Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Sep24

Eco Friendly Options To Consider

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Eco Friendly Options To Consider

Being eco friendly is one of the best ways to show that you care about the planet and those who inhabit it. While we hear the words “eco friendly” often, it can be hard to know where to get started. The best way to begin a more eco friendly lifestyle is by making small, immediate changes to your day to day life. Nothing is too small as long as you are committed to sticking with them! Let’s look at a few ways to incorporate some eco friendliness into your life:

Your Commute To Work:

Driving to work might be the only option for some people due to a range of different reasons like the distance, lack of a metro system, or poor weather. However, if you can bike, walk, ride share, or take the bus even one day out of the week, it can make a big difference! Alternate modes of transportation also help save you money. What’s not to like?!

Give An Item A New Purpose:

Reusing items in a different way is always an eco friendly option. For example, did you know that some companies will remove old appliances for you, repair them, and sell it at a discounted rate so people can buy used appliances for sale? Not only is this environmentally friendly as it will prevent the appliance from ending up in a landfill but it provides safe and cheaper options for people who might not be able to afford a brand new model.

Secondhand Shopping:

When moving into my apartment, I furnished it almost entirely with thrifted or handed down items. When it comes to clothing, furniture, or little odds and ends that you didn’t know you needed, you can’t go wrong with secondhand shopping. There is nothing better than finding a treasure that no one else will have and it will provide you with a space and style that is totally unique for you.

Donate What You Can:

When doing a home haul away, there are plenty of different routes that you can take instead of just throwing things away. Clothing can be donated to homeless or battered women’s shelters. Old bath or beach towels can make an animal in a shelter much more comfortable. Furniture can be given to a family in need or could be sold on virtual marketplaces. You could even have a yard sale! Repurposing items is always the way to go and can make a big difference for the people who will receive it.

Living an eco friendly life helps this great big wide world and is an amazing way to assist people who might not be as fortunate as you. ❤

Sep24

Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference

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Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference

When people think about home renovation projects, they often think big with HGTV worthy remodeling. While this will definitely make a huge impact on your property it is not feasible for everyone as it is a huge expense. Today, we are going to discuss some renovation projects that you might not have ever considered. These ideas might not be as big as a full fledged room makeover but they still pack a punch, all the same. Let’s get to it:

Exterior Projects:

Boosting your property’s curb appeal begins from the outside in because the exterior of your home offers the first impression to friends, neighbors, and strangers. Make their first impression a great one with these projects:

Driveway Repairs:

You might not think much about your driveway but it is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Cracks and potholes are inconvenient as well as unsightly. Repairing these issues is a definite must for boosting your curb appeal. You might also want to get driveway sealing before winter to better protect the road to your castle.

Porch Perfect:

Your porch, patio, deck, or any other outdoor seating area can be a huge selling point for your house. The front porch is one of the first things people notice about your house so you want to make sure it is putting its best face forward. Replace rotting or splintered wood and don’t forget that a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.

While you are working on your front porch, consider your front door too. A brightly colored door is sure to catch attention. Shades of blue, red, and yellow all look especially charming.

Outdoor Accessories:

Every great outfit is not complete without the right accessories and the same goes for your house! Outdoor accessories are not so much of a renovation as it is placing objects but it sure is a fun way to showcase your personality. Bird baths, fountains, swings, solar lights, and even garden gnomes can offer a playful touch to any home’s exterior.

Interior:

Tile Backsplash:

Creating a tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom is an amazing way to add color and patterns into the room. It is relatively cheap and can also be done on your own. It will feel great to see something so pretty in your place and knowing that you did it all by yourself.

Something Extra:

Do you ever feel like a room is missing just that little extra something to make it pop? We’ve got you covered. Although this is a somewhat tedious and minor project, have you ever considered changing out your door knobs and cupboard handles? There are countless different options for you to look into. For a touch of glam, how about diamond handles for your dresser? Or even colorful square knobs for something different? A little change, yes, but swapping out hardware accessories can be a fun way to add something new.

Floating Shelves:

If an area is feeling cramped with a bulky shelving unit or dresser, you could consider having floating shelves installed. These are an awesome way to display all of your favorite treasures while taking up a fraction of the space. Floating shelves will turn your wall into an instant work of art – no painting required!

Mini renovations can still make a huge impact and will help keep the exterior and interior of your home fresh as well as visually appealing!

Sep24

Making Your Products More Appealing To Your Audience

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Making Your Products More Appealing To Your Audience

When your company is about to unleash a new product on the market, it’s important to consider how you’re going to present it to your audience. You’ll want to make it as appealing as possible, but wanting to do that and actually making it happen are two very different things. In this post, we’re going to talk about some of the things that you can do to make your products more appealing to your audience:

Focus on Addressing Needs:

First, you should consider what makes your product different and why people should care about it. If you’re addressing real needs that people have, your product is going to have a greater use and people are going to be more likely to be interested in it. It really is as simple as that. So think about how you can show your product and advertise as the solution to a problem.

Make Exciting Promises and Commitments:

If you want to sell to people, you need to give them a reason to be excited about what you’re offering. That’s one of the most important aspects of any business proposition. If people are excited by what they’re seeing from you, they’re going to be compelled to buy. So make exciting promises and commitments, and ensure your product follows through on them.

Go a Step Further Than Your Competitors:

It’s always a good idea to keep one eye on your competitors when you’re thinking about how to appeal to your audience. Go a step further than them and offer something that your main competitors can’t or aren’t. Differentiating your products and showing people why they’re better than the alternatives that exist out there will be key.

Offer Complementary Products for Free or at a Discount:

By giving something extra away for free, you can make sure that the products you offer carries more appeal and offers more in terms of value to the customer. That’s what matters more than anything else here. Cannabis companies might offer items such as preroll packaging as extras. And the same can apply to whatever niche your business exists in.

Tell a Story About the Product:

Telling a story about your product that’s compelling and captivating will make your task of selling it a lot easier than it might otherwise be. Telling a story is something that can be done in so many different ways, as well. It’s up to you to find the method of delivery and focus that you feel will appeal most to your audience. You should keep them in mind at all times.

It’s up to you to make sure that your audience takes an interest in what you have to offer. Use the tips above for maximum effect!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep24

How To Cope With An Exercise Injury   

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How To Cope With An Exercise Injury   

The recovery process for sports injuries usually concentrates on physical rehab. But for athletes, it’s also important to incorporate sports psychology techniques to help them recover mentally. When you’re otherwise healthy and physically active, an injury can be frustrating. Resilience is needed both physically and psychologically to cope with injury stress.

Despite these feelings, it’s important to move forward and find more positive ways to overcome this setback. Athletes who can handle injuries gracefully will become more focused, flexible, and resilient. The following strategies can help:

Educate Yourself:

Ask your doctor, trainer, coach, or therapist the following questions to learn what you need to do to heal quickly and fully:

  • Do I have an injury (what type is it)?
  • How can I get treated?
  • Why am I receiving these treatments?
  • Can this be recovered in a reasonable amount of time?
  • During rehabilitation, what should I expect?
  • Are there any safe alternatives to traditional exercise?
  • If I get worse, what are the warning signs?

A second opinion may be necessary if you feel uncomfortable with the response from your care team.

Recovery Is Your Responsibility:

Your recovery can be impacted if you take responsibility for it. A greater sense of confidence can be found when you take control of your recovery process. The process also helps you recover faster than trying to return to the level of performance that you had before your injury. Making sure you have a first aid kit with medical ice packs is a start to taking responsibility and good care of yourself.

Stay Committed To Your Recovery Process:

Others may lose motivation and slack off on their therapy, while others may become discouraged and quit. To heal quickly, be committed to your treatment and listen to your doctor and/or athletic trainer. You can stay balanced as you achieve your healing goal by setting small daily or weekly goals that build momentum. You should also speak to yourself positively.

Stay focused on what you need to do and not what you will miss during your daily rehab. Work hard and maintain a positive attitude throughout it.

Get Support From Others:

Following an injury, it is common to isolate from teammates, coaches, and friends. You should keep in touch with others as you recover. They can offer advice or encouragement when you need to vent. Make sure that you are surrounded by strong, positive people who can encourage you during your recovery and boost your spirits when you are feeling discouraged. It can be very comforting to know that you are not alone when you suffer an injury.

These four tips should help you to look after yourself during recovery from an injury. Be good to you and get well soon!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Sep24

New Hair, Don’t Care

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New Hair, Don’t Care

Hi! I haven’t had my hair done or a day off, for that matter, since the day before my wedding. So, needless to say, your girl was in desperate need of both! This past week, I took a day off to have my dear friend and stylist, Anna, work her magic at the Shear Shop. This time around, we incorporated Pulp Riot’s Lilac into the red and pink for something totally different and totally fun. I am totally obsessed! Take a look and be sure to tune in tomorrow for more OOTD pics:

To achieve my multi-colored hair, Anna used Pulp Riot’s Fireball, Blush, and Lilac after bleaching the roots. The Lilac dye was applied to all of my insanely grown out roots for a new twist on the convertible hair that I have been rocking. I love the full effect when my hair is down but it is also so cute when it is pulled up and you can see the lilac roots underneath the top layer.

My new hair legit makes me feel like a fairy princess and I have basically been living in front of the mirror since I got it done because I can’t stop looking at myself! The three different colors are just so pretty together and it is exciting to have such a big change from what I was doing before. While some might find it nerve wracking to have something so major done to their hair, I am never worried because I know that I am in the best hands with Anna and she delivers every time.

Nothing makes me feel more confident than freshly dyed and cut hair as well as my time spent with my stylist. I wouldn’t want to spend a day off anywhere else than in her salon chair and I am already itching to go back. As mentioned before, be sure to check in tomorrow so you can see my hair in all of its glory from every angle! ❤

How do you like to pamper yourself? What is your favorite Pulp Riot color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep23

Safety Tips For Exercising Outdoors   

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Safety Tips For Exercising Outdoors   

Whether it’s a gentle breeze caressing your face while you run or the sun kissing your skin while you cycle, taking your workouts outdoors is always a refreshing experience. However, it is necessary to exercise without putting your health and safety at risk. Are you thinking about taking your fitness regimen outside? Here are a few tips that can help you stay safe while you exercise:

Map your route ahead of time:

It would be pretty frustrating losing your way when going for a run, walk, or cycle outside, especially if you’re new to the area. Thankfully, almost all smartphones come with a Map application and GPS functions, so you can plan your route before setting off. It is also advisable to share your route with someone you trust before you leave. If you take your phone along, be sure to keep your location on to make locating you easier if you should get lost or injured. If you already know your area, ensure that you avoid inconvenient places like construction sites, busy streets, etc. You might also want to avoid areas with stray animals to prevent incidents such as dog bites.

Dress for safety:

From workout clothes to the shoes you wear, you should aim for comfort and safety. Regarding footwear, having on the right shoes for the right activity will help to avoid blisters, twisted ankles, or any other injury. Also, your clothes should not inhibit blood flow or airflow in any way. If you plan on doing your outdoor workout at night or under poor visibility, you should wear workout clothes with features that make you more visible, especially when working out near busy roads. For example, you can wear bright colored clothes or opt for ones with reflectors to make you more visible to motorists.

Take your cell phone along:

Carrying a phone along when going for a run can be an inconvenience as you want to run or cycle ‘freely,’ but you also need to be safe. And if you get lost in an area without any internet connection, you will need something to use to call for help. Many workout garments come with spaces to store cell phones and keep them out of the way until you need them.

Protect yourself from the sun:

Sunscreen is an absolute must if you plan to work out in the sun, especially for your face. It is best to look for sunscreen products designed specifically for athletes, as they wouldn’t come off when you sweat. Moreover, the heat can wear you out pretty fast, so don’t forget to carry a bottle of water along. If possible, try to exercise during or after sunset because the sun can be scorching in the afternoon.

Protect yourself from the cold:

Cold temperatures can also drain your energy. It is possible to burn about 6,000 calories in one day when exercising in the cold. So, make sure you wear protective clothing. You might also want to take a bottle of water along to sip, as cold temperatures can suppress thirst, and you don’t want to be dehydrated.

Working out outdoors is great but doing it safely is the best with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep23

Making Your Small Business Dreams Come True

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Making Your Small Business Dreams Come True

For some people, working for themselves is the ultimate dream and starting your own small business is the perfect way to make it happen. From your own Etsy shop to an actual storefront, businesses come in many shapes and sizes and can make for a wonderfully rewarding career. Starting your own business is a lot of hard work and today, we are going to discuss some ideas to help you in your future endeavors. Let’s get started:

Planning Makes Perfect:

A huge portion of starting your business comes from planning ahead and carrying out that plan to make it happen. You can start by asking yourself a few basic questions and going from there:

  • What type of product or service do I want to provide?
  • Do I need any additional certifications, schooling, or training for my business?
  • Will this business be online or in a storefront?
  • How much money am I willing to spend to make this happen?

It is important to have solid and achievable answers to these questions or your business might never get off the ground. For example, if you would like to own a coffee shop or restaurant do you have enough funds to purchase the property or begin restaurant construction? What about if you are conducting your business online – do you know how to build an excellent website? Have you entered a domain name search and are you familiar with SEO and online marketing strategies? If the answer is no, then it might not be time to quit your day job.

Do You Have Help?

While ultimately rewarding, starting your business can be incredibly stressful and time consuming. Are you going to have a business partner or will you be flying solo? Will you be employing other people to help you? Are you proficient in creating a website or will you need services for web design in Palm Harbor (or your local area)? You also must remember that communication is key in a business. Will you be able to maintain your own social media pages? What about customer service? This is a huge aspect of a business so will you or someone else be manning the phone with your business telecom service from https://titustelecom.co.uk/ (or a similar company in your local area)?

As you can see, flying solo means you are going to have to be a jack of all trades. Although that’s impressive, it might not be feasible and that’s okay. No one expects you to be an expert at everything and some things like tech support, perfecting a storefront, or website management could be beyond your skill set. If that’s the case, you have to consider the funding for IT Staffing or construction contractors and see how to best manage your team.

If nothing else, do you have the support of your family and friends on this endeavor? You don’t want to burn yourself out before your business even opens so evaluating the help you will need and having a support system in place is crucial.

What Are Your Goals?

Of course, the end goal of owning a business is being your own boss and making enough money to support yourself. But this is a HUGE goal that will not be accomplished quickly. Rather than focusing so much on the end result, break it up into smaller goals, instead. This will allow you to feel the pleasure of small victories and keep you motivated to continue on the path you’re on. For example:

  • I need to make a budget before I get started
  • I would like to have a functional and appealing website within three months
  • I want to prepare a home office space by the end of the week

By the time you finish your goal list, your business should be well on its way for a grand opening!

Like all good things, starting your own successful business will take time. You can save time, however, by starting things off on the right foot with the tips above!

Sep23

Repairs That Can’t Wait

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Repairs That Can’t Wait

While some repairs around your home can be done with a bit of DIY, there are some things that you just have to call in the professionals for. No one likes an unexpected bill for something breaking down. However, leaving it to get worse will end up costing you more money in the long run with more extensive repairs or having to buy a new appliance altogether. Today, we are going to look at a few key elements of your home that shouldn’t wait until the last minute if they are on the fritz:

Kitchen Appliances:

The purpose of appliances are to make tasks and chores easier for you. Handwashing dishes is a drag and going to the laundromat can be downright miserable! To keep yourself on easy street, it is crucial to fix problematic appliances as soon as issues arise. An improperly working stove for instance can be dangerous to yourself and your family. It’s therefore important to call in an Appliance Repair specialist as soon as possible because continued use can cause an even bigger, more expensive issue.

Meanwhile, a refrigerator that is going kaput will force you to throw away its contents as the food will not be safe to eat if its not kept cold. When appliances malfunction, it is best to find a repair person to do it all to save you the hassle from multiple different people coming in and out. For example, you can find quality fridge repair in Barrie that also specializes in washers, dryers, and ovens.

Car Troubles:

Bad breaks and bald tires are incredibly dangerous and even more so when there is inclement weather. Getting your car troubles fixed now will better protect you and your passengers, especially with winter fast approaching. Driving is one of the most risky things that people do every day so you want to make sure that your vehicle is always in prime working order. Getting new tires for the winter is a must and don’t forget your routine maintenance checks and oil changes.

When it comes to getting new tires, you will want to take your car to a shop that specializes in this specifically like Melksham Tyre Supplies (or a similar business in your local area). That way you can ensure that you are getting the best quality work for the task at hand. Tire specific shops might also run special promotions like a discounted tire rotation for every five thousand miles or free puncture repairs and this can help save money. Do your research to find the best service and deals near you.

Failing to tend to car repairs when needed can be a danger to yourself and others on the road and it should be taken seriously. If it’s recommend during your maintenance check to get a Steering Column Sensor Repair, an alignment, or new breaks, do so ASAP. And, if it doesn’t fit in your budget, you might be able to work out a payment plan with the repair shop.

Home Security:

When it comes to home security, it doesn’t just mean your security system. It also includes your windows, doors, and garage door. Any point of entrance for someone uninvited to come into your home should be checked on frequently. Schedule regular maintenance for your home security system and automatic lighting if you have them and call in a repair person immediately to change locks for windows and doors. Cracks, weak locks, and warping create a “welcome” sign for burglars as well as pests.

Keep you and your loved ones safe by tending to problems as soon as they arise. Although repairs can be expensive, peace of mind is priceless.

Sep23

Fall Haul: Stella Luce Snake Print Trench Coat Edition

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Fall Haul: Stella Luce Snake Print Trench Coat Edition

Howdy and welcome to the final edition of my Fall Haul from TJMaxx! Today, we are going to be discussing an amazing snake print trench style coat by Stella Luce and I am obsessed. Johnny and I are both extremely partial to animal print clothing and he loves anything cheetah print while I am fond of all things snakeskin. I fell in love with this trench coat as soon as I saw it hanging on an end cap and I cannot wait for the weather to cool down so I can wear it all of the time! Check it out:

Between my husband and I, we have snake patterned clothing and shoes in a variety of colors including blue, grey, red, white, and brown. The majority of my snake print pieces in my wardrobe are shoes and purses so I was very excited to find a coat in my most beloved pattern. While cheetah print is fun, snakeskin is oh so sophisticated and sexy and I always find myself drawn to it time and time again.

Johnny and I have been looking forward to fall since it ended last year because it is our favorite season to dress for. We love sweaters, boots, and coats and if we could we would be dressing for fall all year round. This Stella Luce number is going to be a staple for my fall wardrobe and it will be perfect for work or play. I can picture myself throwing this on and heading to work in the morning or dressing it up for a date day with Johnny.

I live for styling unique outfits and because this coat is such a bold piece, it really doesn’t need much. Skinny jeans, a light long sleeved shirt, heeled boots, and a floppy hat paired with this coat will elevate simple pieces into an OOTD worth blogging about. And, as soon as the cold weather hits: Don’t mind if I do! 😀

What is your favorite animal print? What are you looking forward to this fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep22

Must Haves For Your Bedroom

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Must Haves For Your Bedroom

After another long year in the pandemic lifestyle, it’s safe to say that everyone is going to want to hibernate this winter. And, where better to retreat than to your bedroom? Your bedroom should be your ultimate safe haven where you are cocooned in comfort and free to relax and be your best self. For the best in comfy cozy, consider the following in your bedroom:

Plush Bedding:

The best place to start in the bedroom is, of course, with the bed! After shopping for quality bedroom furniture for sale like your mattress and bed frame, it is time to dress the bed with comfortable and soft bedding. You can’t go wrong with light cotton sheets in the summer but during the winter, its best to adorn your bed with warm and toasty flannel or fleece.

Don’t forget comfy pillows both for sleeping and decoration. You might even want to consider a statement piece like a velvet headboard for an over the top luxury feel. That will make your queen sized bed truly fit for royalty!

Items That Sooth:

One of the first things that I bought for my bedroom in my apartment was a Himalayan Salt Lamp and I just love it! It provides the perfect glow to help you relax or set the mood for a scary movie night. Fairy lights or even sphere lights that look like the moon are also great options.

Your bedroom should have items that comfort rather than stimulate you and this can come in all shapes and forms. Think sound machines, your favorite plushie, or a photo album with pictures of your family. The bedroom is where people tend to go when they want to spend some peaceful time with themselves so save your bold pieces like loud artwork or unique patterns for the living room, instead.

Book Nook:

I don’t know about all of you, but reading before bed is one of my favorite parts of my nighttime routine. If you feel similarly, why not create a book nook in your bedroom? Stock a small bookshelf with your favorites or must reads from the library so you always have some reading material handy. A chaise lounge by a window would also be a nice touch. Cue the rain (outdoors or on a sound machine) for the ultimate reading space.

Create Calmness:

Testing out lavender or chamomile products before going to bed is always a good idea! You can sip on chamomile tea while taking a nice hot bath and crawl into bed with a cozy robe and a magazine. Or, how about some lavender scented lotion and pillow spray to help you drift off into the land of nod? Pampering yourself can be so soothing and will help put you in the right state of mind for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Think calm, soft, and soothing and you will have a bedroom fit for the royalty that you are for the most relaxing winter ever!