Updating Your Kitchen For A Fresh Look

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Updating Your Kitchen For A Fresh Look

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a freshly renovated kitchen, is there? So if you’re looking to give your kitchen an updated feel without the hassle of a full renovation, then this blog post is for you. We’ll be talking about how to make those changes that will have the biggest impact on your home and help you get started with a budget-friendly remodel:

New kitchen countertop:

The first thing you should consider when renovating your kitchen is a new countertop. While it may seem like a small detail, there’s no denying that this subtle change can go a long way in enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. New granite or quartz counters will give off an elegant appearance while creating a smooth surface for cooking tasks such as chopping vegetables or preparing snacks.

Lighter colors make rooms appear more spacious so try experimenting with different shades to see what works best with your existing decor scheme. If choosing darker tones, then keep accessories on top limited to stainless steel appliances and white dinnerware sets for clean contrast against the dark finish. If you are having a difficult time selecting a color scheme with the options before you, you might want to consider doing custom countertops instead. This will ensure that it is a perfect match to your kitchen and tastes.

Throw away old cookware and cutlery:

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen update is adding in new appliances and furnishings while forgetting about their old cookware. If your pots, pans, and other utensils are on their last legs, then now’s the time to upgrade them for something more functional.

Throw away any broken or scratched items and get rid of those you never use anymore (do they really belong in a box at the back of your cupboard?). Don’t let yourself be tempted by cheap promotional deals; instead, invest in some long lasting, high quality cooking essentials such as stainless steel frying pans, cast iron skillets, copper saucepans, and ceramic knives. These will not only help with food preparation but will look great on your new kitchen countertop.

New kitchen wall tiles:

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your kitchen an updated feel is by installing new wall tiles. Whether you choose a traditional or contemporary design, adding some new tiles will completely transform the look of your cooking area. If you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and practical, then consider using tile panels instead of standard square tiles. These panels are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can find the perfect style to match your existing decor. Plus, they’re less likely to crack or chip over time, making them a more durable option than traditional ceramic tiles.

Replace old appliances:

If you’re serious about giving your kitchen an updated feel, then it’s time to say goodbye to those old, dated appliances. While they may have served you well in the past, they’re no match for today’s high-tech models. Replacing your oven, fridge, and other appliances can be a costly task, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run.

Not only do new appliances look great, but they also come with a range of features that make cooking and food storage easier than ever before. Alternatively, you could consider utilizing the help of vierascheibner appliance repair to make your old appliances work like new again! So, if you’re thinking of doing some major renovations in the near future, then don’t forget to factor in replacement appliances as part of your budget.

With these simple tips under your belt, you’ll be able to give your kitchen an updated feel in no time at all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

TJMaxx Haul: Scotch & Soda Pajama Style Blazer Edition

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TJMaxx Haul: Scotch & Soda Pajama Style Blazer Edition

Hello! It has been a while since I had a big TJMaxx haul so I decided that it was definitely time to change that. 😀 This past week, my online order finally arrived in the mail and I am obsessed with all of the goodies that I picked out for myself. After So. Much. Holiday. Shopping. I thought that I deserved a treat too!

Today, we will be discussing an amazing pajama style blazer by Scotch & Soda. My only regret? That I didn’t buy the matching pants! Let’s get to it:

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I must admit that when I originally ordered this blazer, I didn’t have high hopes for it and had plans of it being one of the pieces that I returned. But, man, was I wrong because this is one of my favorite purchases from my shopping. What I thought might look like I forgot to get dressed in the morning turned out to be oh so fabulous and I can’t wait to wear it to work/out and about.

This Scotch & Soda blazer was part of a matching set and as soon as I tried it on, I instantly was kicking myself for not ordering the pants too. After my fashion show, I raced to the computer to see if they were still available and, sadly, my size was sold out. I thought that the full set would be a bit much and I genuinely don’t know what I was thinking because “a bit much” isn’t part of Lil Red’s vocabulary.

While I would have liked to see this set in its completion, I still love the blazer as an individual piece just the same. The colors are muted but so rich and they really pop against its black background. I also can’t get enough of the piping throughout the blazer for a touch of pajama party chic!

During my online shopping, I was looking for pieces that could double for work and play and I think that this blazer hit the nail on the head. This is something that I could easily wear to my office or for a date day with Johnny. It’s also light enough that I could sport it during multiple seasons for ultimate versatility.

Whether paired with skinny jeans or a little black skirt, I am dying to style my new blazer so be on the lookout for OOTD pics soon. And, keep it posted for more from my TJMaxx Haul! ❤

How do you feel about clothing sets? How would you style this blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Shoot For The Stars Pt. 2 Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Shoot For The Stars Pt. 2 Edition

Hi! This past week, I enjoyed a nice hot bath with the Shoot For The Stars bath bomb from Lush compliments of my beautiful best friend’s Christmas gift. Kate of Live In The Nautical knows me so well because Lush products are my favorite and it has been a long while since I have used a bath bomb from there. If I could, I would use one every day!

This is a bath bomb that has actually been discussed already on lifewithlilred. However, I have much better pictures this time thanks to my new phone so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to showcase the Starry Night magic one more time. Check it out:

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What I love the most about bath bombs from Lush is that, no matter what, they put on a great show. As soon as the Shoot For The Stars bomb hit the water, it sprung into action coloring the bath water a stunning cerulean dotted with twinkling stars. I loved seeing the swirling, twirling streaks of white, gold glitter, and navy blue and the water almost looked too pretty to even want to go in once the bath bomb fizzed out.

The Shoot For The Stars bath bomb lasted about five minutes before it was complete and the runaway stars fully dissolved after ten. For an extra dose of hydration, I rubbed the stars into my skin and my legs felt so moisturized even after shaving. Not to mention how freaking luxurious I felt soaking in my bath tub that looked worthy of a Van Gogh painting!

During a normal bubble bath, I am always fine with exiting the water fairly quickly. However, with this bath bomb I must have stayed in the tub for at least a half hour and even after a long soak I was still disappointed to lift the drain stopper. But, just because the water was gone doesn’t mean that the Shoot For The Stars surprises stopped. My skin felt soft and nourished and remained that way for several days after. Such a perfect way to get rid of dry, winter skin!

I rated this bath bomb with an eight out of ten stars during my last review. But, my opinion has changed and I will be awarding it with: ten out of ten stars. The Shoot For The Stars bath bomb is an amazing way to introduce yourself or giftees to Lush products and I would happily use it again… and again, and again. 😀

What is your favorite bath bomb from Lush? How do you like to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Silver & Holographic Lavender Nails

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New Silver & Holographic Lavender Nails

Hello! These past few weeks of work have been really difficult so I have been absolutely dying to get my nails done at Elysian Nails. As soon as I am in the chair of my nail tech or hair stylist, I can instantly feel my stress melt away as the pampering and wonderful conversation commences. As a total material girl, shopping or time at the salon is basically my cure all for everything! Hey, if it’s not broken don’t fix it, right? 😀

As you all know, I am not a huge fan of themed holiday nails but I wanted to do something wintry to commemorate the holiday season. Instead, I ended up with intergalactic nails that remind me of that old Disney Channel movie, Zenon: Z3 lol. Check it out:

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As you can see, my new nails definitely don’t fit the bill for holiday themed at all but I still love them just the same! Prior to coming to Elysian, I had silver on my mind because it makes me think of freshly fallen snow. Then, at the nail polish wall, I saw the holographic lavender and said “why not?” Reminiscent of winter? No. Still fabulous? For sure!

As always, my nail tech did an amazing job on my nails and shaped them to perfection as well as made the nail I busted a weekend ago good as new. Girl talking and laughing for an hour and a half also helped to cheer me up and I left the salon feeling like a million bucks – as per ushie.

Elysian Nails is my happy place, safe haven, and shelter from the storm. Just like the Shear Shop and TJMaxx, it’s a place where the world makes sense lol. I am so thankful to the wonderful staff for their friendship, care, and treating everyone who comes in like royalty. I hope that they have the happiest of holidays and can’t wait to come back in the new year! ❤

What is your favorite Disney Channel movie (Life Size is mine!)? Where is your happy place? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Face Mask Festivities: Holler And Glow Hangover SOS Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Holler And Glow Hangover SOS Sheet Mask Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the final Face Mask Festivities post from my Target Haul! I have so enjoyed pampering myself with the masks I purchased – both the good and the bad. And, I hope that the next time you make a Target run, these reviews will point you in the right direction of which face masks to buy and the ones that you can skip on.

Today, we will be discussing the Hangover SOS sheet mask by Holler And Glow. I admit, that I probably should have used this one this past Sunday lol! Let’s get to it:

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^^^ Lol

I will be completely honest with all of you… The only reason that I bought this mask in the first place was for the pattern! The donuts look like little frogs and I think that it is the cutest thing. Unfortunately, this sheet mask was one that I should have acknowledged was adorable and moved on because it was not the best.

In terms of staying in place, the Hangover SOS sheet mask was okay. The top half was fine but the bottom half gave me some grief and I had to adjust it a considerable amount of times in its fifteen minute sitting period. I actually couldn’t wait to take it off for that reason so while I waited I was literally just counting down the minutes. As you can imagine, it was not the most relaxing face mask session.

The results of this mask were also below average. My skin felt nice after using it but it didn’t feel any more hydrated or nourished than when I complete my regular skin care routine. The Holler And Glow sheet mask costed me four dollars and, although it was a cute novelty mask, the buck pretty much stopped there. This is one that you can most definitely pass on. WHOMP WHOMP!

Despite more duds than winners in my face mask haul, I still had fun creating this Face Mask Festivities series. Now, fingers crossed that I will get lots of face mask stocking stuffers so that the pampering can continue into the new year!

Have you used the Holler And Glow brand before? What did you think of it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

 

Using Events As A Powerful Business Tool

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Using Events As A Powerful Business Tool

As a business owner, you always need to concern yourself with how you are going to get your brand in front of others. What can you do to stand out from the crowd and make a real impression? Events are an opportunity for brands to show themselves in the best possible light. You want to make sure that you are networking effectively and giving off the real impression of what your business is all about.

There is a lot that needs to be considered here. You need to start marketing from the office before the event takes place. You also need to think about how you are going to follow up with excellent content after the event too. Soona is a great content creation platform for visual photographs and the like, so it’s worth checking out this Soona Photography review for more information so that you can make your event a massive success.

Of course, you need to consider the room itself when branding any sort of corporate event. You will want it to have excellent styling and to represent your brand well. To do this, you will need to incorporate your corporate color and you should make sure that you have posters and other forms of advertising hanging up, as well.

In some cases, you may even use catering services to provide refreshments or a fantastic business lunch. This can work well at award shows, upscale client meetings, or even professional events such as when you bring all of the district managers together for the yearly ball. There’s nothing like food to bring people together.

You will want to consider the venue that you select for the occasion. There are a lot of quirky venues, which are different from the norm. This gives you a unique way of marketing effectively and making a lasting impression. After all, this is the sort of thing that people are going to be talking about for a long time, which is exactly what you want. Feeling overwhelmed yet? It’s understandable! There’s a lot that goes into creating a successful event. Should you need an extra hand when it comes to selecting a venue or decorating and preparing the space, it is worth looking into an event design company to assist. Then, you can focus on other priorities knowing you have a great team behind you.

In addition to the points that have been mentioned so far, think about the different ways that you can go that extra mile to make the guests feel special and hammer home the point that your business is a professional one. Little touches can go a long way in this regard, so it is something you should think about carefully. From the food you serve to the way the venue is decorated, think about what this says about your brand.

Of course, you may also want to spend a little bit of time online looking for ideas and inspiration. Social media is a great tool because you can learn about the things that people did wrong and the mistakes they made, as well as the things they got right. You can also use the likes of Pinterest and Instagram for image inspiration on how to make your venue look incredible too. Pay close attention to the lighting in your inspiration pictures and use it to your advantage. Do you want bold and bright for a business conference? Or atmospheric for a Black Tie event? Then, you can consult with a professional team for staging and lighting Hawaii (or your local area) to create your vision. The right lighting can really elevate the entire event!

Remember that a business event should have some fun involved and that means having some fun with the planning process too. If you find yourself feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or crunched for time, it might be a good time to call in an assist to ensure the event’s success. Look into a team for event production in Denver (or your local area) and make some calls to see if they can help you achieve what you can’t do alone. This could be as simple as having an A/V expert step in or as involved as restaging your chosen venue. When everyone is having a great time networking and enjoying the company, you will be so glad you got some extra help!

Planning a business event is a lot of work and you might not be interested in creating one yourself. That’s okay too! Your employees can always go on wellness retreats, team building workshops, or educational events and Q&As like those hosted by Elegance Group events. As long as your team is together, it doesn’t matter where the event takes place or who it is run by. The purpose of events is to network, learn something new, and grow together.

As you can see, there is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to branding your business through events. We hope that the ideas we have mentioned above will be a great helping hand for you. Events can be powerful but only if you approach them correctly!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Face Mask Festivities: Burt’s Bees Brightening Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Burt’s Bees Brightening Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! We are nearing the end of the Face Mask Festivities posts from my Target Haul and I hope that they have proved useful to you as you purchase your last minute stocking stuffers for the holidays. I know that I have enjoyed the extra pampering! 😀

Today, we are going to be discussing the most expensive mask that I purchased – a brightening sheet mask by Burt’s Bees. I didn’t even know that this brand had face masks too and at five or so dollars, it felt like a splurge. I thought that this mask would work well considering its price but it ended up being one of my least favorite ones from my haul. Let’s discuss:

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^^^ Lol

While most of the masks that I bought were specifically for dry skin due to the cold, I never say no to some extra brightening and added the Burt’s Bees mask to my cart. I was really excited to try this mask because I had such high hopes for it and this probably left me even more disappointed with the results – or lack thereof.

I will start by saying that this mask stayed put on my face very well, which I was impressed by. It fit nice and snug and once it was on, there was minimal sliding off for the ten plus minutes of wearing it. Unfortunately, that’s about all that the Burt’s Bees Brightening mask had going for it. -_-

After removing the mask, I couldn’t wait to see how my skin looked and I noticed no visible differences. When it comes to judging the effectiveness of a mask, I hope to see my skin looking better than when I complete my normal skin care routine. While the mask did feel good, the results were pretty much nonexistent and is one that I wouldn’t buy again.

Five dollars is incredibly cheap for a face mask but the ones from Target that I was most impressed with were over a dollar less. You are not missing out by not buying this mask so five dollars saved is five dollars earned… You’re welcome! ❤ Haha, tune in tomorrow for the last face mask from my haul!

What are your thoughts on this mask if you have used it? What is your favorite drugstore brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What Have I Been Up To?

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What Have I Been Up To?

Hello!! It has been a busy time for yours truly between work, the blog, skating practice, and holiday preparations but I think that things are finally slowing down. I am pleased to report that almost all of my presents are wrapped and I am very much looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family! ❤

Johnny and I haven’t been up to anything too exciting lately other than the fact that we are almost done watching Criminal Minds in its entirety. This is very bittersweet for the both of us because we are fricken obsessed with that show lol. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up rewatching it once we’re done because we will miss Matthew Gray Gubler way too much – he’s our favorite/best friend in our heads. 😀

When we aren’t binging on our programs, I have been playing Animal Crossing every chance I can get. I am still loving the new update so much and am really enjoying Happy Home Paradise – it’s so fun! I will admit that the game can be tedious at times but my days don’t feel complete without playing it… Sometimes I even get up extra early for work to get some playing time in and watch an episode of Black Clover before I leave. And, eventually, I will get to digging up all of the overgrown flowers on my island. The key word being eventually, of course!

According to my calculations, there are nine days left until Christmas and I am hoping that they pass by quickly. To be honest, I’m even getting annoyed with myself constantly asking if I can tell all of my giftees what I got them! Until then, Johnny and I will be filling our time with our favorite shows, weekend game nights, and laughing at how I look when I use a sheet face mask. 🙂

What has everyone been up to lately? Anything exciting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Stress Relievers To Help You Unwind

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Stress Relievers To Help You Unwind

Stress is a part of life and even though you cannot always control your circumstances, you can easily control how you respond to a situation. If you want to find out more, then simply take a look below:

Meditate:

Meditation will offer you a lot of short-term stress relief. You may even find that it helps you to develop your own mantra as well. you can repeat this in your mind as you take slow and deep breaths. You might also want to take a few minutes to practice mindfulness too. This will help you to be in the present moment. All you have to do is pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. If you can make yourself focused on what is happening right now, then you won’t be as likely to focus on things that have already happened.

There are countless apps and classes that can guide you through meditation routines and it is up to you to find the best fit. Should you find comfort in a group setting, take the time to research some meditation studios in the area. You might find that additional services like reiki and aromatherapy are offered as well to deepen your relaxation and healing journey. Simply enter a search for “reiki healing near you” to find a well reviewed studio to refresh and guide you. It could be just what you need to melt that stress away.

Muscle Relaxation:

Progressive muscle relaxation often involves trying to relax all of the muscles in your body. You need to do this group by group and take some deep breaths too. It is a good idea to start with your head and work your way down to your toes. If you can practice, then you will be able to learn how to recognize tightness in your muscles and you can also help yourself to relax more easily. Another excellent way to soothe aching muscles is with some heat. By entering a search for “steam rooms to book near me“, you can find a local sauna to visit to recharge and loosen those muscles in.

Take a Walk:

Exercise is a great stress reliever and it can work in a matter of minutes. Taking a walk gives you the chance to change your scenery and it also helps to put you in a better frame of mind. This will give you all of the benefits that you get with exercise too!

Give Someone a Hug:

Physical touch can help you to relieve your stress more than you realize. When you hug someone, you will release oxytocin, and this is known as the “cuddle hormone”. This is associated with happiness, and it can also go a long way when it comes to relieving stress too. Another great thing about this hormone is that it helps to reduce your blood pressure. It’s a win/win. 😀

Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy offers a lot of major benefits when it comes to stress relief. It helps you to feel more relaxed and it also helps you to feel like you are in the current moment more as well. Research is showing time and time again that scents can alter your brain wave activity and they can also boost the amount of feel-good hormones in the body. Light your favorite scented candle to see what we mean!

Create some Art:

Coloring is a fantastic stress reliever and research has shown consistently that it can offer you a meditative effect. Those who color using complex patterns often report way less stress during the day. Not to mention how much fun it is!

Balanced Diet:

A bad diet can make you far more reactive to stress. Emotional eating with high fat and high sugar food can give you a sense of relief but it can lead to you experiencing even more stress in the future. Refined carbohydrates such as cookies or potato chips can cause your blood sugar to spike. When this happens, you will then experience a sugar crash, and this can make you way more likely to experience stress and anxiety.

Make Time for Leisure:

It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy making your own quilts or whether you love to play basketball because this is the key to helping you unwind. If you love watching sports, why not try and play one? You can also lookup the best NBA odds if you live for live games.

Positive Self-Talk:

The way that you talk to yourself does matter. That little voice at the back of your head has a far bigger impact than you realize, and you may even find that it causes you more stress. Talk to yourself in a realistic way and focus on being compassionate too. Positive self-talk will help you to develop a much healthier outlook on your life and to manage your emotions better.

The past year and change has been grueling, to say the least. Use the tips above for a mentally stronger and healthier you in the new year!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Face Mask Festivities: Yes To Tomatoes Anti-Pollution Bubbling Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Yes To Tomatoes Anti-Pollution Bubbling Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy and welcome to a new edition of Face Mask Festivities! Today, we are going to be discussing an absolute delight of a sheet mask from my Target haul. The Yes To Tomatoes Anti-Pollution Bubbling Sheet Mask had it all and my only regret is that I didn’t buy five more of them! If you are a lover of charcoal skin care products, like myself, then have I got a face mask for you:

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If you have read my Face Mask Festivities posts before, then you will know that I am not incredibly partial to most sheet masks. I find it SO annoying how they never stay put on your face once you put them on! From the jump, I was impressed by this bubbling sheet mask because once I applied it, it didn’t budge on my face for the entire fifteen minutes I had it on. GREAT SUCCESS!

As soon as this mask was on, it began bubbling and fizzing as if I just opened a bottle of champagne. Within five minutes, the mask was full of bubbly bliss and I loved hearing the noises that it made. I have never used a bubbling sheet mask before and it was such a unique experience that I definitely want to have again.

While my face mask sat, I could literally feel it working to get all of the grime out of my skin. Recently, I began using an oil serum that I was gifted with. Now, normally, I shy away from oil based products but I figured that the extra hydration boost during the winter couldn’t hurt. Although my skin feels ultra nourished from it, the serum has clogged my pores and I was hoping that this mask would help.

And, help it did! The Yes To Tomatoes Bubbling Sheet Mask gave my skin the ultimate deep clean that was so invigorating and left my skin feeling tingly with an icy blast. My skin looked much more radiant and healthy and it was as if my pores were never even clogged in the first place. I couldn’t believe it!

This mask costed about four dollars and I have never been so pleased with a drugstore product before. For four bucks, I felt like I got a spa treatment and I cannot recommend it enough. Next time I am at Target, I will be buying several more of this mask because I am already chomping at the bit to use it again!

Have you ever used the Yes To products before? What did you think of them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah