May27

What Car Owners Should Know Before Their Next Manufacturer Service

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What Car Owners Should Know Before Their Next Manufacturer Service

A manufacturer’s service is more than a basic check-up. It follows the service schedule set by the vehicle manufacturer and helps keep the car safe, reliable, and running as intended. Many drivers book their service only when a warning light appears or when the car starts making unusual noises. However, waiting for a problem to appear can lead to bigger repair costs later.

A proper logbook service helps maintain the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s requirements. It includes checks, replacements, adjustments, and inspections based on the car’s age, mileage, model, and service history. Before booking your next manufacturer service, it helps to understand what is usually involved, why timing matters, and how it can protect your car in the long run:

A Manufacturer Service Follows a Set Schedule:

Every car comes with a recommended service schedule. This schedule is usually based on time or mileage, whichever comes first. For example, a vehicle may need servicing every 10,000 miles, 15,000 miles, or once a year, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines. These intervals are not random. They are designed around how the vehicle’s parts, fluids, filters, and systems wear over time. Engine oil breaks down, filters become blocked, brake parts wear down, tires lose evenness, and fluids can become contaminated. If these items are not checked and replaced on time, they can affect performance and reliability.

It Helps Protect Your Warranty:

One of the biggest reasons drivers keep up with scheduled servicing is warranty protection. If your car is still under warranty, missing services or delaying them for too long can create problems if you need to make a claim. Manufacturers expect the vehicle to be maintained correctly. If a fault appears and the car has not been serviced as required, the manufacturer may question whether poor maintenance contributed to the issue. This can make the warranty process more difficult. A proper log book service gives you a clear record that the vehicle has been maintained according to the recommended schedule. It also shows what work was completed and when. This can be important not only for warranty claims, but also for future resale value.

Small Problems Can Be Found Early:

One of the main benefits of manufacturer servicing is early fault detection. A car may feel fine to drive, but hidden issues can still be developing. A mechanic may notice a coolant leak, worn brake pads, cracked belt, uneven tire wear, or a weak battery. Finding these issues early can save money. A small leak can be repaired before it causes overheating. Worn brake pads can be replaced before they damage the rotors. A weak battery can be changed before it leaves you stranded. Uneven tire wear can point to alignment or suspension issues before tires are ruined.

Your Service History Matters:

A complete service history can make a big difference when selling or trading in your car. Buyers often look for proof that the car has been serviced regularly. A stamped log book and detailed invoices show that the vehicle has been maintained properly over time. A missing or incomplete service history can make buyers cautious. They may worry that the car has hidden problems or that important maintenance was skipped. This can reduce the vehicle’s value or make it harder to sell.

The Right Workshop Can Still Complete Manufacturer Servicing:

Some drivers think they must always return to the dealership for a manufacturer’s service. In many cases, qualified independent workshops can complete manufacturer-scheduled servicing as long as the work follows the required standards and uses suitable parts and fluids. This can give drivers more choice. A trusted workshop can follow the manufacturer’s schedule, stamp the log book, complete the required checks, and explain any issues clearly. The key is choosing a workshop with experience, proper equipment, and an understanding of your vehicle type.

Warning Lights Should Not Be Ignored:

If a warning light appears before your scheduled service, do not wait until the booking date without checking it. Warning lights can relate to engine faults, brake issues, battery charging problems, oil pressure, coolant temperature, airbags, ABS, or other important systems. Some warnings may be minor, but others can become serious if ignored. A diagnostic scan can help identify the cause and prevent further damage. If the car feels rough, overheats, loses power, makes unusual noises, or shows fluid leaks, it should be inspected as soon as possible.

How to Prepare Before Your Service:

Before taking your car in, check your service book, note any concerns, and tell the mechanic about changes you have noticed. This may include unusual noises, rough starting, poor fuel economy, warning lights, vibrations, pulling to one side, brake squealing, or air conditioning issues. It also helps to remove personal items from the car, especially if the mechanic needs access to the trunk, glove box, cabin filter area, or spare wheel. If you have previous repair invoices, keep them available so the workshop can understand the vehicle’s maintenance history.

Regular servicing may feel like a routine cost, but it is one of the simplest ways to protect your car and avoid bigger problems on the road!

May27

Groovy Movies: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Edition

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Groovy Movies: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Groovy Movies! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing the much anticipated sequel to one of my favorite chick flicks of all time – The Devil Wears Prada. One of my fondest memories is going to see the first one in theaters with my mom, sister, and grandma and I will never forget exiting the theater together and gabbing away about all of the outfits we loved. I was so excited to repeat this process as a belated Mother’s Day outing for my mom and sister and the only thing that would have made it better was if my grandma could be there too! Us gals had the best time and we loved every second of the movie. I think we all can’t wait to see it again so let’s get to it so I can relive it lol:

^^^ As always, I have no rights to this video!

Andy Sachs has made it as a journalist and has enjoyed an eventful two decades fulfilling her passion since leaving Runway. Of course, the fashion Bible was still going strong after Andy’s departure until everything came to a crashing halt. Miranda Priestly featured a fast fashion company that uses sweatshop labor for their clothing and failed to vet them properly. She is immediately on the Internet’s chopping block for this major faux pas and things aren’t looking much better for Andy, either. The paper she just won an award for writing in terminated all of their employees via text.

While Andy starts the process of finding a new gig, she receives a phone call from the CEO of Runway’s parent company. They want to hire her as the new culture writer to set Runway up on a positive trajectory after the latest scandal. Oh yeah, Andy is back at Runway… If only Miranda could remember who she is! Through good old fashioned hard work, Andy has managed to combat the Runway media storm and the CEO is pleased. So much so that he wants to offer Miranda a big promotion at his birthday party. Sadly, that promotion never comes to fruition due to his untimely death and his son is now handling Runway’s future.

The problem? The new CEO doesn’t care about fashion whatsoever and will be downsizing Runway’s operations significantly. The budgets across all departments are bare bones and to Miranda’s great disdain, there will be no more company cars or flying first class. The solution? Find someone else to purchase Runway and let Miranda’s vision continue. In an unlikely alliance, Andy teams up with Emily to save Runway. But is one of them only saving themselves? Watch The Devil Wears Prada 2 to find out!

This sounds silly but being reunited on screen with Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt was like seeing old friends again. I have seen The Devil Wears Prada upwards of one hundred times and it was honestly so special to see the sequel on the big screen with my favorite gals. Was the second one as good as the first? No and I have no problem saying that because it’s true. However, was it fun? Was it hilarious? Was the fashion absolutely impeccable? Yes. Yes. And a resounding YES!! The sequel was everything we all loved about The Devil Wears Prada and it was the most delightful celebration of such an iconic movie.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gifted us with all of the characters we know and love and was filled with Easter eggs galore! Peep those iconic blue belts within the first few seconds of the movie and listen in for songs played in the first one too. Between the waves of nostalgia with these little tips of the cap, I was in stitches because everything Miranda Priestly and Nigel said was literally the funniest things I have ever heard. And, while I wasn’t glassy eyed over favorite memories or belly laughing I was simply drooling. Those. Clothes!! Every piece worn was nothing but the best and truly spectacular. What I wouldn’t give for that gorgeous bejeweled coat Miranda was rocking. Or that little plaid number that Andy wore?! Ugh. Chef’s kiss. ❤

Overall, I am going to rate The Devil Wears Prada 2 with an eight out of ten stars. Nothing beats the OG but the sequel is an absolute must see!

What is your favorite movie? What is your favorite fashion moment from The Devil Wears Prada? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

How Bluetooth Is Enabling Healthier Lifestyles

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How Bluetooth Is Enabling Healthier Lifestyles

Bluetooth technology transformed the phone market several years ago by allowing people to connect more devices to their smartphones wirelessly. It’s now entering the health sector and creating powerful changes there as well. Here’s what’s happening:

Seamlessly synchronizing biometrics 24/7:

One of the most underrated impacts of Bluetooth and its effect on enabling healthier lifestyles is how it’s seamlessly synchronising biometrics for people 24/7. Anyone who is wearing a device or going for workouts now knows that they can log all of their data on a simple app, all powered by Bluetooth.

Smartwatches, fitness bands, and other types of wearables use this technology for things like continuous oxygen-level monitoring and heart rate variability. The amount of data that can now be gleaned by the combination of sensors and Bluetooth is extraordinary, and brands are combining it with intelligent AI software to provide integrated dashboards to consumers.

Upgrading home care preventative health measures:

Another way Bluetooth is enabling healthier lifestyles is by bridging the gap between home wellness and clinical medicine. For example, it’s now possible to connect vital measurements like blood pressure, weight, and temperature to phones and cloud software. 

In addition to this, Bluetooth hearing aids are being equipped with emergency fall alert technology. These features are particularly helpful for older people who may be living at home and at risk of falling.

What’s interesting about these latest technologies is that they don’t rely on single data points taken once a year at a doctor’s office. Instead, Bluetooth technology allows trends to be tracked over many weeks and months, building a fuller picture of a person’s state of overall health.

Improving chronic condition management:

The effects of connected Bluetooth technology on chronic condition management are nothing short of extraordinary. The rise of continuous glucose monitors for people with diabetes means they can now get alerts on their phones for when they should take insulin or when they’ve eaten a meal with too much sugar in it. There are also smart inhalers that track usage patterns and geographic triggers. These can help patients figure out what might be causing their asthma attacks and provide them with more information on when they should take their inhalers to open up their airways.

Making hearing health more accessible:

Another change you might have noticed is the improvements in hearing health. Bluetooth is making hearing health gadgets more accessible and changing how people interact with their environments. For example, it’s now possible for individuals to stream audio from public screens in airports and railway stations. This streaming eliminates the need to interpret sounds through the microphone first, making sounds clearer and easier to perceive.

This is also being used to create more smart environments. Healthy living isn’t just about moving bodies. It’s also about the air people breathe and the environment that they live in. Bluetooth air quality monitoring can track CO2 levels, volatile organic compounds, and allergens. It can also implement automated fixes to HVAC systems and smart ventilation technologies.

Are you synced up to Bluetooth to monitor your health? It can only help!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May26

Your “Cheap” Plumber Just Made The Problem Worse – Here’s What Happens Next

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Your “Cheap” Plumber Just Made The Problem Worse – Here’s What Happens Next

A cheap plumbing quote can look attractive, especially when the problem seems simple. A leaking tap, slow drain, running toilet, or small pipe repair may not feel like something worth spending much on. But plumbing work has a way of punishing shortcuts. If the job is done badly, the original problem may return, spread, or create damage that costs far more than the money saved. Many homeowners only realize this after the cheap repair fails. The leak comes back, the drain blocks again, the hot water fault worsens, or the same plumber stops answering calls. At that point, the next repair is no longer just about fixing the first issue. It may involve undoing poor work, finding hidden damage, and restoring trust in the system:

Why Cheap Work Often Costs More Later:

A low price is not always a problem on its own. Some jobs are simple, and some plumbers price fairly. The warning sign is when the quote is unusually cheap, vague, or rushed. If a price seems far lower than others, something may be missing. Cheap work often skips proper diagnosis. The plumber may patch the visible issue without checking why it happened. A leak may be stopped temporarily instead of being repaired properly. A blocked drain may be plunged instead of being inspected. A hot water issue may be reset without checking the underlying fault.

Common Problems After Poor Plumbing Work:

One of the most common issues is repeated leaking. A loose-fitting seal, wrong washer, or rushed pipe repair may hold briefly before failing again. Water can then spread into cupboards, flooring, skirting, plaster, and adjoining rooms. Blocked drains are another common example. If the drain is cleared only enough to let water pass, the main buildup may remain. Without proper cleaning or inspection, the blockage can return quickly. Toilet repairs can also go wrong when parts are mismatched or installed incorrectly. The toilet may keep running, leak at the base, flush poorly, or waste water. Hot water repairs can become risky if electrical, gas, valve, or pressure issues are not handled correctly.

The Hidden Damage Is Often Worse Than the Visible Fault:

Poor plumbing work can cause damage that is not obvious straight away. A small leak inside a vanity may seem minor until the cabinet swells. A pipe behind a wall may drip slowly for weeks before stains appear. A bad drain repair may allow wastewater to escape underground, affecting the soil and creating odors. Water damage can also create mold risks. Damp areas behind cabinets, under floors, or inside walls can stay hidden until the smell, staining, or surface damage becomes obvious.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters:

Good plumbing is not just about replacing parts. It’s about understanding why the problem occurred. A leaking tap may be caused by worn washers, high water pressure, damaged seats, or ageing fixtures. A blocked drain may be caused by grease, roots, cracked pipes, or poor pipe fall. Professional plumbers in Adelaide (or your local area) that homeowners rely on should include a clear diagnosis, not guesswork. The plumber should explain what they found, what needs to be fixed, and what could happen if the issue is ignored.

What to Do If the Repair Has Failed:

If a cheap repair has failed, avoid trying to hide or patch the problem again. Turn off the water if there is an active leak. Stop using affected fixtures if wastewater is backing up. Keep records of invoices, messages, photos, and dates. Call a qualified plumber to inspect the issue properly. Be honest about what work was done before. This helps them identify whether the failure comes from the original problem, poor workmanship, unsuitable parts, or hidden damage.

How to Avoid the Same Mistake Again:

When choosing a plumber, look for licensing, insurance, clear communication, and proper quoting. A professional plumber should be able to explain the job in plain language and provide a reasonable breakdown of what is included. Be cautious with cash-only offers, vague prices, no written details, or pressure to approve work immediately when the situation is not urgent. Also, be wary of anyone who dismisses inspection and says they can fix everything quickly without checking properly.

When Paying More Makes Sense:

Paying more can make sense when the plumber provides a proper diagnosis, uses suitable materials, follows safe work practices, and gives clear advice. This is not about paying the highest price, it’s about paying for work that solves the problem instead of creating a new one. Good plumbing work can protect your home from water damage, repeat call outs, and emergency repairs. It can also give you better long-term value because the repair is based on the real cause, not just the visible symptom.

If a recent plumbing repair has failed, do not keep patching it. Book a proper inspection and get clear advice before the problem spreads further through your home!

May26

If The Shoe Fits: ANEFUN Wheelies Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: ANEFUN Wheelies Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of If The Shoe Fits! As you all know, I live in heels during the weekend. During the work week when I am out and about with clients or on a content shoot, however, is when I wear a sad pair of Nikes that were purchased around fifteen years ago when I was in my PacSun era. For the past several months, my Nikes began falling apart and the sole of one of them finally came clean off when I was at the gym. My sneakers had a good run but it was time for something new. Something different. Something with wheels? Oh yeah!

Wheelie shoes became popular in my childhood and I coveted them so badly. I never did get a pair but that’s okay because I got one now at the tender age of almost thirty-two lol. These ANEFUN wheelie sneakers hit me right in the childhood and I can’t wait to bust them out to walk or skate around town! Check it out:

Am I any good at rollerskating? No. Do I care? Absolutely not because these shoes are just pure FUN! I was hopeful that these could double as regular old tennies for my family vacation to Italy but they are, admittedly, pretty clunky. I’ll have to get a normal pair of walking shoes for that, which isn’t as fun as shopping for heels but it is still shoe shopping at least! 😀 Until then, these ANEFUN shoe skates will work just fine. I adore the pastel pop colors against the stark white and when the wheels are up they are like wearing platform sneakers which I am all about. These bad boys are funky, so unique, and transforming them into skates is as easy as pressing the button on the heel. I haven’t taken my skates to the streets yet but I have been practicing in my apartment where the only person who will laugh at me if I fall is Johnny lol. I’m pleased to report that that hasn’t happened yet. 🙂

If you are interested in these shoes for yourself, then heed my warning: Order a size down! I am a true blue size six and that is what I ordered. I was ecstatic when they arrived in the mail and then was immediately disappointed when I realized how big they were by a half a size at the bare minimum. I returned them and ordered a five, instead, and they are actually a bit big too but that problem will be solved by doubling up on ankle socks. These shoes were advertised for women and children but there is NO way a child could fit them when the smallest size had wiggle room for me. Proceed with caution for the sizes and proceed with caution in general because I am one thousand percent sure my butt will be on the pavement at some point when I skate in them!

There is nothing better than making a purchase that your childhood self would freak out over and my inner child definitely is! A trip to the Sketchers store will be in order for a classic pair of tennis shoes but I am going to be wearing my wheelies as often as possible. Be on the lookout for a new OOTD featuring them soon!

What was a toy or clothing item you really wanted as a child? Did you ever end up getting it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May25

5 Reasons Why A Loft Conversion Is Worth Your Time And Money

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5 Reasons Why A Loft Conversion Is Worth Your Time And Money

When homeowners start running out of space, the first instinct is often to move. But between estate agent fees, legal costs, packing, and the stress of uprooting your life, moving house can quickly become far more expensive than expected. That’s why loft conversions continue gaining popularity, especially for families who want more space without sacrificing the character or location they already love. While the upfront cost may feel intimidating at first, the long-term benefits often make it one of the smartest renovation projects you can invest in:

1. You avoid the huge cost of moving house:

One of the biggest financial advantages of a loft conversion is avoiding the moving tax. Selling a property and buying another comes with endless costs that don’t actually improve your lifestyle or increase your wealth. A loft conversion allows you to stay in the neighborhood you already enjoy while putting your money directly back into your own property instead of handing it over to third parties. For families who love their area but simply need more room, moving upward often makes far more sense than moving away.

2. Loft conversions offer impressive return on investment:

Not every renovation dramatically increases property value, but loft conversions consistently perform well. Transforming an unused attic into a functional bedroom, office, or en-suite suite can significantly boost your home’s market appeal. This becomes especially valuable when renovating an old home where original layouts may no longer suit modern lifestyles. Adding an extra bedroom or flexible top-floor retreat instantly makes the property more attractive to future buyers.

3. Most projects are faster than people expect:

Many homeowners assume major renovations automatically mean endless paperwork and delays. Fortunately, loft conversions are often more straightforward than large extensions. Standard loft projects can fall under permitted development rules, meaning full planning permission may not always be necessary. That can save months of waiting and significantly reduce stress before work even begins. Construction itself also tends to be less disruptive because much of the work happens externally through scaffolding rather than directly through the center of the home.

4. You gain space without losing your garden:

Rear extensions may add square footage, but they often come at the cost of valuable outdoor space. A loft conversion solves that problem by utilizing space that already exists above your ceiling. You gain an entirely new room without shrinking your patio, driveway, or garden. That balance matters more than ever today, especially as homeowners increasingly prioritize both indoor comfort and outdoor living areas. Modern designs featuring reliable options like Tuffx roof windows also help maximize natural light, transforming previously dark attic spaces into bright, airy rooms that feel fully integrated into the home.

5. It creates a peaceful retreat away from the noise:

One underrated advantage of loft conversions is the separation they create. As open-plan homes become busier and louder, having a quiet top-floor sanctuary can completely change how a house feels day to day. Whether it becomes a master suite, creative workspace, reading room, or guest retreat, the extra level naturally feels calmer and more private.

In the end, a loft conversion isn’t just about adding square footage. It’s about creating a smarter, more functional home that continues working for your lifestyle long into the future!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May25

How To Handle The Emotions Of Hearing Loss

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How To Handle The Emotions Of Hearing Loss

There is no doubt that any kind of hearing loss can have a big impact on your life. But it is not only the day-to-day practical side of life that it affects, it also takes its toll emotionally as well. A sense of helplessness and depression is common. Let’s look closer at a few of the ways that you can put yourself in a better position to handle the emotional side of hearing loss:

Don’t Hide Your Feelings:

Whether your hearing loss is sudden or gradual, there is certainly a sense of mourning involved. To support yourself through this grieving process, turn to your friends and family for support. Rely on the people who are closest to you in your life and express to them what you are going through as clearly as you can. You may also find that it is helpful to talk your feelings through with a therapist.

Make Communication Simpler:

Of course, you are never going to get used to hearing loss instantly. Older people, in particular, tend to wait longer than they should to get treatment as they find it difficult to accept the loss. Hearing loss tends to have an isolating effect as people find social situations so much more challenging than they once did. Whenever you are speaking to people, you can help the situation by turning down background noise like the television or radio. You can also ask people to speak slowly and clearly, and face them at all times so that you can see their mouth and gestures. Essentially, do everything you can to make your life that little bit easier.

Understand Your Options:

The more that you learn about the process of hearing loss, the more you can ease your anxiety and start to feel better. There are plenty of resources that you can use and advice that you can follow from an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor. Find out about the common treatment options that are out there with a local hearing exam, the support groups in your area, and what sort of medical checkups you need to have on a regular basis.

Stay Realistic:

Even though hearing devices are so much more advanced than they once were, they are not instant cures. It takes a while before your brain adjusts to the sound coming through them, and in many ways, the process involves learning to listen all over again. Stay realistic in the challenge you have in front of you and be prepared to exercise some patience.

There is no pretending that hearing loss is going to be an easy thing to go through, but these are just a few of the ways that you can better handle the emotional side of it so that you can live a life that remains as rich and fulfilling as possible.      

Featured Image By: Pexels

May25

Daisy Darling OOTD

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Daisy Darling OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful day out celebrating my brother’s birthday and it was so much fun! We started our adventure by mini golfing at Fun n’ Stuff and then wrapped up the festivities with a delicious Middle Class Fancy meal at Applebees. We really lucked out with the weather because rain was on the forecast and it ended up being a bright sunshiny day – just what I needed to break out a sassy little OOTD! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Daisy Crop Top: This was purchased forever ago at PacSun!

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Candy Button Platforms: B.A.I.T., Unique Vintage

Cherry Earrings: Anthropologie, TJMaxx

Spring is one of my favorite seasons and, unfortunately, it has been total crap in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. This spring has been cold, rainy, and grey and it basically feels like five o’clock in the evening all day. It was so exciting to be blessed with some warm weather so I could finally wear something other than jeans and a hoodie when I’m out and about! It was eighty degrees during our outing and my mind immediately went to a crop top and shorts to enjoy the weather before it changed for the worse. And, in classic Ohio fashion, it did a few days later lol SMH.

The crop top I chose was an ancient relic from my days at PacSun and it has to be around fifteen years old at this point. Do I care? Hard no! This delightful daisy crop is not only nostalgic but one of my favorites and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it. That punchy pink color is the sweetest and I mean, do we need to say anything more about the daisy boobs? That speaks for itself! All that was left to do was put on a pair of my go to AEO jean shorts and then it was onto shoes and accessories…

For my shoes I went with a fabulous pair of platforms by B.A.I.T. that were actually purchased for my Candy Queen Halloween costume. How adorable is that candy button motif?! Buying these heels was a total win/win because it was perfect for my costume and also perfect for spring and summertime use. They are oh so comfy and I had no problem strutting about for an afternoon on the mini golf circuit! Last on the agenda was accessories and since my tattoos were doing the talking, I kept it simple with a pair of simply charming cherry earrings. They provided an extra pop of girly cuteness and were the best little treat from TJMaxx at just ten dollars. With that, I was ready to score a hole in one!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from my Daisy Darling OOTD and lots more fashion fun here on lifewithlilred! ❤

What is spring weather like in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite warm weather activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May24

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Midnight Show By Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Midnight Show By Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing a delightfully refreshing whodoneit by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne called The Midnight Show. I admit that I was a little ambivalent about this book for the first fifty or so pages but once I got used to the unique format and plethora of characters, I was SO in. I’m also pleased to report that I figured out the grand reveal way beforehand and it didn’t deter my enjoyment of this book in the slightest. The Midnight Show was an excellent palette cleanser as I work through the ultra intense Stillhouse Lake series and I highly recommend it. Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on The Midnight Show for addiction and emotional abuse. You ready? Let’s go!

Lillian Martin was a beloved comedienne of the 1980s who had her big break on the first handful of seasons of The Midnight Show (Think Saturday Night Live and we’ll refer to it as TMS for short). She was thrust into fame with the members of her old improv troupe and TMS cast but that came at a cost. The last thing Lillian ever wanted was being chased down by fans, being sent psycho stalker letters, and feeling unsafe as she went about her daily life. The turmoil of her newfound celebrity as well as an abusive relationship led to addiction and she passed away before her time. However, was her passing suicide, murder, or simply an accident?

Forty years after Lillian’s death, Madeline Cohen who is a culture writer for Rolling Stone wants to dig deeper. Sure, she’d like to solve Lillian’s cold case but she is also interested in how the male centered world of comedy might have played a part in Lillian’s downfall. Through interviews with Lillian’s estranged family and former TMS castmates, Madeline begins to put together the pieces of the years leading up to one of the leading ladies of comedy’s death. Each cast member believes that one of their former crew had something to do with Lillian’s untimely passing. But who? Read The Midnight Show to find out!

The Midnight Show was written primarily through TMS cast interviews as well as email correspondence and newspaper clippings. It almost read more like a script for a play rather than a novel and it was a lot to take in all at once as former castmates were introduced rapidly. After the initial sense of being overwhelmed by all of the information, I found my bearings and was able to dive into The Midnight Show and relish every page. The plot was so intriguing and fast paced, the kooky TMS cast members were often hilarious, and it was an exciting and fresh take on a classic whodoneit.

There was one particular character who I just couldn’t get enough of and that was Gina Ross, Lillian’s BFF. Gina was bold, brash, and provided something to laugh about every time she appeared on page. Her sharp wit as she conversed with Madeline really pushed the story forward but underneath all of that humor, you could tell how much the tragedy of Lillian pained her. Make no mistake, though, Lillian’s demise pained everyone interviewed and everyone could be a suspect. My advice if you want to solve the mystery ahead of time too? Take off the rose colored glasses. Your favorite characters might just be covering up a murder!

I am going to award The Midnight Show with the coveted ten out of ten stars. This has got to be one of my favorite books that I have read all year and I think you will like it too!

What are you currently reading? What should I read next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May23

What Have We Been Watching?

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What Have We Been Watching?

Hello!! There is literally nothing better to me and Johnny than sitting down after work and watching TV. It’s our favorite way to unwind after a long day and I always look forward to our evening entertainment. We have a handful of shows that we have been cycling through and maybe you’ll enjoy them too! Let’s discuss:

My Hero Academia:

Johnny is not an anime fan in the slightest but I SO am. In fact, my brother and I recently started going to an anime club at the library to watch new shows and chat it up with likeminded individuals. During our last meeting we watched the first few episodes of My Hero Academia and I freaking loved it. So much so that I have been watching an episode every morning since while I eat my breakfast.

Long story short, the anime is basically like a superhero comic book. Children are born with powers or “quirks” as they call them and spend their days training to become a pro superhero. Our protagonist, Deku, was born with no quirks but it’s his dream to become a hero even without a special power. My Hero Academia follows his from zero to hero plot line and it is a delight! Action packed, hilarious, and heartwarming – this anime has got it all!

Farmer Wants A Wife:

Lololol. Johnny and I originally started watching season one of Farmer Wants A Wife as a joke. Then, somewhere along the way, it turned into one of our favorite dating shows. We are currently watching season four as it airs and it’s exactly what you would expect if you have seen the show before… Girls in terrible outfits trying to woo a farmer through hard work on their land and competing for fleeting moments of their attention. Is it stupid? Absolutely! Are we going to continue watching it for forever? ABSOLUTELY.

The Last Kingdom:

We watched The Last Kingdom when we first started dating and both agree that is superior to Game Of Thrones. Yeah, I said it! We decided to start watching it again from the beginning so we can finally watch the movie that ties the series together. The Last Kingdom is all about the Saxons and Danes as they fight for power across England. Every episode is full of surprises and the man candy of Uhtred is especially nice! I have forgotten a majority of this show and it feels like watching it for the first time. I am so glad we’re giving it another go and love our nightly viewings of an episode or two.

From:

I have wanted to watch the horror series From for ages and we finally began watching it about a month ago. Mere seconds into the first episode we were completely in and devoured the first three seasons. Now, sadly, we have to wait for the weekly new episode installment of season four and it sucks. I just want to binge watch it all!

The premise of From goes like this… A family is driving to a vacation destination when they come across a tree in the road causing them to turn around and find another way. Rather than hitting the highway, they come across a rundown town and continue to return to it. Eventually, they realize they are stuck with the townspeople in a place they can’t leave. What’s more, monsters come out at night slaying everyone in their path. From is twisty, turny, and harrowing and it is my new favorite show. The acting is sublime, the plot is so intriguing, and I’m constantly on pins and needles for what’s going to happen next!

It’s always fun to dive into a new series and you are in for a treat if you give any of these shows a go. They are great!

What are you currently watching? What was the last show you binge watched? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May22

Dressed To The Nines OOTD Bloopers

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Dressed To The Nines OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Dressed To The Nines OOTDs! My family had the most wonderful time celebrating my beautiful cousin on her wedding day and we did so in style! Johnny and I simply come alive at a wedding and had been looking forward to Anna’s big day for months. It did not disappoint! I have no clue when the next wedding we attend will happen but I sure hope it does soon. I think we both have wedding fever despite being already married lol. Indeed, the day couldn’t have gone better for the bride, groom, and guests. These pictures could stand to improve, though!

Lmao you guys what even is this?

I swear I didn’t have any champagne before taking this shot. #dazedandconfused

Looking you dead in the eyes like

TFYM when your husband says he doesn’t want to get a divorce so we can get remarried to each other SMH

Practicing my dance moves before the reception

Walking to my phone FIERCELY

After Anna’s wedding ceremony we checked into the Hotel Indigo to prepare for her reception. We planned on Ubering to the party so all that we needed to do was get dressed and pop on the TV for the constant Office marathon that is always running on Comedy Central lol. When it was time to go, we headed to the lobby to wait for our Uber and that began the longest journey of our lives. Cleveland was a buzz of activity because there was a baseball game, a basketball game, and a concert happening all in one night. The streets were jam packed with traffic and people and finding our Uber proved to be an impossible task.

Our driver let us know where he was and we walked a block or so to the location. Was he there? NO. He then said he was a few streets down so we walked there too. Was he there? … NO. Finally, he informed us that he was at a restaurant over three blocks away and we simply gave up. It was hot AF, we were dressed to impress, and refused to walk another step to find the rogue driver. Then, a miracle happened. A taxi driver approached us and after explaining the situation, he told us to hop in. This driver was our guardian angel and really did save the day/our lives. Thanks to his kindness, our long trek ended in a comfy car to be chauffeured to the party. Screw Uber but huge shout out to our taxi driver!! ❤

After trudging through the uneven sidewalks of Cleveland for a solid half hour in platforms, my dogs were barking. That didn’t stop me from dancing the night away one bit! 😀

Have you ever had a bad Uber or ride share experience? How did the problem get solved? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

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Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

Hi! I always say this but it’s the truth and I will repeat it until the day I die… The foaming hand soaps from Bath & Body Works are the best. Period. Hands down. They have been a staple in my apartment for the past seven years and change and that will never change! I am always excited when I realize that my stock pile is running low because that means a B&BW shopping trip to explore new scents. Every fragrance I picked this time around was brand new to the store or to me so let’s discuss further to see if you can find your go to summer smell goods too:

Wash, Rinse, Repeat: The fragrance notes offered in Wash, Rinse, Repeat are “breezy palm trees, fresh apple, and sunny amber” and it most definitely makes me want to wash, rinse, and repeat! This scent is a warm day on the beach with a delicious ocean breeze. I can almost hear the seagulls squawking every time I smell it! This is sun, sand, and surf to the T and is absolutely perfect for sweet summertime. This is easily one of my favorites of the bunch.

Disney Princess Collection – Mulan: I have not dabbled in the Disney Princess collection at B&BW simply because all of the scents smell like butt lol. However, I knew that a princess themed hand soap would delight my nieces and Mulan was the best of the bunch. It’s not my favorite by any means but I didn’t gag when I smelled it so into the shopping bag it went. The Mulan fragrance features notes of “magnolia blossom, fierce waters, and radiant apricot”. This scent is a dance between aquatic and floral and it’s nice but I wouldn’t buy it again.

Neapolitan Ice Cream: Have you ever had Neapolitan ice cream? Then you know exactly what this scent smells like! It is an intoxicating blend of “strawberry sauce, vanilla buttercream, and milk chocolate” and it smells good enough to eat. Fruity fragrances are my standard but I also loves me a dessert scent and Neapolitan Ice Cream has me craving a gallon of the good stuff and a chick flick movie marathon. SO yummy!

Kitchen Mandarin: Have you ever had a mandarin lol? Then you know exactly what this scent smells like! Kitchen Mandarin is a delightfully refreshing citrus scent with notes of “sparkling mandarin, fresh thyme, and cedarwood”. It is zesty and zingy and so invigorating! I am very partial to a citrus scent and I definitely prefer Kitchen Mandarin to the classic B&BW Kitchen Lemon. It’s just fun to change things up and I would happily buy this one again.

Berry Almond Drizzle: Speaking of dessert fragrances, we have Berry Almond Drizzle and oh my goodness is it fabulous. The scent notes include “homegrown berries, honeyed almonds, and vanilla bean” and it smells just like a fresh baked almond cookie. It is so rich and decadent and you really can smell the hints of honey and vanilla. If this doesn’t have you craving a sweet treat ASAP then I don’t know what will!

Minus the Mulan fragrance, the ones that remained were winners. I highly recommend all of them if you are on the hunt for new scents!

What is your go to hand soap brand? Do you enjoy fragrance shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May20

Bath & Body Works May Freebies

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Bath & Body Works May Freebies

Howdy! I was running desperately low on my beloved foaming hand soaps from Bath & Body Works and was excited to hit the store for a reup. I had a percentage off coupon and could cash in two freebies that were burning a hole in my pocket and walked away with seven products for just twenty-two dollars. You can’t beat that! Tune in tomorrow to discuss some new hand soap fragrances but, first, let’s take a look at these fab freebies which equaled out to twenty-five bucks that I didn’t pay a dime for. Score!!

My family is going to Italy this year and it is my goal to get everyone in the party a travel size shower gel before our big vacation. I already have two for my mom and I and next on the agenda was Johnny! It is not often that I shop for men’s fragrances at B&BW so it was fun to dip my toes into their different collections. Speaking of dipping my toes in, I chose the Ocean scent for my main squeeze! Ocean features fragrance notes of “blue cypress, vetiver, and coastal air”. I’m not sure what blue cypress and vetiver are supposed to smell like but the coastal air rings true. I loves me an aquatic scent and Ocean is sun, sand, and surf to the T. It is so invigorating and fresh and I could definitely get used to Johnny using this shower gel! 😀

Thanks to my rewards points, I was also able to snag a full size freebie for myself and went with a new body lotion. It was a necessity because I only had a travel size lotion freebie left in my hoard and I’m saving that for Italy too. And, while I am a huge fan of B&BW’s body cream, it is much too heavy for the summer months ahead. I was amped to find that additional fragrance lines from Gingham were back in store and I opted for Gingham Fresh. Although nothing will ever surpass the OG Gingham, Gingham Fresh is a very close second with notes of “juicy pear, sparkling clementine, and fresh daisies”. There is no floral about this fragrance – only sweet/tart fruity delight and I just adore it! Gingham Fresh has all of the softness of a pear scent with the bite of citrus and it is perfect for summer. Highly recommend!

Next B&BW shopping plans? The summer Semi Annual Sale, of course! Bring on those sweet, sweet savings so I can rebuild my beauty care stock pile!

Do you shop the B&BW Semi Annual Sales? What do you normally purchase? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May19

Lil Red’s Book Club: Killman Creek By Rachel Caine Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Killman Creek By Rachel Caine Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing the second book in the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine called Killman Creek. I dove into this series knowing nothing about it and all I have to say is: Holy twists and turns! I really enjoyed Stillhouse Lake and was hopeful that the second book would be just as good. I am pleased to report that Killman Creek was even better than its predecessor and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the third book next! Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on Killman Creek for graphic violence, disturbing content, animal cruelty, and child abuse. You ready? Let’s get to it:

Killman Creek picked up exactly where Stillhouse Lake left off: Gwen saved her children, Lanny and Connor, from one of her serial killer ex-husband’s cronies by the skin of her teeth. And, oh yeah, her serial killer ex-husband, Melvin Royal, has escaped from jail which has put Gwen and the kids on the run once more. Their endless days of travel and seedy motels comes to a halt after Gwen receives a text from Melvin. He tells her that nowhere is safe. Rather than continue fleeing, Gwen decides to stop being the hunted and become the hunter instead. She leaves Lanny and Conner with her dear friends, Javier and Kezia, while her and Sam Cade begin tracking down the world’s most notorious serial killer.

Gwen and Sam figure the best place to start tracking down Melvin is to track down the people behind Absalom first. The hacker group, Absalom, used to be Gwen’s strongest ally in keeping herself and children safe. Little did she know in book one, they were feeding information to Melvin the whole time. With the help of Sam’s old acquaintance, Mike Lustig of the FBI, they have a starting point in Nowhere, USA to find an Absalom associate named Arden. She informs them of the address of someone higher up in the chain and they head to his remote cabin next.

Minus paper receipts and a hidden thumb drive in the cabin, Gwen and Sam come up with nothing. Until they enter a hidden door that leads them underground to a locked room. In their haste, they didn’t realize they were walking right into a trap and the cabin combusts. The thumb drive, however, proves to be worth its weight in gold as it provides another name: Ballantine Rivard. Rivard is an uber rich entrepreneur who has his own reasons for wanting to find Absalom and shows the duo something shocking acquired off of the dark net. A deep fake video of Gwen helping her husband abduct a victim: Sam’s sister. The deal? Track down members of Absalom and Rivard will pay to have the video removed.

Of course, Gwen has been acquitted as an accomplice and this video hasn’t seen the light of day. Regardless of if its fake or not, it drives a deep wedge in Sam and Gwen’s relationship. What’s more, her children have seen the video too and detest her for it. Gwen is now a woman with nothing to lose. Sam doesn’t trust her and her children want nothing to do with her. The only thing she can do to protect her kids now is to offer herself up as bait. Let Melvin come to her. And if he does, she will be the one to kill him. Will Gwen be able to make it out of this trap alive? Will the only relationships she cares about be salvaged? Read Killman Creek to find out!

Killman Creek was a delicious game of cat and mouse. Make no mistake, though, Sam and Gwen are most definitely the mice in this situation. No matter where they go or what they do, Absalom and Melvin are aware of it and it is up to them to think ten steps ahead. Until Gwen’s world comes crashing apart with the deep fake video. That is when all hell breaks loose, leaving Gwen to her own devices and proving to us once more that she is a woman not to be messed with. Every step forward in this book felt like a success until traps were revealed, guaranteeing danger with every turn of the page as well as the heartbreaking realization that beloved characters might not make it out alive.

As far as characters go, I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Gwen’s son, Connor, but I absolutely love Gwen and her daughter, Lanny. Both of these gals are tough as nails, hurling themselves into danger rather than shying away from it to protect those that they love. They are brusque to the point of being stand offish but that is just a shield to keep themselves strong as they continue to navigate an impossible situation. Every action they make is done with the highest level of care and it simply radiates. It makes every instance they appear on the page so urgent because I like them both so much! They are, for sure, the stars of the Stillhouse Lake series and I am so looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!

Overall, I am going to rate Killman Creek with a seven out of ten stars. This was a really strong sequel and sets the stage for even more craziness in book three!

Have you read the Stillhouse Lake series? Who is your favorite character? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Dressed To The Nines Pt. 2 OOTD

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Dressed To The Nines Pt. 2 OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to Part Two of my Dressed To The Nines OOTDs from my cousin’s wedding weekend! Johnny and I had the most amazing time celebrating with my family and we so loved getting dressed up for such a special occasion. After my cousin’s wedding ceremony, we made a quick pit stop at the Hotel Indigo to rest and change into our reception outfits. I was very inspired by Audrey Hepburn a la Breakfast At Tiffany’s when I styled this look and am obsessed with how it turned out. I have been so excited to show you all because I think this is one of my best OOTDs yet! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Dress: Lark + Grey, Ross

Gloves: These belonged to Johnny’s grandma!

Platforms: Mark Fisher, TJMaxx

I think the earrings are from Target!

As you recall from my OOTD post for the wedding ceremony, the dress code for the festivities was Creative Formal. This twelve dollar Lark + Grey dress from Ross fit under that category perfectly! While I feel terrible about cheating on my beloved TJMaxx, I just couldn’t help myself because this dress is everything. It is flirty, frilly, and oh so much fun. That fitted tank going into a cascading skirt of polka dot ruffles is so gorgeous and it moved like a dream. I couldn’t get over how it swirled and twirled when I hit the dance floor and it was received wonderfully by all of the wedding guests. I felt like a star!

All that was left to do with this dress was go straight to shoes and accessories. When I tried my dress on, I already knew exactly how I wanted to style it and did just that. I went for my Barbie pink pair of Mark Fisher platforms which played into the girly sweet vibes but also set the stage for the piece de resistance: A beautiful pair of sheer pink vintage gloves that belonged to Johnny’s grandma. I adore the length of these gloves and they added a touch of old Hollywood aesthetic to such a modern dress. Last but not least was a pair of strand of pearls earrings to further solidify the Audrey Hepburn inspiration with her favorite gem. Pearls are my ultimate fave too – Twinning!!

This OOTD was Audrey Hepburn Lil Red’s way and I am still swooning over the end results. What’s that old saying again? Steal from the best and make it your own!

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

May17

Happy Birthday, Brother!!

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Happy Birthday, Brother!!

Hi! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big brother, Andrew’s, birthday! I am so lucky because Andrew isn’t just my big bro but my best friend. He is my workout buddy, video game partner, and closest confidant. Everything is better when Andrew is around and we just have so much fun together! Whether we are hitting the mini golf course or just driving around, it is always the best time as we chat, joke, and laugh the day away. Johnny, Andrew, and I are the ultimate trio and I can’t wait to make more amazing memories together this summer!

One of the things that I love the most about Andrew is his spirit of adventure. He is always down to try something new or hit the road and explore. It’s such a joy to join him at baseball and hockey games, on hikes, to the zoo, or simply bopping around at our favorite stores. A recent thing that we started attending together is a monthly anime club at the library which is a total blast! We both share a deep love of anime and I only watch what Andrew recommends. His selections have never steered me wrong yet and I am so enjoying My Hero Academia as per his suggestion. 😀

Andrew is one of the kindest people I have ever met and he truly has a heart of gold. No matter how lousy I am feeling about one thing or another, my day instantly gets brighter when I see him. He is always the first person to notice when I get my nails done or am wearing something new. Whenever I have a content shoot for work, he remembers and asks me the next day how it went. He is always thinking of others and loves his friends and family so fiercely. Andrew is the best big brother I could ever ask for and I am so excited to celebrate him on his big day!

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!!!

I love you!!!!!

May16

A Treat For Johnny!

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A Treat For Johnny!

Howdy! Whenever Johnny and I are out and about running errands, we love to surprise each other with little treats. It could be anything from a candy bar or snack to clothing or a plushie. Whatever it is, it’s always fun to return home with treasure in tow to brighten each other’s day. This past week, I was at my beloved 5 Below with a client and it is the perfect store to purchase little treats at. Everything is so cheap that it’s literally a guilt free shopping trip! 5 Below was decked out in Memorial Day swag and as soon as I saw this shirt, it was as good as Johnny’s. ❤ Check it out:

^^^ LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

My Johnny is a hot dog loving guy lol. So much so, that he even has a tattoo of one on his arm! It is one of his favorite foods and he was so proud to have a hot dog with my niece when we took her on her birthday treat day. He said it’s one of his favorite memories with her! As you can see, a good hot dog is never far from his mind and when I see literally anything hot dog related, Johnny is not far from mine. I was beyond excited to gift him with this hilarious shirt when I got home from work and his reaction was better than I could have ever hoped for…

When I presented Johnny with this T, he told me how much he loved it. What’s more, he informed me that a hot dog truck was coming to his work for lunch the following day. Talk about perfect timing! Johnny and I have been together for over six years and, at this point, I think we are both a little psychic. Several times throughout each day, we say something that was just on the tip of each other’s tongue. However, I’m not so psychic that I knew his lunchtime plans for the next day! I am pleased to report that his shirt was a hit and he deeply enjoyed his hot dog lunch. Lol, this freaking man of mine! 🙂

Huge shout out to 5 Below for blessing my husband with this shirt. I am honestly still amped up with the serendipity of this purchase!

What do you like to treat your partner with? Do you have any Memorial Day plans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May15

Dressed To The Nines OOTD

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Dressed To The Nines OOTD

Howdy! We had too much fun celebrating my beautiful cousin’s wedding this weekend and made the most amazing memories with my family. Johnny and I live for a good wedding because it’s not often that we get to break out our special occasion wear. We’re just a fashionista couple through and through! The dress code for Anna’s wedding was “Creative Formal” and I understood the assignment perfectly. I was delighted to find two gorgeous dresses for both the wedding and reception and felt like a Hollywood star in my looks. I wore this pretty little number to the ceremony:

Who? What? Wear?

Polka Dot Dress: Shein

Vertebrae Heels: Show Story

Gloves: These belonged to Johnny’s grandma!

The earrings are from Target, I think!

During a shopping trip to TJMaxx, I found a very similar dress to the one I purchased on Shein. The only problem was that it was much too big. However, I loved it so much that I couldn’t imagine wearing anything different and turned to the world wide web to find a solution. I scoured through the TJMaxx and Marshall’s websites and came up with zilch. I found the dress on Poshmark but it was, once again, too big and too pricey. Then, I found a dupe on Shein and realized it was as good as it was going to get. Was I thrilled about ordering off of the fast fashion website? No and I would never order off of it again. Was I happy to have a low quality version of the dress I wanted? …Yes. Yes, I was. -_-

Although the quality of the dress pales in comparison to the original, I still love it oh so much. The polka dots, silk, and lace scream old Hollywood glamour and I just felt so good in it! I was getting compliments left and right and everyone was convinced it was a vintage piece as opposed to a twenty-five dollar knock off. This dress was ideal for the wedding ceremony but definitely not the reception… The bottom half of my frock was quite fitted and it was hard to take big steps in it let alone dance the night away!

In the shoes department, I needed a lot of length because, as you can see, the dress was still pretty long on me even with heels on! I chose my vertebrae heels from my wedding and it was so nice to break those bad boys out again. The heels also provided an edgy pop to the dreamy vibes of the dress. For accessories, I just had to don a pair of *actual* vintage gloves that belonged to Johnny’s grandma. It is always so special to wear them and they further enhanced the old Hollywood aesthetic. Since there was a lot going on in this look, I opted for a simple pair of black teardrop gemstone earrings to tie the look together. With that, I was ready to celebrate my cousin and her new husband! ❤

Stay tuned for my reception look (Audrey Hepburn, anyone?!) and all of the bloopers coming soon on lifewithlilred. See you then!!

What is your favorite era of fashion? Did you have a dress code for your wedding? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May14

Wedding Fun

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Wedding Fun

Hello! This past weekend was absolutely fabulous because we got to celebrate my beautiful baby cousin, Anna’s, wedding! The day was filled with love, fashion, and oh so much fun. Anna’s wedding was held at the most stunning church – the Shrine Church of Saint Stanislaus in Cleveland and the ceremony was lovely. It has been a long time since I was in a church and I’m pleased to report that this ol’ atheist barely even sizzled! After the wedding, we checked into the Hotel Indigo for a breather before heading to the Garden Green to party hardy for the reception. It was a nonstop day but it was totally and completely perfect. Check out some pics from the festivities and be sure to tune in tomorrow for a closer look at my wedding ceremony OOTD!

Anna’s wedding reception began with an ultra cool cocktail hour in the basement of the Garden Green. Gin gimlets, champagne, and appetizers flowed while we got to catch up with all of my cousins and their partners. Anna has four other siblings and we actually just celebrated her older brother’s wedding in New Orleans in March. Love has definitely been in the air! After the cocktail hour, we returned to the main floor for speeches and dinner. While we ate, drank, and were merry the dance floor was prepped for an evening of shaking what our mamas gave us and did we ever. 😀

Once dinner was over, us gals made a trip to the bathroom before hitting the dance floor and were greeted by all of the ladies in front of the mirror applying gemstones and glitter. Anna had thoughtfully set out an array of sticky gems and tubes of shimmer for everyone to get creative with. As the word spread, guys and gals alike visited the loo to get their shine on and it was such a blast primping everyone. My sister did the cutest gem and shimmer set for my mom, Anna’s dad had a tasteful few gems by his eyes, and I got to go all out for my aunt who told me to just go crazy! By the time we exited the bathroom, we were all glowing and it looked so divine under the purple dance floor lights. Major kudos to Anna because this was such a delightful, interactive idea that we all had a blast with.

Post bathroom party, my dad picked my mom up to go home from Cleveland while Johnny, my sister, brother in law, and I cut a rug all together. We were dancing our fannies off and didn’t exit the dance floor until it was time to head back to the hotel or attend the after party. Trust and believe we chose to Uber back to the Hotel Indigo and hit the hay because holy WOW were we tired. Big ups to the after party crew for really rallying because I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow. A small price to pay for the most wonderful day with my family! ❤

Johnny and I simply come alive at a wedding and we are beyond ecstatic for Anna and her main squeeze. There is one person left in my cousin crew to get married and I think we are all ready for another party ASAP! 🙂

Are you attending any weddings this year? Do you have any special occasions coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May13

Spring Hiking Spree Success

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Spring Hiking Spree Success

Hello! The Metro Parks in my neck of the woods hosts a hiking spree every spring and fall and I love completing the challenge with my brother, Andrew. We will have a threepeat for the fall spree this year and just completed our second spring hiking spree this past Friday. Spring in Ohio has been really cold and rainy so we had to carefully coordinate our five hikes to avoid getting caught in a downpour! During our last hike, we actually got back into my car a literal minute before the rain started coming down and it was an epic ending to the spree. The rain was short lived and we got ice cream after it passed to celebrate! We also got to take home our little prize of a new pin to adorn our Metro Parks lanyards with:

Within a thirty mile radius of where we live, there are at least twenty different Metro Parks to visit and we are truly blessed. During the fall and spring hiking sprees, there is a list of ten or so that you can pick from and it is always fun to try out new trails. Andrew and I both love hiking in the woods and, sadly, we didn’t get to do any of those trails this time around. We would have been walking in a quagmire because of all of the rain! We stuck to paved hiking and biking trails to complete the spree and this ended up being a good thing. The three new to us ones that we hiked will be excellent ones to go to again if the weather isn’t behaving.

Because we were limited to the paved trails, we didn’t get to see much in the way of wildlife. That was okay, though, because the best part of hiking is spending time with my brother. Hiking is our favorite form of exercise and it honestly doesn’t even feel like a work out because we’re talking and joking the whole way through. I can’t tell you the amount of times in years past that we started a hiking spree as a family and never finished it. It is exciting to be on a spree streak with my brother and we are both really looking forward to our fall hikes. Fingers crossed that the weather will allow us to hike in the woods this time around!

In fifteen days we went on five different hikes to draw the spring hiking spree to a close. Here’s to many more years of wonderful walks and memories! ❤

What is your favorite way to work out? Do you go on hikes often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May12

Alien Vacation Mini Golf

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Alien Vacation Mini Golf

Hello! This past weekend my brother, his friend, Johnny, and I went to the awesome Alien Vacation indoor mini golf course in Medina. We are all extremely partial to mini golf and this has got to be one of the best courses in our general vicinity. It was the perfect outing for a rainy spring day! We had a blast exploring all of the cool surprises under the blacklights of the Alien Vacation adventure. From huge animatronics and goofy alien antics to an under the sea and ancient Egypt room, this place had it all! The eighteen holes were just challenging enough and I even got a hole in one! Great success! Check it out:

The Alien Vacation mini golf course was an absolute delight and we all plan on going back there together again. It was incredibly reasonably priced at just twelve dollars to play through and also had a bar and snack shack to wet your whistle in the middle of the course. This was so unlike the typical outdoor courses that we have visited before and was a thousand percent worth the forty minute drive to get there. As soon as we stepped foot into Alien Vacation we were SO in. Then, we put on the 3D glasses and were SO out lol. They gave all of us a headache and we were back in once they were off lol.

The highlights of this course has got to be the ancient Egypt room, under the sea, and the jungle. What took the cake for everyone was, easily, the Legends Of The Hidden Temple vibes room as seen in the last picture. This one was WAY cool! You hit the ball up a ramp and it fell into a different slat depending on how hard you hit it. From there, the ball would travel through the breaks in the artwork to deposit the ball either close to the goal or far from it. It also featured pop up surprises and motion once the golf ball fell into the slats. We were seriously wowed by it and honestly could have kept playing that part again and again!

From start to finish, Alien Vacation was just pure fun and we were so appreciative and impressed by the amount of work that had to be put in to create it. This wasn’t a mini golf course to breeze through but one to take your time with and experience as we didn’t want to miss a thing! What made this outing even better is that we went on Star Wars Day weekend. That is a franchise I can take or leave but Johnny was ecstatic as they were playing the soundtrack throughout the course. It was SO epic to play mini golf to such triumphant themes and I could tell that my main squeeze was channeling his inner Han Solo the entire time! ❤

If you are in my neck of the woods or visiting, 12/10 would highly recommend an afternoon at the Alien Vacation mini golf course. I can’t wait to go back!

Do you have any cool mini golf courses near you? How do you usually fare in mini golf (I came in dead last lol)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May11

Lil Red’s Book Club: A Perfectly Nice Family By Nicole Trope Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: A Perfectly Nice Family By Nicole Trope Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing a thriller by Nicole Trope called A Perfectly Nice Family. This is the second book of Trope’s that I have read and it was pretty good! It didn’t blow my mind but it was still a solid, twisty suspense novel. After breezing through this book in three sittings, I am excited to start the second book in the Stillhouse Lake series next! Before we begin our chat, I will be placing a trigger warning on A Perfectly Nice Family for disturbing content, general violence, and sexual violence. Now, let’s get to it:

Stephanie is a divorced mother of two to sixteen year old Luke and twelve year old Avery and she is barely getting by. She works part time while trying to obtain a degree, care for her children, and budget like crazy to make ends meet. It doesn’t help that child support from her ex-husband, Doctor Christopher Gordan, is so sporadic and she is sick and tired of begging him to do better. However, a change in luck might put Stephanie’s financial troubles at bay. Thanks to a suggestion from her best friend, Gail, she has decided to rent the granny flat behind her home to a struggling family called the Kemps. They recently lost their home in a fire and need somewhere to stay until they gather their bearings.

In a mere few days, the Kemps have moved in. Husband and wife, Cecilia and Jason, as well as their fifteen year old daughter, Polly. Although she knows that this family has been through a lot, Stephanie can’t help but feel that she has made a big mistake. Jason might be kind and friendly but Cecelia and Polly are a different story. They are rude, mean spirited, and all around off putting. Each respective member of the family seems to be constantly at Stephanie’s door with a request or a complaint. They have signed a six month lease and it promises to be the longest six months of Stephanie and her kids’ lives.

Shortly after the Kemps move in, things in Stephanie’s home begin to fall apart. A broken dishwasher, rotted window frames, and busted pipes occur within weeks. All repairs that Stephanie simply can’t afford to make. She has been suspicious of the Kemps since their arrival. There are no traces of them on the internet and their strange demeanor can’t go unnoticed. But, surely, they are A Perfectly Nice Family, right? Unfortunately, they are far from it and the damage that the Kemps are causing is just beginning. What is their end game? Read this book to find out!

A Perfectly Nice Family fell under my “good but not great” category. I did enjoy the quick read, though! This book went back and forth between Stephanie, Cecilia, and Avery and I loves me a back and forth narrator. It’s always interesting to read the different perspectives and watch as the pieces begin to come together! As far as the plot went, it was a classic Lifetime Movie novel (As Johnny calls my books!) through and through… Strangers are introduced, strange things start happening, and you know the rest. It wasn’t the most inspired story I have ever read but it definitely kept me turning the pages. Even though I easily figured out the grand reveal! Detective Lil Red on the case!

My primary issue with A Perfectly Nice Family were the characters. While I was, of course, rooting for Stephanie and her family, I failed to feel any kind of connection with them. They just seemed to be there to move the plot along and, of course, I sympathized with them deeply but I didn’t have a fondness for them. The Kemps were terrible, to be sure, but every character felt surface level at best with little to no development. If I could have hooked onto just one person in this book, I think I would have liked it better. It just didn’t work out that way.

Overall, I am going to rate A Perfectly Nice Family with a six out of ten stars. This is a thriller you can take or leave. It was fine for what it was but it’s also fine if you skip on it!

Have you read any of Nicole Trope’s books before? What did you think of them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May10

5 Below Finds

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5 Below Finds

Hello! As you all know, I am freaking obsessed with 5 Below and go there fairly frequently. It’s the perfect spot to pick up treats for my nieces, myself, and honestly anyone when I see something that reminds me of them! The prices are just too good to pass up and I’m genuinely amazed by the quality of everything that I have purchased from there. During one of my last trips, I couldn’t resist a new K-Pop Demon Hunters crop top for myself as well as a Britney Spears T-shirt for my sister. Unfortunately, the shirt didn’t work for her but it SO works for me! Check it out:

The K-Pop Demon Hunters crop featuring Rumi is basically the same K-Pop crop I already have from 5 Below with a different pattern. That was A-okay by me because my other crop top is just the best. It fits like a glove, is soft as can be, and shows off my shape without being too tight. I was so excited to find the Rumi one because I already knew that it was going to work and I loved rocking it on a mini golf outing last weekend. I always have to rep my Huntrix girls and 5 Below is the spot to find all of the K-Pop swag. They are constantly releasing new clothing and I am constantly SO there for it! ❤

And, of course, we have Queen B. My beloved Britney Spears. The sweetest angel in all of the land. My sister and I grew up on Britney Spears and she was and always will be our favorite. There is nothing toxic about this T although it features lyrics from her banger! It is just pure pop amazingness! I am so blessed to add another Britney Spears top to my wardrobe as I only have one other one and it was lonely lol. While I am sad that this top didn’t work out for my sis, I am sort of happy that it wound up with me… I was kicking myself in the butt for not buying two of them so all’s well that ends well. 😀

Need a pick me up? 5 Below. Need to find what you didn’t know you needed to begin with? 5 Below. I love that damn store!!

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

May9

Floral Fierce OOTD Bloopers

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Floral Fierce OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Floral Fierce OOTD! TGIF, amiright?! I have been counting down to the end of the week since the beginning of the week lol. I just couldn’t help it because I am beyond excited for my cousin’s wedding weekend. Johnny and I simply come alive at a wedding and I just know we are all going to have a blast with my family. I can’t wait to dress to the nines, drink champagne, and dance the night away… Then tell you all about it next week! Let’s get this weekend eve started with some fun by poking some fun at these yikes shots:

Flashing a cheeky grin and looking beaver bella lol

Just having a laugh!! 😀

Here’s squinting at you, kid

My signature Squidward face

JOHNNY IS AWESOME AT TAKING PICTURES!!!!

Flamingo fierce

I am so BEAUTIFUL!!!

I have never really thought about bugs or pests before. I like butterflies, moths, ladybugs, lightening bugs, caterpillars and… that’s about it lol. However, I have been doing some content creating for a pest control company as of late and now it’s literally ALL I can think about! Thanks to this gig, I have developed quite an understanding for different Northeast Ohio pests, where they might be found, and warning signs of infestation. I really enjoy taking walks around the neighborhood and going on hikes and it has now turned into a demonstration of my newfound knowledge. I am constantly pointing things out to whoever is joining me on the trek!

Standing water from a storm? BOOM – mosquitoes. Tall grass in an unmaintained lawn? BOOM – ticks. Sodden mulch or rotted wood chips? BOOM – carpenter ants and termites lol. It’s a gift that I can’t freaking turn off to save my own life! I am one of those people who gets itchy just thinking about bugs. This was exasperated by a carpenter ant infestation in my old apartment. I woke up one night to one crawling on me and haven’t been the same since. Despite this little phobia, I do think it’s getting better because I am learning so much about these crawly creatures. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I want them in my home or on my skin but I guess they’re not so bad… maybe? As long as they stay the frick away from me! 😀

Every walk I have been on since starting this job has put my pest knowledge to the test. Hey, it’s always great to learn something new!

What kind of pests are in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite bug? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May8

New Bomb Pop Nails

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New Bomb Pop Nails

Hi! This past Tuesday I enjoyed a wonderful pampering session at Elysian Nails that was made even better because my mom joined me! While I got my acrylics filled, she got a mani to get ourselves right before a wedding this weekend. It is going to be so much FUN and I can’t wait to show you my OOTDs! Although one of the colors in my new palette wasn’t exactly what I bargained for, it ended up being a-okay and I am loving the summer vibes that this Bomb Pop motif invokes. Check it out:

As I browsed through my options in the good book of nail polish, I instantly locked in on the pretty and bright sky blue and declared it a winner. To compliment it, I went with what I thought was a fruit punchy pink. However, sometimes the sample acrylic doesn’t always match the real time results. What looked like fruit punch was actually far more red and that was definitely not what I wanted but I guess it was what I needed. When has Lil Red said no to more red?! This color combo is poppy and eye catching and tips a cap to a delightful summer treat. They are certainly going to make a statement against my black and white dresses for the wedding!

Unfortunately, my go to tech had the day off so I wasn’t graced with her presence. My mom and I opted for any tech we could get and the girl who did my fill did a really nice job! It just wasn’t the same, though lol. I am a creature of habit and having someone different do my nails would be like having someone different do my hair. It makes me sad to think about! All of the techs at Elysian Nails are excellent but there is just nothing like catching up with my tech during my monthly fill. We are going to have A LOT to discuss when I come in next month to get my nails in pristine condition for my birthday! 😀

Although I didn’t get to see my nail tech, being with my mom was the absolute best. I love when we can treat ourselves together!

Do you like to get pampered by yourself or with a friend? What is your favorite salon treatment? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

Floral Fierce OOTD

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Floral Fierce OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! It has been such a joy to break out warm weather clothing again and I have been having a blast styling spring OOTDs. While I love dressing for fall the best, spring is a very close second! Give me all of the light jackets and sweaters, skirts, and dresses!! I am obsessed with how this Floral Fierce look turned out and was excited to sport a new top compliments of my last TJMaxx trip. This outfit turned out exactly how I pictured it in the fitting room and that is always a feather in my cap! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Embroidered Blouse: Democracy, TJMaxx

Bodycon Skirt: Originality, Dry Goods

Lace Up Heels: BCBG, TJMaxx

Face Silhouette Earrings: Cynthia Rowley, TJMaxx

Outside of black and red, I am extremely partial to the color yellow because it was my grandma’s favorite and it always reminds me of her. As soon as my eyes locked on the pretty, flax yellow blouse by Democracy when I was at TJs, it was like an instant hug from her and it instantly went into the cart! This lovely little number is decked out in sweet surprises from the embroidered flowers and scooped neck to the ruffle sleeves and delicate oyster hued buttons. The material is oh so soft and light and it just feels perfect for spring!

As per my OOTD vision in the TJMaxx dressing room, I paired my blouse with a bodycon skirt by Originality. I am very fond of a good bodycon skirt and this is, hands down, one of my faves. It fits like a glove and I love the funky 70s colors in the flower power pattern. With the blouse tucked in, a pseudo dress was formed and these two pieces together are magic. The yellow of the blouse closely mimics some of the flowers in the skirt for a fully cohesive combination. I felt like the star of a garden party, or my apartment complex at least, when I was rocking it lol.

In the shoes department, I opted for a darling pair of lace up heels by BCBG. These saddle brown heels were a neutral which is exactly what I needed for this look as there were already a lot of colors and patterns. They also provided the length for mile long legs which is a must with a bodycon skirt! For accessories, I kept things minimal for the same reason as the neutral shoes. There was a lot going on! I went for an ultra cool pair of face silhouette earrings by Cynthia Rowley for a pop of bling and with that, I was ready to go!

This Floral Fierce OOTD is one of my favorite spring looks yet. Stay tuned for more fashion fun here on lifewithlilred!

What color makes you think of a loved one? What is your favorite spring staple? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May6

Skort & Sweet OOTD Bloopers

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Skort & Sweet OOTD Bloopers

Howdy everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Skort & Sweet OOTD! We are officially into May and HURRAY! Is it just me or did April take like three months to be over? I am manifesting lots of fun in the sun after several days of rain, snow, and even hail and there is nothing better for sunshine vibes than a good laugh. Sometimes, you just have to create your own sun! Taking a look at these yikes shots, for example, is a great place to start:

TOO MUCH SEXY!!!!

You can’t see the haters if your eyes are barely open

You said WHAT?!

Hovering a few centimeters off the ground like the angel I am

Princess pose!!

See you next time!!!! ❤

I don’t know about all of you, but last week was a doozy for me. My work week was pretty long and I was looking forward to the weekend since last Monday morning lol. We had plans to go mini golfing with my brother and his friend (More on that later!) and it was a total blast. Other than that, we had nothing going on and all I wanted to do was play more It Takes Two – a super fun puzzle solving co-op game with my main squeeze. With several busy weekends behind us, it was a while since we played and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into more fast paced team work missions. So tell me why we didn’t end up playing at all? I’ll tell you why…

We got way too invested in Law & Order SVU lol. After we returned home from mini golfing, I made us some tacos for a late lunch and we watched an episode while we ate. And, like that potato chip slogan, just one wouldn’t do! We decided on just one more after our meal and that turned into two more to three more and so on and so forth until we went to bed SMH. In our defense, there were crimes to solve and we couldn’t let the elite squad face them alone! Sometimes you just have to take it easy, binge watch your favorite shows, and become one with your couch. I guess we were both more worn out from the week than we originally bargained for. But, hey, I went into Monday feeling SO well rested that it was actually a very successful weekend, indeed!

Although we didn’t get to play It Takes Two, we had a lot of quality time with Olivia Benson so I really think that it all balances out in the end!

Who is your favorite SVU character? What do you think of the new season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May5

New Polka Dot Princess Dress

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New Polka Dot Princess Dress

Hi!! During my last shopping trip to TJMaxx, I was hoping to find a new dress to wear to my cousin’s wedding later this month. I did find a dress and it was glorious. However, it was much too big and there were no other sizes available. I was really bummed out because it was absolutely perfect and made it my mission to find it online as soon as I got home. I scoured the websites of TJMaxx and Marshall’s and came up blank. I found the exact same dress on Poshmark and it was seventy bucks which was a hard pass. Then, I landed upon a lookalike dress on Shein. Did I feel great about ordering off of the fast fashion website? Not in the slightest. But I needed this damn dress and will never shop on it again. In my defense, it really is pretty! Check it out:

Minus the drastic drop in quality, this dress is an exact replica to the one I swooned over at TJMaxx. The dupe is thinner and pretty sheer but that was nothing that a slip couldn’t solve and I feel like an absolute star in it. I am very partial to a polka dot and this bold pattern paired with the dreamy lace and silk is the stuff that dreams are made of. This dress runneth over with delightful details like the the keyhole opening, the buttons up the lower back, and the butterfly lace at the bottom. Everywhere you look features something exciting and sweet and I am freaking obsessed!

As I had already been burned by the size of this dress once, I decided to order a medium and a large to avoid having to make a reorder. I was ambivalent about Shein sizes and couldn’t get a straight answer from the reviews. I am pleased to report that the medium was very true to size and my new dress fit like a glove. I plan on wearing it with a pair of vintage gloves a la my wedding OOTD when my sister and I were in New Orleans and am thinking a darling pair of Barbie pink platform heels in the shoe department. I cannot wait to show you all the end result because, I hate to toot my own horn, it is going to be good! 😀

This was a one off Shein purchase but I couldn’t imagine wearing anything different to a very special occasion!

Have you ordered off of Shein before? What did you think of your purchase? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May4

Yay For 30K!

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Yay For 30K!

Hello and hurray!! Way back in March of last year, I threw caution to the wind and decided to make a TikTok. I had just left a crappy job and had some time to kill so I figured why not? As you all know, I am a word girl through and through and video content was quite a big jump for me. And, honestly? I freaking HATED it at first! However, after a few weeks I realized that TikTok is kind of fun and have been dedicated to posting daily content since I started my profile. For over a year now, I have been posting silly little videos and I am pleased to report that I just reached the 30K like landmark!

When I made my TikTok, I had no intention of going viral or becoming an influenster. It was made purely with the thought of being an extension of the content that is already posted on my blog. Just a little extra insight into Lil Red’s world in short and sweet clips. Do my videos have a crazy amount of views? Hard no. Do I have a ton of followers? Also no. But am I proud of trying something new and sticking to it? Absolutely! Video content is WAY out of my comfort zone and it still feels weird to me. So, this 30K milestone really did feel like a pat on the back for giving it a go and having some laughs along the way.

When it comes to my blog, creating daily content feels like second nature because I have done it for so long. It has truly been an exercise in always looking out for the little things that make life special. With that mindset, making video content and maintaining a streak just feels good. TikTok really has become part of my daily routine and even if it’s not blowing up, it’s still there and that’s all I can ask for. It’s another corner of the internet carved out by yours truly with a lot of care. Somewhere that my creativity shines and if people like it, that’s nice!! 30K likes is even nicer, though! 😀

If you feel the urge, give me a follow on TikTok @lilred6794 . I can’t wait to see you there! ❤

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

May3

Lil Red’s Book Club: Stillhouse Lake By Rachel Caine Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Stillhouse Lake By Rachel Caine Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we will be discussing the first book of a seven part series by Rachel Caine called Stillhouse Lake. If the other books are even half as good as this one, then I know I will be in for a treat! Stillhouse Lake had a crazy plot, was jam packed with twists and turns, and kept me guessing until the very last page. And, of course, that cliffhanger at the end made me want to sink my teeth into the next book ASAFP! Before we begin our chat, I will be placing a trigger warning on Stillhouse Lake for graphic crime scene content, gruesome violence, sexual violence, and highly disturbing content. You ready? Let’s get to it:

Gwen Proctor is a tough mama bear who will go to no end to protect her two children, Lanny and Connor. However, she didn’t always used to be this way. She used to be Gina Royal. The submissive, complacent wife to the notorious serial killer, Melvin Royal. She was tried as an accessory to his crimes but was acquitted, claiming she knew nothing despite his murders happening in their own home. Since her release from jail, her and her children have been on the run. She may have been acquitted in the court of law but in the public eye she is very much still guilty and undergoes constant threats to the safety of herself and children.

After several moves and with the help of her hacker ally, Gwen and the kids have found a place to possibly settle down. A small community in Tennessee called Stillhouse Lake. While Gwen works from home, her kids have a chance for a somewhat normal life by attending a new school and even making some friends. Although their new home provides a sense of security, the family is never truly safe. One slip up could blow their new identities, Gwen receives constant death threats per day, and Melvin still attempts to communicate with her through writing letters. It’s only a matter of time before they will have to pack only what they can carry and move far away from Stillhouse Lake.

That time might be sooner than they think. A body has been discovered in the lake directly in front of Gwen’s front door. Her wounds, cause of death, and disposal method are all too familiar – it is exactly like Melvin’s. Due to her past life and proximity to the body, Gwen is a prime suspect and must once again go to great lengths to prove herself innocent. Everyone who she might have trusted seems to give her reasons not to and she is all alone. Gwen’s only goal is to keep her children safe and all ties will be cut from them if she is arrested. Could her ex-husband be the cause of this crime even from jail? Or is Gwen not as innocent as she claims to be? Read Stillhouse Lake to find out!

Prior to cracking this book open, I had a very lackluster reading experience with No Exit by Taylor Adams. Stillhouse Lake was a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed it very much! This book was a slow burn at first which I can often find to be very tiresome. However, when the scene was set and the pace picked up, it transformed into nonstop action in a true cat and mouse game. While I had an inkling as to who the cats could be, there was one in particular that was especially shocking and it completely blindsided me. I fancy myself an amateur detective and pride myself on figuring out grand reveals prior to so I absolutely love a twist that I didn’t see coming.

What I really liked about Stillhouse Lake is that it left me with more questions than answers. This is a seven book series and I could tell that Rachel Caine was carefully planting the seeds for future plot points throughout the book. I am so excited to read Killman Creek next! What I do know, is that Gwen Proctor is a leading lady who is not to be messed with. Her strength, tenacity, and quick thinking never faltered even in unspeakable danger. She was brusque but her love for her children radiated off of the pages and created plot turns that felt like a punch in the gut. This is the beginning of Rachel Caine expertly crafting our key players in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel!

Overall, I am going to rate Stillhouse Lake with an eight out of ten stars. This was an incredibly strong opening to a lengthy series and I am SO in!

Have you read the Stillhouse Lake series? What did you think of it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

Skort & Sweet OOTD

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Skort & Sweet OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today we’re going to take a look at the fun little look I created to get some new tattoos with Johnny’s aunt. We had the most fabulous time in the studio with my tattoo artist and had a delicious meal afterwards. I think we are all chomping at the bit to get back into my artist’s chair. Johnny and I are definitely feeling the itch because one tiny tattoo apiece just wasn’t enough! Maybe I’ll have to wear another Skort & Sweet OOTD the next time too. 😀 Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Sweater: Lush, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Heels: White Mountain, TJMaxx

Necklace: This was purchased from a vendor fair in Atlanta from an artist named John Deveer

I think the earrings are from Target?!

For this OOTD, I started from the bottom in the skort/skirt department of my wardrobe. As the weather has warmed up, I have been so enjoying wearing skirts and dresses sans tights and wanted to take advantage of the warm day we had on our outing. I opted for one of my all time favorites – a pleated tennis skort by Kyodan. I absolutely love it! The sheer pleating over the shapewear shorts adds a pop of sex appeal along with the most charming movement. It is flouncy, oh so fun, and as a bonus – you don’t even have to wear it to play tennis lol! 🙂

While it was nice outside, it can sometimes get chilly in a tattoo shop so I went for a thin sweater by Lush on top. This sweater was just right as it is slightly thicker than a T-shirt material which provided a bit of extra warmth without feeling like I was overheating. Although the palette of this little number looks more like autumn, I like it year round all the same because fall colors are my forever fave. I adored the way that the pleating from the skirt poked out beneath the oversize sweater and it made for a really unique silhouette.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with a darling pair of heeled Mary Janes by White Mountain. The chocolate colored heel was ideal with the fall hues of the sweater and those stud details are the cutest. These heels are comfy AF and I could walk for miles in style with them! In the accessories department, I chose a gorgeous handmade necklace by John Deveer and it blended into the outfit seamlessly. I slipped on a pair of amber gemstone earrings and then it was off to get some ink!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from my Skort & Sweet OOTD and lots more fashion fun on lifewithlilred! ❤

Do you have any handmade jewelry? What is the comfiest pair of heels you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May1

April 2026 Finishes

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April 2026 Finishes

Hello everyone and happy May!! April in Ohio brought all of the showers so here’s to hoping for beautiful May flowers for all! Before we jump into this new month, let’s jump back slightly to discuss the beauty products I finished up in April. There weren’t too many but they were all very nice *Borat voice* and I would definitely use them again! You ready? Let’s get to it:

Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES!!!!

Bath & Body Works Vampire Blood Body Cream: YES

Glow Elixir Hyaluronic & Retinol Serum: YES

Why/Why Not?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: I have been using the Evoluderm Micellar Water faithfully for I don’t even know how long and it is, hands down, the best I have ever used. It is so gentle and hydrating but so effective on makeup removal with no harsh scrubbing required. About a year or so ago, TJMaxx began carrying the mega bottles of Evoluderm and I always have to buy one when I see them. The last micellar water I used was completed in mid January and this bottle lasted me until the middle of April. That is fantastic value for every day use!

B&BW Body Cream: I loves me the B&BW body cream, however, I am happy that I finished my bottle of Vampire Blood up before the weather started heating up. I only wear lotion before bed and it can get rather stuffy in my apartment. The B&BW body cream is nice but it is SO heavy and makes me sweat like crazy when it is warm at chez nous in the evening. It’s a fantastic product and so nourishing but I like to swap to the classic and light B&BW lotion come the late spring and summer weather. It took two and a half weeks of once daily use to finish this bottle and, as always, Vampire Blood is their best Halloween scent. 😀

Glow Elixir Serum: I have been using my bottle of Glow Elixir Hyaluronic & Retinol serum since the end of February and just finished it a little over a week ago. That is awesome for twice daily use! This is the third or so time I have purchased this serum from TJs and I will continue to do so every time I see it. It is SO freaking nice! The Glow Elixir serum is thin and light but oh so hydrating and brightening too. My skin looks fresh and simply glows with every use and a little of it goes such a long way. A dime sized amount allows for full face and neck coverage and it is a perfect year round product. Highly recommend!

These April finishes were short and sweet but they all packed a punch. Definitely give any of these products a go if you see them in stores!

Which products did you use up this past month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr30

New Tattoos!

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New Tattoos!

Hi! This past weekend was so super fun because Johnny’s Aunt Eileen was in town and we had big plans… To get tattoos together! As soon as she texted me a while back ago with this idea, it was an automatic YES and I was able to schedule an appointment for all of us with my amazing tattoo artist. It is always exciting to get some new ink but this was an especially thrilling tattoo session because Johnny’s aunt is seventy-three and this would be her second tattoo. We were so honored to take part in it! Johnny and I opted for quick and easy tats while Aunt Eileen went big and didn’t go home. Check it out:

When we made these plans with Johnny’s aunt, I knew exactly what I wanted. Something to honor my beloved neighbor and best friend who passed away in February, Tony. I decided on getting his handwriting thanks to an abundance of birthday and Christmas cards and am so beyond happy with out it turned out. I brought my tattoo artist, Emily, one of these cards that had “Love” and his signature and requested that she add in “always” the best she could. Tony would always sign off his texts with “love always” and a heart emoji and it never ceased to make me smile! In an ingenious move, Emily pieced together “always” from the other letters in the card and it is absolutely perfect. This tattoo took barely ten minutes to complete but it is so special to me and I love having a piece that makes me feel close to my ride or die. ❤

Johnny also went the short and sweet route with his tattoo so the focus could be on Aunt Eileen’s leg blaster. To fill in a spot that was driving him crazy on his wrist, he got a scythe with a crescent moon that was just right to plug the gap. Then, it was onto Aunt Eileen! Pansies and butterflies would make up her tattoo but she also had a hilarious idea… Prior to this appointment, her husband made a joke for the skull she was getting to not look too cartoony. So, she decided to have Emily add in a little skull to her flowers as a gag. I genuinely cannot with her!!! 😀

Aunt Eileen’s tattoo took a little under two hours and I think everyone in the shop was impressed. She sat like a rock! Not once did she complain or show any discomfort whatsoever and all we had to say was, you go girl! During the entire afternoon we were talking away and laughing constantly that, before we knew it, Emily announced that she only had five minutes left to go. My tattoo artist is a true master of her craft and we were blown away by the end results of Aunt Eileen’s pansy piece. It turned out so beautifully and that skull is everything. I have a feeling we will be in Emily’s chair every time she comes to visit!

A tattoo tradition started last weekend and I am one hundred million percent there for it. I wonder what we will all get next!!

How old were you when you got your first tattoo? Do you have an upcoming tattoo appointment? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr29

Crop Top Cutie OOTD Bloopers

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Crop Top Cutie OOTD Bloopers

Greetings, earthlings! How are you? I am currently in a state of freaking annoyed AF, thanks for asking. As I began typing this, a freaking fly that has posted up in my apartment was doing acrobatics around my head and it is driving me absolutely batty! It is seriously the most lousy roommate ever SMH. Woo… *Deep breaths* Okay! I know I could use a laugh so let’s get to this Blooper Reel, baby! Take a look at these yikes shots from my Crop Top Cutie OOTD:

Johnny is a master photographer ❤

Time and time again, he always captures me from my good side

Just standing here looking pissed about something or another

Caught in the headlights lol

Looking like that horror movie Smile lol say cheese!

I am an avid bookworm and try my best to finish at least two or so books per month. Whenever I have any spare time during the day, you can almost always catch me with my nose in a book! This past week, I began reading a book called Darkwater Lane by Rachel Caine and Carrie Ryan and was very intrigued by the plot. Then, about sixty pages in, I realized that something wasn’t quite adding up. Throughout the first handful of pages I read, the author was referring to plot points and characters that seemed important. I assumed that it would be clarified later but it kept on happening. And, as you all know, assume makes an ass out of U and ME!

Once I was fed up enough with feeling out of the loop, I decided to give the book a little Google and *face palm*. It’s no wonder nothing was making sense because it was the last book in a seven book series lololol. In my defense, there was literally nothing on the back of this book or its first few pages to indicate that it was part of a series so how was I supposed to know? In hindsight, I should have looked it up earlier but I was already invested! On the bright side, I have a new series to read and got the first book, Stillhouse Lake, from the library. Stay tuned for a Lil Red’s Book Club review coming soon and, in conclusion, SMFH.

This book blunder was a definite whoopsy daisy on my end so I guess the moral of the story is: Always check if you are starting a book at the end of a series first lol!

What is your favorite book series? Have you ever started a series not at the beginning? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr28

Crop Top Cutie OOTD

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Crop Top Cutie OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I am writing this on Friday the 24th and TGIF, amiright? I don’t know about all of you but last week was a freaking DOOZY for me so bring on the sweet, sweet weekend and here’s to a more low key week! Mama needs it lol. I hope that wherever you are, spring is springing so hard and you are enjoying time in the great outdoors. It has felt SO good to go on long hikes again and my brother and I are already on our way to completing our third year of the Spring Hiking Spree. While the look you are about to see would be no good on the trails, it sure is cute! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Crop Top: This was purchased forever ago at PacSun

Pantaloons: Oat New York, TJMaxx

Embroidered Platforms: Sbicca, ModCloth

I think the earrings are from Target?

When it comes to styling OOTDs, I always begin building an outfit around a focal point. In this case, it was my new Oat New York pantaloons from my most recent TJMaxx trip. I am absolutely in love with these bad boys and was so excited to break them out! As you all know, I am a sucker for all things embroidered and those flowers adorning these slacks are such a fun and unique touch. While I basically live in skinny jeans, I do enjoy a slouchier fit and the straight leg of the pants provided wiggle room without looking oversized.

My rule of thumb when I am wearing a looser fit is to always pair it with something tighter so I am not drowning in the look. So, I chose an itty bitty crop from my PacSun days to wear on top. How adorable is that “he loves me, he loves me not” motif? This crop top is literally as old as dirt and I hate to age myself but it is probably close to fifteen years old. Lol, I refuse to part with it because I just like it so much! And, it comes in handy for OOTDs just like this!

In the shoes and accessories department, I opted for a fabulous pair of baby blue embroidered platforms by Sbicca. The light tan threading on the embroidered flowers was an almost perfect match to the pants and that really pleased me. 😀 It also added a nice little pop of color to an otherwise neutral palette. In the spring and summer, I like to let my tattoos do all of the talking for accessories since they spent the fall and winter covered up. I swear, when it warms up I genuinely forgot I even had half of the tattoos that I do lol. A simple pair of cross earrings was the move and, with that, I was ready to rock!

Simple, sweet, and a look that can be easily replicated this Crop Top Cutie OOTD had me swooning!

Do you have any embroidered clothing in your wardrobe? What are your favorite colors to wear in the spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr27

So Spring OOTD Bloopers

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So Spring OOTD Bloopers

Howdy everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my So Spring OOTD! I love creating content of all kinds but OOTDs just hit different as they are a triple whammy. I’ve got the pics that definitely made the cut, the yikes shots, and a little TikTok video for good measure. OOTDs are where my creativity and personality truly shine – especially in the bloopers! I am a huge goof and am always laughing at myself and it just makes me happy to showcase that. What fun is life if you can’t have a chuckle at your own expense? Let’s all have a titter together with these shots:

Looking like those balloon things outside of a car dealership

The focus and sheer determination of an Olympic gymnast to strike this pose

Talk about wind in the hair, amiright?

Fighting for my damn life here

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who? Me?

When I was FaceTiming with my blogging bestie last weekend, we took a trip down memory lane. We always have to discuss which shows we’re binging and DVDs were brought up. We both agreed that two decades ago, our minds would have been blown if we knew that all of our favorite entertainment would be collected onto streaming services. We had fond memories of visiting the library to check out movies, hitting up BlockBuster for rentals, and treasure hunting in the DVD bargain bin at Walmart. The last example definitely hit hard for me.

When I moved into my first apartment, all I had for entertainment was a small TV, DVD player, and a handful of movies to watch on repeat. As I was ballin on a budget, I straight up refused to pay for streaming services and I couldn’t even if I wanted to because the TV was old as dirt. To rectify this, I became obsessed with the five dollar DVDs at Target, Walmart, or 5 Below. Whenever I visited any of those stores, I always walked away with a couple of new movies to add to my collection. Then, I would go home, cook my dinner, and watch whatever I selected.

Was it the most practical? Not really. However, I was so proud and happy with my little dollhouse apartment and my after work movies quickly became my favorite tradition. When Johnny and I started dating, he introduced me to his plethora of streaming services and our running joke was that it was the only reason we were together. It’s totally true! Lolol, I am totally kidding! Despite the streaming services we have now, I still have my DVD collection proudly displayed and it was so much fun to reminisce on them with my best girl. Should streaming services ever go extinct, I have a healthy five dollar movie selection on standby! 😀

It’s so crazy to think about how entertainment has changed since the 2000s and my chit chat and DVDs hit me right in the nostalgia!

Do you still have DVDs at home? What is your favorite streaming service? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr26

So Spring OOTD

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So Spring OOTD

Howdy! Spring weather in Ohio has been flip flopping hard and I honestly can’t keep up. It goes from the seventies to the thirties in a snap and it’s just all around confusing and, frankly, annoying lol. It is impossible to get the apartment to a comfortable temperature and it is always too hot, too cold, and never just right. Where’s Goldilocks when you need her?! On the blessedly warm days, it has been so nice to break out some spring clothes like the ones in this super cute OOTD. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Cami Top: Banana Republic, TJMaxx

Mini Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Platforms: Free People, TJMaxx

Earrings: You can’t really see them but they are made out of Lego by AbbieDabbles!

Both bracelets were purchased forever ago from Aerie!

This little look is simple and incredibly easy to replicate but oh so much fun! When it comes to dressing for the warm weather, a skort/cami combo can’t be beat to keep cool AND serve fashion. I started this OOTD by browsing in my cami collection and decided on an adorable floral number by Banana Republic. I just love all of the sweet colors that this top features and am a huge fan of the fit. The V-neck is high enough that I still feel comfortable in it and I really appreciate the thicker strap to keep my bra straps in check. I never really care if I have bra straps showing but this top conceals them perfectly making this look girly sweet over sexy chic.

Next on the agenda was a skirt or skort and I picked one of my favorites by Kyodan. The skorts I own from this brand are meant to be worn playing tennis. I don’t play tennis nor do I have the desire to but this skort still serves! See what I did there? I freaking loves me a skort and actually just added a new one into my wardrobe. They are just right for being on the go and not worrying about a sneak peek of my underoos lol. This stark white skort made all of the pretty colors in the cami pop even harder and provides such delightful movement. I loved shimmying and shaking in it when I went to see The Struts last year! 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I opted for a darling pair of platforms by Free People. It was a close match to the red flowers in the top and tied this look together from head to toe. I also can’t get enough of those studs and the wrap around strap! In the accessories department, I went for the cutest pair of Lego earrings. They have a ladybug sitting on top of a green leaf and, although you can’t see them, I know that they’re there and that’s good enough for me. I added a few cuff bracelets to the mix and was ready to rock in my So Spring OOTD!

The weather might be ping ponging but no matter what the forecast shows, I am always ready to style for whatever season the day may bring!

What does a typical spring outfit look like for you? What is spring weather like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr25

Bath & Body Works April Freebie

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Bath & Body Works April Freebie

Hi! When my sister and I went to New Orleans, I was genuinely shocked that I didn’t have a travel size shower gel from Bath & Body Works to bring with me. I thought my bath and body care hoard was much better stocked than that and it sucked having to use the products provided by the hotel. It was impossible to feel clean with the awkward combo of bar soap and shampoo I had to use! Because my family is going to Italy this year, I made damn sure that I got a travel size body wash for my March freebie from B&BW. I also went ahead and got another one this month in case my mom needed to share. Like my selection in March, I went for a classic B&BW scent that I never bothered trying before. Check it out:

Once again, the travel size options I had to pick from were slim to none at B&BW and In The Stars was literally all they had for shower gels. Since my choice was made for me, I didn’t even smell it so let’s give it a whiff in real time lol. Here we go… And it is pretty good! Actually, upon another sniff it is actually really nice. In The Stars features fragrance notes of (get ready for it because it’s a doozy) “Starflower, sandalwood musk, sugared tangelo, white agarwood, and radiant amber”. Whatever any of that means! Does anyone know what a tangelo is?!

The little scent story on Bath & Body Works’ website says that In The Stars is a warm fragrance that feels like you’re in the middle of the forest. However, I feel like I’m in the middle of the ocean with this scent! In The Stars smells crisp and clean to the point that I would classify it as an aquatic scent and I am SO not mad about that. I absolutely love an aquatic fragrance and it definitely doesn’t translate to the fragrance notes or scent story whatsoever. Isn’t it weird how scents smell different to every single person? I can’t stand a musky fragrance and would have despised In The Stars if it smelled true to its notes to me. Thankfully that wasn’t the case and I would happily get it again. 🙂

What will In The Stars smell like to you? Who’s to say? Lol but I’m incredibly curious to find out!

What is a scent that you love that other people hate? What is your go to B&BW fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr24

Best Toast EVER

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Best Toast EVER

Hello! I absolutely love to cook for my family and friends. Nothing pleases me more than seeing people enjoy what I have made and whenever we have company, trust and believe I have to whip up a little something something! Although Johnny and I think my cooking is the bomb.com, there is something about other people’s cooking that just hits different. For example, my mom and I make the exact same mac n’ cheese recipe and I always think that hers tastes better than mine. In fact, I recently had her mac n’ cheese and shared my sentiments and told her a little story about Johnny’s scrambled eggs…

Two or so years ago I got really sick after getting one of my Covid boosters. I was having hot flashes and chills, my body felt like I got ran over by a truck, and it was straight up agony. During that time, I wasn’t eating much and drinking ALL of the blue Gatorade. Then, when my appetite came back I requested scrambled eggs and toast that Johnny made for me. I kid you not when I say it was the best scrambled eggs I had ever had in my life and Johnny was so pleased with himself! 🙂

This past Monday I was feeling pretty lousy. I didn’t sleep well on Sunday night and I was so busy in the morning that I didn’t have time to eat breakfast before my shift. By the time I got home after work, I was so exhausted and freaking starving. I made myself something quick and easy but that didn’t curb my hunger one bit and I knew I would need a snack before taking my nighttime medication. My beloved Johnny tapped in for the assist and made my order of toast with “lots of butter” while I went upstairs to lay down.

A few minutes later he returned with my toast and, once again, I kid you not that it was the best toast I ever had lol. Was it because I was so hungry or because it was made with love? Who’s to say? All I know is that it tasted like manna from heaven! I repeat, there is just something about when other people make food for you that hits different! As I ate, I could literally feel myself feeling better and I could tell it made Johnny happy. I think he felt how I feel when I make food for him! He’s, admittedly, not the best chef but my main squeeze can make a mean scrambled eggs, toast, and oven pizza like nobody’s business! What a heck of a guy. ❤

A snack as simple as toasted sourdough bread, beaucoup butter, and Johnny’s secret ingredient of a pinch of salt got me feeling right again. I think he needs to make it for me from now on!!

Do you and someone else like to make the same recipes? Whose dish tastes better to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr23

Lil Red’s Book Club: No Exit By Taylor Adams Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: No Exit By Taylor Adams Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing a thriller by Taylor Adams called No Exit. I recently read Her Last Breath by the same author and really enjoyed it so I wanted to read more of her work. Unfortunately, No Exit was very lackluster and it was honestly a really difficult read to get through. You will be able to tell by the big fat trigger warning I’ll be placing for sexual assault, animal cruelty, graphic violence, disturbing content, and life threatening illness. You ready? Let’s get to it:

Darby had absolutely no intention of returning home for Christmas. However, her mom is very sick and cryptic texts from her sister about their mom’s condition put Darby in her beat up car to drive to Utah from Colorado. All she has to do is beat the incoming snowstorm in her ancient ride. As Darby drives towards her estranged family, Snowpacolypse begins in full force and she must stop at a remote rest station off the highway because the weather won’t allow her to go any further. At the rest stop, there are four other weary travelers. Ed and Sandi who are cousins, a strange man named Lars, and talkative Ashley. All of them stranded for the night until the snow plows clear the way.

Cell service is shot but Ashley tells Darby that there is a certain area in the parking lot where he was able to grab one blessed bar. Darby trudges through the cold and snow to search for service so she can let her mom and sister know the change of plans. The phone call doesn’t happen but as she walks back to the rest stop, she notices something in the back of one of the vans in the lot. A little hand. Surely her exhaustion had her seeing things so she goes back into the warmth to formulate a plan on the off chance that there really is a life at stake.

Under the guise of looking for service once more, Darby returns outside and her worst fears are confirmed. There is a little girl in the back of the van and her name is Jay. She is confined, bleeding, and dirty and someone in that rest stop is responsible for it. The snow is falling fast and there is no way out for another ten plus hours. All Darby needs to do is get the girl to safety and survive the night amongst a handful of possible kidnappers. What happens next? A deadly game of cat and mouse. A game that Darby has to play all alone because she can trust no one or let her guard down for even a second. Will Darby and Jay escape the rest stop in the morning? Or will someone in the rest stop get away with an unspeakable crime? Read No Exit to find out!

As I started reading No Exit, I was loving it. The plot was gripping and urgent and Darby was a remarkable heroine. It was twisty, downright terrifying, and every passing second felt like an eternity as Darby tried to figure out what to do next. Then, when the identity of the kidnapper was revealed, it all became too much. The criminal was the definition of a sadist and all of that suspense turned into something far more disturbing. Every risk that Darby took was foiled and as the kidnapper delighted and let their true colors come forward, No Exit became increasingly hard to read. Indeed, this book is NOT for the faint of heart.

For all of the horrible things in this book, the one redemption it had was Darby. She. Was. AWESOME! Darby was a bit of a thing at barely over five feet tall and she was scrappy as hell. I was so there for it! As she stared literal monsters down, she never faltered. She was calm, cool, and kept her head the whole way through. The criminal played checkers while Darby played chess. Thinking one step ahead, risking her life, and taking pride in being Jay’s guardian angel. Every time a plan failed, she came back swinging and it was impossible not to root for her. Darby was an excellent leading lady but it just wasn’t enough to make me say that this book was good. No Exit coasted on shock value alone and it was not the reading experience I expected after Her Last Breath.

Overall, I am going to rate No Exit with a two out of ten stars. For all of the good of Darby, there was just too much awful in this book for me to recommend it. This is one you can definitely skip on!

What did you think of No Exit if you have read it before? Did you see the movie on Hulu? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr22

New Chrome Riot Skort

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New Chrome Riot Skort

Hi! I have been enjoying updating my spring wardrobe and it’s always fun to add in a few new pieces to shake things up. Yesterday you all saw the beautiful Lark + Grey dress that I purchased from Ross and I also walked away with one of my favorite spring and summer staples: The skort! I don’t know about all of you, but I LOVES me a good skort. No one is any the wiser that the majority of skirts I own actually have shorts underneath and I like the comfort that they provide. It’s nice to know that I can go about my day without anyone getting a sneak peek at my underoos lol. 😀 This Chrome Riot number is going to be perfect for a date night out and I can’t wait to rock it! Take a look:

Like my new dress for an upcoming wedding in May, I knew that this skort was an instant winner. The price was right too as it was only eight dollars. Yes please! This is a relatively simple piece but that lace just hits different. There are several different kinds of lace – dreamy and ethereal, classic and timeless, and sexy too! This lace definitely falls under the sexy category and I am so excited to break it out on the next date night with my main squeeze. Fine dining at Taco Bell, perhaps? *Fingers crossed*!!

Although this skort can definitely be worn for play with a cute crop or tank, my date night fit will feature a lovely black lace cami top by mittoshop. It is a bit flowy but that is no matter because I plan on wearing it tucked in to form a pseudo dress. For the shoes? A darling pair of Nine West kitten heels with an adorable pop of bling! When I try clothes on, an outfit comes to mind like a That’s So Raven vision. This is the look that magically appeared and I just know it’s going to be fab. Keep your eyes peeled for a brand new OOTD showcasing my Chrome Riot skort soon!

For just a little over twenty dollars I walked out of Ross with two new gorgeous additions to my wardrobe. And, I have to say it, I am SO sorry, TJMaxx. I will be back soon, I promise! ❤

How would you style this skort? Do you have a date night coming up soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr21

New Lark + Grey Dress

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New Lark + Grey Dress

Howdy! Although I am a TJMaxx girl through and through, I do love popping into Ross from time to time. My family will be attending a wedding in May and I wanted to find a pretty little something to wear to the ceremony or the reception after. I scored big time because I found the perfect dress for the reception and it only costed thirteen bucks! Talk about a steal!! I cannot wait to dance the night away in this adorable ruffly, polka dotted number by Lark + Grey. Check it out:

The racks of dresses at Ross were jam packed and I was very hopeful that I was going to find something that spoke to be amongst all the fabric. For the most part, there was a whole lot of nothing. Then, my eyes locked on my Lark + Grey dress and it was game on. When I am shopping, I tend to know instantly if something is going to work or not and this was an instant winner. In fact, I was SO confident in this dress that I almost didn’t even bother trying it on. Of course I did anyway lol because that would have been breaking my “always try clothes on at the store” golden rule!

This dress was even better than I imagined once it was on. I just love the fitted tank top into that glorious cascade of gauzy, ruffly, polka dotted goodness. I am all about clothing that offers a unique silhouette and the one this dress provided is insane! The movement of this dress is just divine and visions of me cutting it up on the dance floor swirled in my head. Sans falling like what happened at the last wedding I attended! SMH. I plan on pairing my Lark + Grey dress with a darling pair of Barbie pink platforms by Marc Fisher and I cannot wait to show you guys the end result. I hate to toot my own horn, but I know for a fact it is going to be magical!

I feel a little bad about cheating on my beloved TJMaxx with Ross but I know TJs will understand because this dress was just too good to pass up!

Do you prefer Ross, Marshall’s, or TJMaxx? Do you have a special event to attend soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr20

If The Shoe Fits: Shein Wedges Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Shein Wedges Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of If The Shoe Fits! My family is attending a wedding in May and I was hoping to find a new dress for it the last time my mom and I went to TJMaxx. I did find a dress and it was perfect. However, it was much too big and that was the only available size. When I got home I scoured the internet to find the dress and order it. The only one I could find was on Poshmark for a whopping seventy dollars and that was a definite no go. I did end up finding a look alike on Shein and it worked great! I also couldn’t resist ordering these funky wedges on the cheap. Check them out:

^^^ Still confused about this clasp. Help!!

When it comes to shoes for spring and summer, I like unique wedges and platforms that I can just slip on and go. These wedges from Shein really caught my eye because I loves me a chunky heel and that olive green color is so cool! This was my first time ordering anything off of Shein and, honestly, I don’t plan on doing it again but I just needed that dress. I can’t wait to show you all! Of course, with any fast fashion website quality is always the concern and these wedges were very average. They’re sturdy enough to feel comfortable but do I anticipate them lasting longer than this summer? Hard no. Will I be wearing them until they fall apart? Absolutely!

Quality aside, I like everything about these wedges. Except for one thing… How in the HECK are you supposed to attach the straps?! I have never seen anything like it before and it is essentially a clasp and a buckle. It’s a major head scratcher for sure! The only thing I could figure was to put the clasp right in the middle of the buckle because that was the only way to keep it together. Or is it? I have no idea! When I discovered this anomaly I immediately went to the reviews to see if other people mentioned it and literally no one did. I’m not sure if I got a dud or what but I guess the buckle clasp method is how I will wear these shoes.

You truly never know what you are going to get on a website like Shein. I was expecting minimal quality but not expecting the challenge of attaching ankle straps SMH!

Does anyone have any idea what do to about these straps? Have you ordered off of Shein before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr19

Random 5 Below Finds

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Random 5 Below Finds

Hi there! Johnny and I delight in being the fun aunt and uncle and love spending time with our nieces. This past weekend we took our middle niece out for a special morning before meeting up with her big sis, mama, and their Uncle Andrew to see the new Mario movie. Our little was so sad she couldn’t join us for her sister’s birthday treat day and we promised to take her on a solo outing ASAP. Before the movie we shopped till we dropped at 5 Below, visited the animals at Petsmart, and went to Mickey D’s for lunch and Play Place time. It was a blast!

At 5 Below we let her pick out anything and everything and got some treats for ourselves and her sisters too. It was a full fledged shopping spree! As you all know, I loves me some 5 Below and just couldn’t say no to the following:

I saw the freaking hilarious Pitbull shirt the last time I was at 5 Below with a client. I was going to purchase it but they only had extra larges at the time. Am I a huge Pitbull fan? Isn’t everyone secretly? Lol I will be the first to admit that he has some straight BANGERS! During this shopping trip I was so happy to see that the sizes were restocked and I just had to get it. How could I not when it was only five bucks?! Mr. 305 happens to be coming to my neck of the woods in September and I am SO trying to go. I already know exactly what top I’ll be wearing! 😀

And, of course, the K-Pop Demon Hunters sticker went into the cart immediately to decorate my laptop with. My nieces love that movie so much and I do too! We are always listening to the soundtrack together and singing and dancing like crazy. It’s just pure joy and I honestly tear up every time I hear Golden because it makes me think of them. I adore the Huntrix girls and now I get to see them every morning when I work from home. This was the very last K-Pop Demon Hunters sticker on the shelves so we visited 5 Below at the perfect time. Great success!

These Random 5 Below Finds featured two very different musicians for sure. Future Mr. Worldwide/Huntrix collab? I think YES!

What is your favorite song from K-Pop Demon Hunters? How about Pitbull (lol)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr18

Bunny Pug!!!!

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Bunny Pug!!!!

Hello!! While Halloween will always be my favorite home decor season, Easter is a very close second because I love all things BUNNIES!! I am a proud bunny mom to my precious Melvin and Penelope and I always like to get a few pieces of bunny decor per year to honor their existence. A few weeks ago my mom and I went on a shopping trip to TJMaxx and I just might have found my favorite bunny statue to grace our knick knack shelves yet. I present to you the bunny pug:

^^^ Look at that wittle face!!!

As my mom and I browsed the home decor department, I was so pleased to see that all of the Easter items were marked down significantly. Surprisingly, I didn’t even notice the bunny pug and I’m genuinely not sure how because it’s quite the statement. Thanks to my mom’s eagle eye she pointed it out and it went into the cart immediately. This sweet statue was just six bucks and that is a steal! I thought it was the funniest thing and I knew Johnny would love it too. Especially because it looks like the pug is wearing the pink bunny suit from A Christmas Story – one of our faves!

I was so excited to show Johnny my find when I got home from work and walked through the door with TJs and grocery bags in tow. Then, the unspeakable happened. As I put my shopping down, my bunny pug knocked into one of my curio cabinets and my heart sank. I just knew that something broke and, indeed, one of the ears came clean off. I was SO sad! In a flash, I broke out my emergency super glue in case of a broken acrylic and set to work to fix the whoopsie daisy. Sadly, the glue was not strong enough and my heart sank further. 😦

I am pleased to report that the broken ear surgery was only postponed to the following day compliments of my Johnny. He got some super strength super glue after work and fixed it for me as soon as he got home. When I got back from my shift a half an hour or so later he surprised me with the repaired bunny pug and I was over the moon! It made me so happy and it was so thoughtful of him to see the problem and solve it the very next day. What a guy! ❤

My bunny pug recuperated nicely after his ear surgery and I can’t help but smile every time I see it! 🙂

What is your favorite holiday to shop home decor? What is your favorite discount store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr17

New Strawberry And Purple Nails

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New Strawberry And Purple Nails

Hi! This past week couldn’t have gone fast enough because I was in desperate need of a full set STAT. My appointment the week prior had to be rescheduled and my nails were an absolute wreck. They were lifting like the dickens and I had to do everything in my power to not take them off my damn self. Blessedly, I saw the week through because lifted nails are better than no nails at all, amiright?! Thanks to my amazing nail tech, my claws are back in working order and I love how they turned out. Take a looksee:

When I approached the nail polish book, I wasn’t sure which colors to choose. I knew I was over pastels from the month before but didn’t want to transition to zippy and bright summer colors just yet. So, I decided to go for something in between and opted for a sweet strawberry red and purple. These shades pop, for sure, but they still manage to feel spring so it was a perfect compromise. These candy colored hues are darling, fun, and look good enough to eat in a strictly metaphorical sense!

Once my colors were selected, I almost ran towards my nail tech’s station so she could begin working her magic. I had been loosening up my nails to pop off literally all day and was able to get three off before my appointment. I felt so naked! When I am getting a full set, I always get a soak off because I’m a huge baby. However, my acrylics were so loosey goosey that I knew I could handle a pop off and it was as easy as one, two, three. They came off like it was nothing and put me one step closer to having my talons back.

Normally, I schedule my nail appointments during a break in my work day. For full sets I like to go after work on Friday and it is just SO nice. To sit back in my tech’s chair, be pampered, and not worry about a time crunch is a gift. I always enjoy my appointments but it just hits different when you have nowhere else to be but at the salon! In a little over an hour, my nails were back baby and they felt wonderful. So sturdy, pointed to perfection, and ready to wow all April long. GREAT SUCCESS. 😀

I am very much looking forward to my next fill because my mom is coming with to get a mani. Girls day!!

What are your favorite colors for spring? How often do you get your nails done? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr16

Groovy Movies: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Edition

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Groovy Movies: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Edition

Howdy! This past weekend we had a fun afternoon out with our nieces to see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. We watched the first one when it came out with our biggest niece and we all loved it so we were most excited! Although I liked the first one a bit better than the sequel, it was still a hoot. The Mario Galaxy games are my favorite so it was way cool to see it on the big screen! In a spoiler free setting, as always, let’s discuss this family friendly flick:

^^^ As always, I have no rights to this video!

Princess Rosalina lives up in the stars and is mom to the adorable Lumas that reside there. They are colorful, silly little stars and their world revolves around the princess. However, their world is turned upside down when Bowser Jr. kidnaps her to drain her power and have the Bowser family reign supreme. Princess Rosalina always told her Lumas to find Princess Peach if anything were to ever happen to her and that is exactly what one brave Luma does. The Luma travels far and wide to reach the Mushroom Kingdom to request help from Princess Peach and she agrees while leaving the Kingdom in the care of Mario, Luigi, and a new Yoshi friend too.

Of course, Bowser is still tiny but has changed a lot for the better. In his little castle he paints pictures, cooks soup, and trims bonsai trees. His son, Bowser Jr., misses him fiercely and just wants to make his old man proud. So he attempts to free him from Princess Peach’s castle. The plan is a bust, but it puts Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser on the path to reunite with Princess Peach in space. All they need is a space ship!

Thanks to a delightful cameo by Fox McCloud, the heroes arrive in the Space Junk Galaxy to defeat Bowser Jr. and foil his plot to create an all destroying cannon with Rosalina’s power. Their problems have doubled, though, as Bowser was so inspired by his son that he returned to the dark side once more. If the canon is created, the Bowsers will have complete power over any and everything. Will Princess Peach save Princess Rosalina? And will our heroes defeat Bowser and Son? Watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to find out!

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was a short and sweet flick that was barely over an hour and a half. In that short time, it was jam packed with a whole lot of fun! The visuals were striking, the Lumas were the literal cutest, and who doesn’t love Yoshi?! There were plenty of quick witted jokes, nods to games of the past, and wonderful cameos by beloved characters. Mr. Game And Watch, anyone? There was just one thing that Johnny and I could not get behind…

Why, exactly, was Chris Pratt cast as Mario? Especially when the voice actors for Mario in the games are both living and available? It truly makes no sense to us lol. Not only does Chris Pratt actively suck as a person but his voice work for Mario was just not it. Pratt’s vocal acting did absolutely nothing for us and it weighed the whole movie down. That was our opinion for the first Mario movie too and our sentiments have only amplified. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was a total blast and the overall casting decisions were great. Just not this one.

Overall, I am going to rate The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with a six out of ten Lumas. It was a solid sequel but was definitely one that you could take or leave.

Have you seen the Mario movies? What did you think about them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah