Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Jul22

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Girls In The Garden By Lisa Jewell Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Girls In The Garden By Lisa Jewell Edition

Hi! As the old saying goes: “when in quarantine, do as those in quarantine do”, which is just Greek for I’ve been reading a lot. Lol, I’ve been devouring books left and right and have been loving every minute that gives my brain a break from the America’s Next Top Model marathons. The most recent book I finished was called The Girls In The Garden by Lisa Jewell. It was… Okay I guess?

Without giving any spoilers away, let’s discuss. But, please be warned that there is some subject matter in The Girls In The Garden that could be very triggering. Now, let’s get to it:

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Virginia Park may seem like the perfect, picturesque place to raise a family. Quaint flats, a communal park that stretches close to three acres, and tons of children running about. However, the situation that brought young mother Clare and her two daughters Pip and Grace into the neighborhood was anything but picture perfect.

Clare, who is estranged from her husband, is weak and vulnerable upon their arrival. This, in turn, leaves her twelve year old daughter, Grace, and eleven year old daughter, Pip, free to explore the park and get acquainted with the other kids. Handsome Dylan, frigid Tyler, and the eccentric sisters Willow, Catkin, and Fern. The parents of the three sisters, Adele and Leo, are essentially the “cool parents” and their house is constantly full of kids running in and out.

As the preteens and teenagers hang about the park, cliques begin to form and catty attitudes cause a palpable tension. All the while, the children’s parents aren’t doing much better, shielding dark secrets of their own that span from their childhood. Long buried memories begin to reveal themselves ranging from pervy old men to affairs and, oh yeah, murder.

One fateful summer night, the present mimicked the past after a young, pretty girl is found bloody, unconscious and uncovered in the park. So similar to the death of another young, pretty girl in the park decades prior. Who is responsible for the past and present attacks? And will history try to repeat itself once more? Read The Girls In The Garden to find out more!

Okay, so I know what you guys are thinking: A whodoneit with intertwining stories and secrets. How did Sarah not like it? Believe you me, all of that is very fair and I did enjoy certain aspects of the story line. However, there were a lot of parts that made me just plain uncomfortable to read. This includes some insanely inappropriate displays of affection between a freshly turned thirteen year old girl and her boyfriend.

After that part went down, I really didn’t care what happened next in the book because I just didn’t care anymore. It was such a stomach churning thing and it literally made me feel disgusting after reading it. It’s really too bad too because if the author wasn’t so focused on being “edgy”, she would have had a hell of a book on her hands. Although, I did see the ending coming.

Had a crucial part of this book not made me nauseous, I would have rated The Girls In The Garden much higher. But, that is not the case. So, for the first time in history, Lil Red will be awarding no stars out of ten stars. I really didn’t care for the direction this book took towards the end and I couldn’t look past it. Not sorry about it and I definitely wouldn’t recommend this for your next book club meeting!

Which book is currently on your night stand? Do you have any reading recommendations for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul21

4 Things To Consider If You’re Thinking About Going Back To School

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4 Things To Consider If You’re Thinking About Going Back To School

Are you thinking of going back to school? Although it’s a very exciting endeavor, it’s also very daunting – especially if you’ve been out of education for several years. You need to make sure that you’re prepared for what’s coming your way. No matter the reason behind the decision – whether it’s to follow your interests or boost your career, you’ll want to research thoroughly into it beforehand.

Throughout the research process, it’s likely that you’ll have several main considerations about furthering your education, which might include the following:

What You’ll Specialize in:

What are you interested in studying? If you’re doing it as a way of enhancing your career, chances are this will be a subject that’s related to the job you’re doing now. For example, if you’re a lawyer, you might want to specialize in a particular type of law – like brain injury law, commercial law, or family law.

However, if you’re looking for something new that you’ve never done before, the selection process might be a bit trickier. This is why it’s a good idea to look at various colleges/universities/training programs, comparing and contrasting them based on what they include and what career you could get into in the future from completing it.

The Cost:

Unfortunately, studying doesn’t come cheaply. And with some universities across the country costing up to $70,000, it might feel out of reach. Before applying to further education, it’s important to look at how much it costs and whether there are any finance options available to you. This way, you’ll know that you can afford to take it on – without unbearable student debts in the future. As you explore different higher education websites, you might notice handy features like university AI chatbots – use them! They will be able to direct you to links, services, and people to help you better explore financial options for your education.

Online VS In Person:

Do you want to study online or in-person? This is a top consideration that will help to shape your final decision. This choice will depend on how you want your studying to fit around your lifestyle. For example, if you work part-time or full-time, online studying is likely to be the best choice for you as you can work on assignments in the evenings or on the weekend.

If you’re looking to focus full-time on studying and only take on some part-time work to help cover your monthly costs, in-person studying at the university or college may be more suitable.

Should You Gain Work Experience Instead?

Is there a way that you can gain work experience? Even though further education will give you another degree, diploma, or other accreditation, for some roles, work experience is preferred. Also, if you want to get an insight into that career but don’t want the cost or ties to a course, then perhaps trying to get work experience is the better option. Through taking on an internship or placement, you’ll be able to see whether that type of career is right for you while showcasing to future employers your dedication to the profession.

Don’t forget that there are also online courses that are quick to complete while teaching you new skills in your current field. For example, if you work in finance, you might want to learn from an expert in financial modelling. This course can teach you a host of new things that you can take back to the current company you work for. This, in turn, could lead to a promotion or open the door to other career options. There are plenty of different ways to learn outside of enrolling in school so be sure to consider anything and everything available.

These are four of the top things to consider if you’re thinking of going back to school. At the end of the day, of course, the decision is up to you. But by looking at the above and researching into the course and prospects it will offer you, you’ll be able to determine the best route to follow.

Featured Image By: Moose Photos from Pexels

Jul21

Huge Bath & Body Works Online Haul

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Huge Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Hello! One thing that I have always enjoyed doing is shopping the semi annual sales at Bath & Body Works. Never would I ever buy their products full price but when they are slashing them fifty to seventy-five percent off, why wouldn’t you stock up?! Not only did I snag some early birthday gifts for my bestie but I also was able to score some shower gels for me as well as a huge supply of foaming hand soap to get myself and Johnny through another few months of quarantine. Check it out:

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If you aren’t hip to the glory of the foaming hand soaps from B&BW, then I highly suggest you hit up their sales and buy a few for yourself. They are easily the best hand soaps I have ever used. First of all, they smell fabulous. Second, a tiny pump of it goes a really long way. And, finally, they leave my hands feeling completely clean, totally moisturized, and smelling awesome.

Before, I was always okay with just buying drugstore brands for my shower gel and hand soap needs and would tut at the original expensive B&BW prices. But, when I discovered their semi annual sale, my life changed for the better. Over dramatic, yes. Lol, but it’s true. I love having a huge supply of smell goods in my apartment and my stock pile is guilt free because I paid a fraction of what the original cost would be.

Although it is the most fun to shop the sale in stores, I was still excited to fire up my laptop and check it out online. There is a potential for me to not like some of the scents because I couldn’t give it a whiff test but those products can easily be passed on to someone else or saved for a rainy day when I realize my hoard is ready for a restock!

I was happy to still shop B&BW’s sale in an nontraditional way and, now, I will patiently wait for their post winter price cuts so I can do it all over again! 😀

What is your favorite semi annual sale to shop? How do you save money on brand name shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul20

3 Simple Ideas To Inspire Your Bedroom Renovations

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3 Simple Ideas To Inspire Your Bedroom Renovations

If you are keen to spend some of the time that you are forced to spend indoors during the coronavirus crisis in a productive way, why not embark on some home renovations? While your living spaces might already be looking stylish and on-trend, think about moving upstairs and focusing on your bedroom. This should be a room that exudes relaxation, tranquillity, and calm. This is the space of your home where you rest your weary bones and strive to achieve unbroken sleep every night. If you are keen to have a go at flexing your interior design muscles in your bedroom, take a look at these three ideas:

Color:

The color palette that you choose for your bedroom needs to be relatively mooted. This doesn’t mean that you can’t inject areas of brighter or bolder hues, but the walls of your room should be relatively bland. White, cream, or pastel shades are more conducive to restful spaces. If you are more of a bold tone lover, think about using the fabrics, throws, and cushions to add texture and pattern in your space. Try and choose a theme of colors. If you like warmth, white, yellows, and reds could be inspirational. If you love natural tones, greens, oranges, and chocolate browns can be ideal. Whip up some local artwork or family photographs and personalize the space alongside your relaxing color palette to make your bedroom cozy and customized.

Storage:

Some bedrooms are blessed with amazing floor space meaning that you can easily install some fitted wardrobes and a couple of chest of drawers alongside a rocking chair and bedside tables. Storage never becomes an issue and your clothing can be housed with ease. However, if your bedroom is an unusual shape or it’s a little small, you need to think outside the box to maximize storage and stop your room from feeling cramped. Go for something more bespoke for the space. You may worry about what’s the average price of a custom closet, but there are easy ways to keep costs down. Go for minimal compartments, less extravagant materials and finishes, and forego the glazed door options. A custom closet will look incredible and it will keep your clothes, shoes, and knick-knacks safe.

Flooring:

Some of us are lucky enough to have original wooden floorboards if we live in period properties. If you have oak flooring, get it sanded and waxed and lay a lovely large rug on top to protect your feet and maintain a cozy feel. If you want to emulate this look but don’t have the authentic features, go for a cheaper man made laminate that utilizes a walnut, oak, or birch veneer. These look fantastic and are easy to fit with a tongue and groove system. If you prefer carpet and a plush softness underfoot, get a decent underlay and a long pile twist to give you that luxurious feel.

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Love the chandelier!

Revolutionizing your bedroom should be fun. Use these inspiring ideas and enjoy giving your bedroom a makeover!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul20

My Quarantine Beauty Routine

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My Quarantine Beauty Routine

Hi! Living in a lock down state has definitely put a damper on my beauty routine. In fact, I can probably count on under ten fingers the amount of times I’ve put a full face of makeup on since March nineteenth. Sure, it’s nice to be feeling myself after I beat my face but, at the end of the day, it’s not like Johnny and I do anything so what’s the point?

Every once in a while I’ll put some mascara and blush on but, for the most part, my face has been au natural. Because of that, I have really just been enjoying doing face masks on my already blank face in the evening. I have also incorporated a night time skin care routine into my beauty regimen. I used to not have one, as I never took my makeup off before bed. But, now, I always apply my serum, eye cream, and moisturizer before bed too.

Although I miss doing my makeup, I like sleeping in before work more! Lol, what I really miss is shopping. I’m not comfortable making my rounds in a store like TJMaxx or Target yet. And, when I find some cute, in season clothes online I realize that no one will probably see me in it till next year so what’s the point? I mainly have just been ordering my skin care online and extra hand soaps from Bath & Body Works when I need it.

On the bright side, this lack of shopping and applying makeup has saved me money. The lack of going out to restaurants and bars and doing my eating (And drinking!) at home also saves me money. So, when the fateful day comes that I can finally have a TJ’s shopping trip without having a panic attack, I know the haul that will be purchased will be totally guilt free. Score!

What do you miss doing most while in quarantine? How have your normal routines been affected? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul19

Things I’m Missing

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Things I’m Missing

Hello! Johnny and I have been living in a lock down style state since March 19th when the restaurants and bars in Ohio closed down. Since then, the only things I have left my apartment for other than work has been the grocery store, gas station, and my monthly nail appointment. And, on occasion, we might have a friend over for a drink through serious social distancing in my living room.

Despite being constantly surrounded at home by “entertainment” like the TV, streaming services, video games, books, and board games there are definitely some activities in the community that all of the America’s Next Top Model marathons in the world couldn’t replace. I eagerly await going to all of the following once it is safe to do so:

TJMaxx:

Lol, of course TJ’s was going to be the first on my list! You guys have no idea the amount of TJMaxx related memes that I have been sent by people who have genuinely been thinking of me during this pandemic for that reason alone! I miss going on my monthly shopping trips to TJMaxx with my mom more than anything but we have all been picking and choosing what we do very carefully. For example, my monthly “treat” outing is visiting the nail salon where I feel most comfortable. I know I wouldn’t feel safe in a store full of people so online shopping has been the move for months now.

But, trust and believe that as soon as I feel one hundred and fifty million percent okay, TJ’s will be the first place I visit. I have plenty of birthday gift cards burning a hole in my pocket and I intend on using them on a gigantic haul. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to, haha. 🙂

Restaurants/Bars:

It’s not like Johnny and I went out a ton pre-coronavirus but we would usually go to the bar or out to eat maybe once a week or so. These outings were the best last summer when we could have drinks on all of the outdoor patios in Kent. It was just such a nice way to spend an hour or two after work and I miss being able to unwind with our friends.

Most of all, however, I miss going to the bars where the band my boyfriend is in, The Outside Voices, would play. Going to their shows over the weekend was always something we really looked forward to and I know it has been so hard on him to not be doing anything musical. In fact, I think he misses performing just as much as I miss shopping at TJMaxx and that’s really saying something.

Guilt Free Hang Outs:

I have been able to Skype with and social distance hang out with a few of my friends on occasion. Of course, it’s always nice to see them whether that be on the laptop screen or at the opposite end of the room. But what I really miss is being able to hug them and interact more closely. For example, when Lea usually comes over we like to curl up on the couch and drink wine. Not so much anymore, lol.

I miss all of the little things that I never thought much of before. Big hugs goodbye, sitting on the same couch, or venturing out for random adventures – just for starters. A lot of thought goes into doing just about anything now and I miss the spontaneity that comes with guilt free hang outs with all of my besties.

What are the activities that you’re missing the most right now? Do you have a safe “treat” outing that you participate in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul18

Harry Potter Hang Out

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Harry Potter Hang Out

Hello! Sunday is normally my and Johnny’s lazy day where we indulge in a movie or TV marathon. It could be anything from binge watching the same show all day, experimenting with something new, or revisiting old favorites. For example, this past Sunday, Johnny and I had a Harry Potter marathon and watched The Chamber Of Secrets, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, and The Goblet Of Fire.

Of course, Johnny fell asleep immediately when we started Chamber Of Secrets and that gave me the opportunity to reflect on how much I friggen LOVE Harry Potter. All I can think about whenever watching the movies for the millionth time is how cool it was to essentially grow up with the cast. I also always reminisce on all of the fun my family had when we vacationed to Orlando, Florida and got to experience The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. (Take me back, PLEASE!)

It’s so special to think back to all of the Harry Potter midnight showings I’ve attended, reading the books for the first time, and then reading them one hundred times more. There is nothing better than immersing yourself in something magical when there is so much craziness going on in our world and Sunday felt like such a treat for that reason.

All of Sunday, I got to peek into the fantastic and mysterious wizarding world and it was a relief to “be” somewhere different for the day. Granted, I won’t be making anything levitate or be able to unlock my apartment door just by uttering a simple charm. But, my mind was occupied and totally entertained all day and that is the next best thing when you’re in quarantine!

What is your favorite book series? How about your favorite movie series? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

Invest In Your Home – It Will Pay You Back!

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Invest In Your Home – It Will Pay You Back!

Our homes are our sanctuary from the world, the place where we make happy memories with friends and family. But more than that, they are also the single biggest financial asset that you’re likely to own in your life. Most of us would like to own a home to pass on to our children as an inheritance or to provide a pension pot and some security in retirement, as well as having a nice place to live. And that means taking care of those four walls and everything in between. Not only for your own safety and enjoyment, but to protect your investment and hopefully allow it to mature, so that if you do come to sell your home, you make a good return. Read on to find out more:

Repair Damage Swiftly:

It should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people are either slow to repair damage to their homes or even just don’t see how run down their property gets over the years through general wear and tear. The trouble is that when we don’t attend to minor problems quickly, they often have the potential to develop into far more complex and costly to repair issues over time.

If your home suffers something like subsidence or storm damage, then make it a priority to contact a specialist company such as https://www.hlrestoration.com/storm-restoration/ to tackle the damage and prevent it from getting worse over time. Even simple things such as keeping on top of routine repainting, jet washing patios and decking, and making sure the gutters are cleared out and flowing properly can make a huge difference over time.

Add In Some Bathrooms:

In modern times, the perception of a luxury residence and the standards that people want from their accommodation have changed a lot. So modern houses are generally always built with a small ensuite bathroom to each bedroom. If you live in an older property, then this may not be the case – frequently there are less bathrooms and perhaps only one bedroom with an ensuite shower room.

One way to really boost value and the perception of your home, as well as making it more pleasant and functional to live in yourself, is to add a bathroom or two! If you have the space, then taking a little from a large bedroom or even converting a storage closet or finding a little extra space out of a hallway can give you enough room to include a shower, sink, and compact toilet. This is something buyers actively look for that really can improve the value of your property.

Reconfigure The Layout:

Sometimes a lot can be achieved simply by reconfiguring the existing layout of your home. Improve the flow and visualize how the space could work for you. Creating a large open plan kitchen and living space can completely change the way you live. Removing walls is not a complicated job if they are stud walls, but even if they are load-bearing, the right contractor can reinforce with steel beams and remove them. This will cost a little more, but it could well be worth it for the open plan layout of your dreams and modernizing your home for a future sale.

Use the tips above to give your home a huge boost in its value!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul17

Amazon Skin Care Haul

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Amazon Skin Care Haul

Hello! I live in Summit County in Ohio, which is one of the seven counties being mandated to wear masks anywhere you go now. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I haven’t been “shopping shopping” in months – just groceries and an occasional trip to the nail salon. So, I’ve had to resort to Amazon for purchasing all of my skin care needs as opposed to making one of my monthly or bimonthly trips to TJMaxx.

Needless to say, I miss TJ’s more than anything. But, I am happy that I have been able to find the brands that I love on Amazon. I also purchased some sheet masks by Celavi because my boyfriend finally caved and said he’d wear one with me. GREAT SUCCESS! Lol, check it out:

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You guys already know how much I love the SkinLab moisturizers and Azure Lux serums so let’s talk face masks. I paid ten or so dollars for twelve sheet masks by Celavi and I considered it a steal. I never have this many face masks on my person at one time and it is going to be so nice to relax with them after a long day at work. Johnny finally participating in the Face Mask Festivities will just be an added bonus!

Online shopping certainly is not the same as making my rounds at TJMaxx but, in the meantime, it is the safest option. I plan on continuing to get my skin care through Amazon until I feel one hundred percent safe going “shopping shopping” again. Until then, you can catch me and Johnny chilling in our Celavi sheet masks all pandemic long. 😀

Are you online shopping more frequently now? Which actual store do you miss the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul16

How To More Adequately Prevent Property Damage

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How To More Adequately Prevent Property Damage

When you become a homeowner for the first time, you’ll feel a sense of true achievement. You should, because it is. That being said, now you open yourself up to many more responsibilities than you would when renting. It’s now your duty to care for the maintenance tasks of the property, and to do so with a sense of urgency to prevent them getting out of hand.

Issues will come your way, and they, more than likely, will have an effect on your property. It’s not about completely avoiding them outright, rather it’s more about learning what to do when these challenges do appear. For instance, nothing you can do will prevent a harsh blizzard from coming in during the winter, provided you live in an area where that happens. Yet you can apply a few preventative measures to stop the damage from becoming unnecessarily significant.

So, how can you more adequately prevent property damage? What efforts will ensure or even guarantee this outcome? We’ll explore that together, below:

Preparing For The Seasons:

The seasons can come hard and fast depending on where you live. For some, the intensity of summer requires real forethought, while for others, the intensity of winter can feel like entering another world entirely. In this latter example, purchasing a de-icer, ensuring that your pipes are routinely worked to avoid them freezing over or purchasing large quantities of grit for your sloped driveway can be important. It is a good idea to tend to issues like cracks or potholes on your driveway as they can worsen with the changing seasons. To find a professional team to take on the task, simply enter a search for “Asphalt contractor in Shelbyville, TN” (or your local area). Taking care of these driveway repairs now can save you from a bigger bill down the road. AC repair and ventilation adjustments can also help in the midst of summer. Prepare for the upcoming seasons and keep yourself safe and comfortable all year round.

Preventing Leaks:

Preventing leaks in your property is also very important, and, unfortunately, failing to do so will ultimately result in one. That sounds like an obvious statement, but you’d be amazed at just how many avenues leaks can find to provide you with a lovely, unwanted amount of property damage. Avoiding water damage in your home includes ensuring your roofing insulation is well applied, caring for your pipes, appropriately plumbing, and investing in shielding your home from the elements. With these efforts combined, you’re sure to come to the best possible solution.

If you are experiencing leaks, do not let is fester! It will cost even more and cause more damage the longer you wait to get it looked at by a professional. To find an expert, simply enter a search for “water damage restoration in Denver, CO” or your local area to get the space effected by the leak looking good as new.

Important DIY Skill Sets:

DIY skill sets can help you avoid contributing to property damage yourself. You’d be surprised at how commonly bodged jobs can cause issues from shoddy wiring to bad plumbing, and even shelves that haven’t been secured as strongly as they should have been. If you can take the time to learn and research before you begin and visit the hardware store to ensure you have the correct tools (such as using a level instead of simply going by eye), you’ll be in a better place. You can visit DIY forums to ask questions and pre-plan your approach to begin with. And in the case of some examples, like electrical work, it’s simply best to call in the professionals.

With this advice, we hope you can more adequately prevent property damage each day to keep your home strong and in tact all year.

Featured Image By: Pexels