Jul18

Safari Chic OOTD

Posted on July 18, 2026 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Sunday, my entire family enjoyed a wonderful time at Playhouse Square seeing The Lion King. It was nothing short of a miraculous performance and we are all still raving about it! When we took our girl squad to see Toy Story 5, I decided to create an OOTD themed around my favorite character, Jessie. Everyone got such a kick out of it that I went the themed route again for The Lion King! Although I don’t have any character specific clothing or accessories, I could do a fashion interpretation and came up with this Safari Chic look. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Jumpsuit: Japna, TJMaxx

Hat: Peter Grimm, TJMaxx

Heels that you can’t see lol: Made, TJMaxx

Snake Wrap Cuff: Earthbound, My sister got this for me in New Orleans!

The giraffe cuff was purchased forever ago from Target and the feather earrings were a hand me down from my sister!

When I think of the animals in The Lion King, my mind goes to a safari adventure and I had the perfect something in mind to match the vibes: My Japna jumpsuit! This little number is giving safari with style with the classic light khaki color, stitching, and deep front pockets. My only gripe with this jumpsuit? It is SO long!! I always wear it with the tallest heels I own and they forever remain invisible under all of that fabric. Regardless of the length, I do love this jumpsuit and the ease of wearing one. Literally all I had to do was accessorize and then it was off to the theater!

To up the ante on this OOTD, the accessories was where I was going to have some fun. As I had the safari theme in mind, I just needed a hat to “wear” and selected a gorgeous wide brimmed one by Peter Grimm. It would be uncouth to wear a hat on your head in the theater but mine could be worn on my back thanks to this hat’s toggle strap! This approach further enhanced the safari aesthetic with a fashion twist. Although you can’t see the shoes, I went for a strappy pair of heels that actually featured a bit of zebra print on the bottom straps. Once again, blame it on the fabric but I knew that this pattern was there and it was another feather in my safari cap. 😀

Like the animal print on my invisible heels, I chose all animal inspo everything for jewelry. I put on a pretty pair of dangly feathered earrings compliments of my sister and lived for that added drama right by my face. I also adorned my arms with some cuff bracelets, one of which being a snake and the other being a giraffe. These playful additions tied my Fashion Safari look altogether and I am so pleased with how it turned out. This OOTD was made completely with items I have had for years and I’m genuinely shook that I had a full blown safari fit just waiting for the right occasion to be worn!

The Lion King? Spectacular. The fashion? Inspired! Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel!

What do you wear on a dress up occasion? Do you have a special event coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

An Update On My Update

Posted on July 17, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! In June I had to have another biopsy to monitor some abnormalities in my cervix with the result being one of two things. 1) The problem resolved itself. Or 2) Surgery would be needed to remove these cells. My results ended up being Option 2 and I just had a pre-op appointment with my gyno on Monday. Either in August or September, I will be getting the LEEP procedure done which uses electricity to shave away my tissue with the issues. AND, if the price isn’t an arm and a leg, I will also be getting my tubes tied and hopefully returning home that day. It’s kind of a lot lol.

After my appointment I went to work and the conversation I had with my gyno didn’t really hit me until I returned home. Then, the processing began. Any type of surgery is scary and the situation that’s causing me to have a procedure done is scary too! For about ten minutes or so, I was deep in my feels. I knew this surgery was inevitable but it still seemed like something so far away until a tentative month was put in place. On Monday, I had to face that realization head on and it lightweight sucked lol. After wallowing for a bit, I snapped to, played some Pokopia, and kept reminding myself that this surgery was the best possible thing for me and began feeling better.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still pretty nervous but my thankfulness trumps the butterflies in my tummy! I am so thankful that after monitoring these changes on my cervix for over a year and change that there is a solution. The surgery is not going to take long, recovery time is minimal, and any cells that are a cause to worry will be gone. These are all great things and, honestly in that sense, everything is coming up Lil Red! Remember that caring for women parts with annual appointments not only ensures that all systems are a go but gives you the opportunity to monitor any changes in real time. This can prevent so much hardship later so be sure you are making those gyno appointments and sticking to them!

The next step in my cervix saga is surgery and I say the sooner the better. I am SO ready to get it over with!

Have you ever had surgery before? What was it for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul16

Property Investment Companies: Why A Statutory Audit Could Save You Thousands In A Tax Investigation

Posted on July 16, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Property Investment Companies: Why A Statutory Audit Could Save You Thousands In A Tax Investigation

For landlords and property investors who hold their portfolios through limited companies, the question of whether to obtain a statutory audit often feels like an unnecessary overhead. The company may be small, the accounts straightforward, and the directors – typically the investors themselves – confident they understand exactly what is in the financial statements. The case for audit in property investment companies, however, is more nuanced than simple compliance. In a sector where HMRC scrutiny is increasing, where the line between allowable and non-allowable expenditure is frequently contested, and where the stakes of a formal tax investigation are high, independently audited accounts provide protection that goes beyond satisfying a legal requirement:

Why Property Companies Face Elevated HMRC Scrutiny:

Property has been a focus of HMRC’s compliance activity for an extended period. The sector involves significant capital transactions, recurring rental income streams, and a range of legitimate tax reliefs – mortgage interest, repairs and maintenance, professional fees, depreciation of furnishings – that create genuine complexity. HMRC has specific compliance programs targeting property income, including Connect data analysis that cross-references property ownership data from Land Registry against declared income on tax returns.

For property investment companies specifically, the risk areas include capital expenditure claimed as revenue expenditure, mortgage interest and finance costs classified incorrectly, director’s loan account transactions without proper documentation, and transfers of properties between connected parties at values that do not reflect market rates. Businesses whose accounts are properly maintained by a professional UK accountancy firm throughout the year with clear classification of capital versus revenue expenditure, properly tracked director’s loan accounts, and regular bank reconciliations present a significantly cleaner picture when HMRC attention arrives. A well-maintained set of records does not prevent investigation but it substantially improves the outcome.

How Audited Accounts Help in a Tax Investigation:

When HMRC opens a formal inquiry into a company’s tax return, the investigation begins with the accounts and the supporting records. A company that can produce independently audited accounts with an unqualified opinion from a Registered Auditor is in a materially different position from one that can only produce unaudited accounts signed off by the directors. This is not because an audit automatically satisfies HMRC. An audit opinion is not a statement that the tax return is correct; it is a statement that the accounts give a true and fair view.

But audited accounts signal a level of independent scrutiny that HMRC takes seriously and the audit work papers, which document the evidence the auditor examined, provide a contemporaneous record of the state of the financial records at the time the accounts were prepared. In practice, tax investigations that begin with audited accounts tend to progress more efficiently. Property investment companies that have historically operated without audit may consider engaging vetted registered UK auditors for the current and upcoming financial years as a proactive risk management decision even where no statutory requirement exists.

The Specific Accounting Issues in Property Company Audits:

Property companies present specific audit challenges that require sector experience. Investment property valuation requires auditors to assess the reasonableness of professional valuations and understand the assumptions behind them. Lease classification under the amended FRS 102 has particular complexity for companies that both own and lease properties. Related party transactions are common in property structures and must be disclosed and conducted on arm’s length terms. Businesses can compare proposals from registered auditors with specific property company experience before committing to an engagement – asking each firm specifically about their experience with investment property valuation, FRS 102, and related party disclosure in a property context.

For property companies with Irish assets, directors of those entities can find registered auditors in Ireland familiar with Irish property accounting requirements – including the different VAT treatment of property transactions under Irish law and the specific disclosure requirements of Irish company law for property assets. For US real estate investments held through US-incorporated entities, certified audit professionals across the United States can be engaged through a matched process that identifies firms with relevant real estate sector experience.

Getting the Property Company’s Accounts in Order:

The accounting foundation of a property investment company audit begins with complete and accurate records of the portfolio – title deeds, mortgage and finance documentation, tenancy agreements, service charge accounts, and repair and maintenance invoices. These should be maintained not just for audit purposes but because they are the records HMRC will request in any inquiry. A professional accounting firm providing ongoing management accounting services to property investment companies can ensure that these records are maintained to the standard both the auditor and HMRC expect – with clear classification of expenditure, properly maintained rent rolls, and regular reconciliations of the mortgage and director’s loan account balances.

For audit firms managing a portfolio of property company audit engagements – particularly those with year-ends that cluster around the same periods – specialist audit outsourcing and file preparation services provide the additional capacity needed to maintain quality and meet deadlines across the full portfolio without overstretching the permanent team.

Careful organization, an excellent team, and professional help can be most beneficial should your company ever be audited. Get started with the advice above!

Jul16

Belated BFF Birthday Haul

Posted on July 16, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! This past weekend was so lovely because I finally got to see my bestie girl, Lea, after a month and change apart from each other. We were supposed to have a birthday hang out earlier in June to celebrate, but those plans got foiled when Johnny and I went to see The Strokes and we had to postpone till last Friday. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and whatever and it was the perfect evening of chatting away, delighting in big wins, and having some one month post birthday fun! Lea completely spoiled me with these prezzies and I am obsessed:

This haul featured all of my favorite things – bunnies and bath and body care! The first gift I opened was the bunny ear can openers and all I can say is what a revelation. As a long nailed queen, I am always fearful of breaking a nail whenever I open a beverage can and typically have someone else open it for me lol. I think this all stemmed from that old Sally Hanson commercial for the Tough As Nails polish when it showed a person opening a can and breaking a nail! Thanks to these can openers, I never have to hand over my drink to be opened again and can do it all by myself like a big girl. 🙂 I had no idea that there was a product out there that so specifically represented me as a person but leave it to my BFF to find it!

As well as some smell goods, Lea also gifted me with the cutest bunny themed wall art ever with an emphasis on pampering self care. My go to! These prints are just too adorable and while they are bathroom related, I can’t imagine hanging them up in the bathroom lol. They are too pretty and no matter how clean a bathroom is, it’s still gross! I’m sure Johnny and I will find a spot on our many art adorned walls worthy of housing this new addition. Until then, they will be sitting on my work table where I can see them every day and so NOT in the general vicinity of the bathrooms. 😀

These belated birthday surprises were oh so sweet but the best friend time was even better. I can’t wait to celebrate Lea’s birthday next!! ❤

How long have you been friends with your bestie? Do you have any big summer plans with your friend group? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul15

The Lion King At Playhouse Square Review

Posted on July 15, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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The Lion King At Playhouse Square Review

Hello! This past Sunday Johnny and I had an absolutely fabulous time going to see The Lion King with my entire family at Playhouse Square. It was freaking amazing! When I was about five years old, my family vacationed in Toronto and we saw The Lion King on our trip. I don’t remember much from it but I remember being so wowed by all of the costumes and that sentiment amplified as soon as all of the actors took the stage this weekend. It was awe inspiring to see giraffes, elephants, gazelles, and of course lions right before our very eyes! Whether you are young or old, if The Lion King is coming to your neck of the woods then it is a must see. You are going to love it!

The Lion King opened on the strongest note with “Circle Of Life” and within that first second, we were fully in and delighted in the magic of the theater that followed. The puppeteers, the costuming that transformed actors to animals, and the singing, dancing, and acrobatics made for the most spectacular show that blew the cartoon out of the water. It was such an immersive performance that it really felt like we were all on Pride Rock watching the scenes of betrayal and redemption along with the rest of the cast. From the small practical touches to the big blow out scenes, this viewing of The Lion King can only be described as triumphant.

My favorite songs of the performance have got to be Scar’s “Be Prepared” and the sentimental ensemble song of “They Live In You”. The piece de resistance song and scene, however, was when Simba looked to the stars for guidance in “Endless Night”. As he stargazed, the cast somehow assembled the image of Mufasa into the night sky and it was nothing short of glorious for Simba to see his father once more and know what needs to be done next: Take his rightful throne. Another major scene, the stampede was also particularly effective as it literally looked like hundreds of animals running towards Simba on a relatively small stage. There was dusty smoke billowing, the rumble of hooves, and the dread of the knowledge that something really bad is about to happen.

While The Lion King shined in its full scale production numbers, there were so many little moments that added to the sense of wonder. The ingenious costumes worn by the lionesses created the sleek curves of the animal as they danced. During water scenes, fish were projected onto the billowing cloths that formed the rivers. There were cast members twirling bird puppets on poles throughout the audience. Or, my personal favorite: When young Simba sang “Hakuna Matata” with his newfound friends, Timon and Pumbaa. To transition into adult form, young Simba swung off of the stage on a vine. One second later, adult Simba swung in to join the show. Every effect was so clever and intentional and it translated to every seat in the theater!

I am so thankful for this super special viewing of The Lion King with my whole family in tow. It was simply phenomenal and, without a doubt, a theater bucket list performance!

Have you seen a play or musical recently? How was it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul14

Giddy Up OOTD Bloopers

Posted on July 14, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Giddy Up OOTD! This look was worn to go to a fabulous viewing of Toy Story 5 and it was the best time. I drew inspiration from my favorite character, Jessie, for this Lil Red take on Western vibes and loved how it turned out. It was a huge hit with my nieces too! So much so that they requested Johnny’s Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl fringe button down when they are big enough to wear it. I told them it was a deal as long as I could still borrow it! This OOTD definitely fell under the category of full blown country fun. But these pictures? Full blown yikes! Lol check it out:

Howdy, partner!

This cowgirl is serving SO much sass

Wind in the hair? More like fringe in the air!

Out here giving it my all

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There’s a new sheriff in town!!!

Lol the sad thing is I thought I was serving SO hard!!! SMH

Prior to seeing Toy Story 5, I had only seen the first and second films of the franchise. When Johnny and I returned home, we decided to rectify that and had a Toy Story triple feature by watching three and four together. They were both excellent but oh my goodness was Toy Story 3 harrowing!! Between the sorrow of Andy going away to college, the terrifying evil dictator bear, Lotso, and the horror of Big Baby we were convinced that this movie wasn’t made for children at all but grown ups. Although it was a fun and often funny movie, I was shooketh. But, honestly, that’s the joy of watching children’s movies as adults because we can pick up on all of the humor and plot points that the kiddos miss.

