Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

5 Best Ways To Look After Your Skin

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5 Best Ways To Look After Your Skin

The sad truth is that many people aren’t looking after their skin as much as they should. Because of that fact, more folks are complaining of things like skin irritations, sunburn, and even getting strange new marks that they’ve never had before. If you’re guilty of paying too little attention to your skin, read on and find out how you can begin improving:

Get enough sleep each night:

If you’re something of a night owl, now’s the time to change your habits. Thousands of websites explain why you should get at least six to eight hours of uninterrupted good-quality sleep.

What you may not know is that sleeping well each night does wonders for your skin, hence the term ‘beauty sleep’! When you go to sleep, your body does a lot of housekeeping behind the scenes. One of its tasks is to help your skin cells and tissue get rejuvenated while you rest.

Get questionable skin moles and marks checked:

It’s not uncommon for people to get small dark circles appearing in random parts of their body as they age. But, what if you have recently noticed a large patch of dark skin appear on your body? In such cases, you need to get it checked out by a general practice medical center like CBD Medical. That’s because moles that are large and suddenly appear or perhaps change shape or bleed could be a precursor to skin cancer.

3. Drink plenty of water each day:

One of the things that many people are guilty of each day is not drinking enough water. It’s no secret that water is one of the things vital to our well being and helps to keep our bodies functioning as they should.

If you are often dehydrated during the day, one thing you’ll notice is that your skin begins to feel rough and may even crack. With that in mind, be sure to drink several glasses of water each day. After all, water is free and is a natural skin moisturizer.

4. Use a non-toxic face cleanser each day:

If you live in a busy city or even in the suburbs, it’s likely your face will attract all kinds of dirt and pollutants from the air around you. Having a bath or shower each day will help to get rid of some of those pollutants. But, you should also add in a non-toxic face cleansing session to your daily routine.

5. Use the right level of suntan lotion protection:

Lastly, be sure to apply the right level of suntan lotion protection to your skin. Doing so will prevent your skin from getting cooked by the sun and making you resemble a lobster! Plus, it will substantially lower the risk of developing conditions like skin cancer.

Begin taking better care of your skin today with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Miracle Skin Care Product: Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 Edition

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Miracle Skin Care Product: Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 Edition

Hello! As all of you know, Lil Red takes her skin care seriously. So, I’m sure you can understand how I would be frustrated when I was dealing with a cystic pimple that literally would not go away. No joke, I have been trying to get rid of this thing since September and used every face mask and cleanser you could think of to no avail. Sometimes the swelling would go down but, for the most part, the progress in eliminating it completely was stagnant.

That’s why I am absolutely thrilled with the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10. After looking up the best treatments for cystic acne, I realized that this product with ten percent benzoyl peroxide was the way to go and the internet definitely wasn’t lying:

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Within two weeks of at least two to three uses per day, the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 has made the cystic pimple that I have been struggling with nonexistent. Of course, it has dried out my skin but that is a side effect that I am willing to deal with to finally conquer the problem.

I legitimately have never gotten so much as a pimple before so having one that just wouldn’t go away was a huge blow to my self esteem and I wish that I would have discovered the Persa-gel sooner. I am so thankful to have a blemish free face and plan on using the gel until I can’t feel the bump under my skin anymore. But, for now, the noticeable portion of the problem is gone and I could not be happier.

If you have a tough blemish, then I can’t recommend the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 enough and will continue to keep a tube handy at all times for emergencies!

What is one of your favorite miracle beauty products? How do you keep a clear complexion? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

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Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

Hello! Crazy times, amiright? And, amid all of this craziness, it is so important to keep yourselves safe and healthy. This means limiting your time in public as much as possible. And, you know what? That’s fine by me! I have been having the best time hunkered down with Johnny (my boyfriend) playing Rock Band, watching Band Of Brothers, and indulging in our new obsession of Magic The Gathering. As much as I enjoy an evening at the bar, a quiet evening in is definitely what I prefer.

I had to laugh at a meme that said something like “when you realize your normal lifestyle is considered a quarantine” because that holds quite a bit of accuracy to me! But, if you’re still struggling to find ways to keep yourself occupied, allow me to suggest the following:

Learn Something New:

Sure, you could spend your time in self-isolation binging TV… And, believe you me, I’ve had my fair share of America’s Next Top Model marathons. But, you could also use this time to learn something new. Take a virtual tour of a museum, which is now being offered through a lot of establishments. Try your hand at a new language. Give a craft on Pinterest a shot. You’ll be amazed at where you end up once the self-isolation recommendation has lifted if you chip away at a new skill every day.

Cook A Great Meal:

I am so thankful that I went grocery shopping a week before all of the closings started happening because my pantry is fully stocked. And, since going out for dinner isn’t possible right now, I have enjoyed cooking in my kitchen every day. I love making breakfast over the weekend for my boyfriend and revel in when I can have dinner ready for him when he gets home. It is never not satisfying to me to lay out a meal that I made.

Open up a recipe book and give a few new ones a go, cook an old favorite, or bake and decorate a cake. An afternoon helping mom or dad bake cookies always goes down well for the little ones, too!

Exercise:

Unfortunately, all of the skating rinks in my neck of the woods are closed so I cannot have my weekly skate sesh. This sucks but it also doesn’t mean that I can’t still be active, which is so crucial when you’re stuck at home and being more sedentary. Do some crunches during your TV time or lift some weights. And, although community hangs are frowned upon – going out for a brisk hike or walk around the neighborhood isn’t.

Rearrange/Redecorate:

If you’re beginning to feel the effects of cabin fever, try rearranging your home or the room that you spend the most time in. Switching out knick knacks, changing the position of the couch, or reorganizing your book or movie shelves can breathe a whole new life into a space. And, if you’re on the hunt for something brand new, order online and make sure you love it since you’re going to be seeing a lot of it for a while. 😉

Although things feel scary right now don’t let it get in the way of enjoying yourself as you try out the ideas above!

How has the coronavirus effected you? What have you been doing to stay occupied? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Passing Time In Self-Isolation

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Passing Time In Self-Isolation

Hi everyone! I hope that all of you are managing to stay healthy and safe during this crazy time. I also hope that you’re staying sane after hearing coronavirus related news all day every day because that can be a bit much, too. As more businesses, schools, and gathering places close and events are cancelled, it’s easy to feel trapped. And, if you are practicing self-isolation you might be running out of things to do to keep occupied which just adds to the panic. So, allow me to come in with a few suggestions:

Read A Book:

This is such an obvious idea but you’d be amazed at all of the posts I see on Facebook asking for binge worthy show suggestions as opposed to an un-put-downable book. Crack open that novel you’ve been holding off on reading for ages, sit back, relax, and read. And I mean really read, which means more than just one chapter! A few weeks back, I borrowed Doctor Sleep by Stephen King from the library and am hoping to finish that during my free time.

Work On A Puzzle:

I happen to really enjoy a good jigsaw puzzle and, while everything is so up in the air, it is a great way to kill an afternoon. Although I still have to go to work, I plan on limiting seeing my clients just in their home instead of in the community so I definitely see a lot of puzzles in my future. You are not limited to jigsaw puzzles, though! Try a word search, crossword, jumbles, Sudoku, or Mahjong to fill up some free time.

Don’t forget that you can use apps or websites to do activities like crosswords or Sudoku as well. Words With Friends is also a great option if you love a good game of Scrabble like me! If you are a fan of Mahjong, you could go to jom99 login as they feature a lot of different Mahjong games for fun twists on an old favorite. Games and puzzles that make you think is always better than doom scrolling!

Binge Watch A Little:

Lol, it would be cruel and unusual to not put this suggestion on the list but try not to go overboard with it. Limit yourself to one to two episodes a day so your brain doesn’t turn into complete mush. That’s not to say you can’t treat yourself to an America’s Next Top Model bingeathon (God knows I have!), but don’t make that the norm while outside activities are so limited.

Spring Clean:

If now isn’t the perfect time to spring clean, then I genuinely don’t know when it would be. Set aside some time during the day to tackle at least one room or area of your home or apartment. Disinfect, dust, sweep, and Swiffer until your place is sparkling. Don’t forget to really clean things like light switches, door knobs, handles, and the toilet flusher!

Games Galore:

While in self-isolation, my boyfriend and I have grown very partial to video games, particularly Rock Band. We have such a blast playing the different songs, talking about music, and honing in on our skill. We both play on hard on the guitar… But I don’t mean to brag. 😉 My beau and I have also been playing Little Big Planet, Unraveled, Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros. to help pass the time. We both highly recommend Unraveled and, although it has long since been beaten, we always enjoy playing it again from time to time.

If video games aren’t your thing, then board or card and computer games work just as well. There are an insane amount of online games to choose from like Galactic Wins Casino (if gambling is something you enjoy), WOW, and Bubble Pop; the list just goes on. I just wish that Rollercoaster Tycoon was still a thing on the computer! Classic computer games like pinball, checkers, and solitaire are also great ways to kill time and are perfect for a less intense gaming experience. I love playing solitaire and it’s so easy to keep playing once you’re on a winning streak!

Indeed, computer games are always being added and improved and it can be hard to keep up – especially if you enjoy playing a lot of different ones! If you are looking for a leg up in a new game or one you are struggling with, you can buy accounts to immediately get you into the swing of the game. For example, you could enter a search for “Clash Royale Account for sale” or whatever game you are interested in to browse your options. This could also be a lucrative side hustle if you have several excellent gaming accounts that you are willing to part with.

I, myself, really enjoy Scrabble and Sequence and I never say no to a good game of Monopoly. One of my clients enjoys playing Poker and I have gotten pretty into that, too. Games are such a fun way to pass the time and reconnect since going out to dinner is not an option right now.

From the ideas above to cooking an amazing meal or even starting a blog, I hope these suggestions come in handy when you feel the boredom of self-isolation sinking in. Enjoy!

How have you been spending your free time amid the coronavirus panic? What is a book, movie, show, or game suggestion that you recommend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Hello! Today is a happy, special, wonderful day because it is my mom’s birthday! My mom is my best friend and, although she deserves to be celebrated all day every day on and off the blog, I always look forward to bragging about her for her annual birthday post! With two new grandchildren being born in 2019, my mom had an exciting year and I can only hope that 2020 will continue to offer the best of all of life’s sweet surprises to her. Now, let’s take a look at this beauty:

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Jane is a loving mother and grandmother and she is also a bona fide, badass, cancer survivor. We are so thankful for her remission status and, whenever I am struggling with something, I always remember the positive outlook my mom kept during that difficult time and it instantly makes things easier. No matter what curveball has been thrown at my mom, her shine never manages to dull. In fact, it radiates even more strongly and I think everyone can learn from that.

My mom is amazing and she has this beautiful gift that makes everyone around her feel amazing too. It’s hard not to when we’re together, considering you can literally feel the pride that she has for her family, grandchildren, and dogs! My mom is proud of me but I am even more proud to be her daughter and I will always aspire to be half of the woman that she is someday.

I LOVE YOU, MOM! ❤

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Fairy Hair Pt. 2

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Fairy Hair Pt. 2

Hello! During my family vacation to North Carolina this past summer, I noticed a boutique offering “fairy hair” AKA hair tinsel. I was so charmed by the adorable name and the variety of colors of the tinsel that I just had to get some put in. I was absolutely obsessed and they added such a sweet, girly touch of fun to my locks.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. I simply refused to live without them, however, and ordered a hair tinsel kit off of Amazon identical to the one that the boutique in North Carolina had. I knew my hair stylist could do the fairy hair that I so desperately craved and she worked her magic the last time I got my hair cut.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. SO I GOT MORE PUT BACK IN LAST WEEK! Check it out:

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As per ushe, my stylist, Anna, knocked it out of the park. In fact, this time it is even better because she worked on her tinsel knotting technique and I have only had two fatalities thus far. Anna expertly layered the different hues of tinsel that showed up the best in my choppy new do and within a half hour or so my fairy hair was complete.

I was so happy with how my hair bling turned out and the compliments literally don’t stop, which is a major ego booster! I remember when fairy hair was a thing several years ago and I loved it then and I am still just as in love now. My next goal, you may ask? Bringing back hair feathers! Hopefully there will be a kit for that on Amazon… 😀

How do you like to spice up your hair style? Do you plan on getting your hair cut for the warm weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Coronavirus Vibe Killer

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Coronavirus Vibe Killer

Hi everyone! In the midst of all of this coronavirus craziness, I hope that all of my dear friends and readers are staying safe, happy, and healthy as panic spreads and toilet paper runs scarce. Everyone seems to be quarantining themselves from work, school, and other commitments and gatherings at movie theaters, concerts, and the like have been cancelled.

Normally, I would be stoked on literal government permission to not leave my house. Believe you me, I fantasize about that on mornings where it’s particularly hard to get out of bed and get to work. But, goddamn gang, I am SO disappointed because all of the fun events that I have been looking forward to are dropping out like flies.

For example, I was supposed to see Jesus Christ Super Star twice within one week at Playhouse Square in Cleveland and when it got cancelled your girl was just devastated. I have wanted to see that show live since my youth and seeing it twice was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me… until it didn’t. -___-

My boyfriend’s band, The Outside Voices, was also supposed to open for Molly Hatchet in April, which got the boot amid this unnerving time worldwide too. Am I shocked? No. It’s the right thing to do to protect our vulnerable populations. Am I disappointed? You better fucking believe it!

Yes, I’m disappointed in my festivities being cancelled. But, damn, I’m the most disappointed about certain behaviors that I have seen manifesting during this difficult time. There is absolutely NO need to be stockpiling mass amounts of food and product, preventing those who also need some to be left empty handed. I have also been sickened to see that people have been selling their hoards at an extremely marked up price on Facebook marketplace to make a quick buck. It’s shameful.

I’m sick of the racist remarks, I’m tired of the selfishness, and I urge all of you to take a minute and reflect on everything that is going on and how you can help. Whether that be Purel-ing your hands constantly to stop the spread of germs or packing a lunch for children who might need it now that the schools are shut down. We are all in this together, so let’s start acting like it! Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

How have you been dealing with the coronavirus panic? How has your life been affected by it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Spoil Your Pooch: Three Must-Haves For Your Dog

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Spoil Your Pooch: Three Must-Haves For Your Dog

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone around these days who doesn’t have a very spoiled and beloved doggy in their home. Dogs are just so good, you know? 

While we’re all dog lovers, our approaches to having an animal can be decidedly different. There are those of us who treat our puppers like family members, giving them every luxury, putting their needs and care above even our own, and sparing no expense for the best food, vet care, and more. Then of course, there are those who have a more hands off approach with their pets, loving them no less of course, but taking a more casual approach to pet ownership. 

No matter what your pet-parenting style is, these are three areas in which you should always “splurge”, to provide your pet (and yourself) with the best life possible:

Grooming:

This is especially true for dogs who have dense, heavy coats or special needs in terms of washing/cutting. Too many people neglect their dog’s coat, which can lead to health problems, bad hygiene, and more. A groomer is more than just a stylist for your pet. They also treat the dog’s skin, cut their nails, express glands, and so much more. 

And if you’re worried about cost, groomers are surprisingly inexpensive. You can find deals on sites like Groupon, subscribe to pet store services to get a discount, and even find independent contractors who will come to your home to groom your pet if you’re unable to get out or have an anxious dog. All of this is much more affordable than you think. 

Grooming your dog is the responsible, economical, and hygienic thing to do, especially in the summer. Prevent matted fur, fleas, and shedding all over your house by hiring an affordable groomer to pamper your pup. 

Obedience Training:

If you have a puppy or even an older dog that just can’t seem to behave, don’t snap. Dog owners who employ aggressive and/or violent discipline methods end up having anxious dogs who misbehave even more, or worse, violent dogs who end up being put down. By employing someone who will use aggressive dog training, you’ll ensure that your dog unlearns bad behaviors and learns good ones. Dog training courses are reasonably affordable and don’t take very long. Your dog will be home, behaving like a gentleman (or woman) in no time. 

Good Food:

We’re all guilty of grabbing a quick and cheap bag of that knock-off two-dollar-a-bag dog food once or twice when we’re pressed for time or are super broke. It happens. 

But generally speaking, spending the extra cash to buy your dog a healthy, nutritious brand of food will make a huge difference in their quality of life. Many dogs have dietary needs just like humans; whether they need something grain free, dairy free, non-allergenic, or need to avoid one or two specific ingredients. The stuff that you buy at the store is often full of corn, salt, and other fillers that can make your dog at the least, overweight and sluggish; at its worst, can seriously harm your dog. The same goes for dog treats. It’s a good idea to visit your vet to determine the dietary needs of your dog and what brands are recommended. For example, this Aussie company is great if your dog has allergies. Allergies can make your dog sick, lose weight, or even lose their appetite altogether, so if this is something your dog is struggling with, it might be time to check for allergies. Tailoring the food to your dog’s dietary needs is vital in ensuring your pup remains happy and healthy.

Purchasing high-quality dog food is worth the extra expense. Sites like Chewy and other great in-person pet stores have excellent, nutritious dog food for a wide variety of needs that won’t break the bank. Doesn’t your dog deserve it? 

Don’t make life “ruff” for your dog if you don’t have to. By spending a little extra on these three goods/services, your pup will be happy, healthy, and provide you with years of companionship. You and your best friend will be happier than ever. 

Featured Image By: Kat Jayne

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Watermelon & Aloe Cooling Gel Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Watermelon & Aloe Cooling Gel Mask Edition

Hello! Every once in a while I like to treat myself to a new face mask to indulge in during my weekly night of pampering. I never spend too much money on them and, whether I liked the mask or not, I still tried something new and I love testing out different skin care products. At Five Below, they have a wonderful selection of Freeman face masks and I believe I paid four dollars for one of them. You definitely can’t beat that and I ended up purchasing a Watermelon & Aloe Cooling Gel Mask. Read on to find out more:

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I have never been too keen on gel face masks unless they are to be applied before going to bed. But, the Watermelon & Aloe Cooling Gel Mask just seemed way too refreshing to pass up. Not only will something like that feel good after a hot summer day but it will also help soothe my dry skin, compliments of surviving another Ohio winter. So, into the cart it went and I was looking forward to giving it a try.

First of all, this mask smelled amazing. It smelled exactly like the Watermelon Lip Smackers and it instantly perked me up when I took a whiff before my morning shower. The mask also felt cool to the touch immediately once it was squeezed on my hand and, as I applied it on my face and neck I was invigorated by the tingling, cooling sensation that I felt on my skin.

After washing it off in the shower, my skin definitely felt smoother and not as tight in the patches that are experiencing dryness. I was surprised at how well this face mask worked and I daresay that I like it better than the Freeman clay masks that I have tried. This mask didn’t promise miracles on its packaging but everything that it did have was 150% accurate and I can’t wait to use it again!

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

New Magenta & Gold Nails

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New Magenta & Gold Nails

Hello! Every month, I treat myself to getting my acrylics filled at Elysian Nails. It is my happy place and my happy time and I always leave the salon feeling like a million bucks. I also leave with the hopes that someone will try me so I can give them a good scratch! Lol, because I’ve been getting my nails done for forever, I am running out of inspiration for good color combinations. So, I revisited an old favorite of magenta and gold polish this time around. Check it out:

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I am, admittedly, a pretty flashy girl. I love the bling, I love being bold, and I love things that stand out, all reasons why I love my new nails. The glittery gold against the almost metallic magenta makes for an eye popping combination and they feel perfect for welcoming the spring weather with.

Now that I have the palms of my hands tattooed, keeping my nails fresh to death is a necessity because my unique ink is definitely a conversation starter everywhere I go. Lol, I have never been asked “did that hurt?” so much about anything in my life! This is a weird thing to say, but my decorated palms and nails make me feel so confident and it feels like putting on a show with every hair flip. Love it!

What color of polish do you have on? Which colors should I get next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah