am interested in trying. This has been so much easier because I limit myself to the first few five star recipes that show up rather than scrolling through and trying to find just the right one. With this new system, I wanted to try out a recipe I found for vegetarian stuffed peppers from The Modern Proper. It was alright but didn’t blow me away so I definitely plan on making some changes if I make them again! Let’s get to it:

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When I am looking for new recipes, I always look for simple meals that require minimal ingredients. The recipe for the vegetarian stuffed peppers called for twelve or so different ingredients and you are likely to find quite a few of them in your own pantry or fridge. I did! The prep work for the peppers was easy peasy and only involved chopping an onion, a few green onions, and a bell pepper. What took forever, however, was cooking the rice! I had no idea it would take that long and it turned the prep time into an almost hour long process. I literally finished it in the knick of time during a quick work break and had to leave as soon as I was sure that the rice was fully tender.

After work, all that was left to do was top the peppers with tons of cheese and stick it in the oven. Johnny and I were both SO hungry and couldn’t wait to dig in after it cooked for about forty minutes. The end result was just okay. Johnny didn’t particularly care for it and I wasn’t surprised in the slightest. The biggest disappointment to me was the flavor because it was really bland. The recipe called for one packet of taco seasoning and salt and that was it. I would have preferred a lot more kick to it so if I make them again, I would do my own thing with the seasoning. Cayenne pepper, chili powder, maybe a bit of hot sauce too. This recipe was not the best or the worst and the jury is out on if I would try it again.

Even though we weren’t overly impressed with the vegetarian stuffed peppers, I am glad I gave it a shot. You never know if you don’t try!

How do you like to find new recipes? What are some of your favorite vegetarian dishes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug5

Fun Date Day Ideas

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Fun Date Day Ideas

Hello!! One of my favorite things in the world is to go on Date Days with Johnny. I think dating your partner is so important no matter how long you’ve been together. Johnny and I have been an item for almost five years and I still get those first date vibes whenever we step out on the town. At least a few times per month, we make it a point to go on a date with each other. It could be for a drink at our favorite bar, going to see a show, or just walking through the outdoor shopping center in Cuyahoga Falls. Whatever we do, it is always the best because we’re together having fun and enjoying each other’s company. Want to pencil in a date day with your significant other? Here are some ideas:

Antiquing/Thrifting:

When Johnny and I first started dating, we would often hit up the thrift store. This was especially entertaining because Johnny was playing in a band at that time and we would try and find the most flashy pieces for him to wear on stage. We also went antiquing on a recent date day and it was a hoot. The beauty of thrift and antique stores is that you literally have no idea what you are going to find. It could be something hilarious or something you didn’t know you needed until now. And, as a bonus, whatever you purchase can serve as a wonderful memento of your time together.

Picnic In The Park:

In Ohio, you have to take advantage of the nice weather because you never know when it’s going to completely change on you lol. One delightful way that we enjoy a beautiful day is a picnic and walk in the park. We will grab some to go sandwiches from Subway or Mr. Zub’s, post up at a park bench, then walk off our meal! Date days can be as lavish or laid back as you want and an outing at the park won’t break your bank but will still be incredibly sweet. It’s always nice to get active with your SO and maybe you will end up making a weekly hike part of your schedule!

New Experiences:

Going on dates is all about trying new things. Be adventurous! Check out that museum you’ve been dying to go to, sign up for a cooking class, take some ballroom dancing lessons. Turn your “I wishes” into “I wills” and see where the day takes you. Perhaps you could each write some ideas down for new locations, eateries, and activities and draw from a hat each date day. There’s a chance that you won’t like whatever was chosen and that’s okay. The most important thing is that you shared a new experience together and that creates lasting memories.

Road Trip:

Maybe you’re bored with the same old, same old in your neck of the woods. So go for a drive! Choose a maximum amount of time you would like to travel for and make stops along the way. Visit quaint diners, quirky shops, and scenic areas for lots of pictures. It’s amazing the places you can find when you venture away from your own backyard. Create a playlist for your drive, get ALL of the snacks from the gas station, and see where you end up. You might just stumble upon your new favorite place.

A Day In:

Sometimes, going out is just as fun as staying in! I absolutely love the nights when Johnny and I play board and video games, listen to music, and chat the evening away. Cook a meal together, indulge in some self care, do a craft, and just chill. You will surely find that this time with no other distractions than each other is even better than dining at a five star restaurant. If you are turning your day into something special, it will be no matter what you do!

Johnny and I had a lovely Date Day this past weekend and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Stay tuned!!

What was the best date you have ever been on? How about the worst? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul23

How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

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How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

Mastering a new language isn’t just about ordering a coffee in Paris without pointing wildly at the menu or watching anime without subtitles. It’s an exhilarating adventure in self-improvement that stretches the boundaries of your mind and heart. It’s about connecting with people in a way that transcends the typical tourist experience, and yes, it’s also about feeling ridiculously proud of yourself when you finally understand what that fast-talking Spanish soap opera character is plotting.

Of course, it’s also great to be able to drop in on people who are speaking the language you know or even reading a manga that hasn’t been translated into English. There are so many benefits, but the biggest one is how it changes you. Here’s what you need to know and why learning a new language can be one of the best decisions you can make:

It’s About Breaking Down Mental Barriers:

Learning a new language is a fantastic workout for your brain. It’s like taking your neurons to the gym. Not only are you memorizing vocabulary and grappling with grammar that sometimes feels like it was designed to be as confusing as possible, but you’re also training your brain to switch between different systems of speech and thought. This mental flexibility is a superpower in its own right. For example, if you’re taking beginner Chinese reading classes, you have to think pretty hard and stimulate your brain. Your brain has to think more, so it’s getting stronger. You’ll be able to learn easier with time, understand better in time, and become mentally sharper as well.

Cultivating Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity:

Beyond the cognitive fireworks, learning a new language is a deep dive into another culture. You have to understand that words are the keys to unlocking how people think, laugh, and live. Each new word you learn is a glimpse into the values, humor, and essence of another community. This isn’t just educational; it’s a form of connecting on a human level that can profoundly alter how you see the world.

Here’s a great example: when you learn Japanese, you’re not just learning vocabulary. You’re learning concepts like “wa” (harmony) and “omotenashi” (hospitality), which are central to Japanese culture. It’s the same for Dutch, their culture is very direct, and in their language a lot of words and phrases are blunt too (it’s hard to sugar coat things in Dutch like you can in English). Overall, understanding these concepts can change how you interact with others, making you more considerate and aware of the subtleties of social interaction.

Enhancing Personal and Professional Opportunities:

We can’t forget the practical perks! Speaking a second (or third or fourth) language can open up incredible career opportunities. In our globalized world, companies are always on the lookout for individuals who can navigate different cultures and languages. Whether it’s closing deals in China, managing a project in Mexico, or helping solve a customer’s problem in French, each language you learn adds a unique string to your career bow.

With so many amazing language learning apps and programs available, adding a new language to your arsenal has never been more accessible. Give it a try and enjoy!

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Apr7

The Vegetarian Cooking Steak

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The Vegetarian Cooking Steak

Hello!! I have been a vegetarian for a very long time and Johnny very much isn’t lol. However, he eats all of the MorningStar and Gardein products and typically orders out if he’s craving a burger. In our almost half a decade long relationship, I think I have cooked bacon five times and steak once. Twice if you count this past Wednesday! I often get asked if it bothers me to cook meat and it honestly doesn’t so much. I just hate to touch it and also the fact that I’m serving a food that I can’t taste for quality control. I am pleased to report that the steaks I made were top notch according to Johnny and our best boy, Cliff, so that’s not bad at all for a second go! Check it out:

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Our bestie has been feeling a little low and Johnny asked me if it would be okay if I cooked a homemade dinner to cheer him up. He is so thoughtful and I was more than happy to accommodate. The guys requested my seasoned baked potatoes and steaks and that seemed easy enough! I decided that if I was going to do steaks, I was going to do it right and wanted to find a mesquite marinade recipe to compliment the potatoes. I clicked around online for a bit and ultimately ended up choosing what was the most simple and had the fewest ingredients from The Spruce Eats.

The recipe for the marinade was easy peasy lemon squeezy and used less than ten items – most of which I already had at home. It needed red wine, rice wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. On Tuesday, I mixed the ingredients and let the steaks sit in zip lock bags until it was time to cook them Wednesday evening. To cook the steaks, I fried them in butter with salt, pepper, and a dash of hope that all would go well…

It went… Fine lol. The meat thermometer I was using wasn’t the best and I couldn’t seem to get a clear read on it. The steaks felt like they took forever to cook and by the time I thought to just cut into it to see what was going on, they were already done and should have come off the heat a few minutes prior. Despite that mix up, I was thrilled that both Johnny and Cliff enjoyed them so much and that the marinade was bold, flavorful, and smokey. They both completely cleaned their plates and that was good enough for me!

The next time we have Cliff over for dinner, I’m going to try cooking chicken for the first time ever so we’ll see what happens!

What is something that you have never cooked before? What is a food that you refuse to eat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Mar1

5 Hobbies You Need To Try This Year

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5 Hobbies You Need To Try This Year

What are your hobbies? How many times have you been asked this question? Both on a personal or professional level? Not everyone has hobbies they want to share with others for various reasons. But what if you don’t? What if you need a new way to spend your time to stop your doom scrolling online before bed or to replace bad habits with new ones? Whatever your reason for needing to find a new hobby this year, these suggestions could be exactly what you need:

Reading:

These days, you can read in many formats; you don’t even need a book in front of you, and you can listen to audiobooks if picking up a book doesn’t appeal. Or you can purchase physical copies of books or read digitally if you prefer. And the context doesn’t even matter. You can read fiction or nonfiction. Choose to learn more about history, pick autobiographies, read science fiction, romance books, or anything else you wish. There is no one right or wrong way to read as long as you’re enjoying the content you’re consuming.

To start reading, you can simply buy a book from a bookstore. Find a good bookstore with a Sandwich Shop to help you find a reading community if you prefer to be more social with your new hobby. Alternatively, you can borrow books from a library, read on a Kindle, or listen to audiobooks. It’s entirely up to you. Why not look for book clubs in your local area to add to the social element if you wish?

Cooking and Baking:

Everyone needs to eat, and cooking is a handy skill pretty much everyone needs. It doesn’t matter what your starting point is; you can always pick up new kitchen tips, try new cooking methods, and try new foods. From baking cakes to creating desserts, experimenting with fine dining options, perfecting your traditional classics, getting to grips with the basics, learning new knife skills, or perfecting the prep work and cutting ingredients there is so much to learn. Cooking is the ideal hobby to take up this year and will be one of those skills you are always going to need for yourself, family, or guests.

Camping:

If you’ve never tried it before, why not make 2024 the year you get back to basics with nature and spend a night or two under the stars? Camping can be a great way to help you unplug and relax in nature. It isn’t for everyone, and if the thought of sleeping on the ground in a tent isn’t for you, you can try glamping, sleeping in your car at a pitch, or spending a weekend in an RV, maybe.

Plenty of options like Camping in the New Forest (or a similar campsite in your local area) offer so much more to do than just camping. Your site could be located a short walk away from wineries, night hikes might be offered, or activity stations for archery or axe throwing could be featured. There is something for everyone when you go camping! Taking time away from the world to fully relax in beautiful surroundings can help you find a new lease on life and a hobby that can become a permanent feature in your life.

Get Creative:

If you like to express yourself, then why not try your hand at one of the many different creative hobbies out there? You can try drawing, painting, writing, photography, sculpting, upcycling clothes, and so on. Use your creative license to help you think outside of the box and express yourself in a way that only art and creative hobbies can allow. You don’t even need to be any good at it; you simply need to enjoy what you are doing. You can do this at home on your own, rope family or friends to take part alongside you, or find classes or groups in your local area to help you pick up new skills and meet new people at the same time.

Look at what you could spend your money on to get creative. From refurbished machines for embroidery projects to adult coloring in books, there’s plenty out there to get creative with.

Learn A New Language:

Have you always wanted to learn a new language or pick up a few phrases to help you navigate foreign countries when traveling? There are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world, and you can choose to learn as many as you wish. If you want to be able to learn a different language, you are more likely to come across one of the top spoken languages in the world: Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Hindi. But you can learn any language whether you plan to use it regularly or not. Why not consider learning ASL? Sign language is an underrated skill, and being able to converse with and include the deaf community in conversations is something that will be appreciated and helpful in many situations, whether you know anyone who is deaf personally or not.

Finding a new hobby for this year can enrich your life in so many ways. You can start plenty of hobbies for free and make them a regular part of your life. And if you don’t enjoy it? Then, you simply go back to the drawing board and start again!

Featured Image By: Pexels