Feb18

New Slate Grey & Denim Blue Nails

Posted on February 18, 2021 by lifewithlilred

Hello! For Valentine’s Day, I just had to treat myself to a fill for my talons even though it was a bit earlier than my four week mark between appointments. I had an insanely busy week and the fact that I could get pampered at the end of it definitely helped get me through the long work days. My go to girl at Elysian Nails was unavailable, however, another of my favorite techs was able to fit me in and it was so nice to catch up. She also did a fabulous job on my claws! Check it out:

Normally, it takes me a fairly long time to pick out the perfect color combination for my nails. This time, though, I walked up to the polish station and my eyes immediately locked on a bottle of rich denim blue by OPI. I was in love and decided to go with a slate grey because of its blue undertones to enhance the beautiful blue even more. I am particularly fond of the shade of slate grey that I picked out and have used similar colors before but this one is definitely my favorite! I also love the fact that, in certain lighting, the denim blue looks black – it’s like having two different polish colors in one. 😀

I knew I was in good hands with my nail tech and we spent my entire time at the salon gabbing away about quarantine life, our favorite TV shows, and the traditions of Lunar New Year, which my tech was kind enough to teach me about. I also happened to get my fill on my favorite day at Elysian Nails: Throwback Thursday! They play the best hits of the late 90s and early 2000s all day and every time a new song would come on, we would both reminisce on how it was our jam. And apparently still is now!

Elysian Nails is, hands down, the best salon that I have ever been to. The nail techs are so incredibly talented and I enjoy getting to know each of them. The atmosphere created in the salon is not only fun with the great music and constant chit chat but I also feel safe when I go there because of their dedication to following COVID-19 regulations and then some. Whenever I go there, I not only get to be pampered like a queen but I get to see all of the techs and the owners who I am lucky enough to consider friends now. ❤

What is your nail salon like? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb17

Mini Makeover: Laundry Room Edition

Posted on February 17, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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It is not uncommon to hear someone say that doing laundry is their least favorite chore. I, personally, love doing laundry and there is nothing better to me than putting on clothes that are still warm from the dryer. If this doesn’t sound like you at all, however, then maybe giving your laundry room a Mini Makeover will help encourage a newfound love or, at least a little less disdain, for your least favorite chore. Consider the following and turn your laundry room into a space that feels as light and clean as all of your freshly washed clothes:

Tend To Repairs:

If doing laundry is a major eyeroll for you because you might need washer or dryer repairs, then that is the first thing that will need your attention. You can’t do a job well without the right tools and not only are appliances that don’t work properly potentially dangerous but they will be an even more expensive problem if you let getting it fixed go for too long. The most important part of a laundry room is, of course, a functional washer and dryer so any redecorating can wait until repairs are taken care of.

Use Storage Wisely:

Perhaps your dislike for laundry comes from a cluttered laundry room and this is nothing a good clean won’t fix. Find homes for everything in there that doesn’t have to do with laundry or cleaning. Laundry rooms are, usually, not particularly spacious so you want to use the limited storage available in there wisely. This way, you are not playing stacking Tetris every time you need to get the detergent down and, once decluttered, the room will feel a lot less claustrophobic.

Don’t forget that shelving doesn’t just have to be placed smack dab in the middle of the wall. You could install shelves floor to ceiling to help with your storage situation so the room stays more organized.

Fresh & Clean:

What do you associate with nice, freshly washed clothes? Is it a certain color like eggshell white or pale blue? How about fields of flowers or freshly fallen rain? Maybe it’s a certain soft texture? Whatever you associate fresh and clean with, incorporate it into your laundry room’s decor. This could be improving the lighting in there if it’s dim, repainting, incorporating a floral motif, or even adding a plush rug or installing carpet in the room.

You want your laundry room to look and feel as clean as your clothes are about to be and, with a room so lovely, you won’t want dirty laundry piling up in it! Thus, encouraging you to complete the chore in a timely manner. It’s a win/win and soon your laundry room might just be your favorite or less least favorite place in the house to be!

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Feb17

Keeping Pests Out Of Your Property

Posted on February 17, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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With all of the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing anyone wants to be dealing with is pests, too. Especially considering we are all at home so much now! A pest free home is a safe and healthy home and you want to do all you can to prevent infestations as they can get out of hand really quickly. Give your home an inspection with a fine toothed comb to locate any problematic areas which give pests access into your house. Don’t forget to take a look at the following areas:

Doors:

If any of the doors leading into your home are warped from the weather or have gaps in them, then you are, essentially, leaving your door wide open to pests. These will need replaced immediately and it might be a good idea to invest in fiberglass doors as they are very durable and won’t warp. Until you can get new doors installed, be sure to close off any gaps with towels for a makeshift pest barrier in the meantime.

Holes In Screens:

Imagine opening up your windows on a summer’s day with a nice breeze only to find that bugs are being let in. Ugh! Inspecting the screens for both your windows and doors for holes is essential because insects big and small will easily be able to make their way into your home once they are opened. You might think that the small holes aren’t worth purchasing a new screen over but that is where you are wrong. The holes can not only be chewed through but the weather can open them up even more, creating an even bigger problem. No one wants to be swatting flies away when they’re trying to eat dinner!

Holes & Cracks In Walls:

When inspecting your home, the most important thing you can do is look closely at both the interior and exterior of your home for holes and cracks that will need patching up. Pests can make their way through tiny gaps in your front or garage doors and anything like that on your walls or roof is no exception. We are still in the midst of winter, too, and pests will see these weak spots as a welcome invitation to get warm now or cool off in the summer.

Don’t forget to look at your yard for any signs of animal boroughs, which you might have to call in the exterminator for. Speaking of the experts, it is always best to call them in if you are dealing with an infestation than try to do it yourself because you don’t want any pest problems to keep occurring. The best thing you can do is work on preventative measures on your property to keep them from happening in the first place!

Feb17

How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

Posted on February 17, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Whether you have a nondescript colonial house that needs a bit of a makeover or a cottage that you would like to improve its personality, it can always be tricky to decide on the changes to make. When it comes to exterior home makeovers, a straightforward trick of achieving a great look is to avoid forcing a particular style, especially unrelated to your home. However, with the best exterior enhancements, you stand a higher chance of improving your home’s overall appeal.

If you are not sure what aspects of the exterior of your home to change, here is a brief guide to help you:

Update the Front Door:

The front door of your house says a lot about it. There is a new trend where the focus is to create a meaningful sense of arrival by updating the door. Most traditional houses have asymmetrical windows, a front door that is not at the center, or even a jagged roof line. A bolt-on addition, such as a porch, would put the needed emphasis on the house’s entrance. Another way to update the front door for your home’s appeal would be to upgrade its hardware – change the door number and apply a new layer of color.

Add an Enclosed Entrance:

Including a cover overhead at the entryway would be a perfect way to make your home’s exterior stand out. An even better idea would be a covered entrance; it will go a long way to giving your home’s appearance a boost. If yours is a colonial-style home, opt for a minimalist portico with a pediment – it will define the entrance elegantly.

Even with the significance of such entrances, it is worth minding pests and other crawly creatures. Termites tend to hide in wooden structures similar to the ones used to create doorways. Find a pest control company near you to ensure that the right measures are in place; you don’t want a case where termites infest your entrance within a week of construction.

Work on the Roof:

Another significant way to boost your home’s appeal is by having an updated roof. You can do this in a variety of ways, including painting the existing roof or replacing it entirely. Whether to repaint or replace the roof with the help of commercial and residential roofing and roof repairs depends on the roof’s condition, your budget, and aesthetics. If the roof is in poor condition, repairing it might not be an option, especially if it’s nearing the end. In such a case, a replacement or an addition to the roof’s cover would give it a much better appearance. The roof installation service may be necessary, for safety and longevity reasons.

When it comes to roofing projects, this is a task that should always be left to the professionals. DIY skills can be dangerous any time, but especially on top of your house! Well reviewed companies like Wilson Roofing, who offer roofing residential in Austin or in your own hometown are a must. This is a job that you want done right the first time – the safety of your family and home depends on it!

Replace the Old Windows:

How would your house look with a revamped door and new roof but old windows? Replacing the windows should be on your to do list to give your home’s exterior a facelift. You will have many options when it comes to window replacement – you can opt for powder-coated aluminum frames if you are a fan of contemporary styles or choose from PVCu, single-glazed, or period-style windows. No matter what design of replacement windows you choose, they should always complement the property and be installed by experts to give your home the ultimate makeover. This is one of the final steps in a full exterior revamp so choose wisely. You will want to explore several window options before making a decision so take the time to research “St. Paul replacement windows” (or your local area) and find some examples that fit your style.

Revamping your home’s exterior is something that you should occasionally do to keep it in perfect condition and align with the trends. Your focus should be on the yard, doors, windows, roofing, and perhaps the paint.

Featured Image By: Expect Best via Pexels

Feb17

LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline Set

Posted on February 17, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! My boyfriend, Johnny, and I love building with LEGO and we have quite the collection of Harry Potter and Star Wars sets. For Valentine’s Day, Johnny and I never really go overboard with gifts for each other and one of the two things that I got him was the Paris skyline LEGO set from their Architecture collection. Paris is, easily, one of the most romantic places in the world and it is somewhere that I would love to go with Johnny.

Given the world’s current conditions, it will be a long time until we make it there so, for now, our own little Paris on our knick knack shelf will suffice! Check it out:

When building with LEGO, Johnny and I have our process down to a science. He handles all of the little pieces and details while I build with the bigger bricks because putting the small ones together are impossible with my nails! As you can see, the Paris Architecture set is completely made up of teeny tiny bricks so Johnny built it in its entirety in a matter of an hour while we talked and listened to music. I was blown away by how quickly he got it done!

Our Paris set is the first one that we have gotten together that is not inspired from a movie and it was the perfect introduction to the LEGO Architecture collection. I am so looking forward to when Johnny and I can travel together because I would love to have a LEGO skyline set of the places that we visit. Each skyline set boasts the most recognizable landmarks in each city. For Paris, this included the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Tour Montparnasse, Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees.

Johnny really enjoyed building this set because it was so different than anything that we already have. I am so happy that my Valentine’s Day gift to him was a success and be sure to keep it posted to see what Johnny surprised me with!

Where would you love to travel to? Which LEGO sets do you have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb16

Daily Dose Of Cuteness

Posted on February 16, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I don’t know about you guys, but there is never a time for me when I don’t want to see pictures of someone’s pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, fish – I don’t care what it is, I want the 411. Their names, funny stories, which rescue organization they came from, the list goes on! My life would not be the same without my family’s sweet rescue dogs, a tiny Terrier mix named Ollie and a Golden Retriever named Archie. They are both very good boys… Actually, they’re the best and here they are:

My family will always be eternally grateful to the rescue organizations, Canine Lifeline and One Of A Kind Pets, for giving us the opportunity to care for both of our boys. Ollie is our more mellow of the two, who loves napping, playing with squeaker toys, and stepping out in his finest bandanas! On the other hand, we have Archie, our rambunctious puppy who is a HUGE lover of playing, kisses, and chewing all of the things! Both of our pups have such unique personalities that are so different from each other, but they get along just fine. 🙂

In my household, we are passionate about animal rescue and are so thankful to all of the amazing organizations for their hard work that saves countless lives. Nothing makes me happier than playing tug of war with Archie or snuggling up with little Ollie while he snoozes. The connection between a pet and its owner is so therapeutic as it is such a pure form of love and I am so over the moon about both of our angels.

Ollie and Archie send a virtual tail wag your way with the hopes that their precious pics puts a smile on your face today! ❤

What kind of pets do you have? What is your favorite animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

Ugh! Pimple Problems & How I Dealt With Mine

Posted on February 15, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Ugh! Pimple Problems & How I Dealt With Mine

Hi! I have been lucky enough to say that I have never dealt with problems with acne in my adolescence or in my twenties. However, my lucky streak ended when I woke up to a HUGE pus filled pimple right in the middle of my forehead. TMI I know but, guys, it was awful and I wore a beanie every day until it was gone to cover it up. Because I’ve never had a pimple like this before, I really didn’t know what to do about it.

Of course, everyone’s first instinct is to pop a pimple even though it’s frowned upon and, I have to admit, it was the first thing I tried, lol. However, with my acrylics, popping it was impossible. After a few days with little to no improvement on my zit, I finally concocted a skin care combination that not only made the pimple go away in three days flat but it also allowed it to heal evenly. Check it out:

When it comes to dealing with a tough pimple, I found that you can’t go wrong with charcoal and benzoyl peroxide. Charcoal is amazing for drawing all of the yuck out like a magnet and the benzoyl peroxide helps to kill any excess bacteria, oil, and dead skin. I figured that combining the two together would be my best shot at eliminating the problem and, I am pleased to say, that it worked like a charm. Fingers crossed I’ll never get a pimple again (Here’s hoping!) but, at least, now I know how to deal with it.

Once I was done completing my night time skin care routine, I put my theory into practice and added a mixture of The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal face mask and Clean & Clear’s persa-gel 10 onto the problem area and slept with it on. When I woke up after the first application, I could already tell that it made a difference because the pimple was much less swollen than it was before so I knew I was on the right track.

By the morning of day two, my pimple opened up naturally and I was able to squeeze out an okay amount of the gunk inside. I was encouraged by this because it’s not like I actually popped it! Once day three rolled around, I was able to completely rid the zit of anything left inside and, albeit red, my skin looked even and I knew that it would heal well.

I was insanely self conscious of my zit (Or the “honker” as my boyfriend so lovingly put it!) and it honestly felt like I was going to be stuck with it for forever. However, after a few treatments with products that were under thirty dollars in total, I solved my problem. Remember, when dealing with acne you not only want to rid yourself of blemishes but you want to make sure your skin heals well in the process. My method worked on both of these fronts and here’s to The Body Shop and Clean & Clear for allowing me to retire my beanie… Until my next bad hair day, that is!

How do you solve pimple problems? What are the best skin care products for problem skin? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb14

Making Your House Pop From The Outside

Posted on February 14, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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If you are planning on selling house, it is not only important for the inside to be perfect but the outside too. The outside of your home is what your curb appeal is based on, after all, and you want it in its best condition because it will be the first impression potential buyers have of your home. An unsightly outdoor property can turn off potential future owners instantly as they will want a home that is move in ready in all aspects. Moving is expensive and the last thing a buyer wants is to take on another big project, like getting the landscaping in order.

Raising your property’s curb appeal is all about adding visual interest with expertly placed splashes of color as well as tending to any outdoor care or maintenance to keep your home looking in tip top shape. To make your house pop before anyone even steps inside, try the following:

A Bold Front Door:

The entrance into your home should make a statement, which means no boring front doors allowed! A bold front door whether it be painted brightly or has interesting glass shapes will set your house apart from all of the others on the block. It is a simple fix that will definitely make a big difference. You can get inspiration from Pinterest and home decor blogs for the right door for your property and the experts at NorthShield Windows and Doors will take care of the rest! Don’t forget that your front door should be reflective of what the inside of your house looks like. A huge wooden door doesn’t exactly mesh well with a sleek modern interior.

A New Fence:

An improvement for the exterior of your home that will be especially appealing to potential buyers is a fenced in yard. There are so many possibilities that come with it – a safe space for kids to run around, an outdoor escape for your pups, or maybe you might want to put a pool in! You will want to opt for a style that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior for a cohesive, classic look. To get this project underway, simply enter a search for “West Hartford fence contractor” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed company to work with.

Pops Of Color:

If you don’t want to go with a colorful front door in turquoise or buttercup yellow, give the exterior of your home some pops of color with a lovely landscape design. A well manicured lawn with lush green grass paired with bright, beautiful flowers will do the job just fine! There is nothing like some blooming flowers to put a smile on your face. If you are lacking a green thumb but love the idea of an improved yard, simply do a search for “Landscaper in Clarksville, TN” or your local area. A landscaping team will help bring your vision to life!

You can take things one step further by creating unique shapes with your greenery too. Crisp edges and soft curves can be achieved with the help of something like Steel Garden Edging from The Ideal Garden and the results are sure to boost your curb appeal. You can also think about painting your mailbox or, perhaps, the shed in your backyard to a shade that will stand out. As mentioned before, curb appeal is about making your house different than the rest and pops of color in the right places are sure to do that as well as make potential buyers smile.

A Smooth Driveway:

A driveway that is cracked or has potholes can be a massive eyesore on an, otherwise, well kept outdoor property. Potential owners want a driveway that they can park their car with pride in so tending to cracks and bumps is a must. And, speaking of cars, extending your garage to fit two cars instead of one will not only boost your curb appeal but property value too! Remember that you will want a smooth transition from your driveway to your lawn so utilizing creative garden edging ideas is a must. This will ensure a fully cohesive appearance to make the improvements look even better.

When selling house, it’s all about looking at the big picture of your property and its exterior is a part of that. Tend to your front and back yard as well as you do to the inside and your house will have the best curb appeal on the block!

Feb14

Creating Your Dream Home

Posted on February 14, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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The COVID-19 pandemic has given us more time at home than many people have ever had before – myself, included. It looks like we will still be staying in for the foreseeable future so we might as well be spending this time in what we consider a “dream home”. If you are considering to start changing things up at your place, now is the perfect time. Not only is it a good time to start spring cleaning but, I’m sure everyone’s place is in desperate need of sprucing up and rearranging after spending almost an entire year inside!

Today, we are going to examine a few ideas from big to small to help you get started on creating a dream home that you can ride out the rest of the pandemic in:

Starting From Scratch:

If you are so sick of your house that you don’t even want to be in it anymore, you could start from scratch with our biggest change of building a new home. A brand new home that is completely designed by you and your family will, without a doubt, be your dream home since you had a say in everything about it! Sit down as a family and draw sketches of what you’d like your place to look like as well as a list of must haves that you need for it to be your dream home. Then, take your ideas to the experts at Lambie Homes or a company in your local area to turn your dream into a reality.

Take a drive with your family to find the best location for your new place. You will want this location to be a convenient distance from schools, work, medical care, and shopping centers. Also, don’t forget to obtain a building permit for said location or a building permit in Mississauga if you are in the area. As I’m sure you can image, building a home from scratch is no easy feat so everyone will need to be fully committed to this project. This includes your building team! You will want to work with a company that comes highly recommended so research several different options. You can get started by entering a search for “central iowa home builders” (or your local area) and be prepared with your ideas to brainstorm together.

Of course, building a home from scratch is a massive undertaking and can take a long time. This might not be the best option for your family if you feel like you need a change. You could consider a move to newly constructed homes, instead. Simply enter a search for “Park City new construction” (or the area you would like to live in) to begin exploring your options. While the home won’t be designed by you, you can rest assured that it will have the modern amenities that you crave. A brand new home also provides ample opportunity to make your own with your decor and landscaping choices.

Adding More Space:

If you love your house but it’s starting to feel a little cramped, a much lesser project than building from scratch would be adding some extra rooms to your home. Whether this be a back sun room, an additional floor, or a guest suite, the additions will give your family more home to enjoy while allowing all of you to space out comfortably as we continue on with our lock down lifestyles. A guest suite could also become a lucrative business if you ever choose to rent it out!

If you desire more space but not the renovations that come with it, this might be a good opportunity to begin looking for a bigger house. Moving home can provide you with the space as well as more modern amenities that you crave. All without the hassle of a full fledged renovation. To get started, simply enter a search for “James Douglas – Cardiff Property Specialists” (or a similar business in your local area). Local estate agents will consider your requirements for your new space and help pinpoint the homes that are worth looking into further.

Mini Makeovers:

Going room by room and giving each one a mini makeover is a surefire way to freshen up your space without breaking the bank. Mini makeovers can range from painting the room, installing new flooring or carpets, purchasing a new statement piece of furniture, or simply swapping out the decor from different areas of your home to make it feel like new again. Come up with a dream design for each room in your house, create a budget that you are comfortable with, and see what mini makeover magic you can create.

Home improvements and renovations to get your place up to your dream standards are not only exciting but are a great way to kill some free time while in lock down. Break out a dream journal for your house and get to work on creating a space that’s perfect for you and your family.

Feb14

Celebrating My Inner Goddess

Posted on February 14, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!! I love making new friendships through lifewithlilred and I am so thankful to have “met” Libby from The Goddess Attainable who so graciously guest posted on my page a few weeks ago. I was so honored when she contacted me shortly after her post published asking if I would guest blog for her and am excited to explore her prompts of what being a goddess means to me.

Libby encourages and inspires people to not only be the best version of themselves but to love who they are, too. In my post, I wanted to touch on two of her topics, one of which is how I access my inner goddess and the other is how my mom helps determine my definition of a goddess. Let’s get to it!

Celebrating My Inner Goddess

The word “goddess” is often affiliated with a beautiful woman and, while I do feel like a goddess when I am all dressed up, I feel even more so when I am working hard to achieve my goals. Goddesses aren’t just a pretty face but they are also ladies who are determined, strong, and motivated to keep going forward even when things are difficult. A goddess strives for greatness for herself and loved ones while letting her inner beauty shine brightly every step of the way.

My life has been dedicated to working with people with special needs and I have still been seeing all of my clients throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other than when I’m just hanging out with my boyfriend on the couch, I feel most like a goddess when I am at work. I love the families who I help and seeing my clients smile or hearing them laugh makes all of my hard work one hundred and fifty percent worth it. I know that I am doing something meaningful for my clients and myself and the passion I feel for the field I work in and improving people’s lives feels like goddesshood to me.

From sitting down at my laptop to write to the good old days pre-pandemic when I could hit the skating rink for practice, exploring my passions makes me feel immensely proud of myself. I have struggled with mental health issues for a majority of my life and being able to acknowledge that I am doing a good job is something that has never come easy to me. Goddesses not only love the world around them but they love themselves and continuing on with my passions has given me a newfound appreciation for myself that I have never had before. Who knew that that feels like goddesshood, too?!

As I continue on in my own life journey, I turn to a seasoned goddess when I need encouragement: My mom! I am so lucky to say that my mom is my best friend and there is really nothing that a quick phone call or text to her can’t fix. My mom is strong, smart, and simply beautiful inside and out. As a doctor, she has been dedicated to seeing her patients online throughout the pandemic and she was still working even as she underwent cancer treatment. Goddess much?

My mom is so beloved by everyone she meets because she takes the time out of her day to chat with, compliment, and get to know whomever she encounters. She shares her inner light generously and it is absolutely infectious. Whenever I am feeling down, I think about my mom (and dad!) and my favorite memories with them that I treasure so much. My mom sees the best in everyone and not only does that make her a goddess but it makes me feel like one, too, whenever I am around her. ❤

I want to thank Libby so much again for giving me this opportunity of reflection and I highly encourage all of you to get in touch with your inner goddess on her page. You will be glad you did!

What makes you feel like a goddess? What is something that you’re proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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