Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Thanksgiving is one of my most loved holidays, because it revolves around food and family, which are my two favorite things in the world. There is nothing like having friends and family over to share in a beautiful meal and just enjoy each other’s company, and I feel like that is what this day is all about.

Today, I am looking forward to cooking up some deliciousness in the kitchen with my mom and sister. I love to cook, and it is so fun and rewarding to be able to make a meal that everyone looks forward to year round (At least, I do!). I hope that however you spend your day today brings you a lot of joy, good food, and wonderful company.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? How are you going to spend your day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Blank NYC Faux Leather Skinnies

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New Blank NYC Faux Leather Skinnies

Hi! While on PANTS PATROL, I was able to invest in a wonderful pair of faux leather skinny jeans by Blank NYC. I have been on the prowl for a good pair of faux leather skinnies for a while now, but they are so hard to find. I don’t want them coated, I don’t want something crazy expensive, and I want something that it going to fit me well. At forty bucks, these new skinnies matched all of the listed criteria and then some! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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I ordered these bad boys in my actual size off of TJMaxx’s website, but they were SO. FREAKING. TIGHT. that I had to return them and reorder in a bigger size. Once I sized up, they fit perfectly. The fit was tight, but not so tight that I felt like I was vacuum sealed into them! And, I’m sure that after I wear them around for a day or so, they will break in a little more. I am not sure if all Blank NYC bottoms run small or just this one, but Lil Red definitely recommends sizing up.

I adore all of the details that these skinnies have like the zippered ankles, the zippers on each hip, and the ribbed knees and lower thighs. All of these extras add even more edge to an already badass material and, we all know how much Lil Red loves that! The quality of my new pants and the fine attention to detail make the forty dollar price tag so worth it and, although sizing was an issue, I would happily buy Blank NYC clothing again.

Faux leather skinnies are awesome, because you can toughen up a rocker look even more or you can add some spunk to a sweeter garment like a flowy blouse or cardigan. Pairing them with my favorite black moto jacket and boots is an obvious must. But, they will also look just as cool with a peacoat and heels for a holiday get together.

How would you style these jeans? Where do you get the best jeans from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

3 Things All College Students Should Know

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3 Things All College Students Should Know

Being in college is often painted as being one of the easier times in life, but anyone who has actually been there will know that it is quite the opposite. It is often very hard being a student in many different ways and wanting some advice or help is absolutely fair and not a sign of failure. If you are keen to try and improve your own college experience, you might want to look into some of the things that you can do to make sure that it is as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the things that all college students should know if they are to both enjoy college and get as much out of it as possible:

There Is Always Help To Be Had:

Because it’s usually your first time away from home, you will probably find that you end up feeling a little alone at some point or another. A big part of this is the sense that you can’t really do anything to be helped out, and that you need to suffer or struggle alone. However, this is not the case, and if you want to get ahead in college you will need to remember that there is always help to be had, no matter what. Whether you buy essays to help you out with your work or calling home for a friendly voice, it is worth bearing in mind, so make sure that you remember that as best as you can.

Grades Can Be Improved:

In most cases, you will get the chance to take mock exams and submit early drafts of essays before you actually finalize them, and that is an incredibly useful thing to be able to do. Knowing that your grades can essentially always be improved means that you can hope to reduce any anxiety you might have around your studies, and put a little less pressure on yourself to get it right the first time around. Grades can always be improved in time for them to matter, so don’t worry so much and instead just try to do your best whenever you can.

There is also plenty of help to be had if you are struggling with your grades. Study sessions and tutors are usually available on campus so you can get a better grasp of your classes. There is also lots of resources online like this student research guide as well as sites like Grammarly if you have a hard time proofreading essays and even YouTube videos to help break down difficult math equations. These are all wonderful tools so use them well!

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Study up!

Friends Are Sustenance:

If you don’t manage to make many friends, it is much less likely that you will have a great and useful time at college, so it is definitely something that you should try to do early on. Making friends is an important part of the whole experience for most people, and it’s something that everyone is perfectly capable of if they know how. If you feel that you sometimes struggle with this, you might want to think about some of the things you can do to ensure that you are going to be able to make more friends in the future, so that you can hope to enjoy college life all the more.

College, although stressful, is a fun and exciting time so use the tips above and make the most of it!

Featured Image By: Pexels

What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

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What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

If you have been involved in a workplace accident and are currently looking for some advice on making a claim, then this post is for you. Read on to discover some top tips that can help to make sure that your claim is successful, as well as some answers to your most pressing questions.

What sort of accidents can you claim for?

There are so many different types of accidents that can happen in the workplace. The following is a mere handful of examples:

  • Falls from a height
  • Slipping on an unmarked object
  • Whiplash from a company vehicle accident
  • Injuries because of poor or no risk assessments
  • Injuries due to faulty machinery
  • Assault
  • Objects falling onto someone
  • Industrial diseases
  • Industrial deafness

Will my employer fire me if I make a claim for an accident that occurred in the workplace?

Your employer will not fire you for making an accident claim because of a workplace incident for an injury that was not your fault. They will have insurance in place to cover them and they know that it is their responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Moreover, if they were to fire you, you would have grounds for unfair dismissal and they would only land themselves in more trouble.

Do you have a claim?

The first thing you need to do is determine whether you have the basis for a claim. To do this, you need to look at three key things. These are as follows:

  1. Who caused the accident?
  2. When did the incident occur?
  3. Did you see a doctor for your injuries?

First, it is vital to show that someone else made an error or acted negligently and that this resulted in your suffering. Second, the date of the accident is important, because there is a three-year time limit on all personal injury cases. Third, you must have seen a doctor because the medical report they provide you with is the most crucial piece of evidence when it comes to any type of claim. If you do have grounds to file a claim, it is best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to evaluate the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process to ensure your claim is as strong as possible. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies or represent you in court if needed, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Simply enter a search for “Edwardsville IL Personal Injury Attorneys” or an expert in your local area, to find a well reviewed and trustworthy team to take on your case.

Finding the best accident lawyers:

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim. The next thing you need to do is find a law firm such as Killian, Davis, Richter, & Fredenburg, PC who can provide a reliable solicitor to work on your claim. You need to make sure you have a high quality lawyer fighting in your corner. Here are some top pieces of advice on hiring a solicitor:

  • Look for a solicitor with a considerable degree of experience with your specific claim.
  • Read reviews that have been left by previous customers.
  • Opt for a solicitor that works to a payment agreement you are happy with.

In terms of experience, it is not enough to find a solicitor that has a lot of years in his or her locker. You need to make sure they have worked on cases similar to yours before. After all, lawyers who handle wage theft matters are not going to be the best choice if you have been injured because of a pothole in the company car park and vice versa.

Hire a lawyer quickly:

The sooner you get a lawyer and file your claim, the better. There is a three-year time limit on most personal injury cases so you will want to do your research and find one of these reputable Detroit personal injury law firms (or one of similar caliber in your area) to take on your case ASAP. Three years may seem like a long time, but court proceedings need to be issued within this period. Moreover, the sooner you make your claim the easier the process will be, as the details will be fresh in your mind and you will find it easier to get your hands on witness statements and other crucial pieces of evidence.

Things you can do to help:

Seeking legal assistance when injured at work is often one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery process. While your lawyer is going to be responsible for ensuring that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve, there are things that you can do to help. For instance, it is a good idea to sit down and make notes of everything that happened as soon as you get the chance. That way, you won’t forget anything important. You should also keep receipts of any costs you have encountered because of your injuries, as you will be able to claim for these. Finally, it may help to take photographs of your injuries.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different factors to consider when it comes to making a personal injury claim against your boss. There is no need to panic. So long as you handle everything above, it should go smoothly.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

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Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

Working outdoors presents its own unique set of challenges. No matter what type of work is being carried out, appropriate risk assessments are required. Otherwise, not only are you putting the safety of your workers at risk, but you could find yourself facing an unwanted legal battle, too. With that in mind, read on to discover some appropriate risk assessments you should consider when working outdoors:

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic approach to assessing work activities. Business owners need to look at everything that could go wrong and determine suitable control measures for preventing injury, damage, and loss in the workplace. The assessment should include the controls needed to minimize, reduce, or eradicate the risks.

Working in hot environments:

The weather can be erratic at the best of times; one minute it is raining, the next minute we are welcoming a heat wave. When employees are working outside all day, it is important that they are protected from the weather. There are a number of administrative controls that can be used to protect workers when in hot environments. This includes:

  • Talk to workers about the early symptoms of heat stress.
  • Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment whenever a person is resting to help encourage heat loss.
  • Introduce shaded areas where people are working.
  • Supply free access to cool drinking water.
  • Provide more frequent rest breaks.
  • Reschedule work to cooler periods of the day.

Working in cold environments:

If your employees work outside all of the time, it is likely that they are going to need to work in cold weather. You will need to carry out a risk assessment so that you can reduce the risks associated with cold weather working. Some of the controls you can use to achieve this include:

* Talk to workers about the early symptoms of cold stress.
* Consider delaying the work. Is it possible to reschedule the work to a warmer time of the year that will not compromise safety?
*  Introduce more frequent rest breaks.
*  Encourage the drinking of warm fluids, such as hot drinks or soup.
*  Provide mobile facilities for warming up.
*  Make sure the personal protective equipment issued is suitable.

Working outdoors in specialist environments:

There are also a number of specialist workplace environments that require thorough risk assessments. This includes working outdoors under high air pollution levels. Factors to be considered throughout your risk assessment include workload, work arrangement, general/roadside AQHI category, workers’ health condition, and exposure to other air contaminants. Preventative measures include the likes of reducing the weight of loads being handled at one time, arranging for job rotation between indoor and outdoor work, and minimizing outdoor work in areas with heavy traffic.

When something goes wrong:

If you work outdoors and the correct safety measures are not taken, you could end up being involved in an accident and suffering an injury. If this does occur, it is important to find injury lawyers you can rely on. You should not merely sit back and accept what has happened to you. If it was not your fault because risk assessments were not carried out or the proper provisions were not put in place, you will be entitled to compensation.

There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to outdoor work. This is why thorough risk assessments are a necessity. Hopefully, you now feel like you have a better understanding regarding the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that risks are minimized and workers are protected. If you are worried about the conditions you are working in, speak up!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

New Almost Famous Skort

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New Almost Famous Skort

Yo! As we all know, Lil Red has been on PANTS PATROL and I am honestly so happy about it. There’s a few things that I hate shopping for and they go as follows: Bikinis, bras, and PANTS, PANTS, PANTS. Pants are a pain in the ass to shop for and they always have been. Your girl suffers from the figure skater booty and thighs but a tiny waist, which makes getting a pair of pantelones that actually fit well really difficult. The same goes for shorts. Literally anything that you can wear on your bottom half that you have to put both legs through. Lol, so that’s why I was thrilled to snag this adorable Almost Famous skort seen below:

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Hopelessly out of season, I know. But, I just couldn’t help buying this cute as a button skort on TJMaxx’s website. I only own one other pair of shorts, so this actually was a really necessary purchase for when summer rolls around. I thought that this little number would make a really sweet addition to my summer wardrobe, because they are so different than your basic booty shorts, which will definitely add that Lil Red flare to any outfit, even if it’s just paired with a T-shirt or crop top.

Of course, I’m looking forward to wearing this in the summer but, I also plan on incorporating it into my spring wardrobe with some sweater tights underneath. The material of my new skort is nice and thick so it will do just fine. Then, I will pair it with a blazer on top and some cute little booties for a cool look for work or play. Love it!

Which type of clothing do you struggle shopping for? How would you style this skort? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

4 Fabulous Ways To Enjoy A Modern Health Kick

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4 Fabulous Ways To Enjoy A Modern Health Kick

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to improving your health and well being these days. The most essential thing to remember, is the fact that you need to keep on top of your health every day. It is easy to let things get away from you, and find yourself in situations where you are becoming more unhealthy. But, the goal is to make sure that you understand your health and fitness better and work on improving them.

This means that you have to think carefully about the different techniques you can use to boost your well being. Self-care is so important in 2018, and you can always do more to look after yourself. This is why it is so crucial to make sure that you have some ideas to fall back on that are going to help you get the best out of your mind and body this year:

Keep a Record of Your Progress:

Keeping a record of your health each week can be really useful. Filling in a chart or writing down what you’ve been able to achieve is so important for the future. In fact, using a ‘plot your health wellness planner’ might be the perfect way of doing this. It’s great to be able to chart your progress properly because this is something that gives you goals to work toward.

Quit Drinking:

If you are serious about taking your health to the next level and improving things in the best possible way, you should consider putting the kibosh on the booze! Sure, we all like a drink now and again, but alcohol can really adversely affect your health. It’s not even that you need to be an alcoholic for the negative sides of booze to take effect. It can make you put on weight and stall your productivity the following day. If you want to learn how to stop drinking, there are plenty of guides and ideas online that can help you, and it is important to look into this as much as possible.

Should you need more help when it comes to alcohol use, then there is no shame in that as we all have our struggles. You can explore different rehabs or therapy programs in your local area or there are even alcohol support lines you can call for guidance 24/7. These support lines are especially beneficial should you find yourself in a stressful situation or are feeling triggered as support is just a call away.

Change Your Diet:

Changing up your diet can have a profound effect on the way you improve your health. There are so many advantages to changing what you eat and what you put into your body. Try to make sure that you have a healthy and balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. If possible, try to avoid fad diets because they can be less effective in a long-term capacity.

Try to Keep Active:

There are so many things that you can do to help you keep active. One of the most important being, having a routine. Make sure that you think about joining the gym so you can keep in shape, or, at the very least, you want to have some kind of workout schedule at home that you can use.

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If you use these ideas to help you, it is going to make things a lot easier when it comes to improving the way you feel. A modern health kick is something that is really important for helping you become a more well-rounded person, and for helping you stay as healthy as possible. Make sure this is a priority for you going forward, and you will really benefit as a result.

Featured Image By: Wikimedia

New Free People Pinstripe Pants

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New Free People Pinstripe Pants

Hello! I will tell you what, I have been on PANTS PATROL lately, because all of my black skinnies are fading into grey and I just won’t stand for it. Luckily, TJMaxx has got my back with all of the best fashions and I’ve been able to restock the bottoms department in my wardrobe so I won’t have to run around in my SKIVVIES! Although these new Free People pants seen below are navy instead of my beloved black, I still like them just the same. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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TJMaxx began carrying Free People shoes and clothing within the past year or so and my quality of life has increased tenfold since this happened. As you can see from the price above, their clothing is nowhere even close to my budget, so I just admire them from afar. But, a new pair of SLACKS for twenty bucks was a deal that I couldn’t pass up on so here we are now chatting about them!

I have been on the prowl for a paper bag style of pants like these for a while now. And, the nice thing about my Free People pair, is that they are made from a cloth material instead of that weird filmy kind that the paper bag style uses. That material does no favors for my body type and I wouldn’t want it close to my skin, anyways! I also like that the fit of my pinstripe pants isn’t high waisted like the paper bag style traditionally is. These are a normal rise pant with a baggy fit and a dipped crotch so they are obviously crazy comfortable but, they still manage to look chic, which is important.

I’m looking forward to pairing my new pantalones with a plain white T-shirt and my black Urban Outfitters boyfriend blazer for a cool and relaxed look. I then plan on dressing up the outfit with a long in length gold necklace and rings for a pop of bling. And, to finish it off, a nice pair of heels will do for a look that is perfect for a day at work or a night out for drinks with the girls.

What is a brand name that you admire from afar? How would you style these pants? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Eva Franco Maxi Skirt

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New Eva Franco Maxi Skirt

Helloooo! It’s funny how your fashion sense continues to develop year after year. For example, when I was 23, I wore skirts on very rare occasions. And, here we are now one year later, and I can’t stop buying skirts to save my own life. My New Eva Franco Maxi Skirt is one that I have had my eyes on for a while but, I couldn’t justify paying fifty dollars for it. So, imagine how happy I was when I snagged it on clearance for twenty bucks! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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Where do I even begin when it comes to expressing my adoration for this skirt? Should I start with the charming color palette of candy colored embroidery against navy blue? Or how about the whimsical layer of the gauzy fabric flowing against the actual skirt? This Eva Franco piece is total fairground fun and I love every minute of it.

The beauty of this skirt, aside from how darn pretty it is, is the styling opportunities that come with it. I consider navy to be a neutral, so you could pair this with almost any color on top and you would create a stellar outfit. I can’t wait to pair this with a hot pink crop top in the spring and summer for an adorably bright look. But, I can also see this skirt worn during the winter with a pair of thick tights underneath and a warm moto jacket to add some colorful delight to the bleak outdoor weather.

My new Eva Franco skirt makes me smile when I look at it and getting it for a bargain price makes the purchase just as sweet as the pastel polka dots adorning it. Love, love, love!

How would you style this skirt? How has your style developed over time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Living Microbladed

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Living Microbladed

Helloooo everyone and welcome to one of two follow up posts from Lil Red’s Adventures In Microblading! As you all know, I visited La Marie Brow Club in Pittsburgh in October to have my brows finessed by my cousin, Laura. And, now that my makeup routine has been literally cut back seventy-five percent and I never have to buy an eyebrow pencil again, I simply cannot believe that I didn’t have Laura do my brows when she began her business last year. Take a look at my result pics and let’s discuss:

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Living Microbladed is the best thing that ever could have happened to my face, lol. Seriously, the time that is saved from having perfect brows is second to none. I can sleep in longer or I can get up at my normal time and finish an extraordinary amount of work on my blog before I leave for work because I’m not wasting my time trying to get both eyebrows to look exactly the same with makeup.

My new eyebrows make me feel SO freaking confident. They frame my face in a way that my natural brows never could, with or without makeup, and they make my eyes pop, pop, pop! Even my boyfriend thinks that they make me look “more sophisticated” and I totally agree – I love it!

Laura is going to touch my brows up in mid December and during this session she is going to add any extra hair strokes that she might have missed. I am also going to have her darken them to the color that they were when I first got them done. The color that Laura chose is perfect because it’s the exact same color as the pencil that I was using. But, now that they have lightened to that color, I now know that I prefer them to be a bit darker. I’m excited! 😀

I cannot wait to visit La Marie Brow Club again in December and do be sure to check out my last blog post on my adventures and schedule your appointment with Laura today!

Would you ever get microbladed? What is your eyebrow makeup routine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah