Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Mar8

Netflix Top Ten Picks

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Netflix Top Ten Picks

Howdy!! I am a creature of habit, and I enjoy my nightly routine well…nightly. I love to practice American Sign Language before bed, and after peeing several hundred times (#TMI), I like to settle in with a movie on Netflix. To me, Netflix can be hit or miss with their selection but, I’ve got to say, I’ve been thoroughly impressed these past few months. These are my Netflix Top Ten Picks:

  1. The Gift: This is a good one! In fact, I just started rewatching it last night. I am a HUGE Jason Bateman fan and it is so fun seeing him in more serious roles. If you are similar to me in that regard, then definitely give the TV series, Ozark, a try as well.
  2. Veronica: As a horror movie junkie, I had to give this Spanish language film a try. I had seen an article that said that people were turning this film off halfway through because it was so scary. Now, I wouldn’t go that far – but the movie was good. I enjoyed watching it and I’m sure I’ll rewatch it again at some point or another.
  3. The Conjuring: And, speaking of scary movies, this one is one of my favorites! You can’t go wrong with The Conjuring. I’ve seen it several times and there are parts that still get me!
  4. We Need To Talk About Kevin: Tilda Swinton gives me life. This entire cast does, actually. I love this movie. I love this book. And, similarly to Jason Bateman, it sure is fun to see John C. Reilly take on a more serious role.
  5. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story: And, of course, you can’t mention John C. Reilly without mentioning Walk Hard, as well. This movie is a trip and is perfect for when you need a good laugh. And, can we talk about Jack White’s Cameo as Elvis Presley? Swoon!
  6. It Might Get Loud: And, speaking of Jack White, you can’t not talk about It Might Get Loud. A music documentary featuring Mr. White, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and U2’s The Edge – it doesn’t get much better than this. I deeply, deeply enjoy this documentary and, if you like good music, you will too.
  7. The Babadook: I’m not gonna lie, I hated this movie when I saw it for the first time. And, then, I rewatched it and realized that it is just as good as people say it is. The story line and acting is all great and I can definitely see myself watching it again sometime soon.
  8. Goodfellas: This classic got added recently and I am a huge, huge fan. The cast is to die for, the director is sublime, and the soundtrack is banging. 10/10 would watch multiple times.
  9. Beauty & The Beast (French Version): The French version of Beauty & The Beast is absolutely delicious. Everything about it is just lush, gorgeous, storybook heaven and I never get sick of watching it.
  10. Berlin Syndrome: This thriller was just fantastic. I watched it about a week ago and would gladly rewatch it again. It is wonderful to see a film where the captured outsmarts the captor and it will have you rooting for the heroine the entire time.

If you ever feel like you’re endlessly scrolling through Netflix and still can’t find something to watch, just keep my top ten list in mind and you’ll be happily watching a new flick in no time!

What is on your watch list on Netflix right now? What is your night time routine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar7

Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

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Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

Spring is a time for new starts and bidding goodbye to the horrible winter months. Finally, it’s time for long, flowy dresses, and making the most of springtime with your SO. What are the ways to make the most of this wonderful weather, and all of the exciting events coming up? It’s time to take the initiative with your social calendar, so let’s give you some ideas for quality couple time:

Go On A Picnic:

This really is the first port of call. You’ve got to get out and enjoy the lovely weather, especially if it might turn into April showers. Having an outdoor picnic gives you the opportunity to kick back, relax, and have some quality time with your other half. It’s also great in spring before the summer months come by, and with it, all of the annoying summer insects.

Picnics are so fun because you can plan a menu to make or get takeout from your favorite restaurant. I had a friend who would get takeout from her and her partner’s go to places, they would eat outdoors, and enjoy a walk afterwards. Perhaps you’ll have sammies on an afternoon outing or something more decadent for an evening meal. A candlelit Indian meal outdoors is as simple as entering a search for “indian restaurant cambridge uk” (or your local area). However you go about it, picnics are a great date!

A Sporting Event:

While you might consider sports to be the height of tedium, you will earn extra brownie points with your boo if you present them with some sports tickets to their favorite event. And besides, if you go and experience a baseball game on a mild spring evening, you don’t even have to pay attention to the game to enjoy the ambiance.

A Romantic Night Time Meal:

Either head to your local restaurant and book a table outside or go for a wonderful romantic rooftop dining experience. Enjoying the spring months while sipping on a glass of Chardonnay with your favorite pizza is one of life’s little pleasures. And it’s even better when you’ve got your significant other to share it with. If you are in the mood to shake things up, go to a restaurant that specializes in cuisine that you have never tried before. Perhaps a Turkish restaurant like The Mantl? Or maybe an Indian buffet to sample a bit of everything? It’s always fun to try something new on a date night!

Head To A Concert:

Check your local venues for the latest artists making an appearance near you. The big stadium events are also slowly coming up, with artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and seasoned pros the Rolling Stones all embarking on open-air tours. That time of evening when the main act is taking the stage, the weather’s nice and cool, and thousands of people are having a great time, you can’t help but get caught up in the vibe. And there’s plenty of opportunities for perfect selfies with your SO!

Go For A Walk:

Who’d have thought it, in this day and age you could go for a walk?! Yes, you don’t need to spend money to have a great time with your partner. The spring months are the perfect opportunity to get your rambling shoes on and go exploring. And before the unbearable temperatures of the summer come, you can get plenty of beneficial exercise outdoors, and explore your surroundings with the one you love. Even if you aren’t particularly inclined towards nature, getting out for a nice walk is always going to help bring you and your partner closer together.

The springtime is one of the most perfect parts of the year. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and everything is now gearing up for a fantastic summer. So, as spring has sprung, get yourself outdoors, don’t worry about spring cleaning for now!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar7

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Carolina Belle Blazer Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Carolina Belle Blazer Edition

Hellooo! One article of clothing that Lil Red owns in abundance is jackets. From blazers and peacoats to moto and jean jackets – I love them all. One style that I am particularly fond of as far as an amazing transitional piece from work to play goes is the blazer. Whether it’s fitted and constructed or a slouchy boyfriend style, you can never go wrong with a blazer while you’re on the job or on a night on the town. I own a handful of blazers, but my favorite one will always be this Carolina Belle beauty. Check it out:

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This cobalt blue velvet blazer makes me feel so good whenever I wear it. It makes such a statement thanks to the striking color and pale grey pattern and it gives me a huge confidence boost no matter what mood I’m in. This, in itself, covers what I think clothing should do for someone:

  1. Give you confidence.
  2. Make a statement.

I used to shop very haphazardly when I was younger. I would buy things that maybe didn’t look or fit the best just to have something new or because it was a good deal. Now, as the years have gone by, I try to only purchase things that follow my above guidelines. If the article of clothing that you’re trying on doesn’t instantly make you feel amazing, then what’s the point?

As soon as I tried this blazer on – no, as soon as I looked at it, actually, it made me happy. It made me feel like I could walk into a room or a job interview and be taken seriously but still light it up. I never agree with buying things for the sake of buying. But, how can you not buy a blazer that speaks to you on such a spiritual level?!

What is your favorite style of jacket? How would you style this Carolina Belle blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar6

Drive Your Business To Success

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Drive Your Business To Success

When you first start your business, you’ll feel like nothing can stop you, like you’ll be successful no matter what. But the harsh reality of it is, running a business is hard. There’s so many factors that could actually stop your business from becoming successful, especially in the beginning. So to help drive your business to success, we’ve got a few little tips for you that should help you along the way. Running a business is never going to be easy no matter what stage you’re at, but this should help keep you a step ahead of the game:

Focus On Idea Development:

The one thing that a lot of businesses seem to do is just stick to the one idea, which is fine in the beginning. You don’t want to be over complicating your business too early. But after a few years, and after a few successes, it is time for you to start thinking about branching out. The more ideas you have flowing, the more potential you have to start making money. To gather a few ideas, you could take a look at what your competitors are doing, and it has to be related to your niche to begin with. Selling a product completely unrelated to your company just isn’t going to work. But if it’s good, relevant, and you market it well, there’s no reason why new ideas can’t make you plenty of money.

Focus On Customer Relationships:

One of the keys to success within a business is the customers and the relationships you have with them. Some businesses just amble on with poor quality of care and attention towards their customers. We’re going to show you how to be different. First, you need to keep things professional yet friendly in all areas. People always assume that it’s just face to face interaction that has to be perfect, when in fact, over the phone or emails are the areas which cause the most issues. Even polite gestures such as an IVR to direct your customer to the right place is better than nothing. You can discover more about what an IVR is through that link.

If you are talking to them over emails, the last thing you want to do is come across as patronizing or angry if the customer is challenging you. Try and keep it formal at all times, and keep any anger at bay. Despite thinking that you might have covered it up well, customers pick up on the slightest of things, so remember your email etiquette at all times.

Finally, an important aspect of customer relationships is the ease of using your services. This includes being able to pay the bill without a hitch. Problems with payment can make people wary about returning again so you will want to look into card payment solutions for hospitality businesses or whatever your specialty is. The easier the process, the better.

Focus On The Facts:

You need to be constantly managing your statistics to see how your company is doing. We’re not just talking about your profits in general, we’re talking about individual areas. Monitor the sales of each product so that you can push for success in the areas that are failing. This process can be improved with Inventory Management Software for Retailers to boost efficiency and paint a clear picture of what your customers are loving. You can also then revisit the products that aren’t selling well to make them better.

Look into aspects of your business that are inefficient and find ways to improve. It could be as simple as allowing people to work from home or training employees more carefully. You could be using a service like ProcureAbility to provide advisory and management resources or creating task logs for employees to fill out as they go about their day. Finding what works will take some trial and error but you will be amazed at the difference it can make when you find something just right. You also need to keep a close eye on your employee performances. If you don’t hold regular reviews, it’ll leave employees tempted to slack, especially if they’re doing the same job over and over. Nurturing your employees is one of the main ways to drive your business to success.

Running a business is never going to be easy, but the above tips can certainly help to lighten the work load!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar6

Spending Money To Save Money

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Spending Money To Save Money

Money is by far the most challenging area for modern people to handle in their life. With jobs paying less than they have for a long time, the world’s finances in tatters, and temptations around every corner, it can often feel impossible to save a little for when times are tougher. This leaves a lot of people feeling worried about their position. Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way, and a lot of people have the tools that they need to start saving right in front of them; they just need to spend a little first.

With the world in such bad shape with money, it can often feel like you have to work to save wherever you can. While this can be a good mentality to hold, it can also cause some damage, forcing people to avoid spending anything at all. In cases where quality, time, and value are all factors, this doesn’t always work out. Instead of saving a buck, you will have to go back and pay again, resulting in spending over double what you initially budgeted. This sort of issue only applies to certain things. In most cases, any professional service should be handled like this, and you can find some examples below to help you to do it correctly:

Accounting/Investing:

Given that money is so important, it doesn’t makes sense for you to manage every aspect of it yourself. When it comes to something like taxes, you will need to work hard to make payments correctly, and this can be a challenge without the right skills. Making a mistake here will often result in fines which are far larger than the costs of some support.

Investing is another great example of “spending money to make money”, but it can be hard to know where to start. For something like investing, reputation is everything so you need to find someone you trust for help. Resources like AAIG or even local investing clubs can help give you the tools you need to make smart investment decisions.

Moving Home:

When you decide to move to a new place, there are a couple of people ready to help you; estate agents and moving companies. The first will be able to find your new place for you, dealing with the complex and monotonous paperwork which comes with it. The second will be there to help you to pack, transport, and move all of your items into your new home without (hopefully!) breaking anything.

Construction:

There are loads of parts of the home which you need to be qualified to work on. Electrical, plumbing, and gas can all be very dangerous, and the work that you do on these areas will often be refused approval on the grounds that you don’t have the right credentials. This can result in having to pay for the same fees more than once, resulting in big bills which will be hard to pay.

Hopefully, there will be very few times in your life when you need help like this. For the regular jobs, you will often be able to find people willing to work on a subscription-like basis, saving loads of time when it comes to booking them. In some cases, you might need something bigger, though. In either situation, spending a little extra can save you a whole lot, especially when you’re dealing with high-value items.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Mar6

Groovy Movies Pt. 2

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Groovy Movies Pt. 2

Howdy! As you know from yesterday’s post, Lil Red went hard at the five dollar movie section at Target. Due to such amazing savings and my desire to amp up my DVD collection, I just had to go back this weekend – this time, bringing along my dear old dad. I ended up with four new DVDs and I think my dad bought five for himself! It was a daddy/daughter bargain night out and we had a blast. Here are the four new selections that I purchased:

groovy

I bought…

  1. Clueless: As if!! This movie speaks to me on a spiritual level and every human being should see it at least once.
  2. Bridesmaids: I snagged the last copy of this movie and I am so glad that I did! Melissa McCarthy is my hero.
  3. Lord Of The Rings 3 Film Collection: For all three LOTR movies, I paid ten bucks. You can’t beat that! Now, I just need to get The Hobbit flicks and I’ll be all set!
  4. The Interview: Classic Seth Rogen and James Franco – this movie is a trip. AND it was only FOUR BUCKS!!

I think I’m all done buying movies for a good long while, but this DVD haul was well worth it. Netflix is nice and all, but sometimes their selection is weak at best. This haul will definitely make Mushenheim Movie Night more fun for weekends to come – no trips to the library or video store included!

Which movie do you think that everyone should see once? How many movies do you have in your collection? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar5

A Safe Home Is A Happy Home With These Tips

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A Safe Home Is A Happy Home With These Tips

The home is the most valuable asset you own and, more importantly, it also lays the foundation for your entire life. Therefore, keeping it in the best possible condition is crucial for a whole host of different reasons. After all, failure to achieve this goal will bring huge repercussions. If you’re going to protect the home, however, it’s imperative that you check every box. Focus on the five simple factors below, and you won’t go wrong:

#1. Home Security:

For most people, home security is the main concern for maintaining a safe property. Burglars are smarter than ever, but modern surveillance systems should keep them at bay. Moreover, the fact that those devices can be monitored from smartphones allows you to gain that peace of mind on a 24/7 basis. A good relationship with the neighbors can help too, but taking matters into your own hands should be the priority. Secured doors and windows should consequently gain huge attention, as well. And, finally, investing in a quality safe from a company like libertysafe.com can protect valuables and precious items like photographs and family heirlooms.

#2. Weatherproofing:

While burglars may be the main concern, reality suggests that weather damage is just as likely. On the one hand, all homeowners are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Nonetheless, several precautions can still be taken to reduce any damage. Prevention will always be the best form of protection, and knowing how to defend the home against storms is key info.

Likewise, flood barriers and similar products can be crucial investments for the future safety of the property. This is especially important if you live near water or an area with heavy rainfall. Flood barriers offer both protection and peace of mind when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

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Yikes!

#3.  Minimizing Damage:

Wear and tear is a natural thing that all homeowners will encounter at one stage or another. Many of those are fairly minor issues, but leaving them untreated can allow them to escalate. Calling a plumber to deal with your leaks or learning how to treat damp patches is crucial. Not only will this put your mind at ease, but it will also save money while keeping the home safe. On a separate note, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can protect the property as well as the family, too.

#4. Cleanliness:

Maintaining a safe home isn’t simply about preventing damage to the property. This is a place for your family to live and grow. To do this in the best manner, you’ll want to keep the home clean and tidy. Nobody wants to dedicate their lives to cleaning the home, which is why these simple tricks can have a huge impact. When coupled with the latest gadgets and appliances, you’ll remove the threat of picking up minor illnesses from germs in the home.

#5. Childproofing:

Whether we like to admit it or not, the biggest threats to our properties come from our own actions. This becomes increasingly apparent when kids are involved, which is why you must pay attention to the idea of childproofing. It’s impossible to keep your eyes on everything that the children do. From keeping consumables out of reach to covering electrical points, those small steps make a big impact. If you’ve completed the other tasks too, a safe and happy home is virtually assured.

Your home should be a peaceful getaway and the above steps will help it stay that way!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar5

Monday Update: Groovy Movies Edition

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Monday Update: Groovy Movies Edition

Hey everyone and Happy Monday! I just wanted to make a friendly PSA that Target has the best five dollar movie selection that I have ever seen. I went on Friday to browse around and ended up with SEVEN brand new DVDs for thirty-five bucks. Now, normally I would never purchase movies because they usually range in the ten to teen dollar range and that’s too much for me. But, five dolla holla? I can definitely swing that! Take a look at my purchases and be sure to hit up Target for some five dollar movie fun:

movies

I bought…

  1. Edward Scissorhands: Such classic Johnny Depp. It doesn’t get much better than this.
  2. The Heat: One of my favorite comedies – my mom and I LOVE this movie and I swear I watch it every time it’s on TV.
  3. We’re The Millers: Lol, this movie kills me. My sister and I saw this when it came out in theaters and we were dying the entire time!
  4. Beetlejuice: Need I say more? This movie rocks.
  5. Napoleon Dynamite: I reference this movie frequently in my daily life, so buying it was a must.
  6. Horrible Bosses 2: I love the Horrible Bosses movies. I own the first one, so I might as well have bought the second!
  7. School Of Rock: This flick is one of my favorites. It’s hilarious, the music is great, and everyone in my family freaking loves it.

I feel so spoiled to have bought so many movies, but it was such an amazing deal that I just couldn’t pass it up. In fact, I plan on going back to Target again soon to snag some of the DVDs that I didn’t buy during my Friday trip. How can you say no to five dollars?!

What is your favorite movie? Who else has shopped the five dollar DVD section at Target? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar4

March Funky Time Jams

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March Funky Time Jams

Helloooo everyone and happy weekend! With a new month upon us, let’s discuss some of the music that I’ve been playing on repeat while driving about and getting ready in the morning. It’s a bit of a hodge podge collection this month, but that kind of fits in with the haphazardness that was February. So, crank up your volume and let’s discuss:

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

As you can see, I wasn’t lying when I said that it has been a little bit of this and a little bit of that on my playlist. I have been spending a lot of time switching between funky AF Prince to emo classic The Used and Led Zeppelin sound alike Greta Van Fleet. They are actually coming to Cleveland in July and tickets sold out SO quickly, so I wasn’t able to snag them. I have also been enjoying listening through U2’s latest album Songs Of Experience, so including Get Out Of Your Own Way on this list was a must!

Who is on your March playlist? What kind of music do you listen to to reflect your mood? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar3

Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

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Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Howdy! Does anyone have an accessory that they wear every day? Maybe it’s your favorite bracelet, the earrings that you never take out, or the anklet that’s too difficult to bother taking off. I actually have four bracelets that I wear every day, compliments of my beloved mom and the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You.

Back in October, you might remember that I spent some time in New York City for the first annual Bloggers Conference between me and Kate. Once I was there, it was fabulous. But, I’ll tell ya what, getting there was a bit of a struggle. I had never traveled alone before and, needless to say, I was freaking the fuck out lol. But, in true mom fashion, my darling JANE always knew just what to say and do to calm me down. She let me pick out one of her pieces of jewelry so it was like she was with me on the trip. It was

SO SWEET

And I ended up selecting the following bracelet set from my mom:

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By the time I arrived home from my NYC extravaganza, I was too attached to the bracelets to give them back and asked my mom if I could keep them. Obviously, she said yes, because I have been wearing them every day since my trip. The bracelets are kind of falling apart now and beads are falling off. But, I plan on wearing them until every single bead is gone. ❤

These bracelets are old, blue, and technically borrowed – so what’s the new one? This here Alex and Ani bracelet from the beautiful Kate, of course:

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This gorgeous Harry Potter themed bracelet was a Christmas surprise from Kate, and I have been wearing it every day since it arrived in the mail. This is my first Alex And Ani bracelet and it couldn’t be more perfect. The theme, the sentiment behind it, the element of surprise from a package in the mail from NYC. I get emotional just thinking about it!!! :*)

When these bracelets combine, I have something old, new, borrowed, and blue and my day wouldn’t feel complete without having them on my wrist. So special thanks to my mom and my darling Kate for gifting me with something that makes me smile every day. I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

Do you own anything that fits the old, new, borrowed, and blue guidelines? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear daily or don’t take off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah