Nov24

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!! The holiday season is now in full swing and I am so thankful to be able to share in it with all of you for the eighth year in a row. Normally, Thanksgiving is my freaking JAM. A family meal with all of my favorite foods makes for a very happy me. However, that will not be in the cards this year because it has been a very tough few months for my family and we will be missing someone at the table until she is able to come home. Rather than feast, I will be spending my day being incredibly thankful that that special someone is on the mend and will be back really soon. Although the food is important to me (lol), feeling #blessed on Thanksgiving is what the day is all about and I’ll be doing that in spades. ❤

Holidays are such a special, joyous time and it can be hard when they don’t feel that way. If that is the case for you too, then we can look forward to better days ahead together. If that is not the case for you, then please take some time out of your day to feel thankful for it. While my stomach won’t be full of my beloved green bean casserole (Hate all you want!!), my heart will be bursting at the seams for all of the good that has happened and will be coming up soon.

Thank you to all of my sweet lifewithlilred family for being a reason why I will be smiling today. My message to you today is that even when things suck massively – there is always a reason to smile. No matter how you spend the day, have a very Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful for each and every one of you! Much love. -Sarah

Nov23

Black Friday Shopping Pro Tips

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Black Friday Shopping Pro Tips

Hello!! I can hardly believe that it is Thanksgiving this week and, of course, with Thanksgiving comes Black Friday. I have actually never shopped during Black Friday before. However, I worked retail for about five years and have five insane Black Fridays under my belt to show for it. During this time, I acquired a lot of pro tips for a successful Black Friday so keep these in mind when you set out for your day of shopping:

Check The Store Hours:

This might seem like a no brainer but it needs to be said since so many stores have updated their Thanksgiving/Black Friday hours in the past few years. A lot of places are no longer open during Thanksgiving evening and that is a wonderful thing. But, you will need to know the store opening and closing times to go about planning your day. This way, you can stagger your shopping and pencil in driving/waiting time if, for example, Target opens at midnight on Friday and Best Buy opens at two AM.

Have A Plan A, B, & C:

A ton of people are very serious Black Friday shoppers and the chances are high that you won’t walk away with everything on your shopping list. This is why it is a MUST to have a plan B and C in place for the items you want that are no longer available. It will also save you the time and frustration of scrambling on the spot to find something else.

Maximize Efficiency:

If you have never shopped or worked Black Friday, you can only imagine how crazy it really is. Jam packed stores, frazzled employees, and picked over inventory are all things that can slow your shopping down. If you know that you are going to need help from an employee, you can help them too! Have pictures of what you want pulled up on your phone or printed out so you can get an immediate yes or no on if it’s still available and where it would be in the store.

Fuel Up/Hydrate:

Crowded stores will get incredibly stuffy really quickly all over top of the fast paced atmosphere of the day. I don’t think I have to spell it out for you why a fall or other medical emergency is dangerous on Black Friday! For that reason, it is so important to make sure you have ate and are properly hydrated. Keep water bottles on hand and snacks in the car and do make sure you make a reservation at a restaurant if you plan on eating out so you know you will have a table.

Just So You Know:

So many people think that once Saturday rolls around, the Black Friday deals are simply over and that is not the case. SO many stores continue to offer Black Friday prices and promotions for several days after the fact. While Black Saturday doesn’t have the same ring as Black Friday, you are more than likely still going to receive a deal. Speaking of deals, remember that you might not be able to use coupons or rewards perks on top of a Black Friday deal so do your research to see which option will save you the most money.

Finally…

This is the time of the year when stores are hiring seasonal workers and a lot of them might not have much retail experience. In fact, Black Friday was one of my first shifts at fifteen and a half. Please keep this in mind and keep your cool because the day is already stressful enough for an employee without getting yelled at by angry customers too. If you think you could do a better job, then put on a name tag and get to work! 🙂

Shop smart on Black Friday with the tips above so you can walk away with something for everyone on your list… And maybe something for yourself too! 😀

Have you ever shopped or worked on Black Friday before? What was your experience like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov22

Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In

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Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In

Hello! It has been snowing in Ohio for the past couple of days so, as far as I am concerned, winter is officially here. While it is always fun to have a night out, the cold weather makes me want to stay in until spring! Those winter nights gives the perfect opportunity to host the ultimate girls night in because why leave the comfort of your own home if you don’t have to?! Call up your besties and find your comfiest pajamas because it’s time to plan a GNI so good that it will make you scoff at a night on the town:

So Many Activities:

While nothing pleases me more than a good old fashioned girl talk, a night in begs for some fun activities to do together. This could be anything from pulling up a YouTube tutorial and having a wine and paint night to baking and decorating holiday cookies. How about making your own pizzas together instead of ordering delivery? Or putting together an ice cream sundae bar? Hey, a girl has gotta eat!

Spa Treatments:

A girls night in staple is, of course, getting to pamper yourselves. We’re talking face masks, painting nails, and aromatherapy – the works! Have your best girls bring their favorite products and turn it into a swap so that all of you can try something new. You could even create your own face masks and hair treatments with ingredients in your kitchen. Who knows, your girls night might turn into your first small business meeting with your skin care creations!

Snuggle Up:

What is a good girls night in without some chick flicks? Pop all of the popcorn and pop the champagne! Movie time means snuggling up, getting cozy, and unwinding so lots of soft blankets and fuzzy socks are a must. You could even order matching PJs if you want to be super extra! On the subject of blankets, fleece throws are super easy to make and can be added to your growing list of activities.

Cocktail Creations:

If you plan on indulging in the drink, how about creating a girls night signature cocktail (Or mocktail!)? Wine or champagne is always a good choice but it will be a blast to shake things up literally and metaphorically. Get inspiration for cocktails on Pinterest and put your own twist on it. You or your friends might just find your new calling as the best bartender ever. 😀

Playlist, Please:

Having awesome music on as you craft, eat, and talk the night away is so essential. Even more important is your selection, which means no mopey ballads! Girls night in means girl power anthems, one hit wonders, and beats that get you in the spirit for an impromptu dance party. And, what is a girls night in without Queen Bs, Britney Spears AND Beyonce? The answer is: NOTHING!!

If the winter weather has driven you to hibernation mode, you might as well have some fun. Your girls night in will be a GREAT SUCCESS and you could turn it into a tradition with a different host every month. Now, where’s my invite?!

What are some girls night in essentials? What is your favorite night in snack or drink? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

3 Ways To Improve Your Property

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3 Ways To Improve Your Property

Being able to make your home better is something that all homeowners should strive towards. There are loads of things to consider when you are looking at the best ways to improve your property, and there are different types of work that you can do in your home in order to get the best possible outcome. These three steps to help enhance your property is a great way to get started to boost your family’s comfort and property value:

Make the roof better:

Your roof is one of the most important areas of the property and it is important that you do as much as possible to try to improve and enhance it. This means checking out things like roof repairs and hiring experts to make sure that it is in full working order and as structurally sound as possible. A damaged roof can cause leaks, mold, and a plethora of other problems and should never be put on hold to get fixed.

Improve the foundation:

Improving the foundation of the home is always a good thing and can be especially important in areas that experience extreme weather. Come up with some of the key ideas that are going to allow you to work on making your property better and more secure, and this all starts with the foundation. Get in touch with foundation experts such as Cdaniels Foundation, who can help you make your home safer and structurally sound, as well as adding value in the process as well.

Renovate:

Renovating and home improvement ideas are a fun way to shake things up in your home. And, when done right, it can give your property value a huge boost. Turning an attic or basement into a functional space is a popular choice. Turning a half bathroom into a full one is also something that will appeal to potential buyers in the future. Don’t forget to tend to your outdoor property too with decks, patios, and landscaping.

Depending on the size of your home renovation, you might have some local laws and even the Homeowner’s Association to worry about. It could be worth hiring a HOA lawyer to help you navigate these when they pop up. While that adds a little extra cost to the process, it avoids any delays or fines.

Sometimes, you have to spend money to make money and that is what the home renovation game is all about. Start with the most important things first like your roof and when time and budget allows, you can begin smaller projects!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov21

Experience Gifts For The Holiday Season

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Experience Gifts For The Holiday Season

Hello! Are you bored with giving the standard holiday gifts? You know, lotions, candles, fleece blankets – all of the usual. Or, perhaps, you are shopping for the person who has everything? Regardless, maybe it’s time to switch gears and think about presents that you can’t wrap up and stick under the tree. We’re talking the gifts of experience! Shake things up this holiday season with these ideas and create lasting memories for your giftee in the new year:

Cooking Class:

Is your giftee gifted in the kitchen? Or can your giftee not cook at all lol? Either way, a cooking class would be such fun and something different. Whether it’s a class dedicated to delicious desserts or learning to cook Indian food, it will be a rewarding experience as well as a filling one because you can dig in afterwards! This is also a great gift to give to a couple for a unique date night.

Wine & Craft Class:

Wine or beer craft nights became wildly popular a few years ago and there’s a reason for that – they are a blast! Even if your giftee isn’t the crafty type, that’s okay! There will be a teacher to walk you through the entire process step by step and offer input to improve your project. Lots of different bars and restaurants host these events and I have seen everything from painting nights to woodworking and everything in between. You will also get the bonus of being able to display your creation in your home… Or tucked away in a closet depending on how it turns out. 😉

Girls Night In:

Do you and your bestie have some serious catching up to do? How about booking a hotel room for a night? You can gab, watch all of the HBO, and enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub. I don’t know about you guys, but I always want to go swimming in the winter! DoorDash some grub or order room service and indulge yourselves with the ultimate girls night in.

Event Tickets:

Does your giftee have a love for the theater? Or maybe they are an adrenaline junkie and frequents amusement parks in the summer? Sports fan? Easy. All you need to do is buy a couple of tickets! It can be as big as tickets to a concert or simply treating them to a movie night for the latest flick they have been dying to see. Whatever you choose for your giftee, it is sure to be a much appreciated present.

Take A Hike:

Do you have an outdoorsy giftee on your list? How about planning an excursion on a hiking trail or a camping trip? Take a drive, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy each other’s company in the great outdoors. Of course, you might have to hold off until warmer weather but that’s totally fine! One of the points of experience gifts is to give the person something to look forward to. If your giftee has a green thumb, there are also lots of classes available to create your own succulent terrarium or potted plant display.

Animal Lovers:

Did you know that some zoos offer “Get Closer” experiences? This allows you to have one on one time with certain animals at the zoo. I actually did a Get Closer experience with my brother at the Akron Zoo to see the Galapagos Tortoises and it was amazing! We got to love on them, feed them treats, and learn about them from one of the employees. If you have an animal lover to shop for, this is a fantastic way to go!

The gift of experience is sure to please everyone on your list and it gives you the opportunity to get creative too. Use some of the ideas above or put your thinking cap on to come up with the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Have you ever received an experience gift before? What kind of gifts do you like to give? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

New Mocha & Glitter Pink Nails

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New Mocha & Glitter Pink Nails

Hello! During the trying times of Lil Red’s life right now, I find solace in the beauty salon. This past Wednesday, I got my hair done for the holiday season at The Shear Shop. And, this Wednesday, I visited Elysian Nails for an appointment with my favorite tech to get my nails looking right too. Now that I have been spending almost every day at the Cleveland Clinic (A sixty-six mile round trip drive), it is important for me to take some time for myself to avoid going crazy. Although my mental health was at a negative ten (Which is better than negative one hundred!) when leaving Elysian Nails, my acrylics still looked like a million bucks! Check it out:

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and, although I am not one for holiday themed nails, I like to choose colors that give a unique twist for the season. This fall, I have noticed a resounding amount of pretty beige, cream, and burgundy shades that look lovely but are just a smidge boring for my taste. At the nail polish wall, I was instantly drawn to the mocha hue that I selected and loved the grey undertones that added dimension to the neutral shade. Then, I decided to dress it up with glittery pink for some holiday flare without going overboard. The colors play against each other so well and they both pop beautifully in the light. This is one of my favorite color combos that I have done in a long while!

Last time I got my nails done, my go to girl was unavailable and that was okay because every nail tech at Elysian is awesome. However, the salon experience just hits different when your favorite gal and good friend is the one pampering you. It was SO nice to catch up with her after some time apart and it felt so good to chat about literally anything other than all of the stressful stuff happening in my world. And, of course, my preferred nail tech knows just the way I like my nails after almost two years of being her client and they are sharpened and shaped to perfection. The gorgeous shaping and nail polish colors look divine and it was a very much needed pick me up. ❤

The amazing staff and atmosphere at Elysian Nails truly feels like a home away from home each month and going there is a monthly treat that I always look forward to. I have my appointment already booked for December before the schedule fills up and I can’t wait to go back!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? Do you prefer gel or regular nail polish? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Nov19

Preventative Tips To Help Your Oral Health

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Preventative Tips To Help Your Oral Health

Oral health is something that many people should be focused on when it comes to their well-being. It can have a dramatic impact on how a person feels and looks. Our teeth will only last for so long, which is why it’s important to do everything possible to take care of them. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease, cavities, abscesses, or even losing teeth – a problem that will have to be fixed with implants or porcelain dental bridges. With that in mind, here are some preventative tips that will help with oral health and hygiene:

Visit a dentist regularly:

Visiting a dentist regularly can help to prevent problems with oral health. Just like any health condition, if it goes undetected, it is more likely to get worse and impact the body further. A trip to the dentist should be something that’s happening at least once a year. Finding a local dentist is easy enough but it’s important that the dentist you visit is one that can be trusted by the person. Having someone mess around in your mouth isn’t something many want to be done by just anyone. It has to be a dentist they feel comfortable with.

Brush, floss, and mouthwash:

When it comes to maintaining the health of teeth, brushing isn’t enough. With brushing two or three times a day, it will keep the teeth relatively clean. However, when it comes to the rest of the mouth and in between teeth, floss and mouthwash are required. Floss is a great way of helping clear out any debris that’s been missed after brushing the teeth. When it comes to mouthwash, it essentially disinfects the mouth. From the gums and the tongue, both can carry a lot of bacteria that need to be removed. Of course, there are some things that even the best oral health can’t improve. Dealing with missing or loose teeth is just one of many examples. If this is a problem you are facing, simply enter a search for “Richfield cosmetic dentist” (or your local area) to restore your smile and give you an instant confidence boost.

Avoid too much sugar:

Sugar is something that can damage the teeth if you’re not careful. Try to avoid sugar where possible as this can seriously do some damage to the teeth over time. Too much sugar can indeed rot the teeth but more so, it removes the enamel that protects the teeth from harm. As well as being impactful on the teeth, too much sugar in a diet can cause some problems with those vital organs of yours, so avoid having too much sugar in general.

Be mindful of any immediate problems:

It’s important to be mindful of any immediate problems that can come from bad oral health and hygiene. Sometimes even with a good routine in place, there can be problems that crop up out of nowhere. It’s good practice to schedule an appointment at Montrose Family Dental (or in your local area) as soon as possible, rather than waiting for the annual appointment to come around.

Take caution with hard food:

Caution should be taken when it comes to consuming harder foods. Teeth are strong but they’re not indestructible to damage. Therefore, it’s important to take caution when it comes to food and make sure that no food is so tough that it causes damage to the teeth themselves.

Preventative tips such as these ones will help to ensure a person’s oral health remains in tip-top shape now and for the foreseeable future.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov19

3 Top Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips

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3 Top Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips

A beauty regimen before a wedding will help you look your best on your big day. You’ll want to look back on this day fondly, so it’s only natural that you want everything to be perfect. While there are plenty of beauty preparations you’ll want to do so you’re picture-perfect for the wedding, you need to realize that there will be some things you’ll need to do far in advance. So, what are these? Keep reading on to learn all about them:

Go easy on the skincare:

It’s odd to say, as most brides will improve their skin care regimen and may even get a facial from the local spa. While it’s great and even aspiring to have that perfect skin for the wedding, you’ll have to be cautious. Getting a skin care regimen in place for your big day is crucial to looking your best. The last thing you want is a breakout or dry skin. Make sure to avoid new skincare products in the month before the wedding.

Considering a tan?

Some brides enjoy tanning, whether it’s a spray tan or visiting the local tanning bed. However, if you want to get your glow on before the wedding, you must be careful. Spray tans are a great way to add a natural glow to your skin. They can also help to camouflage any imperfections in your skin. These tans can contour and define your muscles too. Getting a spray tan before your dress fitting when starting a wedding beauty regimen is a great way to ensure you get the shade you want. You can schedule a trial tan a month before the wedding.

Give up teeth-staining drinks:

Who doesn’t love their coffee, teas, red wines, and maybe even munching on berries? While these are all nice indulgences, you shouldn’t consume too much each day as you risk staining your teeth. Whether you’re looking to get white teeth for your wedding or just want to keep them bright, there are several things you can do to keep your teeth white. A dentist can also remove stains from your teeth if necessary. One of the easiest ways to prevent stains from wine is to rinse your mouth with water after you drink.This helps to loosen up the acidity that’s causing the stains.

You can also brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste. This type of toothpaste uses mild abrasives to remove stains from your teeth. However, it can take several months to see results so it’s important to do this far in advance. Another way you can kick up your teeth a notch would be through Invisalign. If your teeth aren’t straight, you can count on this to give you the smile you’ve always wanted for your wedding!

Be your most radiant, picture perfect self on your big day with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov19

Transforming Your Bathroom For That Hotel Feel

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Transforming Your Bathroom For That Hotel Feel

There’s something about that luxury hotel experience that makes going away more of a treat. One thing that most people remember from their favorite hotels is the bathrooms. Hotel bathrooms are usually sparkling clean and undeniably luxurious. We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms so how about replicating this hotel experience in your own home? Here are some tips to help you out:

Get Rid of Damp and Mold:

One thing you never notice when you’re in a luxury hotel is damp and mold. Your bathroom is, by nature, one of the wettest environments in your house. You generate a lot of water and steam, especially when taking a shower or bath. This water and vapor can damage your walls and develop into damp or mold, which is both unsightly and unhealthy. The good news is that you can get rid of these issues, especially if you catch them early.

Using a sealant like RIW Toughseal is a great way to prevent damp or mold, as it provides a physical barrier against water and steam. You or a contractor can use it in a shower area to protect your property. If you already have damp or mold problems, you might be able to catch it early and air out the room to get rid of minor damp. You can then damp-proof the walls to stop the problem from coming back. However, in more severe cases you may need to get a contractor to repair the damage done before going through the damp-proofing process. To find a professional, simply do a search for “mold removal in Greensboro, NC” or your local area to get the problem under control.

Super Soft Towels:

Hotel bathrooms are luxurious for several reasons, but one that stands out is the towels. The best hotels come with towels that are incredibly soft on your skin, which is ideal after a steaming hot bath or shower. There’s nothing worse than stepping out and being forced to use a scratchy towel to dry yourself. With this in mind, a simple way to replicate the spa-like bathrooms of the best hotels is to use fabric softener on your towels. Invest in new towels every few years, as older towels often end up hard and scratchy no matter what you do. It’s a small treat, but it’s worth it.

Sparkling Clean:

The best hotels aren’t just beautifully decorated, but they’re also incredibly clean. They achieve this by hiring professional cleaners who know how to keep an area spotless, no matter who’s been there before. You can clean the bathroom yourself and keep on top of it, but it can be a good idea to hire a cleaning service for a one-time deep cleaning session. This makes it easier for you to maintain your sparkling bathroom.

Potted Plants:

A simple way to level up the decorations in your bathroom is to add some potted plants. These add some life and greenery to your bathroom, making it feel undeniably like a relaxing spa. As mentioned before, bathrooms are naturally moist rooms, so pick plants that thrive in a humid area. A dying plant or dead plant can be worse than no plants at all.

Small and simple changes to your cleaning process and decor can transform your bathroom in an instant. Now, run that bubble bath and relax!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov19

Eos Heal + Repair Body Cream Review

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Eos Heal + Repair Body Cream Review

Hello! I don’t know about you guys, but it is about that time of the year for me to start experiencing extremely dry hands. Every morning when I walk my sweet pup, Archie, I step outside knowing that my hands are going to be raw by the time I get back. Combined with the fact that I have spent almost every day of the past three weeks Pureling constantly at the Cleveland Clinic and washing my hands a lot after interacting with the bunnies, my hands are awful by the end of the day.

I have tried many a lotion to combat dry skin and have been pretty impressed. However, I recently started using the Eos Heal + Repair Body Cream that I was gifted with by my bestie last year and I can confidently say that it blows every other lotion that I have tested out of the water. Let’s discuss:

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^^^ This product is cruelty free!

Before we get into the details, we must start with how good the Pomegranate Raspberry scent smells. The tart raspberry is counterbalanced by the soft pomegranate notes and it makes for a perfectly light fragrance. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a more powerful scent but this one is just right to use before bedtime because it’s comforting rather than stimulating. Before I rub the lotion in, I always have to take a whiff because it seriously never gets old! 😀

When it comes to my dry skin, it takes form on my hands through noticeable redness and parched skin. I never use a lotion expecting it to be a cure all to this issue on the first go so you can imagine my surprise when I woke up to see my hands back to their normal shade and totally hydrated. My hands felt so touch-ably soft and smooth and it almost made me forget how bad they were prior to using it. This was not a one off occurrence but an every use thing and I am marveling at the results even now as I type this.

While I am a huge fan of cocoa butter based creams, I have learned through trial and error that my skin responds better to shea butter and this cream has it in spades. A huge plus about this product is how easily it absorbs into the skin without a greasy residue despite the shea butter base. From my time working at The Body Shop, I learned that cocoa butter bases tend to have a thinner consistency than shea and this was a concern for me. I am a very tactile person and can’t stand when lotion doesn’t absorb fully. This was not the case with the Eos cream at all and it melted into my skin with ease even with a thicker texture.

I have been using the Eos Heal + Repair Body Cream since the beginning of November and I will be so sad when it is all gone. It is, hands down, one of the best creams that I have ever used and I would highly recommend it if you are experiencing winter skin too!

What is your favorite body cream or lotion? Do you prefer cocoa or shea butter? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah