Author Archives: lifewithlilred

Unknown's avatar

About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Sweet Surprises: Knitted With Love Edition

Standard
Sweet Surprises: Knitted With Love Edition

Hello!! My mom is my number one girl. She is my absolute best friend and I just love being around her. Everyone who crosses her path will tell you the same thing too – she is simply amazing! One thing that my mom and I like to do together is watercolor painting. However, there is one hobby that my mom has that I can’t wrap my head around and that is knitting! My mom has knit the most precious sweaters and baby blankets for my sweet nieces and nephews. She makes a mean scarf and has recently added a new item to her repertoire – headbands! This past week, my mom gifted me with one that she whipped up in no time at all. Check it out:

image_50402305(8)

I knew that my mom was making a headband for me, but it was still a huge surprise when she presented me with the finished product. She literally just started it and I blinked and it was done! I was beyond thrilled with my prezzie and it’s far better than anything that I could buy at the store because my mom made it. I love the soft grey color she picked out for me and it is the perfect neutral to keep from clashing with whatever my hair color is at the time. My new headband also fit like a glove and was just right – not too tight or too loose. She did an excellent job!

Anything that my mom gifts me is instantly very special to me and my handmade headband took the cake. It made me feel so good to know that she made it just for me. In fact, it actually has me hoping for a few more cold days so I can wear it! Knitting is a craft that makes zero sense to me and I think it’s so impressive that my mom can make something beautiful out of a skein of yarn. She is making a headband for my niece next and I know that she’s going to love hers just as much as I do mine. ❤

Huge thank you to my mom for this most wonderful Sweet Surprise. I know that every single stitch was Knitted With Love and I’ll cherish it for always! I love you!!!!

What is your favorite craft? Do you have any knitted with love clothing or accessories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Standard
Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Howdy!! After going absolutely insane during Bath & Body Works’ winter Semi-Annual Sale, I have been receiving hella coupons in the mail and it is great. Each packet has contained a free travel size or full size product coupon and even though my shelves are fully stocked, free is free! 😀 This past Thursday, I had a quick minute to run into the store and used my coupon to get a free travel size shower gel in B&BW’s new scent, Tropidelic. I never would have picked it for myself so I was glad that the sales associate pointed it out! Let’s discuss:

image_50438145(11)

Whenever I stop into B&BW during the work week, I am going at high speed because it’s in between shifts. I am a woman on a mission and I have been told as such the past two times I walked into the store lol. As per ushe, I bee lined to the travel size section to pick whatever tickled my fancy. I am never too picky when it comes to the smaller size because it’s nice to try something new without having to use it for forever.

As I was making my decision, the sales associate asked if I had tried out the new Tropidelic line, I said no, and she returned with a fragrance spray tester stick. I took one whiff and it was good enough for me. Tropidelic offers notes of “passion flower, ylang ylang, and misty rainforest”. I’ll be honest with all of you, I have no idea what any of this is supposed to smell like lol, but I liked it! This really is a lush scent that teleports you to a tropical climate. It’s slightly floral, but the main notes are quite earthy. Tropidelic is way different than what I normally go for. I can’t say I would make the plunge to buy it in full size, however, I’m happy to sample it for a while. 😀

Bath & Body Works has been dropping new fragrance lines like it’s hot so if you are looking for a new spring scent, you know where to go!!

Do you like to use one specific scent or do you change it up? Do you swap scents with the seasons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dinner At Misnyland

Standard
Dinner At Misnyland

Hello!! One of the coolest things that lifewithlilred has ever done for me is thanks to this OOTD rocking some MisnyMerch. That outfit helped me win a contest to attend a party at Misnyland to meet Ohio’s most famous personal injury lawyer, Tim Misny. At said party, I was able to conduct an interview with Tim, we hit it off, and the rest is history. Since then, we have created tons of content together with me as a MisnyMerch spokesmodel and it has been a dream!

While the work is neat, the best part has been making a new friend. Johnny, Tim, and I get along like three peas in a pod and it is a blast to hang out altogether. This past week, Tim treated Johnny and I to dinner at his place to show off his culinary skills and everything was divine:

image_50450433(7)image_50446593(6)image_50408961(7)image_50419969(8)image_50441473(8)

Something Tim and I really bonded over was our shared love of cooking and serving meals for our family and friends. Next time we do dinner, I call dibs on helping Tim in the kitchen, but he prepared everything himself this time and I felt so spoiled. I can’t remember the last time I sat down while someone else cooked! For our meal, Tim made guacamole, breaded eggplant, tomato bisque, and baked perch for him and Johnny. I was very touched that Tim took the time to consult with me on his menu first to make sure he accommodated my vegetarianism. Everything was SO tasty and I was most impressed by the speed that Tim cooked with. This meal was ready within a half hour and that really blew my mind. Cooking is my me time so I like to draw it out lol.

Johnny and I often get asked what Tim is like in real life and I always say he’s just a guy! Then, I proceed to say that he is simply hilarious, smart as all get out, and a genuinely good person. Johnny and I rarely have the opportunity to make new friends and we enjoy our “Tim Time” so very much. When I began this post, note that I said “one” of the coolest things lifewithlilred has done for me. The top coolest thing my blog has given me is the gift of friendship with countless amazing people and, in this case, I got that too! ❤

I am so thankful to my blog and I always have a moment of “yes!” whenever I interact with anyone that it has put in my path. More Tim Misny X Lil Red collaborations are coming soon so keep your eyes peeled!

Do you like to cook? What is one of your favorite dishes to make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Simple Stripes OOTD Bloopers

Standard
Simple Stripes OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Simple Stripes OOTD! I was most excited to break out my new top by Modern Works and loved how my outfit turned out. While it was nice to wear it now, I cannot wait to wear it tucked into some cute jean shorts this summer. Add a little wedge heel? Forget about it! As per ushe when Johnny and I take OOTD shots, it was freaking freezing out. On the bright side, we are really fine tuning our craft here and were back into the warmth three minutes later. Yes, it took me an hour to heat up by the space heater afterwards but that’s neither here nor there lol. Let’s take a look at some of these yikes shots:

Grace, elegance, poise. JK deff about to fall over

image_50769409

How big is Sarah? Sooooo big!

image_50733569(3)

Have any of yall seen The Black Phone? My face is giving me the mask from that movie vibes lol

image_50431745(8)

Shutting my eyes to block out the haters

image_50456577(14)

When you just can’t pop your foot smh

image_50734081(7)

When I decided that’s enough foot popping for now

image_50739713(7)

Who, me? Ayyy I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

image_50457345(10)

One of my favorite things to do over the weekend with Johnny is play video games! We are avid fans of the Diablo series and are working our way through IV one quest at a time. We have the best time with it, but it’s always fun to try something new too. That is exactly what Johnny and I are doing! Recently, Johnny had the inspired idea that he could play through a game and then help me when I play it. He just beat Resident Evil IV and has been guiding me every step of the way as I do my best to blow up everything.

Resident Evil IV is my first time in almost thirty years of living that I have played a shooter game and I had no idea what to expect. We both assumed the game would be a hit or miss for me and, as it so happens, it’s a hit! I have always been interested in the Resident Evil franchise because horror and it’s cool to finally give one of the games a go. Having said that, this game is a pain in my ass lol. If I didn’t have Johnny holding my hand the whole time I would have quit within the first five minutes. Same situation if he didn’t take over from time to time when I can’t beat something. Major shout out to him this weekend because I’m almost halfway through the game now and about at the point when I think he’s about to start having to do everything for me haha. Super frustrating, yes. But, still a hoot to do together!

After I do or don’t finish Resident Evil IV, the next game Johnny is going to help me with is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. I have wanted to play that game for so long and I can’t wait give it a try!

What is your favorite video game? What is the last game you beat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

5 Hobbies You Need To Try This Year

Standard
5 Hobbies You Need To Try This Year

What are your hobbies? How many times have you been asked this question? Both on a personal or professional level? Not everyone has hobbies they want to share with others for various reasons. But what if you don’t? What if you need a new way to spend your time to stop your doom scrolling online before bed or to replace bad habits with new ones? Whatever your reason for needing to find a new hobby this year, these suggestions could be exactly what you need:

Reading:

These days, you can read in many formats; you don’t even need a book in front of you, and you can listen to audiobooks if picking up a book doesn’t appeal. Or you can purchase physical copies of books or read digitally if you prefer. And the context doesn’t even matter. You can read fiction or nonfiction. Choose to learn more about history, pick autobiographies, read science fiction, romance books, or anything else you wish. There is no one right or wrong way to read as long as you’re enjoying the content you’re consuming.

To start reading, you can simply buy a book from a bookstore. Find a good bookstore with a Sandwich Shop to help you find a reading community if you prefer to be more social with your new hobby. Alternatively, you can borrow books from a library, read on a Kindle, or listen to audiobooks. It’s entirely up to you. Why not look for book clubs in your local area to add to the social element if you wish?

Cooking and Baking:

Everyone needs to eat, and cooking is a handy skill pretty much everyone needs. It doesn’t matter what your starting point is; you can always pick up new kitchen tips, try new cooking methods, and try new foods. From baking cakes to creating desserts, experimenting with fine dining options, perfecting your traditional classics, getting to grips with the basics, learning new knife skills, or perfecting the prep work and cutting ingredients there is so much to learn. Cooking is the ideal hobby to take up this year and will be one of those skills you are always going to need for yourself, family, or guests.

Camping:

If you’ve never tried it before, why not make 2024 the year you get back to basics with nature and spend a night or two under the stars? Camping can be a great way to help you unplug and relax in nature. It isn’t for everyone, and if the thought of sleeping on the ground in a tent isn’t for you, you can try glamping, sleeping in your car at a pitch, or spending a weekend in an RV, maybe.

Plenty of options like Camping in the New Forest (or a similar campsite in your local area) offer so much more to do than just camping. Your site could be located a short walk away from wineries, night hikes might be offered, or activity stations for archery or axe throwing could be featured. There is something for everyone when you go camping! Taking time away from the world to fully relax in beautiful surroundings can help you find a new lease on life and a hobby that can become a permanent feature in your life.

Get Creative:

If you like to express yourself, then why not try your hand at one of the many different creative hobbies out there? You can try drawing, painting, writing, photography, sculpting, upcycling clothes, and so on. Use your creative license to help you think outside of the box and express yourself in a way that only art and creative hobbies can allow. You don’t even need to be any good at it; you simply need to enjoy what you are doing. You can do this at home on your own, rope family or friends to take part alongside you, or find classes or groups in your local area to help you pick up new skills and meet new people at the same time.

Look at what you could spend your money on to get creative. From refurbished machines for embroidery projects to adult coloring in books, there’s plenty out there to get creative with.

Learn A New Language:

Have you always wanted to learn a new language or pick up a few phrases to help you navigate foreign countries when traveling? There are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world, and you can choose to learn as many as you wish. If you want to be able to learn a different language, you are more likely to come across one of the top spoken languages in the world: Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, and Hindi. But you can learn any language whether you plan to use it regularly or not. Why not consider learning ASL? Sign language is an underrated skill, and being able to converse with and include the deaf community in conversations is something that will be appreciated and helpful in many situations, whether you know anyone who is deaf personally or not.

Finding a new hobby for this year can enrich your life in so many ways. You can start plenty of hobbies for free and make them a regular part of your life. And if you don’t enjoy it? Then, you simply go back to the drawing board and start again!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Face Mask Festivities: Clarifying Oatmeal Sheet Mask By GlamUp Edition

Standard
Face Mask Festivities: Clarifying Oatmeal Sheet Mask By GlamUp Edition

Howdy! Ninety-nine percent of the people I know absolutely despite Mondays and, honestly, I can’t relate. Mondays are actually one of my favorite days of the week when it comes to work! I have an early morning transport client, then I either head to the office of my online boss to work with him or do a video chat to get our weekly projects going. From there, the rest of the day is spent online and it is such a welcome change of pace from the Monday shift that I did have smack dab in the middle of the day.

This Monday, I was able to go home instead of going to the office and was able to get my work done quickly. So quickly, in fact, that I was done a whole two hours before Johnny was due to be home from his job. With this time, I tackled some cleaning projects and still had about an hour to kill. I thought to myself that it would be nice to use a face mask and watch some TV (My 600 Lb. Life, obvi) and that is exactly what I did:

image_50408961(6)image_50436865(7)image_50755585(2)

^^^ Lol I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me first start off by saying, I hate sheet masks. I really do. I think they are so wildly inconvenient and I much prefer a classic clay mask. However, I got these GlamUp masks from someone or another who didn’t want them so I might as well use them! I went with the Clarifying Oatmeal mask and didn’t plan on it doing much of anything. This is not my first GlamUp rodeo and I have yet to be impressed with one. Although, I will admit, I was slightly impressed with my choice this time around. Hey, that’s something right?!

As always, the experience of wearing the sheet mask in itself was abysmal. Also as always, it was huge on me and the twenty minutes I had it on for were spent constantly adjusting it to keep from falling off. Clay masks relax me, sheet masks infuriate me and I could not wait to take this thing off! Once the twenty minutes were blessedly done, I was surprised by how soft my skin felt. I am writing this post way after the fact and I still feel like my skin is benefiting from it. Am I blown away by this mask? I wouldn’t go that far, but it was nice to use a GlamUp mask that actually did something lol. 😀

I am going to rate this mask with a five out of ten stars. It got an F- for experience for sure, but a solid B- for results. Not the best, certainly not the complete worst!

What kind of mask do you prefer? What is your favorite day of the week? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

February 2024 Finishes

Standard
February 2024 Finishes

Helloooo everyone! We are wrapping up the month of February today on lifewithlilred and that means it’s time to discuss the beauty products that I used up. We have quite a few new to me empties to chat about with hit or miss reviews so why wait? Let’s take a look:

image_50388481(7)

Would I Use Again?

Rusted Acre Soap Co. Whipped Soap in Sugar Cookie: NO

Hope Soap Body Nectar in Fruity Loops: YES

Home & Body Company Rose Body Oil: NO

Simple Brightening Eye Gel: YES

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

Whipped Soap: I have always been intrigued by the concept of “whipped soap” and this was my first time using it. While Rusted Acre Soap Co. delivered with the Sugar Cookie scent, I wouldn’t use it again. I love a body wash that lathers really well and using the whipped soap just wasn’t the same as my standard shower gel from Bath & Body Works. I also found that I needed to use a lot of the soap to get a decent lather going so the value for this product wasn’t there. It took me under one month to finish the jar.

Hope Soap Lotion: I received the Fruity Loops Body Nectar by Hope Soap from my mother-in-law for Christmas and it was the best. Hope Soap is a local business in my neck of the woods and I have used several of their products before. Although all of them were pretty good, Fruity Loops took the cake for scent alone. It smelled exactly like Fruity Pebbles and it was divine! My niece also loved it and I had to send her home from my house with a little jar of her own. 🙂 It took me about five weeks to finish this jar with nightly use.

Body Oil: I have been working on the Rose body oil by the Home & Body Company since December and I am SO freaking happy to be done with it lol. I bought this oil from TJMaxx thinking that the bottle would last me a long time as a serum. And, it did. However, it definitely wasn’t my favorite. This product was very greasy and it felt like it never absorbed into the skin. It also didn’t sit well under makeup so I would have to use a different serum for the day if I planned on applying any. I did like this oil when my skin felt dry from the winter weather, but it isn’t practical for every day use. It took me two and a half months to finish the bottle.

Simple Eye Gel: Now, if you want to talk about a product with real longevity, the Simple Brightening Eye Gel wins by far. It took me a staggering over half a year of twice daily use to finish this little tube! How? The tiniest amount went a very long way! I was really impressed with this product and after such an extended use, I could see the results. I thought my designer bags decreased significantly and the skin around my eyes did seem brighter. I still can’t believe I got this eye gel for five bucks and it lasted this long. Highly recommend!

Palmer’s Moisturizer: I am a huge cocoa butter fan. I love the moisturize boost but, mainly, I love the smell! I had no idea that Palmer’s made skin care products too so I just had to snag a moisturizer when I saw it at TJMaxx. I’m glad I did because it was awesome! This moisturizer was so rich and creamy, but it still absorbed nice and quick. And, of course, it smelled good enough to eat. It took me about a month of twice daily use to finish the jar and I would definitely buy it again.

Despite some duds, I was stoked to be able to finish up some products that I have been using for forever this past month. I was elated to be done with the body oil lol. GREAT SUCCESS, indeed!

What is your favorite scent? What are your thoughts on any of the products above 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

 

Simple Stripes OOTD

Standard
Simple Stripes OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! The weather in Akron, Ohio has been fluctuating back and forth faster than I can keep track of it. We go from thirty to fifty-five degrees in a day and I think it has been throwing everyone for a loop! With constantly changing temps, it really can be difficult to dress for this time of year. One day you’re bundled up and the next it feels like spring. Whatever the weather, I put together a Simple Stripes OOTD that is perfect for a warmer day, but can easily be worn underneath your favorite jacket during a cold spell. Check it out:

image_50458625(12)image_50447105(7)image_50727169(13)image_50457857(5)image_50751233image_50741249(1)image_50733057(3)

Who? What? Wear?

Striped Top: Modern Works, TJMaxx

High Waisted Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Snakeskin Pattern Boots: Vince Camuto, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the owl earrings are from lol

Earlier this month, I had a very successful shopping trip to TJMaxx with my mom. We had a blast and I have been so excited to wear all of my new clothes, including the striped top by Modern Works. Although this shirt isn’t as bold as some of my usual choices, I was immediately drawn to it. I loved the black stripes against the pearl white base, the shape is universally flattering, and it is SO freaking soft and comfortable. This is a top that can be worn as is when the weather permits or underneath a cozy jacket or cardigan when you need some extra warmth. It’s such a versatile piece and can be dressed up with a great pair of trousers or an A-line skirt for work or paired with jeans for an on the go ensemble.

As you can see for this weekend look, I went the play route and paired my Modern Works top with a pair of high waisted skinny jeans. I actually completely forgot my go to pair of skinnies from American Eagle were high waisted until this past Saturday lol. I tucked my top in slightly and was amazed by the revelation! I am normally not one for high waisted bottoms but, in this case, they made the look even better. It added that little extra something to the outfit and and it made such a classic silhouette, ideal for a classic, statement top.

Next on the agenda was shoes and accessories. Since I was working with a fully neutral palette, it basically gave me permission to wear whatever shoes I wanted. I chose a much beloved pair of Vince Camuto snakeskin pattern boots to help complete my look. The colors in these boots are so rich and I thought the cinnamon and chocolate hues looked stunning paired with the soft shade of the top. Finally, for earrings, I put on a pretty pair of gold and cream colored owls. This was all I needed to add some length to my neck as anything extra would have taken away from the minimal V-neck the top offered. With that, I was on my way!

I felt so chic in my Simple Stripes OOTD and this is an outfit that can be very easily replicated. Sometimes, a simple look is the best and I think this OOTD is a definite testament to that!

What do you normally wear for work? What do you like to wear for an outfit for play? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Constellations Merch!!

Standard
Constellations Merch!!

Hello everyone!!! I have been working as the social media manager for an awesome local metalcore band called Constellations. It is legit the most fun job I have ever had and it is so exciting to be a part of their continued growth. In case you aren’t following Constellations on social media (You should!), an amazing guitarist named Heather has joined my favorite ragtag group of gents. She is fantastic and it’s even better having her on board! We also just released… MERCH! The designs are made by our very own vocalist, Tre’, and he did a banner job. Sometimes he models too as you are about to see:

429074001_2764485403690487_8669373290874025684_n(1)426808633_407904825257183_5687270394052353589_n426978189_1515284309041111_5464967311155128285_n(1)

This past Friday, our online merch shop officially opened for business and it is yet another stepping stone that Constellations has completed in a short time. February 19th was the one month anniversary for the release of the band’s first single “RIP” and we can’t wait to start teasing new music soon! I also am looking forward to rocking some merch in a few brand new OOTDs on my end. 😀 To help support my sweet crew, you don’t have to buy anything from the shop (Even though it would be VERY NICE!). You can show them love on social media and, in turn, show your favorite Lil Red blogger some love too:

Facebook: ConstellationsBand

Instagram: @constellations330

X: @seeingstars330

TikTok: @constellationsband

YouTube: ConstellationsBand330

Spotify: Constellations

Shop merch here!

On behalf of Constellations and yours truly: Thank you! Some extra follows and likes might not seem like a big deal, but it means the world and galaxies to us. Stay tuned for more great successes from the band because I just know there are going to be a ton!

How do you support local artists? What is your favorite song by a local band? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Proud Bunny Mom

Standard
Proud Bunny Mom

Hello! Johnny and I have had our sweet bunnies, Melvin and Penelope, for a year and three months now. Life is so much better with these adorable, adventurous, mischievous gremlins by our sides and I am amazed at their progress since we first brought them home. Bunnies are timid animals and it took a decent amount of time for them to get acclimated to just Johnny and me petting them. Being held was also a massive no/no for them until just this week. In Penelope’s case, anyways lol:

image_50439169(14)image_50435073(9)image_50458113(7)

Working up to holding my bunnies was a matter of trust. Despite the fact that I want to hold them all the time, I held off because I knew that’s not what they wanted and they weren’t ready for it. However, through recent events earlier in the week, I had a feeling the buns wouldn’t completely hate me for it. When I work from home, I am talking to the buns constantly and I try to use key phrases consistently for them to learn how to follow commands. For example, they both know their own name and turn themselves around when they are venturing into non bunny proofed areas.

This is always very impressive to me, but this week Mel and P blew my mind. About ten minutes before I leave for work, I let them know that it’s almost time to go back in their hutch and shortly after I herd them in. Their new trick is going back into their home without me having to get up. The first time it happened, I almost thought it was a fluke. They have been doing it every day since, though, and it is a true testament to how smart they both are.

Knowing that both bunnies have a firm understanding of my voice encouraged me to try picking them up. Johnny and I will hold them on occasion and we never attempt to move them if they are uncomfortable in the situation. This Wednesday, I was able to pick both bunnies up with no problem whatsoever. Melvin is a bit too young and rambunctious to want to be cuddled by his mom for longer than a few minutes. Penelope, on the other hand, was a totally different story. As soon as she was in my arms, she melted and it turns out my girl is a huge couch potato lol. She snuggled up on the couch with me like she belonged there this whole time. I was so proud of her and I knew that waiting until she was fully ready for snugs was one billion percent worth it. ❤

Being a bunny parent is all about being patient and this week of progress has shown that it pays off a thousandfold. Listen to your bunnies and pay attention during your interactions together, they will always tell you everything you need to know!

Do you have any pets? How has being patient helped you as a pet owner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah