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
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
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
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
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
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
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. ❤
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 theseuniversal 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!
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!
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?!
lifewithlilred 