Jul12

Hibachi Japan Double Date

Posted on July 12, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! This past week, Johnny and I went on a double date to Hibachi Japan with my best friend Lea and her husband Brandon. We had the best time and the food was delicious!! I have not been to this restaurant in close to five years and out of the blue, I had a HUGE craving for it so I was really looking forward to this outing. 😀 Take a look:

Hibachi Japan is such a fun date night restaurant to go to because the chef expertly prepares your food right in front of you. The random bursts of fire, patrons at the table trying to catch pieces of shrimp, and exciting atmosphere all make for a perfect evening out. The restaurant window shades also added a touch of ambiance and made the fire seem even brighter! The chef prepared meals are also great because it includes two appetizers and dessert, which is an awesome value!

To start off our meal, we ordered drinks and Johnny and I both got the signature cocktail called Purple Rain. It is basically a Long Island Iced Tea with raspberry and it is delightful but strong – I couldn’t finish mine! Then, along came the appetizers which consisted of soup and salad. Unfortunately, the soup uses beef broth so I was given two salads and that was fine by me because the peanut salad dressing is to die for. I actually had three salads because Johnny barely ate his. 😀

After appetizers, our chef came to begin cooking our entrees. I got the tofu and veggies with rice and the rest of our table ordered rice with chicken, steak, or shrimp. The portions were huge, as you can see, and no one could finish their entire plate! I am usually not the biggest fan of tofu but it just hits different at Hibachi. It is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and I savored every bite.

In all honesty, we couldn’t have ate another bite but how can you say no to pineapple sorbet for dessert?! It was DIVINE. The bold pineapple flavor was complimented with the creamiest texture and I wish I could buy it by the gallon. It was also especially yummy with broken up pieces of fortune cookie on top.

Once we all officially couldn’t move, it was time to head home after a wonderful double date. A marvelous time was had by all and I will definitely not be waiting another five years to go back! 😀

What is your favorite restaurant? What do you love to order from there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul11

White Hot OOTD Bloopers

Posted on July 11, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello and welcome to the final segment of my White Hot OOTD – the blooper reel! When Johnny takes my pictures, he snaps away to make sure I have lots of options to pick from. These photos range from the good, the bad, and the yikes but that’s okay because it’s all part of the photo shoot process. Any influencer will tell you so! Take a look at some of the yikes that definitely didn’t make the cut… Until now that is!

A brief pause when I felt a cobweb on me. Yuck!

A classic dismount shot:

Smelling fresh to death.

Party people say ayyyy. Party people say ohhhhh.

Almost took a tragic tumble when I lost my footing! 😮

Oh, hiiiiiiii!

Epic failure of a hair flip picture lol.

Wait for it….

Nailed it!

When I first started doing OOTD shoots, I would delete the bad pictures immediately and never gave it a second thought. Now, I do the polar opposite. Bad pictures teach us what not to do the next time around and, if nothing else, they provide me and Johnny with a good laugh. I hope this blooper reel does the same for you! 😀

Do you like getting your picture taken? What do you like to take pictures of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul10

White Hot OOTD Pt. 3

Posted on July 10, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the last of my White Hot OOTD shoot before we move on to the lols of the blooper reel! Prior to taking these pictures with Johnny, we had no idea of the beauty surrounding our new apartment. Although we still live in the same community, the scenery at our new place is vastly different to the old one. We used to be in a cluster of different complexes and are now nestled in the woods with greenery everywhere and a creek running through the property.

The last location we shot at is actually really cool because it’s a rock wall that makes up the base of our new complex:

To wrap up this photo series, I thought that we would talk a little bit about accessorizing. Knowing how to accessorize is just as much of an art as any other aspect of fashion because it is a delicate dance. Too much jewelry can take away from a great outfit and too little makes it feel like it’s missing something. You, truly, need that “just right” medium for optimum success and I think this OOTD achieved that.

There are a few key rules to follow when accessorizing that will help you put the cherry on top of any look:

Fill Negative Space:

Blank spaces on an OOTD are where accessories come into play, which you can see on my OOTD. Are you wearing a tank top? How about adding a jangling stack of bangles? Or, maybe you’re rocking a hot pair of short shorts – try an anklet or some bejeweled Gladiator sandals! Scooping neckline? Add a necklace of an appropriate length to fill the space!

Creating visual interest with an outfit means that you are making the eyes of whomever is looking at you dance. So, instead of just a brief up and down glance, they are looking here, there, and everywhere at all of the little touches you added to your look. Properly placed accessories is what helps to achieve this.

Consider Your Clothing:

This seems like an obvious tip but it needs to be said. Accessories thrive on a more neutral palette, which is why I limited mine to the top half of this OOTD. A bold patterned piece of clothing is an accessory in and of itself so you don’t want to weigh it down with unnecessary jewelry.

Let’s think about a white tank top again – this is grounds to spice things up with a lengthier pendant necklace. But what if you’re wearing a bright floral top? A short length silver or gold chain necklace or sweet stud earrings will work perfectly. Remember, accessories are meant to enhance – not take away from your overall OOTD.

As a heavily tattooed and pierced woman with some crazy cool hair, I have had to reconsider how I accessorize as my body mod collection grows. All of my modifications are my accessories so I am even more mindful of the jewelry that I wear in my OOTDs. The tips above work wonders for me and I know for a fact that they will for you too!

What is your favorite type of accessory? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear every day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

White Hot OOTD Pt. 2

Posted on July 9, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to part two from my White Hot OOTD! After finally getting my hair done, I wanted to take all of the pictures and my sweet blog husband delivered. I had SO many great options and locations to pick from that I couldn’t cram it all into one post. Rather, we will be doing four! Tomorrow, you can tune in to see my final set of pictures and don’t forget to check out the blooper reel the following day. 😀

As promised, we will be discussing the art of mixing and matching patterns in this post so peep some brand new pics and let’s get to it:

Mixing and matching patterns might seem like a daunting challenge when it comes to assembling an OOTD. It is not as difficult as you think, however, as long as you follow some simple rules:

Start Small:

If you have never mixed and matched patterns before, then the best place to start is through your accessories. I recommend a handbag and shoes as your introduction. This way, you will still have a strong neutral base (which we will talk about more) to assist you. Some examples you could try would be a floral embroidered bag with a floral patterned shoe. This works because it’s a like pattern. Or, you could do a black and white polka dot bag with a black and white snake skin shoe – this works because it’s a like color palette.

Assembling An Outfit:

Once you have had some practice with accessories, you can move onto incorporating mixing and matching into your clothes. This Goddess Style OOTD by yours truly is a really good example of mix and match. Just remember to follow these tips:

Have One Neutral Piece:

Before diving into the deep end with a whole mix and match outfit, it helps to have a strong neutral piece in your OOTD. Black, white, taupe, and navy are all good places to start. Note in my White Hot OOTD that my tank top acted as the neutral to make the mix and match skirt and shoes pop. With one neutral piece in your outfit, it limits the pieces you can mix and match and makes the process less overwhelming.

Create Space Between Mix & Match Pieces:

Having one mix and match piece on top of the other is fairly advanced and it really does require the perfect pieces of clothing to make the outfit cohesive. This is why creating space between your M&M pieces will help you out when you are a beginner. In my White Hot OOTD, it wouldn’t have mattered so much if my shoes and skirt weren’t a one hundred percent match in color or pattern. The skirt gave me negative space between each piece and that assisted in its cohesiveness. You can try this out with a patterned top and shoe!

Color Coordination:

It is so crucial in mix and match OOTDs to have a like color linking your different patterns. For example, this orange patterned Zac & Rachel skort paired with my floral Scotch & Soda blazer. Looking at these pieces individually, you would think that it wouldn’t work together. But, that is far from the case! Each component has orange, black, and green which links the patterns into something that works in tandem. Remember, it is easier to mix and match patterns when each piece heavily features a similar color.

Be Mindful Of Pattern Sizes:

Let’s use the skort and blazer as an example again. What do you notice about each one? If you answered that the oranges are bold and the flowers are delicate, then you are spot on! It is so important to be mindful of pattern sizes and boldness when mixing and matching. You do not want two super bold or dainty patterns right on top of the other because it makes it difficult to differentiate the two. Go for opposites in terms of pattern size or boldness in your choices to really make your mix and match pop.

When you first begin mixing and matching – try and try again because clothes are meant to be tried on and played with! Remember these tips and you will be a pro in no time. ❤

Do you have any questions about mixing and matching? Do you have any pro tips of your own for M&M styling? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

Keeping Your Kids In Check This Summer

Posted on July 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Summer vacation is every parent’s dream and nightmare. On the one hand, you enjoy not needing to worry about school for a couple of months. You can have a bit of a lie in every morning and avoid the extra stress of getting everyone up and ready for the mad rush.

On the other hand, you’re faced with keeping your children occupied for multiple weeks in a row. It can start off pretty easy – and there are plenty of fun activities you can do with them, but it quickly gets very challenging. The biggest challenge is ensuring your kids stay well-behaved. When they get bored they can get a bit rowdy, which is exactly what you do not need when it’s very hot and sweaty outside.

Luckily, there is one very easy way to keep your kids in check during summer vacation: create a behavioral chart:

What is a behavioral chart?

Basically, it is a chart where you make a note of your child’s good or bad behavior. When they do something bad, you put a mark on the chart to show that. If they do something good – like help out around the house or mow the lawn, they get a positive mark instead.

It’s a very simple idea and you can make your own chart extremely quickly. Just create a table on your computer with your kids’ names on it. Then, head online and make stickers that correspond to good or bad behavior. This could be a smiley face sticker for good and a frown face for bad. Once everything is printed out and delivered, you’re ready to rock and roll.

How does this encourage well-behaved kids?

You might think that making a chart and tracking your kid’s behavior is a bit weird. However, the whole idea is that you make a game out of it. Think of it this way, you’re setting a challenge for your children that lasts the entire summer. They have to avoid getting bad behavior marks, aiming to get as many good marks as possible.

I know what you’re thinking; how do you make your kids care about this? Ah, well this is where the incentive comes in! Create a challenge that ends with a reward of sorts. It can be a toy, money, a trip to an adventure park – whatever you think your kids will enjoy the most. The challenge can be a target for your children to meet or avoid. By the end of summer, they should have as few bad marks on their chart as possible so set them a limit that they cannot go past. If they pass this limit, they fail the challenge and don’t get the prize. You could even add in a bonus prize for whoever has the most happy stickers on their chart.

Your children will be on their best behavior because they know they will be rewarded by the end of summer vacation. You can enjoy a more peaceful summer with kids that are very eager to help around the house and they can enjoy a nice prize at the end before going back to school. It’s a massive win-win!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul8

Downsizing Your Expenses: What Can You Do To Cut Costs?

Posted on July 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Downsizing Your Expenses: What Can You Do To Cut Costs?

In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your expenses. If you are finding yourself in a situation where you need to downsize your spending, don’t panic! There are a number of things that you can do to help ease the transition. In this post, we will discuss some tips on how to reduce your expenses without sacrificing too much quality of life. Follow these steps, and you will be on your way to financial stability in no time:

Take a Closer Look at Your Budget:

The first step to reducing your expenses is to take a close look at your budget. Where are you currently spending the majority of your money? Are there any areas where you can cut back? For example, if you are spending a lot on eating out, try cooking more meals at home. If you have a gym membership that you never use, cancel it and start working out for free at home or in the great outdoors! Once you have identified some areas where you can reduce your spending, it will be easier to make the necessary cuts.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Subscriptions and Memberships:

Another way to save money is to get rid of any unnecessary subscriptions or memberships. Do you really need that cable TV package with 500 channels that you never watch? Chances are, you can live without it. Ditch the gym membership that you never use and cancel any magazine subscriptions that you no longer read. These are all expenses that can be easily eliminated from your budget without having a major impact on your life.

Cut Back on Shopping and Entertainment:

If you want to save money, you will need to cut back on shopping and entertainment. Instead of going out to eat every weekend, try cooking at home more often. Go for a walk or bike ride instead of going to the movies. There are plenty of ways to have fun without spending a lot of money. Get creative and see how much you can save!

Save on Transportation Costs:

Transportation costs can add up quickly so it is important to find ways to save in this area. If you live in a city, try using public transportation instead of driving everywhere. This can save you a lot of money on gas and parking fees. If you live in a rural area, see if carpooling with friends or family is an option. There are many ways to reduce your transportation costs, so do some research and see what works best for you.

Moving to a More Affordable Home:

One of the most drastic ways to reduce your expenses is to move to a more affordable home. If you are currently renting an apartment, see if you can find a cheaper place to live. Looking into apartments for rent or finding a roommate to split the cost of rent with can be great ways to reduce your monthly expenses. If you own your home, consider downsizing to a smaller house or condo. This may not be an option for everyone, but it is something to consider if you are looking for ways to save money.

If you are planning a move, you will certainly be decluttering and this could be the perfect time to host a yard sale or donate to a local center. If you are donating, be sure to employ the use of a donation tracker so you can have this information available when you file your taxes. However you declutter your space could be a way to earn some extra money for the piggy bank!

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

These are just a few tips on how to downsize your expenses without a ton of sacrifice. If you are struggling to make ends meet, try implementing some of these suggestions and see how much they can help! Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving money.

Featured Image By: Andre Taissin on Unsplash

Jul8

White Hot OOTD

Posted on July 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Your girl has been feeling herself with her brand new red and white hair and I just had to have Johnny snap some pics before we went to see his parents this past Monday. Of course, by some pictures I mean like five hundred thousand but who’s counting?! Johnny and I explored lots of different areas near our new apartment and were surprised to find a path that led right down to the creek that runs through the property.

We took pictures at three different spots within a five minute walk of our place. Because there are so many options from each location, I thought that I would share my White Hot OOTD in sections starting with some greenery behind our apartment:

^^^ Did you notice the cool shadows that the leaves made?!

Who? What? Wear?

White tank top: Rachel Zoe, TJMaxx
Floral skirt: Sienna Sky, TJMaxx
Embroidered heels: Sbicca, ModCloth

As you all know, I am not a huge fan of dressing for summer but I think that I am starting to find my groove with the “less is more” mentality. Although I love layering and implementing different cold weather accessories come fall time, I have accepted that this isn’t the case in the summer and that’s okay. In the summer, as long as the outfit is cute, you feel comfortable in the heat, and are confident, then I think it qualifies as a perfect OOTD. And I felt all three of these things in this look!

While this White Hot OOTD is fairly simple, it still packs a punch and it is something that I would definitely wear again. I had been eager to wear my new Sienna Sky skirt from a recent TJMaxx haul and because of its bold pattern and sweet flounciness, I only wanted to wear things that complimented it as the focal point. To achieve this, I tucked in my Rachel Zoe tank as an obvious choice and kept accessories minimal with a small necklace and a couple of bracelets.

For the shoes, I went with my embroidered Sbicca heels from ModCloth and these worked well for many different reasons. 1) It had a lower strap that buckled at the heel. This gave me a long leg line that would have been cut short with a heel that had an ankle strap. You all know how much of a stickler I am for that!

And 2) Despite a different floral pattern on the shoe than what’s on the skirt, it still looked cohesive because of similar colors. The Sienna Sky skirt features a very light cornflower blue and the blue base of the heels is just a bit darker than the skirt’s flowers. Tomorrow, we will discuss mixing and matching patterns in more detail but always remember to look for the like colors to make this styling technique work.

I am so loving this OOTD and I can’t wait to share more pictures and styling tips with all of you this week. Tune in tomorrow so I can show you the creek and talk mixing and matching! ❤

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is your favorite pattern to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul7

Interested In Modeling? Try These Tips!

Posted on July 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Modeling is a competitive yet exciting industry that can be very rewarding both financially and emotionally. It’s no wonder that many young people aspire to become models. However, the process of becoming a model is not as simple as it may seem. There are certain things you need to do to increase your chances of success. This guide will show you how to become a model, from the very beginning stages to the point where you’re ready to start your career. If you’re serious about becoming a model, read on to find out what you need to do:

Research the Industry:

The first step to becoming a model is to educate yourself about the industry. Learn as much as you can about different types of modeling, the requirements, and what it takes to be successful. Additionally, talking to people who are already in the industry can be very helpful. They can give you insight into what the industry is like and what you need to do to succeed.

Decide What Type of Modeling You Want to Do:

Before you start your modeling career, you need to decide what kind of modeling you want to do. There are many types of modeling, from high fashion runway modeling to commercial print work. Each type of modeling has its own requirements and guidelines. Do some research and find out which type of modeling interests you the most. Once you know what kind of modeling you want to do, you can start taking the necessary steps to make your dream a reality.

Get Your Portfolio Ready:

A strong portfolio is one of the most important things you need as a model. Your portfolio is a collection of your best photos that show off your unique look and modeling skills. It’s important to have a variety of photos in your portfolio that showcase different looks and styles.

Product portrait photography is a great way to add variety to your portfolio and show off your modeling skills. Hire a professional photographer to take some high quality photos of you. Make sure to wear a variety of clothing and do different poses so that your portfolio is diverse.

Start Applying to Modeling Agencies:

Now that you have an idea of the kind of modeling you want to do, it’s time to start applying to agencies. This is where things can start to get a bit overwhelming because there are a lot of modeling agencies out there. The best way to narrow down your options is to research the different agencies and find the ones that specialize in the type of modeling you want to do.

For example, if you want to do high fashion runway modeling, look for agencies that represent models who have done this kind of work in the past. Once you have a list of potential agencies, you can start reaching out and applying to them.

Attend Casting Calls and Go-Sees:

If you’re lucky enough to get called in for an audition or “go-see,” congrats! This means that the agency is interested in you and wants to see if you’re a good fit for their modeling roster. Casting calls and go-sees can be nerve wracking, but try to relax and be yourself. The agency representatives are just trying to get to know you and see if you’re a good fit for their agency.

Sign with a Modeling Agency:

After attending a few casting calls and go-sees, you may be lucky enough to get signed with a modeling agency. This is a huge accomplishment and it’s the first step to starting your professional modeling career. Now that you’re signed with an agency, you’ll start getting booked for jobs. Your agency will help you with all of the details, from finding the right gigs to negotiating your pay.

Start Building Your Brand:

As a model, you are your own brand. This means that it’s important to start thinking about how you want to be perceived by the industry and the public. Do some soul searching and figure out what kind of image you want to project. Start producing content that is consistent with your personal brand as soon as you have one. This could be anything from starting a blog or YouTube channel to posting photos on social media.

These are just a few things you need to do to become a model. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg and there’s a lot more to learn about the industry. But if you’re serious about becoming a model, these tips will help you get started on the right foot. The most important thing is to be authentic and stay true to yourself!

Jul7

Watercolor Painting Class

Posted on July 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past Saturday I took a really fun watercolor painting class at the Quirk Cultural Center with my mom and sister. The class was led by the wonderful Ana-Joel of Falcon Grove Studio and she taught us how to paint different herbs inspired by an English country garden. To begin, Ana showed us the different techniques to paint rosemary, sage, mint, and basil and then we got to create our own masterpieces:

My mom, sister, and I would definitely not fall under the category of artistically skilled and have never painted with watercolor before. However, we all jumped at the opportunity to take this class because it was local and seemed like something we could enjoy together. I am so glad that we did and left the class with work that we were proud of and an eagerness to take more classes with Ana again.

Ana is an amazing local artist who founded Falcon Grove Studio during the pandemic to help promote a feeling of safety and wellness at home through art. She is so gifted, kind, and genuine and we all felt lucky to have her as our teacher. Her words inspired each of the students in the class and I loved how she told us that art is special because it’s the way your own body moves to create something. As someone who isn’t good at art, it was so encouraging to hear that you are still making something meaningful.

As I said, I had never painted watercolor before and I had a blast. It was such a unique experience and I was blown away by this whole world that I knew existed but never tried for myself. Ana taught us how to mix colors and use the water to enhance our art and it was so cool to see colors transform from something as simple as adding a touch of yellow or red and a “juicy brush” loaded with water.

For my project, I chose to paint basil and sage and I couldn’t be more pleased with how they turned out. Are they museum level works of art? No way lol. BUT, I thought that it was a pretty damn good first try. Not only did I feel proud of what I painted but I also felt excited to try painting more and I think that definitely qualifies as a GREAT SUCCESS (Borat voice).

Ana offers a variety of different courses in person and online and I simply cannot wait to work with her again. I also have ideas swirling in my head for some commissioned pieces by her! Please check out her social media and Etsy page at the following and support this fabulous local artist:

Facebook: Falcon Grove Studio
Instagram: @falcongrovestudio
Etsy: Falcon Grove Studio

What is your favorite medium of art? Have you ever taken any art classes before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul6

Vegetarian Cheesy Gordita Crunches

Posted on July 6, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!!! Cooking in the kitchen of mine and Johnny’s new apartment will, honestly, never get old to me because it feels like an actual kitchen. Counter space for days and lots of room to spread out makes for a very happy me and I have had a blast cooking lots of yummy Pinterest recipes for dinner. Even the simplest of meals feels like a special event!

As you all know, Johnny and I are avid fans of Taco Bell and I decided to try my hand at vegetarian Cheesy Gordita Crunches. I drew inspiration from my undying love of TBell, of course, but I also took a peek at Texas Cookin’ At Home on Pinterest. I didn’t end up using the recipe, which featured a homemade sauce because Taco Bell has graced us with their own Baja sauce that can be bought in store. Now, let’s get to it:

Cheesy Gordita Crunches are super easy to make and only requires dressing a hard taco shell to your liking, microwaving a soft shell tortilla with cheese on it, and putting two and two together. Viola, a TBell level dish in under twenty minutes. For my crunches, I made MorningStar vegetarian beef crumbles, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and the Taco Bell brand Baja sauce. They were so incredibly delicious and filling – Johnny and I couldn’t have had another bite after two Gorditas no matter how much we wanted to!

Prior to going vegetarian in my youth, I had never tried actual taco meat before for no other reason than that it looked gross to me lol. I had never made the MorningStar crumbles before and was curious to try it on a taco. I love that Johnny will eat and actually enjoy the fake meat that I make and he ended up really liking the crumbles. Myself, on the other hand? Not so much. I couldn’t get down with the texture, I didn’t like the taste, and was so happy that I made some refried beans just in case this were to happen.

Although I wouldn’t eat the crumbles again, Johnny would and I definitely plan on making this meal often. It was fun to make, different than what I’ve been cooking, and that TBell Baja sauce? *Chef’s kiss*!

What are some of your favorite meals to cook? Have you ever made a recipe inspired from a restaurant before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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