Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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3 Reasons Why You Should Take A Photo Every Day

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3 Reasons Why You Should Take A Photo Every Day

You’ve got to give it to people, they are pretty good at coming up with weird and interesting ways of spending their free time. The kinds of hobbies and pastimes which work their way into the public consciousness range from daredevil stunts to things like knitting and stamp collecting, on the extreme opposite end of the scale.

One trend which took off with a few vloggers some years ago, included taking a photo of themselves every day for a number of years, and then compiling the photos together into time-lapse videos. Here’s a slightly different proposition for you. Instead of taking a photo of yourself every day, why not take a photo every day of anything that you find interesting?

What you do with the photos is up to you. You could visit Setapp.com for a list of tips on how to edit photos on your Mac, and then set about turning them into pieces of art, or you could create a conventional photo album. Whatever the case may be, here are some good reasons why you should take a photo every day:

It forces you to look for the interesting in each day:

You know how a typical day goes in your life. You get out of bed, force down your breakfast, go to work, come home, collapse on the sofa, and space out, feeling deeply bored and unimpressed. Then, there’s that one friend of yours who has pretty much the same routine, but who always seems to light up a dark room and to genuinely have fun each day.

Taking a photo each day forces you to move a bit closer to that positive mode of being. Why? Because it inspires you to look for the interesting in each day, in order to take a photo worth having. It could be anything from a cool rock on the ground to a gorgeous sunset, but it makes you keep your eyes peeled all day for the perfect shot.

It gives you a great log of your life:

Journals are a pretty good way of documenting your life and experiences that you can look back on with joy and satisfaction. The thing is, a lot of people don’t really like journaling. It takes time, it can be hard to know what to say, and there’s always the issue of someone else reading it. Taking a photo each day can be a great way of documenting your life, and providing you with mental anchors to events and moments, years down the line.

It can help kick start new art projects and other cool pastimes:

Taking a photo every day can be a wonderful first step in exploring your more artistic side. Once you’ve amassed a good enough number of photos, you can create a display out of them, put them up online, or do any number of interesting things with them. This can, in turn, lead you towards other cool pastimes and hobbies, and can also be a great conversation starter or anecdote to share.

Having a hobby is important. Having a hobby that helps improve your daily life is even better. What can you capture with a photo a day?

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Movie Time!

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Movie Time!

Hello one and all and TGIF! After discovering the magic of the five dollar movie selections while shopping in store at places like Target and Walmart, collecting movies has become a new interest of mine. It’s nice to have all of your favorite flicks readily available to you, no trip to the library or being upset if it isn’t on Netflix required. Throwing in a five dollar movie is a cheap night in and I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t love displaying them on my book shelf!

As a horror movie junkie, I couldn’t say no to snagging these two DVDs for a whopping ten bucks at Walmart. Check it out:

31

What makes a movie fall under my “favorite” category is if I can watch it multiple times a year and not grow tired of it. This rule applies to all genres, which gives me an overall pretty eclectic list of my fave flicks. Especially because Don’t Breathe and 31 are considered a favorite to me along with movies like The Heat, Napoleon Dynamite, Harry Potter, and Pan’s Labyrinth.

Despite both of these movies having a fairly classic story line, they are both done well and have enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. But, that’s just my opinion. Don’t Breathe had excellent reviews, while many found 31 to be a disappointment. I couldn’t disagree more. I am a huge fan of Rob Zombie movies and I felt like he had such fun with this one, and you can certainly tell. It’s campy and raunchy in all of the best ways and can we talk about Sheri Moon Zombie’s killer crop top?! Forget about it!

Who else enjoys purchasing movies? How many flicks are in your collection? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sephora Shopping Steals

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Sephora Shopping Steals

Hi everyone! I regret saying this, because the last thing I need is another store to obsess over – BUT, I am definitely doing that over Sephora! Seriously, their online deals are FABULOUS. I recently got an email saying that if you spend over twenty-five dollars on Too Faced products, then you could get a free mini lip paint with your purchase. I needed to reup on my Better Than Sex mascara, anyways, so I figured that I might as well get it online.

After spending just five minutes on their website, I decided that I will be doing all of my shopping online from now on. You get three free samples with your order, free shipping if you spend over fifty dollars, and there is almost always a promotion to get a freebie gift with your purchase if you spend over twenty-five dollars. Shopping in store is fun, but you get nowhere near that value when you are in person. And, why not get free stuff if you have the option to?

I’m lucky, because I haven’t fallen too deeply into my Sephora shopping to be spending a small fortune on beauty products. Normally, I just get my sister’s prezzies from there for gift giving occasions and stock up on my BTS mascara. But, that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t get maximum savings when I do so. If I ever feel the urge to explore makeup more closely, I will definitely shop in store and then make the purchase online.

I ordered a Sephora Play bag to get myself over the fifty dollar free shipping mark, so maybe the day will come sooner than later where I feel like experimenting with more of the products at Sephora. And, if that ever happens, it’s nice to know that I will be getting a lot of bang for my buck by shopping with Sephora online!

Which stores offers the best freebies or rewards programs? What are some of your savings tips for when you shop Sephora? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dress Obsessed: BCBG Pt. 2 Edition

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Dress Obsessed: BCBG Pt. 2 Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Welcome to the second part of Dress Obsessed with another lovely number by BCBG. This piece is quite a bit different in color palette than the one from yesterday, but the shape and style remain really similar. In true Sarah fashion, since I liked the overall look of the dress, I had to get it in multiple colors! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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(TJMaxx Price: $40)

What I love about this dress is the incorporation of the color white, because I’ve really been trying to work that color into my wardrobe. There is something so pleasing to me about a crisp, white piece of clothing and, I hate to brag, but it looks great on me, to boot! The white turtleneck looks so sweet underneath the pebble grey jumper and is a stark contrast to my dress from yesterday, although the shape is still the same.

I love how cozy this dress feels, because the turtleneck is nice and thin, but the grey portion is made from a more sweater-like material. This will be perfect with a thick pair of tights and a scarf around the neck to accessorize during a warmer fall day. My new BCBG dress reminds me of an old school cheerleading uniform and I really freaking dig it. The more forgiving material adds some flounce to it, which will be perfect for an on the go day of work or play.

How would you style this dress? How would you style a perfect fall outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dress Obsessed: BCBG Edition

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Dress Obsessed: BCBG Edition

Hellooo everyone and a happy Tuesday to all of you! I would never call myself a “label whore” by any means. I’m happy as a clam in any brand, as long as the price is right and it looks cute. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t more high end brands that I admire from afar. One of them being, BCBG. What I love the most about that brand is that they do sexy clothing in a way that’s still really tasteful and chic. The silhouettes in BCBG’s clothing are always form fitting but it’s done in the way that it should be: it shows your body’s shape without the garment clinging to you for dear life!

I was lucky enough to snag two BCBG dresses from TJMaxx for forty dollars apiece, which is still cheaper than the original price of eighty-eight dollars per dress. Take a look at the little number we’ll be discussing today and swing by tomorrow to look at my other new favorite dress:

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Before we even talk about how gorgeous this dress is, I really need to commend BCBG’s sizing. It can definitely be intimidating when you order things online, because you always have to factor in the “what if it doesn’t fit” element. That’s why, I’m pleased to say that this dress fit me like a glove.

I looked up BCBG’s sizing chart before ordering and went with a size small, which is for sizes four to six. I am a true blue size four and that really is what I got with my new purchase. It fit me beautifully without being overly tight or clingy. It showed my shape without showing it in its entirety through a modest knee length and long sleeves. Like I said earlier, it’s sexy done right.

Now, we can talk about the simply charming nod to 70’s flower power in the long sleeves and the netted black carving a gorgeous shape throughout the fabric. From the color combinations and pattern to the varying degrees of texture, this dress is interesting to look at both on and off the hanger! I feel like I’ve never seen anything that looks like it before, and I’ll definitely be scouring the TJ’s website monthly for more BCBG gems like the dresses from today and tomorrow’s post.

My new BCBG dress really doesn’t need accessorizing, because it’s a fairly busy piece. But, I do plan on pairing it with my pearls and wooden Steve Madden heels for a sexy but still sweet OOTD.

What are some brand names that you admire from afar? How would you style this dress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Quick & Easy Skin Care Tips

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Quick & Easy Skin Care Tips

Caring for your skin doesn’t need to be complicated. You simply need to adopt the best skincare routine, use the right beauty products, and avoid items that could cause an unwanted reaction that could damage your skin and dent your self-confidence. If you want to enjoy a clear, radiant complexion day after day, find out how to look after your skin easily with these tips:

Wash Your Face in the Morning and Evening:

If you want to have a clean and healthy glow every day, you must wash your face in the morning and once again in the evening. It should be the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning, and one of the last things you do before bed to keep yourself radiant. Once your skin is properly cleansed, then it can more fully accept the products you put on afterwards. As you build your beauty routine, research different options like skin-nomad.com or must try brands that your friends recommend. If you stick to your regime, you will be rewarded with a more radiant complexion.

Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type:

You also should pick a facial cleanser that is right for your skin type. For example, avoid products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid if you have either oily skin or acne. However, if you are living with dry skin, pick up a gentle, fragrance-free face cleanser for optimum results.

Turn Down the Heat in the Bath or Shower:

Hot water can damage your skin because it can strip away its natural oils, which can lead to dryness – so turn down the heat in the bath or shower. Try to only use warm water in a bath, and you would also be wise to limit your bathing time to just twenty minutes.

Try to avoid using fragranced soaps, as well, as they can be harsh on your skin. Once your bath or shower time is over, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, and leave a little water on your skin so that it can soak up the excess moisture.

Buy Nickel-Free Jewelry to Avoid Irritation:

If you want to avoid an unwanted skin reaction, you should only buy hypoallergenic jewelry. Unfortunately, people living with a nickel allergy can struggle to find the right necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for their skin. Don’t make the mistake of triggering a flare up and turn to Blomdahl USA for fashionable, nickel free jewelry to complement your personal style.

Limit Exfoliation to Only Twice Per Week:

Many people make the mistake of believing that the key to healthy, clean skin is to exfoliate every day. But, this can be a huge problem, as it can seriously dry out your skin. If you want to scrub away dead skin cells to enjoy softer skin, you should limit exfoliation to twice per week.

Give a New Product Time to Work:

Unless a beauty product has resulted in an adverse skin reaction, such as a rash or redness, you should give it time to work. It can take time for you to feel the benefits of a fragrance-free moisturizer or cleanser, so have a little patience before you start seeing the desired results. If you use the product multiple times and experience little or no change, you should then look for a different option for your skin.

Skin care doesn’t have to be difficult and, with the steps above, you will be well on your way to a beautiful complexion in no time.

New Kasper Topper Coat

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New Kasper Topper Coat

Hi everyone and welcome to another wonderful week here on lifewithlilred! I’ve been bad…real bad…Because I ended up ordering more stuff on TJMaxx! But, in my defense, I want to finish all of my fall clothing shopping before I move into my apartment so SUE ME FOR IT. My purchases included two drop dead gorgeous BCBG dresses, which you will see tomorrow and Wednesday, and this lovely topper coat by Kasper seen below. Let’s discuss:

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  • Suggested Price: $149
  • TJMaxx Price: $40
  • Total Savings: $109

My favorite pieces of clothing are definitely coats and jackets. I love how something that you literally just throw on can transform an outfit in its entirety. From moto jackets and peacoats to blazers and trenches, they each hold a special place in my heart. But, I’ve never owned a topper coat until now. Do I know exactly what it is? NO. Do I love it, anyways? HELL YES!

This little number by Kasper is going to look so freaking posh come fall and winter and I cannot wait to wear it for the first time once the weather cools down. I love the black scales peaking out from underneath the white netting, its length, and the elbow length sleeves. And then pairing it with black, thigh high boots and a large statement bag with your OOTD? Forget about it.

From the work Christmas party to throwing this topper on and running your errands, my new Kasper coat will serve its purpose well once the temps get chilly. Can fall get here now, or?

How would you style this topper? Better yet, what the hell is a topper?! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making New Friends As An Adult

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Making New Friends As An Adult

Hey everyone and happy Sunday! As I make my way deeper into my twenty somethings, I find that I have had an increasingly difficult time making new friends. I work for myself, I’m no longer forced to be around anyone because I’m not in school, and, sometimes, talking to new people can be down right scary! Although Lil Red might seem like a confident gal, I still have issues with social anxiety. And, racing thoughts of whether an attempt at small talk will be a hit or miss can leave even the most confident in a tizzy.

But, then, I started utilizing the “what have I got to lose” mindset. The literal worst that can happen is that someone gives you the old “let’s get coffee sometime” and you never do. But, if you’re successful, you could have a brand new friend to get to know and spend time with.

I’ve began putting myself out there more and more lately and, I’ve got to say, it feels great! I’ve been attending different clubs of my interests at the local libraries and have even suggested a hang out with my favorite barista at Starbucks – and it worked! I have also been trying hard to maintain wonderful relationships with my old friends, because a phone works two ways.

I want to continue spending my free time in a meaningful way, and putting forth a better effort to make new friends has definitely helped me achieve this goal. Within just a few months, I feel like my anxiety in unfamiliar situations or speaking with a stranger while out and about has decreased significantly.

I started out small, by striking up a Facebook conversation with the people that I admired from afar and worked my way up from there. And, now, I have a plethora of both new and old friends that I would feel comfortable initiating a hang out with. I’m proud of myself for setting this goal and sticking to it, because meeting new people can be hard. But, once I got over the initial scare factor, it turned out to be an exciting adventure in my life and I’m looking forward to continuing to meet more new potential friends!

Making new friends as an adult can be challenging, but there are ways to make the process easier. One of the best things you can do is look for opportunities to meet new people. This could mean joining a club, taking a class, or even going to concerts like a Ravehub – anything that gets you out of your comfort zone and interacting with others. Another great tip is to be open and friendly when meeting new people. Smile, strike up conversations, and be yourself! People are more likely to want to be friends with someone confident and easy to talk to.

Does anyone else experience difficulty making new friends in adulthood? What are some of your tips for putting yourself out there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Meditation Station

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Meditation Station

Hi there! Something that I’ve been enjoying a lot lately is meditation. One of the libraries in my area has been hosting the two founders of a local nonprofit organization Health, Happiness, & Chan to teach meditation classes to the public. I have been going since the spring time, and found it to be really difficult. Dare I say, I even found it to be completely ineffective.

Then, we had a hiatus for a few months until the summer session began. Upon returning to classes, I had a total turn around during our hour together. I was able to complete the entire forty minute process when, before, I couldn’t even finish five minutes. It felt awesome and I left class feeling so uplifted and accomplished.

Unfortunately, but fortunately, one of our two amazing teachers (Both of whom are professors at Akron U.) has accepted a position at Harvard and is no longer with us. But, our other guru, Joanne is simply the best. I have such a strong connection with her and it was such a delight to be welcomed back to class by her with a huge hug.

Joanne has quite possibly the most beautiful voice known to mankind and, after all of us insisting on it for months, she has finally made a YouTube channel! The quality of her first few videos is not the best, but there will certainly be more to come so I wanted to share them with all of you, anyways. Joanne has such a gentle, kind, and nurturing spirit and you can literally feel it just by hearing her speak. So, subscribe and enjoy as she walks you through all different types of meditation!

Who else practices meditation? What are some of your meditation tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

August Funky Time Jams

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August Funky Time Jams

Helloooo! I don’t know about you, but when I really like a band, I listen to them a lot. While getting ready in the morning, while driving, while working, I will beat that horse into the ground like nobody’s business. But, as enjoyable as it is, it can get boring. This is why I like to turn the almost 9,000 songs in my collection on shuffle every once in a blue moon to freshen my interests up. This puts me back in touch with long forgotten favorites and it introduces me to songs that I didn’t even know I had on my iPod to begin with.

This month’s music is a hodge podge of good stuff so take a listen and enjoy:

(And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!)

Like I said above, a hodge podge of greatness!! I mentioned yesterday that I have been on a huge Madonna kick lately, and I meant every word of it. I’ve had Madonna on my iPod for forever, but never really listened to her. Then, one day, I had a hankering to hear Die Another Day, and the rest is history. And, can we please talk about how amazing the new Greta Van Fleet song is?! I am so in love with this gaggle of guys and have been simply obsessed with their glam appearance and pure rock n’ roll vibes. Keep up the fab work, boys!

What have you been rocking out to recently? What is your favorite way to discover new music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah