Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Accessory Story: Mia Fiore Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Mia Fiore Necklace Edition

Salutations everyone and welcome to the last post from my TJMaxx holiday gift card haul. Despite not having always been a jewelry girl, my penchant for the bling has grown as I’ve gotten older. I used to find simple jewelry as boring and bold jewelry as gaudy. But, now I know that the right accessory can enhance your look from an eight to a ten with the mere choice of a necklace or bracelet. And, yes, I do love the gaudy jewelry now! I am looking forward to spicing up my OOTDs with the unique necklace seen below by Mia Fiore:

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Although I used to turn my nose up at the flashy spectacle of bright yellow gold necklaces, they seem to be all I’ve been buying lately! I absolutely love them. I am a huge fan of a chunky gold chain with an interesting focal point and, when I saw this beauty hanging up (On sale, mind you!), I couldn’t pass it by. The grooved chain links? The over the top color? A historical coin?! Ugh, forget about it. Especially because I pictured it looking oh so cute with the polka dot button down you saw yesterday. 😀

As, yes, how sassy and chic this Mia Fiore piece will be with button downs. But, pair with a shorter length necklace for best results, as this chain has some length to it. Going from work to Happy Hour? Ditch your button down for a white V-neck undershirt, slip on your necklaces and some heels, rinse, repeat. And don’t forget a badass *faux* leather jacket!

How do you take a look from day to night? Do you prefer silver or gold jewelry? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Button Down

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New Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Button Down

Howdy! As I get older, I become less worried about buying trendy clothing as opposed to classic pieces that I will have for forever. While shopping, I look for quality as well as timeless shapes with a little bit of that Lil Rid pizazz to keep it interesting. I am a huge fan of button down tops for that reason, because you can dress them up or down, they fit well, and you can always find them in a fun pattern. Like this Ralph Lauren button down, for example:

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I absolutely love this top for a few reasons. The navy blue base with the bright green polka dots definitely makes a statement. And, the fit of it is form fitting without being too tight as to leave spaces in between the buttons. This is definitely a problem for me as a more busty girl and it’s hard to find a button down that I can buy in my actual size as opposed to one larger, making it loose and less flattering. I felt good and downright sexy in my button down because I didn’t have to worry about button bulges or it being too tight over my breasts.

I also am excited about all of the styling possibilities that come with this shirt. Obviously, it is super appropriate for business casual work meetings. But, the real fun will come in styling this top for play. I can see myself wearing this little RL number tucked into shorts during the summer time along with a fun pair of espadrilles and a floppy hat for an OOTD perfect for hitting the outdoor farmers markets with. Don’t forget the big sunglasses!

How do you dress a button down up or down? What are some timeless pieces that you have in your closet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Chelsea & Theodore Skirt

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New Chelsea & Theodore Skirt

Howdy! Want to know my favorite thing about going shopping around this time of the year? Besides going shopping, of course! It would have to be because the store is bringing out all of the clothing that didn’t sell throughout the year to make room for the new product that will be coming in hot for spring. Maybe the sizes were too big or too small or maybe they were just really ugly! Either way, it brings out all kinds of unique pieces like the fabulous snakeskin patterned skirt seen below:

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I absolutely LOVE a good snakeskin pattern and I literally gasped when I saw this little Chelsea & Theodore number on the rack at TJMaxx. The harsh black mixed with pale grey and taupe? And those darling buttons going down the middle?! Ugh, forget about it! I knew that I would be purchasing this skirt as soon as I laid eyes on it and I only needed to have it on for about fifteen seconds in the fitting room to confirm it.

This skirt gives off such country western vibes, which will make it a really cool piece to modernize. On New Year’s Eve, I wore my new skirt with knee high boots, a tan topper jacket, and a faux fur collar and felt like the belle of the ball. The compliments were pouring in and I was just feeling my goddamn self. The old school saloon aura of the skirt mixed with the classic jacket and edged up with the faux fur and heeled boots made the OOTD a knockout and is a perfect example of giving a modern flare to vintage appearing clothing.

I am looking forward to creating more fabulous OOTDs with my Chelsea & Theodore skirt. But, I am the most excited for pairing it with a fitted black blazer, a white t-shirt, Mary Jane’s, and a cool backpack for the ultimate Elaine vibes a la Seinfeld. GET OUT!

Is there a TV or movie character whose style you admire? How do you rock an animal print? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Start Saving The Planet From Your Home

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How To Start Saving The Planet From Your Home

Our planet is starting to become destroyed and is suffering greatly due to climate change and environmental issues. We are using up our resources and overusing elements of energy that are contributing to the damaging environment. The severe weather conditions across the world are being caused by the damage of the ozone layer and it will only get worse if we don’t collectively try to do better and be better. Little things such as starting to recycle and using our cars less will help very much with this. You could look at the following:

Recycle more:

Look at what is recyclable and do it weekly. It is easy to do and is a huge benefit to the environment as it means that less goes to a landfill and more is going to be remade into exciting and beautiful new products that is friendly to the planet. Recycling glass is also possible and some cities offer roadside collection, but be sure to check with your local councils for the best way to get rid of glass. Not only is recycling good for the planet but it can be good for your wallet too. You can often receive cash in hand from recycling facilities that specialize in Scrap Metal. This is a great thing to keep in mind when you are decluttering your home and garage and is a win/win situation: A healthier planet and a cash reward for your cleaning.

Use less water:

Using less water and power in general is going to help keep bills down and help the planet. As previously mentioned, overusing our resources is never good. You must ensure you have reliable water tanks at home and at your business premises or any water systems used across the board, ensuring you have good Sta-Rite well pumps and filters that mean your system can work effectively. Using less water can be easy; take shorter showers, fewer baths, and don’t use your dishwasher as frequently.

Buy sustainably:

Buying sustainable products is going to massively help the environment. If you buy locally, it’s better for the environment and for your local community to bring money to your hometown as well as buying local which means less gas and energy has been used to bring it to you. It is a great way to really help and, of course, buy recycled materials as much as possible and don’t use plastic or paper bags; buy a tote bag that is reusable and probably much more durable!

Eat less meat:

Not only is this a brilliant way to get a little healthier and lower your risk of heart disease and bowel cancer, but cutting down on red meat helps the planet. The less animals slaughtered, the better it is for the planet by less emissions and keeps a better balance in order. There are lots of amazing alternatives, such as vegetarian sausages, fresh fruit and veg, grains, and smoothie bowls. It doesn’t have to be bland!

You will start to see a better, bigger change in how much money you’re spending during the month on your bills and energy; and saving can really help you to be thrifty with your own finances as well as helping the planet! So there you have it, some quick and simple ways to start saving water and energy from your home or business and contribute to making the world a more sustainable and well working planet, for you and future generations.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

How To Save Money When Buying Electrical Goods

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How To Save Money When Buying Electrical Goods

We live in a fast-paced consumer society where all of the electrical items that we buy are out of date by next year. With many households changing their appliances and tech on a very regular basis, it means that there is a lot of waste. Perfectly good items often end up getting discarded and this has a very real and obvious impact on the environment.

But many people are considerate about these factors and will sell on any unwanted electrical items once they have been replaced. Or, where the value is relatively low, and there is still some use to be had, they may give them away using a service such as a freecycle site.

You can save money on your electricity bill by choosing the right provider. However, if you are savvy and want to save money on an item and are not too bothered about having all of the very latest features, then you may want to take a look online to see what you can find for free or very cheap:

Printers:

One electrical item that is often offered up for next to nothing or even for free are printers. On the other hand, vinyl printers are much more expensive but a worthy investment if you have a business. With new features getting added all of the time, many people feel the need to upgrade. But, if you are just after something that you can use to print or scan the occasional document or photograph, then you may find that getting a used model is just as good as buying new. Before you get your new used printer, check online to make sure that you can buy the right ink cartridges for it still.

Appliances:

Kitchen appliances such as washing machines, fridges, and freezers, often get replaced. With the internet of things on the rise, people want an appliance that they can control from their smartphone from anywhere in the world. But if you are not interested in all of that, you could get a perfectly reasonable appliance for very cheap.

Before you take it, make sure that you check to see that there are no nasty noises coming from it when it is working. Washing machines that rattle about when they are in use may be on their way out and, in reality, it is probably not worth you taking it in that condition.

Computers:

If you need a computer for the basics such as web browsing and working on documents, then why not get a second hand one? Unless you are gaming or using the computer for a lot of complex operations, then you will be able to get a computer that suits your needs very cheaply.

The things that you need to look for when you get a second hand computer are that the hard disk has been cleared before you get it. It should have a new installation of the operating system ready for you to set up as you like. Check to make sure that the laptop batteries still hold their charge, and that everything boots up and works as it should.

Reusing electric goods helps save the environment and you some money. Try this option out when you’re ready for a new printer or computer!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

New Caution To The Wind Top

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New Caution To The Wind Top

Howdy! During my TJMaxx gift card shopping extravaganza, I ended up with two new tops, a skirt, and a necklace on top of a buttload of skin care. The little peplum number that you are about to see below by Caution To The Wind is one that I normally wouldn’t try on. However, there was just something I liked about it enough to take with me into the fitting room and I’m glad I did! Check it out:

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Usually, I avoid peplum tops like the plague because they make my boobs look huge from the tiny waist line. I also steer clear of a plunging neckline because someone could drown in that cleavage! But, I liked the forest green and cream color combination in this top so much that I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

The day I went to TJMaxx, I had actually just gone skating so I had my sports bra on, which is what I tried this shirt with. It looked SO freaking cute and sporty with the heather grey bra peeking out and it made my body look slamming. For a ten dollar price tag, I couldn’t say no to purchasing the top as a nice little change up to always wearing hoodies at the skating rink. One might even say that I threw caution to the wind! Ba dum chhhhhh.

Would I buy or try a top like this one again? Mmmm… No, probably not. The only reason it really worked is because of the sports bra plastering my boobs down. Am I excited to wear it skating? Definitely, because the top is adorable and it will be great for just lounging around the house in. The moral of the story? It doesn’t hurt to try something new!

What fit of clothing is the most flattering for you? How about a fit that you try to avoid? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

HUGE TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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HUGE TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Howdy! Thanks to SO many generous people in my life who know of my undying love for TJMaxx, I was able to go on a post holiday spending spree with my gift cards. I went into the store with a clear vision of what I would like to spend my money on and that was stocking up on all of my skin care needs for the next few months and then some treats for myself with the remainder.

I hate to toot my own horn, but I only ended up spending eight dollars over my gift card amount and I was very pleased with my mental math and the haul below! Check it out:

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The Haul:

As you can see, I am a huge fan of SkinLab products and have been using them pretty exclusively for the past half a year or so. At twenty-five, I feel like it is now time to start looking into skin care that lifts and firms and the SkinLab regimen I purchased does just that. I have been using the lift and firm products for over a month now and I already see a noticeable difference in the tightness of my skin. I’m really happy that I was able to nab more of the goods to keep this beauty routine going and hopefully they will be still be at TJMaxx when I need more!

I also took it upon myself to grab some more heat serum for my hair because, might as well. I have been using the Rusk serum for the past year now and have had no complaints. It leaves my hair silky without getting greasy and it protects my locks from the 450 degree heat of my straightener so it is an obvious must. Plus, it smells awesome!

And, finally, the micellar water and the pore minimisers. The Evoluderm micellar water is easily the best one I’ve ever used and I was so excited that TJMaxx had it again. The bottle I purchased came with a free travel size, too, which made the find even sweeter. I was also thrilled to have purchased the pore minimisers by TBS because I was obsessed with that product when I worked there. It leaves your skin so perfectly matte while shrinking pesky open pores that can cause blemishes. A little of the good stuff goes a long way so I suspect I’ll have these two bottles for a while. 😀

I am beyond appreciative to my loved ones for hooking me up with a post holiday shopping spree and had so much fun sharing the experience with my mom. ❤ Tune in tomorrow for more of my gift card haul!

Do you have a beauty product hoard? What kind of stuff do you stockpile? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making The Most Of Your Graduate Studies

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Making The Most Of Your Graduate Studies

Deciding to take on postgraduate education can be one of the best decisions that you make. It opens up new opportunities for you, and could increase your employability and perhaps your salary too. As you’re dedicating time and money to your graduate studies, you will want to make the most of them by doing the following:

Manage Your Time Well:

It’s ultimately up to you to make the most of your studies. You will get back what you put in, so you need to be prepared to put in the hard work. Managing your time is one of the most important things, especially if you’re working as you study.

Start Opening Doors:

If you haven’t already begun to make the right connections during your undergraduate years, your grad studies are the perfect time to start opening doors for yourself. Spend some time networking and getting to know people who can help you find the right opportunities.

Get Work-related Experience:

Getting out into the world of work with solid qualifications but no real-world experience will be tough. Try to use some of your time to gain valuable work experience or focus on projects which will be useful to highlight when you’re looking for work.

Choose the Right Place to Study:

Before you even start your studies, choosing the right place to study will ensure you get the most out of it. There are many things to consider, including the method of study, location, qualification, and other important factors that will help you to choose correctly.

Check out more tips on the infographic below and happy studying!


Infographic Design By Northeastern University

Holiday Haul: Last But Not Least Edition

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Holiday Haul: Last But Not Least Edition

Hellooo! The last gift from my Holiday Haul, but certainly not the least, that I would like to share with all of you is from my dear old dad. Last year, I was gifted with a true crime daily calendar from my dad that was an absolute hit. In fact, it was one of the first gifts that I think my dad actually picked out for me, instead of just having “from mom and dad” written on the label.

With the calendar being such a success last year, I was presented with the 2020 version from my dad and I am very happy with it! Check it out:

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A day to day calendar is truly the gift that keeps on giving, especially if you are interested in the subject. I, for one, am a huge lover of all things true crime and it makes changing the page every day exciting because I never know what I am going to learn about next! It will also be especially fun to tuck into this calendar with my boyfriend because he is a true crime aficionado, as well, and we love flipping through the pages together.

Although this gift may seem simple, so much thought went into it and I am thrilled to be welcoming 2020 with a present that was seemingly made for me!

What is the subject of your calendar? Where are my true crime fans at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Jessica McClintock Cape Edition

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Accessory Story: Jessica McClintock Cape Edition

Greetings everyone and welcome to the last of my Holiday Haul from my parents! One of Lil Red’s loves definitely has to be faux fur. From jackets and vests to cool collars, I just think that they add the perfect touch of edgy glam to any look. And the funny thing? I used to think that they made an outfit look cheap! It’s funny how your sense of style evolves over time and my mom definitely got the hint of my ever changing look by picking me out this beauty by Jessica McClintock:

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It was such a trip, because a week or so before Christmas, my mom asked me to get her her slippers from her closet AKA her present hiding spot. So, I went to grab her slippers and discovered this gorgeous cape hanging there. I came downstairs and immediately told her “I LOVE that cape, when did you get it?”. I really thought nothing of it, because my mom is quite the trendy lil lady herself and I figured she purchased it for her own use. So, imagine my surprise when it was waiting for me under the tree!

Aside from the faux fur, I just love the color of this little number. Forest green is a color that never ceases to look amazing me. I hate to toot my own horn, but TOOT, TOOT, TOOT. With my pasty pale skin and red hair, it just makes everything pop and I am all about it. I cannot wait to pair this over all of my sweaters for the rest of the winter. But, it will be so fabulous for a chilly summer night and I can already see myself snuggling up in it during late evening drinks on the patio.

What color looks the best on you? How do you feel about faux fur? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah