Dec1

Tamagotchi App

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Tamagotchi App

Howdy! I absolutely love being a bunny mom and am a fan of all things cute and cuddly whether IRL or with substitute pets. Of course I’m talking Animal Crossing and most recently the Tamagotchi app! I have been using Finch regularly for a while now and have grown pretty bored with it. There’s literally just nothing to do on the app although I appreciate the mental health aspect of it. I needed a substitute pet with more interaction and after browsing around on the app store, I found the Tamagotchi one and have been obsessed!

My most fond virtual pet memories are racing my siblings home from school to see who could check their Neopets account first. I was addicted to that game and it really was the ideal substitute pet platform with games, shopping, exploring, and decorating. Nothing will ever trump Neopets in my opinion, but this Tamagotchi app is delightfully reminiscent of it and I am loving it! I have always wanted a real Tamagotchi to fit in my pocket and this app is the next best thing. Better, in fact, as you can see all of your activities on a bigger screen and in color.

The premise of Tamagotchi is the same as any other substitute pet. Feed it, clean it, keep it happy. However, there is so much more to it than that. In the Tamagotchi app your pets can get jobs, go to school, and land an apartment. You can dress them up, decorate your house, and add fun things to the areas surrounding the shops like water fountains, picnics, and mini golf. Earning points to shop with is as simple as going to the arcade that has about fifteen games to pick from. I am especially partial to the Candy Crush style game as well as the ice cream scoop one. It reminds me of the Coney Island mini game in Mario Party!

This app is kid friendly and clearly just as amusing to adults too. My Tamagotchi app is exactly what I wanted Finch to be and I look forward to playing and leveling up every day. I have found myself growing incredibly weary of social media as of late and wanted something to do on my phone other than doom scrolling. The Tamagotchi app has been the perfect substitute and it sure beats getting depressed on Facebook every hour lol. Highly recommend. 🙂

Looking for a virtual pet of your own or simply to kill time? Download the Tamagotchi app – it’s a blast!!

Did you have a Tamagotchi growing up? What is your favorite virtual pet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov30

November 2025 Finishes

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November 2025 Finishes

Howdy and holy WOW! Happy last day of November, everyone! Is it just me or did this month fly by? I literally feel like I blinked through spooky season and now here we are in *almost* December. I’d say I’m mad about this super speedy time warp but I’m so not. I have been DYING to give everyone their Christmas gifts for months now lol. Let’s wrap up this month here on lifewithlilred the old fashioned way… By discussing my beauty empties, of course:

Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Body Cream: YES

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Romance Shower Gel: NO

Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Lotion: YES

Dirty Works Vitamin C Miracle Moisturizer: YES!!!

Why/Why Not?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: You all know I am a HUGE fan of the Evoluderm micellar water and I am so sad because I haven’t been able to find it at TJMaxx for months. This was my last bottle and I can only hope for a restock soon. I just wanted to reiterate what a great value the eight dollar mega bottle is. It took me over three months to finish this baby which makes its cost per use next to nothing. Love that!

B&BW Body Cream: If you need a dose of sun, sand, and surf during these dreary days of winter then you are going to love the Waikiki Beach Coconut scent from B&BW. This is literally sunshine in a bottle and smells so exactly like the beach that you will feel like you’re there! It took about two weeks of daily use to finish this bottle and I enjoyed my mental vacation every time. 😀

B&BW Shower Gel: I am a vanilla scent girl through and through. SO not a Vanilla Romance girl though! If you live for a pure vanilla fragrance like me, definitely skip on this one. It is straight up musky with the littlest drop of vanilla added in. I grabbed this freebie for the hell of it and it was the first and last time for me!

Dirty Works Moisturizer: If you are on the market for a new moisturizer, the Vitamin C Miracle Moisturizer by Dirty Works was absolutely fabulous. It took me close to a month and a half of twice daily use to finish the bottle and I so wish I had more! A not even dime sized dollop fully hydrated my skin to silky smooth perfection and provided a huge radiance boost. This moisturizer absorbed quickly, sat like a dream under makeup, and left my skin looking and feeling amazing. Highly recommend!

Not bad, not bad at all. November was a solid month in the beauty department and I can’t wait to test out more goodies in December!

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

Nov29

Weekend Adventure OOTD Bloopers

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Weekend Adventure OOTD Bloopers

Howdy! Raise your hand if you’re feeling tired and eating ramen noodles for breakfast, can I get a hell yeah! Just me? Oh. Lol I did NOT sleep well at all last night but your girl is pulling through because this daily content doesn’t write itself! Today we’re going to take a gander at some yikes shots that definitely didn’t make the first cut of my Weekend Adventure OOTD pics. Then, I’d love to have a chat about what has been making me and Johnny laugh lately! You game? Let’s get to it:

The face I’ll probably be making all day as I go about in zombie mode

Laugh attack or just really has to pee?

Hey party people!!!

I have no idea what is going on here and I can’t say I like it

Shake shake shake, shake your booty

About to break into song – who’s up for some Britney Spears? (I always am!)

Am I not turtley enough for the turtle club?

Johnny is a big fan of standup comedy. Me? Not so much. If I want to have a laugh, I’d rather watch Step Brothers lol. Not when it comes to Pete Holmes, however! This past weekend we watched So. Much. Pete. Holmes and I honestly want to do it all over again. He is just SO funny and all of his witticisms have been in my head for days. Pete Holmes can only be described as jovial. He has the most infectious smile and is always funny without poking fun. His stand up is all about finding joy in the silly and he does it oh so well.

A common saying during Pete Holmes’ standup is “cashing your happy checks” and I just love that. Cashing happy checks is all about giving yourself permission whenever you want to laugh. To find amusement in every day situations no matter how small or mundane. It makes me genuinely happy to think about this giant, jolly man going about his day with laughter and the best part? We all can too! Who knew a standup comic could teach such a valuable lesson but I know I will be making an effort to cash my happy checks on the daily!

If you haven’t watched any Pete Holmes, do yourself a favor and get on that immediately. You’re going to love him!

Who is your favorite standup comic? What is your favorite comedy movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov28

Weekend Adventure OOTD

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Weekend Adventure OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I went on a fun little outing with my dad and Johnny to a lunch and vendor fair event. It was such a nice afternoon with my two favorite fellas! I knew both my boyz were going to keep it casual in their fashion which was fine by me because it was a go there, go home kind of day. A day that called for the softest sweater in the whole world with elbow patches to feel oh so perfectly fall! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Sweater: Blu Pepper, Dry Goods

Boyfriend Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Snakeskin Boots: These were purchased forever ago from Target!

Necklace: This was purchased from a vendor fair by artist John Deveer.

Earrings: These were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

This was actually not the outfit I originally had in mind. However, when I was shopping in the pants department my eyes landed on my Banjara boyfriend jeans and I decided to pivot. I absolutely love these bedazzled beauties and it reminded me of something that Miranda or Taylor would wear from my guilty pleasure, Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives. I had just binged it so it was weighing heavy on the brain! These jeans are just so totally cool and they are exactly what I like – an exciting take on classic staples. Give me distressing and huge rhinestones and I am sold!

As these jeans give such a comfy, chill vibe I decided to pair it with a cozy sweater to match. I went with a lovely little number by Blu Pepper and also had a brain blast. I recently bought a dress of the same brand, knew I had something from Blu Pepper in my wardrobe, and couldn’t remember it for the life of me. Then, there it was in my hands! This dusty pink hued sweater was a lovely compliment to the charcoal grey jeans and I am all about those extra details. I am a sucker for elbow patches for a nod to collegiate chic and the up the side buttons. My sweater was also slightly oversized which was just right for pairing with the slouchy boyfriend jeans.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I definitely needed the extra height as the Banjara jeans are REALLY long on me and selected a pair of heeled grey snakeskin pattern boots from Target. The muted tones fit the color palette I had established to the T and snakeskin is my all time favorite pattern! For accessories, I chose a beautiful hand carved necklace from a vendor fair I attended in Atlanta. I love its simplicity and it can literally pair with anything for jewelry without going overboard. Last but not least was a pair of vintage brooch inspired earrings that offered flowers in the same dusty pink shade of the sweater. With that, I was ready to go on an adventure!

I may have had Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives on the mind but this look was one hundred percent Lil Red!

What is your favorite guilty pleasure show? What are your weekend plans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov27

Beginner Modeling Tips That Make You Stand Out

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Beginner Modeling Tips That Make You Stand Out

Making it in the modeling world can be tough, and it takes more than just being photogenic. Whether you dream of doing clothing photo shoots or walking a runway in beautiful gowns, there are things you can do to give yourself a stronger chance of getting signed and finding regular work. Like the following:

Find your hairstyle:

One of the first things to figure out is the kind of hairstyle that suits you best. Speaking to a professional stylist can help you test different ideas and learn which cuts or looks work with your face shape. If you are not sure what you want yet, you can experiment with wigs to see how you feel about different lengths and colors without committing to a haircut. Once you settle on a look, take care of it properly. Regular trims, gentle products, and visits to your stylist will keep your hair camera ready. Try to avoid anything too extreme because modeling often requires you to change your look to match different jobs.

Keep yourself healthy:

Models need to keep their bodies in good condition, not just in terms of weight, but for their skin, stamina and overall health. Eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly will help you feel more confident and make you look your best on camera. Glowing skin is especially important because it reduces the need for heavy makeup and shows professional agencies that you are taking care of yourself.

Have a portfolio:

A strong digital portfolio is one of the most important tools for any model. You will need professional photographs that clearly show your face, body type, and personality. It is worth investing in a trusted photographer rather than trying to take everything yourself. Phones can take great pictures, but a photographer knows how to light, pose, and edit images in a way that agencies take seriously. Once you have your images, display them clearly on your website and social media pages.

Know your style:

Having a sense of personal style helps agencies understand what you are best suited for. Make sure your clothes fit properly, right down to your underwear. A well fitted bra or a supportive set can change how you look in an outfit. If you want to see what is on trend or explore more options, you can shop lingerie in the U.S. online to find styles that match your body shape and personality. Once you understand what works for you, it becomes easier to show agencies your potential.

Smile:

Not every modeling job requires you to smile, but having a great one makes a huge difference. Keep up with dental check ups, brush properly, and take care of your teeth. If you feel insecure about your smile, whitening toothpaste or speaking to your dentist about options like veneers can help you feel more confident.

If you stay consistent with your look, maintain your portfolio and keep posting high quality images online, you will give yourself more opportunities. Do not wait for agencies to find you. Reach out, apply for casting calls, and stay active. The more your name and face are seen, the more likely you are to land the jobs you want!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov27

How To Shop For Your First Pair Of Hearing Aids

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How To Shop For Your First Pair Of Hearing Aids

Shopping for your first hearing aids can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for or what the market of hearing aids looks like nowadays. There’s been a lot of significant advancements in hearing aids, so your idea of what they might look like may be a lot different from reality. It’s good to know what to expect when shopping for hearing aids and what steps are required to get them that are tailored for you and your hearing needs:

Get a comprehensive hearing test:

The first step to getting hearing aids is to book in with your local hearing specialist for a hearing test. A comprehensive hearing test will look at anything and everything when it comes to your hearing to understand what exactly is missing and what needs improvement. Have a thorough hearing test to not only check your hearing but to rule out anything that might be underlying as a medical condition that you weren’t even aware of. There are often reasons why your hearing loss is the way it is, and for some, that might be an infection or wax buildup.

Discuss options and choose a professional:

Based on the test results you’re given, the audiologist will recommend some suitable hearing aid options. These may be prescription or over-the-counter options. Those who have mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids, but those with significant loss will be required to work with a professional to get a prescription device instead. This is due to the need for custom fitting and ongoing support for the user. Shop around for your options, as hearing care providers will often set their own prices and costs, which are bundled into the service.

Select the right hearing aid for style and features:

This may be the point at which you realize that the options for hearing aids are vast and a lot more versatile than you first thought. To find hearing aids, the right style and features are a personal choice. Take a look at everything that’s offered to see which ones match your style and needs. Common devices include Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), and In-the-Ear (ITE) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC) models. Features of the device are important to consider too, like noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity, for example.

Trial periods and aftercare:

Before you commit to the hearing devices, review any associated policies and be aware of any warranty attached to them. Be aware of what trial period you have available so that if needed, you can return them for a refund if they don’t work well for you. You also will want all of the details when it comes to the aftercare of your devices to ensure its longevity.

Get fitted and follow up:

Finally, it’s time to get the hearing aids fitted properly and to adapt to these devices as you navigate day-to-day life. Keeping up with follow-up appointments will help to address any concerns you have so that adjustments can be made accordingly.

Life will change for the better once you find the hearing aid that is just right for you. Use the tips above to get started!

Nov27

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving! I am going to keep this post short and sweet because we all have places to go and people to see… And green bean casserole to eat! Just me? Lol, that’s okay because y’all can send it my way. It is my FAVORITE! Thanksgiving is the time to celebrate what is important to you and what’s important to me is all of you – my dear readers. It has almost been another year here on lifewithlilred and even though it has been eleven years of Lil Red ramblings, I feel like I’m just getting started! I hope you will always continue to join me for the ride. ❤

No matter where you are located, you are a friend to me and there are few things I appreciate more than the friends I have. We might not really know each other and that’s okay. If you have read my blog, I think you get the idea! 😉 Having my little corner of the internet to create and share is something that I have always wanted. You know my old saying, even if no one read my blog – I would still write it for the joy of writing. That would get awfully lonely, though, and words can’t express how thankful I am that you are all here sharing this space with me. It means the world to me and I can only hope that you get a little bit of joy when you stop by on my page.

Thank you for being my friend, thank you for sharing with me, and thank you for being you. I love you all!! ❤

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Are you pro green bean casserole? What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

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What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

It’s completely normal to be worried about your child’s health problems. After all, you love them and want the best for them. But what should you do if you find yourself in this position? What action should you take? This issue comes up more than you might think. Many parents go into meltdown when something goes wrong with their child’s health, no matter how minor it might seem on the surface. Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help. It runs through some of the tactics you can use to be your best to help your kiddo:

Trust Your Gut:

One of the best things you can do as a parent in this position is trust your gut. Accepting what’s happening and then trying to get to a solution is essential. Usually, you’ll know if something is seriously wrong or not. What’s more, as a parent, you know your child. You understand what’s normal behavior for them, and what isn’t, so your senses are attuned to theirs.

Track Their Symptoms:

It’s a good idea to track their symptoms. You want to know how they’re evolving over time. If you can figure out when it started and then measure the severity, you’re often in a good position to know how long it will take them to recover and what’s wrong. Tracking symptoms is also going to be so helpful when you take your child to the doctor so they will have a full history of the problem.

Check For Red Flags:

Red flag situations are when it is essential to take action. For example, things like a high fever or persistent vomiting: these are signs that something might be seriously wrong. You might also notice things like not responding to sound. Perhaps they need to go to the audiologist for grommets or hearing aids. Seizures and extreme lethargy or not waking properly are all red flag signs too. Get help immediately.

Call the Pediatrician:

If you encounter something you haven’t seen before or symptoms seem worse than usual, getting on the phone with the pediatrician is a good idea. They can provide advice on what to do next, including whether or not to go to hospital.

Provide Comfort:

Sometimes, just providing your child with some comfort can have a profound effect on their well-being. Their bodies are highly tuned to their surroundings. Even skin-on-skin contact, which seems quite simple, can have a huge effect. You can also do things like bring them their comfort items or put them in a room that feels safe to them. These small changes may improve their health.

Ask “Dumb” Questions:

Lastly, if you do go to the doctor with them, don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. The more of these you pose, the more likely you are to understand what’s happening in the future if something similar happens again. Every question you have is worth asking and your child’s appointment is the time to do so.

Any health concern for your child can be scary. Keep a level head, find a solution with the doctor, and do your best to accommodate!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov26

How Hearing Loss Affects More Than Just Your Hearing

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How Hearing Loss Affects More Than Just Your Hearing

Hearing loss can feel like a gradual change at first, but it affects far more than just the sounds you hear. It can change the way you move through your day, how you communicate and even how confident you feel. Because it often develops slowly, you might not notice the full impact right away, but those little struggles can add up over time. Understanding how hearing loss reaches into different parts of your life can help you spot changes earlier and get the support you need. A simple hearing evaluation can give you clarity, but paying attention to the emotional and social effects is just as important:

How hearing loss affects your confidence:

When sounds become harder to follow, it’s natural to lose a bit of confidence in certain situations. You might avoid busy restaurants, step back during group conversations or worry that you’ll miss something important. These small moments can slowly change how comfortable you feel in everyday life. Over time, this can make you second-guess yourself, even in settings where you used to feel relaxed. Getting support early helps you feel more secure, because clearer sound reduces the effort you need to keep up and brings some of that lost confidence back.

How hearing loss can affect your friendships:

Clear communication is a big part of staying close to the people you care about. When hearing becomes difficult, you might miss jokes, misunderstand comments or feel a step behind in conversations. These small gaps can make socializing feel more tiring than enjoyable. If this keeps happening, it can quietly hinder your friendships, because you may start turning down plans or avoiding noisy places where conversation is harder. With the right support, you can stay fully involved and enjoy those moments again without feeling stressed or left out.

How hearing loss affects focus and mental energy:

Hearing loss doesn’t just change what you hear. It makes your brain work harder to fill in missing sounds, which can lead to mental fatigue. You might notice you feel drained after conversations or struggle to stay focused in meetings, even if you’re trying your best. This extra effort can affect your productivity and your ability to concentrate throughout the day.

How hearing loss changes your daily routines:

Small adjustments in your routines often appear before you realize they’re linked to hearing loss. You might turn the TV volume up a little higher, avoid phone calls or worry more about being in loud environments. These changes can creep in slowly and completely change how you plan your day. Being aware of these shifts helps you understand what your hearing needs. With early support, your routines can stay simple and enjoyable instead of built around avoiding uncomfortable listening situations.

Hearing loss affects many parts of life, not just the sounds you hear. By paying attention early and reaching out for support, you can protect your confidence, your relationships and your daily comfort!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov26

Ways To Prevent Hearing Loss

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Ways To Prevent Hearing Loss

There are various techniques that you can use to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and the worsening effects of that which is directly related to age. Let’s start with the workplace. If you work in a particularly noisy environment, you can invest in some specifically designed earmuffs that are designed to bring loud sounds down to a more acceptable level. You could also look into getting some custom-designed earplugs made of plastic or rubber to protect your ears from damaging noise.

We have already talked about having a hearing test, but it is worth reiterating here. If you get a professional to check your ears often, you will be in a better position to prevent further hearing loss later in life. You should also make an effort to avoid the recreational risks out there. Limit the activities which involve exposure to loud noises such as motorbiking, snowmobiling or going to live concerts. Wearing hearing protectors can also make a big difference, though you should also aim to take breaks from the noise as much as possible. When you are listening to music through earbuds, turn down the volume and limit your exposure to no more than an hour a day.

Helping Others with Hearing Loss:

There are plenty of ways that you can help someone who has hearing loss, and you can also apply this advice to yourself if you are the one who is suffering. When you are communicating with someone with hearing loss, use their name to get their attention. Try to limit any background noise which is causing them difficulties such as the TV or stereo system. Speak slowly and clearly, but don’t increase the volume at which you are speaking as this is only likely to make your words more distorted and difficult to follow. Try to make the topic of the conversation as consistent as possible too.

If your kids are the ones who are suffering from hearing loss, make sure that you take the time to explain to other parents what is going on, so they can then pass on good communication tips and advice. Consult with specialists on a regular basis, and take the time to look out for any products which may provide a helping hand. Sometimes, showing a bit of empathy and listening to the way that they are feeling is all that is required.

Whether you or someone close to you is going through hearing loss, there is no doubt that it can be an extremely challenging time. A strong support system between family, friends, and medical professionals can be so helpful!

Featured Image By: Pexels