Category Archives: Anything & Everything

Feb20

Surprise Vacation

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Surprise Vacation

Hello!! After writing about my desire to achieve a better work/life balance, I had the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is. However, it wasn’t for a great reason. Unfortunately, my parents tested positive for Covid last Tuesday and I genuinely have no idea where they got it from. Thankfully, both of their symptoms were quite mild and they are on the up and up!

Usually, I am at my parents house almost every day of the week for work or just hanging out. Of course, that wasn’t a possibility while my parents were sick and I miss them and my brother terribly! The first day I couldn’t come over, I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself and the free time that fell in my lap. I felt bad all week that I was lounging in the comfort of my home but I also knew that there was nothing else to be done until there were negative tests all around.

During my Surprise Vacation, I caught up on my sleep a lot. Since the beginning of the new year, I have been waking up between 4:45 and 5 every morning to take care of the bunnies, get myself ready for work, work from home, then go to my other job. It was exhausting but necessary, especially as I started a new online gig. During my break, I was able to sleep in until… Drum roll, please… SIX O’CLOCK and it was awesome! I didn’t know how much I needed that extra sleep until I actually got it and it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself. The extra sleeping in sessions also made it much easier to get up early again when I had morning clients.

I got a lot of work done online during my staycation and I also had time for extra cleaning, cooking, and enjoying some TV time before Johnny returned from work. You already know I watched lots of Hoarders while Melvin and Penelope romped around their bunny-proofed area. I also binged the first half of the new season of You in one afternoon flat. I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that and it felt so good to have a binge-watching session with a show just for me. Also, can we please talk about how freaking crazy that show is? Lol freaking Joe Goldberg, dude.

As wonderful as my mini work vaca was, I was ready for it to be over each day because I missed being able to hug my parents and brother. I can’t wait for negative tests so I can get back to my normal schedule feeling as refreshed as I have been in weeks!

How do you relax during time off? What did you think of the new season of You? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

Pro Tips To Boost Your New Blog

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Pro Tips To Boost Your New Blog

In today’s world, blogging is becoming a popular way for people to express their opinion – and why wouldn’t it be? Blogging is fun, it allows you to share your thoughts, and there is the potential to make a side income from your page. A blog can be based on pretty much anything, you can write about business, sports, marketing, food & drink, travel – the list goes on. Then, when you find your niche, you can connect with other people with similar interests across the blogosphere. It’s awesome!

If you are interested in boosting your new blog to unlock its full potential, check out these tips to help you get started:

Use the correct editing software:

In order to run a successful blog, you will almost definitely be publishing pictures and videos to assist your article writing. Pictures are a must, however, video is becoming a lot more popular. When working with images and videos you may want to look into things like home video editing services to ensure the quality is there. You never want to just upload an image without making adaptations to it. Take your time to learn the software so whatever media content you use best suits your page.

Create a content schedule:

Another tip that should be followed when running a successful blog is to stick to a content schedule. Try to decide how many posts you would like to publish each week and set a dedicated time for them to go out. This way your readers will know when to return to your blog to access new information and it shows your website is regularly updated. When putting a schedule together, it gives you the opportunity to think about different topics and categories to write about. The schedule itself is easily done, you can do it with a notes app on your phone, a content schedule website, Word, Excel – whatever your preference may be.

Look after your website:

How your website looks and feels is extremely important. You will have a lot of competitors out there, so having a good-looking website may bring their readers to you. Websites aren’t as expensive as you may think and with many different website builders out there and a creative mind, you may find you can do it yourself using a template or two. If not, reach out to your friends or family members or employ a freelancer to do it for you.

Any blog has the potential to turn into the next big thing. Use the tips above, stick to them, and watch as your page grows!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio

Jan20

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With These Tips

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Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With These Tips

If you want to live your best life, then getting out of your comfort zone from time to time is a must. Not only does it expose you to new experiences, but it helps you to see that you are capable of much more than you think. Here are five ways to get out of your comfort zone right now:

Travel to a new place:

One of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone in life is to travel to a new place. It could be a different city, state, or even country. Being in a new environment with different cultures, customs, and languages will force you to adapt and step out of your comfort zone. It will also give you a fresh perspective and help you appreciate the things you take for granted in your normal setting.

Try a new hobby:

Another way to get out of your comfort zone is to try a new hobby. It could be something as simple as taking a dance class or as adventurous as skydiving. Trying new things will help you learn new skills, meet new people, and push yourself to do things you never thought you would.

Volunteer:

Volunteering will allow you to get out of your comfort zone and help others at the same time. It can be anything from helping out at a local soup kitchen to working on a community service project. Volunteering will expose you to new people and new environments, and it will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Take a public speaking class:

Public speaking is a common fear for many people, but taking a class can help you overcome it. Public speaking classes will teach you how to present yourself confidently and communicate effectively. It will also give you the opportunity to practice speaking in front of a group, which will help you build confidence. It could also be useful in helping you to get a new job whether you want to be a PR manager, apply for diesel technician jobs, or become a teacher, so it is one form of getting out of your comfort zone that could really change your life if you let it.

Start a conversation with a stranger:

Starting a conversation with a stranger can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. It will help you practice social skills and make new connections. By initiating conversations with strangers, you will also gain a new perspective and learn about different people and cultures.

Getting out of your comfort zone can be challenging but it is also necessary for growth and self-improvement. Remember to always be open to new experiences and opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take risks!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan10

Renovating An Old Home? Check Out These Tips

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Renovating An Old Home? Check Out These Tips

When it comes to renovating an old home, there are a few key things to keep in mind for the project to be a success. It’s important to be prepared because there’s a lot that might challenge you when going through this huge undertaking. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process:

Start with a plan:

Before any work begins, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your renovation. Make a list of the specific areas of the home that you want to update and consider how those updates will fit in with the overall style and architecture of the house. This will help you to create a comprehensive plan and budget for the project, which will help to keep you on track and so you don’t overspend on unnecessary items.

Prioritize structural updates:

An old home may have structural issues that need to be addressed before you can move on to cosmetic updates. These types of updates can include foundation repairs, roof replacements, or updates to the electrical and plumbing systems. While these types of updates can be costly, they are essential to the safety and longevity of your home. By taking care of these issues, your home will be safe and secure for you and your family, and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Make energy-efficient updates:

Energy-efficient updates can help to reduce your energy costs and improve the overall comfort of your home. These might include adding insulation, replacing flimsy siding and doors, or installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. These types of updates can be a bit more expensive initially, but over time, they can pay for themselves in energy savings. Another way to do this is to install new windows; Renewal by Andersen window replacement can help you with that.

Be prepared for surprises:

Even the most well-planned renovation projects can encounter unexpected issues, such as hidden mold or old wiring. Be prepared to adapt your plan as needed, consult with experts when necessary, and make changes to your budget to accommodate any unexpected expenses.

Do your research:

It’s important to research the best contractors to hire, the most cost-effective materials, the top ways to make your home more energy efficient, and the latest technology for your renovation to achieve the best outcome. This will help you to find the right team to work with and make informed decisions about the materials and products you’ll use.

By following these tips and keeping an open mind, you can renovate an old home with confidence and turn it into a beautiful and comfortable living space that will stand the test of time.

Featured Image By: PXHere

Jan8

New Year, Same Us

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New Year, Same Us

Hello! One of my favorite things about being married other than annoying Johnny every day for the rest of our lives is the holidays. I am a huge fan of birthdays, holidays, and any occasion that calls for a family get together and being able to double the celebration time with Johnny’s family is such a treat! This past weekend, Johnny and I celebrated our third New Year together and we just had to show out in our best for the handful of people that saw us lol. Check it out:

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As you can see, “act more normal” was clearly not one of our New Year’s resolutions. In fact, we didn’t make any! However, we both have several projects and goals that we’d like to see come into fruition this year. I currently have a rough draft for a children’s book and I am meeting with a potential illustrator in a few weeks. I also would very much like to continue gaining clout with my social media presence and blog. While I am a word gal, Johnny is my music guy and he has plans for a new honky tonk band with two of our musician pals. So, no resolutions per se but lots of exciting things to work towards!

Let’s be real, the past few years have sucked eggs. Since 2020, I have gone into every new year thinking the best and then craziness broke out with the pandemic. This is the first time that I have felt, dare I say, hopeful for a new year ahead of us. It is also nice to kick start 2023 with the major goal of self publishing a book. I have never done anything like that before and I am ready to sink my teeth into a brand new challenge. I also have a very rough draft of a sequel written already and a majority of the writing I did was to the tune of Johnny’s guitar. It’s a match made in heaven. ❤

Maybe I feel a bit better about 2023 because nothing could be worse than the last few months of my 2022 lol. I can’t wait for Johnny and I to have success in these side hustle projects and have my fingers crossed that the curve balls will be kept to a minimum!

What is something that you are looking forward to this year? How did you celebrate the new year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

5 Steps To Manage A Sudden Life Change

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5 Steps To Manage A Sudden Life Change

No matter who you are, there will come a point when you are faced with a sudden change in your life. It could be an opportunity to move somewhere to better your career or maybe you’re tired of the same old thing every day, and you’ve found something that could transform that. Whatever it is, you may need to take quick action to ensure you can do it, but this is never that easy. If you’re faced with a sudden change, here are some tips to manage it successfully:

Slow Down:

Sudden change brings a whirlwind of uncertainty. You may have no idea what to do, which means you could make a decision that isn’t right for you or your family. It’s vital to slow down when something unexpected occurs, as this allows you to think and re-calibrate. You can take the opportunity to consider your options from myriad angles, meaning you can find the solution that works best for you.

Speak to Your Family:

You may not want to or should not make this decision alone. When a change arrives, you must ask how any action will affect others. Speaking to your family, your partner, kids, and even your parents, will help you work through your options and consider everyone’s feelings. Your partner may not want to leave their job; your kids may miss their friends; your parents might need you to take care of them. These are all issues you could face when you encounter a sudden change.

Know Your Options:

It’s always useful to know your options, especially if you need to make a quick decision and want assurances that there is no going back. If you have an opportunity to move across the country or another part of the world, use services like sell my house fast so you can generate funds to move elsewhere and remove mortgage and other responsibilities back home.

Consider Alternatives:

There are always alternatives for you and your family to consider when faced with change. If you need to move immediately, you can do so, but your family may not need to move straight away. While it’s challenging to be apart, it helps you settle in and ensure you feel comfortable where you are. If you don’t, you may realize you can return if the opportunity wasn’t all it was made out to be.

Just Go For It:

You won’t get anywhere by deliberating over your options for too long. Sometimes, you may not even have the time to deliberate, so taking a risk might be worth it if you dive headfirst into the opportunity. You never know what life could bring and if you feel like you need a change, this could be what you’ve been searching for all this time.

You never know when a change will come, but that’s okay. You don’t need to predict everything in your life. Sometimes, the unexpected things are often the most exciting. At the very least, these tips can help you deal with change when it comes, so you know the best course of action!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

 

Nov26

Morning Hustle

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Morning Hustle

Hello!! The past month has simultaneously felt like an eternity while also feeling like there isn’t enough time in the day to get anything done. Because I spent most of the afternoons making the drive and visiting a loved one at the Cleveland Clinic, I have turned into a very early bird. My mental alarm clock has shifted to waking up around five thirty every morning and, damnit, I am tired of getting the worm lol.

With no time in the afternoon or evening, every morning has turned into a scramble to jam pack as much as I can in before getting to work. It’s not all bad, though, because it gives me extra time to love on my bunny babies and that is a major bright side! My mornings used to be a leisurely time and I could often squeeze in a few episodes of my favorite animes before setting out for the day. Now, my mornings look like this after waking up:

As soon as my alarm goes off, the grind begins by practicing my languages on Duolingo. I am well over a two year streak and I will be a monkey’s uncle if I break it! Next and, most importantly, I rush down the stairs to take care of the bunnies. This can be a timely process because not only do I have to get them fresh food, water, hay, and leafy greens but I typically have to clean their litter boxes and the surrounding area. It is so nasty but necessary lol the things I do for those precious angels!!

Once Penelope and Mel are taken care of, it’s time to to take care of me. Every morning, I do one hundred and thirty push ups and as awful as that sounds, my day would not feel right without it. Then, it is time to shower, get my skin care on, get dressed and return downstairs to my computer. My days would definitely not be complete without creating daily content on lifewithlilred, doing blog jobs, and catching up on work emails. I also have to pencil in some time to get some Christmas shopping done too!

After the online portion of my morning is done, I tidy up the apartment, cook dinner if I have the time, and prepare my belongings for the day. Then, finally before leaving, I take Penelope and Mel out for a jaunt in the apartment for their rumpus time. It is SO cute to watch them explore and is also a primary factor in getting up way earlier than usual. Just like their mom, they need exercise too and I am more than happy to facilitate their recess. ❤

The Morning Hustle has never been realer and even though it’s exhausting, it sure is fulfilling. I am a creature of habit and schedules and now that this has been my life for the past month, something tells me I won’t be sleeping in too late any time soon!

When do you wake up in the morning? Are you an early bird or night owl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

Updated All About Me

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Updated All About Me

Hello! In September, lifewithlilred celebrated its eight year blogiversary, so I figured it was high time to do an Updated All About Me post. So much has changed since I started my page as a twenty year old college kid – a husband, nieces and a nephew, and becoming bunny parents! Although I can’t say I’m thrilled to be approaching thirty in barely two years, it has been amazing to measure the time here on lifewithlilred. If you are just tuning in or have been a long term reader, here are some fun facts/updates about yours truly:

  1. After wanting bunnies for forever, I finally have them: I have always thought that having pet bunnies would be the best thing since sliced bread and it really is! Johnny and I are so obsessed with Penelope and Mel (a mother and son duo) and we have barely had them for over two weeks! Of course, we love their names but they have plenty of nicknames as well. Because, let’s be real, are you really a pet parent if you aren’t calling your pets anything but their real names? 😀

You can catch me calling Penelope:

  • Mama
  • Miss mama
  • Miss lady
  • Mama’s girl
  • Missy miss

Melvin’s nicknames include:

  • Mr. Melvin
  • Mister mister
  • Mister man
  • Mama’s little man
  • Tiny wanderer

2. Johnny and I are the “cool” aunt and uncle: Whenever Johnny and I are asked if we are going to be giving our parents grandchildren, we reply that the best we can do is grandbunnies lol. However, we LOVE being the cool aunt and uncle to our nieces and nephew, Valerie, Raya, and Patrick. They are the sweetest little humans and we revel in treat days when we can spoil them rotten. The best part? When the fun is over, we can give them back!

3. Married life rules: Johnny and I have been together for over three years and have been married for one of them. It’s actually literally no different than when we were dating but it’s still awesome because it was awesome when we were dating lol. The best part is definitely the novelty of saying “husband” and “wife” and I don’t think that it will ever get old. ❤

4. A new-ish apartment: Johnny and I moved into a new apartment in May that is much bigger than our old one but still in the same community we were already living in. Compared to our old place, this one feels like a luxury resort and I still can’t believe it sometimes! Having windows that actually open, a functional air conditioning unit, and better heating is so fantastic that it’s crazy to think about the pure discomfort we were living in before. The best part, however, is having two bathrooms – one on the upstairs floor and one downstairs. This makes me feel like queen of the castle when I don’t have to stumble my way downstairs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. GREAT SUCCESS.

5. The Lil Red lifestyle hasn’t changed: lifewithlilred started out as a place for me to express myself, make some friends, and have fun and that hasn’t changed at all. I wanted to create a space to celebrate uniqueness because it’s safe to say that I’m pretty unique when you look at me! The Lil Red lifestyle is all about being true to yourself and living life in a way that makes you happy. I have tried to embody this since the start of lifewithlilred and am proud to say that I’m still holding to that eight years later.

6. Best jobs ever: When I am not doing freelance writing, I work with people with special needs and it is simply the best. I have been in the field for close to eight years and have been an Independent Provider for almost five of them. Every day, my clients teach me something new and it is such a joy to be an important part of their lives. Having a job where you feel genuinely happy at every day is a blessing that I don’t take lightly and I pay homage to that by being my best self daily for each person I care for.

7. Still a Diet Coke fiend: Diet Coke has always been my all time favorite drink and that has yet to change! Since being with Johnny, I have learned the joys of the Diet Coke from McDonald’s because, surprisingly, I have never had it until a year or so ago. Now, it is such a treat when I can get a real CRISPY DC from Mickey D’s and it’s a wonderful change of pace from the canned Diets that I am constantly guzzling lol. #blessed

While some things in my life have changed drastically, I am still the fun loving, goofy Lil Red that you met eight years ago. Thank you all so much for sticking with me on this crazy ride and here’s to eight more years of lifewithlilred! Although in eight years, I might have to change my page’s name to lifewithmiddleagedred… We’ll see what happens! -_-

What are some cool updates in your life? What are some fun facts about you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

How To Get Better Prepared In Your Life

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How To Get Better Prepared In Your Life

If you are worried that life is getting out of hand and you need to find ways to keep calm and carry on, then look no further. The article below will give you some tips and tricks on how to be more prepared in life. This will help it to seem less chaotic and help you manage all of the twists and turns better:

Sort Your Finances:

One thing you can do to help you prepare in life is having your finances in order. If you don’t know what is going on with your finances, then you could be spending more than you have coming in. One way you can sort this out is by setting a budget, which will combine everything and leave you with a rounded figure of money you have left after spending. To work out your budget, you will need to figure out all of your incomings and outgoings first.

When it comes to budgeting, no one is saying you can’t splurge on a shopping trip or take a lovely vacation. However, it’s about making smart decisions with your finances. Handle all of your important purchases first and foremost like rent, utilities, and bills. Put aside money for future planning like using the services of a life insurance lawyer if your claim ever gets denied, which can affect your finances, or funding towards college. Should you be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, it is a wise idea to look for a lawyer who specializes in life insurance ahead of time. If something goes wrong with your claim you will be able to get the process started immediately with the life insurance claims lawyer you chose.

And don’t forget to save money for fun too like a night at the movies or a dinner with friends. Make best friends with your budget and keep it at the front of your mind whenever you swipe that credit card.

Invest In A Wall Planner:

Next, you should think about investing in a wall planner. One of the major problems with preparing for the future is that your schedule could be completely out of whack. It’s possible that things happen which you either miss or forget about until it’s too late. This could include appointments or deadlines that are crucial for your professional and personal development. Sites such as Daily Orders have a fantastic selection of planners for you to choose from.

Have The Right Insurance:

Insurance is like an umbrella. You won’t always need one, but you’ll be glad you have it when it starts to pour down. There are lots of different types of insurance that you can explore which can benefit various aspects of your life from life insurance to disability coverage. Selecting the right one will give you peace of mind when difficult situations arise. It is also a good idea to have legal professionals that specialize in insurance in mind should you need them. For example, a well reviewed Life Insurance Interpleader Attorney can determine the rightful benefactor of a life insurance policy if multiple claims are involved. Having an attorney already selected will save you precious time if you have a need for one.

Find Things You Enjoy Doing:

If you do a lot during the day and have people you look after at home, then you may be due for a break. It is important not to feel guilty when you take time for yourself because everyone needs this in their life. Go and meet some friends for lunch, dedicate an afternoon to your favorite hobby, or hit the gym. Life seems much brighter when you make time for things you enjoy.

Know Your Life Goals:

Finally, you need to think about your life goals and what you want to achieve. If you don’t have a point that you are working towards, then it’s difficult, if not impossible to know whether you are making any type of progress. That’s why you should think about what you want from your life right now and in the future. Ideally, you should have goals that are related to everything from your personal life to professional development.

By taking the right steps to be better prepared, you can guarantee that life doesn’t end up catching you off guard!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep5

Getting Motivated To Move House

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Getting Motivated To Move House

Don’t like your home? Keep talking about moving, but never do it? Many of us put off moving for years. Now could be the time to finally take the plunge and consider moving to a home where you feel happier. Below are a few tips to help motivate you to move:

Prioritize your mental/physical health:

If a home is bad for your mental or physical health, this is a sure sign that you need to move. For example, if you feel unsafe, if you are being kept awake by noise, or if you are struggling to get up and down stairs to your home, these could all be good reasons to move.

Sometimes problems can be solved without moving. For example, you may be able to secure your property to make you feel safer, reduce neighbor noise levels by stopping by and having a conversation, or install a stair lift to a staircase. However, these may not always be viable options, in which case you need to move to prevent further damage to your mental or physical health.

Realize there may never be a right time:

Some people put off moving because there never seems to be a right time to make the move. However, sometimes you have to accept that there may never be a right time. While it’s true that you need to be able to dedicate a lot of time and energy to the moving process, you need to realize that there may always be other events to work around. While it can be stressful preparing for a move and also preparing for a new child, starting a new job, or handling a family loss, many people manage it – and you’ll feel much better once it’s done.

Get the right professional help:

Because moving can be such a monumental task, it can often be worth hiring professional help. If you’re planning on selling your home, you could enlist the help of agents or selling directly to a home buying company. If you need help with decluttering, there are skip hire companies and professional declutterers you can use. There are companies that can help tidy and stage your home. And, of course, professional movers too. To save some extra money with a team of movers, you might want to consider moving as much as you can on your own and leaving heavy items like furniture to the team. To begin finding quotes, simply enter a search for “movers in Odessa” (or your local area) and see how they can save time and reduce the hassle. These services mean spending extra money, but it could take away the stress, which can be a big turn off when it comes to moving.

Know when to accept financial loss:

Many homeowners will put off moving because they haven’t built up enough equity and are worried that the money made from selling their home won’t cover the expense of moving costs. Others even find that their home has lost value over time and stay put. Meanwhile, many renters will stay to the end of a contract to avoid having to pay penalties.

While in many cases it’s worth avoiding these financial losses, there may be times when it’s better to accept them. A good example is when your health or safety is at stake – it’s not worth sticking it out in a home that is potentially dangerous to live in. Similarly, if you’re spending huge amounts of money on repairs or on bills, you could find that you actually save money in the long run by moving.

It’s hard to find motivation for such a huge task like moving but, once you do, there will be no stopping you from moving into your dream home!

Featured Image By: Pexels