Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year!! Are your resolutions ready? Mine are and I am ready to rock 2026! Woah did that feel weird to type and I suspect I will be forgetting the new year as soon as I have to write the date on paperwork lol. A brand new year means new beginnings and I hope this holiday season set you up perfectly for 2026. It certainly had that effect for me after spending such amazing family time together celebrating and I feel so content. ❤
With every year and holiday that passes by, I am so thankful to be able to share in it with you here on lifewithlilred. I can’t believe I’ll be celebrating my twelve year blogiversary this year! We have known each other for over a decade now – it’s crazy, right?? And by crazy I mean crazy cool because it so is. I love writing every morning and it is my happy time when I’m clacking away on my keyboard. Every day can be something exciting and that’s the vibe I like to bring to the Lil Red function. I sure hope you’ll continue joining me every step of the way!
If you are keen to make sure that your projects are all going to complete successfully, there are a lot of different things that you might find helpful to think about. In this post, we are going to take a look at how you can ensure projects complete successfully across your business for an amazing new year:
Get The Right People Involved:
This is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your projects are going to work out. As long as you have the right people involved you are going to find that you are much more likely to be able to see your projects work out. That means utilizing people who have the requisite skills and understanding to help make the projects a success. Think carefully about who you involve if you want your projects to work out as intended and expected.
Follow The Right Trends:
In all kinds of projects, there is always going to be a question about which trends you should follow and which you might want to avoid. This is something that you should put careful thought into so your projects are up to date with what the masses want. Following the right trends, whether they are construction trends or marketing trends or anything in between will keep your projects modern and interesting. Make sure that you think about this for each project that you are working on.
This probably goes without saying, but good planning is always going to be a central part of any project completion. If you have done this, then there is no reason why your project shouldn’t have successful results. Before any project begins, plan in steps. What staff do you need? What kind of equipment? What kind of packaging or marketing? What’s the budget? Step by step planning will give you a fool proof guide as your project gets underway. Be sure to factor in for things that could go wrong too so any surprises won’t stop progress.
Budget Accordingly:
One of the main reasons that projects fail is that there ends up not being enough money that you had initially thought. This is a real problem as it puts all hard work and effort down the drain until the funding can be met. Make sure that you are budgeting carefully and accordingly. You might not be able to pinpoint the amount you need to spend down to the exact number. However, giving yourself a ballpark range with wiggle room to spare will be most helpful.
A successful project cannot be completed without the proper planning. Leave no stone unturned during this phase because small tasks matter just as much as the big ones and it can be easy to overlook!
Hello! My family celebrated Christmas on Sunday and it was the most wonderful time. The only thing that was missing was my brother in law who wasn’t feeling well. We played games, opened tons of prezzies, and had a delicious lasagna for dinner. I had been so looking forward to giving everyone their gifts as I have had them for months at this point lol. What I was especially excited for was a gift for my niece. When she started school last year, I got her best friend bracelets for us to wear. She promptly lost it that day while I have been wearing mine every day since. So, I decided to get us new ones for Christmas. Her and my sister had bracelets on their brains too! Check out these gifts:
My niece requested that we open our gifts to each other at the same time and as luck would have it she selected the tiny gift box with our bestie bracelets first. We cracked up when we saw that we had both gifted each other bracelets! I cannot even explain to you how much this Best Aunt bracelet from my best gal means to me. She picked it out at the Santa Shop at her school and used her own money to buy something perfect for me. My gal completely knocked it out of the park because this gift surpasses perfection. Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys and I am so happy that my nieces and nephew feel that too when we are together.
The next bracelet I received was a gorgeous sentiment for sisters from my big sis. I can’t believe at one point we were mortal enemies when we have been besties for so long! I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of this gift and I adore the colors of those beautiful beads. Between both of our busy schedules it can feel hard for us to make time for each other. This is a physical reminder that we are always together anyways and I felt so loved from it. ❤
It was a jewelry kind of Christmas and I was so there for it. I have a few new bracelets to add to my “wear every day” collection now and they are the best additions!
How did you celebrate the holidays? Did you get a meaningful gift this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello! Johnny and I celebrated on Christmas day with his parents and it was so lovely. So much so that we are going to have Little Christmas in January to continue the festivities when his aunt comes to visit. I can’t wait because Christmas just wasn’t the same without her! Our day was full of laughter, amazing food, fun games, and wonderful gifts. Johnny’s family is always so sweet to spoil us and I can’t wait to use all of my prezzies! Check it out:
Yowza! My gift bags and stocking was filled to the brim with the most thoughtful gifts. Johnny’s dad is the king of the practical gift and we had our minds blown by the portable sealing machine. My main squeeze and I are most fond of a salty snack and if our chip bags can be sealed after digging in then life will never be the same. I also deeply appreciated the tiny Lowe’s bucket which my father in law has quite the collection of. It’s so classic him and will have a shining spot to be proudly displayed on our knick knack shelves! ❤
Johnny’s mom, on the other hand, loves to find those unique little somethings that we normally wouldn’t buy for ourselves. I love the gorgeous sketchpad that I received complete with a set of colored pencils so I can craft amateur masterpieces. I have zero talent for art but, hey, it’s exciting to create and Johnny’s mom requested a Lil Red Original to hang up. I’m looking forward to giving it my best shot! Also included was a stunning pair of earrings as well as goodies in my favorite scent from Bath & Body Works – Champagne Toast. Or as Johnny would call it, “Champagne & Toast” lol.
The piece de resistance of our presents has got to be the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Monopoly board. Johnny’s family has watched this movie on every Christmas day since it came out in 1989 and it is our favorite tradition. It is never not funny and we basically recite the entire movie every time we watch it. This year, we will watch it together with his aunt on Little Christmas because we need her vocals for the “Hey, Santa Claus” song! In lieu of watching the flick, we played Monopoly instead and had a blast. Johnny ran away with it but I am confident we can band together and beat his butt next time!!! 😀
Christmas day with my second family was absolutely fabulous and I can’t wait to do it all again on Little Christmas!
How did you celebrate the holidays? What is your favorite gift that you got? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we will be discussing the horror king and literal king, Stephen King’s, newest book called Never Flinch. This book revisited a few beloved characters who were in Stephen King books that I unfortunately never read. However, this did not deter from my enjoyment of Never Flinch a bit and I devoured it in three sittings. Before we begin our chat, I will be placing a trigger warning on Never Flinch for graphic violence and child abuse. Now, let’s get to it:
An innocent man was wrongfully convicted, went to jail, and was murdered by an inmate. But who is the guiltiest of all? Do they even feel guilt? Trig wants to know and is going to seek revenge. For every guilty party who took place in the trial, an innocent person will be killed in their name. His murders are random, fast paced, and there is officially a serial killer on the loose. Trig knows he will die during his mission but wants a grand finale anyways. And what better way to end his spree than with two celebrities?
As the police and detectives work the Surrogate Juror Murders case, private investigator Holly Gibney is busy tracking down someone too. Holly was recently offered a new gig – to serve as bodyguard to controversial women’s rights activist Kate McKay. After a series of attacks during her lecture tour, Holly has been recruited to protect both McKay and her personal assistant. Their stalker has trailed them unseen throughout the tour and the attacks are becoming increasingly violent. Holly has decided she hates this job, but will see it through. Until the tour touches ground in her hometown at least, where the Surrogate Juror Murders are taking place.
Despite a serial killer running rampant, business as usual must continue. In Wherever, Ohio there are three big shows coming up. Sista Bessie, a gospel and soul singer, has come out of retirement to tour again. Kate McKay is lecturing and there is also the much anticipated Guns And Hoses charity softball game between the police and fire departments. Trig wants a grand finale to his spree and his stage has been set perfectly. Will he succeed in avenging the death of an innocent man? Or will real justice prevail? Read Never Flinch to find out!
I absolutely LOVE a cat and mouse plot and Never Flinch was excellent. It was actually quite an interesting change of pace because this book read more as a thriller than a true horror novel which we all know Stephen King specializes in. It had its moments of terror, sure, but this was a novel of suspense through and through and is a testament to the fact that King can write anything he pleases and it will still be great. Never Flinch was fast paced with a double cat and mouse plot and you all know I live for a multiple narrator setup. The book was told from the perspective of Trig, Holly, and Detective Jaynes, as well as two other characters. The flip flopping narrators kept me turning the pages until the very last.
Never Flinch was expertly written and provided good guy characters that were so easy to root for. Every page was one step closer to both the stalker and the killer being caught and I wanted to see it happen. Holly and Detective Jaynes were so plucky and resourceful and any scenes of danger involving them had my heart in my throat. I also deeply appreciated the local to my neck of the woods references like the Cleveland Cavs, the Guards, and the go to grocery store Giant Eagle. Stephen King put Ohio on the map, baby, and that was SO fun for my forever in Ohio self to read!
Overall I am going to rate Never Flinch with an eight out of ten stars. This was a delicious dive into a thriller Stephen King’s way and I highly recommend it!
What are you currently reading? What should I read next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Howdy! I love my job of working with people with special needs all of the time. Like literally every single second of my shifts. However, it just hits different around the holidays. Making plans, learning about their traditions, Christmas movies, and just having FUN. It feels so magical to share in the joy of the holiday season together and it means so much to me. One of the families I work with gave me a very unique gift that I wanted to share with all of you. It is something I have never even heard of and I think it is so way cool! Check it out:
When I opened my gift box and found my little Spirit Shaker I admittedly had no idea what it was but I sure liked how it looked. These Spirit Shakers are handmade and one of a kind. No two are alike and that is exactly what I like. Something that no one else has. Then, I read the description card and was even more enthralled. I am not a religious or spiritual person in the slightest but I need all of the help that I can get lol. Positive energy just by shaking this handcrafted masterpiece? I’ll take it! And you know what? I think it works because I think of my work family when I pick it up and smile. 🙂
This Spirit Shaker is so unlike anything I have ever received before and that’s what makes it so special. It touches me that my work fam saw this and it made them think of me. A token that says they want all of the best for me (And I to them!) and I can hold that good intention in the palm of my hand. This is your sign that if you see something that makes you think of a loved one immediately to go for it. It will make the perfect gift. I know I will cherish this one for forever and I can see what my work family was saying through it so clearly! ❤
A shake of my Spirit Shaker a day will keep the negative vibes away. I love having mine displayed on my knick knack shelf and will be using it regularly!
What is the most unique gift you have ever received? Who is your favorite person to shop for gifts for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello!! When lifewithlilred first began in 2014, the blogosphere gods smiled down on me and I mean that most sincerely. I started my blog as a fun and creative space for myself, yes, but I was also hoping to meet new friends and the world said “Have a best one, instead”. Cue Kate of Live In The Nautical! One day shortly after my blog was live, Kate and I started talking and literally have never stopped since lol. We may live states away but in my head she is right across the street and my days feel incomplete without us texting at least a few novels back and forth per day! Kate is my Gemini Twin and, like me, she revels in a gift giving occasion. We live for picking out that perfect something for everyone on our list and she absolutely crushed with these Christmas prezzies:
Talk about a fabulous haul, amiright?! This past month has been so exciting because my Santa Mail from Kate was broken up into three individual packages. I knew they were on the way but didn’t know when they would show up which just added to the anticipation! The first gift that arrived was the Darknight botanical brick set. This was a full stop gift in itself because I am most fond of the Lego Botanical sets but they are something I wouldn’t purchase for myself. I also adore being gifted with flowers and the beauty of this gift is that these will never die! I can’t wait to put it together with Johnny for a coffee table centerpiece. Also that delightfully spooky palette will make a welcome addition to our all year round Halloween decor. 😀
The next gift to be delivered was the pinky red customized Yeti tumbler and it made me clutch my pearls. Kate is, hands down, the most thoughtful person AND gift giver I know and this prezzie is a testament to that. It features my blog’s name on one side and my tagline on the other and it just makes me so happy. I am a huge fan of a good tumbler and this is my all time favorite. The hydration factor is nice but the repping my brand factor is even nicer! This gift arrived in the mail weeks ago but I am still not even close to being over it and I suspect I never will be. ❤
The last gift from my bestie haul was a gorgeous pair of earrings by McChang. Kate knows my style so well and these earrings would definitely have come home with me if I found them while shopping. I have a substantial collection of earrings featuring daggers and now I’m upgraded to a full fledged sword lol. My new earrings are a double dangle which I love and the details of the stacked jewels and burnt orange gems are oh so pretty. So looking forward to breaking these beauties out in a new OOTD!
Thank you to my darling Kate for the most wonderful friendship and wonderful gifts. I love you so!
How did you and your best friend meet? How do you celebrate holidays together? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Howdy! 2026 is right around the corner? Are you ready for a brand new year? Have you made your resolutions and are they actually ones that you can keep? I have never been one to set extreme goals for the new year. Rather, I turn to small achievable tasks that are easy to keep while still making positive changes. What’s the point of a New Year’s Resolution if you’re going to bail out after one month! Here are my little goals for 2026 and maybe they will help inspire you too:
Replace Screen Time:
The past few months I have felt like I have been on my phone constantly and I don’t like it! Whether it is scrolling aimlessly on Facebook, playing on apps, or shooting off texts I have turned into a phoneaholic and now that I recognize it – I can do something about it! I plan on replacing at least some of my screen time with reading a chapter or two of a book instead. Rather than participate in brain rot, I can tuck into a good book and share even more Lil Red’s Book Clubs. Talk about a win/win and a simple but effective resolution!
Keep Moving:
It is SO easy to get home from work, sit down on the couch, and not move until bedtime. Especially in the frigid winter months! This has been my MO and I think it could benefit from some changes. I have no plans on sacrificing my TV time but modifying it because who says you have to watch it sitting down? Completing a small workout or even just walking in place while your shows play can boost your health and mood, increase your energy, and provide a better night’s sleep. This is a particularly positive improvement for me as I love to hike when it’s warm out but hibernate all winter long. Even fifteen or so minutes of movement after work can make a big difference and I can do it from the comfort and warmth of my home!
Mental Boost:
I am my toughest critic and I have always been that way. I find it difficult to speak to myself positively even when I know I am doing great and that is no way to live. Engaging in kind self talk is a goal that I really have to put my mind to literally and metaphorically because I’m just not used to it. However, I do need to pat myself on the back more often and that starts now. Instead of focusing on every little thing I might have done wrong, I need to remind myself that I did the best I could and that is good enough.
A New Job?!
I am potentially starting a new job in January and will obvi be filling all of you in on that as soon as I can. My biggest goal? To absolutely CRUSH it!! I have felt the desire for change for a while now and a fateful email opened up the potential for it. Just the thought of a brand new adventure is exciting and I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. A new job is a totally different change of pace and all I can do is put my best foot forward and rock it. Hey, that sounds like positive self talk to me!
These New Year’s Resolutions may not seem like much but they are to me. These goals are meaningful because I know I need to work on them and I know that I will succeed! 🙂
Do you have any resolutions for 2026? What is a positive change you made recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone and Merry Christmas! I will keep this post short and sweet as I know we all have lots to do for the big day. I just wanted to send the biggest hug to you and yours for an amazing holiday season no matter how you celebrate. Consider this a Lil Red Christmas card! A wish for the absolute best for the remainder of the year and the next to come. A wish for good health, safety, and happiness. And a great big thank you for continuing to support lifewithlilred every day. ❤
The holiday season is my *second* favorite time of the year after Halloween and I am so excited to share it with my friends and family. That means all of you too! My blog has created a worldwide friend group and I can’t wait to see how all of you celebrate. Your hauls, delicious dinners, pretty outfits, and those what in the world White Elephant gifts. Holidays bring people together and I am so thankful that all of you are here to enjoy this special time with me. lifewithlilred would be nothing without each and every one of you so keep tuning in for more festive fun Lil Red’s way. Have the best day ever!!!
Hi there! I wanted to give everyone a little update on something health related so buckle in. I am HPV positive and for the past two years I have needed a biopsy of my cervix. A few weeks ago I had my second biopsy and it was unpleasant but doable. All that was left to do was wait for the results and I got them in last week. The results showed fragments that did not show up on my pap smear and I will need to repeat a biopsy and pap in a half a year. It might be HPV related and resolve itself or it could be pre-cancer/cancer cells that will require a surgery on my cervix to remove.
Although it was scary to hear, I consider this a best case scenario result. It could either be nothing or it could be something that has a surefire way of being treated. I think that’s very lucky and I am so thankful. This is not a post looking for sympathy, but a post to serve as a gentle reminder to take your health seriously. Do not ignore your gynecological care. Attend your appointments, commit to the doctor’s orders, and be proactive in asking questions and voicing concerns. Cervical cancer is, blessedly, treatable but it is up to you to get a head start. Regular appointments means finding problems early which will increase the success of the treatment even more.
I would be a liar if I said that the first few days after my doctor called me with the results weren’t difficult. They were and I felt really sad. However, I am feeling much better after having time to sit with these emotions. The most helpful thing for me has been repeating a mantra in my head and to Johnny too. It goes a little something like this: It’s either nothing or it will be treated. Those are the facts and focusing on them has kept my mind from wandering to worst case scenarios. It’s so easy for your brain to go haywire when you get not so great news and fact driven self talk restored my sanity. ❤
In conclusion, everything is A-okay. While lifewithlilred is full of fashion and fun, it’s about my life too and I just wanted all of my dear friends and readers to be updated. I love you all!
Do you have a mantra you repeat? How do you engage in positive self talk? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
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