As the Fun Aunt and Uncle, we are well versed in all of the latest kids TV shows and movies and I swear we enjoy them even more than our nieces when we watch them. The Paw Patrol movie? Classic. The new Spongebob Squarepants flick? Inspired. And don’t even get me started on the amazing Gabby’s Dollhouse movie!! Every time we go to the movies together, it is a chance for our inner children to let loose. We go crazy at the concession counter with popcorn, candy, and blue raspberry Icees and it’s never not magical to walk into the theater and find our seats with snacks in tow. Going to the movies is one of my favorite things in the world and it is so special to share in that love with our bestie squad. I am already chomping at the bit to take them to the new live action Moana!!

No matter your age, there is always fun to be had with movies like Toy Story and even Paw Patrol. Long live movie magic!!

What is your favorite children’s movie? What was your favorite Toy Story movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul13

Giddy Up OOTD

Posted on July 13, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy, y’all! I am the extra aunt and love going all out for my nieces to make every time we are together extra special. So, when my brother, Johnny, and I took them to see Toy Story 5 I just had to dress the part! Jessie is my absolute favorite Toy Story character and I used her as my inspo to create a rootin’ tootin’ OOTD to hit the theater in. The girls were obsessed and, honestly, so was I! This was a look pieced together with the help of 5 Below and a little shopping trip in Johnny’s closet and I just love how it turned out. 🙂 Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Fringe Button Down: This is Johnny’s shirt and LOL at the brand name – Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl!!!!

Crop Top: 5 Below

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Heeled Cowgirl Boots: These were purchased forever ago from Target

Accessories? Ha, it was so hot that day I guess I forgot to even bother putting on earrings SMH

This OOTD began with two trips to 5 Below to shop their Toy Story collection. At the one nearest to me, I was so disappointed to see that all of their Jessie themed clothing was sold out and promptly kicked myself in the booty for not making the purchase sooner. Blessedly, the following day I was close to another 5 Below that is definitely not as good as my first stop but I now eat my words because they had one Jessie crop top and hoodie left and they were both in my size. SCORE! I snagged them off of the rack so quickly my head spun and couldn’t have been happier because holy cuteness! This crop is too adorable with the “Hey there, y’all” text and a picture of the sweetest sheriff’s face on it. I am most fond of the 5 Below crop tops because they fit like a glove and you just can’t beat the five buck price. Could you imagine what a top like this would cost at Disney World?!

With my crop top selected, the OOTD essentially built itself from there because I knew exactly what had to be done. Pairing it with jean shorts was the obvious move because crisp, blue denim is synonymous with the Western aesthetic. However, this just wasn’t enough and browsing through Johnny’s button down collection came next. It was a short shopping trip because his Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl shirt literally screamed out at me. How fun is that fringe?! The silky material, floral print, and dancing fringe turned the simple crop and shorts into a full blown vibe and all that was left to do was accessorize… kind of.

In the shoe department, I chose a pair of heeled cowgirl boots that came from Target at least fifteen years ago. Pretend you didn’t read that as I just aged myself SO hard! But, hey, they still hold up and I love the multiple ankle straps and sunset colored material going up the calves. The yellow in them also paired perfectly with the button down! As for earrings, I straight up forgot about them lol. It has been crazy hot in my neck of the woods and I was so focused on taking pictures and TikTok videos before I sweated my face off that earrings were the last thing on my mind. It’s actually a-okay, though, because Jessie doesn’t wear earrings so it ended up all working out. With that, I was ready to cool off in the movie theater with my bestie squad and have a blast!

This Giddy Up OOTD turned out exactly how I wanted it to and the reaction I got was the affirmation that I am the coolest cowgirl/aunt EVER! Lol stay tuned for the Blooper Reel!

Have you worn a themed outfit recently? What was the occasion? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul12

New Wool Buddies!

Posted on July 12, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! My mom recently read a book in which a character created wool felted animals and it intrigued her enough to purchase a kit and try it for herself. This was in May or so and since then she has been making “wool buddies” left and right – she even gifted me with a bumblebee that I requested and I love it so much! I am beyond proud of my mom for taking a leap and trying something brand new because the hardest part is always working up the nerve to start. My mom claims to not be crafty but I say: FALSE! Every time she makes a new wool buddy, I can see her improvement and it is so exciting to watch her get better and better in real time. I am pleased to showcase her three latest creations – meet Baby Shark, Frog With Flower, and Bluebird:

I’m going to be completely honest with you… I have literally no idea what wool felting is but my mom sure seems to know a thing or two about it! She has been happily making the animals requested by her kids and grandchildren and it is so special to have a homemade gift made with love by her. My bumblebee is proudly displayed on my knick knack shelf and it’s impossible not to smile every time I buzz by it. It’s like getting a hug from her even when I’m at home! The first few wool buddies she made were, admittedly by her, questionable and that’s okay because you have to start somewhere. However, you can definitely tell exactly what the last several she has made are and that is a huge step in the right direction.

I have been posting my mom’s wool buddies on my TikTok (Please follow me!) because I genuinely think it is the coolest. I am so pleased to report that other people think so too! There have been lots of encouraging comments and I always delight in telling her the latest updates to affirm her craft even more. No matter your age, there truly is something to be said about having the courage to try something new knowing that the first attempts will not be great. I have said it before and I will continue to say it again, I am so crazy proud of my mom and seriously cannot wait to see what wool felted magic she makes next! ❤

To my without a doubt crafty mom – keep at it! You are doing wonderfully!!!

What is your favorite thing to craft? Have you tried a new hobby recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul11

New Neon Orange & Blue Nails

Posted on July 11, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! On Tuesday I had a lovely time at Elysian Nails on my break from work for a much needed fill. I was so ready to ditch the glitter from last time and move onto bright, poppy summer colors! The salon is my sanctuary and it was really nice to be able to have some reprieve from the not so great week that Johnny and I were having. While my fill didn’t take away my bummed out-ness, at least I could be sad with flawless nails. And, I can’t help but smile a little every time I look at this beach vibes palette. Check it out:

Ever since I got my hair done, I have had orange and blue on the brain as my stylist and I already have grand plans for my next appointment: Copper orange and denim blue, baby! It is going to be SO fab and while I am in love with my latest hair improvement, I am chomping at the bit to get back to the Shear Shop. Orange and blue is truly a match made in heaven and just screams fun in the sun. The colors I chose were side by side in the nail polish book and for good reason – they belong together! This combo serves a rave at the beach aesthetic with the neon hues that are so bright you need shades. I feel like I revisit this palette every summer and I have yet to grow tired of it. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it and whatever! 😀

Pampering is and will always be my favorite form of self care and my break time stint at the salon allowed me to regroup after some bad news. It was a chance to have pleasant conversations with my tech and the salon crew, watch some HGTV, and turn my mind off for a bit while my hands were in the most capable hands. Although I do enjoy an evening nail appointment from time to time, I love that I have a set in stone block between shifts on Tuesday where I can just do me. To return back to the daily grind with a fresh fill never fails to put some pep back in my step. Especially because when I get to my next shift, it goes without saying that everyone goes gaga over the end results. This appointment was when I needed it most and for that, I am thankful. #blessed

If you are feeling low, please remember to carve out some time for your preferred form of self care. It really can help center yourself for whatever lies ahead! ❤

How do you like to improve your mood? Does your self care take place at home or somewhere like a salon or gym? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul10

Groovy Movies: Obsession Edition

Posted on July 10, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a back to back edition of Groovy Movies! Today, we are going to be discussing the horror movie that everyone has been raving about – Obsession. However, there is a slight change to the usually scheduled programming as this review won’t be fully spoiler free. The synopsis will, as always, not reveal any spoilers. However, as this movie has been out for a while, my opinions will include spoilers because I have A LOT to say and I can’t keep it to myself lol. Should you want to be surprised, that is when you should stop reading! Before we begin, I will be placing a big fat trigger warning on Obsession for graphic and brutal violence, highly highly disturbing content (some of which involves animals), loss of autonomy, and abusive relationships. You ready? Let’s do it:

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

Baron (AKA “Bear”) is desperately in love with his best friend, Nikki, and is working up the nerve to tell her how he really feels. The trivia night him, Nikki, and their friends Ian and Sarah attend could be the place to do so. As Nikki and Bear chat on the phone about the upcoming event, Nikki is disappointed that her favorite crystal necklace fell down the sink. To surprise her, Bear stops in at a metaphysical shop to pick her out a new one. Then, something different catches his eye – a One Wish Willow. The packaging claims that your wish will come true if you snap the stick in half and he purchases that instead of a gift for Nikki.

Revealing his crush at the trivia night is a bust but he still has a chance when he offers to drive Nikki home. In fact, she straight up asks him if he has feelings for her and he lamely tells her how much he loves their friendship. Nikki heads inside and in his frustration, Bear makes his wish: That Nikki would love him more than anyone in the world. He snaps the stick and Nikki promptly returns back to his car, begging to stay with him because she can’t handle being alone.

After a very weird night for both Bear and Nikki, a relationship blossoms and it is picture perfect. Cooking together, watching movies, and basking in each other’s company. Then, things begin to take a dark turn as Nikki’s behavior alters drastically when she fears that she loves Bear more than he does her. Cuddling in bed turns into her standing awake at night while watching him sleep. Bear leaving for work means he has to break open a duct taped door. Even Bear leaving the room to go to the bathroom is too much for Nikki to cope with. This is so not the relationship that Bear had in mind.

As Nikki turns more violent, Bear tries to distance himself and turns to the One Wish Willow company for guidance. Unfortunately, the only way to break the wish will be Bear’s downfall. Bear’s friends no longer want anything to do with the formerly happy couple and both him and Nikki are growing more desperate. Will the wish for Nikki to love him more than anyone in the world be broken? Watch Obsession to find out!

Spoilers starting NOW!

Obsession might be seen through the eyes of Bear but make no mistake, he is not the victim in this movie. It is one thousand percent Nikki. And, if anyone watches this movie and thinks otherwise then they need a crash course in consent and what healthy relationships look like ASAFP. Through his wish, Bear strips Nikki of everything: Her care free spirit, her autonomy, and the ability to even love herself. Bear might be in love with Nikki but to have full control over a person isn’t love. To force someone into love isn’t love. And to want to simply alter the wish rather than cancel it as he talks to the One Wish Willow employee while aware of Nikki’s suffering definitely isn’t love.

Throughout Obsession, glimpses of the real Nikki come forth and it is absolutely heartbreaking to see and hear. Wherever the real Nikki is, she is in so much pain. She can see what is happening to herself, her body, and relationships that she once held dear and can’t do anything to stop it. All she can do is watch as “Freaky Nikki” (As she has been described) takes over. And what does Bear do as she continues to act out? Encourage her to tone down the crazy and be like the old Nikki so he can continue to keep her under his thumb.

Obsession was a full fledged horror movie with (Stating the SUPER obvious here) harrowing themes of consent, autonomy, and what happens when that is taken away from someone. The tension and atmosphere of Obsession was so rich and I could feel myself holding my breath because it felt like something major could happen at any given second. And it was all at Nikki’s expense. This was a gripping story carried beautifully by Inde Navarrette and she more than deserves the glowing reviews she has received. I was in awe of her performance and can’t stop thinking about it to save my own life. I want to see Obsession again SO badly because one viewing just wasn’t enough. If you are a horror fan, you do not want to miss out on this movie!

I am going to award Obsession with the coveted ten out of ten stars. This is, easily, one of the best modern horror movies I have ever seen and I cannot wait to see what Navarrette brings to the table in whatever she does next!

Have you seen Obsession? What are your thoughts on it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

Groovy Movies: Toy Story 5 Edition

Posted on July 9, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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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 Toy Story 5! There is nothing better than going to the movies with my nieces and Johnny, my brother, and I were chomping at the bit to take them to Toy Story 5. Toy Story was a franchise that I could have taken or left but it was Johnny and my brother’s absolute favorite. After this past weekend, however, I am a huge fan and even watched the two that I have never seen, Toy Story 3 and 4. I laughed, I cried, and enjoyed my three movie Toy Story extravaganza so much! In fact, I would happily see the fifth one again in theaters! Let’s discuss:

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

Bonnie is eight years old now and loves to play with her toys – especially Jessie! With her vivid imagination, she creates the most wonderful stories for her crew of toys that were gifted to her by Andy when he left for college. The only problem? Bonnie doesn’t have any friends to share in play time with her. All she wants is to play with her neighbors but she just doesn’t know how to do that and it breaks her parents’ hearts. In an attempt to get Bonnie to have more friends, they get her the latest hot new toy – the Lilypad. It is a frog shaped tablet for kids where you can play learning games and chat away with your friend group. Bonnie promptly becomes addicted to the high tech toy and her real toys fall by the wayside.

Jessie and Lilypad clearly have different ideas of what it means to make friends. While Jessie chastises Lilypad for not helping children make connections, Lily shows her up. She friends three girls from Bonnie’s dance class and she is immediately invited to a sleepover from the device. Bonnie is ecstatic and packs her suitcase with her clothes, Jessie and Bullseye, and Lilypad too. However, as soon as she arrives at the slumber party with her two favorite toys, the girls begin to mock Bonnie for still playing with them. Rather than stand up for herself, Bonnie gives her dolls back to her dad and the girls spend the remainder of their evening on their Lilypad tablets.

Jessie and Bullseye aren’t going to stand for this and manage to escape before being taken back home. Unfortunately, they are going to have a long journey as an elderly couple finds them, sees the address of Jessie’s old owner, and takes them back to that location. Jessie’s old owner no longer lives at this home and they meet a family with a young daughter named Blaze instead. And Blaze? She could be the perfect friend for Bonnie because she still loves to play with her toys too! All Jessie needs to do is get them to meet.

This is going to be no easy feat in this unfamiliar location with strange new toys and Jessie is going to need all of the help she can get… Even if it comes from tech. Through the help of long forgotten tech toys from Blaze’s youth, the plan to get Bonnie and Blaze to be friends is a go. And, of course, Jessie is so eager to get back to Bonnie – her best friend in the world. Will Jessie and her new companions finally get Bonnie to have a friend that she deserves? Watch Toy Story 5 to find out!

From start to finish, Toy Story 5 was an absolute joy. The story of a little girl who wants nothing more than to make friends is enough to tug at anyone’s heartstrings. I don’t know about all of you, but I have felt like Bonnie in my youth and even as an adult, creating a character that is perfectly relatable to any age group. And, of course, the toys versus tech dilemma that children of this generation face was such a smart story line choice because we see it every day – kids on phones and tablets rather than playing with an action figure or riding bikes. Toy Story 5 truly encouraged everyone to get back to using their imagination and playing the day away.

If you are a seasoned fan of Toy Story 5 you will surely love this flick. And, even if you’re like me and haven’t seen all of them, you are still going to love this flick because of the themes it covers. I enjoyed every minute of this movie and then some. It was hilarious, heartwarming, tear jerking, and packed with adventure. In fact, I think Johnny, my brother, and I liked it even more than the children in the audience. We were definitely the ones who were laughing the loudest and it was just the best time!

I am going to award Toy Story 5 with the coveted ten out of ten stars. It is a must see for ages young and old and you are in for such a huge treat!

What is your favorite Toy Story movie? Who is your favorite character from the movies (I love Jessie!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

June 2026 Finishes

Posted on July 8, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and WHOOPS! I totally forgot to make a post for my June beauty finishes smh so let’s throw it back to a handful of days ago and discuss now lol. In my defense, June was a crazy busy month, the craziness continued into July, and my June finishes were nothing to write home about. However, I will write about it on my blog so you know what to go for and what can be skipped on! Let’s take a ride in a time machine together and take a looksee:

Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Bubblegum Pop Shower Gel: NO

Glow Elixir Collagen & Peptides Serum: MAYBE

Lanoline Manuka Honey Moisturizer: NO

Bath & Body Works Country Apple Fragrance Spray: YES

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Shower Gel: I absolutely adored the Bubblegum Pop shower gel when I first started using it because what’s not to like? Sudsy, foamy bubbles that smell exactly like a big piece of bubblegum – sign me up! Then, this scent started to get really old, really fast. After continued use, I couldn’t stop thinking about Pepto Bismol every time I reached for the bottle and the Bubblegum Pop fragrance became almost sickeningly sweet. It takes me a month and change of daily use to finish a B&BW shower gel and I was ecstatic once I was officially done with it. I love the idea of this shower gel and that is about it lol.

Glow Elixir Serum: I have used Glow Elixir serums before but have never tried the Collagen & Peptides formula. This is one that I would get at TJMaxx if it was my only option as it fell under my “good but not great” category. The Glow Elixir serums are thin and runny but I always felt like my skin was nourished when I used their Hyaluronic Acid formulas. The Collagen & Peptides one just felt like a whole lot of nothing. My skin did feel hydrated when using this serum but that was all it had going for it and I noticed no real difference to my skin one way or the other. It took me one month of twice daily use to finish the bottle and it’s fine in a pinch but certainly not a go to.

Lanoline Moisturizer: Applying moisturizer is my favorite part of my skin care routine. I enjoy the ritual so much and it either starts my day or wraps it up. Because of this, I hold my moisturizers to a high standard and the Manuka Honey moisturizer by Lanoline simply wasn’t it. I liked the light, airy texture which was nice during the hot weather and it had a rich creamy fragrance but that was about it. Like the Glow Elixir serum, this was a product that was just there and offered no real results. After a month of twice daily use, I was SO ready to move onto another moisturizer in my stockpile!

B&BW Fragrance Spray: At last, we arrive at the only winner of the batch – the B&BW Country Apple Fragrance Spray. As you all know, I live for apple fragrances. I just can’t get enough of that sweet, juicy scent with a tart bite and Country Apple is one of my favorites. If you know what a freshly bitten apple smells like, then you know that this scent is an amplified version of that. I enjoyed doing my spritz and walk into the Country Apple goodness for a solid five months before walking out the door to work and it always put an extra pep in my step. I will always, always buy this one again!

This was lackluster group of beauty empties, indeed, but that’s okay. Now we all know what not to get for next time and also this is my mental note to not forget a beauty post at the end of July! 😀

Have you used any of the above products before? 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

Jul7

Sassy Skort OOTD

Posted on July 7, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! A few weekends ago we visited an absolutely amazing indoor mini golf course called Glow Sticks. This putt putt paradise was themed around music from the 1950s to the 1990s and we had so much fun rocking out to the great tunes and trying to sink a hole in one. We are chomping at the bit to go back and it is a perfect spot to go to beat the summer heat with a classic outdoor activity brought indoors. Of course, I had to put a little something something together for our outing and couldn’t wait to bust out a new top from a recent TJMaxx trip. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Groovy Blouse: J. McLaughlin, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Mules: B.A.I.T., ModCloth

I have no idea where the daisy earrings came from!

I have been itching for an occasion to wear my new J. McLaughlin blouse from my TJMaxx birthday haul and this was it, baby. This top is so groovy and just screams 1970s – I felt perfectly in place as we entered the room at Glow Sticks dedicated to that era! I just love the color palette of this little number and it’s like if 1970s wallpaper were made into a top. It is oh so retro and is a fond tip of the cap to one of my favorite eras of fashion. Not only is this top ultra cool but it is literally ultra cool. Despite the longer sleeves, the material is so light and I was completely comfortable even in the summer sun. That is a huge win because I typically save long sleeves for the fall!

I decided to pair my blouse with one of my go to mini skorts by Kyodan and tucked it in to make a pseudo dress. I am freaking obsessed with skorts and the Kyodan brand can’t be beat. I found this skort in the athletic department of TJMaxx but it is strictly a fashion piece for me! I know I have said this before but it is worth repeating: I will never serve on the tennis court in these skorts but I will serve looks every time I step out in one! Game, set, and match. 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. To keep with the throwback theme, I chose a darling pair of heeled mules in a sunny yellow featuring adorable daisies. As the middle of this outfit was a neutral, it gave me permission to have some fun with my shoes and it doesn’t get much more fun than these! They were also just right for putting away at Glow Sticks although I never have any problem in a taller heel while mini golfing. *Hair flip* For accessories, I tied the look together from head to toe with a cute AF pair of daisy stud earrings. With that, I was ready to hit the links and have a blast!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from this OOTD and so much more fashion fun on lifewithlilred!

What is your favorite athletic brand? Do you go mini golfing or big golfing often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul6

Nature Walk

Posted on July 6, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! My brother, Andrew, and I are avid hikers and it is our absolute favorite form of exercise. There is nothing better than hitting the beautiful trails in our neck of the woods and chatting away while immersed in nature and it’s safe to say that I live for our biweekly walks. We have recently decided to travel thirty minutes or so to explore even more trails and it has been so exciting to check out new to us Metro Parks. This past week we took a little road trip to the Barberton Trailhead and it was easily the best hike and bike trail we have been to yet. We saw more wildlife on this trail than all of our hikes of the past year combined!

The Barberton Trailhead is a flat, paved path directly across from a lake like body of water and right off the bat we were seeing animals left and right. Seconds after we began walking, we saw something we have never seen before – a river otter!!! River otters returned to Ohio a few years back and it has been my mission to catch a glimpse of one during our hikes that never came to fruition until now. It was SO cool to see its sleek body weaving in the water and the little face popping up for air. In a similar breath, we also saw a beaver for the first time too. We enjoy hiking at a trail called Beaver Marsh and ironically have never seen any there in the water so this was such a great added bonus. 😀

And then, there were the turtles. We saw fifty-five of them to be exact during our three mile trek! Posted up on logs, swimming, or camouflaging in the algae, we surpassed our original personal turtle sighting best of seventeen by far. Spotting them was literally like playing I Spy in nature and it was a thrill every time we added another one to our tally. As if all of this weren’t enough, we also saw five Blue Herons, two of which that flew directly in front of us. Seeing Blue Herons is like seeing a dinosaur in real life and they were so majestic! As you can see in the last picture, I think that Heron was ready to catch itself some lunch!

Finally in our wildlife jamboree, we saw more baby ducks than we could possibly count. We stopped at thirty something because it was just too much and also too much cuteness! There were baby ducks swimming, resting on the grass, and playing peek a boo behind the logs in the water. The cuteness overload went simply over the top when we were in the right place at the right time. We walked past a family of baby ducks tentatively stepping into the water and then taking off at a rapid pace. I’ll post a video on my TikTok soon so stay tuned because holy adorable. ❤

After our excursion, we treated ourselves to Skoops for a well earned frozen treat. All the while recounting the amazing wildlife we were so lucky to see. We can’t wait to go back!

Do you have a favorite hiking spot? What kind of wildlife do you see on your hikes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

Lil Red’s Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt Edition

Posted on July 5, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt Edition

Hi 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 a delightfully charming read by Shelby Van Pelt called Remarkably Bright Creatures. After reading an incredibly disappointing installment to the Stillhouse Lake series, I decided to give it a rest and move onto something new. My mom had just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures and watching the movie and I thought that it would be a nice palette cleanser. It most definitely was and I enjoyed it so much! Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on Remarkably Bright Creatures for loss of a child and addiction. You ready? Let’s go!

Tova is a no nonsense seventy year old woman who has had a life filled with loss. Her solitary days are spent completing her rigid routines and then it is off to the Sowell Bay Aquarium for the evening where she works as a custodian. Tova deeply enjoys the work of restoring the aquarium to a perfect state of cleanliness every night and being surrounded by the sea creatures. Every night at the aquarium is the same as the last until her normal routine flips on its head. The aquarium’s Giant Pacific Octopus, Marcellus, has made a jail break from his enclosure and found himself tangled in electric cords. Tova saves him and a very unique friendship is formed. A friendship that will change her perspective and bring closure to the tragedies that she can’t move past.

Cameron is thirty years old and has lived his life permanently down on his luck. His mother abandoned him when he was young with no inkling as to who his father is and his aunt turned into his guardian. From there, his life seems to serve no purpose and he has no motivation to improve it. He is promptly fired from every menial job he acquires, his band broke up, and all of his friends are getting married and having babies. Something drastic needs to happen, but what?

After begrudgingly refiling through some of his mom’s old high school mementos, Cameron stumbles upon a photo of her and a young man as well as a class ring engraved with unfamiliar initials. This person has to be his father and he is going to track him down, make him explain himself, and demand eighteen years worth of unpaid child support. His findings lead him to Sowell Bay, a long haul from his own home. When he reaches his destination, he learns that his potential dad is much harder to meet with than anticipated. The promise of all of that cash makes him stick around and he eventually lands a job at the Sowell Bay Aquarium too.

Through Tova and Cameron’s employment, an unlikely friendship is struck. Cameron thinks Tova is a little weird because of her affection for the octopus, Marcellus. In fact, it almost seems like they communicate with each other and Cameron just can’t wrap his head around it. That’s okay, though, because while Cameron thinks Tova is weird, she thinks he can’t clean properly to save his own life. Little do both of these people know, Marcellus is aware of something that will change both of their lives for the better. All he has to do is make them realize it. What could this secret be? Read Remarkably Bright Creatures to find out!

Reading Remarkably Bright Creatures was a gift. This book was hilarious, heartwarming, and so tenderly written by Shelby Van Pelt. I could tell that every single word was crafted with such care and it reminded me a lot of the writing style of Fredrik Backman who wrote A Man Called Ove and My Friends. This is a style that I really respond to and I fell for Remarkably Bright Creatures hook, line, and sinker. Van Pelt’s expert writing made it feel like I knew every character personally and what a remarkable cast it was as it went round Robin between Tova, Cameron, and Marcellus. It was such an interesting change of pace to read from the perspective of Marcellus – my favorite!

For all of the sadness that plagued the characters in this book, there was still so much joy to be found. The joy of new acquaintances, breaking free from strict routines, and the cast learning that they are stronger than they ever gave themselves credit for. It was so exciting to read about Tova coming out of her shell, Cameron growing out of his man child status, and Marcellus ingeniously moving the plot along. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a testament to the beauty that can be found in life if you know where to look. It might just be under the statue of a sea lion. 🙂

I am going to award Remarkably Bright Creatures with the coveted ten out of ten stars. This was a beautiful read that will captivate and inspire and I can’t wait to watch the movie!

Did you read Remarkably Bright Creatures or watch the movie? 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

Jul4

5 Below Clothing Haul

Posted on July 4, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Johnny and I are the Fun Aunt and Uncle and have been looking forward to taking our nieces to see Toy Story 5. Taking them to the movies is one of our favorite things because it’s just pure fun. Loading up on snacks, determining what movies to see next from the previews, and taking in the movie magic altogether. Because I am the most extra aunt on the planet, simply going to see Toy Story 5 isn’t good enough. I have to dress the part and knew just where I needed to go – 5 Below to shop their Toy Story collection. I walked away with Toy Story toys for the girl squad and some treats for me too:

^^^ Lol, it’s not Toy Story themed but I wasn’t going to not get a Sean Paul T-shirt!

The Toy Story collection has been at 5 Below for a while and I kept thinking to myself that I had to buy the adorable Jesse crop top and hoodie but never did. On Monday, I visited the best 5 Below in my neck of the woods to make the purchase and was so disappointed to be too late. They were all sold out! I didn’t have high hopes for the other nearby 5 Below because it’s way smaller and not as good but I was close to it on Tuesday and decided to check it out. It was the definition of a GREAT SUCCESS because they had one left of the crop and hoodie and they were both in my size. Freaking SCORE!!

I honestly can’t get over how cute both the crop and the hoodie are as well as the price. Combined, I spent twenty dollars and you simply can’t beat that. I couldn’t imagine how much a similar item at Disney World would cost! I have several crop tops from 5 Below and I absolutely love the way they fit. The crop will be perfect for this summer and I can’t wait to bust the hoodie out in the fall. Although, I have a confession to make… I haven’t seen Toy Story 3 or 4. *Gasp*. It might seem silly to buy clothing from a franchise that I haven’t seen in its entirety. However, I am the extra aunt and I knew the girls would get such a kick out of it. I think Johnny and I will have to backtrack and watch 3 and 4 after we see 5 just so I can say that I have seen them all. 🙂

And, finally, the Sean Paul T-shirt lol… This shirt geeked me out because me and my sister were literally addicted to his song Temperature when it first came out and we still are. It is our jam! The song we quote, dance along to in the car, and sing at the top of our lungs to. Temperature is our past, present, and future and I wasn’t about to slap the 5 Below gods in the face by not adding this beautiful keepsake to my cart. I am SO excited for my sister to see it!! 😀

As always, 5 Below is the best. Stay tuned for my Toy Story OOTD coming soon!

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

Jul3

Sweet Surprises: Beat The Heat Edition

Posted on July 3, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!! Almost every weekend I look forward to a FaceTime chat with my best friend in the whole world, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. Our nonstop gab fests literally give me life and and I am truly the luckiest gal in the world because of Kate. This past weekend we enjoyed a call after Johnny and I returned home from mini golfing and spent three hours talking about any and everything. During our talkathon, we lamented about the upcoming heat wave in both of our necks of the woods and were dreading it. Myself, especially.

Because of the medications I’m on, I do not do well in extreme heat whatsoever. I get incredibly nauseous, lightheaded, and dizzy and it sucks so bad. What makes it even worse is mine and Johnny’s apartment which can only be described as a sweat lodge. During these blazing days, the temperature at chez moi skyrocketed to over ninety degrees and I seriously just wanted to cry. It has basically been a trial run of burning in hell lol. -_-

In the midst of my misery, Kate told me that there was a surprise for me on the way. And, on Tuesday, it arrived minutes before I had to head to my next shift at work. Talk about perfect timing! Check it out:

To help beat the heat, Kate gifted me with a portable neck fan and while my body was already melting, my heart followed suit. This is the textbook definition of a sweet surprise! My best girl knows my limitations in the heat, is well aware of my apartment situation, and presented me with the best thing she could do to help from states away. Like I said, I am the luckiest gal in the world because of Kate. ❤ This was the kindest, most thoughtful gesture and I have felt simply spoiled this past week between my new fan and Peakychu plush!

Once I returned home from work, I got the fan charging while Johnny and I watched Nightmare Next Door and was SO excited to give it a go. This little baby works like a charm and my sweet surprise provided sweet relief. The fan offers the most pleasant breeze around my face which is amazing because I pretty much sweat nonstop as soon as I get home. Not only did it feel good to have on but it felt good on my heart lol. Even in the throws of despair this heat has caused, I had to smile because of my bestie. If that isn’t a cure all solution, then I genuinely don’t know what is!

The blogosphere brought Kate and I together and I’d just like to take a moment to thank the blog gods. This angel has changed my world for the better every day and I am forever thankful! ❤

Does your best friend live nearby? How do you keep in touch if not? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul2

Peakychu, I Choose You!

Posted on July 2, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Johnny got me Pokopia for the Switch 2 for my birthday and I have been playing it nonstop. If you are unfamiliar with this specific game, are you familiar with Animal Crossing? Because it is basically that but Pokemon and it is so much fun. You help rebuild different towns, restore habitats for Pokemon, and complete all kinds of requests like creating electricity or building a railway. Every time I play, I am greeted with something new and I am stoked for the upcoming DLC update! In August, you will be able to create an under the sea environment and meet all kinds of brand new to the game Pokemon. 😀

Johnny has a coworker who loves all things Pokemon and was so excited when he told her how much I was loving Pokopia. So much so that she gifted me with something very special and it was just the sweetest thing! Check it out:

Peakychu, I Choose You! And there’s a very interesting story behind this prezzie… Japan launched exclusive Pokopia plushies and Johnny’s coworker ordered the Peakychu for herself. Shortly after, there was a limited release in America but it was invite only. She happened to be invited and ended up getting one more and had no idea what to do with her extra Peakychu. So she decided to give it to me as a late b-day gift. I was SO blown away by this generosity because I have only met her once before at one of Johnny’s work functions! She made a delightful impression on me and I guess it went both ways. We are so looking forward to hosting her and her husband for a game night so I can thank her IRL. Maybe our Peakychus can even have a play date lol. 😀

Now, back to Pokopia and one more little story: During the Covid-19 pandemic, Johnny was furloughed from work for several months and spent that time doing what everyone else was doing… Playing Animal Crossing all day every day. I was insanely jealous and by the time I got to play on our Animal Crossing village, everything noteworthy had already been done. Johnny was putting in work! I’ve gotta say, Pokopia puts Animal Crossing to shame and this gaming experience has definitely made up for my lack of playing everyone’s favorite Covid past time! ❤

If you have a Switch 2 and are looking for a simply charming game that is jam packed with Pokemon, get Pokopia STAT. You will love it!

How did you pass time during the Covid pandemic? Are you a Pokopia or Animal Crossing fan? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul1

Glow Sticks Mini Golf

Posted on July 1, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Johnny and I freaking LOVE to play mini golf and we visited an ultra cool new indoor course in Chagrin Falls called Glow Sticks this past weekend with my brother, Andrew. Several months ago I saw on Facebook that Glow Sticks would be opening and it was themed around music from the 1950s to the 1990s. I made a mental note of it because it combines our two great passions, music and mini golf, and I just knew it would be a blast. It sure was!! Glow Sticks was absolutely amazing from start to finish and we cannot wait to go back! Take a look at these many MANY pictures and let’s discuss:

So I might have gone a little picture crazy but, in my defense, how could I not?! There was so much awesome artwork, golf puns, and excitement that I wanted to capture it all! The Glow Sticks course consisted of different rooms set up for different decades where we started in the 50s and took a musical tour into the 1990s. Each room played the music of the times and the walls were adorned with the icons of that era. The murals were totally and completely fabulous and we really appreciated all of the golf humor! We are very partial to Stevie Nicks encouraging us to putt your own way and and KISS letting us know that they want to putt and golf all night. Lolol, we were in stitches!

As if all of the music and art weren’t enough, we were delighted by the unique and challenging play through of the Glow Sticks course. As you can see, one of the holes was a literal loopdiloop which we have never seen before! We learned that you had to whack the ball really hard for it to go all the way around. When it was my turn, I told Andrew and Johnny to stay far away so they don’t get a concussion lol. Other noteworthy parts of the course include hitting the ball through a giant Rolling Stones tongue statue, playing on Freddie Mercury’s stage, a skateboard half pipe, and even a 1970s style camper decked out in peace and love decals.

We were simply blown away by the creativity of the Glow Sticks course and everywhere we looked featured something fresh and exciting. Johnny’s favorite part was the mural of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on the putting green. I was a huge fan of the of the Roy Orbison “pretty putter putting on the green” portrait and Andrew enjoyed the statues of The Beatles. Glow Sticks was the perfect tip of the cap to the music that we all know and love and we were singing along to the rocking tunes the whole way through. What a fun afternoon!

If you are in the greater Northeastern Ohio area or are visiting, a stop in at Glow Sticks is a must. You will have a ball!

What is your favorite era of music? Do you prefer outdoor or indoor mini golf courses? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun30

Matching Set Magic OOTD Bloopers

Posted on June 30, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Matching Set Magic OOTD! This little look was created after hightailing it home from my hair appointment just in time to take some pics and head to Blossom Music Center to see The Strokes. Saying that I have wanted to see them for forever seems like such a drastic understatement and I am still on cloud nine from seeing one of my favorite bands live. Johnny and I had such a fabulous time at the show mingling with other concertgoers, dancing, and simply basking in the charged atmosphere at the venue. These pics? Not so fabulous:

Practicing my moves for the show

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting myself together and also my hair looks awesome! 😀

Taking a moment with my imaginary friend to pat them on the head

Serving the sass!!!!

Lol what in the world is going on here?!

Johnny’s van in the background is honestly the star of this picture. The Great Golden Hope!!

When you buy tickets at Blossom you can either sit in the pavilion or stand on the lawn. Pavilion seats just happened to be five or so bucks more expensive so I decided to go for it on the off chance that it rained. It was an excellent choice as our seats were even closer to the stage than I could have hoped for! Not only did we have an outstanding view of the stage but we also enjoyed the company of the dad, his kid, and his kid’s friend that were sitting behind us. Picture two twenty something guys that star in a soap opera by the beach and that is exactly what they looked like. We told them as such and they delighted in the compliment!

As we got to talking, we learned that our new friends were twenty-five and twenty-two and we felt SO old! The Strokes were so popular when Johnny and I were little and I jokingly asked our concert mates if they were alive when the band came out. We all got a chuckle out of it and one of them quipped that people from his generation liked The Strokes too. I was so convinced he was going to call me ma’am! That one would have hurt lol. But, all joking aside, it is such fun to go to a show, meet new people young and old, and just have a laugh in between sets and songs. We couldn’t have asked for a better crew of people around us to rock out at the amazing show with!

No matter where we go, Johnny and I are always making new friends and the best memories. I can’t wait for more Blossom shows this summer!

What is your favorite era of music? Is there anything that makes you feel old? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun29

Bath & Body Works Foaming Hand Soap Haul

Posted on June 29, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Bath & Body Works Foaming Hand Soap Haul

Hi! You recently saw my Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale haul and it was a mighty fine one, indeed. I don’t know how much better it gets than nineteen products for sixty something bucks! Score! B&BW products are a staple at chez moi and it was so nice to restock all of our smell good supplies for a song by simply clicking “confirm order”. While I love my shower gels, lotions, and wall plugins, my favorite product of all time from B&BW are their foaming hand soaps. My bathroom simply wouldn’t be the same without them lol. I did purchase more of my must have soap in May but I couldn’t resist adding a few more to my cart during my Semi Annual Sale shopping. Check it out and let’s discuss these scents further:

Cotton Candy Grape: Grape scents can be hit or miss but I decided to go for Cotton Candy Grape anyways because the cotton candy aspect intrigued me. This scent was either going to be good or bad and, unfortunately, it is a no from me. Cotton Candy Grape features notes of “juicy grapes, fluffy cotton candy, and sugared citrus”. Individually, this all sounds great. Together, however, created a fragrance that smells straight up medicinal. In fact, I think it smells just like children’s cough medicine. This is definitely a fragrance line that you can skip on!

Gingham Gorgeous: I am a Gingham girl through and through and my haul included a body cream of the OG Gingham and a shower gel of Gingham Love. I snagged Gingham Gorgeous as a foaming hand soap just because and I wish I didn’t because this is, without a doubt, my least favorite from the Gingham line. Gingham Gorgeous offers notes of “pink strawberries, peach nectar, and peony blooms”. I can vaguely smell a hint of peach but, make no mistake, this is a floral scent through and through and I am so not a floral fan. So far we are striking out with these sniff tests but that’s the hazard of online shopping for fragrances so what can ya do lol.

Cucumber Melon: Thank goodness for Cucumber Melon because I knew I was going to like this one! The B&BW classic Cucumber Melon is just the best with notes of “crisp cucumber, watery honeydew, and juicy cantaloupe”. I actually hate honeydew and cantaloupe but I can’t get enough of this nostalgic scent! Cucumber Melon is summery, fresh, and brings me back to my early teens when I had a fragrance spray of this scent. It smells exactly as I remember it which is a true testament to if it’s not broken, don’t fix it!

Churro Cinnamon Bun: Mmmmmmm! “Fresh baked churros, cinnamon sugar, and a drizzle of icing”, this scent smells just as delicious as the scent description promises. Churro Cinnamon Bun is exactly what you think it is – a whiff of fresh baked, piping hot cinnamon rolls and it really smells good enough to eat. It is early morning as I write this and it seriously made me hungry when I did the sniff test lol. I would happily buy this one again and happily take a break to eat some breakfast soon. 😀

This haul was half duds and half winners but at least I know what not to get next time and so do you!

Did you shop the B&BW Semi Annual Sale? How many products did you get? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun28

Matching Set Magic OOTD

Posted on June 28, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Friday was a whirlwind day of awesome. I got my hair done AND I got to see The Strokes at Blossom Music Center with my main squeeze. I couldn’t wait to get home after my hair appointment to put together a cute little outfit, take some pics, and hit the town with Johnny for an amazing concert. The OOTD I put together required zero think work because it was a matching set. All I had to do was put it on, accessorize, and go! We were on a slight time crunch so it couldn’t have worked out better and I spent the evening at the show feeling like a star. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Matching Set: Altar’d State

Platforms: Olivia Miller, Walmart

The earrings were purchased on a family vacation to Universal Studios!

This matching set has been worn in a previous OOTD post but I just had to run it back because it is that good! This little lilac loveliness is simply the cutest and screams fun in the sun. That pretty pastel with the sweet as can be daisy pattern is all things sugar with the spice of a bodycon skirt and crop top. It is such a sweet tart vibe and I cannot get enough! This matching set from Altar’d State complimented my new do so perfectly and I like it so much that I will let the overwhelming amount of jesus in the store slide lol. This is one of the only purchases I made at that store for that reason and I ended my shopping at Altar’d State on the hosanna in the highest note. See what I did there?!

Shoes and accessories were all that was needed before I was concert ready and the obvious choice was my lilac platforms by Olivia Miller. I got these for a whopping five bucks at Walmart and am still not over that online shopping victory. Not only were these platforms a match made in heaven with the matching set but they are comfy AF to boot. We had to walk a lot from our car to the concert venue and I didn’t even break a sweat. In fact, I could have kept on going! Finally, I put on some purple lightening bolt earrings to amp up this look for a rock show. With that, I was ready to cross The Strokes off of my concert bucket list after wanting to see them live for so long. Best. Night. EVER! ❤

From the outfit to the post, this Matching Set Magic OOTD was short and sweet. Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel coming soon for the skinny on all of our concert antics!

Are you going to any concerts this summer? Which artists are on your concert bucket list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun27

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

Posted on June 27, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! In early June I am always on the lookout for mail from Bath & Body Works to alert me to the Semi Annual Sale start date. I mark the date on the calendar as soon as it arrives and count down the days until I can shop till I drop! The B&BW Semi Annual Sale is just the best and I love stocking up on products for myself and Johnny for a fraction of the price. You simply can’t beat getting an eighteen dollar shower gel for three bucks and it’s so fun to spoil myself with old favorites and new to me scents. I scored nineteen products in this haul for about sixty-five dollars and I think we will be pretty well set on smell goods for a while! Check it out:

Did I go a little product crazy? Maybe! But, honestly, no I didn’t lol. This is me fully and completely justifying this purchase because it’s just too good of a deal to pass up. And it’s not like these products are sitting on a shelf to never be used – B&BW smell goods are used daily and constantly at my apartment. Why not get them for dirt cheap?! And, before anyone asks, the answer is: YES. I am, in fact, already looking forward to the winter Semi Annual Sale. Lol, what can I say? It’s my time to shine!

Stay tuned for a review on the hand soaps as they are all new to me scents. Today, let’s take a closer look at the shower gels so we can talk about my favorite discontinued scent of all…PEARBERRY!!!! 😀

After Dark: A little something for the fellas! After Dark features fragrance notes of “spiced bergamot, amber, and smooth tonka”.
All of this is a fancy way to say that it smells like Old Spice! This scent basically smells like every scent ever made in men’s products and I’m not saying it’s not nice. After Dark actually smells really good! However, if you don’t want to pay sixteen dollars for a bottle of this shower gel, Old Spice is definitely the way to go. I wouldn’t buy this shower gel at full price which is why I got it for three bucks instead. 🙂

Gingham Love: The OG Gingham is one of my all time favorite B&BW scents and I always have the fragrance in some form at chez moi. Gingham Love comes in a very close second, though! This scent provides the breezy, freshly laundered crispness of Gingham that I love with a very berry twist. Gingham Love offers notes of “sugared red berries, blushing freesia, and rose meringue” and it is heavenly. With one whiff I am in raspberry heaven and I was so happy to score this shower gel on the cheap!

Pearberry: It wouldn’t be a Semi Annual Sale without Pearberry and I wish that B&BW would come to their senses and just bring it back for good. Until then, I have to stock up when I get the chance! This blast of throwback nostalgia has a ton of different notes like “anjou pear, wild berries, apple blossom, golden freesia, and blonde woods”. All of this is meaningless lol. Have you ever smelled a pear? Have you ever smelled berries? That is Pearberry in a nutshell! Juicy and soft pear, tart raspberries, and a hint of strawberry, this is a fruit salad scent to the T and it is absolutely delicious. I love it SO. Damn. Much!!!!! ❤

Stick around for the last of the reviews from this haul and a concert OOTD coming soon!

Which stores offer the best deals? Did you shop the B&BW Semi Annual Sale? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun26

Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer Review

Posted on June 26, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer Review

Howdy! I finished up one of the best moisturizers I have ever used in May and was sad to see it go but eager to try something new. As I browsed through my skin care stash, I decided to go for the jar of Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer as it has SPF 40 to help protect my skin from the summer sun. The Supergoop! brand is brand new to me and, honestly, I think I got it from TJMaxx more for the name than anything else lol. While the brand name is an absolute hoot, the moisturizer leaves a lot to be desired. So much so, that I even considered not using it altogether. However, you all know that I refuse to not finish a product I started so here I am venting in this lackluster review:

In theory, the Triple Prep moisturizer should be exactly what I like: A light product for normal skin types with the added bonus of SPF. In practice, this moisturizer is just not it and I’m not sure if the problem is the product itself or the combination of skin care that I’m using. My skin care routine is tried and true: Cleanse, tone with micellar water, serum, eye cream, moisturizer. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am. Every morning and night, the last step of the routine with moisturizer comes to a grinding halt because when I apply and blend with the Supergoop! it turns gritty. Like I can literally feel it flaking off as I rub it in and that can’t be normal! Interestingly, this moisturizer has gotten stellar reviews but there are a handful of people who share the same sentiment as me so we must be part of the unlucky few.

Not only does this moisturizer not apply or blend well but it also clogged my pores like a mother and that never happens. For the first five or so days of use, my skin had a lot of unsightly bumps that almost looked like whiteheads and I just had to let it run its course. Now, I use barely a dime size amount which seems to have solved the clogged pores problem but it still peels during application. I just can’t win with this moisturizer! The Supergoop! Triple Prep is going for close to fifty dollars on Ulta and I am SO glad I got it for a TJMaxx price because I would be livid if I spent that much on a dud. Use at your own discretion!

For all of the excellent reviews of the Supergoop! Triple Prep Moisturizer, I am one of the naysayers. Just be warned that you really don’t know what you’re going to get if you give this product a try!

Have you used the Supergoop! brand before? Did you enjoy their products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun25

The Strokes Concert

Posted on June 25, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Mine and Johnny’s birthaversary this year brought us the gifts of video games and concert tickets. We each got each other a new game for the Switch 2 as well as tickets to Blossom Music Center to see The Strokes, Josh Groban, and Billy Idol this summer. The first up in our concert lineup was The Strokes and I could not have been more excited. I have been a huge fan of them since the early 2Ks (Not aging myself whatsoever!) and they have always been a band on my concert bucket list. I genuinely couldn’t believe it when I saw they were playing in little old Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and purchased our tickets immediately. They were worth every penny and then some!

After tailgating a bit in the parking lot of Blossom, Johnny and I made our way into the venue just as the first opener, Hamilton Leithauser, was wrapping up. At the time, I didn’t recognize the name, however, I definitely recognize it now and regret not seeing his full performance. We used to play him ALL the time when I worked at PacSun back in the day and I really enjoyed his music. Hindsight is 20/20 and after he left the stage shortly after we took our seats, we made friends with the people sitting behind us while we waited for the next opener, Thundercat, to play.

Thundercat came on shortly afterwards and it was neither here nor there. I didn’t love it or hate it – it was just a very average band with very average songs. I will say that the sound quality when Thundercat performed wasn’t great and that might have improved my lackluster review. However, I don’t think I would go out of my way to listen to them again either way it panned out. I was there for The Strokes and The Strokes alone and it was kind of painful waiting around with all of that anticipation while a subpar band played!

Finally, around nine o’clock, The Strokes took the stage and opened with Ize of the World and all was right in my world. Their performance was a true celebration of their impressive discography and was filled with nonstop bangers and lesser known favorites. I was simply thrilled to hear so many of my alt kid anthems like Juicebox, Hard to Explain, Take It or Leave It, Heart in a Cage, and You Only Live Once. It took me back to evenings spent in the basement with my siblings playing video games and listening to The Strokes’ early albums on repeat. It was a blast of nostalgia from over twenty years ago that made my modern self so happy. ❤

Seeing The Strokes live was an absolute whirlwind. The light show was awesome, they sounded incredible, and the atmosphere couldn’t be beat. It was one big party where we were singing and dancing our hearts out in unison and it was so beautiful to experience. Going into the show, Johnny had only heard a handful of songs by The Strokes and was there for me. By the end of it, he was a super fan too and said he never realized how good they were. I could have told him that years ago but I’m glad he came to the realization now. I would have been worried if he hadn’t because this was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Best night EVER!

On a totally opposite note from The Strokes, we are seeing Josh Groban next and I cannot wait for more summer nights at Blossom with my main squeeze!

What is your favorite song by The Strokes? Who is one of your favorite early alt bands? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

New Hair, Who Dis?

Posted on June 24, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! I had an absolutely fabulous day this past Friday! I spent my morning and afternoon getting my hair right at the Shear Shop by my amazing stylist, Anna, and then went to Blossom Music Center in the evening to see The Strokes. I have wanted to see them live for forever and it was the most wonderful post birthaversary treat. Further amplified by the fact that I simply cannot get over my new hair and was the textbook definition of “feeling myself”! Our inspo for this look was 1970s with a modern twist and, as always, Anna delivered with this hair magic:

Pulp Riot Colors Used:

Top: Shag Rug

Bottom Left: Velvet

Bottom Right: Pyro

The last picture is their instant toner in Golden Shimmer!

The process for getting my hair done doesn’t start when I’m in Anna’s chair. It starts at my last appointment when we discuss what we want to do next! The last time I got my hair done, we experimented with the orangey copper Shag Rug and I was in love with its retro vibes and knew I wanted to see more of that. Then, a week or so later the Calico hair trend came in hot and I was very intrigued by it but didn’t want to work with primarily natural colors. I sent a few pics to Anna and we decided to do Calico our way with deep purple, orange, and gold streaks.

To prepare my hair, I spent the week before my appointment washing as much of my old colors out as I could to speed up the bleaching process. By the time Friday rolled around, my hair was a swampy hodge podge of yuck and I couldn’t wait for Anna to strip it clean and start fresh! We began the day with bleach and let that sit for about twenty minutes with heat and five minutes without. Once the timer rang, my hair was ready to be washed and a perfect canvas of light blonde hair was achieved for the fun part: Painting on the colors!

After my hair was dried, Anna began mixing our pseudo Calico palette of Shag Rug, Velvet, and Pyro. She expertly placed the groovy hues in chunky highlight style strips while also leaving some areas blank. The instant toner in Golden Shimmer was only to be applied for the last fifteen minutes of processing. We had never used the Pulp Riot toners and were curious to see what would happen. It didn’t work exactly how we wanted it to but that was okay because it turned out even better! All that was left to do was play Pokopia while the timer counted down, wash the Sweet/Tart scented dye out, and check out the grand reveal.

When my hair was washed we were surprised to see no gold at all but peachy pink strips compliments of the toner. It was like Pulp Riot knew that I wanted a non-natural Calico palette and Anna and I were so not mad about it because all of the colors together were everything! That deep but vibrant purple, copper, and fairy tale pink with the slightest hint of gold screamed of decade’s past while skyrocketing into 2026. The retro hues were further enhanced by the coolest shag cut that I have been growing my hair out for. This was such an amazing makeover and, I know I say this every time, but I really do think it might be one of my favorite hair transformations yet!

Stay tuned for a brand new OOTD showing off my new hair as well as a concert review coming soon!

How often do you get your hair done? How long has your stylist been doing your hair? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun23

Cute In Crochet OOTD

Posted on June 23, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Johnny and I went on a little date night on the Friday after my birthday and had the best time. We bought the new Mario Kart for the Switch 2, hit up the dispensary for some weed treats, and had a delicious dinner out at Boss ChickNBeer. It was so nice to have an extra birthday celebration with my main squeeze and I just had to put together something cute to step out in. This simple summer look was perfect for being out and about in the hot AF weather and is very easy to recreate! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Crochet Top: Bozzolo, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Platforms: Sbicca, ModCloth

The earrings are Lucky Brand and were a gift from my mom!

The cuff bracelets are both from American Eagle Outfitters.

I am one of those people who just doesn’t do well in the heat. I have a very low tolerance for it and the medications that I’m on make hot days feel like I’m in hell lol. For this reason, dressing for summer bores me because I only have one thing on my mind: Staying as cool as humanly possible. This means that what I can wear comfortably in my wardrobe decreases exponentially and I’m basically left with a variety of shorts and crop or tank tops. But, I work with what I’ve got and came up with this look to beat the heat in.

I am a sucker for all things crochet when it comes to tops and selected a cutie crochet crop by Bozzolo. This little number is so sweet, made me sweat minimally (lol), and how adorbs are those wooden buttons going smack dab down the middle?! While the crochet is sweet, this top still serves so much sass and was just right when paired with some AEO short shorts. This combo gave classic summer vibes but still felt so unique with my tattoos out on full display. They really are the best accessories!

Speaking of accessories, with lots of open real estate I slipped on some cuff bracelets as well as one of my favorite pairs of earrings. I just love my turquoise cross Lucky Brand babes and my mom absolutely crushed when she gifted me with them! That pretty dose of blue definitely popped against the creamy shade of the crop top. For shoes, I kept with the blue motif and opted for a darling pair of platforms by Sbicca. That light denim blue with the tan flower embroidery is *chef’s kiss* and tied this look together from head to toe. With that, I was ready to hit the town with my Johnny!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from this look and more fashion fun all summer long. lifewithlilred is the place to be!

How do you do in extreme heat? What are some of your tips for keeping cool? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

A Little Update

Posted on June 22, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! About a year or so ago I went to my annual appointment with my gynecologist and learned that the results of my pap smear had some abnormalities due to having HPV. I have had to get cervical biopsies every half a year since and recently had another one done in mid June. A few days ago I got a call from my gyno to tell me that there were some mild changes in the results and the next best step would be discussing surgery options to remove these problematic cells. I will be having an appointment to do so in early July. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t slightly nervous!

After receiving that call, I was a bit bummed out but not really surprised. I wouldn’t have had several biopsies if there wasn’t something not so great brewing. However, after the initial five minute pity party I was more thankful than anything. Yes, there are abnormalities BUT it was caught and expertly monitored early. Therefore, any procedures that follow won’t be as invasive. And, as a bonus, I might even be able to get my tubes tied when that cell removal happens. It’s kind of a win/win. This problem could have been resolved itself OR there would be a procedure that would resolve it. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is a best case scenario even if the idea of surgery is scary.

This is all to say that if you are a person with female anatomy, then please be sure you are going to the gynecologist for your annual appointments! If I didn’t attend mine, these abnormalities that were found would continue to change and more major surgery would be required. When these issues are found early, you will be able to have a best case scenario too. The risk of not getting screened regularly far outweighs any reward and it’s so important to take control of your health. I’m proud of myself for facing this issue head on and so grateful to be in the excellent care of my gyno. I might be a smidge worried but I know everything will be a-okay. ❤

In conclusion, stay on top of your health and your doctor’s appointments and stay tuned for updates on my health journey. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Have you had surgery before? How do you feel about attending medical appointments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Happy Father’s Day!

Posted on June 21, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and Happy Father’s Day! This is an extra special shout out to all of the dads out there and the best dad in the whole world – mine! My dad is my bestie pal and I so love hanging out with him. Whether we are out in the garden or just chatting away, it is nonstop laughter and the most fun! As a little Father’s Day treat, I couldn’t resist purchasing a silly but sentimental gift for all of the dads in my life that deserve the world. And, yes, Johnny did get one too as a proud bunny dad! 🙂 Lol, check out the prezzie that I can’t wait to see everyone rocking this holiday season:

Johnny and I were watching Daddy’s Home 2 a few weeks ago and were in stitches over the funny family comedy starring Will Ferrell. The movie is set during Christmastime and one of the sweaters that was worn featured the phrase “Feliz Navi Dad”. With Father’s Day right around the corner, I knew what must be done: Put in an order on Amazon ASAP! Although the sweater I bought wasn’t the exact same as the one in the movie, it’s close enough and I just freaking love it. It makes me so happy to think about my dad, Johnny, brother, and brother in law wearing them altogether on Christmas. I am seriously on pins and needles to take their pictures! 😀

In all seriousness, I am in awe of the dads that are in my life. They work so hard, are the apple of their children’s eyes, and are the dictionary definition of family men. Family gatherings and visits are always so special because it’s just nice to see the dads be dads. Goofing off with the kiddos, expertly disposing of piles of discarded wrapping paper, and the pride for their families that simply radiates. It is absolutely beautiful! We have lots of fun summer plans in store and I know the dads in my crew will be dadding out on all of our adventures. We’re going to have a ball! ❤

Here’s to all of the dads out there that do their best every single day – it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Happy Father’s Day!!!

Jun20

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Posted on June 20, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! When I went on my TJMaxx birthday gift card shopping spree with my mom I had two goals: 1) Find a new pair of sneakers. And 2) Restock my skin care. Everything else that was purchased was just the cherry on top! For my birthday and Christmas, I am often blessed with beaucoup bucks to TJs and like doing my semi annual skin care restock with those funds. It’s so nice to get everything I need for my skin care routine without paying a dime and I always enjoy trying out new to me brands and revisiting old favorites. I think this gift card haul will definitely tide me over for a while! Check it out:

My skin care routine goes a little something like this. Step 1) Wash my face with a scrub and then use a foaming cleanser. Step 2) Apply micellar water. Step 3: Serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. This is the setup that best works for me and I have never strayed from it. All I need are the products to make it happen! When it comes to shopping for skin care, I don’t really care what brand I’m using as long as it’s cruelty free. I have a very normal skin type so I can get away with dabbling in different formulas and product outcomes. It makes visiting the skin care department in TJMaxx exciting because I truly never know what I am going to end up with!

In this haul, I walked away with more of my beloved Evoluderm micellar water which I always need as well as a few new serums, moisturizers, a cleanser, and eye cream. I am particularly looking forward to trying the ValJean Labs serum because I have never seen them at TJs before and am crazy about their cleansers. If this serum is half as nice as the foaming cleanser that I use every morning then I know I am in for a treat. I also can’t wait to try the new to me Goodness brand for the moisturizer and eye cream. Part of it is for the experience, of course, but a bigger part of it is making a review for all of you. I will be finishing up my current moisturizer in the next few days so be on the lookout for a brand new product review coming soon!

I came, I saw, I shopped and had the best afternoon on the town with my mom. There is nothing better than being in our happy place together! ❤

How often do you restock your skin care? Does your skin care routine change in the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun19

WOOL BUDDY!!!!

Posted on June 19, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My mom recently read a book in which one of the characters enjoyed wool felting. She was intrigued by this craft and decided to order a starter kit so she could try her hand at it. The kit that she got provided the materials and instructions for six beginner wool felt animals to make and she has steadily been working her way through them. She made a frog, penguin, owl, and fox and I can definitely see her improvement with each attempt. In fact, I think the bumblebee that she just made me is her best one yet!

Let’s be honest and call a spade a spade here… The eyes on my bee are, admittedly, a tad wonky lol. BUT, I think the body looks great and it’s perfectly obvious that this is supposed to be a bee whereas some of my mom’s earlier work was left up to interpretation! Regardless of the outcome of her wool felting, I am genuinely proud of my mom for trying something new! Starting anything from scratch as a beginner can be a daunting task and is sure to feel overwhelming. However, my mom has been practicing and even if it isn’t perfect yet, she is still having fun doing it. That’s the most important thing!

Whether it’s my dad’s biweekly guitar lessons with Johnny or my mom giving wool felting a go, I think it’s an awesome testament to keep trying new things no matter your age. All you have to do is start! There is nothing wrong with being a beginner because that means you are stepping out of your comfort zone and learning something new. And it’s exciting to see the progress! My dad practices guitar daily and my mom makes a new wool buddy per week. I would say that both of their skills have improved tenfold and I love seeing their hard work pay off. Being a beginner means you have the opportunity to keep getting better and both of my parents most certainly have. Yay for them! ❤

I cannot wait to see the next Wool Buddy my mom creates. The last one in her kit is a shark and she is a bit worried about making the teeth but I know she can do it!!

Have you tried a new hobby recently? How often do you participate in your favorite hobby? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun18

New J. McLaughlin Top

Posted on June 18, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! This past week I had so much fun shopping till I dropped at TJMaxx with my mom so I could spend some birthday gift cards. I got everything I wanted and then some and there was nothing like a little retail therapy to brighten both of our days! While I was hoping to find a few new pieces of summer clothing, TJs showed me the light and I ended up with a new swing coat and top that will be perfect for fall. Honestly, it makes sense because it was hot AF the week we went shopping and it had me craving fall weather something FIERCE. As always, TJs knew exactly what I needed in my heart of hearts because this J. McLaughlin top is everything AND it was on clearance to boot! Check it out:

I couldn’t believe my good luck when I stumbled upon this little number in the clearance section. It was fifteen dollars, there was only one and it happened to be in my size, and I absolutely loved the nod to all things 70s retro. The pattern and colors on this top scream 70s wallpaper and I am living for it. Who knew that olive green and rosy pink would work together so well?! This top is so comfy, breezy, and light with fabric that almost borders on silky without all of the hassle of caring for silk clothes. It was one of those pieces that I knew would be a winner even without trying it on but, of course, I had to try it on anyways!

As it often happens when I am in the fitting room at TJMaxx, an OOTD vision came to me once this top was on in all of its glory. The 70s inspo of the top reminded me so much of my Makeup Magic OOTD and I can’t wait to do a follow up fit. Especially after getting my hair done this Friday! I plan on rocking this top with my favorite pair of straight leg slacks by Sincerely Jules, a killer pair of denim blue embroidered platforms, and *fingers crossed* a more defined shag hairdo after my hair stylist works her magic. It is going to be SO groovy and I am amped for all of you to see it. Stay tuned! 😀

We might be in the middle of summer but fall clothing will always reign supreme in my world. Big ups to TJMaxx for forever guiding me and nurturing my passion for fashion! ❤

Have you updated your summer wardrobe? Do you have any fun summer plans coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun17

Lil Red’s Book Club: Bitter Falls By Rachel Caine Edition

Posted on June 17, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Bitter Falls 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 fourth book in the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine called Bitter Falls. I have been trudging through the Stillhouse Lake series with palette cleansers between each book and, I have to admit, I am a little bit over it lol. This seven book series is growing more ridiculous and, frankly, unbelievable with every turn of the page. However, I refuse to not finish the series so onward and upward, I suppose! Before we begin out chat, I will be placing a trigger warning on Bitter Falls for physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, highly disturbing content, and graphic violence. You ready? Let’s get to it:

Life for Gwen Proctor, Lanny, Connor, and Sam Cade has, blessedly, been more low key than in recent memory. Sam is getting steady construction work, Gwen is now working as a private investigator, and the family participates in solo and group therapy sessions. Unfortunately, this peaceful interlude at Stillhouse Lake is short lived. Lanny and Connor are struggling in school and Gwen makes the decision to home school them after a scary indecent during an active shooter drill. It’s no secret that the Proctors have never been welcome in Stillhouse Lake and school kids are the least of Gwen’s worries. The powerful drug family, the Belldenes have declared war on Gwen and her family with a warning. Leave the town to get the constant newscasters and lookie loos away so their crimes can continue to fall under wraps or the Belldenes will remove them themselves.

The Proctors can’t stay in Stillhouse Lake under constant threat of the Belldenes but, luckily, Gwen has been assigned to a new case. The three year old cold case of a missing college kid named Remy. He was out at a bar with friends, got separated, and was never seen or heard from again. Although Gwen is hesitant to take the kids and Sam along to begin working the case, she has no other options and the family hits the road. Gwen has no expectations of finding Remy alive but it is her job to find answers for his parents. What she uncovers is way more than she ever bargained for.

After some good old fashioned detective work, Gwen learns that Remy was spending time with a young woman named Carol. He told his parents that he met her at church and was helping her. When Gwen eventually tracks Carol down through their old church, she finds that Remy was, indeed, a knight in shining armor. Remy had helped Carol escape from a cult, he disappeared, and Carol has been on the run from the members of the cult ever since. If Gwen wants any hope of finding Remy dead or alive, she must first infiltrate the cult. But how? In a shocking turn, Gwen will end up on the compound in a situation that is out of her worst nightmares. What happens next? Read Bitter Falls to find out!

Sigh… Where to begin with Bitter Falls? Here’s the thing… I thoroughly enjoy the core four cast of Gwen, Lanny, Connor, and Sam. And, you all know me, I love a twisty thriller more than the average bear. The difference is, I love a twisty thriller that has a real world plot. While the first three books of the Stillhouse Lake series were far fetched, I still found them to be worthwhile reads. But Bitter Falls was like the plot of an insane action movie on steroids and not even a good one. Rachel Caine threw in every crazy plot point but the kitchen sink and absolutely none of them stuck. The cult, the feud with the Belldenes, the podcast?! It was like a never ending litany of shock value plots that held little substance whatsoever.

I know I said that I refuse to not finish the Stillhouse Lake series and I’d like to redact that statement. I will read the fifth book, Heartbreak Bay. If it is as bad as Bitter Falls, I will be done. If Rachel Caine manages to turn it around, I will proceed. I feel slightly hopeful that Heartbreak Bay will be better because a big part of me does want to see what happens next. But I just can’t justify sacrificing my reading time to wildly subpar books. Bitter Falls definitely had me questioning why the Stillhouse Lake series needed seven books as well as Rachel Caine’s judgement lol. It was a massive dud!

Overall, I am going to rate Bitter Falls with a two out of ten stars. This was a most lackluster read and I would honestly recommend stopping the series at Wolfhunter River. Whomp whomp!

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

Jun16

New Bagatelle Collection Swing Coat

Posted on June 16, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! This past Wednesday I had a content shoot to attend for my social media management job and then had the rest of the day off. I had a TJMaxx gift card for my birthday burning a hole in my pocket and swooped up my shopping partner in crime mom for an afternoon outing to TJs. It was absolutely fabulous! I walked away with a new pair of shoes that you saw yesterday, a funky 70s inspired top, new skin care, and the gorgeous swing coat that we will be discussing today. Be sure to check out the rest of my haul coming soon! Now, let’s get to the good stuff because I am simply swooning over this Bagatelle Collection coat:

As I browsed through the clothing racks, my heart literally stopped when I landed upon this Bagatelle Collection swing coat. It has been in the high eighties for the past week and the last thing I wanted was to think about wearing a coat! However, I thought about wearing it during my vacation to Italy in the fall and it immediately went into the cart. That soft beige base with the creamy flowers and crosshatching is oh so dreamy, the all white collar pops, and it is nice and light. A perfect coat for the slight chill of early fall! As soon as I tried it on, visions of Italy OOTDs danced in my head and it would have been a slap in the face to the fashion gods if it did not come home with me.

My grand OOTD plan goes a little something like this… A pseudo dress formed from a bubble skirt and chic and silky cami top, a Barbie pink pair of platform heels, and my new Bagatelle Collection swing coat to tie the look together. It just makes me happy to think about an evening in Italy in this outfit and I am pins and needles for this look and setting to come to fruition. Every time I go shopping now, I have Italy outfits in mind. And, every time I think of Italy, I think of shopping lol! I think I’m going to need a much bigger suitcase for our return flight home and have already warned my family to leave space in their bags for my purchases. I can’t wait to share this trip of a lifetime with all of you come October!! ❤

This new swing coat is an amazing addition to my Italy look book and my fall in Ohio look book too lol. Thank you, TJMaxx, for always showing me exactly what I need!

Do you have any upcoming travel plans? What is your dream vacation destination? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun15

If The Shoe Fits: Adidas Sneakers Edition

Posted on June 15, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Adidas Sneakers Edition

Hi!! All of my hiking shoes have gone to the fashion gods in the sky and I was in desperate need of a new pair of tennies to hit the trails in. I decided to rectify this with a quick stop into Famous Footwear and was thoroughly disappointed as literally none of their shoes fit me. All of their size sixes were WAY too big and I walked out of the store empty handed. However, I did have an ace up my sleeve: A TJMaxx gift card from Johnny’s parents for my birthday! I honestly wasn’t expecting to find a new pair of sneakers during a shopping trip with my mom because TJ’s in store selection leaves a lot to be desired. To my pleasant surprise, I ended up with a new pair of Adidas that I really like! And, yes, I’m just as shocked as all of you that this edition of If The Shoe Fits doesn’t involve heels lol. Check it out:

The shoe department in TJMaxx gave me two options: A poppy pair of burgundy sneakers and the subdued but chic Adidas. I’m not going to lie, I was hoping that the burgundy pair would work because they were ten dollars cheaper. However, they were too big and went back on the shelf. The Adidas tennis shoes were my last chance before turning to online shopping and I was a little nervous as I tentatively slipped them on. To my delight, they fit like a glove! A true blue size six which is exactly what I am and exactly what I needed. These sneakers are sturdy, comfortable, and I just know that I’ll be able to walk for miles on the hiking trails or exploring the scenery of Italy during my vacation in the fall.

After trying the Adidas on, I was actually really happy that the burgundy pair didn’t work out. I think these shoes are ultra cool! I love the stone grey color paired with the beige stripes, chocolate brown soles, and the bold black laces. While the burgundy tennies provided a pop of color they might not go with every outfit while the Adidas are a perfect neutral. It has been a loooong time since I shopped for sneakers and it was way more difficult than I thought it would be. After a lot of trial and error, I came out on top and, as always, have TJMaxx to thank for that. I scored these Adidas for forty-five bucks which was a much nicer price than the eighty plus dollar options at Famous Footwear. Remind me why I even bothered with that store in the first place!

I kind of feel like a traitor for doubting the TJMaxx shoe department but I made good with this purchase. Peep more from my shopping haul coming soon!

What is your preferred style of shoe? Are you a sneakerhead? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun14

Bestie Birthday Gifts

Posted on June 14, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! June is a very special month because of mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, yes. But there is also another equally important special occasion to celebrate – My best friend/Gemini Twin, Kate’s, birthday! Kate of Live In The Nautical is my other half and our birthdays are a mere six days apart. June is truly our time to shine and to spoil each other like crazy! I am always so excited to shop for her birthday gifts as well as receiving her gifts to me in the mail. Seriously, I am like a child on Christmas day as soon as her packages arrive in the mail and tear them open like a rabid animal. Or just a very amped up best friend! As always, Kate crushed with my gifts and I think you can all agree that they are perfect for me! Check them out:

It is no secret that I am a reading and Lego enthusiast and these gifts spoke to two of my favorite hobbies. How freaking adorable is that Lazy One sleep sweatshirt?! The sage green color, gorgeous graphic, and sunflowers on the inside of the hood set the stage for the best hoodie to snuggle up in and crack open a good book. It is oh so soft and quite heavy and, as my apartment is like a sauna in the summer, I will have to wait until fall to break it out. However, when that first chilly day of autumn arrives you can trust and believe that it will be the first thing I wear. I can’t wait to get comfy cozy and binge read! 😀

Next up is the Gameboy Lego set and there’s actually a fun story behind that. Johnny got my brother the same set for Christmas and they built it together. We were both incredibly jealous of it because it’s just so freaking cool but never bought it for ourselves. The thing is – Kate didn’t know that (Which is surprising considering I tell her everything!)! My bestie does know that Johnny and I are huge gamers and love building Lego and was able to combine two of our hobbies into one perfect set. Johnny and I plan on building it together ASAP and we have my mind reader bestie to thank for that. Our Gemini Twin telepathy is always going strong and this is a true testament to it! ❤

My best girl is the best gift of all but her prezzies to me definitely come in second place. Thank you, darling! I love you so!!

Have you built Lego recently? Which Lego set do you have your eyes on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun13

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

Posted on June 13, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my fantastic, wonderful best friend’s birthday!! When I started my blog almost twelve years ago, I was looking for a space to create. However, I was primarily looking for friends. I was a very lonely person at the time and the idea of meeting people all around the world was so enticing. The blogosphere heard my plea and blessed me with Kate of Live In The Nautical. Very shortly after my blog began, Kate and I began talking and we literally have never stopped twelve years later. lifewithlilred has done so much good in my life but bringing me my best friend is the best thing that it has or will ever do and I mean that most sincerely.

Although Kate lives in New Hampshire, it always feels like she is right down the street from me. We text each other novels (Johnny calls us Tolkien!) all day every day, FaceTime for hours on end every weekend, and my days just don’t feel complete without her. I fully believe that your best friends should inspire you and Kate inspires me to no end. Her fashion speaks for itself but her intelligence, kindness, bravery, and humor shine. Her laugh is infectious, her smile radiates, and she makes every person she encounters feel seen and heard. That is something that everyone can put on their inspo boards!

To think that our blogs put us together is honestly crazy because it was my wish literally coming true and I’m never not going to be thankful for it. Kate and I bonded instantly about being former figure skaters, being a funeral home family, and being the biggest true crime and reality TV loving fashionistas that I know of. Who knew that somewhere in this great big world, my perfect best friend was waiting for me in New Hampshire?! My Gemini Twin no less!

The universe and the blog gods brought us together and Kate has been with me through thick and thin. Through tears and laughter and every insane thing that life throws our way, Kate has been there. She’s the first person I want to talk to because she just gets it. Kate and I have only met each other once in real life but that is meaningless because I feel like we have known each other for forever. The mold was broken when Kate was made and it is a gift to be a part of her life. She is an absolute star and the best friend a gal could ever ask for. ❤

To my beautiful Gemini Twin:

Happy Birthday!!!!!

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jun12

Home Improvements That Add Comfort, Style, And Convenience

Posted on June 12, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Home Improvements That Add Comfort, Style, And Convenience

Our homes are so much more than just a place to crash; they’re where our lives unfold. And making that space work better for you doesn’t always mean a huge renovation. Just a few thoughtful, smart upgrades can totally change your home, making it comfier, more practical, and just plain nicer to be in. From simple tech additions to clever design tricks, these improvements can really shake up your daily routine in a good way:

Maximizing Comfort in Every Room:

Making your home feel cozy goes beyond just throwing a blanket on the couch. Smart home tech can actually help you set up every room just how you like it. Picture this: Your lights automatically shift through the day, bright and cool in the morning to help you wake up, then warm and dim at night to help you relax. Smart thermostats take it a step further, learning your family’s schedule so the temperature is always perfect, all while saving you money on energy. You can even get automated blinds that open with the sunrise and close for privacy at night, making your home feel like it’s really tuned into your needs.

Designing Functional and Beautiful Bathrooms:

Bathrooms used to be just for getting clean, but now they’re becoming personal retreats. Modern updates are all about bringing that spa feeling right into your home. Think smart mirrors with adjustable LED lights and anti-fog features, perfect for getting ready on busy mornings. Digital shower controls let you set the exact temperature before you even step in. If you’re thinking about a bigger change, checking out shower remodeling tips can give you tons of ideas for a space that’s both beautiful and super practical. Things like built-in benches, rainfall showerheads, and sleek glass doors can really make the whole room feel luxurious.

Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Home:

A home without clutter is a home without stress, but finding a spot for everything can be tough. Smart storage is all about making the most of every inch you have. Go vertical with shelves that reach the ceiling; it draws your eye up and uses wall space efficiently. Grab some multi-functional furniture, like an ottoman with hidden storage or a coffee table that lifts to hide remotes and magazines. Just thinking about how you use each room can spark clever ideas for organizing your living spaces, helping you cut down on clutter and make your space feel more open and airy.

Waterproofing for Long-Term Durability:

Some of the smartest home upgrades are the ones you can’t even see. Protecting your home from water damage is very important for its long-term health and your peace of mind. In spots that get a lot of moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, putting in waterproof flooring and wall panels is a smart move. For even more security, you can install smart water leak detectors. These little sensors can sit near appliances like washing machines or under sinks. If they sense any moisture, they’ll immediately ping your phone so you can deal with a small leak before it turns into a huge problem.

Making Your Home More Accessible:

A truly smart home works for everyone, no matter their age or how they get around. Adding universal design elements can make your home safer and comfier for both family and guests. This could be something simple, like stylish grab bars in the shower (they come in so many cool finishes now!). Other ideas include putting in a walk-in tub, creating entryways without steps, and using lever-style door handles instead of knobs. Embracing these universal design principles means your home stays a welcoming and practical space for years to come.

Smart upgrades are all about making your daily life better. Whether it’s a cool new gadget or a simple design tweak, these improvements help create a home that’s comfier, more organized, and ready for whatever the future holds!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun12

How To Completely Transform Your Dining Room

Posted on June 12, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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How To Completely Transform Your Dining Room

Want a completely new look for your dining room to wow your guests at your next dinner party or family get together? Then check out the helpful tips below:

Paint the walls:

Simple, relatively easy, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – adding a new coat of paint to your dining room walls can truly transform the look. If you want to make the space feel bigger and brighter, then it’s best to opt for a light color in a neutral tone.

Although if you want something a bit cozier and more gothic, then a darker tone like navy or black, or a richer hue like reds can work well too. You can even try out a feature wall in a bolder color if you don’t want to commit right away. It also makes sense to pick a paint that is washable. Then, no matter how messy the family gets at dinner time, it will be easy to keep the space clean and pristine.

Try a new furniture arrangement:

Sometimes, all you need to transform the look of a room is to try a new way of arranging the furniture that you already have. The best way to see what will work in your dining room is to try things out beforehand. Some options you may wish to consider include moving your dining table to the center of the room to ensure plenty of walking space and a good flow. You may also want to use floating units or sideboards at the edges of the room. These can provide you with plenty of space for food and storage, while freeing up the table for guests.

Invest in new dining chairs:

Dining chairs really can make or break the look of your dining space. That is why it’s so important to choose them carefully. The first thing you should consider is the style of chair that you want. For example, the stunning lion knocker dining chairs from Shawcross Furniture are stylish and elegant and will enhance the feel of any room in which they are displayed. The good news is that they look expensive, but are actually very reasonably priced, so you can get all the styles without breaking the bank.

For those looking for a more farmhouse vibe, simple pine chairs are a great choice. You can even paint them different colors to add extra interest and verve in your dining space.

Replace your flooring:

Floors matter in dining rooms. Not only do they contribute to the look and feel of a space, but they also need to be practical as well. For example, if your dining room is one you keep for special occasions, a luxurious carpet (as long as it is washable) is a good choice. However, if you use your dining room as a family eating space on a daily basis, choosing a reasonably priced wood floor that can be easily washed and wiped is a much better idea.

Just remember to use lighter tones of flooring for spaces that you want to look larger, and dark tones if you want your dining room to be more intimate and cozy.

Small and simple changes to your dining room can give it a brand new feel without breaking your bank!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun12

When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

Posted on June 12, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

Many people have their old jewelry tucked away in drawers, storage containers, and jewelry boxes. Some people’s pieces may have been gifts and others may have been left over from changing their fashion and preferences. Some may simply be broken or incomplete. While all of these items often remain out of sight for many years, they will still hold a lot of value. Deciding whether you want to keep or sell your old jewelry is a very personal choice. However, there are situations where selling may be the most practical and financially sensible thing to do.

Understanding the factors that are involved can assist individuals in making informed decisions about the pieces that they no longer wish to use:

Let every piece hold the same value:

One of the first things to consider is whether or not the jewelry is going to serve a purpose. Some pieces are going to carry sentimental value simply because they are connected to important memories, life events, and family members. The emotional significance will often outweigh any financial benefits that can be had from selling. Other items may have very little personal meaning. Broken chains, outdated designs, and single earrings may simply take up space without providing a lot of value in everyday life. Evaluating the role that each piece plays will make the decision a lot easier.

Changing financial priorities:

Life circumstances can change as time goes on. People may choose to save up for a major purchase, build an emergency fund, or pay off debt. In situations like these, selling unused valuables is going to provide access to funds without it having an effect on your everyday income. Jewelry that has not been worn for many years will often represent an asset that could be put towards your more immediate financial goals. This does not mean that every item needs to be sold, but it can be very worthwhile to understand what pieces are worth it for you.

Gold continues to hold value:

Unlike many consumer products that lose their value over time, precious metals will often retain their worth. Due to their material gold remains a sought after asset because of its long-standing role in investment and manufacturing. As a result, items that appear damaged or outdated may still have value based on the gold content. This is one reason why many individuals start to explore options for obtaining cash for gold when evaluating the unused jewelry in their collection. Understanding the value of precious metals will assist you making more informed decisions.

Consider both emotional and financial factors:

Before you sell your jewelry, it’s extremely important for you to think about financial and sentimental considerations. A piece may have a limited market value but be significant emotionally or vice versa. Taking the time to evaluate each item on an individual basis will help to prevent regret. In many cases, keeping a meaningful piece while selling unwanted items will give you a more balanced approach.

Old or damaged jewelry could be providing you extra funds for a rainy day. What’s in your jewelry box that you could sell?!

Featured Image By: Mian Shahzad Raza from Pixabay

Jun12

If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit?!

Posted on June 12, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! My brother and I are avid hikers and sadly all of my hiking shoes have bit the dust. In their defense, I only have a handful of shoes that aren’t heels and they were all old as dirt and falling apart when I had to part with them. And, while my new wheelies are technically tennis shoes, they are pretty clunky and not the best for a trek through the woods in. I decided to rectify this by stopping into Famous Footwear during my break at work and expected to be in and out in a matter of minutes. Believe you me, it doesn’t take your girl long to find a perfect pair of shoes! To my complete and utter surprise, that was not the case in the slightest and I am still shooketh!

I think the last time I was in a Famous Footwear was when I was in grade school lol but it was the only option that made sense as TJMaxx’s in store shoe selection leaves a lot to be desired. I rolled into the store on a mission: Find a cute, sturdy pair at forty dollars or less and then I would be on my way. This was far more difficult than I could have imagined! I am so used to discount prices at TJs that my mind was simply blown when I saw full price footwear. Of course, the shoes were brand name like Nike, Vans, and Sketchers, but they were eighty dollars plus! Hard no.

Rather than entertain those options, I started looking at canvas shoes instead which were much more complimentary to my budget. There were several pairs that I liked so I took five boxes or so to the mirror to try them on. I am SO glad I did. My shoe size is a true blue size six and in my head there is no reason why size sixes shouldn’t fit. So tell me why literally none of the sixes at Famous fit me?! Every size six I tried was at least a half a size too big and that went across the Blowfish, Hey Dude, and Jelly Pop brands.

Saying I was frustrated was an understatement. Shoes are my thing lol and this store was giving me so much trouble! Then, I decided to dig deeper by looking at the labels of each brand as they included European sizes. It was just as I suspected. The size sixes I was trying were a thirty-seven in European sizing. When it comes to those size ranges, I am a thirty-six because thirty-seven is a six and a half. Therein lied the problem and there were no five and a half women’s shoes. I even looked in the children’s section before leaving the store with empty hands! Although there was a light up pair that I was really considering…!

In conclusion, shopping for heels is easy peasy. Shopping for sneakers is a shockingly different story. I never thought I would find myself writing a post about If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit but I guess there’s a first time for everything!

What is your favorite brand for tennis shoes? Where can they be purchased at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun11

Conversations Families Should Have About College Costs

Posted on June 11, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Conversations Families Should Have About College Costs

For a lot of families, preparing for college involves a lot more than simply choosing a school and completing applications. One of the most important parts of the whole process is discussing how higher education will be funded. Unfortunately, a lot of families avoid having open conversations about college costs until those acceptance letters arrive, and this is not ideal because it can lead to confusion, disappointment, and a whole lot of financial stress. Having honest conversations as early on as possible is a much better idea because it means everyone can make informed decisions and develop realistic expectations. Here are some of the most important conversations every family should have about college costs:

Discuss what college really costs:

Many students focus primarily on tuition when thinking about college expenses. In reality, the total cost of attendance often includes:

Housing
Meal plans
Textbooks
Technology
Transportation
Activity fees
Personal expenses

The final cost can be significantly higher than the advertised tuition rate. Families should review complete cost estimates for each school being considered so there are no surprises later. Understanding the full picture helps students make more informed choices.

Be honest about family contributions:

A lot of students just assume that their parents will cover most, if not all, of their expenses, while a lot of parents assume that their kids understand their financial limitations, and this can lead to lots of misunderstandings that can create tensions in the family if expectations are not clearly established. Families should discuss:

Available college savings
Annual contributions
Financial limitations
Potential future changes in circumstances

Honesty helps everyone to plan more effectively, so it is much better to have those difficult conversations early on than it is to have to have a very stressful one further down the line.

Talk about student responsibilities:

Paying for college is often a shared effort. Students may contribute through:

Savings
Part-time employment
Summer jobs
Scholarships
Work-study programs

Discussing these expectations ahead of time helps students understand their role in the financial plan. It can also encourage valuable financial responsibility and budgeting skills. Clear expectations reduce confusion and help create accountability.

Explore scholarship opportunities together:

Scholarships are great because they can significantly reduce the costs of college for the average student, but many kids underestimate just how many opportunities are out there for them to explore. You should work together to identify the following:

Academic scholarships
Community scholarships
Merit-based awards
Industry-specific opportunities
Local funding programs

Applying for scholarships takes a lot of time and effort but the potential rewards are really worth it, so do not let your child slack off from doing so and be around to help them with it all if you possibly can. Remember that the sooner your student starts searching for scholarships, the more opportunities they will discover.

Understand financial aid options:

Financial aid can be confusing, particularly for first-time college families. Taking time to understand the various forms of assistance available can help reduce borrowing needs. Families should discuss:

Grants
Federal aid
Work-study programs
Institutional aid
State-based programs

Completing required financial aid applications as early as possible often improves access to available resources. Education about the process can prevent missed opportunities.

Have a conversation about student loans:

Loans are a reality for a lot of students heading off to college and their families, however, borrowing decisions are something that should be approached very carefully and with full understanding. Kids heading off to college and their parents should understand that money that is borrowed will eventually need to be repaid, and it will often take many, many years to do so. Topics that it will be worth discussing include:

Loan amounts
Interest rates
Repayment obligations
Future monthly payments
Expected career earnings

A lot of families explore private loan options like Ascent Funding Student Loans alongside other funding sources so that they can get a look at the whole picture and work out which options suit them best. If you are going to do that, you need to make sure you research all loan options thoroughly to get the best deals and the best funding for your family. It really pays to have the whole picture and explore every avenue. The goal is not simply securing funding but making informed borrowing decisions.

Compare cost versus value:

A common misconception is that the most expensive school automatically provides the best education. Families should evaluate:

Graduation rates
Job placement outcomes
Academic programs
Alumni networks
Financial aid packages
Total projected debt

A college that offers strong value may provide better long-term outcomes than a higher-priced alternative. Choosing a school should involve both educational and financial considerations.

Plan for all four years:

Many families focus heavily on first-year expenses but overlook the long-term picture. A financial plan should consider:

Annual tuition increases
Future housing costs
Ongoing living expenses
Potential changes in financial circumstances

Looking ahead can help prevent unexpected financial challenges later in a student’s academic journey. College financing is a marathon, not a sprint.

The more you discuss, the better chances you will have of ensuring your student gets to college and has a great time without getting into higher-than-necessary levels of debt. Being on the same page about what is and is not possible right from the start is crucial, so sit down and talk!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun11

It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

Posted on June 11, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! For every gift giving occasion, there is a one thousand percent chance that I will receive a TJMaxx gift card from someone and I was blessed with one from Johnny’s parents for my birthday. As my family is going to Italy in the fall, I planned to purchase a carry on bag for myself with these newly acquired funds. I didn’t tell anyone about this idea and was genuinely shocked when my mom beat me to the punch. She gifted me with the most gorgeous Juicy Couture duffle bag and it is the perfect measurements for a carry on!! I am beyond obsessed so let’s take a moment to ogle my new bag altogether:

As soon as my mom presented me with her present, I knew exactly what it was and I still couldn’t quite believe it. It’s like she read my mind! However, she one upped what I had in my head completely. I was going to get a simple suitcase carry on with my gift cards and didn’t even dream about a duffle bag like this! That raspberry color, the collegiate style patches, those adorable puppy and mini purse accessories?! I was swooning. Part of it was the bag itself, of course, but the other part was the brand. I have loved all things Juicy Couture since I was a teenager but never had anything other than their perfume. This duffle bag made my teenage and thirty-two year old self so happy that I can’t even put it into words lol. 😀

Not only is this bag going to be just right for our Italy vacation but it will also come in so handy as an overnight bag in general. The only overnight bag I have was a freebie from Victoria’s Secret that I got for spending X amount of money over fifteen years ago! The zipper is busted and it looks every bit of its age from all of those years of toting it on vacations and sleepovers. This major upgrade of a birthday gift means that I can finally lay my elderly Vicky’s Secret bag to rest. My only wish is that I had an overnight occasion to break it out for because I’ll be on pins and needles until I can finally use it for Italy!

Big ups to my mind reader mom for the most amazing gift. I absolutely love it!! ❤

What is a brand you love but don’t have anything by? Do you go on overnights often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun10

Our Birthaversary Weekend

Posted on June 10, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Johnny and I just celebrated our birthaversary week and it was magical. My main squeeze had his birthday on the first, our fifth wedding anniversary was on the fourth, and my thirty second birthday was this Sunday. We gifted each other with lots of surprises including games for our new Switch 2 (Stay tuned for all things Pokopia soon!) and concert tickets. We will be seeing The Strokes towards the end of the month which I am so excited for and Josh Groban and Billy Idol later in the summer. It’s going to be a hoot! We also had a big party on Saturday to commemorate all of our special occasions and it was just the best.

For the past week and change before our party, Johnny and I were putting in work getting our apartment in tip top shape. We decluttered, dusted, vacuumed, and reorganized like crazy and I couldn’t have been happier with the end results. Our place looked just as good as when we first moved in! Now if only the bunnies would stop shedding… Although that’s never going to happen and all we can do is laugh about the literal dust bunnies our bunnies leave lol. Bless their precious hearts!

Among all of the cleaning, I also spent lots of time cooking up a storm for our guests. I hate to toot my own horn but I made the most divine spinach artichoke dip, pasta salad, and elote. I even dabbled in baking for a change by making peanut butter cheesecake waffle cones. Holy heavenly! After a whirlwind of cooking and cleaning on Saturday, we couldn’t wait for our friends and family to arrive and had the most lovely time. From one in the afternoon to ten thirty at night, the party was in full swing and while it was barrels of fun, it was freaking exhausting! We haven’t had a big bash since our housewarming/birthaversary party several years ago and being the hostess and host with the most wore us both out big time. We were ready to drop once everyone went home!

As we spent the day before my birthday raging, my actual birthday was spent in recovery mode. I played lots of Pokopia, Johnny and I had a laugh by watching The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, and then we wrapped the day up with a St. Denis Medical marathon. It was just what we needed after all of that prep work and partying and I even extended my birthday by taking Monday off. I rarely take days off and I reveled in having the apartment to myself, hanging out with the bunnies, and working without a time crunch. Oh yeah, and playing Pokopia too – can’t forget that! 😀

Our Birthaversary Weekend was absolutely fabulous but I think we are all partied out until next year!!

How do you celebrate your birthday? 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

Jun9

Fresh & Flouncy OOTD

Posted on June 9, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! We had an absolutely crap spring in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. It was cold, grey, and it felt like it was always raining. Until the sun came out! For the past few weeks we have been enjoying the most gorgeous weather and I have been living for the moderate seventy degree temps. All I want to do is be outside all of the time now! My cravings have been satisfied with lots of walks and hikes and a lovely outdoor birthday party for one of Johnny’s coworkers this past weekend. This is what I wore to celebrate:

Who? What? Wear?

Striped Top: Japna, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

I have no idea where I got the daisy earrings lol

After being bundled up in jeans and hoodies all spring, it has been delicious to break out shorts, skirts, and dresses. I am normally not a huge fan of dressing for summer but I can’t get enough of it now as the weather didn’t give me the opportunity to don my spring favorites. I love pretty, flowy blouses in the spring and decided to start there when styling this OOTD with an emerald green striped blouse by Japna. This top is so breezy and just screams spring and summer. I love how the navy and white stripes pop against the green and the bell sleeves that dance in the wind, offering the most feminine fluttering movement.

As this top featured stark white stripes, there was no better skirt to pair it with than my Kyodan tennis skort. Talk about a perfect combination! I love the preppy vibes that this skort provides sans hitting the tennis court lol. Rather than serve there, I’ll serve fashion instead! Also, major shout out to the skort because it is one of the best pieces of clothing that doesn’t get enough credit. There is nothing like the comfort of not having to worry about my underoos showing when the wind picks up and for that, I am thankful. #blessed

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. This OOTD had a pattern on top but a neutral piece on the bottom, which meant that I could have some fun with shoes. I chose a darling pair of heeled mules by Betsey Johnson because if her clothes and accessories aren’t fashion fun then I truly don’t know what is! How cute is that black and white heel and bright yellow flowers?! For earrings, I kept with the flower motif with a pair of daisy stud earrings and was ready to partay!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from my Fresh & Flouncy OOTD coming soon! ❤

What is your favorite season? What are your summer wardrobe must haves? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun8

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Divorce By Freida McFadden Edition

Posted on June 8, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Divorce By Freida McFadden 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 one of Freida McFadden’s most recent thrillers called The Divorce. Freida McFadden books are very hit or miss for me. Some are pretty good and some just actively suck lol. However, I really enjoyed The Divorce and it was a welcome palette cleanser after reading the second installment of the Stillhouse Lake series. It was easily one of the best Frieda McFadden books I have read in recent memory! Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on The Divorce for violence, disturbing content, addiction, and mental illness. You ready? Let’s get to it!

Naomi lives a picture perfect life. She is a stay at home mom to her darling son, Teddy, while her husband, Jeremy, works hard and makes lots of money as a hedge fund manager. Although Jeremy’s schedule is erratic and he is constantly on call for his posh clients, he is an excellent father and is always home to put Teddy to bed. They are truly a happy family and life is good. Until the rug gets swept under Naomi’s feet. Jeremy tells her that he wants a divorce and that Teddy should stay in his home while Naomi lives in a tiny apartment.

How could her picture perfect life go so terribly, terribly wrong in the blink of an eye? Naomi tries to ignore the fact that there could be another woman involved and makes many attempts to talk to Jeremy but he just doesn’t want to listen. So, Naomi takes matters into her own hands and makes a late night house call to her former home where her worst nightmare is confirmed. Jeremy is seeing someone else and she is beautiful and very young. Then, things start to go downhill and fast.

As their divorce mediation begins, Naomi’s mental health deteriorates rapidly while Jeremy and his girlfriend, Ronnie’s, love blossoms. Jeremy has introduced Ronnie to Teddy and they are even planning a big birthday bash for him while Naomi flounders to earn full custody. Naomi is convinced that if she could just speak to Jeremy then she will win him back and Ronnie will be a thing of the past. He has made it clear that this is not an option and now her attention is fully on Ronnie. If she can’t have her husband back then why should Ronnie have him either?

The divorce is getting messy and Naomi believes that Ronnie is a threat to her and her family’s safety as she begins to experience strange and dangerous behavior. Ronnie attempted to poison her. Ronnie calls her at all hours making threats. Ronnie wants to get rid of Teddy so she can have Jeremy all to herself. But who is tormenting who? One of Jeremy’s primary concerns of Naomi as a parent is her mental instability. Is he just painting her in a poor light or is she really as unhinged as he claims? Someone in this love triangle is not being truthful. Read The Divorce to find out who!

The Divorce was an ultra quick read and I finished it in three sittings because I just couldn’t put it down! It is rare that I find myself truly excited about a Freida McFadden book because they always fall on an average or way below average scale for me. This is mainly because I figure out the grand reveals really quickly! I am pleased to report that I did not see the twist coming in The Divorce whatsoever and it really did put the thrill back into her thrillers for me. The Divorce had more twists and turns than the most intense of rollercoasters and all I could do was hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

What was so interesting about The Divorce was how I felt about the characters throughout it. Normally when I read a book, I have the characters who I like set in stone and that doesn’t falter. With every new surprise that this book offered, my opinions shifted until I didn’t even know what to think. I went from despising Ronnie to feeling sorry for her. From rooting for Naomi to fearful and rocking back and forth from “good for him” to “what the hell?” on Jeremy’s part. This made the delicious plot of The Divorce all that more enticing and made the grand reveal even more shocking. There is no solid ground in this book and it left my jaw on the floor until the final page!

I am going to award The Divorce with the coveted ten out of ten stars. This was an excellent thriller and it is hands down some of Freida McFadden’s best work which must be commended. Highly recommend!

What is your favorite Freida McFadden book? What are you currently reading? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun5

What Would Make You Fall Back In Love With Your Home Again?

Posted on June 5, 2026 by lifewithlilred

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What Would Make You Fall Back In Love With Your Home Again?

As sad as it can seem, there are often times when we fall out of love with our homes. When we first buy them, it can feel really exciting. You may find that you’re so in love with the style, the space, and how it feels overall but, as with anything over time, that can fade. Homes need a lot of upkeep and maintenance in order to stay looking their best. But not only that, we can change too. This means that we may be looking for other options or focusing too much on the things we don’t like! If you want to fall back in love with your home again, here’s what might help you:

A Big Clear Out:

For starters, it’s always worth considering having a huge clear-out! You don’t always realize how much stuff you acquire over time. You may find that you end up with a lot of things you no longer want or need. Because of that, your home may look messy and overcrowded which is nothing a good decluttering session can’t solve. That way, you can donate unwanted goods to charity and you may find that having more space completely transforms how you feel about your home.

Getting Things Fixed:

Up next, you may want to look into repairing or replacing anything that needs it. Sometimes when things break we mean to fix them but never get around to it. This only adds to the overall effect! Taking the time to call in experts and spruce things up can really make a difference. Getting a new window installation to replace your old or broken windows can give your home an instant face lift. The same goes for repairing your old boiler or coffee machine, which will also add to your overall quality of life.

Help With Chores:

One of the reasons that you may have fallen out of love with your home is that it feels hard to maintain. If you’re the only one doing things and focusing on making it run like clockwork, you may be feeling tired. It can be exhausting and frustrating when everything falls on you to manage. Create a chore chart and rope your family members in or even hiring some home help could change your outlook here.

Updated Decor:

Of course, if your home hasn’t been decorated in years, it may also be getting to you. If things are looking tired, refreshing them can be a huge game changer. Take a look at some design inspiration to see what you like. Then, you can get started with some paint and new furniture pieces to breathe fresh life into each room. Sometimes your home just needs some love and care, and it will look brand new!

Refreshing your home with updated decor, repairs, and a good old fashioned deep clean can give you that brand new feel once more. Enjoy it!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

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