Author Archives: lifewithlilred

About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Oct6

Bath & Body Works October Freebie

Posted on October 6, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! I received a freebie coupon for a hand cream at Bath & Body Works and was able to stop in after my nail appointment on Tuesday to snag it. I was on cloud nine – a fresh fill, a little treat, and I still made it to work with ample time to spare. Everything was coming up Lil Red! Better yet, I was in and out of B&BW in literally two minutes without having to explain to an employee that I was only there for the freebie lol. What can I say, I keep my bath and body care well stocked! As I had no desire to linger, I grabbed the first hand cream I saw without giving it the old sniff test. So, let’s find out what Platinum smells like together…

The consensus? Platinum smells… fine lol. According to B&BW’s website, their description for what it smells like is “a mesmerizing vibe you can’t help but be drawn to” and offers notes of “sparkling bergamot, silver blooms, and patchouli musk”. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a mesmerizing vibe because I feel like it doesn’t smell like anything! I get a whiff of a slightly floral fragrance but that’s about it. Honestly, that’s fine too because this scent had the potential to be overly pungent which is something I can’t stand for. I will say that the packaging is cute AF and Platinum would be a safe bet if you’re purchasing for someone else as there wasn’t much to like or dislike.

PS: If you are already in holiday mode, B&BW is previewing their seasonal collections in store and online. In fact, I hardly saw any Halloween scents in store and it feels like I just had my spooky roundup yesterday. My, how time flies in the retail world!

Would I go out of my way to get Platinum again? Hard no, but free is free!

What is your favorite seasonal scent? Where do you get your bath and body care from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

New Light Pink & Purple Shimmer Nails

Posted on October 5, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! I live for my monthly break time fills at Elysian Nails and had an appointment this past Tuesday. I am also getting my hair done later this month so LOOK OUT because your girl is about to be feeling her goddamn self. During Treat Day with my niece, I asked her what colors I should get my nails and she suggested pink and purple. She read my mind because that’s exactly what I planned on doing! Check it out:

I’m not sure if I mentioned what mine and Johnny’s Halloween costumes are so if I did, sorry for repeating myself lol. He is going to be Lord Licorice and I will be a Candy Queen inspired by Candyland. It is going to be cute as can be and I am SO excited to order my costume! As you might have guessed, what I picked out primarily features pink and purple so I needed nails to match the vibe. When I approached the nail polish wall, I found two perfect shades of shimmery pink and purple sitting side by side. It was like they were waiting just for me! 😀

As per ushe, my tech did a bang up job and exceeded her former personal best on my nails. She was done in one hour flat and that provided me with the time to actually sit and wait for my nails to dry, run an errand, and still get to work on time. It was absolutely amazing! Boy, did the hour fly by too. We spent the entire sesh gabbing about the Monsters series on Netflix as we both had recently binged the two seasons. Like everything about this appointment, it was exactly what I needed because I really wanted to talk about the show with someone. That ish was CRAZY. 😮

My nails are fully prepped for Halloween and my hair is next. I can’t wait for all of you (and myself) to see the end result!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? What are you going to be for Halloween? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct4

On The Move OOTD Bloopers

Posted on October 4, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my On The Move OOTD! On Saturday, we took our darling niece out for Treat Day and the most fun was had by all. I even got all dressed down for the occasion, which is something that rarely happens in a normal OOTD post. Hey, sometimes you’ve got to shake things up – exactly what the blooper reel is all about! Let’s take a lookieloo at some WTF moments from the shoot:

Lumbering around an apartment complex near you

She sticks the landing!!!!! #GOAT

I swear I’m not calling you all losers, I was doing my impression of taking pictures lol

Clearly feeling really swell in this one! 😀

Putting some STANK on it

Easy, breezy, beautiful CoverGirl

Johnny and I are avid fans of scary movies and we watch them all year round. They just hit different during spooky season, though! Every October, Johnny and I attempt to watch a scary movie per day to complete the thirty-one movies in thirty-one days challenge. Have we ever completed it? Absolutely not, but we sure do like to try lol. If nothing else, it gives us something to look forward to when we are both home from work and up for a movie screening.

As per our tradition, we alternate between who is picking the movie. Thank goodness because I think we would spend all evening deciding if we went with the mutual option route. Johnny and I have extremely different tastes in scary movies. He loves a slasher and the dumber the better (Winnie the Pooh Blood & Honey, anyone?). Myself, on the other hand, much prefers dark psychological thrillers. They might not always have a jump scare aspect to it, but I really like that they make you think. We are definitely in for an… interesting array of movies all October long!

Regardless of what we watch, I so enjoy a cozy evening in with my main squeeze. Even if he makes fun of me every time I’m startled (Which is often)! 😀

Which scary movies should we add to our watch list? What is your favorite scary movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

Posted on October 3, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

Europe’s coast is a patchwork of beautiful landscapes, cultures, and views. From the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs to Ibiza’s beaches, a trip to these iconic coastlines is a chance to relax, explore and sunbathe. Each has its magic so whether you’re a beach lover or an adventurer this guide will take you through some of Europe’s most iconic coastlines and what makes each one special:

1) Amalfi Coast, Italy:

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy that has been a favorite with travelers for years. Famous for its villages like Positano and Ravello, the Amalfi Coast has cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can eat fresh seafood, shop in charming boutiques, and enjoy views from cliff-top terraces. Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Amalfi or lounging on the beach with a good book the area has the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear for a dip in the blue waters!

2) Costa Brava, Spain:

In northeastern Spain, Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and fishing villages. From the French border to the bustling city of Barcelona, this region has something for everyone, especially when planning a road trip never to forget. Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Cala Montjoi with its turquoise waters and cliffs or take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths that reveal stunning views of the Mediterranean. Costa Brava is also steeped in culture with Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art and the medieval castles of Tossa de Mar giving a glimpse into the region’s history.

3) French Riviera, France:

The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is all about glamour and luxury. Along the southern coast of France, this beautiful region is home to glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The beaches are lined with beach clubs and restaurants so you can sunbathe and people watch. You can try water sports like jet skiing or sailing or simply relax on the sand with a glass of rosé in hand. The views of the Mediterranean, the nightlife, and the cultural experiences make the French Riviera a must-stop on your coastal journey.

4) Ibiza, Spain:

Famous for its nightlife and beaches, Ibiza is the jewel of the Balearic Islands. This island has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days on iconic beaches like Playa d’ Bossa or Cala Comte where you can sunbathe at beach side bars. As the sun sets, Ibiza becomes a party destination with world-famous clubs like Pacha and Amnesia drawing crowds from all over the world. But the island also has peaceful spots like the charming village of Santa Gertrudis where you can eat local food and enjoy art in a quiet atmosphere.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the towns, or party the night away this coastal journey has it all. So pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct3

On The Move OOTD

Posted on October 3, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I like to try and have an outing together every weekend. When it is just us we, of course, dress however we want. This past weekend, however, we had company – our five year old niece. The plan was a Treat Day at an indoor amusement center and it was going to be very much on the go. Since our day promised SO many activities, I *gasp* dressed sensibly for the occasion. This On The Move OOTD is pretty much as casual as it gets for yours truly, which is definitely not something I’m used to! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Crop Top: Been Trill, PacSun

Distressed Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Cheetah Print Boots: Circus By Sam Edelman, TJMaxx

Lego Earrings: AbbieDabbles

To begin this look, I went browsing in an area of Lil Red’s Boutique that I don’t shop in often: The chest of drawers. One of the drawers is home to casual tops including crops, tanks, and T’s. Normally, this is not where I would go to style what is my usual weekend ensembles. But, in the case of Treat Day, I was exactly where I needed to be. The last thing I wanted was to wear one of my “good” tops with the almost certain risk of stains and snags! I was in an All Black Everything mood so I went for a Been Trill crop top. This was purchased literally FOREVER ago when I worked at PacSun so it is a total throwback. Regardless of the fact that the crop is over a decade old, I think it still looks great!

Next on the agenda was jeans and I chose my super distressed skinnies from American Eagle Outfitters. The color is still so crispy (Even after three plus years of wear!) and they are just right for an All Black Everything OOTD. These jeans were the only option I considered because all of the other black skinnies I own are horribly faded. I haven’t bought AEO denim since said purchase of super distressed skinnies so I’m making a mental note to fix that ASAP. 😀

Finally, it was time for shoes and accessories. Rather than my preferred platforms, I opted for an amazing pair of ankle boots by Sam Edelman. The shape, buckles, and cheetah print pop are just so cool and Johnny’s biggest regret is not having the same shoe size as me because these are his fave! And, yes, they do have a baby heel which made me happy. 🙂 If it wasn’t Treat Day, I would have added some huge, chunky gold jewelry to this look – but, alas, it was Treat Day. So, I popped on a small pair of Lego bats and was ready for an afternoon adventure with my two BFFs!

I genuinely can’t wait to get dressed up for real next weekend – fall fits are calling my name. I’ll return the call next Saturday so stay tuned for more fashion fun on lifewithlilred!

Do you usually dress up or down? What is a casual look for you like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct2

Werk At Work OOTD Bloopers

Posted on October 2, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Werk At Work OOTD! Today, we are going to take a look at the bad and the yikes that came from a speedy shoot before I had to be at a content shoot. I like to think that my best face was put forward during my evening of making some media magic. These shots, however, certainly don’t fall under that category in the slightest! Let’s get to it:

A sultry gaze just for you! ❤

When there aren’t any paper towels in the bathroom

A surprise conversation with my neighbor, Tony!! (He’s the best!)

Using the power of my mind to shoot laser beams

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TFYM when you’re eating an entire lemon

Live. Laugh. Love.

On Saturday, Johnny and I had a delightful treat day with our eldest niece. She recently started kindergarten and we are SO proud of her, so we just had to take her out and celebrate. We visited an indoor amusement center that features arcade games, laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, rides, etc. Her favorite thing is the gigantic playground smack dab in the middle of the facility. It is basically a McDonald’s PlayPlace on steroids and it seriously looks like the funnest thing ever lol. Unfortunately, us big people could only hang on the bottom floor of the playground… Until this weekend, that is!

As Johnny and I watched our niece explore, we both agreed that we really wanted to go down one of the enormous slides. We were the only people in the play area so we figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask the attendant and he said… NO. -_- Of course, we understood but were secretly peeved about it so we activated stealth mode. As we were standing around, Johnny clocked that the attendant had his back turned and told me he was going to go down the slide anyways. Like a thief in the night, he made his way up the towering structure and was simply gleeful when he emerged at the bottom of the slide. And, as the ride or die that he is, he stood guard as I took a trip down the slide too. We felt most cheeky with our small act of rebellion and it was one thousand percent worth it – that slide was amazing!

One of Johnny’s favorite things to do when playing video games is “being sneaky” and it definitely translated in real life. We all had the best day!!

What did you do this past weekend? What is your favorite place to visit with your kiddos? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct1

Halloween Haul

Posted on October 1, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! In my neck of the woods, Marc’s is a beloved staple. It is a discount grocery store (with lots of random odds and ends) and my family visits it fairly frequently. Around this time of the year, all kinds of Halloween goodies find a home in their “closeout aisle” (that features said random odds and ends). As soon as this happens, my dad always notifies me so I can get first dibs and it never fails to leave me feeling #blessed lol. This past week, I made a Marc’s run to see if there was anything noteworthy and there sure was! I am officially done with my Halloween (all year round) decor shopping from this fun haul. Check it out:

Surprisingly, the first thing I clocked on the shelves wasn’t any of the bigger treats. It was actually the teeny tiny salt and pepper shaker shaped like The Count from Sesame Street. I literally clutched my pearls when I saw it because I knew Johnny would love it. In his youth, one of the Halloween costumes his mom made for him was of The Count, his favorite character. He looks back on all of the costumes crafted by his mom most fondly and he couldn’t believe my fifty cent find. Unfortunately, it was the only one left so a set wasn’t possible, but I think this lone shaker was meant to find a place on our spooky shelves!

I also added a few tiny treat yoselfs to the mix too. I have desperately needed a new travel tumbler so I can sip on water throughout the day. All of mine are too small and constantly need refilling which is inconvenient, but I never cared to spend an arm and a leg on a new one because they can be rather expensive. I scored the ghost adorned tumbler for three bucks and it is the perfect size and matches all my spooky vibes. The jack-o-lantern tights were also a three dollar addition and I am obsessed. I have seen this design of tights before and never bought them for myself so I can’t wait to break them out with skater skirts this season.

After going through the smaller odds and ends of the closeout aisle, I browsed through the bigger pieces of decor. There, I walked away with the most adorable light up vampire and a walking and light up turtle skeleton. Yes, these were partially for Johnny and I BUT I knew our eldest niece would be delighted by them. She is a huge fan of our Halloween decor and Halloween in general and we are so unbelievably happy for it. I know for a fact that she will want to use the vampire as a nightlight during our next slumber party and will, without a doubt in my mind, make the skele-turtle chase her Uncle Johnny! We have instilled a love for Halloween in her since she has been born and it is the absolute best to share in the season with her. ❤

With that, My Halloween shopping is complete and it couldn’t have ended on a cuter note. As always, discount stores for the win!!!!

How are you decorating for Halloween? What is your favorite Halloween candy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

September 2024 Finishes

Posted on September 30, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy!! Just like that, September draws to a close which means it’s time to discuss my beauty empties for the month. This was a particularly good product roundup as I used up a lot of long term skin and bath and body care, allowing me to try something new afterwards. I always look forward to browsing in my beauty department as soon as a product is complete! Let’s take a gander at my September Finishes and chat a bit more:

Would I Use Again?

Harlowe’s Shop Goat Milk & Honey Body Cream: YES

Bath & Body Works Sun-Washed Citrus Shower Gel: YES

Ellen Tracy Toner: NO

Clinical Works Toner: NO

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Skin Assistant Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid Day Cream: YES!!!!!!!!!!

Simple Soothing Eye Balm: MAYBE

Malie Body Cream: NO

Why/Why Not?

Harlowe’s Shop Body Cream: I am a HUGE fan of the Cherry Almond lotion by Jergen’s and if you are too, then you will absolutely love the Goat Milk & Honey body cream by Harlowe’s Shop. My mom gave this to me as a hand me down so I only got one week of use out of the bottle. In that time, however, I woke up to insanely soft skin every single morning. The scent was a bit softer than Jergen’s but highly reminiscent of it and I would happily use this body cream again. It would be so perfect for combating dry skin during the wintertime!

Toners: I purchased the toners by Ellen Tracy and Clinical Works when TJMaxx had none of my beloved Evoluderm micellar water available. It took me about three weeks to finish each bottle and I was not impressed by either of them in the slightest. It really did just feel like splashing my face with water and I definitely wouldn’t spend money for that sensation again lol. These toners are something you can skip on and I promise you, you won’t be missing anything.

Skin Assistant Moisturizer: Now, this moisturizer – I loved. In fact, it is one of the best ones that I have used in recent memory. This jar took me almost THREE MONTHS to finish with day and night use, which is an amazing value. During that expansive tenure, I enjoyed every single use. This moisturizer left my skin feeling so soft and it looked and felt so much brighter and refreshed. A little went an incredibly long way, it fully absorbed within minutes, and sat well under makeup. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that TJMaxx will have it again because I plan on buying the lot. Yeah, it’s that good!

Simple Eye Balm: Like the aforementioned moisturizer, the Simple Soothing Eye Balm also took me about two and a half months to finish with twice daily use. Unlike the last Simple eye cream I used, this one was just okay for me. I did feel like under eye puffiness and bags were reduced, but the results certainly didn’t blow me away. If this was the only option available for eye cream, I suppose I would buy it again. It’s nothing to write home about, though.

Malie Body Cream: Normally, I wouldn’t take the time to do a review on a random travel size product BUT this is one I need to talk about lol. The Malie Body Cream was another hand me down from my mom and it really confused me. I, of course, think of lotion when I see body cream on packaging. But, whatever this was felt SO much like a shower gel that I genuinely don’t know what to think – it even bubbled on slightly damp skin! It did make my skin feel softer, but I just can’t get behind the texture of it!

Despite a few duds in the mix, I got to use so many new to me products and I love being able to do that. It’s also always going to be a GREAT SUCCESS when I find a moisturizer that I, without a doubt, would use again!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep29

Random Book Haul

Posted on September 29, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past week, I visited Barnes & Noble on an outing with one of my clients. She was completely striking out and asked if I could take her to Ollie’s instead. I’m not sure if this store is just an Ohio thing, but Ollie’s is basically a catch all discount shop. This is only the second time I have been in there but they literally have everything but the kitchen sink – clothing, books, toys, cupboard grocery items, furniture, etc. Actually, they just might have the kitchen sink too lol. She was hoping to find some new books on the cheap and I was so happy that she did. Surprisingly, I ended up with several too and a little something for my sweet nieces. Check it out:

I have always been an avid fan of graphic novels and recently got heavily back into them. I have honestly been too exhausted to commit to cracking open a new book and graphic novels give me the opportunity to still be able to read AND appreciate amazing artwork. It really is a win win. After finishing the Nailbiter series, I have an idea of what I’d like to start reading next. I do, however, have a handful of different series that I have already read but would like to add to my collection at some point. One of them being one of my all time favorite horror series called Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. Little did I know, that some point was going to be earlier this week!

While at Ollie’s, I clutched my pearls when I saw that they had Books Two through Four of Preacher. And, yes, I did scour the shelves to see if Book One was there too but it was nowhere to be found. While that was a bit disappointing, I still could not believe my good fortune. I paid eighteen dollars for two paperbacks and one hardback cover. In total, I spent less for three volumes than what I would have paid for just one at another store or online. As this series is one that I coveted for a long time, I was incredibly happy to get a jump on obtaining part of the collection for a song. 😀

And, of course, I had to pick up a little something something for both of my nieces too. My two tiny besties are most fond of coloring books and I couldn’t say no after seeing Gabby’s Dollhouse and Disney princesses – their two favorites. ❤ This impromptu shopping trip as per my client’s suggestion opened my eyes to an essentially new to me discount store. I absolutely plan on returning again to see what else I can add to my graphic novel library. GREAT SUCCESS!!

What is your favorite discount store? Have you scored any awesome deals recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

Werk At Work OOTD

Posted on September 28, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I took a trip to Misnyland on Tuesday to do some filming for a video series launching on the social media pages I manage this October. It was SO much fun and it is always a nice little treat to get myself done up during the work week. Nine times out of ten, you can catch me in jeans, a T-shirt, and a makeup free face so it was definitely a change of pace! Before heading out, Johnny graciously snapped these shots of my Werk At Work OOTD:

Who? What? Wear?

Cardigan: Jessica Simpson, TJMaxx

Cami Top: mittoshop, French Rooster

Bodycon Skirt: Originality, Dry Goods

Kitten Heels: Nine West, TJMaxx

Turquoise Earrings: Lucky Brand, TJMaxx

Sometimes when I put an outfit together, it is completely off the top of my head. In this instance, however, I had the OOTD planned the day before because I knew I wouldn’t have a lot of time to go shopping in my closet beforehand. Thankfully, it turned out exactly how I hoped it would – something work appropriate while still having that extra dose of Lil Red flare. As a social media manager, it gives me permission to have a lot of fun with what I wear while on the job and I take full advantage of it.

As I built the outfit in my head, I began with the bodycon skirt by Originality. It is one of my absolute favorites and the color palette was perfect for welcoming the first few official days of fall. I liked this skirt for work because it offered some shape without being completely curve hugging. Pairing it with a simple pair of black tights also added a classy and practical touch. My legs sure as hell weren’t shaved!! 😀

Because the pattern on the skirt was so bold, all that was left to do was slip on and tuck in one of my go to cami tops by mittoshop. I am most fond of a combination like this as it gives the illusion of wearing a dress. On a night out, I would leave the outfit at this and roll out. Spaghetti straps for work are a no no, though, so I opted for a gorgeous cream colored cardigan by Jessica Simpson to cover them up. The soft hue and flower embroidery on this cardi are just the sweetest and it helped tone down any sex appeal from the cami’s lace detailing.

With the base of the outfit sorted, it was time to move on to shoes and accessories. The Nine West kitten heels were a given. I live for the sassy pointed toe and that darling band of bling! I know I always pair the bodycon skirt with these heels, but I truly don’t own anything else that would work as well or better. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! With no open real estate for bracelets or necklaces, I popped on a dangly pair of turquoise teardrop earrings and was ready for my content shoot.

My Werk At Work OOTD came together just as I imagined and thank goodness because I didn’t have a moment to spare!

What is your favorite fall color? How do you add your personal style to work outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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