If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Wedge Loafers Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Wedge Loafers Edition

Hello! One of the last treats I purchased for myself during my recent online shopping extravaganza is a fabulous pair of embellished wedge loafers from Forever 21. The brand: Chase + Chloe. The price: Below thirty bucks. The style: Can’t be beat! Check out my new funky pair of footwear and let’s discuss:

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When I don’t feel like spending a fortune on crazy shoes from Dolls Kill, I usually turn to Forever 21 to satisfy my urge for shoes that have a little more oomph to them. While browsing through F21’s selection this time around, I wasn’t too impressed. But, when my eyes locked on these Chase + Chloe loafers, my heart skipped a beat. It was literally one of those “That’s what I’m talking about!” moments and into the cart it went.

I was really looking forward to my new kicks arriving in the mail and, even though I love them, I was riddled with disappointment as soon as I opened the box. Yes, the shoes are fabulous. However, as soon as I took one of them out of the box, one of the studs fell off immediately. You can actually see where it is in the picture of the back of the shoe.

Of course, things like this are to be expected with embellished shoes no matter how much it sucks and once I got over my initial “whomp whomp” I was able to appreciate how cool these shoes are. Everything about these shoes is a statement from the bold black and white palette to the rock n’ roll studs and stars. I can’t wait to bust these bad boys out and I am sure that they will be a crowd pleaser… Minus a stud or two. 😉

Where do you get your most fun shoes at? How would you style these loafers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Top 5 Dogs For Small Spaces

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Top 5 Dogs For Small Spaces

Getting a dog is a big step that requires commitment and dedication you have to be ready for. Some of the factors on the dog’s side you should consider include age, size, nutrition, and training requirements while sorting out financial status and space on your end. The fantastic news is that even if you have a small space, some specific breeds will fit you perfectly. But size is not what only matters here; how loud, friendly, and energetic is the dog? Take a look at these five breeds that can thrive in small spaces. Also, note that they are all super cute, so choosing one might be hard:

1. Bichon Frise:

This dog breed does not usually grow taller than a foot even and weigh about fifteen pounds. This means that they won’t take up much space on the couch and in the apartment. Even though they require daily exercise, they also love to play, and so are very energetic. These hypoallergenic cuties learn very fast and are very friendly, making them well behaved with company.

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Angel!

2. Boston Terrier:

This is one of the short-haired breeds which go well in apartments. They usually do not grow taller than a foot and a half and are also very lively and energetic. They are called the ‘American Gentlemen’ for a good reason; they are gentle and generally wonderful to be around. Once they’re well-fed and exercised, they’re content.

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Another angel!

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

If you love the silky dog breeds, then you’ll enjoy this one. They love going on walks and lounging on your lap when you’re ready to relax. They weigh thirteen to eighteen pounds so space is not a problem at all. In fact, their preference to stay attached to their owners even makes small spaces good for them. The only issue is that they are quite hard to train, but a lot of outdoor time and positive reinforcement can solve that problem fast.

4. French Bulldog:

These dogs are compact and engage in very minimal activity, two reasons why they’re perfect for small spaces. They also very rarely bark, which is a good thing if you have neighbors. This is also beneficial because they will only bark when there is a reason to which is a characteristic good watchdogs have. Daily brisk walks are enough to keep them in shape, and so it’s not a problem if you spend most of the time inside.

5. Havanese:

This 10-pound dog is another favorite among apartment dwellers because not only is it cute, but it also loves to stay indoors. They are clingy and love to play with their owners, and so it is easy to keep an eye on them.

Knowing the type of dog you can have for your space will save you a great deal of trouble. You will have to take care of them like any other pet, paying attention to their inner and outward health. You can protect them from parasites with https://it.nexgardspectra.com/ and visit your vet for regular check ups.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mother’s Day Bouquets

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Mother’s Day Bouquets

Hello and a very happy belated Mother’s Day to all of my lovelies who celebrated! Although I normally love getting creative with gift giving, I always find Mother’s Day to be a bouquet occasion. So, I went to our local grocery story and picked out some beautiful flowers and floral decorated mason jars for them all to go in for my giftees.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, my boyfriend and I made our flower delivery rounds and, although these pictures are admittedly not the best (I was half asleep!), take a look at my handy work:

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Once I bought my Mother’s Day flowers, I took them home so that I could begin arranging them into their jars. My dad is an amazing bouquet arranger so I thought back to all of the million times I’ve seen him prepare a bouquet for my mom and gave it my best shot. And, I think they ended up looking great – the recipients definitely thought so!

I am partial to receiving flowers, myself, but there’s nothing like giving them on a special occasion to all of the strong, beautiful women that you love. Again, a very happy belated Mother’s Day to all and I wish I could have given flowers to all of you. ❤

How did you celebrate Mother’s Day? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Heeled Combat Boots Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Heeled Combat Boots Edition

Hello! After what felt like going forever without shopping, I finally caved and treated myself to some goodies online from Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. There is nothing like packages arriving at my front door to help perk myself up and I now think I can hold off until the fateful day when I feel safe to shop at TJMaxx. Maybe.

So, while I mull over that decision, check out these new white heeled combat boots from Forever 21:

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If there’s one thing Lil Red loves, it’s a good combat boot. I have flat combat boots and heeled ones and ninety-nine percent of them are… Yep, you guessed it: All black everything. So, as you can imagine, it made it impossible to say no to a new crisp white pair to add some variety to my combat boot collection.

I love the fresh take on the grunge style that these shoes give me with the unique color palette but they are still such a classic shape and I think they are really cool. Of course, crunching through the snow in these bad boys next winter will be a treat. But, can we please talk about how cute these will be paired with short shorts and cute tights or socks come summer? Living for it!

I paid around thirty dollars for these new boots and I considered it a steal, especially because I’m sure I would pay around the same amount at TJs. Now, if only I could break free from my comfy cozy quarantine wardrobe long enough to actually wear them!

What is your favorite style of shoes? How do you give a nod to grunge style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Choosing The Best Flooring For Different Rooms In Your House

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Choosing The Best Flooring For Different Rooms In Your House

We all want the best for our homes. We carry a lot of work out on them and focus a lot on interior design. But flooring tends to be an aspect of our properties that we neglect a little. Many of us take it for granted and completely forget that we can easily change it. Different types of flooring suit different people and different rooms. To help you get started on your flooring journey, we recommend visiting a showroom of a Flooring store in San Diego, CA or your local area. Here are a few of the most common and popular types of flooring out there to ask about:

Wooden Flooring:

Wooden flooring is a hugely popular choice. It looks great. It’s easy to clean. It lasts pretty well. Some people will like this flooring throughout their entire house. Others will only want it in some rooms, where the colder and harder aspects of it are fine. When looking at real wood flooring, Solid wood flooring has relatively minimal work carried out on it. Hardwood flooring is generally a layer of hardwood placed on top of high-quality plywood. Solid wood flooring, on the other hand, is literally slats of complete wood. Hardwood tends to be much cheaper and gives the same appearance. However, if you’re focused on authenticity, solid wood could be the way to go.

With something like wooden flooring, it is possible to go the DIY route for the installation. However, we would recommend using professional services for this so the end result is perfect. To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “flooring chicago” or your local area to minimize the risk of errors that could compromise the longevity of your flooring.

Epoxy Flooring:

You might not have heard of Epoxy flooring before, but it’s extremely popular. Generally speaking, Epoxy flooring is designed for outdoor use or industrial use. But nowadays, many people are starting to incorporate it into their homes. It’s made of polymers and has a plastic-like feel and appearance. The main perk of this flooring? It’s heavy duty and will take some serious wear and tear, meaning you won’t find yourself having to replace it for years. But people generally have questions. Does it look good? Is Epoxy Flooring Slippery When Wet? Is it right for my home? Now, the first and last questions are largely subjective. Have a look at some images and you’ll be able to determine whether it has the right aesthetic for your home. In terms of slipperiness, most Epoxy floors tend to be slip resistant. Just make sure to clean up spills on it as you would any other floor. Of course, like all types of flooring, it will still require maintenance despite being more durable. This type of flooring can especially benefit from polishing and sanding so it is wise to get quotes from different experts in this field before committing to the renovation. To begin this process, simply enter a search for “Epoxy Resin Floor Holland Park” (or your local area) to read testimonials and see projects previously completed by each company.

Carpets:

Those looking for comfort while they’re home tend to go for carpet. This is common in lounges and bedrooms, where people seek soft and warm environments. There are many types of carpet out there, so you may need to do a bit of research and request some test samples to determine exactly what you’d like. Long pile tends to be softer but harbors more dirt. Short, looped pile is good for high traffic areas, but won’t be as soft for other rooms. Make sure to shop around and eventually you’ll find the perfect carpet to suit your needs and preferences.

These are just three types of flooring. There are a number of alternatives on the market that you might like to look into. But hopefully, the insight into those listed above may have helped you settle on what best suits you and your home!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Amazon Skin Care Haul

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Amazon Skin Care Haul

Hello! If I knew the last time that I went to TJMaxx was the last time, I would have bought out their entire skin care selection. But, hindsight is 20/20 as the saying goes. A few weeks ago, I ran completely out of my selection of moisturizers and serums and was running dangerously low on everything else. As the other saying goes… There’s a first time for everything.

Normally, I would go to TJMaxx’s website to order some more skin care but they are not shipping out currently. So, I turned to Amazon and bought all of my necessities in bulk so that running out never happens again. Check out my haul:

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The Haul:

  • 2 Garnier micellar waters with a free travel size bottle
  • 3 SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizers
  • 2 Azure Lux Rose Gold serums
  • 1 Azure Lux 24K Gold serum
  • 2 SkinLab Lift & Firm eye gels
  • 1 SkinLab Hydrate & Replenish hydra eye cream

I know, I know… It’s a lot. But, now I won’t have to worry about replenishing my hoard for a good long while and I feel great about that. What I don’t feel so great about? How much more expensive these products were on Amazon than they normally are at TJs! For example, I paid about eleven dollars for each moisturizer on Amazon when I normally pay six at TJMaxx. That hurt.

You know what else hurts, though? Your skin literally aching to be moisturized after a few days of going without! That was really rough, especially since I’ve been following a strict skin care regimen since I was at least fifteen. I am so thankful that Amazon had brands that I was familiar with so that I didn’t have to spend money on products I potentially might not like. It might have cost a bit more but it was worth every penny.

I would never be a toilet paper hoarder but I have been a proud beauty care hoarder for years now and it is nice to finally have my stockpile sitting pretty again. 😀

What are some beauty products that you stockpile? Which products have you been having a hard time finding in stores? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Watch Out! The Five Causes Behind Many Accidents

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Watch Out! The Five Causes Behind Many Accidents

Accidents are part of life and you can’t always prevent them. Luck has a strange way of playing a role, and it might just be something you skipped, or someone else did. There are, however, certain aspects of an accident that we can help mitigate. To help you look out for some of the accidents that can do you a mischief, here are some of the most common causes:

Not tidying up:

Are you the kind of person that cleans up after yourself? Or maybe you leave the odd bowl, mug, or cardboard box out of something you got in the mail office. If items end up lying around, they start piling up until you have a messy and cluttered home or workplace. And, while they may not seem particularly threatening, they can be when you are hurrying about and rushing, or you are not paying full attention to where you are going. Seemingly simple things can end up being lethal if you just leave them around for you or anyone else to take a trip, slip and fall over. Pick up after yourself, and immediately, you reduce the risk of injury.

If your fall happened at work due to a spill that wasn’t properly cleaned, out of place machinery, or slippery bathroom tiles you might be entitled to compensation. Fall accident Lawyers specialize in these accidents as well as the damage that they can cause. It is definitely worth researching further for a well reviewed lawyer in your local area to take on the case if a work related fall happens to you. Be sure to take excellent notes about what happened and take photos of your injuries/where the fall happened immediately so you have clear, documented evidence to present.

Not paying attention:

Following on from the previous point, not paying attention to where you are going or what you are doing is a massive factor in many avoidable accidents. Wherever you are, you need to be aware of your surroundings. This is of particular importance in busy areas or on or near a road. Put down your cell phone, take out the earphones, and concentrate on where you are going.

Rushing about:

We all lead incredibly busy lives, rushing about from work to home to grocery shopping, making sure the kids are at school, play dates, extra-curricular classes and everything else in between. Because of this, we may take shortcuts and not take as much care over what we are doing, which is a common factor in accidents. For example, if you are cooking, you might be trying to speed things up so you can get the kids into the bath or help with homework, but this is much more likely to end up in a burn or scald injury – and this will cost you a lot of time in the long term. Slow down and focus on the job that you are doing.

Using unfamiliar equipment or machinery:

We all have done it – used a new piece of DIY equipment or a tool at home or work and not been familiar with it or how it works. Before you use something new, take the time to read the instructions, watch some online tutorials and, if necessary, complete an appropriate training course for the skill like electrical safety training. If it is in the workplace, insist on thorough training before using anything that you are not sure about. Should your injury occur at work and you did not receive proper training, you could have a workman’s comp claim. It’s a good idea to learn how to make a personal injury claim and have a lawyer in mind so you know exactly what to do if this ever happens to you.

Not using safety equipment:

It is so important to use the proper safety equipment at your place of work at all times. This could include steel toed boots, masks, ear protection, or ce certified laser safety goggles. These items ensure your protection and they can only work if you are diligent in their use. If for whatever reason you need to remove one of your safety items, do so in a safe space at work like the lobby, locker room, or bathroom to avoid any injuries.

Not all accidents can be avoided, and they can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. However, by knowing the common factors involved in accidents, you are able to take steps to avoid them.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Why Rats Are In Your House – And What To Do About It!

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Why Rats Are In Your House – And What To Do About It!

No one wants to have rats in their home. Unless you’ve chosen to have them in a cage, they’re not a desirable creature to have in the walls of your house. The problem is that when there’s a rat infestation, it’s hard to be able to work out why you have one in the first place. Security is a must – but how do you secure your home against a rat?

Rats are one of many different pests that can cause an issue in your home. While you research and schedule with Rat Removal professionals, you can begin investigating on your own. If you notice that any of the following applies to your house, it makes you that much more susceptible to infestations:

Your Home Is Warm:

Why does an animal go inside the house? Well, for comfort, warmth and food, of course. Your home is warm, and animals in the cold will make their way into warmer places, especially in the cooler months. Rats come into the house to nest and breed, and that’s not what you want to happen! They can, and will, gnaw their way through your wires and your insulation, which is why calling 000 Pest Control if you notice any bitten wires is a smart decision. You need the experts to help when wiring is involved!

Food:

It doesn’t matter what it is, rats will eat it. They will eat through bread and meat as much as they will leather and fur, which means that you need to make sure that you are not leaving tempting tidbits around the house. The bins on the exterior of your property need to be secure to prevent them from coming into the house, and bags of food in the home need to be secure, too. They’ll sniff it out if not!

Compost:

Compost is another thing that attracts rats to your home. It’s like a buffet to rats and they will make a beeline to your home just to come in and eat anything that they can find. So, it’s up to you to ensure that your compost pile is one that is safely tucked away and out of sight.

Broken Pipes:

If your attic or basement has leaky pipes, you can expect rats to be near. It’s not that they’ve broken the pipes, but that they are attracted by the drip, drip, dripping of the pipes. Rats get thirsty and if you have an open source of water, they’re going to drink from it. You should get the pipes fixed because you need to, but remember that rats are an unfortunate side effect of broken pipes, too.

Ease Of Access:

Your house is a playground for rats. They can climb the trees and get into the attic as much as they can head down the drainpipe and into the basement. Secure your home against the onslaught of pests, and you can ensure that your home remains a rat-free zone.

Rats are not the only pests that should concern you, but now that you know all of the ways that they can come into your house, you can do something about it. It’s important that you protect your home: No one wants unwanted house guests!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sunshine Blogger Award #8

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Sunshine Blogger Award #8

Hi! During this lock down, I have seen all of the fun little blogging awards that were so popular when I began writing make a major comeback. These awards are a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers better and I am so proud for lifewithlilred to have been nominated for its eighth Sunshine Blogger Award by my friend, Alexandra, at You and Me and Cup of Coffee.

Miss Alex runs a fantastic blog filled with the best content and it is always such a delight when we can chit chat a little. So, do be sure to check out her page and give it some love! Now, let’s get on to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you in the post and link to their blog
  • Answer the 11 questions asked of you
  • List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post
  • Write a new list of 11 questions for your nominees
  • Nominate 11 bloggers for the Sunshine Blogger Award

Q & A:

What is your most favorite character in movies/TV shows/video games? My Animal Crossing villager. Lol, no… But, yes. I don’t know, I always loved the more eccentric characters Johnny Depp played in his older movies. I also adore the character, V, from V For Vendetta and the Faun from Pan’s Labyrinth.
What are the 3 things you like about blogging the most? All of the friends I’ve made for answers one, two, and three. ❤
Did your blog grow more or less as you’ve planned when you started blogging, or did it take a different route? I wasn’t really expecting anything out of lifewithlilred when I first started it. But, now my page is read in over one hundred and eighty countries and I can’t quite come up with a word to describe how that makes me feel. Very proud.
What historical period do you find the most fascinating and why? My boyfriend and I watch a lot of WWI and WWII documentaries together. WWII was always my favorite thing to learn about in school and watching all of these programs as an adult is so eye opening.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? That there’s nothing wrong with living your life at your own pace.
Imagine you’re about to launch a small business and have no limitations in funding, location, etc. What kind of business would you start? Oooh! An animal shelter in the community. And a super fashion forward boutique, of course.
Would you rather go to a music concert or stand up comedy show and which performer would you choose? That’s a hard one and I would like to go to both so that’s how I’m answering it. Haha, for a comedian I’d love to see Jason Mulaney and I am still dying to see Arcade Fire in concert.
Do you have unpopular opinions? If so, what are they? I think everyone’s opinion can be unpopular depending on who they tell it to. But, I tend not to post in depth about my religious or political views on my blog or social media.
What’s your opinion about the luxury industry? Are luxury brands worth the price? So, I have no problem paying a bit more for a quality product. However, I could never justify spending thousands of dollars on one piece of clothing when I have a difficult time spending over fifty! I don’t think any piece of fashion is worth more than your first starter car. That’s why I live in TJMaxx, lol.
Where do you get inspiration when writing for your blog? When I’m with my boyfriend, in TJMaxx, or when I’m literally just about to fall asleep in bed.
If you could instantly remove one thing from the world to make it a better place, what would it be? It can be anything – something tangible, process, idea, emotion, a character trait. CORONAVIRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your lock down uniform? Mine is no makeup and all of the hoodies!
  2. What are you most looking forward to doing post coronavirus?
  3. Favorite restaurant local to your area?
  4. Do you prefer in store or online shopping?
  5. What was the last book you read?
  6. What are a few of your favorite hobbies besides writing?
  7. Do you plan on blogging throughout your life?
  8. What would be your perfect date night?
  9. Last series you binge watched?
  10. Do you have any strange talents?
  11. Biggest guilty pleasure?

Thank you so much again to Alex for the Sunshine Blogger Award nomination – your questions were amazing!

How would you answer some of Alex’s questions for her nominees? What about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

5 Tips For Preparing For Your Next Dinner Party (While Quarantined!)

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5 Tips For Preparing For Your Next Dinner Party (While Quarantined!)

As we move into warmer months ahead, you may be nostalgic for the days of sunshiny afternoons and barbecues with friends. While many of us are still in quarantine, we’re all hopeful that life can go back to resembling some form of normalcy in the coming months.

What are some of the things you could do now to prepare your home for friend get-togethers later when the world starts reopening? Let’s go over five easy tips to help you prepare for your next dinner party… all while you are quarantined:

Get your yard under control:

There’s no time like the present when it comes to doing yard work. Trim hedges and bushes. Power washing any exposed concrete, deck boards, or sidewalks is a great way to make your home really seem well taken care of. If weeds are starting to crowd out plants now, get on top of them since they will only get worse as the weather gets better.

Get those windows washed:

Better yet, consider hiring a monthly window cleaner to make sure your house windows shine like the top of the Chrysler building. Smudges from dirty fingers, dog and cat noses, and bugs make a home look messier than it is.

Speaking of bugs…

Call a local pest control to make sure you don’t have any potential critters coming. Yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps are best taken care of in late spring or early summer months, and nobody wants those bugging them at our friendly get-togethers. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other yard bugs can be controlled with a semi-annual pest control visit.

Do that deep cleaning you’ve been putting off:

You can check out an older blog that mentions the cleaning musts that many of us forget when doing deep or spring cleaning. If you’re not a fan of scrubbing floors and the weird crevices in your bathroom, do all the basic cleaning, then hire a company to do the deep cleaning for you. If the weather has turned beautiful in your neck of the woods, open up those doors after you’ve cleaned to get any of the cleaning product scents out of the home while bringing in some fresh air.

Planning makes perfect:

Plan the perfect dinner party ahead of time. When you throw a get-together, it always seems to take more time to organize than what you expect. Run down a list of things that you need to do before you would want people eating and chatting over a delicious dinner at your house. If you need extra utensils, cloth napkins, citronella candles, or tablescape items like tablecloths and vases, research affordable ones and order them online or place a curbside order for them.

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Lovely!

Quarantine life has been difficult, but making the most of it doesn’t have to be. As we transition into some form of new normal, many of us are craving social interaction that we took for granted before. Now is the time to get your home in a great place to host the get-together we’ve all been dreaming of for the past several months once it’s safe to do so!

Featured Image By: Pexels