Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Jan6

Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Swatch In Emerald Glitter

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Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Swatch In Emerald Glitter

Hello! As per request of some of my darling fellow bloggers, today we are going to swatch the gorgeous emerald glitter eyeshadow from my Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions palette. As a little reminder, the palette looks like this:

huda1

And the glitter shade smack dab in the middle of the palette looks like this. Voila!

emeraldemerald1emerald2

^^^ The first heart is the eyeshadow wet and the second one is when it’s dry.

The gold glitter color that we reviewed a few days ago was definitely a miss for me, so I’m glad that this emerald shade knocked it out of the park! Emerald is my favorite hue in the green family and, although the eyeshadow is still pretty dusty when it’s dry, that is no matter, because I normally always wear my shadow wet, anyways. This color when it’s wet is so rich and saturated and I love that it has that little touch of glitter to it but it doesn’t overpower the entire eyeshadow.

I was fairly worried about not liking this palette after such a disastrous first swatch, but this emerald glitter shade set it back on the right track, for sure. I can see myself using this color often and am looking forward to trying it out once it’s not a total pain in the buttinski to do my makeup routine every morning. Friggen surgery, man. -___-

What is your favorite shade in the green family? What is your favorite jewel tone color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan5

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush Jelly Bomb In Turtle Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush Jelly Bomb In Turtle Edition

Howdy! Today, instead of talking more about the Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions palette, we are going to review the Turtle Jelly Bomb from Lush that I received for Christmas. I finally felt up to taking a bath a few days ago and taking care of the Woolly Mammoth that I had become, and a bath bomb was an absolute must for the occasion. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

turtleturtle1turtle2turtle3turtle4

The reviews that I read on the Lush website for the Turtle Bomb were mixed, because the jelly bombs can be difficult to clean up. However, I love the jelly bombs, because they are ultra hydrating and they are super fun to use. The thick, nourishing jelly that comes from the bath bomb feels like liquid body butter and it is perfect to rub into your skin before you shave to prevent any dryness. So, after an almost month of not shaving during my surgery recovery, the jelly bomb was just what I needed to take care of business. The Turtle Bomb helped give me a smooth shave and it was so moisturizing that I didn’t even need to put on lotion afterwards.

Upon placing the bomb in the tub, it immediately started to fizz and change the bath water to a lovely forest green. It smelled awesome, too. So fresh and outdoorsy – kind of like Irish Springs. I enjoyed using this jelly bomb way more than I anticipated judging by the wishy washy reviews. But, I will agree with the people that said the jelly looked like pond scum because they are definitely right, as you can tell from the up close pictures.

My only other complaint with the Turtle Bomb is that there wasn’t as much jelly in it as I recall other bombs having, so that was kind of disappointing because there wasn’t enough for a full body application. Other than those minor issues, I liked what this jelly bomb did to the water, it smelled great, and it was easy to clean up so I would use it again, for sure! I give it a six and a half out of ten.

What is your favorite product from Lush? What are your thoughts on the Turtle Bomb? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan4

Diving Into Business Or Taking A Measured Approach: The Pros & Cons

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Diving Into Business Or Taking A Measured Approach: The Pros & Cons

When you don’t have much experience in the field of business, there are a couple of different routes which can be taken to get yourself started. Some people will like to dive straight in, choosing to learn everything they need as they go, and dealing with problems in the moment. Others, though, will prefer to take a far more measured approach. To give you an idea of the key differences between these business-building options, this post will be exploring some of the key benefits of each of them:

Diving In:

Going right into something that you don’t understand will always come with some risks. Issues could come up which you are completely unprepared for and you could take the wrong approach entirely when it comes to making decisions. In return for this, you will have the chance to get started very quickly. You will benefit from the satisfaction of doing something entirely by yourself, while also getting the chance to improve yourself in other areas in the process. It will always take someone with very strong dedication to their business to succeed at something like this. If you’re looking to start a company, passion is the very first thing you need and those who dive right in definitely aren’t lacking in that department.

If you think the best option for you is to dive right in, do so with a plan and additional help in mind. A strong business plan with alternative solutions for problems will be your guide so make sure it is fool proof before making a big decision. Additionally, having extra help through a partner or two can go a long way. One person could be managing marketing. Another partner could be handling the shipment of products and researching options like freight to Germany (or your shipment destination). This can take a lot off of your plate so you can focus your attention to other areas.

And, of course, if you think you have a slam dunk idea – you should go for it! For example, perhaps you are planning to start a nicotine pouch company. This could be very lucrative as smoking alternatives are incredibly popular. Perhaps even more so than cigarettes themselves as countless people are trying to kick the habit every second of the day. Having an alternative like a nicotine pouch can ease this difficult transition and your product could be just what they need. Remember, even if you think your idea is great – it is only great if customers would actually use it regularly.

Taking It Slow:

Taking a slower approach to this can take a couple of different forms, with some people preferring to go to school and others wanting to learn on the job. An online MBA can teach you practically everything you could need to get into running your own company. You will benefit from advice and support, and will be able to get a clear idea of where your talents lie. This will cost money, though, making it hard for some people to use and forcing them to look for other avenues. By getting a job as a business owners assistant for a while, you will gain similar skills, but will earn instead of having to spend.

Which Is For You?

In most cases, taking the slow road is usually the best option when you’re starting a business. This is something which you will want to support you in later life, and this makes it crucial that it is handled correctly. Of course, though, if you feel confident in yourself, it could be worth taking a risk on the more direct approach. Whichever you choose, the hard part of running your company is yet to come, and this means that work will be becoming a large part of your life.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to figure out how you’re going to start your business. There are ways to combine these options further, working to get the best out of both of them. In reality, though, this won’t take too long to be in the past, making it worth getting started on your route as soon as possible. As more people start their own companies, more resources spring up which are designed to help entrepreneurs just like you.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan4

Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Swatch In Gold Glitter

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Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Swatch In Gold Glitter

Hiii everyone and welcome to our first swatch post from the Emerald Obsessions palette by Huda Beauty. For those of you who need a reminder, the palette looks like this:

huda1

Today, we are going to be talking about the gold glitter shade in the top left corner. Take a look at some pics and let’s get to it:

gggg1gg2

^^^ The first heart is the eyeshadow wet and the second one is when it’s dry.

I’m going to be honest, my first impression of the quality of this eyeshadow is not the best. I have never used Huda Beauty products before but, when I applied the dry shadow, it was really crumbly and hard to spread. Even when wet, the color just didn’t have the nice, smooth application that should come with putting on an eyeshadow.

Not only that, but taking it off was a major pain in the behind, too. I took a washcloth with micellar water to my swatched hand and the glitter just would not come off. So, my left hand is definitely looking very Edward Cullen a la Twilight right now. All things glitter is fun when it comes to makeup but, it needs to be able to come off just as well as it applies and the Huda Beauty eyeshadow did not have either of these important factors going for it.

And, as far as the color goes, I’m shockingly not very fond of it. I love me a gold shadow more than anything but, it has this really off putting pale green undertone to it, which makes the color look sickly rather than decadent. I get that they wanted this shade to have a hint of green in it, because it is the Emerald Obsessions palette. But, was this really necessary? No, because I can’t see myself using this color and it was initially my favorite one. Whomp whomp.

How does everyone feel about Huda Beauty products? What is your favorite eyeshadow palette? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan3

Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions Palette

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Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions Palette

Hi everyone and Happy 2019! Today, we are going to take a closer look at the Emerald Obsessions palette by Huda Beauty that my sister gifted me with this Christmas. It is absolutely gorgeous and filled with matte and glitter gold, green, and brown eyeshadow – perfect for playing up my hazel eyes! Check it out:

huda1

None of these eyeshadows have names, but they sure are spectacular. The glitter gold in the top left corner and the emerald green right in the middle are my favorites and I cannot wait to paint my eyelids with them once I feel up to doing my makeup again. During the next few days on lifewithlilred, we will be going through some of the highlight shades from the Emerald Obsessions palette with swatches so be on the lookout for colors that will make you green with envy!

What is your favorite color from this palette? Which shade would you like to see swatched? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan2

Make Memories On Your Next Family Vacation

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Make Memories On Your Next Family Vacation

There’s nothing quite like a family vacation. As parents, we only get 18 summers and 18 winter breaks with our children before they grow up and want to do things on their own. These words should stick in the mind of any parent who has so far put off a family vacation because of timing, money, or even the fact that their kids are young and may not remember it. It doesn’t matter if they remember it, because YOU will. As a parent, you’re going to carry every single vacation, haircut, and the first day of school in your heart and mind for the rest of your life. Memories are moments that you can never get back and you should be doing everything possible to make memories with your children.

Below, you’re going to read some of the ways that you can make memories with your children on your next vacation:

Unplug:

Between work, social media, and the massive lack of downtime that parents get, smartphones and tablets are usually the entertainment of choice throughout the day. When you are on vacation, though, it’s time to unplug. Facebook is like an empty refrigerator; you can open it several times, and you still won’t find anything interesting in there! Put the phone away and watch things happen with your eyes, not a screen. You will be amazed at how much more wondrous every outing can be when you don’t feel attached to your devices. Dinners are tastier, sightseeing during a nights of lights shines brighter, and ordinary moments will feel magical.

For a full unplugged vacation, plan for activities sans phone. This could be a vigorous trek of a mountainside, seeing a Broadway show, or even something that would certainly leave your phone waterlogged! Take a dive and enter a search for “best molokini snorkel tour near me” if you’re visiting the beautiful beaches of Hawaii and want to experience an unforgettable undersea adventure.

Take Photos:

Taking lots of pictures of the scenery is nice, but taking photos of the kids and your family all together and having fun is so much nicer! Prepare yourself with a list of 50mm DSLR lenses so that you know the best ones to bring with you when you go, and don’t pose too much. Get the candid pictures when they’re not expecting it, and you capture those raw moments of your children discovering life – it’s exciting, and you’ll be able to hold onto those forever.

If you are hoping for tons of photo ops on your vaca, a guided tour could be the way to go as your escort will be able to show you all of the scenic spots and beloved community staples. If this is something that appeals to you, simply enter a search for “guided tour holidays” and book the trip of your dreams – minimum planning required!

Go With The Flow:

No matter what goes wrong, relax. Take it in, absorb it, and make the best of the situation at hand. You cannot predict freak weather or a delay in your flight. What you can do, though, is make the best of it. Play silly games with the kids. Run around and get some energy moving. Keep everyone calm and happy with snacks and crayons. Just go with it; you’re still going to have those, “remember when…” moments, maybe just not the ones you originally anticipated. Keep in mind that even if you experience travel chaos, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: Your vacation! All of the stress will melt away once you are on your Galapagos islands cruise, at the amusement park of your dreams, or sight seeing in a new country.

Rewind Time:

When was the last time you ran screaming toward the waves on vacation? Or built sandcastles? It’s time to put down the book and go and have some immersive, imaginative fun with the children. They’re going to love every second of you being messy with them, so go and be messy! Those are the memories that you can never get back.

Making memories on vacation is the way that you set up your future. Looking back is never sweeter than when you have a photo album full of your family in the best light possible. Take a moment, breathe it in, and enjoy!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan2

The Science Of Sleep: How To Get More Quality Shut-Eye

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The Science Of Sleep: How To Get More Quality Shut-Eye

Imagine regularly engaging in an activity that stops your brain from processing and filing away your days’ experiences. That negatively affects your memory and stress levels and robs your body of much-needed energy. That literally stops your body from repairing itself. Well, science has shown that this is precisely what you are doing if you are denying your body enough sleep. Read on to find out more:

Shift work:

Traditionally, those working in a shift pattern rather than the traditional 9-5 or 8-6, as is more common these days, have had trouble regulating their sleep patterns and getting enough to optimize their health. Of course, with the disadvantage mentioned above, this can be something that can significantly affect both their physical and mental well being and so steps need to be taken to rectify this.

One method that can be helpful, is to identify your own personal sleep rhythm and find work that best fits around this. For example, those that wake naturally later in the day and are often up past midnight may suit working the late shift much better than someone that thrives on being up at the crack of dawn.

Noise disturbance:

Something else that can cause you to get too little sleep is noise disturbance. In fact, there is a significant number of people whose sleep is disturbed by factors, such as traffic, noisy pipes, and even a partner that snores. Each issue needs to be dealt with individually but, the good news, is that there are things that you can do to help.

For instance, those plagued by traffic noise may choose to have their windows triple insulated against the sound or wear earplugs at night. While those kept awake by a partners’ snorting can research into the latest practices such as how fotona laser can treat snoring and will minimize any issue of disturbance. Something that will be a great relief to anyone whose quality of sleep is affected by this issue.

Methods of opening obstructed airways, can not only provide relief to the person kept awake by the snoring but can also make it easier to breathe during the night for the person having the treatment, too. Therefore, allowing them to get a much better and more refreshing night’s sleep as well.

Sleep hygiene:

Lastly, when it comes to the science of sleep, what researchers have recently found is there are all sorts of things that can interfere with your ability to drift naturally off to sleep and stay asleep for the required amount of time. Many of these issues arise from over stimulation of the brain, either from caffeine, sugar, light, and particularly blue light. To that end, many specialists are now recommending a return to a more traditional routine before bed know as sleep hygiene.

This routine cuts out too many stimulating factors and naturally allows our bodies and, most importantly, our minds to relax, decompress, and prepare for sleep in the right manner. Something that has been proven to have a positive effect on both nodding off, and staying asleep for the right amount of time to promote optimum well being.

 

Jan2

Gift Ideas Inspired By Nature

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Gift Ideas Inspired By Nature

When it comes to giving gifts, you can choose to head to a department store and you are sure to get something beautiful and thoughtful. But, sometimes, it’s great to give something a little more meaningful and likely to be treasured and used for longer. When people say natural gifts, it can conjure up all sorts of images and ideas, but if you know someone who cares about the environment, prefers natural products, or has a bit of a hippy heart, then these gifts will be perfect for them. This has the extra bonus of supporting some smaller businesses, too.

“My favorite things often have a story behind them and are usually handmade or discovered at a flea market.” – Amy Sedaris

Handmade soaps:

You will often find with handmade soaps that these are home-based businesses with one person behind the whole range. If you have allergies or your skin doesn’t love some ingredients from mass producers, you’re likely to be able to use these. They are usually 100% organic, packed with pure essential oils, and smell fantastic.

Felt booties:

Slippers or boots handmade from 100% wool, and natural rubber. From farm to foot is a great ethos to live by. Usually made in part by hand and part by machine, you know you’re going to get a lovely product with a lot of care and attention to detail.

Cold water essential oil diffuser:

An essential oil diffuser will disperse gorgeous scents all over the home. You can choose different fragrances depending on what mood you are trying to create. To create a calming environment, especially when someone is feeling run down, use lemon. Lavender is perfect for soothing anxiety and aiding sleep. Cinnamon helps concentration and creates a warm atmosphere. Use Peppermint for brainstorming and boosting energy and Rosemary to help you recall information and ward off headaches.

Metal straws:

Many places have banned single-use plastics and are pushing to only have plastic straws for those who really need them. But, sometimes, sipping a cold drink with a straw is a particular type of bliss. Get your friend (and yourself) a pack of metal straws to do your share in waste reduction.

And, speaking of waste reduction, it is almost impossible to cook a meal without having some waste produced. If your friend doesn’t already compost, now might be the perfect time to start. You could gift them with a large composter for in the garden or a smaller more portable one for the kitchen. A compost pail will help your friend reduce their carbon footprint considerably. Many pails come with charcoal filters, which will help trap and control the odors that are often associated with composting. Once the compost is created, it can be used to grow herbs and more veggies.

Plants are great gifting options, too. Not every eco-friendly person is great at taking care of plants, though. So bear that in mind and perhaps opt for something that is easy to look after. Succulents are very popular right now, have a gorgeous effect on their surroundings, and are easy to care for. Air plants are also wildly popular with people who simply can’t seem to keep anything alive. Tillandsias as they are known, require no soil, and can grow simply by being hot glued to an object. All they need is a mist of water once a week or so.

Solid deodorant:

Ditch the roll-on or spray deodorant for something a little more earth-friendly. You can pick up a pot of solid deodorant made from skin loving ingredients that work hard all day to prevent you from sweating and work just as well as anything you’ll buy in store.

Great tea:

A good cup of tea at the right time can change your life. There are many, many brands of tea but you could spend some extra time looking for handmade teas that have a benefit to the local area or the makers directly. This is a double whammy, as you can also choose a beverage that has health benefits like aiding digestion, heart health, or calming teas. Gift loose leaves with a reusable tea bag for maximum eco-friendliness.

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Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

If your recipient is looking to increase their knowledge in all the ways that they can have a positive impact on the planet, then you should take a look at some of the best books around at the moment. Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste, by Bea Johnson is a great choice. This Changes Everything – Capitalism vs. Climate is written by Naomi Klein and talks environment and the ‘free market.’ Or, some inspirational literature like Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, or Wild: A Journey from Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed.

When it comes to giving gifts, the thought far outweighs the price that has been paid. So get your friend or family member something that will mean a great deal to them while being kind to the world.

Featured Image By: Vladimir Proskurovskiy on Unsplash

Jan2

Warm Fuzzies

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Warm Fuzzies

Hiiii everyone! We interrupt today’s scheduled post on the Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions palette to report some Warm Fuzzies bestowed onto Lil Red compliments of my beloved mother. As you guys know, I had some major surgery complications this past month and was a hot mess express for basically all of December. I was in a lot of pain and I’m just now feeling like I’m on the mend.

During the first day of my upswing, I spent it watching TV and reading in a big comfy armchair in my living room instead of being cooped up in my bed too groggy to move. My mom was home from work that day and sat on the futon next to me to fold some laundry.

While she was going through the clean clothes, I noticed a new towel that she scored through a JCPenny or Kohl’s Cash coupon FO FREE (A classic mom trick!). I had used that towel a few days ago after struggling through a shower and told her that it was nice and soft and that I liked the color, a dark heather grey. She told me that she liked it too and that I should have it in my bathroom.

When I woke up the next morning, this is what I noticed on my towel rack:

towel

I am in the worst pain of the day when I wake up and going into my bathroom and seeing the soft towel waiting for me made my misery slightly more tolerable. I was so touched by such a simple gesture and it can really only be described as the Warm Fuzzies. I love sweet little somethings like this so much and, despite hurting so badly, it made me happy. Moms always seem to know just what to do, even in the worst of times and I think my mom knew that one extra warm hug is just what I needed that day. ❤

What is something that gives you the Warm Fuzzies? How do you show kindness in simple ways? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan1

Need A New Year’s Resolution For 2019? Try Always Being Prepared

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Need A New Year’s Resolution For 2019? Try Always Being Prepared

The new year is here. So, if you’ve been struggling to think of a New Year’s resolution, it’s imperative that you think of one ASAP. Our suggestion: make sure that you’re prepared for everything life can throw towards your direction. Life has a tendency to throw curve balls your way just when you least expect them. A little planning and preparation will make those unforeseen situations feel far less daunting. And, it can allow you to deal with the fallout in a more effective manner. Here are three key points of focus that crave your attention right away:

Be Prepared For Financial Headaches:

Nothing makes us feel quite as stressed as facing financial worries. Sadly, studies show that most families couldn’t even handle an unexpected $500 bill. Given that your finances could take a hit at any stage, it’s important that you take control of the situation.

Starting a savings fund for a rainy day is certainly a good idea. However, you should take things one step further. You can do this by protecting yourself through suitable insurance coverage from the most reputable firms. This can protect your assets, earnings, and financial health in one fell swoop. Take control of this aspect, and 2019 will be far happier. This platform can be used for many years to come. too.

Be Prepared For Health Issues:

Nothing in this life is more important than your health. First and foremost, you should try to adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes healthier eating and regular exercise. While you certainly don’t need to live a perfect life, this winning platform is essential.

Your health is a fragile thing and could take a downturn at any stage. Even if it’s only a short-term problem, you must get treated in the right way. Searching for an urgent care clinic near me will put you in a stronger position. Spending an hour looking for healthcare services following an accident is the last thing you need. In truth, it could be a matter of life and death.

2019xx

Find the right doctor for you!

Be Prepared For New Additions:

If your family is going to get bigger in 2019, you need to take greater responsibility. Otherwise, the change could change everything. Okay, so you’ll have nine months to prepare for a child. However, you may want to consider the potential addition of a pet, too.

In this case, preparing the home is crucial. Failure to do this could bring some very negative reactions. Every member of the household needs to be ready for the change, or else the addition could be unfair. Whether it’s a pet or a person, you need to take careful consideration before bringing someone new into the family home. If nothing else, it should encourage a smoother transition.

The Final Word:

The sense of control gained through being prepared for anything life can throw at you will change everything for the better. If you want 2019 to be the best year ever, the trio of features above cannot be ignored. Happy New Year!

Featured Image By: Pixabay