Jun4

Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza (SO Good!)

Posted on June 4, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Hello! This past weekend was mine and Johnny’s housewarming/birthaversary party and we had the best time! We worked hard for almost an entire month to get our place into tip top shape for guests and it was so nice to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor… And also, actual fruit. The evening before the party, Johnny was on a cleaning spree and, myself, a cooking and baking spree.

Rather than ordering pizzas or pre-made dishes, I decided that I wanted to be the one making the food for the party. I spent about five hours in total making cold veggie pizza, pasta salad, spinach artichoke dip, and sugar cookie fruit pizzas. I had made everything but the cookies before and was pleased, as always, with how the dishes turned out. The cookies are definitely what I was most proud of, though:

I found this recipe from Cooking Classy on Pinterest.

When it comes to baking, I like to leave that to my mom and sister because they are both excellent at it. I much prefer to cook but you can’t have a party without some sweet treats! Prior to the big event, I spent a lot of time scouring Pinterest for party dishes and thought that the sugar cookie fruit pizzas would be perfect for a warm day. Not to mention that any leftover fruit could be used as garnishes for drinks… I am nothing if not economical!

For my take on Cooking Classy’s delicious recipe, I used the Pillsbury pre-made sugar cookie dough to save time. I also have never baked sugar cookies before and didn’t want my first time being an epic fail. That is the only thing I strayed from, however, and used the recipe for frosting that was provided and the recommendations for fruit toppings. And, I hate to toot my own horn BUT it turned out amazing and was, easily, the biggest success from my spread.

I am really not a huge dessert girl and am all for savory treats, instead. I don’t like things that are overly sweet and that wasn’t the case with these cookies at all. The cream cheese frosting used salted butter in it to balance out the powdered sugar. And, as my mom always taught me, I added a lot more vanilla extract!

This not too sweet base was ideal for the variety of fruits that Cooking Classy used as a topping. I went with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, pineapple, and kiwi and the only thing I left out was grapes. This medley of fruit provided for a sweet/tart sensation thanks to the zippy flavor of pineapples and berries paired with the softer strawberries and peaches. SO. Good.

I would happily make this recipe by Cooking Classy again and her page is full of yummy recipes so do be sure to check it out. I can’t recommend these cookies enough for your next party or event and they are sure to be as big of a hit as they were at mine!

What is your favorite dessert? What is your favorite food to make for a party? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun3

Pantspalooza: Premise Pt. 2 Edition

Posted on June 3, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the last purchase from my TJMaxx Haul! During this shopping trip, I got two new tops and bottoms for my summer wardrobe. And, thanks to my upcoming birthday, I can’t wait to go back because I already have some gift cards burning a hole in my pocket! Today, we are going to wrap things up by talking about another pair of pantaloons by Premise. Yes, they’re also kind of old lady. And, yes, it is in the best way ever like the other pair! Check it out:

When shopping at TJMaxx, my mom and I usually make two rounds throughout the store before we check out. This gives us the opportunity to try things on, narrow down our options, and go back in for more lol. My paint splatter pants by Premise were tried on during our second go in the fitting room because the other pair I knew that I was buying worked so well:

As you all know, I really am not one for patterned pants but these ones just hit different. The fit of them is, truly, perfect for my body type and when that is the case with a piece of clothing, it never hurts to buy it in multiple patterns! I am so glad that I did because I definitely plan on wearing these all summer long. I also love the fact that I can because, despite their length, these pants are nice and cool. Also, white clothing is ideal for beating the heat with!

Although both of these Premise pants are the exact same in terms of its structure, the patterns are so different that I didn’t feel bad about it. I like them equally but the paint splatter one speaks to my personal style a bit more. In the summer, all I’ll need is a black tank or crop top and I am good to go. But, come fall, I can’t wait to punk them out with a moto jacket and combat boots. The material is also thick enough that I can wear a pair of tights underneath them and it won’t show through if the weather is chilly.

For mine and Johnny’s housewarming/birthaversary party, I wore the white and blue pair of Premise pants and they were a huge hit. I can’t wait to break out the paint splatter pair next! 😀

Do you own anything in multiple colors or patterns? What kind of fit for clothing compliments your body best? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun2

Finding Real Contentment In Your Life

Posted on June 2, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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We all want to be content. But so many of us spend our lives in ways that prevent us from experiencing these types of feelings. Instead, we choose pathways that stress us out, cause worry, and ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. This is a strange way to live when you think about it. Certainly, there will be moments and events in life over which we have no control. But there are many things we do have control over, and it is critical that we do take control so that we can become happier. Here are a few steps to get you started:

Feel Fulfilled In Your Everyday Life:

Whatever you choose to accomplish with your daily life, it is critical that you enjoy it. If you’re serious about your job, choose a position and a route that you like. Strive for advancement. Finish all tasks to a high quality. If you want to concentrate on your family, do all you can to offer your children the greatest possible upbringing. It’s also okay if you want to concentrate on both. What matters is that you feel satisfied and content with your work.

Break Bad Habits:

To some extent, we all have poor habits. Some of them are controllable. Some people are completely out of control. Whatever your bad habit is, it’s critical that you recognize the negative effects it may be having on your life and take measures to change it. It is sometimes easier said than done to break harmful habits. Some are physically addictive, such as smoking, binge drinking, or drug abuse. Some have a psychological addiction. Idly scrolling through social media, interacting with harmful influences, and procrastinating are all bad habits too.

Whatever your issue is, you can overcome it. You could consult a doctor. You could find help by joining a support group. You could reach out to helplines. You could go to a drug recovery center after researching nursing and rehab near me. Whatever the problem, just know that it’s possible to change it.

For example, instead of smoking, you can try Delta 8 online, which is committed to supporting members as they work through life challenges. In addition to offering support groups and educational workshops, they recently launched a new smoking cessation program called HHC Delta 8 — an initiative designed to help members with addictions or other challenging habits transition from one stage of life to the next.

Concentrate On Your Relationships:

Some relationships can offer us nothing but joy. They provide us with happiness. They make us feel more supported. They let us realize we are loved. Others can deplete us. These unfavorable interactions will undermine our self esteem, distress us, and wear us out. It is critical that you realize which relationships are unhealthy for you and separate yourself from them, concentrating your efforts on those that bring you joy.

Have Some Interests:

We often get engrossed in work, housework, fitness, and keeping up with friends and family. However, having some hobbies is also a good idea. These can keep you engaged, help you develop amazing skill sets, and offer you something to work on. Whatever your interests are, make sure you set aside time to focus on them. As important as it is to have hobbies, it’s also just as important to make time to relax too. Make sure you are penciling in time as often as you can for some R&R. Whether this be curling up with a great book, taking a long bath, or taking a hit on some dab pens and just vegging out, it will do you a world of good!

These are just a handful of the many things that you can do to achieve true satisfaction in your life. It will help you in waking up in a cheerful mood and lots to look forward to. Hopefully, these suggestions will put you on the right path.

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio

Jun2

Selling Your Home? It’s Not So Easy

Posted on June 2, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Are you under the impression that it’s easy to sell your home? You’re not alone here. A lot of people who have never sold a property before think that it’s going to be a walk in the park. But this isn’t always the case and there are multiple problems that you can encounter. So, let’s look at the issues that you can face when selling your home and the best way to manage these problems effectively:

A Slow Market:

First, you should think about whether or not you are dealing with a slow market. A slow market will mean that there are less buyers looking for homes which can increase levels of competition that sellers face. If you are worried that you are facing a slow market, then it might be worth holding off on a home sale until the situation improves. Your real estate agent should be able to provide you with more information and advice here. Of course, sometimes you can’t wait until the market improves should you need to relocate for a new job or a family emergency. If this is the case for you, simply enter a search for “We buy houses in Charlotte” (or your local area). These businesses will often pay cash for houses so that you can sell and move on to your next big adventure.

Problems That Turn Off Buyers:

It’s possible that there are also problems with the home that are turning off potential buyers. This could include repairs that are required. If you don’t repair your home before you put it up for sale, then you do run the risk of it being treated as a fixer upper. You might want to hire a contractor to assess the property and determine what work should be completed before you move forward with a sale.

Issues with curb appeal can also be enough to make someone think twice about buying your property. Particularly, if there are certain eyesores like a dilapidated driveway, scorched grass, or a shabby exterior.

Low Offers:

Another problem that you can run into is low offers for your property. When you sell your home, it’s important to ensure that you do get the right offer. This is particularly important if you are hoping to move to a larger property or if you are thinking about investing in a more expensive home. It could also be critical if you are selling because you are ready to retire. The best way to avoid low offers is to make sure that you are fixing some of the issues that we mentioned above. You can also renovate your property to boost the value. Experts such as Giuseppe Caira have some ideas on the right way to do this.

Buyers Dropping Out:

Finally, even if you get the offer that you want for your property, there’s no guarantee that a buyer is going to commit completely. It’s possible that they drop off further down the line and this will lead you into a difficult situation. The best way to deal with this is to make sure that you try and get a good feel for the buyer when you meet them. Are they someone that you can trust and are they even in the right financial position to buy your property?

We hope this helps you understand some of the issues that you can encounter when you are selling your home and the right steps that you should take from there. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun2

Pantspalooza: Premise Edition

Posted on June 2, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My mom and I had an excellent shopping trip together at the new TJMaxx in our area and it was so much fun. It had been a while since our last TJs excursion and I am already ready to go back with her! While I didn’t walk away with as many tops as I would have liked, which was my main goal, I did find some really cool pants by Premise. Check it out:

^^^ Originally $68 and I got it for $17 – you can’t beat that. 😀

I will be the first to admit that these pants are kind of old ladyish but in the Best. Way. Ever. and I am obsessed. I am in love with the fine China/old school cookware pattern, the slimming shape, and how freaking comfy they are. These pants are incredibly lightweight, making them an ideal option for summer. The material is also thick enough that darker colored panties won’t show through, which is another huge win because that’s basically all I own.

When my new pantaloons caught my eye, it was love at first sight but I honestly didn’t think they would end up working. I like the idea of patterned pants but I don’t like them on me, which is why I opt for my black skinnies nine times out of ten. However, I just couldn’t say no to them – especially when paired with my new Love On A Hanger top:

Had the Premise pants not fit so well, they would have been a definite no go because if you’re going for a pattern that bold, then the fit better be on point. And, it was. These pants hit perfectly at my ankle, hugged my curves without being tight, and was high waisted without hitting my boobs lol. In other words, they were just right and the pattern was enhanced rather than distracting.

These are a far cry from anything that I would normally wear and it feels good to take what I would consider a fashion risk. If you are shopping in store and see something that you like but don’t think it would work for you: TRY IT ON. That’s what the fitting rooms are there for and who knows? You might walk away with your new favorite purchase!

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

Jun1

Key Areas To Focus On For Good Self Care

Posted on June 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Key Areas To Focus On For Good Self Care

The term itself may define self care – caring for oneself. Anything you do to maintain your health physically, mentally, and spiritually is considered self care. Although emphasizing self care may seem obvious, especially when considering longevity, it is frequently the first thing to go when we find ourselves in difficult situations, whether due to poor health, a financial crisis, job loss, divorce, or self isolation. This is why, especially during difficult circumstances, it is critical to keep maintaining it at the forefront of our minds rather than as an afterthought.

Building A Self Care Plan:

Life is dynamic, and so are our wellness aspects. During challenging times, we may rely on our strong points to help carry us through. When too many aspects are damaged, we may struggle and find it difficult to handle things that we could easily do in the past.

Here are some ideas to consider when working on your self care. Feel free to change, replace, or add your own as you go. Keep in mind that this is all about you!

Emotional:

Talk to someone, ponder, journal, read, do something artistic, listen to music, work out, go for a walk, watch something that suits the mood (or the opposite and changes it), cry it out, hug someone, cuddle, laugh, and nap.

Environmental:

Take a pleasant walk, take in some fresh air, soak up the sun, enjoy the night sky, visit an art gallery to see Freddi Wald, avoid polluting, pick up litter, decrease waste, use reusable items, recycle, clean your house, redecorate a room.

Financial:

Create a practical financial plan, open a savings account, begin saving (even if it is only one dollar per day), attempt saving even more if you are already saving, invest, reduce wasteful expenditures, examine where you can save money, and ask for a raise.

Intellectual:

Read, listen to audio books, watch documentaries, solve puzzles, be aware of your surroundings, get curious, try something new, explore your creative/artistic side, enroll in a class, complete a program, and graduate.

Occupational:

Learn a trade, acquire a degree, prepare for a promotion, accept the promotion, compile a resume, polish your resume, apply for your dream career, take on a task you enjoy, and start your own business.

Physical:

Work out every day, go for a walk, eat healthily, get your annual exam, visit the dentist, take your medication as given, avoid drugs and alcohol, get 7-9 hours of sleep, and see your doctor if you are not feeling well.

Social:

Meet up with friends and family, stay in touch with old pals, volunteer, go out, have fun, engage in positive social media use, radiate optimism, use technology when distance is an issue, and laugh a lot.

Spiritual:

Meditate, pray, contemplate, do yoga, visit a meaningful site, do the right thing for others, be attentive, examine your higher purpose and significance, seek support from your higher power, love one another, and aid those in need.

Self-care is an essential daily practice. This will result in a better balance of your wellness dimensions and enhanced overall health and well being. Life is valuable and should be savored!

Featured Image By: Jackson David on Unsplash

Jun1

Happy Birthday, Johnny!!!!

Posted on June 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone!! It is a happy, wonderful day because it is my darling husband’s birthday!! Johnny turns the big 3-3 today and I am so excited to celebrate him even more than usual. My Johnny is the best husband, blog husband, friend, and partner in crime that a gal could ever ask for and I am so lucky to be his ol’ ball and chain. ❤

Ever since our first date, Johnny and I have basically been joined at the hip and every second is an amazing one. Whether we are out and about or just sitting at home, we always have the best time together because we are in our own bubble of happiness and jokes that only we find funny. Speaking of funny or as Johnny would say “funny looking”, he constantly has me in stitches and there have been times when we are laughing so hard we end up crying!

It is never a dull moment with my husband and even the most mundane things end up being an adventure… Five minute drives that I insist on calling “road trips”, grocery shopping, and even housework turns into us just having fun. A prime example of this is when we were moving and I was getting frustrated and Johnny spent a solid minute dancing behind my car before I could make another trip for more boxes. My annoyance turned into belly laughing and it is the image that I think of when I reflect on our moving day.

Our almost three year relationship has been a whirlwind of big events from Johnny’s concerts, family vacations, moving in together, getting married, and moving again. The little things are always what sticks in my mind, though. OOTD shoots, date nights, movie marathons, and even Johnny hovering in the kitchen when I’m cooking tie together the mosaic of our lives with love and lots of laughter.

I love you so much, darling Johnny!

Happy Birthday!!!! ❤

May31

May 2022 Finishes

Posted on May 31, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone! It’s the end of May already and that means that it’s time to check out my monthly beauty finishes. While I didn’t use up too much this month, I am super happy about it because I can now finally use more products from a big TJMaxx skin care haul. There’s also nothing more satisfying to me than fully using up a product… I imagine it’s a lot like actually finishing a tube of chapstick lol! Let’s get to it:

Would I Use Again?

Garnier Micellar Water: YES
Pearlessence Radiance Perfecting serum: YES
Elf Holy Hydration! eye cream: YES
Olay Double Action moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

Radiance Serum: Prior to purchasing a bunch of new serums during a TJMaxx haul, I was a faithful user of the Tree Of Life serums. Of course, I would still use those serums again but I was ready to try something different and I really liked the Pearlessence Radiance Perfecting serum. At about five dollars a bottle and a month and a half worth of twice daily use, it was a great value. I also think my skin benefited from it in the brightness department.

If you use this serum, just be careful because it is very thin in texture. You will have to cup your hand just so to prevent it from spilling and a little bit of it will go a long way.

Elf Eye Cream: The Holy Hydration! eye cream by Elf is another product that I have been using for quite some time now. Like the Tree Of Life serums, I would definitely use it again but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try something new and I am loving the Vital Beauty eye cream that I am currently using. That’s not to say that the Holy Hydration eye cream is a bad product because it has served me well.

The Elf eye cream is an amazing value at around ten bucks a pop and at least three months of twice daily use. It sits well under makeup and helped to decrease puffiness and under eye circles. I would never turn down a jar and still highly recommend it!

Olay Moisturizer: I really liked the Double Action moisturizer by Olay and it served as both a primer and moisturizer. I was amazed at the difference of how my makeup looked when applying it after using this product – it was so much brighter and longer lasting! This moisturizer smelled amazing, was rich and creamy in texture, and absorbed quickly. It took me a little over a month to finish one jar.

After this month of finishes, it is out with the old and in with the new products! While pulling from my stock pile, I have noticed that it is dwindling so be on the lookout for a skin care haul soon. 😀

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of my empties if you have used them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May30

New Gaze Mesh Crop Top

Posted on May 30, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hey! During my shopping at the new TJMaxx in the area, I made a purchase that I actually didn’t intend on making at all. However, the more that I had the top on in the fitting room, the more I wanted it and it ended up coming home with me. Mainly because it gave me ultimate Jules vibes from Euphoria! Check out my new mesh crop top by Gaze:

While my mom and I were making our second round throughout the store, I grabbed this top to try on with a pair of white bottoms. It is a far cry from something that I would normally wear but I just needed something to go with the pants! I really liked the pattern and the material but I was worried that the mesh would be super see through and I’m just not comfortable with that. It is also a much shorter crop than what I prefer, making it an instant no go in my head.

When I was in the fitting room, I was surprised that you could barely see my bra even with the mesh thanks to the background being black and only the pattern being white. It also fit just right with the high waisted pants I had on, making it much less revealing than what I had originally envisioned. And, oh yeah, it was SO comfy that I genuinely felt disappointed when I had to take it off and put my hoodie back on.

Prior to this shopping trip, I had recently finished binging Euphoria and it reminded me so much of the fashion in the show. I can’t wait to pair it with my favorite black pair of shorts from American Eagle or with my sweet skort by Almost Famous to give a dress like illusion. Pair with some killer platforms, rinse, repeat for a perfectly summer look that will help keep me perfectly cool even in all black. My emo kid dream come true! ❤

While I love a good online shopping sesh, there is nothing like some in store shopping to play around with different styles. This top by Gaze would have been an automatic no had I seen it online but trying it on in person was a totally different story. I can’t wait to incorporate it into my summer wardrobe… with maybe a few more tops for good measure!

What is something that you purchased that you originally thought you wouldn’t like? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May29

New Love On A Hanger Top

Posted on May 29, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My happy place, AKA the TJMaxx in Cuyahoga Falls, closed down to make room for a new TJs in Stow. Of course, this was very sad for me because I have so many fond memories of shopping at the old one with my grandma, mom, sister, and niece. However, I’d be a liar if I said that I wasn’t eager to check the new one out. A few weeks ago, my mom and I finally went shopping there together and we both had a nice little haul! Let’s get started with this adorable new top by Love On A Hanger:

PS: If the brand name sounds familiar to you – it should! I featured a gorgeous skirt by LOAH in a recent OOTD.

Despite a closet full of beautiful clothes, I always feel like I never have enough tops. My wardrobe definitely leans more towards cold weather clothing and while I have sweaters and flannels for days, my summer selection is severely lacking. I was hoping to remedy this at the new TJs and did pretty good – two tops and two bottoms, which is better than nothing!

My new Love On A Hanger top was one of the first things to catch my eye and I just knew that it would work simply by looking at it. I loved the navy embroidery against the white background and it reminded me of fine China dishes. We also all know that I am a sucker for anything and everything embroidered.

I was so pleased with this purchase and wish that I could find more tops like it in different colors. This top will be darling with a pair of blue jean shorts, summer wedges, and a big sunhat. Not to mention that it is the perfect style and material to beat the heat with. I think wearing this for mine and Johnny’s housewarming party will be the move! 😀

Keep it posted for more from my haul at the new TJMaxx, my May finishes, and a grand tour of the apartment because it’s almost ready for its closeup!

What is your favorite season to shop for? What do you need more of in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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