Author Archives: lifewithlilred

Unknown's avatar

About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Side Hustles You Could Turn Into A Full-Time Career

Standard
Side Hustles You Could Turn Into A Full-Time Career

A side hustle is a great way to earn some extra money. It’s also a way to pursue your interests, and it can help you build skills that might not be possible with your regular job. Some side hustles can even lead to bigger and better things. If you’ve wanted to make a career switch or you want to pursue your life’s passion, then a side hustle could be the beginning to helping you realize this.

Are you interested in knowing what’s out there? Here are some amazing side hustles you could turn into a full-time career:

Copywriting:

Copywriting is a popular side hustle choice. Businesses and individuals need copyrights for their websites, social media channels, etc. which puts copywriters in demand. If you’ve got great writing skills and are good with a deadline, then becoming a copywriter could be an excellent way for you to make some money. Eventually, you could decide to make the switch to a full-time copywriter, either for a business or on a freelance basis and choose a career path that’s flexible and relevant to your skills.

Online Surveys:

There are so many amazing websites out there where companies will pay you for your opinion in the form of surveys. And, if you are using some of the best survey sites, then that money can really add up quickly. Take an hour or so out of your day to get started and give your thoughts on anything from vacation spots to groceries to earn some pocket change. You can always extend your time if the survey route is working well for you.

Realtor:

Do you love all things HGTV? Then becoming a realtor on the side could be a fantastic way for you to pursue your interest. Of course, you’ll need a real estate license to be able to become a realtor, but it’s a qualification worth having if you’d like to pursue the role full-time. Some people start out their real estate career helping friends and family or working weekends, which can help you to earn some extra income while you get yourself established.

Photographer:

Are you a talented photographer? Why not use your skills to become a photographer as a side hustle? From photographing events and weddings to selling photos to stock websites, you could make a great second income from photography. If your photos are good and you market yourself well, word will soon spread – allowing you to easily turn your photography work into your full-time job. Expand your reach by posting photos regularly or even creating your own website like this Surrey wedding photographer. You never know who will be interested in hiring you if you don’t show off your content!

As your photography business takes off, it is a good idea to plan ahead. For example, you might want to consider photography insurance to keep all of your expensive equipment well protected. This is something that you might not need right now but you will be so happy you have it should anything go wrong. You might also want to start thinking about what it would cost to hire an assistant or rent out a studio if this is really the direction you want to go in.

Selling online:

Interested in starting an online shop? Many people make great side hustles from selling on eBay or Etsy. If you’ve got a talent for making things or an eye for vintage apparel, selling online can be an enjoyable way of increasing your income. If things take off, you could look at starting your own online business and start selling from your own website. With online sales, you will want to cultivate a brand that is unique to you. You can build your brand with custom packaging and ship your products with high-quality welna drzewna (wood wool), set up a booth at vendor fairs, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing.  What might start out as a hobby could soon be an amazing way to take charge of your career.

Having a side hustle can be a simple way to top up your earnings, while also making the most of your free time. While there are many people who enjoy their side hustle on top of their regular work, there are also plenty of people whose side hustles become a full-time career. Take a look at opportunities to boost your career through life-long learning; you never know where these additional skills could take you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Soba Sushi And Noodles: YUM!

Standard
Soba Sushi And Noodles: YUM!

Salutations! Some of you might recall that my family had a vacation to Hilton Head planned. However, with Hurricane Dorian wreaking havoc, my dad didn’t want to take the risk and we ended up in North Carolina again for our yearly family vaca. My family loves Asheville, NC and have vacationed there at least three or so times in the past handful of years. The art scene, the nature, and, of course, the delicious food are all reasons why we keep coming back and I, for one, am not mad about it!

Speaking of delicious food, we ended up at an amazing Japanese restaurant called Soba in Weaverville and it was literally to die for. Normally, I’m not the type of blogger who has to take a picture of every meal I eat. But, I had to be “that girl” because my noodle soup bowl was out of control crazy good. Check it out:

sobasoba1soba2

^^^ Peep me using chopsticks correctly for a whopping one time!

Before our main course, my mom and I ordered avocado sushi rolls to share, which was a vegetarian delight. My mom has never tried sushi before and, although she used a nose running amount of wasabi, she enjoyed it as much as I did! For my meal, I went with the Thai Coconut Noodle Soup Bowl with tofu and absolutely no mushrooms, which are the bane of my existence. According to the menu, this entree was made up of: “Red peppers, mushrooms, cilantro, lemon, spicy sesame oil & vermicelli rice noodles in creamy coconut & lemongrass broth”.

I have never tried a noodle soup bowl and it was actually my second option because I really wanted Pad Thai but, unfortunately, their recipe was made with fish oil which made it a no can do for me. So, I ended up with the noodle soup bowl which was a total blessing because it was one of the best meals I’ve had in months. The broth was rich and flavorful, the veggies were crisp and fresh, and the soft tofu was bursting with the taste of the broth it was soaking in.

I love a good, Oriental cuisine and, sadly, my stomping grounds in Ohio are severely lacking in that department. Akron and the surrounding areas have a lot of chain restaurants without much diversity so, when I can have an ethnic meal, I revel in it. I absolutely adored the bold flavors featured at Soba and it was nice to have a lot of vegetarian options to choose from, instead of having to opt for the veggie burger which happens at basically every Ohio restaurant ever, lol. *massive eyeroll*

If you find yourself close to Weaverville in North Carolina, definitely do yourself a favor and have a meal at Soba. The restaurant was cute and clean, the service was outstanding, and the food will blow your mind. 🙂

What is your favorite kind of food to eat? What kind of restaurants do you live by? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

September 2019 Finishes

Standard
September 2019 Finishes

Howdy! We’ve reached the end of another wonderful month here on lifewithlilred and that means it’s time to discuss my monthly empties. I used up some really good stuff this past month. Stuff that I’ve been using for forever, stuff that took me a short amount of time to finish, and just stuff in general! So take a look and let’s get to it:

sept

Would I Use Again:

  • Softsoap Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion body wash: YES
  • Yes To Cotton micellar water: NO
  • IGK Mistress leave in conditioner: YES
  • Clinicals Anti-Aging Vitamin C facial oil: YES

Why/Why Not:

Softsoap Body Wash: As you all know, I am a huge Softsoap fan. The brand is cheap as can be but all of their body washes smell amazing, they lather well, and are always so damn invigorating during my morning shower. The little moisture beads are a nice touch, too! It takes me one month to use one bottle which includes daily use and a weekly bubble bath and at three bucks and change, I can definitely swing that.

Yes To Micellar Water: My mom got this bottle of micellar water for me on sale and I was very unimpressed. I used up the bottle in a month because I wasn’t going to not finish it but I was happy to have been done! It just didn’t make my skin feel as fresh and clean as the Garnier micellar water and it was also not the best at removing all traces of makeup. I’m sure it’s significantly cheaper than the Garnier brand but I have a rule of thumb of not skimping on the good stuff when it comes to my skin care!

IGK Leave In Conditioner: I absolutely love this product by IGK! I have been using it for the past year or so and I honestly don’t think that I could live without it. The Mistress leave in conditioner smells so good, it smooths out all of my frizz, it makes my hair shiny, and it protects my locks from the heat. Does your leave in conditioner do that? Although the price is steep at twenty-nine bucks a tube, it takes me over six months to finish it up and, with all of that in mind, it is worth every penny.

Clinicals Serum: What I love about skin care products with Vitamin C in it is that I can always see noticeable results from it. My skin glows and is radiant without having to break the bank on an expensive treatment. I really enjoyed using the Vitamin C serum by Clinicals. It sat well under makeup and I loved how my skin looked and felt after each use. My only qualm with this product is that the serum was in a spray bottle, which I didn’t like because I felt like I had to use a ton of it to get full coverage on my face and neck. Despite that, it still took me one month to use up the bottle.

With a seventy-five percent success rate, I’d say I did pretty good with my empties for the month of September! I would recommend all of the products that I liked above but definitely stay clear of the Yes To Cotton micellar water!

Which products did you use up this month? What were your thoughts on any of the products above if you have used them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Formentini Heeled Boots Edition

Standard
If The Shoe Fits: Formentini Heeled Boots Edition

Hello! It wouldn’t be the fall season without purchasing a new pair of boots, which was the last item on my list during my fall haul at TJMaxx. Despite a few pairs that I sort of liked, none of them did it for me so returns were made and, although I have a ton of boots, I felt like I was empty handed. That is, until my beautiful new taupe suede darlings by Formentini came along. Check it out:

formform3form1form2

Although the light colored suede of these boots might not be the most practical come winter time, I am totally okay with only sporting them in the fall. They include everything that I love in a boot like the high shaft, a bit of rocker embellishment, a good heel, and *most importantly*, the fact that the heel is covered with suede as opposed to plain old rubber.

I absolutely despise when a gorgeous shoe is destroyed by a thick, chunky rubber heel and refuse to buy the boots if they have that major character flaw. I am obsessed with creating long lines when it comes to dressing my bottom half and such an abrupt breakup in the flow from color to rubber definitely ruins the illusion of legs for days.

At one hundred smackers, these boots hit right at my cut off point for when I am buying a new pair. I believe in shelling out for clothes, shoes, and accessories of high quality as well as for things that I really like. And, these Formentini knee highs met all of these requirements and then some because of all of the exciting styling possibilities.

I am very much looking forward to wearing my new boots over knitted tights along with sweet long sleeved dresses this fall. They will also look charming with A-line skirts and a peacoat or topper jacket that will hit just at the top of the shaft for an OOTD perfect for keeping you warm but still chic once the cold weather strikes. Love it!

How do you prep your wardrobe for a change in the weather? What is your favorite type of boot? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Hats Off: Lefenice Newsboy Cap Edition

Standard
Hats Off: Lefenice Newsboy Cap Edition

Hi hi! If you are a fashionista like myself, then I am sure that you have seen the classic Meryl Streep and Anne Hatheway movie The Devil Wears Prada more than a few times. I absolutely adore it and will watch it every chance I get. The actors, the fashion, the fashion, the fashion – it’s just perfect and I will never forget going to see it in theaters with my mom, sister, and late grandma and gabbing about our favorite outfits on the way out.

Although my style is definitely more Emily Blunt in TDWP, Anne’s character, Andy, turns into quite the it girl herself after a much needed transformation. And, my latest Hats Off purchase seen below is inspired by one of her killer OOTDs. Check it out:

hats2hats1dwp

See the resemblance?!

I am a huge fan of hats but have never owned a newsboy cap before. This is certainly not due to a lack of desire for one but because I have never found just the right cap for me. I found this Lafenice number on TJMaxx’s online site, big surprise, and I went with it even thought I wasn’t completely sold on the idea. But, this mild hesitation was squashed the moment I took it out of the box and placed it upon my crowning glory. I love the tweedy grey and yellow pattern, the small flower embellishments, and, mainly, that it gives me such TDWP vibes so hard.

Like Andy in TDWP, I plan on wearing my newsboy cap with peacoats, of course. But, also with my new white faux fur jacket to add a touch of mod to such a posh piece. This cap will also look especially charming with a smart black blazer and skinnies for an updated take on a more menswear style for women. Not only is this new hat versatile, but it is also nice and warm and will keep me feeling cozy all fall and winter long!

Who else is a fan of The Devil Wears Prada? What is your favorite OOTD from that movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Trail Blazers: Vince Camuto Edition

Standard
Trail Blazers: Vince Camuto Edition

Salutations! If I had to name my favorite piece of clothing, I would probably have to say that I love the outerwear family. From moto jackets and peacoats to blazers and vests, I am a huge fan of all of it. A good jacket can make or break an outfit and can take something from simple to extraordinary by simply slipping it on. This has always been appealing to me and is why I love cold weather clothing so much because I have quite the outerwear collection. And, I got to add to it with this gorgeous new hounds tooth blazer by Vince Camuto. Take a look:

vc3vc2vc4vc5vc1

  • Original Price: $180
  • TJMaxx Price: $50!!!

Although I only have one pair of shoes by Vince Camuto in my arsenal, I have admired his brand and beautiful creations for some time. So, it is always exciting to get something from a designer that you love for a fraction of the cost. And, I have to say, I was absolutely and completely thrilled to get this blazer in the mail. Just seeing it on the TJMaxx website gave me chills and it was one of those pieces that I knew was going to work without even having to try it on. I love when that happens!

Obviously, I was right – the blazer did work or we wouldn’t be here discussing it! But, it didn’t just work, it fucking slayed. Everything about this blazer from the hounds tooth pattern to the huge faux fur cuffs screams posh It Brit style to me and I am so there for it. My new Vinny C number looks fierce buttoned up against the cold but it also looks soft and elegant unbuttoned to display a thin cable knit sweater.

The color palette of the blazer is divine and having it come down into the cuffs in glorious tufts of caramel, black, and cream creates an edgy aesthetic while still looking oh so chic. Whether you pair this Vince Camuto blazer with your favorite sweater dress or knit skirt or just with a basic pair of skinnies, you are going to have a rockin’ OOTD – minimum effort required with maximum style.

What is your favorite type of clothing? How would you style this blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Splendid In Snakeskin Edition

Standard
If The Shoe Fits: Splendid In Snakeskin Edition

Helloooo! I know, I know I had a fairly recent fall haul. BUT, fall is my favorite time to shop so I couldn’t resist picking out a few more goodies from TJMaxx’s online site. I also like to think that my pure and utter hatred for dressing during the summer balances out this splurge sesh because I really don’t buy a lot of warm weather clothing. In fact, at least eighty-five percent of my wardrobe is tailored to the crisp chill of autumn air. And, although these snakeskin kitten heeled booties by Splendid would be cute in the summer with some frilly socks, they will be taken to new heights in the upcoming fall season. Check it out:

splendidsplendid3splendid1splendid2splendid4

As you all know, I have a soft spot for snakeskin and have quite a few pairs of patterned boots already. However, all of them are in gray scale and I am obsessed with the fresh new take on a much loved pattern with the cinnamon syrup palette. And, of course, throw a few buckles on a pair of boots and you know I’m in!

Although the overall aesthetic of my new boots was pleasing, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about them because I love a big heel and there is no denying that. And, in my humble opinion, a kitten heel doesn’t count! But, these felt just right when I slipped them on and the itty bitty lift is just enough to add some extra oomph as opposed to them being completely flat. Everything about these ankle boots flows so well from the pointed toe all the way to the heel and they are going to make a very cool edition to some autumn OOTDs.

Peeking beneath wide legged trousers or a maxi skirt or boldly displayed with some sharp skinnies, a statement will definitely be made. And, the beauty of the color palette is that despite it being a pattern, it is still a neutral so you could pair these shoes with literally anything and it will go together. So, go ahead and mix and match animal prints, florals, or stripes and get a unique ensemble – no huge heel required! 😉

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

Beautiful Yet Simple Additions To Your Home

Standard
Beautiful Yet Simple Additions To Your Home

A home is not a finished piece. It is always something that is dynamic, that can change, that can be improved depending on your tastes and practical needs. This seems quite obvious to most of us, but it can often be hard to figure out which is the best way forward, and what action might help us towards the best result. Thankfully, these measures are more than possible to consider when we’re reminded of the potential we have available to us.

This is the eternal issue with home renovation – there are simply too many options! Without design cohesion as a careful application, it’s incredibly easy to forget everything and make each room look as though it’s part of an entirely different house. In a home, less is often more. That being said, let us consider how you might better your rooms with a simple addition, speaking of the three most important rooms in the house:

Letting The Outside In:

Often, the best home changes are those that are fundamental to how you view things there. For example, lighting and nature. Painting the walls a lighter shade, bringing in a nice warm light to cover an area of the room, and perhaps placing a potted plant or two can help the room feel much more airy, light, and natural.

Letting the outside in, then, is a natural extension from this. You may decide that the use of sliding doors will help you keep your living room open in the summer, allowing you seamless access to your garden or patio. This can be a perfect means to help you entertain more comfortably or to simply sit within your living area while reading books on cool summer evenings, watching the sunset as it slowly starts to descend. It’s hard to think of anything more peaceful than this.

And, of course, let’s not forget about some scenery from your sliding glass doors! Beautiful arrangements of flowers, greenery, or even a full fledged vegetable garden will create a nature window as wildlife comes to visit. You can enter a search for “home and garden store near me” to find the flowers, furniture, and accessories to make your yard pop. If you don’t have a green thumb, be sure to consult with one of the employees to learn about plants that even the most inexperienced gardeners can make thrive. Who knows – you might just find your new favorite hobby!

A Front Door Arch:

There are some who have large pillars outside the front of their house, a grand water feature, or perhaps a huge driveway with trees lining either side to give the home a grand sense of appeal. However, all of this, while impressive, is not necessary for you to upgrade how your home exterior looks. In fact, something as simple as a new front door arch can be a great idea.

Using brickwork to trace the arch pattern, you may fill the heightened gap with stained glass or something else adhering to your tastes. Not only can this arch look incredibly beautiful, but said extra lighting can bring some true vibrancy to your entrance corridor. It’s a simple measure that can often look quite incredible, as well as replacing the front door to a heavy, potentially even custom wooden design to keep you safe and secure always.

Faux Ceiling Beams:

If you have high ceilings in your property, it can look as if there’s plenty of blank space high up there with no decoration to show. But, fear not, because there are measures of giving this large blank space a bit of personality and a whole load of texture. Faux ceiling beams can be a part of this. Installation, professionally done, can help a room gain so much more character and look as if the exposed wooden construction of your home is more handcrafted and a little less formulaic than it might be compared to homes on your street.

The Fireplace:

A fireplace can turn a cold and unwelcoming room into a space that invites you in to lounge on the rug with your pets. When you choose the right fireplace stone to fit your desired design, the end result can be remarkable. It will make quite the stark difference, particularly in the winter and in the larger rooms. Of course, a fireplace is dictated by where the ventilation such as a chimney is located in your home. However, these days it’s not uncommon for fireplaces to be blocked up and snuffed in order to prevent water build up or issues with the weather.

Fireplaces create an atmospheric focal point for a room and can be a selling point when you choose to move house. They are, however, not a one size fits all addition and you will want to select an option that matches your style and will still fit into future changes in the space. You can start looking at a website like Nostalgia UK (or a similar business in your local area) to gain inspiration on the right fireplace for your home. You will also want a professional team for installation and to ensure its safety. A fireplace can help you enjoy a lovely sense of comfort – and it can really tie a room together. If this is a renovation that you would like to have done in your home, check out these Expert Fireplace Renovation Tips to help create a warm, cozy space that encourages conversation and relaxation.

Decluttering:

Sometimes, the best addition is a subtraction. Decluttering your home is a great means of helping it gain some renewed life. For example, do you have plates on your wall, hung as decorations? If this is just to fill space, then why keep it? Do you have a floor rug that you almost trip on every time? How about a spinning wheel in the corner of the room that is always being knocked over by your kids? Of course, we’re not here to dictate your tastes at all, nor to make you feel that you have to somehow prove yourself in order to decorate how you want. And yet, simply feeling okay with throwing something out, storing it, or selling it on can help you avoid cluttering your home for no reason.

Keeping things simple is the name of the game. Administer these changes and be amazed at the fresh new take it will have on your home!

Featured Image By: Pexels – CC0 License

Accessory Story: We’ve Got The Knife Edition

Standard
Accessory Story: We’ve Got The Knife Edition

Helloooo! I have a deep adoration for the creepy, spooky, scary, and disturbing so it only makes sense that my definition of “living my best life” was visiting a Halloween store with a client. It was so much fun to see all of the costumes, haunted house style decor, and walking on the “step here” signs to activate all of the moving, howling creatures. I basically wanted everything there to decorate my apartment with. But, since that is not in my ballin’ on a budget budget, I settled for some bloody knife earrings instead. Check them out:

spirit

After snagging some pink bloody knife hair clips from Dolls Kill, I have been on the prowl for earrings to match and these new ones will do just fine. I love how the shiny metal and the dangling rubies dance in the lighting and, because I live every day like it’s Halloween, these definitely won’t just be for the end of October. Creepy? Yes. Disturbing? Kind of. But, nothing says punk rock horror princess like some dripping cutlery hanging from your ears! Freaking obsessed. 😀

Do you have any holiday themed jewelry or clothing? How do you rock them year round? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Faux Fur Fabulous: Sanctuary Jacket Edition

Standard
Faux Fur Fabulous: Sanctuary Jacket Edition

Salutations! My mom has spoiled me absolutely rotten in the sweet surprises department this past month and has gifted me with headbands, new Keurig K cups, and some good ol’ fashioned Kraft mac n’ cheese. But, the real piece de resistance is my new cream colored faux fur jacket by Sanctuary. This is a brand that I am quite fond of but, sadly, don’t own a lot of pieces from. However, one of my favorite purses is by Sanctuary and I have been on the lookout for more by them ever since. So, how lucky for me that I have an amazing mom who found me a perfect new jacket by a brand that I lust after! Check it out:

ffff1

I have a strong passion for faux fur and have many a jacket, vest, and collars to keep myself glam rock and warm all winter long. I would never be caught dead in a large puffer jacket and faux fur is the ultimate way to go during the brutal Ohio winters. They may not be the heaviest but you can always layer and it prevents me from looking and feeling like a marshmallow and, frankly, that’s all I care about!

This new Sanctuary jacket is absolutely stunning. It’s shaggy but just enough so that it still looks feathery and has movement without giving off the illusion that I draped myself in a huge mop. And, can we talk about the color?! The alabaster hue will look simply charming against freshly fallen snow and is an excellent neutral for adding bright pops of color with scarves, gloves, and hats.

I used to be under the impression that neutral colors were “boring”. But, as my style continues to develop, I have found that it’s what you do with the colors that make your OOTDs exciting. Picture this: The creamy colored fringe of this jacket blowing in the wind, a nice heavy turtleneck underneath, sharp trousers, and a bright red boot to march about in this winter. Toss on your favorite knitwear accessories in bold colors and you have a winter ready OOTD without sacrificing style or any of the excitement of a more loud colored coat. *Sigh* Perfection.

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