Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Nov30

Get More Involved In Your Local Community

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Get More Involved In Your Local Community

Whether you have recently moved into a new area or you are just keen to try and improve your current sociability, you will find that it is a great idea to try and get more involved in your local community whenever possible. Getting more involved is often merely a matter of doing more and getting out there as a way to have some fun, do good, and meet new friends. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the activities in particular you might want to consider if you are going to try and get more involved in your local community. Consider some of the following and you’ll be surprised at the difference that it makes:

Play Sports:

Playing sports is an activity that is offered in almost every community. The sport that you choose to play is up to you, but it might prove especially expedient if you go for one that is strongly team-focused, so that you can meet many more people. You will find that sports such as softball and baseball and so on are especially good for this. If there are no such groups out there, grab some softball lineup cards, find a place to play, and start one!

Take An Evening Class:

If there is some skill or ability that you have always wanted to have, you might want to consider taking some kind of evening class, instead. You are bound to be able to find some in your local area, and hopefully a few that spike your personal interest. The benefit of this, is that if you go and learn about something that interests you, you are bound to meet a number of like-minded people and, in doing so, you will find that you will soon become a real part of the community. This is one of the surest and swiftest ways to build up a strong network of friends, so it’s definitely worth considering. Take an evening class at your local university or college, and you will be able to get much more involved in your community in no time.

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Always invite your new friends to coffee!

Volunteer:

One of the more wholesome ways to get more involved in your local community is to volunteer somewhere. If you look around, you are sure to find opportunities for this, as there always are. Soup kitchens, church programs, the Special Olympics, and animal shelters are all great places to start. Doing good feels good and you will meet plenty of new people (Or pets!) as a result.

Getting involved in your community is a fun way to fill up your free time and, with the new friends that you make, you will be the talk of the town in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov30

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Swatch In Smolder

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Urban Decay Eyeshadow Swatch In Smolder

Helloooo! My sister recently bequeathed her Urban Decay Naked palettes onto me, so we are going to go through the Naked 2 and Smoky palettes and swatch some of my favorite colors. Today, we are going to look at one of the standout shades from the Smoky palette – a lovely deep purple called Smolder. Take a gander at these pics and let’s discuss:

^^^ The first heart is the eyeshadow when its wet and the second one is when its dry.

As we all know, I don’t change it up very often when it comes to my eye makeup. I like what I like, I know what shades work for me, and I stick to them like glue. However, one shade that I do like to apply when I’m feeling saucy is purple. Not ultra bright or metallic purple, but a nice, deep shade like the one seen above. Anything too bright looks crazy with my hair, and Smolder is just right. The dark, smoky shade makes my hazel eyes change to green, as purple and green are complimentary colors, and I love using it to make my peepers pop.

What I also like about Smolder is that the purple becomes really evident when the lighting is good. As you can see from the pictures, the eyeshadow looks almost brown in my yellow-ish bathroom lighting. But, as soon as the flash came on, you could really see that sexy, smoldering purple, which is a fun surprise. So, in a darker setting like a candle lit dinner, you get a delicious chocolate brown and, as soon as the flickering candles catch your eyes, you get a striking jewel tone. So cool!

What is your favorite shade of eyeshadow to wear? Which color compliments your eyes the best? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov29

Boosting Your Career Through Life Long Learning

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Boosting Your Career Through Life Long Learning

After finishing school or university, the thought of picking up a book and learning something else can be the furthest thing from your mind. It’s understandable – you’ve done what you need to do to make it in the working world, so why continue learning? But, life long learning can offer a lot of benefits, and could be essential if you want to reach the top of your career. Need some further convincing? Here’s how life long learning can benefit your career:

Turns informal training formal:

Many careers begin by learning on the job, which can be a great way to gain skills and practical experience. However, the job market continues to be competitive, and even if you have years and years of experience – some employers will want to see some formal qualifications. Explore the different ways that you can validate your skills – an Experienced Worker Practical Assessment is extremely valuable in the construction industry, while a formal qualification in a language can look great on a CV. Getting that validation of your skills can be a major achievement and will help you a lot when it comes to trying for new opportunities.

Keeps your mind and skills sharp:

You might know everything there is to know about your profession now, but you can never predict when changes might happen. Take marketing professionals, for example. Fifteen years ago they barely did anything online and now everyone is finding themselves needing to know about Facebook and digital marketing in order to do their job. Regular training will help keep your mind and skills sharp to help you stay relevant in your field. Keep an eye on upcoming training courses and make sure you continue to learn as you progress in your career.

Just as changes in the way you do your work can’t be predicted, emergency situations at work can also happen when you least expect it. Having first aid and CPR training is a wonderful skill to have both in and outside the workplace and can be lifesaving. Talk to your employer because they might even comp the class after you find a location when entering a search for “first aid courses near me“. Never underestimate the value of being prepared for any situation that might occur. Yourself, coworkers, and complete strangers will be so thankful you did.

Leads to new opportunities:

Training and development is an important part of your career, and they’re often linked. If you’re interested in improving your career development, then undertaking some training courses can show that you’re passionate, committed, and interested in building your experience. Most employers have workplace training programs, so discuss it with your manager or HR department to find out what’s available to you.

Could help you switch careers:

Even if you love what you do right now, there’s no guarantee that you’ll still love it in five or ten years’ time. Having some additional strings to your bow isn’t a bad thing – your other skills and talents could be used to run a great side hustle or even help you move within departments at work. Taking on additional learning can help you find out where your interests really lie to help you do more of what you love – on a formal or informal basis. Make sure you’ve considered your options carefully before deciding on a career switch to ensure that you’re ready to take the leap.

If you are considering a career change through furthering your education, it’s a good idea to take things one step at a time. Perhaps you’re fascinated by the justice system and criminal behavior – choosing to study Criminology could open doors to rewarding careers in law enforcement, victim support, policy development, or research. Starting with just a class or two allows you to explore this engaging field while ensuring the change is feasible financially and personally fulfilling. Going back to school and starting from scratch is a major decision, so plan carefully to achieve both your short and long term goals.

Learning throughout your career is a great way to stay interested in what you do and stops things from becoming stale. Whether you choose to learn a new skill, a new language, or something else altogether, find ways to embrace learning throughout your working life and enjoy all of the benefits it brings.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov29

New(ish) Urban Decay Naked Palettes

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New(ish) Urban Decay Naked Palettes

Hiii! On Thanksgiving, I was in for a treat because my sister had some hand me down makeup palettes for me. Kristen is a makeup guru and loves shopping Sephora and Ulta for high end cosmetics. Although there are a few things from Sephora that I couldn’t live without, I tend to stick to the drugstore brands, myself. So, it’s always extra special when Kristen has some makeup that she’s ready to part with because that means I get to reap the rewards! Take a look at my New(ish) Urban Decay Naked Palettes and let’s discuss:

Smoky Palette:

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Naked 2 Palette:

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When it comes to eyeshadow, I wear a minimal amount, at best. I stick to the colors that I like and that’s about it. I don’t know how to cut crease, I’m not the best blender, and doing a proper smoky eye? Forget about it! But, that’s what is going to make having these palettes a lot of fun because I can play around and practice. Plus, having actual makeup brushes instead of Q-tips will be sure to help, too!

Obviously, I’m partial to the Naked 2 palette, because I love gold, bronze, and pink colors on my eyes. In fact, if I felt the urge to spend a decent amount of coin on a palette, this would probably be the one that I would purchase. So, having the Naked 2 palette is nice because all of the shades are basically old standbys. Although, I like to think that I have the drugstore dupe of this palette, already. The Elf Nude Rose Gold palette is an excellent compromise for a ten dollar price tag and I love using it! If you are a fan of the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette, definitely check the Elf dupe out if you’re not looking to spend a lot of cash.

And, as far as the Smoky palette goes…. Well, it will be a learning experience. I actually quite like all of the colors in it, it’s just going to be more of a matter of applying them well. I rarely wear darker colors on my eyelids, so I’m not really sure what it will look like but, I’m kind of excited to try it out. I don’t even think that I would give this palette a second look in stores, so it was nice that Kristen gave it to me so I can test out some new MOTDs!

In the next few daily posts, I’ll be highlighting some of my favorite colors from each palette so keep your eyes out for that!

Which colors would you like to see swatched from my new(ish) palettes? Do you have a favorite palette or eyeshadow brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov28

Exploring Job Opportunities In Healthcare

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Exploring Job Opportunities In Healthcare

Until you find yourself in need of help, you may never fully appreciate the work of health professionals. But, before you get to the point of needing help, are you the kind of person who could be doing the helping? According to a report released in 2018, there is a significant shortage of physicians expected to come in the next few years. So, let’s take a look at some of the many positions that are important to the medical industry.

The most obvious place to start is doctors, but the plan here is to look at some of the other roles that you might not be aware of. So, here is a brief understanding of what doctors have to go through in order to meet their professional requirements. Doctors require a bachelor’s degree followed by a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine qualification which takes eight years. Along with law, this is the longest education process for a job.

However, we want to look elsewhere at alternatives to being a doctor. In part, this is because if you plan to be a doctor you are more than likely on that path or heading towards it already. This is more for the people who want to help but don’t know what opportunities are there for them.

If you want to help provide healthcare but don’t think being a physician is the right career path for you, consider becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The training for this role is much shorter than it is to become a fully qualified M.D. or D.O. but can be just as rewarding. You still have to get qualifications, after all, you are going to be helping people in need, but you aren’t trapped by the confines of an eight-year degree process.

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 Ah, ah, ah, ah stayin aliveeee!

Once you have your EMT qualification, you can look into becoming a paramedic which opens up a range of opportunities for you. The options for a paramedic include further training so that you can work as part of the international air ambulance service, another noble profession for anyone willing to pursue the years of qualification required.

We have mostly focused on hands-on roles within the medical profession, but if you don’t consider yourself right for the medical side of healthcare but still want to contribute there are plenty of other roles. For example, you can look into opportunities such as an occupational therapist to assist the disabled, injured, or ill people with performing every day tasks. And, there are also many administration jobs that you can do which help hospitals and other medical facilities to run efficiently; don’t underestimate how important that is to the work of doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Don’t be deterred if you’re not the kind of person who can be treating patients. Healthcare is a big world and you will find a position where you are contributing to the good that suits you best.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov28

Fulfilling Career Ideas For The Adventurous

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Fulfilling Career Ideas For The Adventurous

Working at a desk from 9-5 each day is the ideal for some. And, for others, they might be looking for something with more adventure. They do not just want to spend all day in the same place, doing the same work, and looking forward to a two-week vacation where they can let their hair down. They want their life to be like one long vacation and there are some jobs that can achieve that sense of freedom:

Deep Sea Diving:

Exploring the depths of the oceans is not the ideal career for everyone. Physically and mentally you need to be in great condition and be a first-class swimmer. You need to be able to stay calm when faced with sudden danger, too. There are various opportunities for deep-sea divers to work, but you do need the right certification for the job you want to do. Because it is so specialized there are usually jobs available in many industries, including film making, scientific research, forensic and law work, archaeology, and recreational dives.

Pilot:

Regardless of whether they are flying a private jet or working for one of the airlines, pilots get to see the world without having to pay for their travel. In fact, they get paid to fly all over the globe. As with many of the more adventurous jobs, training is needed. This usually starts with the private pilot certificate, then it depends on what type of flying you want to do to decide where to progress from there. Whichever direction you go in, you will be going places. Who knows? Maybe you will even be flying a jet for Jettly or a plane for a major airline!

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Pixabay Image

Adventure Guide:

Do you want to experience the thrill of an adventure every day? This job may be the one for you. As you introduce other people to activities such as kayaking, zip lining, snorkeling, scuba diving, rock climbing, water rafting, or maybe skydiving, you can enjoy the adventure with them. No two trips will ever be the same because people are different, and that will keep variety in the job.

You do have to be trained to do all of the activities and have certification that you know how to keep your charges safe. You will also have to be trained in first aid and how to handle emergency situations.

Marine Biologist:

   
This is the study of life in the oceans. Pollution and climate change are affecting the seas and as this happens marine life is also changing. A marine biologist studies these changes and works to find solutions to the problems. You could be working out at sea or researching samples in a laboratory. You could also be involved in building marine reserves or mapping the movement of different species. The variety of jobs for a marine biologist is huge.

There is no end to the jobs that involve some sort of adventure. You could be a mountain climber, a wild land firefighter, a park ranger, a crab fisherman in Alaska, or maybe a wildlife photographer. They will all provide a rush that adrenaline junkies need while at the same time earning you a living.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov28

Lil Red’s House/Pet Sitting Tips & Tricks

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Lil Red’s House/Pet Sitting Tips & Tricks

Hello! A great way to make some extra scratch and earn some brownie points with your neighbors is to house and pet sit for them. I just finished up a week long gig watching over my next door neighbor’s two pups and home while she celebrated the holidays in sunny California with her husband, son, and daughter in law. Although this might sound like an easy task, there is a lot more to it than you would think and this post will offer some of my go to tips and tricks to make you the best sitter ever.

If you are house sitting:

Always Get Their Mail/Newspapers:

During my criminology class in college, one of the prime things that burglars look for as told by actual burglars was a pileup of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox. If this doesn’t scream “no one is home” than I don’t know what does! If the family you’re sitting for isn’t cancelling their mail and papers for the week, be sure that you are prompt in picking them up upon delivery. Place the newspapers and mail in separate piles and voila – you just knocked one task off of your list for the day!

Make Yourself Known:

It is always a good idea to let your neighbors know that you will be house or pet sitting for a family, if they haven’t done so already. Nosey neighbors love to snoop and one of them had the nerve to text a client of mine that she thought that someone was breaking into their home when it was just me! This will also let your neighbors know to keep an extra eye out for anything suspect when you aren’t home. Try to be at the site that you are sitting for as often and long as you can, because an occupied home is a major deterrent to burglars.

Clean Up:

This should go without saying, but do make sure that you clean up after yourselves! Wash the linens and remake the bed that you slept in upon the homeowners arrival back. Run the dishwasher if there is a pileup of dirty dishes. Water their plants. Get the house looking how it did before the owners left in the first place. I like to Swiffer the floors when I’m housesitting, too. With the snow and rain that Akron has been getting lately, tracking mud is easy to do, and no one wants to come home to that!

If you are pet sitting:

Stick To Their Schedule:

Whether your watching dogs, cats, rabbits, or fish – house pets love their schedule. Learn when the pet owners feed their pets, walk or exercise them, and take them out to potty and stick to it. The pets are probably in a state of confusion or worry that their owners aren’t there and adhering to their schedule can be a huge comfort to them.

Stay And Play:

All of the pets and snuggles can also be a comfort to the animals that you are watching so stick around and just be with them. Play with their toys with them, talk to them, or do some of your own busy work in the house. Your presence can help the pets feel at peace, so if you don’t have to leave just yet, don’t. And, if you have to sneak away to work for a while, turn on the TV or some music until you get back.

Clean Up:

This should also go without saying, but do make sure that you are cleaning up after the pets. Put their toys back in the bin, wipe them off if it was rainy or muddy when they were out (No one likes eau du wet dog and dirty paws!), and clean up any accidents they might have had in the house. It’s not fun, but could you imagine how you would feel if you got home from a trip and there was number one and two everywhere?! If the pets are prone to having accidents in the house, set down some newspaper or piddle pads to make your job a little easier.

If you do your job well while the home or pet owners are away, you will surely be invited back the next time they need someone. And, if they spread the word, you might have your own mini business in no time!

What are some of your tips and tricks when you’re pet or house sitting? Where was the last trip that you went on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov27

Making Your Home Feel Christmasy On A Budget

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Making Your Home Feel Christmasy On A Budget

Christmas is just around the corner so it’s about that time where we begin to decorate our homes in a manner that St. Nick would be proud of. Unfortunately, we all know that Christmas decorations can be a bit pricey, which might make you want to say “bah humbug” and promise to decorate next year. But, instead of throwing in the towel, you should get creative and find new ways to still make your home feel like it’s worthy of having Santa Claus and his reindeer park on your roof. Decorating your home can be done on a budget and it doesn’t have to feel tacky or last minute. As long as you stick to the fundamentals, you’ll always find some kind of deal and items that will suit the occasion:

Sparkling light:


What are the most recognized colors of Christmas? Looking at any Christmas tree that is in the center of any notable major city you will see red and green along with gold or yellow. But there’s one hidden color that can make all the difference in the world, and that’s silver. Silver is the unsung hero of Christmas décor, because it tends to blend in and, rather than just look pretty on it’s own, it helps all the other colors come to life; especially red. So consider buying a silver candle holder which you can use to create an effect of sparkling light. It’s cheap, but it’s very eloquent in the way that it spreads natural and manmade light around.

Something for leisure:

Infusing Christmas into otherwise un-Christmasy items can also be a fun way to go when it comes to decorating. Using the ibotta app, you can go onto Etsy and choose a personalized Christmas cushion that has your family name written in the middle of an artistic wreath. If you do, you can stand to get a 6% cash back coupon which can be used as extra pocket money or towards another purchase. It helps to keep informed about these things so that you’re not spending more than you have to.

A tartan home:

Thinking of Christmas clothing, one of the key items we tend to look over is the tartan ribbon. The tartan pattern and style are used in many kids’ clothing such as coats, mittens, socks and scarves around this time of year as well as for adults. Get some tartan ribbons and tie them in a bow all around your home such as around the stairs, around the door handle of the front door or hanging off the kitchen cupboard door.

If you’re on a budget this year for Christmas, then consider style over accessories. Then, use a little imagination, and you’ll have a house decked out for the holidays!

Nov27

Solutions For A Home That’s Seen Better Days

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Solutions For A Home That’s Seen Better Days

It might be tempting to throw in the towel if you’ve grown tired of your home’s appearance. As the years go by, a household’s design can quickly become dated and forlorn. Things start breaking, clutter starts to shrink the rooms, and your house no longer feels as fresh as it once did. If you’re out of ideas to improve the situation, then here are some solutions for a home that’s seen better days:

Do more with your space:

The first solution that might help a worn-out home is to do more with the space. For starters, you should consider decluttering. Sometimes, a household simply appears old and worn out because it’s cluttered. Getting rid of possessions you no longer need will help to open the available space in your home and also create a minimalistic layout. With increased spaciousness, there are more opportunities to reinvent your humble abode.

Of course, if you assess that your home is just too small for you and your family, then it might be time to move on. You should do some research on the real estate market if this is the case. You might be able to find a property that’s better suited to the needs of your family. If you’ve cleared out your house and still feel like it’s too small for you, then this might be your best option. On the plus side, a minimalist aesthetic is more attractive to potential buyers. If you’re going to sell your old house, then stripping it back in terms of design might help you on your mission.

Give it a better external face:

If you really want to improve your worn-out home, then you need to give as much attention to its exterior design as the interior. A modern household on the inside might not have the same impact if it looks shabby on the outside. Start off by cleaning up your front yard. Putting away loose items, pulling up weeds that are coming through concrete cracks, and cleaning the driveway are all simple ways to spruce up your household exterior. Maybe you should plant some flowerbeds and even get hanging flower baskets for either side of your front door, too. This will give your home’s front face some eye-grabbing visuals. If the exterior of your house needs more TLC than what minor changes can provide, you might want to consider house rendering to improve the aesthetic and hide imperfections. It can make a huge difference and will have your home looking as good as when you first moved in.

Use lighting to create an impact:

Lighting can really create an impact in a home if used correctly. As shown in the picture below, neutral wall paint can help to reflect daylight and brighten up a room. Even using different flooring can help to put your house’s lighting to better use. Rather than using carpet in your home, which can quickly become tacky and unappealing, you could use laminated wooden flooring to help reflect light and brighten up your home. If you want to retain the comfort factor, then rugs can easily achieve the same effect as carpet without losing the chic aesthetic of wooden flooring. Plus, natural materials such as wood are classic and timeless; your home will look fresh and modern on an endless basis.

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Windows on windows on windows

Every home needs freshening up now and again, so use the above tips to get your house feeling back to how it did when you first bought it and experience a world of difference.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov27

Winter Guest Bloggers?!

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Winter Guest Bloggers?!

Howdy! For some of us, winter weather is already in full swing and, for others, it will be arriving soon enough. Some of the lucky ones, though, don’t experience the cold at all! No matter what the situation is in your neck of the woods, Lil Red wants to feature your winter themed posts on the ol’ blog. From favorite recipes and frosty makeup looks to bundled up OOTDs and holiday shopping tips, I want it all! If you are interested in guest blogging on my page for some winter fun, please shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com ! Much love. -Sarah