Dec27

December 2020 Finishes

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December 2020 Finishes

Hi everyone and welcome to the very last beauty finishes post of 2020! I, for one, am ecstatic that this dumpster fire of a year is drawing to a close and I am sure we are all looking forward to better times ahead. With all of the stress of the pandemic, I turn to self care in the beauty and skin care department to help me relax. So, with that in mind, we have quite a few empties to discuss today including a new moisturizer by Garnier that I am obsessed with. Let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

Clean & Clear Cleanser: I absolutely loved using this Skin Brightening cleanser every morning. The citrusy scent was invigorating, it lathered well, and I definitely think it made my skin more radiant. Not only was my face glowing but my skin never felt tight or dehydrated after each use. Bursting Beads are always a fun addition and I am extremely impressed – especially since I paid less than six dollars for this cleanser. One of the best parts? It lasted me close to five months with daily use! Total steal.

B&BW Fragrance Spray: A few years ago, I went absolutely NUTS at a Bath & Body Works semi annual sale. Lol, I purchased so many fragrance sprays in Mango Mandarin and Country Apple and I am STILL working my way through them! Granted, this is easier said than done considering one bottle of perfume normally lasts me a good five months to a half a year with daily use.

Of course, I don’t mind at all, though, because the Mango Mandarin spray is nothing short of delightful. I love the punchy citrus scent and it helps add a touch of summer to a cold winter’s day. Maybe I should practice buying in moderation next time I need more… Said no one EVER! 😀

Garnier Moisturizer: The last time I needed more of my usual SkinLab moisturizers, I noticed that their price on Amazon was TWENTY DOLLARS. I would never spend that much for skin care so I had to opt for something different. And, I’m actually really glad I did because then I never would have ended up trying the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue gel moisturizer.

Nothing pleases Lil Red more than a good gel moisturizer and I think this one is the best. It has the most pleasant, clean scent and absorbs super quickly. Despite it being so lightweight, my skin has never felt smoother, softer, or more moisturized. With twice daily use, one jar lasted me one month and I got it for an absolute STEAL too – seven dollars for two jars on Amazon, baby!

December was a great month for beauty finishes for me and I was happy to be done with some of the products that I’ve been working on finishing for a while. Here’s to lots more successful empties in the New Year!

Which products did you use up this month? What is your favorite moisturizer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec26

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Sleeping Nymph By Ilaria Tuti Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Sleeping Nymph By Ilaria Tuti Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Without giving any spoilers away, we are going to be discussing the sequel to Flowers Over The Inferno by Ilaria Tuti called The Sleeping Nymph. Ever since finishing Flowers Over The Inferno in August, I was eagerly awaiting to get my hands on the sequel to see what happens next to Italian police superintendent, Teresa Battaglia, and her team. Despite The Sleeping Nymph not being as good as its predecessor, I still enjoyed it well enough so let’s get to the review:

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In Flowers Over The Inferno, we learned that aging Teresa Battaglia has began suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s and the disease has done nothing but progress. Teresa wears a bracelet reminding her of her name, religiously writes notes in her diary so she doesn’t forget, and has a hard time recognizing people as well as coming up with the names of common objects. Somehow, she still manages to get up every day to help crack cases that are twisted, dark, and to some “unsolvable”. And, in the case of The Sleeping Nymph, Teresa is going to need all of her wits about her more so than ever before.

Our story begins with the discovery of a “missing” portrait in an art gallery painted by Alessio Andrian seventy years ago. The painting it called The Sleeping Nymph and it showcases the great beauty of a young woman – enchanting all who merely glimpse at it. Despite the portrait being so beautiful, it holds a dark secret because, upon testing the red paint that was used, we learn that it is actually blood. What’s more, the tests showed traces of cardiac tissue, meaning it came straight from the heart.

Since painting The Sleeping Nymph, Alessio Andrian never spoke a single word again. He is still alive but, clearly, will be of no help to the case so it is up to Teresa and her partner, Massimo Marini, to find out about the origins of the painting on their own. Through their diligent work, they wind up in the Resian Valley where The Sleeping Nymph originated. However, they get a lot more than they bargained for in the Valley when a human heart is found nailed to a tree, thus fast forwarding their case into the present.

Could the killer of the Nymph still be alive and has come back to tie up loose ends? Or is there foul play going on in the Valley? There is even an inkling that these murders might be tied to occult practices. Who murdered The Sleeping Nymph and who is killing now? Read the book to find out!

Now, I didn’t love The Sleeping Nymph but I also didn’t hate it, either. Despite the portrait painted in blood being an “oh my gosh” discovery, it also happened seventy years ago making the immediate sense of urgency you feel about the present day crimes in Flowers Over The Inferno nonexistent. The Sleeping Nymph kind of dragged on while the focus was in the past but promptly picked up about halfway through when they discovered the heart on the tree in modern time.

My other qualm with this book is just how wordy it is. Flowers Over The Inferno was like that too but I suppose I didn’t notice because it was one of my favorite books that I’ve read this year. Because The Sleeping Nymph didn’t immediately captivate me, the vivid and highly detailed descriptions came off as boring and I felt ready for the book to be done about fifty pages in. I have never not finished a book that I started, though, and the four hundred and forty page read felt more like a chore than something I really wanted to do.

The Teresa Battaglia novels are meant to be a trilogy and my only hope is that the third book will be better than the second. I genuinely have no idea how Teresa will be able to solve another case with the progression of her Alzheimer’s but I am very ready to find out!

Overall, I am going to rate The Sleeping Nymph with six out of ten stars. I think it paled in comparison to Flowers Over The Inferno but I still enjoyed portions of the story line as well as the grand reveal. I would still recommend reading the Teresa Battaglia novels and I can’t wait to see how the trilogy ends.

What is the last book that you read? What do you recommend for me to read next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec25

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas!

Hello everyone and a Merry Christmas and very happy holiday season to all of you! I just wanted to stop by to send wishes of health and happiness to you and yours as well as good vibes for 2021 not being as sucky as 2020. If you are celebrating with your loved ones, please continue to be smart and safe. Although the holidays are an exciting time, the coronavirus still gives massive cause for both concern and caution.

I never thought that I would be warning people of a global pandemic in one year’s time when I was writing my Christmas post last year. But, we all have to keep rolling with the punches and looking forward to better times ahead. My heart goes out to those who will not be able to celebrate with their family and friends this year but Christmas is not just a holiday – it’s a feeling. You can keep the holiday cheer going all year round and gather with those you hold dear when it’s safer.

No matter what you do or how you celebrate, I wish all of you the happiest, safest, and merriest of days and I just know that better times are right around the corner! ❤

Happy Holidays!!!

How are you safely celebrating the holidays this year? What are you looking forward to in 2021? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec24

Face Mask Festivities: Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Brightening Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Brightening Mask Edition

Hi! Whenever I order online with TJMaxx, I like to purchase a new face mask to try out. They’re fun, relaxing, and inexpensive. I consider ten dollars or under well worth it for a half hour or so of pampering at home! The last time I ordered with TJMaxx, literally all they had in the face mask department were Cryo Rubber masks by Dr. Jart. The packaging is, admittedly, extremely disturbing but the mask in itself was one of the best ones I’ve used as of late. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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The first step to applying this face mask was the pre-treatment as seen in pictures three and four. I loved the texture of it because it was a thick gel but it didn’t make my skin feel sticky at all. Once the pre-treatment was rubbed on, the actual mask could be applied. I wasn’t sure what the mask was going to be so I was surprised to see it was a sheet mask. I originally thought it would be a peel off style mask that dried with a rubber texture. However, those can be kind of a pain to apply and remove so I was happy that I was just dealing with a sheet mask.

Other than the results which we will get to, the best part about this mask was the fact that the sheet was divided into two pieces – one for the top half of your face and one for the bottom. This was SO much better than the one piece sheet masks (That are usually gigantic on me) because you could apply individual pieces in a way that would fit your face best. Other than some slipping and sliding in the beginning, once this mask dried a little it stayed put perfectly for the forty minute duration that it had to sit.

While the mask was on, my skin felt cool and tingly and it actually felt that way the entire evening once it was removed. My skin was so soft after taking the mask off and it still felt just as good the following day. I think it does look a little brighter too – especially around the designer bags under my eyes!

Although the packaging for the Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Mask was super weird, you can’t judge a book by its cover because I really enjoyed it! There were a couple more of these masks with different focuses like Calming and Moisturizing and if they are still there, then I will definitely order them the next time I shop with TJMaxx. Great success!

What is your favorite kind of face mask to use? How do you pamper yourself at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec23

Accessory Story: Allsaints Bracelet Edition

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Accessory Story: Allsaints Bracelet Edition

Hi!! There is nothing that Lil Red loves more than a treat from me to me and, with the stress of the pandemic, I like to treat myself to a new little something once a month or so. I had a few odds and ends that I needed to order from TJMaxx and to get myself past the free shipping threshold, I ordered a very cute and unique bracelet by Allsaints. It took a while for my order to ship but it was well worth the wait because I am in love! Check it out:

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^^^ Peep that original seventy-eight dollar price tag! I got this bracelet for twenty-five. Score!!

When I first saw this burnished gold bracelet, it literally made me clutch my pearls. From the mini cuff fit to the super punk rock nail and chain detailing, I just thought this bracelet was amazing. I love classic pieces with an extra bit of edge to them and my new Allsaints cuff is a perfect example of that. It also came with a really nice matte black pouch to house the bracelet in but I don’t think I’ll be using it very often because I plan on wearing it all the time!

Nothing makes me happier than new accessories or clothing from an expensive brand for a reasonable price, which is why I love shopping with TJMaxx so much. When I saw the original price tag for my bracelet, you could have knocked me over with a feather – which made this purchase even more exciting! My first order of business will definitely be breaking out this bracelet on Christmas day. I can’t wait! 🙂

How do you like to treat yourself? What is your favorite brand or store to shop with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec22

Holiday Haul: BFF Edition

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Holiday Haul: BFF Edition

Hello! For as long as I can remember, my best friend of over twelve years, Lea, and I have had a Christmas gift exchange. Wine is poured, presents are unwrapped, and we spend the whole evening gabbing away about anything and everything. It is one of my favorite holiday traditions and I was so excited to see her during our hang out because, with the pandemic, we are lucky if we see each other once a month. Hanging out was a gift in itself but I am so in love with the thoughtful presents from my bestie. Check it out:

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For birthdays and Christmas, Lea and I always gift each other with a bottle of wine. We have a long standing joke of saying “I wonder what this could be” because there is no way to wrap up wine without it being totally obvious about what’s underneath the paper! Not only do I love a Pink Moscato but I absolutely adore the black and white striped safety seal on the bottle that Lea picked out. She told me right away that she knew that I would like that and, of course, she was right on the money!

Not only did I receive vino but I was also gifted with Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap – my favorite! Nothing beats the holiday scents from B&BW and presents from there are also a huge staple in mine and Lea’s gift giving arsenal because we both know that we will use their products happily. An adorable new glass to enjoy my wine with and some homemade hand soaps wrapped up my haul and I am so thankful for all of the sweet and incredibly useful gifts from my best friend.

Lea and I both revel in the gift giving process of the holidays and I love being able to share in the season with her. I felt so happy after seeing her because she is and always has been a breath of fresh air in my life. She brings me so much joy and I have absolutely NO idea what I would do without her. Here’s to a million more Christmas hang outs together! ❤

How do you and your BFF celebrate the holidays? Do you have any “staples” in your gift giving arsenal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

Holiday Haul: Surprise Gift Edition

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Holiday Haul: Surprise Gift Edition

Hello!! For those of you who don’t know, my “big girl” job is as an Independent Provider for people with special needs. I am proud to say that I have worked throughout the entirety of this pandemic and I am even prouder of my county’s board of Developmental Disabilities for taking such good care of all of their employees. From care packages filled with PPE as well as wonderful donations of games and crafting supplies to help keep our clients entertained, we have not been without during the pandemic and it is SO, so, so appreciated.

As if all of the supplies and encouraging emails weren’t enough, my county’s DD board provided us providers with a special gift for the holidays. I was so surprised by this generosity and I am in love with my prezzies picked out just for us. Check it out:

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For my surprise gift, I received a beautiful travel mug filled with caramel and chocolate covered popcorn. I also got the most comfortable pair of socks I have ever owned with “Making A Difference” on one foot and “It’s What I Do!” on the other. How awesome is that?! This gift absolutely touched me and not only did I feel appreciated for the work that I do but it put me in the best mood all day. I was so eager for Johnny to come home from work to show off my spoils and the discovery that my new socks are perfect for sliding around on our hard wood floors!

I love my job so much and would never expect anything in return and I think that’s why these presents mean so much to me. I can’t wait to fill up my travel mug with hot coffee in the morning because I already know it will put a smile on my face. How can the sweet messages printed on the front and back not?!

What makes you feel appreciated? How has your job changed throughout the pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Feeling Down? Treat Yoself!

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Feeling Down? Treat Yoself!

Hellooo!! The coronavirus pandemic can induce a plethora of feelings like exhaustion, stress, depression, and anxiety. I have definitely experienced all of these and if you’re taking the virus seriously, then I’m sure you have too. It is hard to get yourself back to baseline when you are feeling so down but there is nothing like a little treat to lift yourself up. How about brushing off the blues with some of the following?

Your favorite drink:

Nothing perks me up literally and metaphorically like my favorite coffee drinks from Starbucks. I live for the holiday season when I can get my Peppermint Mocha fix and the warm fuzzies I feel with a steaming, fragrant cup in my hands. For even more feel good power, pay it forward for the person behind you and see if you can get a chain started. Then, you can make someone else’s day too!

Pizza party:

This past weekend, Johnny and I ordered a pizza and watched Christmas movies together and it was a blast! Our food was delicious and it was so nice to just settle in for the afternoon without worrying about what to make for dinner. It was also a relief to have some entertainment that wasn’t stress inducing with violence or triggering story lines. I highly recommend a viewing of Elf, Jingle All The Way, or The Muppets Christmas Carol to get yourself in the holiday spirit as well as to put a smile on your face. 🙂

Smell goods:

There is nothing better than sinking into a nice, warm bath filled with lush bubbles in your favorite scent. Have a shopping trip online to your favorite bath and body care supplier and order some pampering treats for yourself. How about some bath bombs from Lush? Or some uber lathering body wash and a few candles from Bath & Body Works? My favorite scents of vanilla, orange, and apple always help to relax me – combine that with a long soak in the tub and it is heaven!

A new book:

Take a step away from the craziness of the real world and tuck into a good book. Grab something from the library or Barnes & Noble and settle in for the afternoon in a totally different world. I love to read and I always feel infinitely more relaxed after I knock back a couple of chapters in whatever book I am working on finishing. If you’re not the biggest fan of reading, try a subscription to Audible for some book tapes that you can play while driving or cooking. My Johnny loves having Audible and I definitely recommend it too.

New home decor:

This is not to say to remodel your living room entirely but you could always purchase some new wall art or a cute knick knack that you can’t live without. Seeing something daily that you find visually appealing is a sure fire way to make you smile. You could also always skip the purchasing process and DIY some decor with your bestie. Every time you see it, you will think of the sweet memory of a craft night – no matter how your art work turns out. 😀

Treating yoself doesn’t have to break your bank. Use the tips above and get the spring back in your step!

How do you like to treat yoself? What makes you smile? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec19

Thinking About Upgrading The Bathroom? Here’s Why You Should!

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Thinking About Upgrading The Bathroom? Here’s Why You Should!

You spend longer in your bathroom than most other rooms in the house, and yet the bathroom is always squeezed into the smallest possible space. Shower closets and toilets with a sink over the top of them are squashed into the space under the stairs and into the en-suite in the corner of the bedroom. The thing is, the bathroom should be more of a lavish space in which you can spend time. It shouldn’t be tucked away and hidden; and this is just one of hundreds of reasons why you shouldn’t neglect the space.

Your bathroom should be as beautiful as the rest of the house. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars at a time, but you could still upgrade the space and make it look good with a bathroom remodeler in peoria az or your local area. Working in sections as you remodel the restroom can be less daunting in tasks and financially. It’s always best to plan ahead before your renovations! Some people upgrade the bathroom because of a plumbing leak detection and others do it because they simply want a new color scheme. Either way, your bathroom needs some love, and we’ve got some of the best ways to do it:

  • That Spa-Like Feel: Your home needs to be your happy place, your safe space to relax. If you love the spa, then you need a place with a spa-like feel to it. Turning your en-suite into a wetroom with a rain shower is important if you want to capture that feeling. You can get inspired when you go to hotels and spas to create a bathroom space that makes you feel looked after. Once you have your inspo, look into a Bathroom remodeler in Chattanooga, TN or your local area to give you your spa retreat from home!
  • No More Leaks: Upgrading the bathroom often means bringing in a professional or two to look at the plumbing and the electrics. This is especially important if you see a leak in the bathroom and you know you need a plumbing upgrade. Bathroom maintenance can get expensive, and if you’re constantly patching up the same issues, you’re going to find it much harder to maintain your bathroom. Getting the full fix done once and for all can make a huge difference to how long your bathroom will last you. To find a plumber to assist with your remodel, simply enter a search for “plumbing services in Chattanooga TN” (or your local area). Be sure to ask friends and family for recommendations and seek a professional with excellent reviews.
  • Easy Cleaning: So many bathrooms are difficult to clean and the bigger they are, the harder it is. However, with the right materials and the right equipment, you can avoid it. Renovating the bathroom properly is going to help you to keep your bathroom cleaner. You want this job to be an easy one so that you don’t have to spend too much time on it.
  • A Makeover: There is nothing quite like a bathroom makeover. You can add value to your home and create a beautiful space without having to change too much if you don’t want to. Try a fresh coat of paint and some cute new decor to start the process!

Taking the time to plan out your bathroom is going to help you up the ante with the work you put into your home. Not only is this going to add value to the property but it will make you feel better about your house and it’s going to look fantastic. As always, with any of the renovations you make to your home, you need to ensure that you plan this out properly so get in the professionals to help!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec19

Super Happy Fun Times

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Super Happy Fun Times

Hello!!! Last weekend was a wonderful one for me and, boy, did I need it. I had been feeling nothing short of blah for the past several weeks and now I know that the remedy for the blues is some snuggles, creating new holiday traditions, and Zoom dates to put a spring back in my step. Rinse and repeat for best results!

Last weekend, I was so happy because I got to babysit my sweet niece, Valerie, on Saturday night. I had been counting down the days because the last time I saw Val Gal was on Thanksgiving. Johnny and I were not able to participate in the holiday with my family and it was very hard seeing Val on the driveway and not being able to hold her. So, trust and believe, I was ready for all of the snugs.

Val and I had so much fun reading books, petting all of her animal friends (she loves their family pets!), playing Peek-A-Boo, and watching Trolls. Even though whenever I would sing along with the songs Val would go “NOOOOO” haha I didn’t realize I was that tone deaf! Being an aunt is the best thing ever and I am eagerly counting down the days until Christmas so I can spoil my niece and nephew rotten!

The weekend fun did not end there because on Sunday, I was able to Zoom with one of my dear friends, Scott. I have been a friend to him and his family for over six years now and I really miss being able to see them regularly and go out for coffee and lunch. Scott and I chatted for over an hour about anything and everything and it was so refreshing to gab, laugh, reminisce, and, of course, look forward to when it’s safe so we can all see each other again. ❤

Afterwards, Johnny and I ordered Pizza Hut pizza and settled in to watch his favorite holiday movie, The Muppets Christmas Carol. Believe it or not, I don’t think I’ve actually ever seen the full movie because when I was younger the part with Marley and Marley used to scare me SO bad (This humors Johnny to no end!). I am proud to say, I was able to get through that part without incident as an adult and we both enjoyed our afternoon viewing/pizza party so much. We decided that we should watch it every year along with Elf – even though Johnny fell asleep when we watched it!

It is so easy to be bummed out about the state of the world right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, sometimes, all it takes is a little holiday magic to get yourself back to baseline. I can attest to that firsthand. 🙂

What is your favorite holiday movie? How do you like to spoil your loved ones during the holiday season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah