Oct9

Fall Haul: Max Sport Cardigan Edition

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Fall Haul: Max Sport Cardigan Edition

Hi! Today, we’re going to be talking about a new cardigan by Max Sport compliments of my TJMaxx fall haul. This cardi just so happens to be Johnny’s favorite thing that I ordered because he claims it looks like a pirate. It definitely does but I think he’s been playing his Assassins Creed game too much! 😉 Haha, check it out:

First things first, WOAH, peep that original price tag. Three hundred twenty-eight dollars originally and I bought it for forty bucks – you just can’t beat that! Second things second, I think this cardigan rocks. Naturally, I have pirates on the brain because of Johnny but, damn, I just might be the poshest pirate in all of the Seven Seas with this little number.

The color palette of this Max Sport hooded cardi is just divine. I love the golden yellow paired with the deep red, which both look so shocking against its black background. I can see myself wearing this all fall and winter with my favorite thigh high black boots and the skinniest black jeans I own for a powerful and sleek silhouette. Y’all can call me Mrs. Captain Blackbeard! 😀

This Max Sport cardi was a great purchase and I couldn’t be happier with it. There is also nothing better than seeing that crazy huge original price and knowing that I got it for a song. And, the fact that my boyfriend wants to borrow it makes it that much better, lol! Tune in tomorrow for more of my fall haul because my favorite find will be on the agenda. It makes me feel like a star. ❤

How would you style this cardigan? Where do you shop for the best deals? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct8

Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater Edition

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Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater Edition

Hi! It is no secret that Lil Red loves shopping for the fall. I detest shopping in the summer but ring in the cold weather and my heart begins to soar! Layers, jackets, sweaters, darling accessories, BOOTS?! The best. Despite not really going anywhere or doing anything in COVID times, I just had to treat myself to a spot of TJMaxx fall shopping online. It is the most wonderful time of the year for me, clothes-wise, after all!

Check out this adorable sweater by Cynthia Rowley and let’s get to it:

One of the things that I miss doing the most is my TJMaxx shopping trips with my mom and this sweater reminded me of her so much when I saw it. I could just picture her saying that she loved it when I came across it online because she loves anything with hearts on it. And, just as I suspected, this was one of her favorite things that I purchased when I gave her a fashion show of all my new treats.

I absolutely adore this navy and white striped sweater by Cynthia Rowley. It honestly reminds me of sweaters from Hollister that the “cool girls” would wear back in high school but much more posh, lol! I’ve never owned much with horizontal stripes because, as a girl with a bigger bust, they can make me look wide. However, this sweater just fits so nicely without being too tight or baggy and I love how I look in it.

The best part? The adorable heart, of course! It takes this sweater from something plain Jane into a more unique piece and I think I’m going to be wearing it all of the time this fall. In fact, I’m wearing it right now as I type this! 😀 ❤

What is your favorite season to shop for? What is your favorite pattern to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

New Oxblood & Black Nails

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New Oxblood & Black Nails

Hi! This past week, a new set of acrylics was much needed as all of my real nails underneath had grown out the length of the fake ones. I was very much looking forward to getting my claws done with a spooky color palette for Halloween but, naturally, I just had to get the nail tech who manhandles me again. *Massive eye roll*.

Other than the general discomfort of the whole experience, my nails did turn out really good. But, I promise, next appointment I am putting my big girl pants on and asking for a new tech! Lol, check it out:

I honest to god have never experienced a nail tech quite like this woman before. She literally cut into my real nail and it hurt so bad to the point that I half yelled “ouch”. You would think after that she would have been more careful but nope, I had so many ouchies and boo boos after this time at the salon that my fingers ached.

Another major problem with this nail tech is her constant need to complain about my hands and the difficulty I have moving them. I was in a car accident a year ago that left nerve damage in both of my arms. My hands tend to get very stiff and rigid and they are usually even worse after my day at work. I explained my accident to her but to have her constantly poke and prod my hands and say “relax” after the fact is just offensive when I can’t.

I decided that the next time I call in for an appointment is when I ask for a different tech because I am so sick of this. Lol, my nails look awesome but I hardly even mentioned it in this post because the situation is so off putting. But, yes, I love my dark and spooky oxblood and black nails and they are just what I wanted for October. I just wish a different nail tech did them! 😀

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

Oct6

4 At Home Issues To Handle To Ease Your Mind

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4 At Home Issues To Handle To Ease Your Mind

Life is hard sometimes. It’s an amazing adventure that we’re all lucky to embark on, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to be full of stresses and strains to our mental well-being along the way. For some reason, life likes to throw curve balls at us in order to challenge our will and capabilities. That’s okay, though, because the harsher times allow us to really appreciate the good ones.

Something that a lot of us have to deal with from time to time is anxiety or an obscene amount of personal stress. While this isn’t the most convenient set of feelings in the world, they’re pretty common. They can also be helped and lessened quite easily if you know how to attack the route of the issue.

Most of the time, the root of the problem is right at home. If we’re not content in our abode, then everything else can feel toxic. Everyone’s domestic life is different, obviously, so spoon-feeding you solutions probably won’t work. Here are a few suggestions, however, that could do your mind a world of good:

Create a housework routine:

Doing things around the house can feel so draining – especially when you’re not used to doing them. Leaving them and holding off for ages seems okay at the time, but you’ll eventually have to do the jobs, and the longer you leave them, the more work you have to do. If you get into a systematic routine, you’ll get things done quickly, and it’ll all feel like a cakewalk. Plan out a daily cleaning routine so normal messes don’t turn into huge disasters.

Reconcile issues with those in the house:

When something’s weighing on your mind, it can affect how you behave day-in-day-out. You need to open up and talk about things with others – especially if there’s some awkward tension or friction there. The best thing to do, always, is to talk things out and get to the bottom of whatever is going on. Even if the outcome is pretty negative, it is still an outcome and closure – you can move on accordingly.

Take care of tedious tasks:

We all have annoying aspects of the home that need to be seen to. A lot of people, however, get on with life and don’t get them handled. They just plod along and get upset whenever they see the things that need to be changed or fixed. It’s understandable as there are many important aspects of one’s life, but everyone has the same twenty-four hours. Get in touch with an electrician if you think your wires are on the fritz. Speak to a plumber who can deal with the awkward piping and boiler situation you may have. Don’t leave things until they go completely kaput.

Take a look at finances and spending habits:

Our bank accounts and our outgoings can put us under a lot of pressure – sometimes unnecessarily. Take a look at how you’ve been behaving financially over the past year or so. If you’re doing okay for money, then, by all means, continue enjoying what you do. If you’re a little tight for cash right now, then you might want to look at your situation and do a little revising for emergencies.

Feeling good starts in your house. Take care of what you can DIY and, as always, call in the professionals when you need help!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct6

Accessory Story: StilEstro Bejeweled Gloves Edition

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Accessory Story: StilEstro Bejeweled Gloves Edition

Hi! I love cold weather accessories A LOT. Hats, gloves, fingerless gloves, scarves, shawls, and ponchos – I have several of each thing I mentioned and I always like to treat myself to another one once the cold weather strikes. During my last TJMaxx online haul, I found a lovely pair of wheat colored gloves with a gem stoned surprise. In fact, I was so taken by them that I just had to grab another pair for my bestie for Christmas. Check it out:

Like everything in my wardrobe, I loved that these gloves had a little extra something that made them special. The bejeweled daisy sparkling against the creamy colored fabric is so charming. And, when the light hits it? Forget about it! It’s fabulous. Not to mention, I’m a bit obsessed with having clothes and accessories that were made abroad so the “Made in Italy” on the tag definitely sealed the deal!

When I saw these gloves, they immediately reminded me of my best friend, Lea. I thought that she would look so sweet all bundled up in her navy coat with a tiny bit of bling glittering at her wrist. I can’t wait to gift these to her and then go get a great big Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks in our matching gloves/personalities. Lol, I am so lucky to have her as a best friend for over a decade now and I can’t wait to spoil her this holiday season. ❤

What is your favorite cold weather accessory? How do you spoil your bestie during the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

Pajama Party: Vince Camuto Nightgown Edition

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Pajama Party: Vince Camuto Nightgown Edition

Hi! I recently had a huge online shopping haul from TJMaxx – the first one in well over half a year and it definitely put a renewed pep back in my step. I found some darling new sweaters and jeans which you will all see if you keep tuning in! Today, though, I want to take a trip to comfy cozy town and talk about the most lovely little nightie by Vince Camuto that I purchased for a whole fifteen bucks. Peep that over fifty dollar original price tag, too!

I absolutely adore having actual pajamas to wear instead of just throwing on my oldest pair of sweats and t-shirts. The prospect of having cute nighties and PJ sets to wear just to go to sleep seems so luxurious to me, which makes a fifteen dollar nightgown the ultimate inexpensive treat.

I have not bought new pajamas in over a year and as soon as I saw my new nightgown while browsing TJMaxx’s website, I considered it “the one”. Lol, it looked SO comfortable and I loved the dove grey and dusty pink coloring. The nightie also seemed nice and cool to wear during the summer but you could absolutely get away with wearing it come winter with a pair of leggings. AND, to top it off, I am a huge fan of anything Vince Camuto so I considered it fifteen dollars well spent before even trying it on.

When my big box from TJMaxx finally arrived and I took the nightie out of its plastic wrapping, I wanted to wear it right then and there but I settled and put it on at bed time. It was so soft and I mean this wholeheartedly when I say it was like getting a hug from a sweet fuzzy animal! This nightie is one that you just want to wrap yourself in and I felt like I spoiled myself rotten with it.

I highly recommend this nightgown for literally anyone and you should still be able to buy it for a song on TJMaxx’s website. Here’s to your best Pajama Party yet!

Have you had any online shopping success lately? Which online clothing store is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct4

A Great Day

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A Great Day

Hi! It is always hard to go back to work after having any type of time off, whether that be from being sick, a vacation, or what have you. When I returned back to work after a stint with a sinus infection this month, I can’t say that I was thrilled lol but the ride to my client’s house with Cardi B bumping was enough to get me right back into work mode and it ended up being a great day.

I had to take my client to the eye doctor as well as help her pick out some glasses – it was definitely a long time coming for a new pair! I have always loved helping people pick out glasses and I take a lot of pride in picking out a lot of the pairs that my mom has had throughout the years, so I knew that we were both going to have some fun.

My client and I both decided that it was time for a totally new style of glasses as opposed to her old metal frames so we experimented with a lot of different styles. After finding a few “winners”, I took her outside so she could she what she looked like in a picture without her mask on. It’s hard to imagine a whole new look with more than half of your face covered!

Once we had a quick photo shoot, we both decided that a funky pair of deep purple square plastic frames were the way to go. And, I’ve got to say, they looked fabulous on her. The best part? She knew she looked awesome too and I could tell my client was feeling herself with her brand new look. My friend had such a sense of pride for trying something completely different and the frames working out perfectly was the cherry on top.

It may seem like a simple outing, but a quick trip to the eye doctor reminded me of how much I enjoy my job. I felt amazing because my client felt amazing and I had something to do with it. It made her day and it made my month! ❤

How has someone made your day recently? What was the last new thing you tried? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Quarantine Routines

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Quarantine Routines

Hello! I’ll tell you what, ever since March 19th (The day bars and restaurants in Ohio temporarily shut down) my life has changed drastically. For my big girl job, I provide care in home for people with special needs and, now, more than ever it is my responsibility to continue staying healthy for those who need me.

Due to the nature of my job, going out for frivolity is the last thing on my mind. Back track to 2019 and it was the only thing on my mind, lol! Going to shows with Johnny, restaurants, movies, TJMAXX!!! Ugh, I miss all of that so much.

My “normal” routines of going here, there, and everywhere definitely seem to be a thing of the past. So, obviously, I had to fill up all of this newfound free time with other things. They are still fun for me, of course, but I don’t think any of these options trump my bimonthly TJMaxx shopping trips with my mom. Haha, check it out:

Reading:

I have read so many freaking books in the past six months, it is insane. My goal has been to try and finish at least two to three per month and I have achieved it every time. It has been fun to experiment with different authors like Lucy Foley and Ilaria Tuti. Both Johnny and I have also been enjoying our Audible subscription for books on tape, as well. We are always open to author and book suggestions so keep them coming!

Language Learning:

Yes, I currently am still learning French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, and German on Duolingo. I make an effort to try and practice each language four times per week, bare minimum, and so far so good. What I would really like to do in the next month or so is purchase the Duolingo Plus subscription so I never run out of hearts while practicing. This seems very necessary when learning five languages and, once I get Duo Plus, I’d like to start learning a sixth. Any ideas as to which one?

Online Shopping:

Maybe once or so per week, I will take ten to fifteen minutes to browse through some of my favorite online stores to window shop. Mainly TJMaxx, Unique Vintage, ModCloth, and Nasty Gal. It is definitely not the same as regular shopping but it somewhat satisfies that itch to go browse the aisles in person!

When I’m not aimlessly scrolling through websites and saying “oh that’s cute” about basically everything, I am trying to do some early Christmas shopping. With a long list of people to shop for, it is never too early to start the Xmas process and I am pleased with the slow and steady progress I’ve been making.

Movie Nights:

Johnny and I have decided to put a halt to finding something we can both agree on when it comes to movies. Now, we alternate whose pick it is for our movie nights and it has been great! Normally, Johnny will pick a war documentary or movie and I will choose a horror, psychological thriller, or foreign film. I love being able to see all of his favorites and it is exciting to rack my brain and browse through our streaming services to select my next pick!

Are these new routines the most exciting? Well… No. But they are as exciting as I choose to make them and I still always end up having an awesome and totally safe time at home. 🙂

What should Johnny and I watch next? How about a great new suggestion on Audible? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct2

Morning Star Meals

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Morning Star Meals

Hello! I have been a strict vegetarian for the closer part of two decades and literally could never imagine eating meat again. Although I have a different diet than Johnny who loves cheeseburgers, bacon, and hot dogs we still both eat the “fake” meat by Morning Star pretty regularly. Check it out:

I have never been one of the vegetarians who are put off by people eating meat so I was tickled when Johnny wanted to try my vegetarian chicken nuggets and sausage patties. I was even more thrilled about the fact that he liked them just as much as me! In fact, I consider it a rarity to have a boyfriend who is excited about me making a veggie option and not asking me to make “regular” meat for him – even though he knows I would be happy to.

We are both huge fans of the Morning Star buffalo chicken nuggets and, this past shopping trip, I got us the buffalo patties for him to try. I was about to start prepping our meal when Johnny took it upon himself to make it, instead. He air fried our patties, then buttered and toasted the buns. We topped it off with lettuce and ranch and my heart kind of melted when Johnny said “it tastes just like a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy’s”.

My Johnny is just so dear to me and him being willing to always try new things is one of the many things I love about him. I know it seems like a little thing but Morning Star meals with my non vegetarian boyfriend will never cease to put me in all of the happy feels. I’m a lucky girl. ❤

What is the most recent new food you tried? Which other brands make the best “fake” meat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct1

Wigging Out

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Wigging Out

Hi! For as long as I can remember, I have been sporting short hair. From uber short to now short/mid and everything in between the two, I just can’t be bothered to grow my hair out. Mind you, this is not for a lack of trying. Every once in a while I make a sincere effort to lengthen my hair but by the time it grows a few inches, I find that it totally takes away my edge and all of the angles in my face that pop with short hair are instantly dulled down.

This is all fine and dandy because I know now that short hair will always look best on me. The only problem with permanent short hair? You can’t do anything with it. No ponytails, no messy buns, no braids – just lots and lots of headbands, hair straightening, hats, and beanies.

Don’t get me wrong, I love headbands, hair straightening, hats, and beanies more than the average Joe. But, damnit, I just want to wear a long ponytail for the first time since grade school. Growing my hair out just to wear a ponytail and then cut it is not feasible so, for the first time in my life, I am considering getting some wigs.

I have quite a few friends who love experimenting with different wig styles, cuts, and colors and I am enamored with the idea of putting one on and having a totally new look. Playing around with all of the up-dos is also something on my agenda! However, I really don’t know anything about reputable brands, application, and best practices for taking care of the “hair”.

This, is where all of my fabulous beauty bloggers come in. If any of you gurus out there are wig experts, please link me your posts on the subject in the comments so I can learn more and give your page some love. Many thanks in advance! ❤ 🙂

Who has worn a wig before? Do you have any advice for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah