Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Renewing Your Style This Spring

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Renewing Your Style This Spring

Whether it’s through new makeup or an overhaul of your wardrobe, everyone needs to renew and revitalize their style from time to time. If you think the time is right for you to make some changes and shake up how you style yourself, we’ve got some tips and ideas that might help you achieve the outcomes you’re looking for. Of course, your style should be unique to you, but here are some of the options you might want to consider:

Find Suitable Sources of Inspiration:

If you think the time is right to make a change, the first step is to find some sources of inspiration for your new look and where you want to take your style. Browse some blogs and look to influencers or celebrities who rock the kind of style you’re interested in. There’s a plethora of images out there for you to scour and take inspiration from, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Try a Minimal Color Palette:

When one of your aims is to revamp your wardrobe, you can achieve this by doing something different with the color palette. You should try to keep it simple and reduced to begin with because this will limit you and provide your approach to fashion and the process of developing a new style to become a little more focused. So try it out for yourself.

Find a New Go-To Lipstick:

One of the most important items you’ll own as a woman with regards to style and fashion is that one lipstick that you can always call upon when you need to add something new to your look. You should shop matte lipstick and find a new one that fits with the new style that you’re looking to create for yourself. It could be just what you need right now.

Aim for Quality Over Quantity:

When it comes to improving your approach to style, you should always aim for the ethos of quality over quantity. Anyone who’s hoarded fashion items and ended up with an incredibly bloated wardrobe knows that having lots of clothes doesn’t make dressing yourself each day any easier. It makes it more difficult and you become overwhelmed by lots of underwhelming options.

Invest in Some New Shoes:

One of the most important things to buy for yourself when you’re looking to renew your style is a pair of shoes that can be used in all kinds of different scenarios. They should be flexible and versatile and make you feel at ease and confident when you’re wearing them. It’s always a good place to start. *Just make sure you can walk in them easily! 😀

Every now and then, you need to take a step back and see if the time is right to do something new with your style. A fresh look can transform your entire being and put a new spring in your step. There are lots of ways of making this happen, and the ideas above should help you get started.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Have Some More Writing Prompts!

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Have Some More Writing Prompts!

Hey! Has the coronavirus quarantine put a cramp in your blog’s style? Ugh, I get it because SAME. The coronavirus has put a cramp in my literal style because my life revolves around comfort clothes right now and I thought I would never live to see the day for that to happen. Lol, it also makes creating daily content for my page exceedingly difficult.

More so than I imagined, actually, and I felt like I was really in a slump. It was a hard adjustment to find inspiration in the walls of my apartment but I think that I am just about there and I want all of you to be too. I recently offered some writing prompts on lifewithlilred and I’m here today to help the writer’s block even further with the following:

  • Have you taken any interesting online classes while quarantined?
  • Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong decade? Which era do you most relate to?
  • Do you know anyone local making face masks? It’s always nice to drop their info!
  • Speaking of, supporting all of your favorite local businesses and artists with online nods is a great way to help your community!
  • Are there any foods that you absolutely refuse to try?
  • Have you been managing to have any fun while quarantined? How?
  • Did you have any blog posts that got put on hold until it’s safe to achieve? What were they like?
  • How about any other exciting events or trips that got cancelled? It’s okay to be upset about it. (I still have yet to meet my six month old nephew, which sucks!)
  • How have you been staying in touch with your friends? Scheduled happy hours or trivia nights, perhaps?

I am looking forward to going out and doing the things that I enjoy safely. Unfortunately, I don’t know when that will be. But, in the meantime, it’s so nice to have lifewithlilred to keep me occupied and I love being able to interact with all of you so keep those comments coming. Happy writing! Much love. -Sarah

5 Top Tips To Help You Stay Safe On The Road

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5 Top Tips To Help You Stay Safe On The Road

Whether you’ve just passed your driving test or you’ve been driving for several years, it’s vital that you stay as safe as possible when on the road. Driving is something that you should take very seriously. Therefore, you should make sure that you’re not doing anything that will risk either your safety or the safety of those around you.

So to ensure that you’re on the right path (or road!), here are the five top tips that you can use while driving:

Avoid Any Distractions:

When in control of your vehicle, you need to make sure that your full attention is on the road. It’s good to turn the radio down (or off), try not to get distracted when you have passengers with you, and to avoid texting while driving, etc.

You don’t want to find yourself in an accident because you were distracted while driving. There are so many implications that could come from this, from physical injuries that prevent you from secure employment to life-threatening conditions. So make sure that you avoid these from the get-go.

Check the Weather:

Before you head out on the road, it’s a good idea to check the local weather report. Rain and snow can cause dangerous driving conditions. So being prepared is vital in these situations. If you have to go out, you need to do it carefully – but if it’s not essential, it might be worth staying at home.

Keep Your Vehicle Maintained:

Another top tip is to make sure that your vehicle is maintained throughout the year. This isn’t just meant in the sense that you should check your oil and fuel regularly (an essential thing to do if you use it every day – for example, if you’re a delivery driver), but that you take it to a local repair shop if you notice anything wrong with it. Driving when there is a problem with it will only be hazardous and end in disaster.

Don’t Rush Yourself:

You should never feel pressured while driving – you must feel calm and collected. If you feel rushed, you might be tempted to speed or your mind won’t be fully focused – two things that can be very dangerous. Give yourself plenty of time when you’re driving anywhere so you don’t get last minute road rage.

Be in the Right Frame of Mind:

Following on from the above, it’s vital that you’re in the right frame of mind when you’re heading out on a drive. For example, if you’re upset or angry for any reason, it might not be the best idea to go on a long drive. Similarly, if you’re under the influence or hungover, you’ll be putting yourself in danger by getting in the vehicle. The latter is also illegal – so avoid doing this.

Finally, it could be a great idea to get extra help if you find yourself wracked with nerves whenever you get behind the wheel of your car. It could benefit you to take some additional driving lessons to get yourself more comfortable and secure. If this sounds like a good route for you to take, simply enter a search for “driving lessons Newcastle” (or your local area) to schedule some time slots. Additionally, talking to a therapist can also be helpful in easing driving anxiety. These efforts will make the road safer for you and every car passing by.

So, there you go! These are five top tips that will help you to stay safe while on the road, as well as those around you or riding in your car. Buckle up and hit the road!

Featured Image By: Cleyton Ewerton from Pexels

Get To Know Me In Quarantine

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Get To Know Me In Quarantine

Hello! It has been a good long while since lifewithlilred began. Therefore, it has been a good long while since I laid down some fun facts on you about yours truly. I figured, there’s no better time than the present… Especially when coming up with daily content amidst a stay at home order is way harder than I thought it would be! Read on to find out more about your favorite lil red haired, pierced, tattooed blogger:

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^^^ Normal me VS stay at home order me, lol!

All about me:

  1. My name is Sarah Mushenheim and, come September, lifewithlilred will be six years old!
  2. I love to figure skate, shop, read, go to concerts, and hang out with my boyfriend, friends, and family.
  3. I am an aunt to an adorable little girl named Valerie and a handsome little boy named Patrick.
  4. I am self employed as an independent provider for people with special needs. August will be my three year anniversary and I love my job!
  5. I have lost count of how many tattoos I have but I can’t wait to get more!
  6. My first post quarantine treats will definitely be getting my hair, nails, and some tattoos done. Oh you fancy, huh?!
  7. Learning new languages is one of my favorite hobbies. I speak English and French and am currently practicing American Sign Language, Czech, German, Spanish, and Italian. I plan on giving Portuguese a shot next.
  8. I write every morning. Literally every morning. And, on a random day where I can’t squeeze a post in before work makes me feel very off!
  9. My boyfriend, Johnny, and I have been playing hella Animal Crossing so if you play, come check out our island. 😀
  10. My family has two dogs, both of which are extremely precious and rescued. We have a little Terrier mix named Ollie and a goofy Golden Retriever puppy named Archie. ❤

Now you know a little more about me and I would love to hear from you! What are some fun facts about yourself? Or some of your favorite things? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Low Budget Choices To Boost The Price Of Your Property

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Low Budget Choices To Boost The Price Of Your Property

If you’re looking for ways to boost the price of your property, but you’re currently working on a tight budget, then you might be finding the task particularly difficult. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, and you can actually find some low budget choices that will help you boost the price quite nicely. If you want to know more about what these options are, keep reading down below:

A Fresh Coat Of Paint:

Imagine if you walk into a home and see that the paint is peeling all over the place or that there are marks across the walls that are easily visible. If you’re trying to increase the price of your property, then this just isn’t going to help, which means that a new coat of paint is in order. Head to your local home depot store, and you will find a whole range of colors for you to choose from. You can go with the same kind that you had last time or you can change it up seeing as now is your chance. But, if you’re going to make a change, then you’ve got to be conscious of the other furniture in the room so that you don’t end up clashing.

Fun With Flooring:

Or, how about altering the flooring of your property? Rather than upgrading the flooring completely, you can think about adding something to it. This is always going to depend on the type of flooring that you have because you’ll need to make choices like Modular Vs. Epoxy Flooring. Epoxy flooring is ideal for concrete floors and will provide a glass of water aesthetic sure to dazzle. If you DIY this job, you’ll spend no more than $100. Sounds like a steal!

Let There Be Light:

Alternatively, you might want to think about changing the lighting in your home. There are lots of possibilities here. For instance, you can think about adding some new light fixtures to your property. Light fixtures can be surprisingly cheap and will easily fit into a standard home renovation budget. You can also find a lot of different styles so you should be able to achieve a wide range of different possibilities with your home redesign.

Lighting also has practical benefits if you are selling the home. With the right lighting fixtures, you will be able to avoid shadow in the room. Shadows will always make the room look significantly smaller and this will make a buyer think twice about investing in your property. Or, you could go tech-heavy with this choice. Get color changing bulbs controlled by a smart system integrated into your property. The tech is more than affordable now and will definitely impress a potential buyer.

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Ballin on a budget

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the low budget choices to boost the price of your property. Have fun and try to work some of these changes into your spring cleaning!

Featured Image By: Pexels

If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Wedge Loafers Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Wedge Loafers Edition

Hello! One of the last treats I purchased for myself during my recent online shopping extravaganza is a fabulous pair of embellished wedge loafers from Forever 21. The brand: Chase + Chloe. The price: Below thirty bucks. The style: Can’t be beat! Check out my new funky pair of footwear and let’s discuss:

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When I don’t feel like spending a fortune on crazy shoes from Dolls Kill, I usually turn to Forever 21 to satisfy my urge for shoes that have a little more oomph to them. While browsing through F21’s selection this time around, I wasn’t too impressed. But, when my eyes locked on these Chase + Chloe loafers, my heart skipped a beat. It was literally one of those “That’s what I’m talking about!” moments and into the cart it went.

I was really looking forward to my new kicks arriving in the mail and, even though I love them, I was riddled with disappointment as soon as I opened the box. Yes, the shoes are fabulous. However, as soon as I took one of them out of the box, one of the studs fell off immediately. You can actually see where it is in the picture of the back of the shoe.

Of course, things like this are to be expected with embellished shoes no matter how much it sucks and once I got over my initial “whomp whomp” I was able to appreciate how cool these shoes are. Everything about these shoes is a statement from the bold black and white palette to the rock n’ roll studs and stars. I can’t wait to bust these bad boys out and I am sure that they will be a crowd pleaser… Minus a stud or two. 😉

Where do you get your most fun shoes at? How would you style these loafers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Top 5 Dogs For Small Spaces

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Top 5 Dogs For Small Spaces

Getting a dog is a big step that requires commitment and dedication you have to be ready for. Some of the factors on the dog’s side you should consider include age, size, nutrition, and training requirements while sorting out financial status and space on your end. The fantastic news is that even if you have a small space, some specific breeds will fit you perfectly. But size is not what only matters here; how loud, friendly, and energetic is the dog? Take a look at these five breeds that can thrive in small spaces. Also, note that they are all super cute, so choosing one might be hard:

1. Bichon Frise:

This dog breed does not usually grow taller than a foot even and weigh about fifteen pounds. This means that they won’t take up much space on the couch and in the apartment. Even though they require daily exercise, they also love to play, and so are very energetic. These hypoallergenic cuties learn very fast and are very friendly, making them well behaved with company.

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Angel!

2. Boston Terrier:

This is one of the short-haired breeds which go well in apartments. They usually do not grow taller than a foot and a half and are also very lively and energetic. They are called the ‘American Gentlemen’ for a good reason; they are gentle and generally wonderful to be around. Once they’re well-fed and exercised, they’re content.

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Another angel!

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

If you love the silky dog breeds, then you’ll enjoy this one. They love going on walks and lounging on your lap when you’re ready to relax. They weigh thirteen to eighteen pounds so space is not a problem at all. In fact, their preference to stay attached to their owners even makes small spaces good for them. The only issue is that they are quite hard to train, but a lot of outdoor time and positive reinforcement can solve that problem fast.

4. French Bulldog:

These dogs are compact and engage in very minimal activity, two reasons why they’re perfect for small spaces. They also very rarely bark, which is a good thing if you have neighbors. This is also beneficial because they will only bark when there is a reason to which is a characteristic good watchdogs have. Daily brisk walks are enough to keep them in shape, and so it’s not a problem if you spend most of the time inside.

5. Havanese:

This 10-pound dog is another favorite among apartment dwellers because not only is it cute, but it also loves to stay indoors. They are clingy and love to play with their owners, and so it is easy to keep an eye on them.

Knowing the type of dog you can have for your space will save you a great deal of trouble. You will have to take care of them like any other pet, paying attention to their inner and outward health. You can protect them from parasites with https://it.nexgardspectra.com/ and visit your vet for regular check ups.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mother’s Day Bouquets

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Mother’s Day Bouquets

Hello and a very happy belated Mother’s Day to all of my lovelies who celebrated! Although I normally love getting creative with gift giving, I always find Mother’s Day to be a bouquet occasion. So, I went to our local grocery story and picked out some beautiful flowers and floral decorated mason jars for them all to go in for my giftees.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, my boyfriend and I made our flower delivery rounds and, although these pictures are admittedly not the best (I was half asleep!), take a look at my handy work:

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Once I bought my Mother’s Day flowers, I took them home so that I could begin arranging them into their jars. My dad is an amazing bouquet arranger so I thought back to all of the million times I’ve seen him prepare a bouquet for my mom and gave it my best shot. And, I think they ended up looking great – the recipients definitely thought so!

I am partial to receiving flowers, myself, but there’s nothing like giving them on a special occasion to all of the strong, beautiful women that you love. Again, a very happy belated Mother’s Day to all and I wish I could have given flowers to all of you. ❤

How did you celebrate Mother’s Day? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Heeled Combat Boots Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Heeled Combat Boots Edition

Hello! After what felt like going forever without shopping, I finally caved and treated myself to some goodies online from Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. There is nothing like packages arriving at my front door to help perk myself up and I now think I can hold off until the fateful day when I feel safe to shop at TJMaxx. Maybe.

So, while I mull over that decision, check out these new white heeled combat boots from Forever 21:

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If there’s one thing Lil Red loves, it’s a good combat boot. I have flat combat boots and heeled ones and ninety-nine percent of them are… Yep, you guessed it: All black everything. So, as you can imagine, it made it impossible to say no to a new crisp white pair to add some variety to my combat boot collection.

I love the fresh take on the grunge style that these shoes give me with the unique color palette but they are still such a classic shape and I think they are really cool. Of course, crunching through the snow in these bad boys next winter will be a treat. But, can we please talk about how cute these will be paired with short shorts and cute tights or socks come summer? Living for it!

I paid around thirty dollars for these new boots and I considered it a steal, especially because I’m sure I would pay around the same amount at TJs. Now, if only I could break free from my comfy cozy quarantine wardrobe long enough to actually wear them!

What is your favorite style of shoes? How do you give a nod to grunge style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Choosing The Best Flooring For Different Rooms In Your House

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Choosing The Best Flooring For Different Rooms In Your House

We all want the best for our homes. We carry a lot of work out on them and focus a lot on interior design. But flooring tends to be an aspect of our properties that we neglect a little. Many of us take it for granted and completely forget that we can easily change it. Different types of flooring suit different people and different rooms. To help you get started on your flooring journey, we recommend visiting a showroom of a Flooring store in San Diego, CA or your local area. Here are a few of the most common and popular types of flooring out there to ask about:

Wooden Flooring:

Wooden flooring is a hugely popular choice. It looks great. It’s easy to clean. It lasts pretty well. Some people will like this flooring throughout their entire house. Others will only want it in some rooms, where the colder and harder aspects of it are fine. When looking at real wood flooring, Solid wood flooring has relatively minimal work carried out on it. Hardwood flooring is generally a layer of hardwood placed on top of high-quality plywood. Solid wood flooring, on the other hand, is literally slats of complete wood. Hardwood tends to be much cheaper and gives the same appearance. However, if you’re focused on authenticity, solid wood could be the way to go.

With something like wooden flooring, it is possible to go the DIY route for the installation. However, we would recommend using professional services for this so the end result is perfect. To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “flooring chicago” or your local area to minimize the risk of errors that could compromise the longevity of your flooring.

Epoxy Flooring:

You might not have heard of Epoxy flooring before, but it’s extremely popular. Generally speaking, Epoxy flooring is designed for outdoor use or industrial use. But nowadays, many people are starting to incorporate it into their homes. It’s made of polymers and has a plastic-like feel and appearance. The main perk of this flooring? It’s heavy duty and will take some serious wear and tear, meaning you won’t find yourself having to replace it for years. But people generally have questions. Does it look good? Is Epoxy Flooring Slippery When Wet? Is it right for my home? Now, the first and last questions are largely subjective. Have a look at some images and you’ll be able to determine whether it has the right aesthetic for your home. In terms of slipperiness, most Epoxy floors tend to be slip resistant. Just make sure to clean up spills on it as you would any other floor. Of course, like all types of flooring, it will still require maintenance despite being more durable. This type of flooring can especially benefit from polishing and sanding so it is wise to get quotes from different experts in this field before committing to the renovation. To begin this process, simply enter a search for “Epoxy Resin Floor Holland Park” (or your local area) to read testimonials and see projects previously completed by each company.

Carpets:

Those looking for comfort while they’re home tend to go for carpet. This is common in lounges and bedrooms, where people seek soft and warm environments. There are many types of carpet out there, so you may need to do a bit of research and request some test samples to determine exactly what you’d like. Long pile tends to be softer but harbors more dirt. Short, looped pile is good for high traffic areas, but won’t be as soft for other rooms. Make sure to shop around and eventually you’ll find the perfect carpet to suit your needs and preferences.

These are just three types of flooring. There are a number of alternatives on the market that you might like to look into. But hopefully, the insight into those listed above may have helped you settle on what best suits you and your home!

Featured Image By: Pexels