Feb20

V-Day OOTD

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V-Day OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Johnny and I enjoyed a magnificent Valentine’s Day date with dinner at Boss ChickNBeer and an evening at a Cupid’s Revenge haunted house. For dinner, I paired the look you are about to see with a sweetheart cardigan. Then, I let it all hang out at the haunted house because it was an event that definitely teetered on the sexy side! This little fit was a huge hit and I felt like an absolute star in it. In fact, Johnny and I were so well dressed that we ended up making friends with every single person who complimented us! ❤ Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Bralette: Victoria’s Secret

Bubble Skirt: A New Day, Target

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

Heart Earrings: SugarFix By Baublebar, Target

As the Cupid’s Revenge haunt erred on the side of sexy, I decided to follow suit and put the lingerie as everyday wear trend to good use. I had a few different bralette options in mind including an adorable one with embroidered hearts on it. That was actually my original plan until I pivoted to an All Black Everything ensemble. I’ll be honest with you, I genuinely forgot I had the Vicky’s Secret bralette you see above so when I found it, it was game on. This little number is sexy with a capital S E X Y. I absolutely love the black lace over the nude background and find it to be such a chic pairing. While this was quite revealing, I felt fully comfortable in it as it is so supportive with six tabs to attach in the back. I was able to hit the dance floor at the haunt without any fear of a wardrobe malfunction! (Although it for sure wouldn’t have mattered there!)

The evening of our date was blessedly warm which gave me the opportunity to go with a skirt to pair the bralette with. Even if it was bitter cold, I still think I would have worn it because I would do anything for fashion! And besides, it was a very short walk into the haunted house. 😀 Since the bralette was so form fitting, I wanted to add some dimension and went for my gorgeous bubble skirt by A New Day. It made for such an interesting silhouette and was such fun to twirl in to the pop hits blasting through the speakers. This skirt added a dose of sweetness to the sex appeal and made for a perfect combination.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went for a pair of heeled mules by Betsey Johnson for a touch of quirky cute with those striped heels and embroidered flowers. They were also a strategic choice as the heel was nice and sturdy for our trek through the haunt. With my tattoos doing a majority of the talking, all that was left to do was slip on a pair of earrings. The three tiered hearts by BaubleBar provided a pop of color and V-Day flare. With that, I was ready for our amazing night on the town!

Sometimes you just have to get sexy and what better occasion than Valentine’s Day?!

How would you describe your personal style? What does a sexy piece of clothing look like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb19

4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

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4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

Let’s think of the ideal summer’s day. You’re probably outside somewhere, surrounded by nature with your friends and family. You spend the day jumping in and out of a cooling body of water, and wrap up the evening with a delicious meal.

That is an idyllic day that sounds like a dream, but actually, if you live near a lake, then it might be more within reach than you think. If you have a boat, then all of those things could be on the table, and not just on one day, but all summer long. 

Still not convinced that a boat is right for you? We’ve put together a list of just some of the ways that buying a boat can be a game-changer for how you experience the summer months:

It Gives You Easy Access To a Good Time:

The summer months can be fun, but it doesn’t happen automatically. On a sunny day, you still have to make something happen. A boat provides an easy and convenient way to make sure that you and your family have a day to remember. Most people have to go on vacation to make the most of the summer months — if you have a boat, then you’ll have a vacation-worthy experience readily available all summer long. 

It Provides Plenty of Water-Based Fun:

It can be fun to simply spend time out on the water, but you can also use your boat to engage in water-based hobbies. While most boats are multipurpose, some are designed with a particular activity in mind. Remember how we mentioned at the beginning of the article about eating a delicious meal? Then take a look at Smoker Craft boats, which are excellent for fishing in both shallow backwaters and large lakes. If you’re looking for a boat that’s fun for the family, then a wake boat can be a great option — these high-speed boats are awesome for wakesurfing and wakeboarding, among other watersports. 

It’s a Great Hangout Spot:

Having a boat might just make you the most popular person in town. The reason? Everyone loves spending a hot summer’s evening on a boat! They’re great for socializing; all you need to do is pack some snacks and drinks, head out onto the water, and simply enjoy being together in a beautiful environment. If you’re looking for a way to bring your loved ones together this summer, then a boat will more than do the trick — and not just this summer, but for many years to come.

It Brings Adventure:

Many of us are infused with the spirit of adventure when summer rolls around. Normally, that means taking a vacation somewhere. When you have a boat, you’ll have adventure right on your doorstep. Boats allow you to explore during the hot summer months when the days are long. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem of a beach, find fun caves to trek through, or discover that you can easily reach the next town over by taking a shortcut over the water. 

Make a huge splash this summer with a brand new boat. Adventure awaits!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb19

Sunny Days Ahead

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Sunny Days Ahead

Hello! Is it just me or has this winter left a lot to be desired? January felt like it was five months long and February was particularly rough due to the passing of our beloved neighbor. I feel so mentally and physically drained. However, I did perk up this morning when I checked the weather because guess what?! It is going to be almost sixty degrees in Akron, Ohio and that sounds like just what the doctor ordered. It’s amazing what a bit of warmth and sunshine can do to boost your mood and it had me thinking of all of the things I can’t wait to do in the spring. Like the following:

Spring Hiking Spree:

My brother and I are avid hikers and it is our go to activity as soon as the weather warms up. During the winter, we hit the gym for our workouts but in the spring you can always catch us on the trails! The metro parks in our neck of the woods offers a fall and spring hiking spree and we can’t wait to participate in both of them. This will be our second year of completing the spring spree and the third year for the fall. It’s hard not to feel good when you’re immersed in nature, taking a leisurely stroll, and enjoying great company. Bring it on!

Planting Flowers:

My dad has two green thumbs and I love to help him plant flowers in the garden as soon as the appropriate weather strikes. Whether we are scattering seeds in the wildflower patch, making arrangements in raised planters, or simply cleaning up the debris from the winter – it is fun because we’re together! It’s exciting to start a project and watch it grow and come to life. The best of all is when I show up at my mom and dad’s and see the beautiful bouquets he creates from our handiwork as a greeting on the kitchen table. ❤

Warm Weather Clothing:

As much as I adore breaking out my coats, heavy sweaters, and winter accessories for OOTDs, I am SO over it lol. What started out as a mild winter went into a stretch of frigid days and lots of snow in mid January. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan of summer but I have been begging for it since then! It is going to be so glorious to step outside in shorts and a T-shirt for work or flouncy sundresses for a weekend date with my main squeeze. Seventy degrees and sunny is my ideal temperature but if it were a hundred degrees tomorrow you would not find me complaining. I don’t do well in really hot weather but trust and believe I would be basking in it like a lizard lol.

Playing Outside:

Johnny and I have three sweet nieces who live nearby and there is nothing better than playing outside all together. I revel in unleashing my inner child with my favorite old hobbies of blowing bubbles, picking flowers, drawing with chalk, and running around the yard like crazy people. Whether we are hitting up the park or staying close to home, the piece de resistance is a frozen treat or something cold to drink afterwards. The cool down is wonderful until it’s back outdoors for more warm weather activities! I am particularly excited to go bunny watching with them in my parents’ yard because there are always a bunch come springtime. ❤

Reading Outside:

As you all know, reading is one of my most treasured hobbies and it is such a simple pleasure to be able to read outside. When it’s nice out, I love to sit on our little patio at the apartment with a glass of lemonade and a good book. Feeling the sunshine on my face as I get lost in a story just makes the whole world disappear and it’s so damn nice to check out for a little while. As much as I love curling up on the couch with whatever book I’m working on, I plan on taking the majority of my reading outdoors whenever the weather is ready!

After a crummy few months, I just know that there are Sunny Days Ahead and I have been chomping at the bit since yesterday!

What is your favorite springtime activity? What are you looking forward to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb18

Best Weekend Ever!

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Best Weekend Ever!

Hello!! After a rough few weeks, Johnny and I had the best Valentine’s Day weekend ever and it was so very needed. This year we went a more interactive approach for our presents – I helped Johnny pay for the PS5 his friend sold him and he got us tickets to a Cupid’s Revenge haunted house. As a bonus prezzie for us, he also purchased a new game called Reanimal and it is freaking AWESOME. We are avid fans of the Little Nightmares series but were both thoroughly disappointed with the third installment. Reanimal is exactly what the third one should have been and we spent all Friday night playing it! We also just had to play it a bit more before heading out on our big date on Saturday. We had an amazing dinner at Boss ChickNBeer and a wacky time at the haunted house. Check it out:

Earlier last week, Johnny texted me on his break at work with the most beautiful sentiment. He asked if I wanted to get dinner at Boss ChickNBeer before the haunted house and my answer was a resounding YES! Boss ChickNBeer is a fantastic women owned business in the greater Akron/Cleveland area. They have a few other restaurants and we are lucky enough to have one ten minutes away from us. This restaurant offers a normal menu as well as a fully vegan version of it meaning that both Johnny and I can eat like kings. We were starving by the time we got to Boss Chick as we wanted to save our appetite and our eyes were, admittedly, a bit bigger than our stomachs. We did have leftovers for days, though!

Johnny ordered the chicken tenders and fries while I opted for a side of their queso mac, cauliflower wings, and an order of onion rings to share. The food is made right in front of you at Boss Chick and those onion rings looked way too good to pass up! As always, our meals were absolutely incredible and their cauliflower wings are easily the best I have ever had. They use full on florets, the most delicious breading that is so good that you don’t even need sauce, but obvi you’re going to get their homemade sauces too! They are so very filling that I barely made a dent in mine but I got to enjoy our meal again and again with everything we took home. 😀

After dinner, we made a quick stop back at our apartment to put our takeaway containers in the fridge as it was close to fifty degrees that evening. It was like a bonus Valentine’s Day gift to put on a skimpy little something and not freeze my nads off! Then, off to the Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory we went for their Cupid’s Revenge event. The festivities began with a cocktail hour at six o’clock with the haunt opening at seven. The setup was so unbelievably cute with a light up dance floor, flower wall, photo stations, and the haunt actors lurking around for photo ops. Honestly though, it was kind of a sad affair to start with as it wasn’t a raging crowd and everyone remained glued to their own tables. That was no problem for Johnny and I because we immediately made friends to booze and schmooze with and chattered the cocktail hour away until the gates opened for the haunt.

The Cupid’s Revenge haunted house was great fun and my only regret was that it wasn’t longer as it only used one of the two spaces available for the attraction. However, it was just a hoot to have Halloween vibes on Valentine’s Day that it didn’t even matter. Of course, they couldn’t change the bones of the Haunted Schoolhouse too much but the rooms were decked out in V-Day style with bleeding hearts, red streamers, classic Valentine’s Day decor, and their cast of wonderful actors handing out tricks and treats. One gave me a mushroom which we discovered when we got home and the other gave me a bag of candy! You just never know what you’re going to get!

Once the haunt was over, we were deposited back into the dance floor area and were about to make our way home. Then, we ran into the people we mingled with during cocktail hour and figured it couldn’t hurt to stay for one more drink because the party was jumping at that point. Pop hits were playing, the dance floor was packed, and the guests and character actors alike were all having a blast! While Johnny and I had an awesome time, there was one person we know for certain that had the best time of all. There was this one actor who was literally getting paid to spank people with a paddle for the evening. And the answer is YES, we did partake. And, yes, my fanny was on fire the following day. Hey, you have to go a little crazy on Valentine’s Day lolol!

Our V-Day outing was, hands down, one of my favorite dates we have ever been on. We cannot wait to go back to the Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory for their St. Patrick’s Day haunt and party!

How was your Valentine’s Day weekend? What is your favorite V-Day candy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb17

Small Things That Can Cripple Your Confidence (And How To Overcome Them)

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Small Things That Can Cripple Your Confidence (And How To Overcome Them)

Confidence can be an unpredictable force that either propels us towards great heights or pushes us down into self-doubt and anxiety. We all experience highs and lows. Some unexpected small issues can erode even the most confident person’s sense of assurance. From missing teeth to challenges with speech that seem minor to some can feel like everything to the person experiencing it. In this blog, we will look at some of the common confidence killers, their causes and effects, and how best to overcome them all:

The Smile Struggle – Missing Teeth:

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, making a missing tooth an internalized flaw and source of insecurity in every interaction. Although others might take no notice, those dealing with missing teeth might feel exposed and think it represents neglect or imperfection. But dentistry has quickly advanced with solutions such as a single tooth implant, veneers, and bridges, which can restore your confidence and smile simultaneously.

Words That Waver – Stuttering and Speaking Challenges:

Communication is at the foundation of human interaction, so struggling to express yourself, whether through stuttering or even mild anxiety, can quickly undermine your confidence levels. Worries over judgment only deepen these feelings of discomfort further, making social or professional settings crippling. Speech therapy, support groups, and public speaking practices can work wonders in rebuilding confidence for those feeling held back by their voices.

Posture Problems and Body Language Blunders:

Slouching may not seem significant, but even slight adjustments in your posture can have an enormous effect on how you and others perceive you. Hunched positions often communicate feelings of insecurity or powerlessness, while upright ones show confidence. Fidgeting too frequently or avoiding eye contact can make interactions feel awkward while reinforcing feelings of doubt about yourself. Practicing better posture or altering body language might seem like superficial solutions, yet these techniques could greatly alter how you carry yourself as well as how others respond to you.

Skin Deep Concerns – Acne and Blemishes:

Facial issues such as acne, scars, or prominent blemishes can make anyone self-conscious. Even when people around you do not seem bothered, feelings of inadequacy can persist through social media’s constant emphasis on flawless appearances. To address such concerns requires self-compassion as well as consulting dermatologists or skincare experts in order to feel at ease in your own skin.

The Culprit of Self-Talk:

Sometimes the greatest threats to your confidence don’t originate externally but come from within. From an inner critic who exaggerates every failure, highlighting any perceived shortfall. A critical inner voice can magnify minor insecurities into larger ones that threaten your security and well-being. Cultivating an awareness of negative self-talk while replacing it with affirming messages is important for maintaining your sense of well-being and building your self-esteem.

Confidence doesn’t come from never faltering. It comes from finding courage within to stand tall once more regardless of the challenges. Each step forward shows resilience, proving no insecurity is too powerful!

Featured Image By: Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Feb17

What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

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What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

When people imagine what success in school is, they’ll usually think about things like grades (obviously), test scores, and overall academic achievement, which is all very important. But the truth is, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Kids aren’t going to thrive in school just because they’ve got the right textbooks or a strict routine – they succeed when they feel properly supported, understood, and confident enough to keep trying. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what kids really need to succeed in school:

A Sense Of Safety And Belonging:

Children learn best when they feel really secure, and that means feeling safe in the classroom, accepted by their friends and peers, and supported by teachers who understand them. When kids feel anxious, isolated, or they’re constantly on edge, it’s going to make learning a lot harder, which means a school environment that prioritizes well being as well as academics makes a massive difference and kids will probably do better there.

Encouragement, Not Pressure:

Kids need plenty of motivation, but they also need to be allowed to be human. If they’re under constant pressure to perform, that’s going to make them feel stressed and actually lower their confidence over time. Encouragement is the best thing, and much better than trying to make kids perfect (they won’t be perfect because no one is). Children do best when they’re praised for their efforts and progress and not just the results that come from their work.

Strong Relationships With Adults:

One of the best ways to know a child is going to be successful at school is if they’ve got at least one trusted adult who really believes in them. That might be a teacher, a mentor, learning support, a staff member, or anyone else. The point is, when children feel like they’re understood and supported, they’re more likely to engage, ask questions, and keep going even when things are a bit more challenging. Schools like KIS Reignwood Park tend to place a strong emphasis on nurturing these types of relationships, and that’s going to make the entire learning experience a much better one for everyone.

Learning That Feels Relevant And Engaging:

Children usually succeed when the learning they’re doing feels relevant, which is why a curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and real engagement is something that’s going to help keep kids interested and motivated. When students feel that school is something they actively play a part in rather than just something they sit through, they’ll get a lot more confident in their abilities and what they can do.

A Home Environment That Values Learning:

Parents don’t have to be teachers, but children are definitely going to benefit from a life that places a high value on learning and being curious about things. That could mean you read together, you talk about your day, and you show an interest in what they’re learning – it all creates a positive idea about school and learning, which is helpful. If kids feel supported at home, they’re going to enjoy school more, and learn more as a result.

Fostering a love for learning and a secure setting can make a big difference in your child’s academic life!

Featured Image By: RDNE Stock project

Feb17

Don’t Trip Up: Business Trip Mistakes To Avoid

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Don’t Trip Up: Business Trip Mistakes To Avoid

A productive business trip requires plenty of planning ahead. Besides thinking about how that important meeting or sales pitch is going to go, you need to consider all of the fundamentals like how you’re getting there, where you’re staying, and what you will pack. Below are just some of the blunders that could trip you up if you’re not careful:

Ignoring your company travel policy:

If you’re the boss, you get to set your own travel policy. But if you’re an employee, it’s possible you may have to stick within a strict budget and potentially stick to certain providers when it comes to hotels, flights or even restaurants. Review any company travel policy rules before you book anything so that you know what your limitations are.

Booking last minute:

Unless it’s an emergency business trip, you should avoid booking accommodations and flights at the last moment. While you can sometimes access last minute deals by booking late, you may be stuck with limited hotel options and awkward flight times. Start looking into this at least a few weeks in advance so that they’re all sorted.

Choosing the wrong type of accommodation:

Not all types of accommodation are going to be fit for your stay. While a hostel could save you money, it might not give you the comfort and privacy you need when preparing for a presentation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you don’t want to overspend on a plush hotel for a visit that may not even be that important. Don’t forget to consider short term rentals – some of these may be better suited to longer stays and they’ll give you more privacy.

Overlooking time zone differences:

It’s easy to forget about time zone differences and end up arriving later than planned. If you’ve got an early morning meeting, make sure that you’re not flying in late at night. If you have to communicate with people back at the office, make sure to also consider the time back home before calling.

Forgoing buffer time:

Consider allowing some ‘buffer time’ within your trip – this is extra time allowed for delays such as cancelled flights, late trains, heavy traffic, or accidentally arriving at the wrong building for a meeting. Arriving early before any business interactions are due and giving yourself plenty of time to get from A to B will allow you to stay relaxed and could avoid any late arrivals to important meetings.

Not packing these items:

There are a few key items that could be useful to bring on your business trip. These include:

  • Portable power bank: Bringing a portable power bank will stop you from running out of battery on your devices if you can’t find an outlet.
  • Portable Wi-Fi router: If connection is spotty and you need to conduct a presentation, a portable router could save the day.
  • Travel adapter plug: When traveling abroad, outlets may be different and will require an adapter.
  • Travel iron: This can help you to keep your clothing crease-free on the go.
  • Backup documents: In case you lose your phone or run out of battery, consider bringing paper copies of flight information, hotel bookings, or business meeting details.
  • Business cards: Useful to have for networking.

Not researching into cultural differences:

Finally, consider that there may be cultural differences – especially if you’re traveling to a different country. This could include different business customs. For example, in Japan, it’s common to use a bow instead of using a handshake and to offer a gift during business meetings. Punctuality attitudes can vary around the world too – in some countries, arriving five minutes early is advised, while in others arriving a half an hour late is not frowned upon.

With these tips, your business trip will go without a hitch!

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Feb17

Hey, Neighbor

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Hey, Neighbor

Hi everyone. These past few weeks have been an incredibly difficult time for me and Johnny. As you all know, our downstairs neighbor, Tony, held a very special place in our hearts. He was our best friend, my pseudo grandpa, and beloved co-founder of Friday Night Dinner Club. It is with deep sadness to say that he passed away on February eleventh after a long fought battle with ongoing health issues. We are totally and completely heartbroken and it has been so hard to say goodbye to someone so dear to us. However, we are beyond lucky to have had three years of beautiful memories that will forever be cherished.

When Tony moved in, we were all on the same schedule. When Johnny left for work, he was outside smoking. When I left for work, he was outside smoking. When we returned from work, you guessed it – he was outside smoking! While our chats grew in length, our friendship blossomed into all kinds of adventures. This included Friday Night Dinner Club, Saturday Afternoon Movies, going to the shooting range, shooting pool, and the most incredible time doing a drive through of the Asian Lantern Festival. One of my favorite memories has got to be when we watched the total solar eclipse together. With our protective glasses on, we spent the afternoon watching a marvel of nature, gabbed away, and cheered and whooped during the big show. It was magical.

Our apartment complex feels so empty without our Tony. Every morning I still find myself looking for him when I leave for work and anticipate having our regular afternoon chat when I return home. It breaks my heart all over again every single time he isn’t there. Tony had a smile and a kind word for every person he encountered. He was gentle, had a silly sense of humor, and was up for whatever antics we would get into during our outings. Tony was a proud father and grandfather and I can’t recall a single conversation where he wasn’t “bragging” (As we called it!) about his family. It made me feel so good when he told me he always bragged about Johnny and me too! We miss our friend beyond measure but I am so thankful for all of the fun times we had to treasure. Whether it was a quick chitchat outside or an evening on the town, it was always special because he was so special to us. ❤

Tony always would sign off the texts we would send back and forth with “love always” and this phrase has been getting me through our collective heartache. It was love always whenever we were together and it radiated so purely. We love you always, Tony and our lives are permanently better because of you. Gone, but never ever forgotten.

Feb16

How To Make Your Career Go Further

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How To Make Your Career Go Further

Making your career go further doesn’t always mean working longer hours or getting louder in meetings. You don’t also suddenly become a thought leader on LinkedIn, because that’s just cringe. But sometimes it’s just about making the smarter moves that stack up and put the odds in your favor without burning yourself out or pretending to love the hustle culture that we all prefer not to involve ourselves in. Careers tend to store when the learning stops, not because you’re not capable, but because industries evolve faster than most job descriptions. New tools are appearing every day, but the expectations are shifting with them. Skills that were impressive five years ago become just fine now and basic knowledge. Staying curious and adding fresh knowledge is one of the easiest ways to stay relevant and employable, and this is why options like an online graduate certificate in public health appeal to professionals who want to level up without putting their lives on pause. Let’s take a look at some other tools to help expand your career:

Education:

Furthering your education is not just about collecting credentials like Pokémon cards. It’s about sharpening how you think. And learning teaches you to solve problems faster and spot patterns sooner. From here, you can make decisions with more confidence in whatever career path you take. Employers pick that up. So do clients, collaborators, and promotion panels. So you don’t need to become the smartest person in the room. You just need to be sharper than you were last year.

Direction:

This is another underrated career booster. Plenty of people work hard, but they tend to drift. Taking time to learn something new can help you to clarify where you’re actually going in your career. Are you aiming for a leadership role? Do you want a career pivot? Are you looking to have more impact, or do you want to make more money? No judgement, it costs a lot to live these days. Education gives you a structured way to explore what’s next rather than panic applying for random roles at midnight. You also have to consider your confidence when you invest in yourself. You show up differently for everybody around you, you speak with moral authority, and you volunteer for projects that you might have dodged before.

Flexibility:

Being able to go with the flow really does matter. Modern careers rarely follow a neat ladder anymore. They zigzag, they pivot. People swap industries, go freelance, step into a hybrid role, or combine skills in unexpected ways. Education that fits around work and life makes it much easier to adapt without blowing everything up. You don’t need to quit your job or disappear for years to move forward. Remember that careers are marathons, not sprints. Big leaps often come from small, consistent upgrades. Progress doesn’t always look flashy, but it does add up to big wins.

If your career is feeling a bit stuck, it’s not time to panic. You don’t need a dramatic reinvention, you just need momentum and intention with it, and a willingness to keep learning. The glow-up will always follow through!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb16

Lil Red’s Book Club: A Killing Cold By Kate Alice Marshall Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: A Killing Cold By Kate Alice Marshall Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing a thriller by Kate Alice Marshall called A Killing Cold. My sister, mom, and I tend to read the same books and this was passed down to me from my big sis once she was done reading it. About halfway through the book, she told me she was enjoying it. Then, upon completion she changed her sentiment as it was far too far fetched for her liking. I agree with this wholeheartedly. It started strong enough but I was SO ready for it to be over when there was about sixty pages left. Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on A Killing Cold for domestic violence, general violence, child abuse, and disturbing content. Now, let’s get to it:

Theo and Connor met at a party and both of them felt like they had seen each other before. But where? And when? Call it fate, but a whirlwind romance began and after six short months they are engaged to be married. Theo came from a troubled background. She has no idea who her real parents are and is permanently estranged from her adoptive family after years of trauma they caused. Connor, on the other hand, lived a life of wealth and privilege. His family, the Daltons, are powerful in ways that regular people would never understand. They protect their own, keep secrets buried, and go through life with the air of those who are untouchable.

Every Christmas, the Daltons spend two weeks in their luxury mountain retreat and it will be Theo’s first time meeting them. As she braces herself for their interrogations, she begins receiving texts that warn her to stay far away from Connor. She chalks it up to a jealous ex or perhaps one of Connor’s siblings looking out for him for moving too fast. Besides, it’s too late to cancel the trip now and she is head over heels for her fiance. To the mountains they go and upon their arrival, Theo can’t help but feel that she has been there before.

Her welcome from her new family is icy, if not frigid. They are sizing her up and appear to have every intention of scaring her away. After all, Theo is a poor girl who now has unimaginable wealth falling into her lap. As much as she would like to turn on her heels and run, she holds firm. Of course, she is there for Connor, but for the first time fragments of memories from her early childhood are returning to her. What used to be dicey images pulled from nightmares are piecing together. Real or imagined, one thing is for sure: The Dalton family has something to hide.

As the days on the mountain drag on, Theo begins to explore. She is particularly drawn to an abandoned cabin that the family no longer has use for. In this cabin, a small semblance of truth is revealed. Theo can remember the small bed with flowers on the sheets. It was hers. And, tucked away, she finds a photo of a little girl with Connor’s late father smiling in the snow. There is no longer any denying it. Theo’s childhood began and ended in the mountains. She remembers fleeting moments of her and her mother pretending they live in an enchanted forest. Until it all came to an abrupt halt because her mother was wearing a blue scarf that turned red. What happened to Theo’s mother? And how far will the Daltons go to keep the truth buried? Read A Killing Cold to find out!

A Killing Cold was a shining example of a disappointing thriller. Sure, it had the twists and turns. Were they any good? Not really lol. When I am reading a novel of suspense, I love when they are just plausible enough to have some truth to it. Alice Kate Marshall spun a story with A Killing Cold but it was a plot that couldn’t stand on solid ground. As I read, all I could think about was the example of a Hallmark movie where a girl ends up with her childhood pen pal. It’s a story, yes, but it is as unlikely as the grass being purple.

As I turned the pages, A Killing Cold became more and more convoluted and there came a point when I just had enough. With a quarter of the book left, I was damn near begging for it to be over. The poorly placed Red Herrings, overplayed dysfunctional family trope, and the constant shifting of blame was just too much. It felt like Kate Alice Marshall threw Every. Single. classic thriller writing tool at the wall to see what stuck. Sadly, few of these attempts helped push the painstakingly slow plot forward and I felt nothing but sheer relief by the time the last page was read. A Killing Cold was a total and complete dud.

In a shocking plot twist of my own, I will be rating A Killing Cold with zero out of ten stars. I understand this book has received a fair amount of hype and I promise you it is not worth it. I wasted my time so you don’t have to waste yours! ❤

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