Apr27

Working From Home With Kids? Follow These Tips!

Posted on April 27, 2022 by lifewithlilred

One of the biggest challenges any parent has is trying to work at home with kids in tow. You may struggle to keep them occupied over the summer vacation, but when you are working at home with kids around, there is no one size fits all approach. But here are a few ideas that you may want to get inspiration from:

Don’t Work From Your Couch:

The most important takeaway from Work From Home 101 is that if you really have to sit down on the couch while your kids are running around, you are not going to get anything done! You need to have a space that is purely for work and work alone. When you go there, you need to almost instantly click into work mode.

If you have a spare room, that’s great, but if you need to set up a space in the kitchen or carve out a corner in your bedroom, it has to feel like a working environment. If there’s room for an adjustable desk, set it up with work related paraphernalia so, at the very least, you’ve got the opportunity to focus. When you’ve got a working space you need to communicate this to your children, and when you really have to get things done, they need to know not to bother you. This is not always easy, but this is where the next rule might be worthwhile.

Relaxing Screen Time Rules:

You may be very strict when it comes to screen time but if you have a chunk of time where you know you’ve got to be focused, giving your kids the tablet will help you out here. The great thing is that now there are plenty of apps out there that will help you to keep track of what your kids can and cannot watch, as well as the time limits.

Get Up a Little Earlier:

This is something that many parents swear by, but in order to do this effectively, you’ve got to understand what you need to achieve by the end of the working day. Rather than defining your day based on how many hours you work, look at the tasks you need to complete and which can be broken down into tasks where you need supreme focus or lesser focus. For example, emails may require you to focus in bursts of five minutes or so, but more time intensive tasks may require you to get up before the kids and get this done.

Keep Your Stress Levels Down:

It’s so easy to get frustrated when your children are vying for your attention. But as many people have had to figure out how to do this during the pandemic, they couldn’t wait for kids to go back to school. But the reality is that there are so many more people working from home now, so you need to get the balance right when the kids are home during summer vacation or spring break. You need to remember that it will pass. Because there’s no point in getting hugely frustrated by it as it’s only going to intensify the situation and make it worse.

Working from home with kids can be a huge challenge but it is doable. Follow the tips above to help you get started!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr27

Moving On Up: Lil Red’s Pro Tips

Posted on April 27, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Helloooo! Johnny and I are moving at the end of the month and, I’ve got to say, it has been a pain in the ass lol. When I first moved into my apartment, the process was pretty easy because I didn’t have much to move. However, Johnny and I have a lot of stuff and I don’t think I realized just how much until it all had to get packed up! Today, I thought I’d share some pro tips that I learned this time around that I think you will find handy too if you are moving soon:

Start Early:

I signed for the bigger apartment that we’re moving into during the first week of April and I began the packing process the following day. Every day since, I have been trying to pack up all of the things that we don’t use on a daily basis little by little. I considered the day a success if I packed up at least a box or two! At first, the progress was slow going but here we are at the end of the month with an apartment full of boxes ready to move. 😀

If you plan your packing wisely, it really doesn’t have to be a big stressful thing so start as early as you can and take it at an easy pace.

Clean/Declutter As You Go:

During our packing, I was amazed at how much stuff that we have sitting around that we don’t use. Moving provided the perfect opportunity to declutter and Johnny and I have taken seven full bags to Goodwill already. It felt good to let go of so many things and it also lightened the load of what we had to pack considerably. It was a total win/win.

Also, I know it’s a pain but don’t forget to clean as you pack too. You don’t want to have to deal with vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting the day of your move. And I just know you have some dust bunnies hanging around under all of that furniture that’s being shifted!

Make Your Calls In Advance:

The day that I signed for the new apartment, I hired a moving company and I am so glad that I did. They only had one more truck available the day of the move and I got it! Hire a reputable company well in advance and make sure you have an inventory of all of the items you will need moved when you call.

Do be sure to do the same for things like transferring your internet and electric. Last week, I called my internet provider about the transfer and they said they couldn’t find my new address in the system. This was weird because I’m literally just moving down the street. Then, I called my electric company and they told me the same thing. Weirder.

Finally, I called the leasing office and it turns out that I had been given the wrong address. SMH! After two and a half hours on the phone everything got sorted out but I am glad that I did it with time to spare. That was an ordeal! And I actually just realized that I have to call the moving company to let them know my “new” new address. SMH again.

When it comes to moving, the name of the game is to get a head start on everything. It will save you so much stress in the long run and will make the moving process much more bearable!

What are your moving pro tips? Do you have a big life event coming up soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr26

April Snow Still Brings Flowers!

Posted on April 26, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! In good ol’ Akron, Ohio, it has been a wild mash up of seasons this April. We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers” and, thankfully, so does April snow, freezing rain, chilly fall like days, and summer level hot. Like I said, Mother Nature has been having some massive mood swings! The best of spring is blooming, though, so all is right with the world:

Every year, my dad’s yard hosts the most wonderful flowers and veggies and every year seems more spectacular than the last. I love seeing my favorites of daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses popping out come spring time and it never fails to make me smile. The piece de resistance, though, is the massive cherry blossom tree in the front yard. Watching it bloom and seeing the petals fall like snow is, honestly, nothing short of magical.

With the wonky weather, I feared the worst for the spring flowers and the fact that they’re all still going strong makes me appreciate them even more. Flowers are Mother Nature’s pop of color and they are also her favorite perfume too. Walking through my parent’s neighborhood last week, I saw bright bursts of yellow, purple, pink, and white and I could smell sweet blooms with every step. There is nothing better than a stroll on a day that actually feels like spring!

When the weather allows, take some time to take a walk and smell the roses (Or whatever flower is blooming!). It sounds cheesy but it will certainly put a spring in your step! ❤

What is spring time like where you live? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr25

Add Some Flare With These Home Improvements

Posted on April 25, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Add Some Flare With These Home Improvements

After what felt like forever at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy to understand why you might be downright bored with how your home looks. As the weather improves, you might find yourself outdoors a lot more often but you still want your home to be the place to be after your outings. If you’re looking for some dramatic changes to add some spice back to your surroundings, try the following:

Checkered Tile Floor:

When it comes to home decor, you only need one statement thing to style a room around so why not start from the ground up? Checkered tile is sure to add the ultimate retro touch to your game room or even just in a hallway. And, we all know that floating porcelain tile is wonderful for the bathroom too. Whether you want to go old school with black and white tile or try a unique twist with a light blue and white, it is sure to add some flare to your space!

Wall/Ceiling Murals:

Accent walls are a “been there done that” addition to the home so let’s shake things up! How about a wall or ceiling mural, instead? You could hire a local artist to turn your space into a literal work of art. Your wall will already offer a smooth surface but the ceiling might be a different story. For example, you might have popcorn ceiling and will have to get that removed. The popcorn ceiling removal by Patch Dudes will be able to assist and then a masterpiece can be put in its place.

Green Room:

If you love the idea of a garden but don’t have the yard space for it, then a green room might be in order. A special room devoted to plants, flowers, ferns, veggies, and all things zen will be the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day. You can incorporate table top water fixtures or even an aquarium to turn it into a slice of paradise within four walls.

Game Room:

If you have the extra space, a game room can turn a night in into an awesome experience. Bar style neon lights, a pinball machine, and board games will definitely be the way to go. Don’t forget the video games, comfy couches, and a mini fridge for drinks and snacks. This room could also double as a home theater so you could deck it out in posters of your favorite movies. A jukebox or record player wouldn’t hurt, either! 😀

Add some flare to your house and have some fun. Think outside the box and you will be amazed how it transforms your home!

Apr25

Polka Dots, Please OOTD Bloopers

Posted on April 25, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Polka Dots, Please OOTD shoot! Today, we are going to be looking at the bad, the yikes, and the “what was she thinking?” that definitely didn’t make the cut… Until now, that is! For every good picture I take, there are probably ten preceding it that just make me shake my head lol. Let’s take a peek at some of these not so muches:

Something apparently really took me by surprise!

Lol, this one is so funny to me! When motion shots just don’t work out!

For obvious reasons, this one didn’t make the cut.

Always putting my best face forward, obviously!

Upsy daisy! The classic dismount shots.

Give me my phoooooone

I love me a blooper reel at the end of a movie and sometimes they are the funniest parts! That’s kind of how I feel about my blooper posts. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy showing off a fabulous OOTD and pictures as much as the next person. However, you can’t have the good without a bit of the bad and ugly too lol.

When I first started doing OOTD shoots, I would have never dreamed of posting the “yikes” shots. But, finally, my self confidence is in an excellent place and I realized that I had content amidst the shots that ended up in the “delete” section of my phone. These pictures that automatically got trashed are all an important part of the OOTD process so why not share them? Johnny and I get a huge kick out of these behind the scenes pics and I hope you do too!

That about does it for my Polka Dots, Please OOTD but keep checking in for more fun looks from yours truly. I feel a lot more OOTD posts happening soon!

What makes you laugh? What makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr24

Polka Dots, Please OOTD Bonus Pictures

Posted on April 24, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Polka Dots, Please OOTD! As you will see in tomorrow’s post, there are way more bloopers from this shoot than there were winners. The lighting was wonky, Johnny and I were insanely full from Easter dinner, and it was a bit chilly so we were more concerned about just getting things done!

In true Ohio fashion, it’s going from snowing and freezing rain this past week to summer level hot so be on the lookout for more OOTD shoots soon! But now, let’s look at a few extra shots that didn’t quite make the first cut:

Have you ever had one of those days when you look into a mirror and you look even more fabulous than normal? You then think that it’s the perfect opportunity to take some pictures but can’t take a good one to save your own life? That’s kind of what this shoot was like! Despite a full stomach and cold temps, your girl was feeling herself. Then, I scrolled through the final results and I was just like “oh” lol.

No one ever said a blogger’s job was easy and with each passing shot, my commentary in my head was “blooper, blooper, yikes, DAYUM, blooper, etc”. Haha but I promised bonus shots and bonus shots is what you’re all gonna get! The hardest part of OOTD pictures is not taking the pictures themselves but finding the good in them after it’s all said and done. Kind of like finding the needle in the haystack of one hundred selfies that all look the same!

Were these my favorite pictures of all time? Not in the slightest. But, I didn’t have much to work with from this shoot so what can you do? When my confidence was barely above ground level, I would never post pictures that were nothing short of amazing. I don’t consider these bonus pictures to be my best work but that’s okay!

OOTD pics are not always home runs and, sometimes, you end up with a billion pictures that do nothing for you. That was the case with this shoot and I am posting them anyways. No matter how your pics turn out, I encourage you all to get in front of the camera, try it out, and post away. It will help build your confidence, you’ll have some fun, and see that it is still your best self even if the final result might not reflect it. ❤

How do you build your confidence? What are some of your picture taking pro tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr23

Polka Dots, Please OOTD

Posted on April 23, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we’re going to be taking a look at some pics from my look while celebrating Easter with the in laws. And, as always, stay tuned for bonus shots and a plethora of bloopers from the shoot! Johnny and I had a lovely Easter weekend and I hope that all of you did too. 🙂 Now, let’s get to it:

Who? What? Wear?

Unicorn Sweater: Loft
Polka Dot Skirt: Eva Franco, TJMaxx
Floral Pumps: Elle, Kohl’s
The pearl necklace was my grandma’s

Nothing says “celebrate spring” like some polka dots and floral prints! While I would have loved to sport a cute little sundress for Easter, it was frickin freezing and it was gonna be a no from me. Instead, I went with the springiest cold weather option I had, which was my polka dot maxi skirt by Eva Franco. This choice was, obviously, a yes from me!

I remember lusting over my Eva Franco number for months on TJMaxx’s website and snagged it on clearance. It was the steal of a lifetime but I never broke it out as often as I imagined so I’m glad it got its moment in the sun… or lack thereof. This skirt is so festive and fun and the bright dots gave a perfect pop of spring without going the floral route.

As you all know, I am a huge fan of making a skirt and top combo look like a dress. To achieve this and add some extra warmth, I went with my Loft unicorn sweater. This was a Christmas gift from my mom and I love it so much. Also note how the blue stitching matches to the T with the blue polka dots! 😀

Since navy is a neutral and the skirt and sweater paired so well together, this gave me the opportunity to have some fun with the shoes. I will be the first to admit that these Elle pumps are, easily, the least comfortable pair of shoes that I own. I have some crazy pairs in my collection and none of them bother me except for these pumps.

My Elle pumps pinch, they hurt, and are so uncomfortable to walk in but I will do anything in the name of FASHION. In fact, one time I made the grave mistake of wearing these to the mall and I had to stuff them full of loose Taco Bell receipts from my purse to keep the blisters from getting worse. But, that’s neither here nor there and since I literally was just walking into my in law’s home, it was a risk I was willing to take. I think it paid off!

Finally, for accessories, I topped this OOTD off with my absolute favorite necklace – my grandma’s pearls. Although there was a lot happening in my look, it didn’t feel complete until I put my necklace on. Pearls are so elegant and I believe that they are an ideal neutral when it comes to jewelry. They don’t distract from the overall outfit but enhance and I love how they tied this OOTD together.

Other than the wicked uncomfortable heels that I absolutely refuse to get rid of, I felt like Spring Fling Queen in my Polka Dots, Please OOTD! Now, can actual spring weather happen now or…?

How did you celebrate Easter? What is your favorite gemstone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr22

Expressing Yourself With Your Style

Posted on April 22, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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A good marker of identity is in the choices someone makes when deciding what to look like. Of course, image isn’t everything, in fact it’s only a small part of who we are, and in most circumstances, we are given the cards we’re dealt with. Outside of temporarily wearing certain shoes, for instance, it’s hard to change our height. That’s okay, because you’re more than enough without having to change every single part of you.

Furthermore, there’s no “necessity” here. Self expression through various means is totally voluntary, you can be as simple or complex as you like. The trick is to have fun with it, and to decide what your tastes are. It might be that you love both alternative styles and more default apparel choices, both are totally valid, and can showcase different parts of who you are.

If you feel like expressing who you are anew, then, there are many ways you can make those choices. No matter if you’re in your twenties and feel as though you’re starting to know who you are, or if you’re in your forties and feel like enjoying a tattoo for the first time, consider how to achieve this in the best and healthiest manner, below:

Self Care & Health:

Self care and health is important to consider, but many people forget that this is actually a good way to express yourself. Sure, sometimes you may need to visit an emergency dentist for corrective work, but making sure you properly brush/floss your teeth can help you feel comfortable in beaming ear to ear. The same goes for skin care, which can help you positively glow, and organizing a hair care routine that helps you strengthen it, especially when planning to dye it properly. There’s no better way than investing in yourself with a little TLC and expressing yourself thanks to your newfound confidence.

Body Art & Accessories:

Body art such as piercings and tattoos as well as accessories that truly help you reveal yourself as you are can make such a difference when putting together outfits or showcasing your mood on a given day. From the types of necklace you wear to the cool classy hat you’re trying out, switching it up according to your mood helps you explore fashion and what it means to you, as well as allowing you to grow with confidence going forward.

Styles & Outfits:

Finding your “style” can be a good way to broadly categorize what you like to wear, but remember that these are warm guidelines and not specific rules. They can help you put outfits together, no matter if you hope to wear more professional clothing in your new job or if you wish to wear nice summer clothes for your vacation. Consider the event, the appropriateness of the place, what will be comfortable, what colors work for you, and what kind of arrangements can help you thrive. A nice balance of all these can grant you the best outlook.

You should also consider the other elements of an outfit when expressing yourself through your style. The first thing to remember is that your comfort is important. Be mindful of designs and colors when selecting an outfit to express who you are. Perhaps you feel good in clothes of a darker, more subtle color pattern. In that case, you can consider clothes made with this green spinach cheerio fabric. Research shows that wearing clothes you love makes you feel confident and boosts your mood and behavior. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when you are trying to showcase who you are through your sense of fashion.

Let your style reflect your amazing self, personality, and confidence and have some fun! That’s what it’s all about. 🙂

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr22

Dinner Time!

Posted on April 22, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Something that brings me great joy is cooking and I love making delicious meals for Johnny and our friends and family. This past week, my sister and niece joined us for dinner and it was an absolute delight. I texted her a list of options that I could make and she chose lemon pasta. I was excited because I have had that saved on my Pinterest for forever and really wanted to make it!

I prepared the pasta dish with garlic bread and salad and it was a raging success. I also made air fried Oreos for dessert. These pictures are actually of leftovers because I was so hungry I forgot to snap some pics when it was fresh lol:

You can view the entire recipe for lemon pasta at Contentedness Cooking!

The lemon pasta was an ultra easy and super tasty dish that I most definitely plan on making again. It is nice and light and will make for a perfect meal on a warm spring or summer day. It also tasted great leftover too and was even more lemony after it had time to sit.

When cooking a new recipe, I tend to follow it pretty closely. Then, I add my own variations if I like it enough to make again. The only thing I did differently when making the lemon pasta was use way more garlic than what was called for because we all know that three cloves is simply not enough! The taste of this dish was so yummy but we all agreed that it could use something extra. The next time I make it, I plan on adding the following:

Feta cheese
Cherry tomatoes
Spinach
Fresh parsley
Pine nuts

Any type of pasta is my favorite food and this recipe is one that will be enjoyed by anyone who shares my sentiments. It is really good as is but if the recipe looks a little too bland for you, adding extra veggies or herbs will help to kick things up a notch (In the eternal words of Emeril Lagasse)!

Have you tried any new recipes lately? How did they turn out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr21

Letting Your Personality Shine With Accessories

Posted on April 21, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Letting Your Personality Shine With Accessories

When it comes to fashion, the old saying “less is more” definitely does not apply. In fact, when it comes to accessories, the more, the merrier! Accessories can help you show off your personality and style and take a basic outfit over the top. Let’s explore this a little more to make your next OOTD a winner:

Accessories can help you express your personality:

When you see someone wearing a piece of jewelry or an article of clothing that you love, it instantly tells you something about that person’s taste and style. By choosing accessories that reflect your own personal taste, you can easily communicate who you are to the world around you. And there’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself! Fashion is all about self-expression and individuality. So go ahead and rock those statement earrings or that bold necklace – we guarantee they’ll get people talking (in a good way)!

Show Off Your Unique Sense of Style:

Take a look at any celebrity or fashion icon – they all have their own signature style that is reflected in the way they dress and accessorize. And you can do the same! Your clothes and accessories are like a blank canvas, and it’s up to you to fill that canvas with your own personal style. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a look that represents who you are. Trust us, when you find your signature style, people will start to take notice.

If you’re struggling to create a look that feels uniquely you, that’s okay! Finding your signature style takes time, like all good things. But there are so many ways to get inspired. Try on outfits you wouldn’t normally choose at the store, flip through fashion magazines at the library, or browse social media for ideas from your favorite influencers and celebrities. For example, reading a New celebrity eyewear blog could introduce you to stunning sunglasses that frame your face perfectly and elevate your entire look. Sometimes, all it takes is one statement accessory to spark your fashion creativity and help you define your own signature style!

Make a Statement:

Another great reason to let your personality shine through your accessories is that it allows you to make a statement. Whether you’re going for girly, professional, or showing off your edgy side, there’s no better way to do it than with your clothes and accessories. There are many types of accessories that you can use to make a statement, like Prescription Eyeglasses or even a simple T-Shirt. So if you’re looking for a way to get your voice out there, consider using your accessories as a platform. Who knows – you might just start a fashion trend in the process!

Photo by Atikh Bana on Unsplash

Turn Heads:

Let’s face it, we all love a little attention now and then. And what better way to get it than by wearing something that shows off your unique sense of style? Whether you’re at a party or just walking down the street, if you’re wearing something that turns heads, you’re guaranteed to feel confident and fabulous. So go ahead and experiment with different looks until you find one that makes you feel like a million bucks!

Feel Confident and Fabulous:

We all know that feeling – when you walk out of the house, and you just know you look good. It’s awesome, isn’t it? By playing with your style, you can easily achieve that feeling of confidence and fabulousness. Even on off days, accessories can be most helpful in providing that extra confidence boost. Tired eyes can be masked by a gorgeous pair of sunglasses or headbands for women can tame a bad hair day. The beauty is that no one will be the wiser and you can go about your day feeling your best. When you feel good about the way you look, it shows! Put on those killer heels or that fantastic piece of jewelry – we promise you’ll love the way you feel.

No OOTD is complete without the right accessories so go for the bold and bright to reflect the spring and summer weather and strut your stuff!

Featured Image By: Amos Bar-Zeev on Unsplash

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