Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Moving On Up: Groovy Movies Haul

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Moving On Up: Groovy Movies Haul

Greetings! I am an avid movie fan and am always trying to expand my DVD collection. Especially because I refuse to get expensive cable while being in my apartment and I have yet to decide which entertainment streaming service I want to go with. So, until I figure that out, it will be nice to have things to watch or something to just pop in for background noise.

Target is usually my go to destination for new movies because they have an excellent five dollar selection – and you’re not going to not buy something for just five bucks! I also managed to get some movies FO FREE at one of my local libraries with a small donation so that was really nice, too. Check it out:

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Those who know me will know that I am a huge fan of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series. I loved the books and the Swedish films are to die for. I was not the biggest fan of the American version but, it was there, so I figured why not. My mind was also blown by seeing Get Out at Target available for just FIVE BUCKS so I obviously needed that. And, for some comic relief, I love all things Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman so Identity Thief was a total must, as well.

A lot of the libraries in my neck of the woods are doing their spring cleaning and many of them have shelves full of free books, movies, and book tapes to select. So, it was nice to grab a few for a little donation even though the ones that I picked out are not my favorite. But, if I need a good cry, I’m glad that I now have Nebraska to help out with that! 😀

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

Six Improvements To Make In Your Home

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Six Improvements To Make In Your Home

If you’ve lived in your home for a while, it can sometimes get a little boring having the same furniture and features that you’ve had for years. With general wear and tear, there are improvements that you might look to make when you have the budget and time to do it. So with that in mind, here are six improvements to make to your home:

Reinvent A Room:

Depending on how many rooms are in your property, you may have one or two spaces that are empty or are currently a storage space for extra bits and pieces that don’t have a home. This might be a great opportunity to reinvent a room and turn it into something that could be useful. When clearing out the room, try to declutter as much as possible. Then, look at the size of the space and figure out what might work well. Perhaps a walk in wardrobe or maybe a mini cinema room!

Improve Outdoor Space:

Outdoor space, unless you consider yourself a keen gardener, will often get ignored. It might be that the garden is too high maintenance or you’ve not invested any time or attention into doing it up. No one wants to spend their time in a space that might be messy or ugly to look at. So if you’re looking for ideas to improve your outdoor space, here are a few suggestions:

Be Bold With Color – When it comes to your garden, you can go crazy with color. The brighter the colors, the more appealing the space will look to you and your guests. Also, having a variety of plants and flowers will attract more wildlife.

Install A Pond – A pond is another feature that attracts wildlife and it also feels like you’re giving your outdoor area some extra luxury. When making a pond, make sure to dig the right size and in an area that is easily visible. Make sure the base of the pond and the sides are well sealed before filling it in with water. Add a variety of fish friends, too!

Add Levels And Different Materials – Adding levels and using different materials is what gives your garden space that wow factor. It’ll make your guests think that you’ve really put some effort into the space. Think about using more than just grass, perhaps marble, stones, and bark. Add decking for levels and hire patios builders to help with the more complex work.

Update Your Bathroom:

The bathroom can end up becoming a little dated, especially if you haven’t done anything since you moved. If you can’t renovate the bathroom fully, then start with the smaller items and work your way up. Tiling and painting can help dramatically transform it and adding new taps, a more modern toilet, and a rainfall shower can be the slightly bigger buys later on down the line. Make sure that the room is well ventilated and that you accessorize it with soft furnishings that match the theme of your bathroom.

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Pexels Image

Rearrange The Furniture:

Improvements don’t need to cost a thing, you can simply rearrange the furniture. When you first moved into your property, you will have likely put everything where you first thought it could go. Now is an opportunity to change up the space a little and rearranging the furniture can make a big improvement without spending any money. Start on each room individually and try changing the position of the biggest piece of furniture. If that’s not possible, then look at moving the smaller pieces of furniture and seeing if that makes any difference. To finish it off, replace or update your soft furnishings, and it’ll feel like stepping into a new room.

Renovate Your Kitchen:

Kitchen renovations are sometimes necessary as it’s one of the most used places in your home. Therefore, the wear and tear will be clear on most of your appliances, particularly your everyday essentials like the kettle and oven. Kitchen cabinets are also the first things to fall off their hinges. Kitchen renovations are expensive but well worth the investment. It might also be financially beneficial to get it done if it needs doing as it can add value to your property if you sell it at any point in the future. Even if you start with replacing or painting the cabinets, that’ll make a difference. To begin your kitchen renovation, simply enter a search for “Queens kitchen renovations” (or your local area). The professionals you choose will be able to work with your vision while using their own expertise for an end result that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Insulate Your Property:

Insulation is important to your property, especially during the colder months. Overall, it helps to keep the heat in and the cold out. This can also save you a lot of money further down the line as you’re likely to save on energy because of it. So, to insulate your property, make sure your windows are either double or triple glazed. Insulate them with heavier blinds or curtains. Darker colors are going to attract sunlight which should, in turn, make your rooms a lot warmer. Insulation doesn’t need to be expensive as there’s a range of materials that are available at different costs. Try insulating your walls if possible and the loft space. If you have the DIY skills, you can always try it yourself, but it might be handy getting in a professional to do it.

Adding improvements to your home can help your space feel brand new, like when you first moved in. Change things up and see the difference for yourself!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Weekend Getaway Selfie Spam

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Weekend Getaway Selfie Spam

Hi! A weekend trip wouldn’t be complete without some good old fashioned selfies, which I am about to bequeath onto all of you. I actually didn’t take any pictures of anything else besides the one seen below while in Georgia, because it was hard to take pictures at the Dogwood Festival when you couldn’t really take pictures of anything. So, I guess that means that you’re just gonna have to look at my MUG for this post. Whoops!

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During my flight home, I got to sit by the window seat and noticed something very adorable compliments of Spirit airlines: the wings on the plane say “Howdy”! It was so cute to me that it became the only not picture of me taken during the trip. And, also, peep that no makeup from my flight home – I was exhausted and had been up since 5:30 that morning. WOOF.

But, the crowning jewel of my selfie spam is my beautiful mother. She is the most darling little lady on the planet and, despite her “one look” for pictures that we joke about, she takes a mean selfie, too! I LOVE YOU, MOM. Thanks for spending the weekend with me! :*)

What are some of your tips for the perfect selfie? Do you take lots of pictures while you travel or not so much? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dogwood Festival Fun

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Dogwood Festival Fun

Hellooo! While in Atlanta, my family and I attended their Dogwood Festival which was really cool. It was like a huge open market with booths full of homemade art in various specialties like sculpting, photography, woodworking, and painting. There was also entertainment, food trucks, and a Frisbee event with the DISK DOGS OF ATLANTA which I am obviously super psyched about!

Being able to walk around and admire everyone’s art was like being at an outdoor museum and, although 99% of what I liked was way too expensive for my budget, I was able to get this gorgeous hand carved necklace by the artist, John Deveer, that I am in love with. Check it out:

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Although I am usually a gaudy girl when it comes to jewelry, I do love simple things, too! This wooden necklace is so stunning to me. I love the dark chocolate color with the black detailing and am lightweight obsessed with the toggle clasp on the black leather band. This necklace will seriously go with everything and it felt like a steal getting it for fifteen dollars! I am so happy to have been able to support such a talented artist and wish that I could have bought something from everyone at the Dogwood Festival.

Unfortunately and obviously, you couldn’t take pictures of the artist’s art but you can explore all of their websites if you click on the following. And, please be sure to check out John Deveer’s page, too!

Are there any art festivals in your neck of the woods? How do you support local artists? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making Working With Remote Employees A Breeze

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Making Working With Remote Employees A Breeze

Thanks to technology and developments in online communication, it’s likely you’ll be working with remote employees in your organization. Cloud computing, be it hybrid, multi-cloud management, public or private, in addition to video conferencing, and better networks mean that businesses can choose from a wider range of talent for their teams, resulting in more employees working from remote locations. Remote working also provides flexibility to your staff, allowing them to work at home and in other locations – something which can provide a better work/life balance.

While having remote workers can be great for your business, it can come with some pitfalls, too. To help make working with remote employees a breeze for your business, take a look at the following tips:

Set your expectations:

It can be difficult for remote workers to find their feet. Without the structure of the office environment, the onus is on them to manage workloads, timekeeping and so on, so it’s useful for employees to know what’s expected from them. Having core hours that you expect everyone to be available is beneficial to your business, while putting reporting systems in place will help you monitor progress. Create clear guidelines that will help them and you navigate remote working much easier.

Give them the tools they need:

For all employees to do a good job, they need to use the right tools. Providing remote workers with the right equipment and technology will ensure that they are able to work effectively and be a part of the wider system. Cloud management systems are a cost-effective tool for business that will help everyone access what they need and facilitate collaborative working with ease. Cloud systems are an investment but it is well worth it – especially if you know how to use it well as it can provide a lot of advantages. Understandably, implementing new technology can be difficult. However, with expert cloud management services available, the pros will be able to optimize performance and enhance security for your staff.

You can read how a system like Templafy brings value to businesses at https://www.templafy.com/blog/techradar-pro-names-templafy-among-the-best-document-management-systems/. The standardization of forms and templates can help employees stay on brand and ensures that they’re using the right systems for their work.

Create an inclusive work environment:

It can be difficult for remote workers to feel like a part of the team. There are ways to help remote employees feel included that include encouraging bonding between colleagues and recognizing the contributions of your remote workers. Communication is another important aspect, so providing regular communication can help employees feel connected, even when they’re in another location.

Working from home can be difficult for employees for many reasons. Where possible, make it easy for your remote employees to travel in when needed. Give them a travel budget and arrange meetings that will allow them to enjoy face to face contact with the rest of the team. Remember to include some social activities as part of these visits to strengthen those team bonds.

Making a success of remote working depends on several factors, but it’s important to put the time and investment into developing clear guidelines and processes to help everything fit into place. Remember to check in with your remote employees regularly to ensure that they’re happy and that things are working well and review things if it’s not quite right. Your remote workers are an asset to your business, so help them feel like a valued, recognized part of your team.

 Featured Image By: Unsplash

Honey, I’m Home!

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Honey, I’m Home!

Howdy! This past weekend, I took a little trip with my mom to Atlanta, Georgia to visit my brother and sister in law. This was actually only my second time on an airplane, which was super exciting in itself! It was a whirlwind of a weekend beginning on Friday afternoon and arriving home around eleven in the morning on Monday. Despite being insanely tired, it was a fun trip and it was nice to spend some time with family before my big move this weekend. But, I am happy to be home so that I can continue to bring you the latest and greatest here on lifewithlilred. Keep it posted for more on my trip, coming soon!

Where is the best place to go for a weekend getaway? What is your preferred method of travel? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Moving On Up: Queen Of The Amazon Edition

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Moving On Up: Queen Of The Amazon Edition

Helloooo! A little factoid about Lil Red is that I am so incredibly directionally challenged. Frankly, even if I know exactly where I’m going and how to get there, it still feels like I don’t know where I’m going. And, because I refuse to get a smartphone, buying a GPS of my own so that I don’t have to steal the one belonging to my parents was a must. I do a lot of driving for work in areas that I am not always familiar with and the last thing I need is to end up in Timbuktu with a client in the car. So, I went with this here GPS set that I ordered off of Amazon:

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Thanks to all of the points that I had racked up on Amazon from all of my shopping with their credit card, I was able to get this GPS and its accessories for fifty dollars instead of eighty. My new set comes with a dashboard mount or a suction cup one for my front window as well as a sun blocker and an at home and car charger. I was so happy to have gotten all of the goodies with the GPS because they are all much needed and you absolutely cannot beat the price that I got it for. Here’s to Lil Red never getting lost again! 😀

What is your favorite website to shop on? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Three Easy Ways To Prepare Your Home For A Pet

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Three Easy Ways To Prepare Your Home For A Pet

Having a pet can add a huge amount of love to a home. Whether it’s getting a family pet that children can grow up with or an older person getting an animal companion to help with loneliness, the day you take your new furry friend home is a delight. In all of the excitement of what type of pet to choose, finding them, and naming them, you may not have considered that there are some simple steps you will need to do to prepare your home for your new arrival, too:

Pet Proof Your Space:

Depending on the type of pet you’ve chosen, you will need to make your home safe. A puppy or a kitten will naturally want to explore and if you haven’t had pets in the home before, there may be some hazards that you need to take care of. Make sure you’ve covered all of the bases by ensuring you have trashcans with tight-fitting lids, remove any garden pesticides such as lawn care products, and keep any unsafe domestic chemicals or cleaning solutions in a lockable cupboard. Watch out for electrical cords which may get tangled or chewed up and stock up on training pads or litter trays to try and avoid any accidents.

If you don’t have a garden for your dog to play in or you want to create the illusion of a garden indoors, it could be a good idea to get artificial grass for dogs for a safe space for your pet to play, rest, and enjoy. Artificial grass is a low-maintenance and inexpensive idea that can help get your home pet ready quickly. When you have your grass down or space prepped, it can give you a safe and convenient area to store your pet toys and supplies or add other dog-friendly features.

Buy Your Pet Supplies:

Before your new pet comes home, you’ll need to stock up on a few supplies to keep them comfortable. A hutch or cage for smaller animals like rabbits or Guinea pigs with clean straw bedding and a supply of fresh water, a cozy bed for a dog or cat, feeding bowls, plenty of toys to keep your pet entertained, dog or cat grooming supplies, and a stock of food or treats to help them settle in. Focus on making their first few days as quiet and comfortable as possible. Pets may be timid at first as they get used to their new environment, so try to calm down any over excited children down for the first few days. Decide where your pet’s food, water and their bed will be, and if you’re going to use a kennel or dog crate during the day, and set them all up ready to help your new pet settle in.

Have A Good Clean And Sort Out:

Before your new family member arrives, it is a good idea to make sure that any valuable items are placed in closed storage containers out of reach and check your environment for any small spaces a pet could wriggle into that you can’t, such as under beds or down the side of the sofa. Think about what steps you will need to take to keep a clean home with pets in it – you may want to consider getting a cordless vacuum so that you can quickly clean up a mess or an outside faucet where you could wash off muddy paws before they come into the house. If a cat is coming home, you could look into furniture protectors to make sure they don’t scratch up the arms and legs of your furniture.

With a little preparation, your new pet will soon be settled and happy in your home and ready to be part of the family.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Moving On Up: Family Dollar Haul

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Moving On Up: Family Dollar Haul

Hiya! The discount stores during my shopping hauls for moving have been my most frequented. And, my neck of the woods has a ton of them. Lol, us Akronites are partial to our Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Five Below. 😀 But, for good reason. I was able to knock off some items from my “to buy” list for a fraction of what I would have paid at Target or even TJMaxx, ready for when the movers come. Take a looksee:

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As I’ve mentioned in a few of my previous posts, the lighting in my apartment sucks on ice. It is really dark in there with not a ton of windows so I’ve been on the prowl for different lamps to brighten things up. I paid twenty bucks for the two lamps seen above, which will be perfect for my office and my bedside table. I also purchased four jumbo candles for five dollars apiece to create a nice glow that will smell really good! Especially the watermelon one – yum!!

And, finally, my storage bench. I have always loved these, but I have not been able to find just the right one so I was really happy to have snagged this one at Family Dollar. I got it for thirty-five dollars, which I consider a steal. I love the fabric and the shiny silver design and the inside storage is actually very deep so I’ll be able to fit a lot my things in there that I can’t quite find a place for. A successful haul, indeed. 😀

What is your favorite discount store? How do you create good lighting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Library Freebie Haul

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Library Freebie Haul

Helloooo! While apartment shopping, I have made a really strong effort to shop mainly at discount or thrift stores. Ballin on a budget is important to me and I am so happy to have saved so much money by shopping smart for my new place. Of course, I never say no to freebies, either, and was able to pick out a ton of books from the free to take section at one of the local libraries. Check it out:

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Reading is one of my favorite hobbies and, until I can figure out which entertainment streaming service I’ll be going with, I will be doing a lot of it at my apartment. So, a haul of new books to read was just what I needed! For the most part, all of the books I chose are thrillers and I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into all of them. And, how can you say no to a book by Betty White FO FREE? The answer is: you don’t!

At a book store, all of these would surely total out to around one hundred bucks and I was able to take them home for nothing. This was a great haul and I am so happy to have some new books to stock my shelves with at chez moi. 🙂

Do you frequent any of your local libraries? How do you save money while shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah