Aug12

4 Life Upgrades That Work Wonders

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4 Life Upgrades That Work Wonders

Learning to upgrade your life can take many different forms. You could learn how to improve your mindset or start exercising more. The general consensus is that if you want to upgrade your life, it’s all about building good habits and, more importantly, having the discipline to practice them every single day. So with this in mind, what does it take to upgrade your life using the right habits?

Take Pride in Your Surroundings:

Pride is something that doesn’t come before a fall, provided we take pride in the things we know we’ve worked hard on. For example, if you spent a long time working for your home, that notion of being proud is a great thing, and it is a reminder that you put your mind, body, and soul into something that will reap dividends in years to come. But if you don’t have pride in your surroundings, your home can do with simple upgrades. For example, having a Renewal by Andersen window replacement can give you a simple way to have a window to the world. The simple upgrades around the home can evoke that feeling of being house proud.

Get Outside:

One of the benefits of opening up the windows to the world is that you will get more sunlight, and getting outside is so important for many reasons. It can reset your circadian rhythm, give you that all-important Vitamin D, and it can also improve your focus and your mental health. When you are out in the sun breathing in the fresh air, it can help you to refocus your life and is one of the simplest ways for you to feel healthier almost instantly. If you double this up with an exercise routine outdoors, you are giving yourself additional benefits.

Managing Your Time:

Upgrading your life is not about setting a million challenges for yourself, but is about making sure that you meet each goal one day at a time. One of the best ways to upgrade your life is to set challenges but make sure that you learn to prioritize and allot the relevant time you need to complete everything necessary. We all feel like we do not have the time to do everything we want, especially when it comes to self-care. This is why learning to manage our time effectively is important, because it gives us the opportunity to complete the tasks we want and feel more accomplished.

Stop Fearing Failure:

Everybody fails, it is a fact of life. Failure is the key to success, and while failure feels terrible at the time, it is only fleeting. It gives us the greatest lesson of all, the lesson of resilience. And if you are looking to upgrade your life, you’ve got to look at the people you admire and see how many times they actually failed. They failed more than you think! As soon as you learn to embrace this failure, you will learn to keep working in spite of it which will guarantee you better results.

Ready, set, upgrade your life with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Aug12

1,000 Post Countdown Giveaway

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1,000 Post Countdown Giveaway

Hello!! I am thirty-six days away from a 1,000 day streak of writing on lifewithlilred and I cannot begin to tell all of you how excited I am! There will be a giveaway once I have achieved my 1,000 streak status but I thought I would offer a bonus one too. This giveaway will be limited to the United States, however, the grand finale giveaway will be world wide.

If you all recall, I had an extremely unfortunate online shopping experience with Wildly Untamed Boutique when it came to ordering shoes for my wedding. Because of their ridiculous return policy, I was not able to return a pair of heels that I ordered which didn’t fit to a United States location. I would have spent hundreds returning them to China, which was more than I originally spent to begin with.

The heels that didn’t fit have been sitting untouched in my apartment since they arrived in May and while I could try selling them, I would prefer for them to go to a fellow fashionista, instead. So, if you are a shoe lover and are a size six and a half, then I have got a giveaway for you! Check it out:

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Giveaway Rules:

  1. Follow lifewithlilred
  2. Like this post
  3. Share this post to your blog
  4. Bonus entry if you share this to your social media
  5. Leave me a comment letting me know you completed the first three or all four tasks! And, as mentioned before, you must be a United States resident.

Despite the not so great experience I had with purchasing my wedding shoes off of Wildly Untamed Boutique, there is no denying that these heels are gorgeous. This giveaway will close out after one week so get those entries in ASAP. Best of luck! ❤

What is your favorite store to shop for shoes at? What does your favorite pair of shoes look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Aug11

Fun & Games: It’s A Snap Pt. 2

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Fun & Games: It’s A Snap Pt. 2

Hi!!! Johnny and I love to play video games together and I look forward to every weekend when we stay up late, play games, and listen to music. One of my favorite recent releases for the Nintendo Switch is, easily, Pokemon Snap and I have been loving it since it came out in April. Despite having played every course in the game too many times to count, I always seem to discover something new and that’s what makes the game so exciting.

While every course to explore in Pokemon Snap is insanely fun, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for an update of the game every day since Johnny and I beat the main story line. And, finally, on August third my thoughts and prayers were answered with an update that made the game feel brand new again. With more settings to explore, more Pokemon, and new features to the Neo-One this update was everything I wanted it to be AND MORE.

Johnny and I spent a solid two hours this past Friday evening playing the new levels which includes a day and nighttime course of a rushing river, a desert setting, and my favorite: The inside of a tree trunk! That’s right, the Neo-One can now shrink into the size of a toy car making all of the Pokemon huge and providing for amazing photo ops. This allowed me to get new pictures of old Pokemon – some of which were four star (a-thank you!) – and update my Pokedex with brand new Pokemon like Shroomish and the adorable Foongus. 😀

The inside of the tree in the Florio Nature Park definitely took the cake for me and Johnny was partial to the river. We both agree that our favorite addition to the game was being able to photograph Psyduck because he is so goofy! Every time we hit him with a fluff fruit we were in stitches!

When I learned that Pokemon Snap would be receiving an update, I assumed a few new Pokemon would be added to levels that already existed. This exceeded what I had in mind completely and all I can think about as I write this is how I want to play some more. All I can say is bravo, brava, and bring on the next update baby!

What is your favorite course in Pokemon Snap? What is your favorite Pokemon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Keeping Safe At Home During A Heatwave

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Keeping Safe At Home During A Heatwave

When a heatwave strikes, everything becomes more dangerous. Spending too much time outdoors can lead to an array of serious issues, and many activities become off limits as a result of high temperatures or water limitations. It can be hard to figure out how to stay safe during a heatwave, especially if you haven’t had much experience with extreme weather in the past. Thankfully, there are a few key tips and tricks that you can make the most of to protect yourself despite the unrelenting sunshine. Read on to uncover some of the most effective steps that you can follow to keep cool and calm this summer:

Protect Your Property:

Your home should act as a safe sanctuary during a heatwave and there are many different ways that you can create a cool, refreshing environment in which you and your family can stay refreshed and healthy. The color of your home’s exterior can contribute massively towards its overall temperature as dark colors are more likely to absorb the heat whereas light colors like white can reflect it.

It’s a good idea to invest in a set of shutters that you can install outside of your windows because once closed this will act as a barrier between your home and the intense sun outside. You will be able to keep your windows open to benefit from a breeze without filling the room with sunshine, so it’s the perfect solution for a hot day. Installing an air conditioning unit may be something that you want to consider, but it’s important to note that the unit itself will emit a lot of heat which can intensify under the harsh summer sun. Stick with a simple fan if you want a cooler breeze, which is also far more environmentally conscious.

Adapt Your Garden:

It’s absolutely vital that you make an effort to adapt your garden to better suit the heatwave and its risks, as there are certain features that can pose a serious danger in the event of severe sunshine. For example, leaving piles of old branches, leaves, and grass cuttings out to dry may have been an acceptable activity during the winter, but this can easily lead to a fire if you make such a mistake during a heatwave. You don’t need to read a property damage restoration FAQ page to know that a fire in your garden could spread to your house in less than a couple of seconds, so you must be vigilant and adapt your outside space to suit the extreme weather that’s headed your way.

Heatwaves can come with a few benefits, as it’s a great time to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that thrive on the intense sunlight. Extra spicy chilies, sweet melons, and juicy tomatoes will be great in your garden, so you may as well make the most of the opportunity to get some home grown vitamins to power you through the heatwave!

Stay cool this summer by adapting your property to the extreme heat!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug10

Level Up: Improve Your Lifestyle & Mindset In 2021

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Level Up: Improve Your Lifestyle & Mindset In 2021

Do you ever feel like you are stagnating in life? Do you want more out of your daily routine but don’t know where to start? It is time for a change. This blog post will help guide you through the process of improving your lifestyle and mindset as we draw closer to another new year:

Eliminate Instant Gratification:

The phrase ‘instant gratification’ is so prevalent in society that you don’t even recognize it, so you’re quick to want the short term payoff. But, what would happen if you slowed down, took your time with life, and savored every moment? Start living your life intentionally this year by being mindful of what matters to you the most in all areas- health, relationships, work, money. Don’t let instant gratification get the better of you. Instead, take time to think about all of the wonderful things in your life.

Reduce Codependency:

Codependency is a natural part of life and healthy relationships are full of it. But too much dependency can be damaging, especially if you get used to relying on others for everything in your life. The best way to avoid codependency is by taking care of you first, before thinking about others (or even worse, always putting them first). This shift will not only benefit you but your loved ones, as well.

Even if it’s just for a few minutes every day or week, spend some time alone. The time spent alone does not need to be boring; it can be fun and fulfilling. For example, you can care for your pet and give him his veterinarian prescriptions treatment. Afterwards, a trip to the park is definitely in order!

Exercise:

What is your exercise routine? What do you think it takes to be fit and healthy? Exercise has a significant impact on your quality of life. Exercise benefits include increased muscle tone, improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, and decreased stress levels. Exercising can also help improve your mood by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream.

Don’t Take Things Personally:

The first step to change your mindset is not taking things personally. It also helps to have a positive outlook on life, no matter what you face. To get there, start by not taking anything too seriously and avoid over-thinking everything that happens to you. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to take loved ones’ actions personally and get frustrated or even angry with them. However, learn how to let things go when this happens by detaching from your feelings and knowing that it isn’t about you.

Eliminate Distractions:

The first step to a better life is eliminating distractions. Frequently, you get so caught up in the day-to-day that you don’t notice how much time and effort your routine is costing you. To eliminate distractions, try minimizing your time on social media accounts. When you delete or limit these distractions from your life, you have more time to do other things like tending to your own self care.

Successful people don’t just reach their goals, they exceed them. So can you! Set higher standards for yourself and use the tips in this article to achieve those increased expectations. The last essential direction of succeeding is never to forget to have fun! You should enjoy life so go out there and take on the world!

Featured Image By: Los Muertos Crew from Pexels

Aug10

Amazon Skin Care Haul

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Amazon Skin Care Haul

Heyyy! It is no secret that Lil Red is an absolute skin care fanatic and I love testing out new products as well as revisiting old favorites. I have a strict morning and nighttime skin care routine that I follow and I always have to keep my beauty hoard well stocked. As soon as I notice that I am running low on a product, I turn to Amazon to replenish it and this is my haul from my most recent restock:

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During the pandemic, it was a rarity for me to wear makeup when I went to work because there was nothing for my clients and I to do but stay at home. Fast forward to this past month, however, and I have been painting my face at least four times a week. Three for my new job in a public setting and four if Johnny and I go out over the weekend.

Wearing makeup means that it must be removed before I begin my nighttime skin care routine and I have been going through Garnier Micellar Water like crazy. It is so gentle but effective in removing my makeup, even my mascara which can sometimes be difficult to wash off. Not only is the micellar water excellent at makeup removal but it also makes my skin feel so clean without having to wash it with a cleanser.

It feels amazing to go to work sporting super cute business casual outfits and having my makeup done because it has been forever since I was able to do that. Having to restock my micellar water more often is just a small price to pay for it!

You might notice something different about this Amazon Skin Care Haul and that is because my usual Eclat Vitamin C Serum was unavailable. Since using the Eclat serum, I have been obsessed and I love the price (seven dollars per bottle) and noticeable difference it has on my skin.

I didn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a new Vitamin C serum after being so spoiled with the seven dollar Eclat bottles. Some of the serums on Amazon were upwards of twenty dollars and there was nothing cheaper than what I was paying. So, I decided to go with the Vitamin C serum by Tree Of Life. While it was a tad more expensive at ten dollars per bottle, it got great reviews and into the cart it went. I am excited to try it out but I will be purchasing more of my Eclat as soon as it is available again!

Which skin care products can you not live without? What is your morning or nighttime skin care routine like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

1,000 Post Countdown!

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1,000 Post Countdown!

Hello!!! In thirty-nine short days, I will have reached a 1,000 post streak for writing on lifewithlilred. That’s 1,000 days of writing in a row and, my goodness, has it gone by quickly! I had no idea where I was at in terms of a streak until WordPress started notifying me daily and I get more and more excited every morning when I sit down at my computer to write. 😀

Today, we are going to discuss some of my favorite writing tips and tricks that have made this over two year streak possible. And, of course, keep it locked on lifewithlilred for more Countdown posts and one (or more) giveaways! Let’s get to it:

Go With The Flow:

Let’s be honest, we have all had those days where we experience writer’s block in some form or another. It’s easy to think that you have nothing to say but we all know that’s not true at all! If you are feeling stuck, remember that you are writing for your blog and you can write about anything. Go with the flow of it and remember that short and simple posts are A-okay… Did you have a crazy dream last night? What kind of mood are you in and why? Have you tried cooking a new recipe recently? It’s okay to not have groundbreaking posts every day so take a breath, relax, and go with the flow.

Take Notes:

I am constantly taking down notes for potential posts because I know that if I didn’t, I would forget my ideas in five seconds! Use a physical notepad or use the one on your phone whenever you have inspiration for a new post. Having a backlog of things that I can write about really comes in handy when I am struggling to come up with content. In fact, the Old School Rulez post featured recently has been on my notepad for ages until I finally wrote about it!

Content Won’t Create Itself:

If you are hurting for more exciting content on your page, remember that it is not going to create itself. I know firsthand that it can sometimes be a chore to create bigger posts like OOTDs, MOTDs, or travel based pieces – but, man, do I feel so good once I have a more time consuming article that I am happy with. Schedule some time throughout the week to dedicate yourself to taking pictures or visiting local events. When writing prep is planned, it makes it so much easier for me to follow through with it.

It’s Your Party:

People are visiting your page because they are interested in what you have to say and want to know more about you. Recommendation posts are amazing for that reason! What have you been binge watching? Which products can you not live without? What is one of your fondest memories? How about some gift guides if you pride yourself on being an A+ gifter? Review style posts are great for when you have writer’s block because picking your favorite thing and writing about it is easy to complete and effective to read.

I keep the above tips and tricks in the back of my mind constantly and they have all helped me get to the point of an almost 1,000 post streak. I hope they help you too! 🙂

Do you have any questions for me? What are some of your writing tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug8

Cool Encounters

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Cool Encounters

Hi!! My husband and I love attending trivia nights together with our friends and, win or lose, a great time is always had by all. Because of schedule conflicts, we haven’t been in a couple of weeks but the last time we went was definitely an evening to remember for me… I got to meet one of my favorite comic book illustrators, Craig Russell!

For those of you who don’t know, I am a HUGE graphic novel/comic book fan and my all time favorite would have to be the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. Sandman is, easily, one of the finest works of literature I have ever read and I try to read the extremely lengthy series once every two years. One of the cool things about Sandman is that several illustrators worked on it and it was so interesting to see the beloved characters drawn from different points of view. Craig Russell just so happens to have worked on the Sandman series and he illustrated one of my favorite spin offs, The Dream Hunters.

When Johnny pointed Craig out to me at one of the opposing team’s tables on trivia night, I lost my shit (for lack of a better phrase!). He told me I have to talk to him after the games were over and I was so nervous because it really was like meeting a hero. I have at least ten tattoos from the Sandman series and one of my biggest pieces is an illustration by Craig!

During my little meet and greet with Mister Russell, he admired all of my tattoos and was blown away that his work was on me. We got to talk shop for over thirty minutes about Sandman, our favorite issues, and the upcoming Netflix series. Craig even encouraged me to let him know whenever I read any graphic novels he might like. He was also kind enough to take pictures with me and sign his autograph. It was basically the coolest thing ever.

I can’t wait to bump into Craig again and I will be prepared because I actually just finished another graphic novel that he illustrated – Coraline. I will have my copy ready to go for him to sign and am looking forward to hearing more of his amazing insights. ❤

Have you ever met one of your heroes before? What was it like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug7

Old School Rulez

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Old School Rulez

Hi! A charming quirk that you might not know about your girl is that I absolutely refuse to get a smartphone. Rather, I opt for my tough as nails slide up keyboard phone which I can make calls and text on:

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This shocks so many people, especially since I work in social media. However, I just have always failed to see the point in a smartphone because of my equally old school iPod Touch that I can access the internet on if there’s WiFi and take pictures. This system has worked for me since I was a teenager and as the saying goes: If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it. But, unfortunately, my old school wayz might need to be altered sooner than later. -_-

When I first moved into my apartment two years ago, I had excellent reception and can recall being able to text or make phone calls from any location inside. Fast forward to the past several months and, slowly but surely, it has been getting harder and harder to send a text and I can no longer make phone calls from my apartment whatsoever. In fact, for the first time last evening, I couldn’t send a text message despite trying to over half a dozen times.

I always knew that this day might come – I just didn’t expect this change to happen so abruptly. It seems like just yesterday I could be a Chatty Kathy from anywhere in my apartment! My lack of reception is, admittedly, insanely inconvenient and I finally have thrown up my hands and agreed to my first smartphone.

While this will certainly be a different change of pace for me, I am just a tiny bit excited to be able to have a phone that takes better quality pictures. This will be awesome for lifewithlilred and for snapping precious memories with my family, friends, and husband. 🙂

Old school has ruled for so long for me but it is going to be out with the old and in with the new before summer is over, I’m sure. Keep it posted here for more updates on this shocking development! 😀

What is something that you are old school about? Which smartphone has the best camera? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

Top Tips For Choosing The Right Car For You

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Top Tips For Choosing The Right Car For You

After a house, a car is probably going to be the next biggest and most expensive purchase that you will make. With this in mind, you want to make sure that you do not waste your time and money by picking the wrong one. Here, we look at some of the most important things to think about as you begin car shopping:

What is your budget?

The first step is to determine your budget as your car options will be constrained to what you can afford. This also applies to your monthly outgoings – gasoline, tax, and insurance costs can all come as a surprise if you are not careful with your money. Start by researching a style of car you would like. For example, by entering a search for “new Dodge Hornet near me“. Then, you can start comparing prices and seeing if your preferred car is feasible for your budget.

Unfortunately, the model of car that is necessary for you might not be within your budget. For example, you might need a larger vehicle if you have children. Should this be the case, you still have options. Take the time to search for “car loans perth” (or your local area). The experts at the company you choose will be able to create a finance plan so you can have the car that is safest for your needs.

What are you using your car for?

The next thing you will need to think about is what you are going to do with the car. If you live in a city center and only use your car for shopping and commuting, you should consider the amount of parking space you will have – you might want something small. Conversely, if you live in the country, you should consider how bad the weather gets in the winter and whether you will need a car that can withstand inclement weather – maybe a 4×4. Of course, you might just be after a standard family car or something to have fun in on the weekends, such as a convertible or even drift cars!

What style of car do you want?

You need to consider what you frequently carry and the types of vehicles you prefer. If you regularly do the school run, you will need to plan space for your children. However, if your children are particularly socially active, they may bring friends home, which means you should consider purchasing a car with extra space such as a seven seater. If you have a dog, consider how much space your pet will require in the boot and whether they will be able to jump up into it. An SUV can also be useful if you have older family members or very young kids because the extra height makes getting into the car easier.

If you are driving precious cargo like children, family, and pets then you will certainly want a car with the best safety features. Older models might not have everything you need to make you feel comfortable with your loved ones in the car. It might be a good idea to look for new cars for sale that would fit in your budget. Then you will know for certain that your car will feature the most up to date technology with safety being paramount.

Of course, you might be considering to buy a car simply because you love it or have always coveted one and that is okay too! Just make sure you are making your decision wisely in terms of price as it can be far too easy to instantly say yes to your dream car. Shop around at several different dealerships that specialize in the car you are after like Medina Cadillac (or a similar option in your local area). When you have a few quotes, it can give you leverage for a better deal.

How fast do you want your car to go?

You should consider how fast you want your car to be. Generally speaking, the faster a vehicle is, the less cost-effective it is. If you are watching your monthly expenses, you might want to consider a slower, more fuel-efficient vehicle. If you enjoy the sensation of speed or acceleration, spend a lot of time on the highway or enjoy crowing to your pals about your car, you will want a faster one. More speed comes at a higher cost – at the gas pump, on your insurance, and in maintenance – but a fast car can make some buyers proud every time they get behind the wheel.

Choosing the right car for you and your family involves taking many factors into consideration. It is not a decision that you should rush into – take your time to find the right one for you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash