Oct31

Get Ready For Renovation With These Smart Tips

Posted on October 31, 2023 by lifewithlilred

A home renovation is an excellent way to add value, both in monetary terms and how you feel about your home. Whether it’s a partial renovation or a full remodel, you can get the home you’ve always wanted. Before your renovation project can get underway, you need to prepare for it. Renovations can be noisy, messy, and often take a long time too. You will want your home set up and ready for work to begin so everything can go as smoothly as possible. There are a few steps to take to get it all in order:

Before You Begin:

Home renovations can prove to be a dangerous feat if you do not have the proper skills to do it yourself. As you establish your budget, are you leaving room for hiring the best contractors? Using a team that is budget friendly but may cut corners can end up costing you more time and money in the long run. It can be helpful to schedule consultations and get quotes from several different companies for plumbers, electricians, and construction teams to determine the best fit for your needs. To get started, simply enter a search for “electrician sanford nc” (or your local area) and be sure to ask your friends and family for advice if they have used any of your options before. If they had a great experience, the chances are high that you will too.

Clear Out The Space:

One thing you definitely don’t want to happen is for anything valuable to be damaged during your renovations. Some valuable items could be permanent fixtures and fittings, which can’t be removed. However, there are often things that can be removed so that they’re out of the way. A storage service such as Ranchers Mobile Storage could be your best option for removing anything you don’t want to keep in your home. Put everything in storage temporarily and get it back when the renovation is finished. If you don’t have much, it could be moved to a spare room or garage too.

As you prepare for your renovations, you might also want to declutter the space to offer a blank canvas to the workers. This could be as simple as donating unwanted items or throwing away things that are no longer working properly. However, if you are planning to completely refurnish your space, you might want to look into getting a few roll-off containers for home renovations to make the task easier on yourself. Then, your home will be all ready for fresh new furniture when the project is completed.

Cover Up:

Not everything can be moved out of your home. You might not want to move everything if it’s going to take too much time and effort. Instead, it can be better to cover some things during the renovation to protect them from any mess. This could include covering up furniture or even covering floors and other surfaces. You want to make sure any covers you use, such as sheets or tarps, are secured in place. Think about the best ways to protect everything from dust, paint, or anything else that could damage your possessions.

This might seem like a menial task but you have to remember that time is money when you are working with renovation experts like Amplified Renovations (or a similar company in your local area). Doing what you can in terms of prep work before the renovation begins will allow the team you have selected to dive right into the project without wasting time on things that you are capable to do DIY style. This can also include having old appliances hauled away, having a dumpster available for debris, and making the space free of clutter.

^^^ Pixabay Image

Set Things Up for Contractors:

You will likely have contractors coming and going while your renovations are taking place. If you’re not going to be living in the property during this time, installing a lock box for keys is a good idea. It will allow your contractors to let themselves in and out without you having to get up early to travel over and let them in. There are other things you might want to do for your contractors too. For example, make it clear that they can use your bathroom, or perhaps even set up a temporary toilet in the yard if there isn’t a functioning bathroom.

Find Somewhere to Stay:

You can remain in your home while you’re having it renovated. However, this isn’t always the smartest choice. There can be a lot of noise and mess, and being around all of the work can be stressful. Plus, if you have pets or children, it could be dangerous. Moving out temporarily might be the best thing to do if you would rather avoid being around all of the work before it’s finished.

Be prepared for your renovation before it begins and you will help everything go smoother while keeping your home as neat as possible!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct31

Good Movie Sunday

Posted on October 31, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Howdy! One thing that Johnny and I have always bonded over is our love for movies. Foreign films are my absolute favorite and Johnny is incredibly partial to a war movie. We also both really enjoy thrillers, horror, and comedy flicks. Although watching movies is a hobby to us both, we rarely watch them. During the work week, we usually are too worn out once we’re home for anything but our go to comedy shows. And, over the weekend, we want to be out and about. Sunday, however, is our “do nothing” day and it sparked an idea… Good Movie Sunday.

Good Movie Sunday is all about watching movies that are “good” to us and we will alternate weekly over who is picking the flick. Our day of rest will also include movies that we have always wanted to see, Oscar nominated films, and our all time favorites. We both fell in love with this idea because what else are we going to do on a lazy Sunday?! It has been fun to rack our brains and come up with our selections and I consider this new weekly event as our two person film appreciation club lol.

Our first Good Movie Sunday was Johnny’s choice and we watched Riders of Justice and Lincoln. Riders of Justice was a special nod to me because it is a Danish film while Lincoln was a nod to both of us! I adore Daniel Day-Lewis and, of course, Johnny loves him a historical movie. Both were excellent and it made us really excited to continue on with this new tradition. While we may have fallen off the horse to watch horror flicks for Halloween on Sundays, we are bringing it back this weekend. It is my choice and I know exactly what I’m going to pick: Benny and Joon because Johnny has never seen it and The Shape of Water because I have only seen it once and am a huge fan of all things Guillermo del Toro. I can’t wait!

Good Movie Sunday was an inspired idea, I must say, and I am stoked about it. I can’t tell you the amount of times Johnny and I have talked about a movie and told each other “we should watch that” and now we have a perfect opportunity!

What do you consider to be a good movie? What is your favorite genre of film? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct30

Reduce Your Stress In 5 Steps

Posted on October 30, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

In life, we all deal with stress for various reasons. However, we do not need to live life feeling stressed. We should live life feeling happy and calm. If you feel that you are overly stressed and do not know how to reduce it and regain your quality of life and happiness, follow these steps:

Consult a chiropractor:

Many people assume that a chiropractor can only help with back pain and neck aches. But they are capable of so much more. If you are feeling stressed out, they are a great person to talk to. You will be shocked at how much assistance they can provide. Reducing stress and improving your daily well-being can be achieved by making minor adjustments to your joints and muscles. If you are interested in visiting a chiropractor, simply enter a search for “Chiropractor Near Me“. Seek a practice that has excellent reviews and customer testimonials.

Strive for a harmonious work-life balance.

It is essential that you achieve a healthy work-life balance; otherwise, you can risk experiencing a lot of stress for no reason. For example, you are doing nothing but working if you are not taking enough breaks during the workday and taking your holidays. Taking pauses can help your mind clear and concentrate, keeping you composed and preventing unneeded tension.

Make every effort to enhance your work-life balance if you believe that your job is giving you a lot of stress. You will discover the mental and physical benefits of an exercise class after work, as well as the mental benefits of a ten minute break. And, be sure to pamper yourself during your downtime too. Whether that be taking a long soak in the tub or even booking an appointment for acupuncture to soothe stress. To begin finding a practitioner near you, simply enter a search for “acupuncture clinic London” (or your local area) and explore the different services available.

Breathe deeply and meditate:

Some people do not realize the amazing effects and benefits of managing stress through meditation and deep breathing techniques. People can stay calm and in the present moment by engaging in these mindful practices. All it takes to control your cortisol levels and ensure that you do not experience needless stress during the day is a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation each morning.

For some people, vape devices may offer them a complementary means to supplement their deep breathing practices. When they choose vape liquid with soothing flavors or aromas, they may find it easier to relax and focus on their breathing exercises. While meditation and deep breathing alone are powerful practices, when combined with tools that enhance relaxation, it can create an even more enjoyable and tailored experience. It’s important that you are mindful of both the quality and composition of the vape liquid to make sure that it aligns with your overall health and well-being goals.

Cut down on screen time:

Cutting back on your screen time will be very beneficial for stress management and relief. The extent to which screen time can negatively impact your stress levels and mental health will astound you. You will undoubtedly feel more at ease and content when you go to bed and throughout the evening if you cut down on your screen time each night.

Get more rest:

When it comes to lowering your stress levels, one of the best things you can do is to get more sleep. Your body and mind may feel extremely stressed and exhausted if you are not getting enough sleep. Setting a daily goal of 7 to 9 hours is crucial. That is okay if you can not get this much sleep or if you need less. On the other hand, you will worsen your health and experience more stress if you do not prioritize getting enough sleep. You will undoubtedly feel more at ease and be able to sleep for a longer period of time if you go to bed earlier and put down your phone a few hours before.

These simple steps can be incorporated in your life immediately to help start reducing your stress!

Featured Image By: Leah Kelley

Oct30

October 2023 Finishes

Posted on October 30, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello!! October is drawing to a close which means it’s time to discuss my beauty product finishes for the month. Although I wish it could be Halloween season all year round, I am pretty excited about November lol. Am I the only one who has been craving Thanksgiving food something fierce?! 😀 In October, I used up a lot of products that I have been working on for a while and most of them were A-okay in my book. Take a look and let’s get to it:

Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Gingham Gorgeous Lotion: MAYBE

Bath & Body Works Poppy Shower Gel: YES!!!!!

Pearlessence Dewy Glow Serum: YES

Clean Beauty Deep Hydration Moisturizer: MAYBE

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

The Body Shop Shea Butter Hand Cream: MAYBE

Renew Intensive Skin Therapy Hand Cream: MAYBE

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Lotion: I love the lotions by Bath & Body Works and think that they work marvelously. However, I just could not get behind the Gingham Gorgeous scent. This lotion smelled like a flower shop on steroids and it was a bit much. While I normally never really care about a lotion’s scent because I only use it at nighttime, I was SO ready for this one to be over! Of course, I’d use it if I got it as a gift but I wouldn’t select Gingham Gorgeous for myself again. It took over one month of daily use to finish the bottle.

B&BW Shower Gel: Now, Poppy was a scent that I would definitely use again! It was fantastic and Johnny loved it too lol. Poppy was fruity and sweet but not overly so and it was so nice to use every morning. I really enjoyed the notes of pear and I was sad when I ran out. This is a scent that I think anyone would like and I would happily use it again. It took over one month of daily use to finish the bottle.

Pearlessence Serum: The Dewy Glow Serum by Pearlessence is one that I use frequently from TJMaxx and it hits just right every time. This serum is a bit thicker in texture, but absorbs really quickly and sits well under makeup. I think it definitely helps to revitalize my skin in the morning – especially when I am feeling super tired. I love how fresh my face looks with each use and will always get myself a bottle of it when it’s available at TJs. It took me about a month of twice daily use to finish the bottle.

Clean Beauty Moisturizer: I am kind of torn about the Clean Beauty Deep Hydration Moisturizer. On one hand, I am a huge fan of its value. It took me at least five and a half weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar. On the other hand, I have never noticed mind blowing results from this moisturizer. This is not the first time I have used it and I had similar sentiments every time. If there is nothing else available at TJs, I’d buy it again but otherwise I would skip on it.

Hand Creams: I have been steadily dwindling down the random hand creams I own and both The Body Shop and Renew creams were fine. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way to get them again. Neither of them exceeded my expectations in any way, but they would be nice to have handy on the go during the wintertime.

I am really pleased with my October empties overall. Although there were several “maybes” none of them were completely awful and I consider that a GREAT SUCCESS!!

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

Oct29

Halloween Costume Sneak Peek

Posted on October 29, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello!!!! Although Halloween is my favorite holiday of all time, I only have two costumes in my entire closet. One being a sexy Raggedy Anne that is old as dirt and a skeleton bodysuit that I wore two years ago. Last year, I created a costume from home and dressed up as Johnny lol! Because my options for a costume this year are pretty much nonexistent, I decided to finally buy a new one. I went with a sexy circus ringleader and I love it. But, damn dude, when did costumes become so expensive?! Then again, Halloween is like Christmas Day for me so why not go all out. 😀 Take a look at my new costume and keep it locked for an OOTD because I cannot wait to take pictures in it:

I ordered this costume from Spirit Halloween online because I could not be bothered to make my way to the store. As soon as Spirit Halloweens start popping up in my neck of the woods, they become picked over within a day and I just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of limited options. I was a bit nervous that my ringleader costume wouldn’t fit but it actually ran very true to the size chart and I am thrilled about it. This will make future online costume shopping so much easier because it eliminates any guess work. The costume I selected only came with the velvet cami top, jacket, and a little top hat so I purchased the pleather booty shorts separately. I also added on some cheetah print false lashes to complete the look.

This was actually not my first choice for my ringleader Halloween costume. Originally, I had selected a jumpsuit for the sake of staying warm. Then, Johnny talked me out of it while we were exploring other ringleader costumes. He insisted that I would look amazing in the one I bought and after a lot of mental back and forth, I ended up agreeing with him. Johnny shot down every “what if it’s too much/too short/too anything” every single time and it made me feel so good and confident. Hey, when he’s right he’s right because this costume looked FIRE on.

I felt so fabulous when I tried this costume on and was surprised by its quality. I adore the cami top and, honestly, will probably end up wearing it beyond Halloween! The maroon jacket was fairly thick, which I liked and it offered such gorgeous detail. Can we talk about that chain attachment between the buttons and the embroidery?! I might have dragged my feet about the price I paid, but I think anything less expensive could look cheap and feel flimsy. I am very happy with my purchase overall!

I am SO excited to break this costume out and wanted to give all of you a sneak peek before the grand OOTD reveal. Now, cue “Circus” by Britney Spears, please!

What are you dressing up as for Halloween? How often do you buy a new Halloween costume? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct28

Are You Ready For A Dog?

Posted on October 28, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

If you are thinking about getting a dog, then you will need to make sure that you are actually ready to look after them. It can be a lot trickier than you might think, and there are going to be many things that you need to do to make sure your pet is getting the best care possible. In this post, we are going to discuss some of the things to focus on to ensure that you are genuinely ready to look after a dog in your home and make one part of your life:

Time:

First of all, having a dog means that you need to have quite a bit of time in your daily life, and that is something that you just can’t really get around. Only by having plenty of time can you ensure that you are able to look after your dog as well as you would hope – because you need to walk them and so on, and all of that simply takes time. Look at your general schedule and be honest with yourself about whether or not you are able to care for a dog with the amount of time you normally have available.

Energy:

You will also need to devote a lot of personal energy to your pooch, because walking with them, playing with them, and generally caring for them all requires that you have a lot of energy to give. You need to again be honest with yourself about what kind of energy levels you think you can muster, so that you are likely to effectively care for a dog. You might have a breed that loves to play, in which case this is going to be especially important to consider.

^^^ Pexels Image

Space:

Your home needs to have plenty of space if you are going to look after a dog effectively, and again this is something that you can’t really expect to get around. Think about what breed you want and how much room they are likely to need, and then make sure that you are working with that as well as you can. Only by offering up the right amount of space can you hope to care for your dog as well as necessary, so this is something that you should definitely think about here.

Love:

And last but certainly not least, a dog needs a lot of love, more than many other kinds of pets. You will probably find that this comes naturally, but it’s something to be aware of in any case. If you can give them the right amount of love, they are going to be happier and you will find that looking after them is a lot more enjoyable too. That is a major part of getting ready for having a dog in your home and in your life, so be sure not to overlook it.

A dog is a huge commitment if you are up to it, but it is so worth it. They will add so much joy to your home and life!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct28

Sweet Surprises: Reader Friend Edition

Posted on October 28, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello!! Every day, I am thankful for the beauty of blogging. Of course, I always love to write and it is a joy to express myself on my page. However, the thing that I love best about blogging is the people! I met my best friend through lifewithlilred and so many other members of the blogosphere that I feel lucky to connect with. This Tuesday, I received a beautiful card in the mail that was bought for me by the darling Leenda, the author behind The Bus To Sorry. While she was at a craft fair, she spotted a card and sticker that she thought I would like and she was so right! Check it out:

There is something about a handwritten note from a friend that just hits different. I was SO excited to open the letter from Leenda because I had no idea what it was going to be. All I knew was that it was something that she thought would match my vibe. I ripped into the envelope like a rabid beast and clutched my pearls over what I saw. Guys, I am obsessed with my note card and sticker by Freshly Squeezed Art. As soon as I got home, I immediately put the sticker on my laptop and left the note on my desk. I enjoy looking at it too much for it to go in my letter box!

These lovely little gifts match my aesthetic to the T. It amazed me that someone who only knows me from my blog and comments could pick something that I would have picked for myself. It honestly made me feel really proud of myself that I am so open on my page that it gave one of my beloved reader friends perfect insight into a prezzie I would adore. I feel incredibly touched to be thought of by Leenda and it was a wonderful reminder of why I started my blog in the first place. It was always to make new friends and I am so glad that it is having that effect. ❤

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Leenda for this Sweet Surprise. It made my week and do be sure to check out her page and give it some love!

What is something that you would pick out for me? Have you met any good friends through your blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct27

Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi

Posted on October 27, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hellooooo! Johnny and I finally went grocery shopping and it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. We had literally nothing to eat at the apartment and there were several Pinterest recipes that I have been dying to try – one of which being a Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi by Simply Delicious. I am pleased to report that it turned out amazing and both myself and my picky eater husband absolutely loved it. This recipe had minimal ingredients, took under an hour to make, and allowed for plenty of leftovers too. Check it out:

When it comes to cooking during the work week, it is a must for the recipes to be easy peasy. While I really enjoy cooking, I really enjoy relaxing after a long day too lol. The Cacio E Pepe recipe by Simply Delicious was extremely straight forward. All I did was cook the gnocchi, prepare the sauce, stick it in the oven for fifteen minutes and dinner was served. There were no crazy techniques or a litany of ingredients involved and that is something I appreciate. Although I am a great cook, I am definitely no Master Chef!

Speaking of ingredients, there were only ten needed to prepare this dish. The beauty of this recipe is that a majority of the ingredients are things that you more than likely already have. The only items I needed to purchase was the milk, cream, and gnocchi. Not only was the recipe completely new to me, but it included an ingredient that is new to me too – cream!

I have never made a recipe that called for cream and even if it did, I probably would have used milk because that’s what my mom would do. However, I decided to go all out for this dish and use the cream and calories be damned lol. I am so glad that I did because I don’t think the end result would be the same without it. My baked gnocchi turned out divine. It was incredibly rich and just one serving filled me up. Despite it being a short lived meal, each bite was heavenly. The sauce was so bold and flavorful, the gnocchi was tender, and it is one of my favorite things that I have ever made.

As per both mine and Johnny’s request, I will one thousand percent be making the Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi again. Huge shout out to Simply Delicious as the mastermind behind this dish!

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

Oct26

Flannels For Fall OOTD Bloopers

Posted on October 26, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hellooo everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Flannels For Fall OOTD! This outfit was super simple to style, but it felt so fabulously fall and fresh with a black and white color palette. I loved it and it was the perfect outfit to find the perfect tree to pose under. However, that was easier said than done! Let’s take a look at some of the shots that definitely didn’t make the first cut and we’ll discuss that further:

Looking like I’m about to cry but I swear I was having a good time!

What are these… LEAVES?!

When your husband has got you like

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There’s nothing funny about this shot but I think the cigarette earring looks hilarious lol

A surprise cameo by Johnny in the bottom corner

A big surprise cameo by Johnny in the entirety of the picture!

In the good ol A-K-Rowdy, it is peak fall time and it is absolutely splendid. The temperatures are cool, but not unbearable and the trees are spectacular this year. I can’t recall the changing of last year’s leaves to be as pretty even though I’m sure it was. This year, however, it feels like everywhere I turn there are bright red, orange, and yellow leaves adorning every tree. It is gorgeous and are you really a fashion blogger if you don’t take pictures underneath a tree? I think not!

Despite all of the beautiful trees surrounding us, it was actually rather difficult to find just the right one. Most of the trees around Timber Top were almost empty already and smaller, colorful trees in my parents’ neighborhood were all on someone’s property. While I am not above knocking on someone’s door to ask to borrow their tree, I wasn’t in the mood lol. This left minimal options and we decided to use a tall, red leafed tree as our backdrop. The only issue? You could only see the trunk! The tree was tall AF and I was nowhere near close to any of the branches. On the bright side, there were plenty of red leaves on the ground so at least all of you got the point. 😀

When it comes to picture backdrops, I take what I can get. And if it’s not exactly what I want, then who cares? At least my outfit is fire! 🙂

Are the trees changing colors in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite leaf color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct25

Flannels For Fall OOTD

Posted on October 25, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! After the excitement of seeing The Wiz last last weekend, Johnny and I spent a lazy weekend together and it was just what we needed. I feel so much more rested after a few days of vegging out! With nothing on our agenda other than hanging out with family, I decided to style a look that was cool but oh so comfy with my new Lucky Brand flannel. I love how it turned out and it was warm enough to beat the fall chill in the air! Check it out and peep all of those Lil Red leaves:

Who? What? Wear?

Flannel: Lucky Brand, TJMaxx

Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Heeled Combat Boots: Forever 21

Cigarette Earrings: Punk N Junk

The hat was a gift from an ex’s family and I like it too much to throw it out lol

Flannels are such an amazing piece of clothing because they look good on everyone and are a staple that is synonymous with fall. As soon as the weather turns cool, it’s all flannels everywhere and I’m so not mad about it. So much so, that I bought the flannel you see above due to a mere accident. During my last TJs shopping trip, I needed a shirt to try on with a jacket, grabbed the first one I saw, and it just so happened to be said flannel. I wouldn’t have got it if it weren’t so darn cute but, obviously, that wasn’t the case!

I was excited to style this flannel and thought it would be fun to create a black and white ensemble to play off of its pattern. With this in mind, black skinny jeans were the go to choice and also my only choice anyways lol. I don’t own one single pair of blue jeans! While I enjoy wearing all of the beautiful jewel tones of fall, it felt nice to go back to my emo roots with the muted palette I was establishing. As soon as the base of this look was settled, I could definitely picture my teenage self rocking it haha.

Shoes and accessories were next and since this outfit essentially built itself, this was an easy decision. I knew I wanted to wear my “Bad Hair Day” beanie and went with my stark white heeled combat boots from Forever 21. I liked this for several reasons. Of course, it worked with the color palette. However, I loved how the hat and boots were the reverse of each other. The hat was black with white text and the shoes were white with black laces and heels. This really tied the look together and made it flow seamlessly from top to bottom.

Finally, it was jewelry time. I kept things minimal for jewelry because I didn’t want unnecessary bling muddling up the crispness of the outfit’s palette. I toyed around with a collar length necklace, but it wasn’t doing anything for me. So, I decided to wear a pair of statement earrings with a lot of length. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure earrings that look like cigarettes definitely make a statement! 😀

As always, fall is my favorite season to dress for and I am loving my Flannels For Fall OOTD. This look gave a nod to so many different autumn essentials and is one that I will most certainly be wearing again!

What is your favorite fall staple? What warms you up on a chilly day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

	lifewithlilred on New Hair, Who Dis?
	Dear Quiet on New Hair, Who Dis?
	lifewithlilred on Wedding Party OOTD
	lifewithlilred on Travel Turmoil In New Orl…
	Chantel Keona on Wedding Party OOTD