Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Accessory Story: Bling Bling Earrings Edition

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Accessory Story: Bling Bling Earrings Edition

Howdy! During my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta with my boyfriend, Johnny, he humored me by letting me shop in a darling boutique called EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s. Despite him looking like the “miserable husbands of Instagram” who fall asleep at the mall while their wives shop, I know he had a good time too. In fact, he’s just as big of an enabler as when I’m shopping with my mom or sister! Haha, such an angel!

I went a little earring crazy during my boutique bonanza but it’s not like I’m going to be able to shop in that store again any time soon so it was totally worth it. You saw my cool cross earrings yesterday and now check out two more super blingy pairs:

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While I was checking out, the square pair of earrings with the Mardi Gras chic colors was sitting in a basket marked five dollars. I immediately tossed them in my pile and began taking a closer look at the jewelry in the store after realizing that their selection was going to be just as good as their clothes (Which you’ll begin seeing tomorrow!).

My boyfriend and I both loved the unique square earrings and the cross ones but we both decided that the glittery light pink lightning bolts were a must. At the same time, we said that it was like David Bowie and you’re not going to not purchase something like David Bowie!

I am so enamored with both of these pairs of earrings because of their colors. I definitely don’t own anything in the festive shades of the square pair or the glam rock pink of the lightning bolts. Each pair is going to make an eye popping statement and I’m looking forward to wearing all of the pretty new babes that I added to my jewelry collection. 😀

Do you own anything that reminds you of a celebrity or musician? What is the most unique pair of earrings you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Cross To Bear Earrings Edition

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Accessory Story: Cross To Bear Earrings Edition

Hi! While shopping in Marietta during Valentine’s Day weekend, I went a little crazy at a boutique with the adorably Southern name of EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s. This Francesca’s style store is in the process of going completely online so do be sure to check it out because they had the most gorgeous clothes and accessories for insanely good prices. Not only did I get three beautiful new clothing pieces but I ended up with a ton of earrings too, including these lovely cross shaped numbers:

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Despite not being religious in the slightest, I have always had a panache for cross shaped accessories. I love rosaries and dangly cross earrings and you can almost always catch me rocking my signature black pair. I am a huge fan of the bling and when I saw my new cross earrings bedazzled in black and white gems I just couldn’t choose which color I wanted… So I got both, lol. Whoops! 😉

I am a firm believer in accessories being able to completely change an outfit, which makes me partial to chunky necklaces and dramatic beads. But, I am particularly fond of earrings because of how they pop against my short-ish, choppy, red hair. I love being able to see the light hit the gemstones or shiny metallic hues and it puts complete focus on your pretty face.

Not only do these earrings make a bold statement but they will look absolutely dazzling come summer time when the sunlight makes the crystals dance. EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s was such a charming little shop and I can’t wait to share the rest of my haul with all of you!

What is your favorite boutique? What is your favorite kind of accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Home Alarm Security Options

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Home Alarm Security Options

Home security is of huge importance today. Below, we are going to take a look at some effective home security suggestions to keep you and yours safe:

Monitored burglar alarms:

A monitored burglar alarm is one of the most effective security methods available from alarm companies today. You can have complete peace of mind that your home is protected at all times, no matter if you are away on holiday or you simply spend a lot of time out of the house on a day-to-day basis.

What is a monitored alarm?

Monitored alarm systems provide communication between your home security system and a central monitoring system. So, if your control panel acknowledges a security breach, it will send a signal to a central monitoring station. There are also police monitored alarm systems, which connect your home security system to the police. With most police monitored alarms, if there is more than one emergency signal registered within less than half an hour, the police will be notified.

Another option to consider is a SMART monitored home alarm. These alarms are connected to your devices, such as your mobile phone or tablet. This means that you will be immediately alerted if there is a breach. When you are doing your research for a new alarm, it is so important to choose a service that provides you with round the clock care 24/7 and 365 days a year. You can have peace of mind with products like the Verisure Smart Alarms for starters or other home security businesses in your area.

Why choose a monitored alarm?

A monitored alarm can give you full reassurance that your property is protected. No matter where in the world you are, someone will be on the scene to ensure any issues are dealt with. Not only this, but monitored alarms can easily be integrated with other security systems, including CCTV and door entry access.

Bells only burglar alarm:

An audible alarm system is one that makes a noise when it is activated. So, if someone unauthorized tries to access your home, a loud noise will sound. This will ensure someone comes to the scene immediately while also warning any criminals off. No one is going to proceed to burgle your home once a loud alarm sounds! This system is well suited to those who live in a busy area where neighbors will hear the alarm. If you live in a remote location out in the countryside, you’d be better off with a different type of alarm.

Why choose a bells only burglar alarm?

  • Excellent burglary deterrent: A bells only alarm can stop your house from being targeted by criminals. Most burglaries are opportunistic, so the mere presence of an alarm can do enough to scare the criminals away.
  • Cost efficiency: A bells only alarm is the most cost-efficient home security method available on the market today. You can have complete peace of mind without needing to spend a lot of money.
  • Peace of mind: Relax in and out of your home, knowing it is secure.

Wired vs. wireless:

One of the important decisions to make when choosing between home burglar alarm systems is whether to go for a wired or wireless alarm. Both have their advantages. Wireless systems are faster and much less disruptive, but the battery will need to be changed regularly.

Use the tips above to keep your home and family well protected today and in the future.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

February 2020 Finishes

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February 2020 Finishes

Hi! After what seemed like five months of January, we are already at the end of our second month of the new year. I blinked and February was over but so much fun stuff happened this month! I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend with my boyfriend, I was in a music video (More to come later!), and enjoyed some great practices at the skating rink. I’m already looking forward to what March has in store but, first, let’s check out my February finishes:

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Would I Use Again:

Why/Why Not?

TBS Treatment: I absolutely LOVE the Tea Tree Pore Minimiser by The Body Shop. This wonder product not only helps shrinks pores but leaves my skin with the most perfect matte finish, which gives me flawless skin with no makeup. The Pore Minimiser has always been one of my favorites by TBS and I was so stoked when I found it at TJMaxx. One tube lasted me about one and a half months and I am hoping that there are more available to purchase next time I go to TJs!

SkinLab Serum: The more I use this serum, the less crazy I am about it. This probably stems from the fact that I only get about three weeks of usage from one bottle. As someone who balls on a budget, I hope for a little more longevity out of a product, especially one that’s seven bucks a pop! I don’t think that I would buy this serum again unless I had no other options and am excited to try out something new once I finish up my last bottle of Lift & Firm.

SkinLab Moisturizer: Despite not being crazy about the serum, I love the Lift & Firm moisturizer by SkinLab. It takes me at least one month to finish the jar and I am really enjoying this cream while it’s still cold out because it’s a bit heavier. Although the consistency is thicker than what I normally use, this moisturizer absorbs quickly, sits well under makeup, and I highly recommend it.

Not too many empties this month, but I just have a feeling that there will be a ton in March so get ready for it!

Which products did you use up this month? What is your favorite serum? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Thoughtful Ways To Honor A Friend Who Passed Away

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Thoughtful Ways To Honor A Friend Who Passed Away

When a friend passes away, it can take a massive toll on your mental health and well being. You go through various stages of grief and loss that last for months. Honoring friends who pass away is a great way to cherish the memories that you have and somehow “give back,” even if you didn’t get the chance in life. You can do so with the following ideas:

Visit Their Favorite Vacation Spot Annually:

If your friend had a favorite place that they liked to go, then it can be an excellent idea to visit that spot with your other friends in honor of their memory. It could be a relaxing trip to the beach or a tour of a city destination – it depends on what they enjoyed. Here, you’ll have a chance to reminisce about the times that you shared and continue to enjoy the things that they liked before they passed away.

Get A Tattoo:

When somebody passes away, a lot of people like to create some sort of permanent reminder that reminds them of the time that they spent with them. Getting a tattoo related to that person can be a gesture that ensures that they remain a permanent fixture on your body. You have a lot of freedom over the type of tattoo that you get. Some people ask the tattoo artist to recreate their likeness on their skin. Others will enshrine the date of their death or the time that they first met them. Or it could be something as simple as a line from a poem that they liked.

Of course, getting a tattoo isn’t for everyone. However, there are many ways to permanently express your sentiments for your loved one. You could host an annual gathering for remembrance or even design a special marker at their resting place. You could custom design one with Tegeler Monument (or a similar company in your local area) and include a favorite quote, animal, or a picture of the two of you together and it will always be there.

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Pixabay Image

Plant A Tree:

The beautiful thing about life is that no matter how many people pass away, new life will always emerge. Many people grieving because of the death of a friend, therefore, plant trees.

Trees are a fantastic way to cherish a memory. If you plant an oak, it could stand tall for a thousand years or more, paying permanent homage to your loved one. What’s more, you can visit the tree regularly, and it’ll always be there to pay respects to the person you lost.

Buy A Special Necklace:

A lot of people now wear an urn cremation necklace in memory of a person who has passed away. The idea is simple. You collect some of their ashes and then use them to fill a pendant that you wear around your neck. It’s a way of ensuring that a part of their spirit remains close to you at all times. Urn necklaces last forever and ensure that you never forget the person you lost. For this reason, they can provide comfort.

Donate To Charity In Their Honor:

If you had a friend who had a passion for a particular cause, you might want to donate to a related charity in their honor. Part of paying respects to the passing of a dear friend is continuing to do things that they would have done to make the world a better place. Had they lived, they may have donated to animal shelters or water aid charities. You can help maintain their legacy by making donations of your own.

Create A Memory Journal:

If you have a load of photos of your friend lying around, why not create a memory journal? The concept is pretty simple. You just create a set of themes – like your friend being silly or enjoying a holiday – and then glue photos to the pages of a notebook. Everyone can then refer to the journal whenever they want to think more about the person they’ve lost, creating a permanent homage to their life.

Learn A New Skill:

If your friend was a whizz on computers or loved to play the piano, then you might want to learn that skill and continue it in their stead. Learning a new skill is a great way to deal with the grieving process. It allows you to direct your energy into something positive. The last thing you want is to wallow in misery. You want to be able to move on with your life. That’s what your friend would have wanted too.

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Try learning the piano!

Create A Memorial In Your Home:

For some people, creating a memorial in their home can help a lot with the grieving process. A permanent memorial is a way to allow their memory to live on, even if the person isn’t here anymore. When creating a memorial, you don’t have to do anything complicated. Something as simple as a picture on the wall or a bunch of flowers in a vase can be all you need. You can be more extravagant if you want, but there’s usually no need.

Keep the memory of your friend alive with the tips above. ❤

Featured Image By: Pixabay

If The Shoe Fits: Fringe Finds Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Fringe Finds Edition

Hello! During my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta, I did a fair bit of shopping… No surprise there! My boyfriend, Johnny, and I wandered into the Noah’s Arc Thrift Shop in Parkersburg, West Virginia and I found the most fabulous pair of black fringe cowboy boots I have ever seen in my life. And the real miracle? The boots are a size five and a half and I’m a six! Praise be to he. Anyways, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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While Johnny and I were browsing and my eyes locked on these bad boys by Dingo, my heart literally stopped. Then, I was filled with the overwhelming disappointment that the boots of my dreams were one half size too small. I had no intention of trying them on, because I figured that they wouldn’t fit. But, Johnny encouraged me to give them a shot anyways and by some divine intervention, they fit… albeit a little tight! 😉

I have never owned a pair of cowboy boots before and never had a desire too because they aren’t my style in the slightest. But, if you throw some black fringe on a shiny black background and a bad ass shape, how do you expect me to refuse?! These are the most punk rock cowboy boots I’ve ever seen and it only seems fitting that they should now belong to me.

Had these shoes been less loved, I highly doubt that they would have been able to fit me comfortably. But, the previous owner obviously wore them a lot because they were nice and broken in. These boots are going to look so fierce with short shorts and peeking out beneath maxi skirts this summer and I am one hundred and fifty percent ready for it!

How do you style cowboy boots? What has been your latest thrift store find? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works February 2020 Freebie

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Bath & Body Works February 2020 Freebie

Hello! I used to get hella coupons for freebies from Bath & Body Works but then got cut off when they realized I was not buying anything each time! Lol, but after a few recent hauls at B&BW, I am finally back on their mailing list and received my first coupon in ages at the beginning of February. This is great, because who doesn’t like free lotion or shower gel?! Especially when it’s champagne scented! Check it out:

It’s no secret that Lil Red loves her bubbly, so this travel sized lotion in Champagne Toast was the obvious choice. I really like this scent because of how light and fruity it smells. You can easily detect the hints of strawberries and nectarines underneath the fizzy sweet champagne bubbles. I am so glad that they went this route instead of something overly musky because that’s just a future headache waiting to happen… Which would be a hard no from me.

Champagne Toast is a lovely scent for late spring and summer time. Perfect for sharing drinks with your friends during a warm evening spent on the patio of your favorite bar, this crisp scent will have you craving all of the fruity cocktails or a filled to the brim glass of champagne!

What is your favorite drink or cocktail? What is your favorite warm weather fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Valentine’s Day Bouquet Pt. 2

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Valentine’s Day Bouquet Pt. 2

Hello, everyone! I had a simply magical Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend, Johnny, and I hope that everyone had as wonderful of a day as I did… Whether it be with your spouse or a romcom and a bottle of wine! Johnny’s band, The Outside Voices, was playing a show in Marietta, Ohio on the fifteenth. So, Johnny and I decided to make a long weekend of it and drove there on Valentine’s Afternoon.

We stayed at a beautiful hotel called the Lafayette and we had a delicious dinner. Then, we went back to our room and drank champagne and watched Weird Al music videos for two hours straight. Like I said, it was simply magical.

The following day, we explored Parkersburg, West Virginia and Marietta before The Outside Voices played. Johnny and I spent the day checking out different thrift stores and boutiques and it was a complete blast. Definitely stay tuned for all of the amazing finds I scored from a trendy boutique that is in the process of going online so all of us can shop on there together! 😀

Johnny and I agreed to not go overboard with Valentine’s Day gifts and that was fine by me. Our entire weekend was the greatest gift of all and it was one of the best days of my life. But, being the sweet angel that Johnny is, he surprised me with roses and champagne and that was the cherry on top. Check it out:

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When Johnny and I celebrated our big one week (haha), he gave me one single rose and I gave him a pack of hard seltzer water. I have kept that rose in my favorite vase and put the not dead ones in there too for good measure. When will I take them out, save the petals, and clean the vase? The world may never know.

In case you haven’t noticed, I like getting flowers. I guess that stems from (Ba dum chhhhh!) the fact that I have so many vivid recollections since childhood of my dad gifting flowers to my mom. During the summer time when the flowers in our garden were in bloom, there would be a fresh bouquet on the kitchen table every weekend. And, once the flowers wilted come fall, at least once a month my dad would purchase flowers as a “splurge” from the local grocery stores.

We interrupt your normal blog viewing with a conversation that happened between Sarah and her dad two weeks ago:

Me: Dad, I like those flowers. Where did you get them?

Dad: At Aldi’s… I splurged!

We now return to our normally scheduled programming.

Anyways, I know that people always associate getting flowers with love. But, my association literally comes from seeing true love between my parents. And, that’s why a simple bouquet and a bottle of booze (!!!) was the perfect gift for me. ❤

How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day? What do you associate with love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dollar Tree Haul

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Dollar Tree Haul

Hello! If you’re anything like me, then I know you love some discount shopping! The Dollar Tree is my happy place and I always seem to be able to find a little treat or some food for chez moi at a fraction of the price of a normal grocery store. Speaking of going grocery shopping, I only go once every two to three months. Since I live alone, I stock up on everything I need to avoid weekly or even biweekly trips to the grocery.

However, I am in the phase of my extended time not grocery shopping where my cupboards are running a little bare. And by a little, I mean I’ve literally ate spaghetti every day for the past week, lol. Luckily, the Dollar Tree has my back and I was able to pick up all of these goodies for a whole thirteen bucks. Check it out:

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Lol, so I know that looks like an excessive amount of the Arizona nachos n’ cheese dip, reminiscent of an adult Lunchable, but it’s actually not enough. These nacho trays are my absolute favorite snack on the planet. The small, circular chips are crisp, the cheese is spicy, and it really is a perfect and highly convenient snack for when I’m at work. And, of course, you need some Sour Skittles to wash it all down. 😉

I am also very partial to the Shells & Cheese kit because you don’t need milk to make it, which is great, because I haven’t had milk in my apartment for months! One of these tiny boxes makes a staggering amount of mac n’ cheese and it ends up feeding me for at least three days. And for a whole dollar, you just can’t beat that.

Finally, I was so pleased with the last sets of fake eyelashes that I purchased from the Dollar Tree that I decided to restock my supply. The last fake lashes I got were long and in funky colors because it was around Halloween when I bought them. They applied like a dream and lasted all night so I’m looking forward to testing out my simple pairs of black lashes on a day where I don’t feel like doing my makeup. Keep tuning in to see how it works out! 😀

What is your favorite discount store to shop at? How often do you go grocery shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Preparing Your Home For The Seasonal Shift

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Preparing Your Home For The Seasonal Shift

While it seems as though seasonal shifts are less predictable than ever in how weather conditions will be felt, it’s important to recognize that preparing our homes for the seasonal shift is worth thinking about. Of course, this is hardly the only responsibility we have around this time. Outfitting ourselves with some new pieces for our seasonal wardrobe, taking care of our health (and skin!), and coping with renewed driving conditions are a handful enough, let alone careful home maintenance.

Thankfully, you needn’t think of this as some kind of chore, rather a relaxed measure of ensuring that you are protected from the weather, that certain maintenance issues do not grow to be worse than they should be, and that you feel safe and secure within your home. Personal changes, upgrades, or developments of your own volition can be applied outside of the guidance below, but the following advice can serve as a good set of markers if you’re struggling to consider what priorities are most important:

Pest Control Preparations:

The Pest Authority is well known for a range of excellent preventative measures to help protect your property against all manner of pests, which can be essential as the seasons shift, as this usually causes the migration of many small creatures far and wide. Being able to ensure that homes with a crawlspace, garage, basement, or other areas that need attending to is fully protected can be an absolute lifesaver. Deterrents can even protect the outside of your property, if necessary.

Insulation Checks:

Insulation checks can be a great idea to carry out ahead of time, as this gives you the chance to fully ensure the thawing of the outside world does not give rise to property damage or damp. Ensuring your window sealants are still very much in place after a harsh winter, that your roofing felt is still in good condition and able to prevent heat from rising up and out of your property (to a wasteful degree, at least), and preparing for the offset of moisture that always comes in the springtime through clearing gutters (so that insulation is not overworked) can be a worthwhile idea.

Driveway Maintenance:

Not all driveways will encounter issues, but in colder climates (such as in Canada) you’ve likely had to shovel snow and grit your driveway for some intensive amount of time. The freezing and thawing regular effect weather conditions can have on your driveway may cause damage and cracks or may allow for smaller peeling to be felt at the sides where the material connects with the small guidance walls.

This is where having your driveway inspected by experts in Concrete Repair comes in handy. The last thing you need is to deal with a flooded or breakaway driveway due to its inability to handle moisture or thawing correctly, as a flawed installation will often make itself known at this time of year.

Exterior Care:

Caring for the rest of your exterior is often conducted for the same seasonal reasons as your driveway, but it’s important to recognize just how much work you may have to put forth here. For instance, mowing your lawn after the intensive winter period may be tricky, and also require the use of weed-killing formulas in some problem areas.

Removing debris from the garden, filling in molehills, and inspecting the covered garden furniture are good winter lawn care tips to think about before the weather turns cold. This is also a good time to consider shopping around for new furniture if yours has seen better days as you might be able to score a better price for them. Shopping on websites like jbfurniture.co.uk can provide plenty of inspiration for new furnishings to welcome spring with. Power washing the garden path and your decking can also help remove grime that may have built up over the colder months. Simple cleaning habits, such as using disinfectants on your shed or greenhouse windows to prevent molds can be a great idea.

All gardens are different in their own way, and so it may be clearing fallen branches for one person or clearing the gutters out for another. Doing the latter isn’t always a straightforward process – luckily Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Little Rock and other companies hold lots of information on their websites that should help you tackle it with confidence. This may not always need doing though, based on your surroundings, but if you do have a garden and you have experienced winter, odds are you’re not going to get away with minimal care over your green space. Every effort helps.

With this advice, we hope you can better prepare your home for the seasonal shift!

Featured Image By: Pexels